Salkantay Trek 5 days/ 4 nights
Learn more about Cusco
Put your adventurous side to the test by following an ancient route that includes a walk to Lake Humantay. You will enjoy new landscapes every time, from mountains and snow-capped mountains to tropical jungles or Andean towns... and of course Machu Picchu!
Salkantay Trek 5 days/ 4 nights
Andean Hikes
15 092 f.a.s.l. (4 600 m)
Landscape, ruins, culture, adventure, nature, trek
Moderate
Group tour
English & Spanish
5 days & 4 nights
Cusco, Mollepata, Humantay, Salkantay Colpapampa, Sahuayaco, Hidroelectrica, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu.















The Salkantay trek was chosen as one of the 24 best treks in the world by National Geographic. This adventure is ideal if you are looking to explore rarely seen landscapes and experience the essence of the mountains, snowcapped peaks, streams, and communities in the Vilcabamba Range.
On this adventure challenge you will visit magical places such as the turquoise Humantay lake, you will cross the Salkantay Pass at 15 092 f.a.s.l., you will relax at the Santa Teresa thermal baths, you will do Ziplining, you will visit rarely seen Inca ruins, until you reach Aguas Calientes and see the impressive Machu Picchu.
At the ruins of Machu Picchu you will be accompanied by a guide who will reveal the mysteries and history hidden in every corner of the citadel.
You will have the opportunity to visit the Mountain or Huayna Picchu (limited spots, coordinate it during the reservation). The return to Cusco can be done by bus from Hidroelectrica or enjoying the views of the Valley on the train to Ollantaytambo.
The Salkantay trek is adventure, hiking and camping on the Andean nature. A world-renowned experience for adventure travelers seeking challenges, inspiration and authenticity.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Book your tour and get confirmation in less than 24 hours
Why to book this tour with What a Trip?
• A professional guide will come along with you throughout the
Salkantay Trek and will ensure that you live an unforgettable
experience.
• You will have fresh food with natural ingredients and with vegetarian
and vegan choices.
• We will make sure that you have adequate and clean transportation and
accommodation throughout the Salkantay Trek.
• Sleep in eco-friendly cabins on the mountains.
• Your entrance fee to Lake Humantay is already included.
• You can choose complementary activities such as ziplining, visiting the
Santa Teresa thermal baths or visiting the beautiful ruins of Llaqtapata.
• One night before starting the tour, the guide will pay you a visit to
answer questions and leave you ready for the adventure!
Day 1: 7 miles traveled (12 km) / 5 hours
• We pick you up at the hotel lobby.
• You meet the guide who will come along with you throughout the tour.
• We take the private bus to Mollepata (about 3 h).
• You recharge with a local breakfast in Mollepata (not included).
• We ride the bus to the town of Challacancha (1 hr 30 min).
• We begin walking to the Soraypampa base (4 hours).
• You eat a replenishing lunch in Soraypampa.
• After a break, we start the walk to see the turquoise Humantay lake.
• You spend some time resting and taking pictures at this beautiful lake.
• We begin the return descent to Soraypampa.
• Cenas y pasas la noche en camping en Soraypampa apreciando las estrellas.
Day 2: 14 miles traveled (22 km) / 10 hours
• You eat a good breakfast in Soraypampa.
• We start walking uphill to the Salkantay Pass at 15 092 f.a.s.l.
(approx. 3 h).
• We continue the walk, this time downhill to Huayrapampa
(approx. 1 h).
• You enjoy a replenishing lunch.
• We continue this walk enjoying the landscape until we reach
Colpapampa.
• You have dinner and spend the night resting at the
Colpapampa camp.
Day 3: 9 miles traveled (14 km) / 6 hours
• You eat a good breakfast in Colpapampa.
• We walk to La Playa Sahuayaco (approx. 5 hours).
• You enjoy a replenishing lunch.
• We take the private bus to Lucmabamba (approx 1 hour).
• You can choose between spending the afternoon at our
camp enjoying the nature of the place or visiting the Santa
Teresa thermal baths (Cocalmayo), prior coordination with
your guide.
• You have dinner and spend the night at our Sahuayaco
camp.
Day 4: 9 miles traveled (14 km) / 6 hours
• You have breakfast in Lucmabamba.
• You choose between:
– Walk to the Llaqtapata ruins with destination to
Hidroelectrica (3 h).
– Zipline (optional extra, with transportation by car to Hidroelectrica).
• You eat a local lunch at Hidroelectrica.
• We start the walk toward Aguas Calientes (3 h).
• Once in Aguas Calientes, you head to your lodging to register.
• You will have free time to walk around the town of Aguas
Calientes.
• The guide will meet with you to explain tomorrow's
activities.
• You have dinner at a local restaurant in the company of the team.
• You spend the night at your lodging in Aguas Calientes.
Day 5:
• You reach the entrance to Machu Picchu choosing between 2 options:
– By bus (20 min, optional extra)
– Walking (1:30 h).
• You arrive at the Machu Picchu entrance where the guide waits for you.
• The bilingual guide will tell you the secrets and history of the
Machu Picchu ruins while you walk around its different
stone areas and enjoy the landscapes.
• You visit the Mountain or Huayna Picchu (optional extra).
• You go back downhill to Aguas Calientes choosing between 2 options:
– Taking the bus (20 min, optional extra)
– Walking (approx. 1 hour).
• You start the walk back to Hidroelectrica (approx 3 hours).
• You return by private transportation from Hidroelectrica to Cusco (7 hours). You also have the
option of returning by train.
• You arrive in downtown Cusco.
• The night before the start of this adventure you will receive a detailed training for all the
activities that you will perform.
• Private bus from Cusco to Mollepata.
• Full meals (does not include the first breakfast nor the last lunch).
