Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days/ 4 Nights
This one of a kind 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, is specially designed to give you unsurpassed views of the snow-capped mountains of Humantay and Salkantay, the sacred Apus of the Incas. Trek off the beaten path, following our unique trekking route where you visit two incredible turquoise glacial lakes, Humantay and Salkantay. Hike through the Andes Mountain range with its spectacular scenery and views of the colorful valley landscapes below and camp at our private campsites that are remote, less crowded and off the beaten track. You also visit the fascinating Llactapata ruins, where you have the pleasure to get the most spectacular views of Machu Picchu, the day before you actually get to visit this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage site!
Hike to the incredible lakes of the Andes, Humantay and Salkantay before spending a day in Machu Picchu
This one of a kind 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, is specially designed to give you unsurpassed views of the snow-capped mountains of Humantay and Salkantay, the sacred Apus of the Incas. Trek off the beaten path, following our unique trekking route where you visit two incredible turquoise glacial lakes, Humantay and Salkantay. Hike through the Andes Mountain range with its spectacular scenery and views of the colorful valley landscapes below and camp at our private campsites that are remote, less crowded and off the beaten track. You also visit the fascinating Llactapata ruins, where you have the pleasure to get the most spectacular views of Machu Picchu, the day before you actually get to visit this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage site!
-
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soyroccocha
Your Andean mountain adventure begins at 5am when we pick you up at your hotel in our van and drive to the trailhead at Soraypampa. Along the way, you pass through two picturesque indigenous villages called Iscuchaca and Limatambo. In addition, you will have spectacular views of stunning valleys and the snow-capped, famous Salkantay Mountain.
Once we reach the trailhead in Soraypampa, we power up with breakfast while admiring the breathtaking views of the mountain glaciers of Humantay (19,356 feet) and Salkantay (20,396 feet). We then take a 2.5 hours round-trip hike up to visit the turquoise Humantay Lake. Next, we take about one and a half hours to ascend to Salkantay Pampa, where you can look forward to a great lunch in front of the majestic glacier.
Next, we make our way to our first campsite at Soroccocha, situated at the foot of the towering Salkantay Mountain. At camp, will have afternoon tea to warm up and appetizers waiting for us. Your tents will already be set up and you can settle in before dinner.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Hiking time: Around six hours
- Distance: 6 miles / 9.6 km
- Trekking difficulty level: Moderate
-
Day 2: Soyroccocha – Apacheta Pass – Colpapampa
Your guide will wake you with a hot cup of tea or coffee in your tent before you get up for breakfast. After a hearty and delicious breakfast, we continue our Salkantay journey with a climb for about an hour to arrive at the trek’s highest point, Apacheta pass at 4,650m / 15,367ft. At the pass, we take some well-deserved photos and enjoy looking at the massive snow-capped mountains Huayanay, Humantay and Salkantay towering above us and at the lakes and rivers below.
As a side trip, we take 30 minutes to enjoy the exquisite and panoramic, turquoise Salkantay Lake. Next, we continue down to Rayanniyoc for lunch. Then, we trek for a couple of hours at our final stop for the day at our camp near the tiny village of Colpapampa. Hot drinks and appetizers will once again be waiting for you when you arrive.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Hiking time: Approximately eight hours
- Distance: 10 Miles/16km
- Trekking difficulty level: Challenging
-
Day 3: Colpapampa – the Hot Springs – Lucmabamba
This day marks our midway point. We start walking to our next destination, Lucmabamba. During this time, you’ll see a variety of wonders, including birds, fruit plantations with their flowering orchards and cacao and coffee trees. We’ll reach our destination for lunch with plenty of time to relax.
After lunch, we’ll tour a coffee plantation close to the campsite. Here we take a relaxing tour, where we get to learn about the source of Peruvian coffee, which is getting increasingly popular around the world. We begin by browsing the fields, learning about the different types of beans and picking our own. Then, we roast and grind them into coffee. Finally, we get to brew and drink our own coffee! It is a truly unique experience. Co-existing with fields of tomatoes and avocados are multiple ecosystems with another astonishing variety of flora and fauna.
Around 3pm, we’ll take local transportation for half an hour to Cocalmayo, where you can bathe in the natural hot springs. We come back to camp relaxed and hungry for our dinner, made with the fruits and vegetables that we picked today.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
- Accommodation: camping facilities
- Hiking: Time: Around five to six hours
- Distance: 8.7 miles/14km
- Trekking difficulty level: Moderate
-
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata Inca ruins – Aguas Calientes
We resume our journey by travelling along the remote and ancient Inca Trail uphill for three hours to the Puncuyoc Pass. During this journey, you’ll see the spectacular scenes of the fruit plantations and distinct valleys. Our next destination is the Inca Ruins in Llactapata. You’ll enjoy seeing the Citadel of Machu Picchu from across the valley, along with the Aobamba Canyon and neighboring mountains: Machu Picchu and Huyana Picchu.
