Salkantay Trek 5 days

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Salkantay Trek 5 days Trip overview

The Salkantay Trek 5 Days is an unforgettable adventure that combines breathtaking landscapes, Andean culture, and exploration. This alternative to the Classic Inca Trail takes you from the towering snow-capped Salkantay Mountain, through turquoise glacial lakes and the challenging Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), to lush tropical forests teeming with biodiversity. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views, warm hospitality at campsites or lodges, and unique experiences like soaking in the natural hot springs of Santa Teresa. The journey concludes with a visit to the majestic Machu Picchu, a world-famous archaeological treasure that serves as the perfect finale to this extraordinary trek through the Peruvian Andes.

Salkantay Trek 5 days Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Laguna Humantay – Soyroccocha

Today we start the day early, and we will pick you up from your hotel around 4:00 a.m. and you will travel in our comfortable transport that will drive us towards Soraypampa, during this journey of approximately three and a half hours on a paved road and highway one part, we will see the impressive snow-capped mountain of Salkantay and we will have excellent views of the districts of Izcuchaca and Limatambo, along with the spectacular valleys and so we arrive at the district of Mollepata where we will have a comforting breakfast (not included).

After breakfast we continue for an hour and a half more until we arrive to the trailhead at Soraypampa, we will set off after arranging our gear while admiring the breathtaking views of the mountain glaciers of Humantay (19,356 ft) and Salkantay (20,396 ft). We will then take a 3 hour round trip hike to see the turquoise lagoon of Humantay. We will then walk for an hour and a half to Salkantay Pampa, where a delicious hot lunch awaits us in front of the spectacular scenery of the area.

After a relaxing and succulent lunch, we will walk to our first camp to Soyroccocha located at the foot of the imposing Salkantay Mountain. Upon arrival to our camp, you will have tea and some delicacies prepared by our chef to warm up and relax before dinner.

Summary Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa
Included Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Camping facility.
Distance: 9.6 kms / 6 miles.
Time: Approximately 7 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Soyroccocha – Salkantay Pass 4650 masl – Colpapampa

After an extraordinary morning with a spectacular view of the majestic Salkantay, we will have a delicious breakfast, and then continue our journey uphill for approximately one hour to reach the highest point of the trek (4,685 m. / 15,367 ft). Here we will stop to enjoy the wonderful view of the mountains and snow-capped peaks (Huayanay, Humantay and Salkantay) along with the lakes and rivers.

Then, we descend to Rayanniyoc to enjoy our lunch. Afterwards, we will enter the subtropical forest, where we will observe a great number of birds and with luck we will be able to see the spectacled bear. Continuing for a couple of hours we will arrive at the small village of Colpapampa, where we will set up camp.

Summary of Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay
Included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping facility.
Distance: 16 kms / 8 miles.
Time: Approximately 7 hours.
Difficulty: Challenge.

Day 3: Colpapampa – Lucmabamba – Cocalmayo Hot Springs

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will begin the easiest day, but with a welcoming landscape, as this day we will experience the most beautiful places along the route, this day marks the halfway point of our adventure. We will start walking towards our next destination Playa and Lucmabamba. During this trek, you will see the Aobamba Valley and a variety of fruit trees, birds, cocoa and coffee plantations, with its flower and orchid orchards. Eventually we will arrive at our destination Lucmabamba for lunch with plenty of time to relax.

At 15:00 p.m., we will board the local transport for half an hour to Cocalmayo, where you can bathe and relax in the natural hot springs.

After the hot springs we will return to the camp, there will be a brief explanation about the coffee of the region and its importance as the main agricultural product for export abroad (North America, Asia and Europe).

Summary of Day 3: Chaullay – Sawayacu – Santa Teresa
Included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
Accommodation: Camping facility.
Distance: 14 kms / 7.5 miles.
Time: 5 to 6 hours approximately.
Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 4: Lucmabamba -Llaqtapata- Machupicchu village

Our support staff will wake you up early, bringing with them a hot drink to help you start your day. You will have time to prepare for today’s activities and also enjoy your final breakfast prepared by the trek chef. We will continue our journey along the ancient Inca Trail for three hours, to our next destination Llaqtapata, during this journey, you will see the spectacular scenes of fruit plantations, yucca, coca plants and different valleys.

When you reach the top, you will enjoy seeing the Llaqta of Machu Picchu from the other side of the valley, along with the neighbouring mountains: the Aobamba Canyon, Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

Our next hike will be downhill for two hours to the hydroelectric plant. This hydroelectric plant serves as Cusco’s main source of energy, and will also be our lunch spot.