• Lodging throughout the entire tour:
– First, second and third night in camp.
– Last night at basic lodging (shared room).
• Complete camping equipment for all nights of the tour:
– Shelter, tents, mats.
• Entrance ticket to Humantay Lake.
• Entrance ticket to the Santa Teresa thermal baths.
• A bilingual guide will come along with you throughout the tour and also an extra assistant if
the size of the group is 14 people or higher.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu with a professional bilingual guide.
• Transportation by bus from Hidroelectrica to downtown Cusco.
• Packhorses for the transfer of luggage. (coordinate in briefing, there may be additional charges)
• First aid kit and oxygen balloon.
• Transportation and entrance ticket to the Santa Teresa thermal baths (direct coordination with
the guide).
• Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• Entrance ticket to the Mountain.
• Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu.
• Transportation and Zipline Adventure in Santa Teresa.
• Sleeping bag.
• Canes.
• Travel insurance.
• Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (20 min)
– Save time and physical effort on the way up.
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (20 min)
– Save time and physical effort on the way down.
• Entrance ticket to Wayna Picchu (limited spots).
– The whole activity lasts about 3 hours.
– Rarely seen archaeological remains.
– Exceptional views of Machu Picchu.
– Panoramic views of the ruins of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain (limited spots).
– For hiking lovers.
– The whole activity lasts about 4 hours.
– Higher views of the ruins of Machu Picchu and the valley.
• Train trip back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
– You will get to Ollantaytambo in 2 hours.
– You can enjoy views of the Sacred Valley.
– You will travel on comfortable seats.
• Local lunch in Aguas Calientes:
– Lunch at one of the best hotels in Aguas Calientes.
• Upgrade on hotel room
– Private room with double bed.
– Choice of breakfast.
– Private restroom.
• Adventurous Zipline in Santa Teresa
– Zipline between mountains for 3 hours. It includes round-trip transportation (day 3)
– 4 Zipline lines adding up to approx. 1.9 miles (3 km).
– Includes Tibetan bridge
• Sleeping bag
– Special for high mountains and low temperatures.
• Canes.
– Very useful as support during walks.
• Carry a light backpack with insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, and any accessories you may
need on your hike.
• Use special trekking shoes.
• Wear suitable clothes for low temperatures, especially for our first night where the temperature
is close to 32°F (0°C).
• Waterproof clothes or a protective raincoat.
• Preferably energy snacks.
• Bring cash for local purchases.
• Take your bathing suit and towel with you for the thermal baths.
• Bring your passport to enter the ruins of Machu Picchu.
• It is important to arrive punctually to the organized activities with the guide.
• Carry motion sickness pills with you.
• It’s possible to buy water along the route, so you don’t have to worry about that.
• Access to electricity can be scarce, so you can bring a portable cell phone charger.
• We recommend you get enough rest the night before the start of the trek.
• Can we decide to do the Zipline once on the trek?
It’s important to know beforehand preferably because all activities are coordinated in
advance to avoid delays in the activity.
• If we don't choose the Zipline, what could we do?
We have the option of hiking to the ruins of Lllaqtapata, a place on the top of a
mountain with a beautiful view of the region. It is even possible to see Machu Picchu in
the distance!
• If we want to climb one of the optional mountains of Machu Picchu, do we have time?
• If you return to Cusco by bus, it’s not possible since there is not enough time to return to
Hidroelectrica. In this case, it’s advisable to return by train via Ollantaytambo.
• What are the alternatives to return from Aguas Calientes to Cusco?
There are 2: taking the bus (7 hours) or taking the train (2 hours).
• Does it include a duffel bag?
Under previous request and with an additional price. During the briefing you will receive a bag
where you can store your belongings
throughout the trek (max. 11 lb/5kg), which will be carried by the collaborators along the route.
a lo largo del recorrido.
• If I decide to return by train at the last minute, can I get a refund on the bus ticket?
No, you can’t because it was booked in advance.
• Are the sleeping bag and canes included?
No, they both have an extra cost.
• Are there any additional costs during the trek?
• Yes, if you want to go to the thermal baths in Santa Teresa you must coordinate it directly
with the guide. The approximate cost goes from $20 to $30.
• How much can my belongings weigh for the entire trek?
No more than 11 lb (5 kg). All items are carried by local collaborators who accompany us
along the walk.
• Is the guide for this trek with us until Machupichu?
If you choose the 5-day and 4-night tour, then yes. On the other hand, if you choose the
4-day and 3-night tour, you will be part of 2 groups of travelers. The first group will be
with you until the 3rd day and then you will join another group of travelers to complete
your trek with them.
• Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes, and a vegan option too, just let us know your preference.
• The entrance price to Machu Picchu, train and bus tickets to Machu Picchu vary depending on the nationality and age of the passengers.
• The Salkantay trek was chosen as one of the 24 best hiking trails in the world by National
Geographic.
• The climb up Huayna Picchu is considered one of the best short walks in the world and you climb it up ancient steps and Inca trails with an excellent view of the valley and mountains. The climb takes about 1 hour. Wayna Picchu is also known as the young mountain and it’s where the Temple of the Moon is located. The Huayna Picchu mountain is located north of Machu Picchu.
• The Machu Picchu mountain is also known as the old mountain and is higher than the Huayna
Picchu mountain. It is located south of Machu Picchu.
This mountain offers unique views of the entire Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
The climb takes about 2 hours. The path has a lot of vegetation, wild orchids and flatter trails.
• Strict: Cancel this tour 20 days before the start date of the tour and get a refund of 50%
of the sum paid. After that, we charge 100%.
• Review our terms and conditions here:
*The information and itinerary detailed in this guide may change without prior notice with the intention of providing a better service or regulatory changes in each destination.
Map of the Tour
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