Next is a two-hour trek down to the hydroelectric plant. This serves as Cusco’s primary power source, a renewable and ecologically produced electricity. Nearby is our lunch spot, where we enjoy another hearty and delicious meal.
The last leg of your memorable Salkantay adventure involves traversing to Aguas Calientes via the National Park of Machu Picchu. Appreciate the lush sub-tropical jungle, full of orchids and epiphytes growing on the trees. Your excitement builds as you travel closer to the magnificent Machu Picchu! When we arrive in Aguas Calientes you will have time to check into your hotel before our dinner together at a restaurant in town.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- 3* Accommodation: Ferre hotel
- 4* Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (upgrade for an extra fee)
- Hiking time: Approximately nine hours
- Distance: 9 miles/14.5km
- Trekking difficulty level: moderate
WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR SALKANTAY TREK?
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel
- Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
- Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
- Entry fee to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- English speaking, experienced professional guide
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary
- Toilet tent for our group only
- 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Transfer to your hotel in Cusco
- Dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
- Mules and horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen, to carry 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bags, etc
- Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure the trek is completed by all participants
- Comfortable foam mattress
- Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes, available at every mealtime
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR SALKANTAY TREK?
- Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent- $30 USD – (Tent is for solo travelers only)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade –$67 USD per person (Return Only)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain –$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of SPIDER TRAVEL PERU
**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
This unique Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu can be done on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 participants!
GROUP PRICE -$557 USD per person
PRIVATE SERVICE PRICES:
2 – 3 Trekkers: $697 USD per person
4 – 5 Trekkers: $657 USD per person
6 – 8 Trekkers: $617 USD per person
**** This price includes the extra pack horse who will carry your belongings for up to 7 kgs, we will provide you with a duffel bag to put your things.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Group of 5 or more: $30 USD – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles -$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent- $30 USD – (Tent is for single trekkers only)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade –$67 USD per person (Return Only)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain –$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Single supplement-$40 USD per night (for solo travellers with single room)
**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
- DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price!
- EXTRA PORTER is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /15lbs like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc.
- BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail
- OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
- EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick
- SMALL PILLOW
- PLASTIC RAIN poncho made by SPIDER Travel Peru is included
Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the Salkantay trek.
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be greeted at the airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to trek´s start. Look out for our representative holding an orange board of SPIDER Travel Peru at the arrivals terminal.
THE BRIEFING
Your briefing will take place the night before your trek. It will be held at our office at 6 or 6:30pm, depending on your confirmation email details. The office is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY TREK
FIRST, to book your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you need to select your trek/tour date and the number of travelers on the right hand side. Then proceed to the next page to complete the booking form.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu permits and train tickets without the following information:
Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
*** We require copies of each participants’ passport at the booking.
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address info@spidertravelperu.com to complete the payment.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.
- University students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, University name and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.
- All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30 USD.
- For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40 USD.
- Children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@spidertravelperu.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Yes, but with some restrictions. Once the tickets for Machu Picchu have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, the deposit is non-refundable!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON SALKANTAY TREK ?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport you sent to book your Salkantay Trek, other entrances and reservations. Passports will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu, the trek and board the train. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both old and new passports to be able to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter, Machu Picchu or get on the train.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE SALKANTAY TREK?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 1 to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 people. Our groups are between 2-6 people. Spider Travel Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
HOW MANY COOKS/PACK HORSES FOR THE GROUP?
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of pack horses depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 horses, 4 trekkers will have 6 horses, 6 trekkers will have 9 horses, 8 trekkers will have 12 horses.
HIKING THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 40L backpack is sufficient.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The Salkantay Trek is fairly difficult and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and exercise regularly. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes, there are toilets on the Salkantay trek but only those offered by the locals for an entrance fee of 1 sole. When we are at camp, you will have a biochemical toilet set up in a tent a comfortable distance from your tent.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE SALKANTAY TREK?
In the unlikely scenario, that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Spider Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to original plan.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE SALKANTAY TREK ?
Absolutely!! Hotel pick ups and drop offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?
It will depend on the train availability (during the high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and an opportunity to enjoy the amazing views of the landscape from the train on the way back to Cusco. Therefore, we usually book the train at 14:55 or 15:20.
HOW MUCH IS THE VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train service has seats that conform to your body, panoramic windows and ceilings. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SPIDER Travel Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you would like, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK
- Original Passport (it has to be the same as the one you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid student card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3L (water bottles must be reusable, not disposable)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from SPIDER Travel)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK
As a direct local tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
- Couple Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, bring them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch stop. Please bring your water bottles.
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho (provided by SPIDER)
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