Departing from Hidroeléctrica, you will continue along the railway for approximately 3 hours, which leads to Machupicchu village – Aguas Calientes, located on the banks of the Urubamba valley. This part of the hike will be interesting as it was the trail used by the American professor, Hiram Bingham, when exploring Machu Picchu.

Summary of Day 4: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Intiwatana 3*.
Distance: 15 kms / 9 miles.
Time: 8 to 9 hours approximately.
Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Cusco

This day you will definitely get to explore the Llaqta of Machu Picchu. We will start this tour very early to take the first bus at 5:30 am, to the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will appreciate the sunrise over this great Inca city. Take your time and be sure to explore every corner of this New Wonder of the World. It will be an unforgettable experience.

Immediately your expert guide will lead you through the Llaqta of Machupicchu and its various main streets for about an hour and a half. Afterwards, you will have time to explore the different points such as: The sacred rock spiritual and energetic centre of the Andean world, walk up the carved stone stairs and enjoy the beautiful views.

There are some alternative activities that you may wish to do on your own:

Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of the Machu Picchu citadel (book in advance if subject to availability).

Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the local museum or to the hot springs (entrance fee required).

After exploring the wonderful Llaqta of Machupicchu, you will descend to Aguas Calientes, you will have lunch on your own and then board the train at 14:55 or according to availability, for the return trip on the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo train station. Here is where you will meet our private transport and be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

Salkantay Trek 5 days Pricing

The price of the Salkantay trek is 399 USD for the general public.

What is included?

Transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Pick you up from your hotel in the morning for start the tour.
Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek).
Entrance fit to Machu Picchu.
Guided tour in Machu Picchu.
Experienced professional tour Guide.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
2 bus tickets from A Camping tents, (large and comfortable).
Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back to Aguas Calientes.
First aid kit including emergency bottle oxygen.
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Transfer from Ollantaytambo station to your hotel in Cusco.
Dinner in Aguas Calientes in a tourist restaurant on the 4th day.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom.
Mules and horses (for equipment and personal belongings), including horse drivers.
An extra porter to carry 7 kg of your personal belongings, such as extra clothes, sleeping bag.
An extra horse in case of emergency, to ensure that all hikers complete the trek.
Boiled water for drinking.

What is not included?

Sleeping bag: $15 USD per person in a hike (clean and warm).
Air mattress: $ 10 USD per person in a hike (thermal rest mattresses).
Walking poles: $ 10 USD per pair in a walk (professional poles).
Personal Tent: $20 USD – (Single tent for independent travellers).
Vistadome train service: $ 30 USD per person (turnaround only).
Climbing Huayna Picchu mountain: $ 75 USD per person (Ask for it when you book the Trek).
Climb Machu Picchu Mountain: $ 75 USD per person (Ask for it when you book the Trek).
Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes.
Tips for team, guide, cook and porters of Eco Tour Cusco.

Salkantay Trek 5 days Packing list

It is required to bring for Salkantay Trek

Original passport (the same one that you used to book the trek)
Valid university student card (if you have booked as a student)
Good backpack (the best size 35L recommended)
Water bottle: 2 L (Camelback recommended)
Comfortable hiking shoes with ankle support.
Sleeping bag (You can rent at Eco Tour Cusco)
Head torch: required
Toilet paper

It is required to bring for Salkantay Trek

Must to carry in duffle bag

We are straight tour operators, we provide you with a duffle back, at the briefing on the way to Salkantay you will have more information about an additional porter, who will carry 7 kgs / 14 lbs, including your 2.5 kg sleeping bag, mattress and additional clothing.

4 T-shirts.
2 hiking trousers.
4 sets of underwear.
4 sets of socks.
Thermal Jacket.
Warm jacket, Warm clothing.
Waterproof gloves.
Comfortable shoes or sandals for the camp.
Solar battery charger:
Sleeping bag: must be at least -15°C. It can be rented from us for $25 USD.

How to book the Salkantay Trek 5 days

To book your Salkantay Trek 5 days, click the BOOK NOW button and select your departure date. Next, fill in the personal information for each participant. Finally, complete the booking by paying a $150 deposit per person.

During the booking process, you’ll also have the option to add extras such as an emergency horse, walking sticks, or sleeping bags. These can be booked alongside your deposit or arranged at our office during the briefing session one day before your departure.

Once we receive your deposit, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and your trip to Ausangate will be fully secured.

Cancellation Police

Our Cancellation Policy ensures transparency and clarity for all our travelers. It outlines the terms and conditions for cancellations, refunds, and rescheduling, providing you with the flexibility and peace of mind needed when planning your Ausangate Trek.