Salkantay to Machu Picchu 5 days
Summary
The snow-capped Salkantay, with an elevation of 6,364 meters above sea level, is located northwest of Cusco and is the highest mountain in the Vilcabamba mountain range. This is one of the hiking routes leading to Machu Picchu, serving as an alternative route for guests who were unable to secure availability on the 4-day Inca Trail. This adventure begins in Cusco and takes you through the Andean mountains before entering the jungle fringe, where you’ll clearly see the vegetation change over the course of the days. The trek covers approximately 75 km over the course of these hiking days—five days filled with adventure, adrenaline, culture, and the chance to explore this natural wonder. Join our group of explorers to make this adventure an unforgettable journey.
Included
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Important information about the hike the night before departure
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Tourist transportation from Cusco to Soraypampa
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Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
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Entrance fees to Humantay and Salkantay
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Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
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Guided tour of Machu Picchu
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3 nights’ accommodation in double tents
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1 night’s accommodation in double rooms at the selected hotel
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Camping equipment (dining tent, kitchen tent, chairs, tables, sleeping pads)
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Meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners. Vegetarian option available upon prior arrangement.
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Cook
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Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back to Aguas Calientes
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Expedition-class tourist train or similar from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
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Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
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First-aid kit
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Oxygen cylinder
What’s Not Included
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Sleeping bag (we can rent one to you for US$20 for the 5 days)
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Single tent (additional US$50)
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Travel insurance
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Trekking poles (We can rent them to you for US$15 for the 5 days)
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Entrance to Huayna Picchu (additional $65, by prior arrangement)
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Entrance to the Cocalmayo hot springs
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Extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary
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Tips
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Extras
- Backpack
- Sleeping bag and hiking poles
- Original passport in a waterproof bag
- Toilet paper
- Water
- Hat or cap
- Comfortable hiking clothes
- Warm clothing: wool pants, wool socks, wool hat
- Hiking shoes
- Rain poncho
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Towel and swimwear
- Flashlight
- Sandals
- Personal medications
- Water purification tablets
- Extra cash in soles, in small denominations
- The train schedule is for reference only; it may vary depending on train availability.
- To enter Machu Picchu, you must bring your original documents.
- If you wish to visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you must make a reservation in advance, as spaces are limited. The ticket we’ve included is for Machu Picchu. If you’d like a ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll need to purchase a separate “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu” ticket, which costs an additional US$65 per person.
- The price may vary depending on your choice of train and hotel.
- The itinerary may vary depending on road conditions, weather, strikes, etc.
Itinerary
Cusco – Humantay Lake – Quiswarniyoc
Pickup Point
View pickup detailsWe will travel by tourist transport to Mollepata, located at 2,900 meters above sea level. Here, we will make a short stop for last-minute purchases and to use the restrooms
We will continue driving uphill until we reach Soraypampa, located at 3,890 meters above sea level. This will be the starting point of our hike.
In Soraypampa, we will meet our support staff, who will organize and load the camping equipment onto horses and mules.
We will begin the hike to Humantay Lake, located at 4,200 meters above sea level. The trail is uphill and offers beautiful views of Salkantay Mountain and other snow-capped peaks.
We will enjoy time at Humantay Lake to admire its turquoise waters, take photos, and appreciate the surrounding mountain scenery.
After visiting the lake, we will continue the hike toward Quiswarniyoc, where our campsite is located.
We will enjoy a delicious lunch at the campsite, surrounded by beautiful Andean landscapes.
In the afternoon, we will hike to the Salkantay viewpoint to enjoy panoramic views and watch the sunset over the mountains.
In the evening, dinner will be served at the campsite.
We will spend the night at the campsite in Quiswarniyoc.
Meals:
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Alojamiento:
Campsite in Quiswarniyoc
Quiswarniyoc – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay
Early in the morning, we will enjoy breakfast before starting the most challenging hiking day of the trek.
We will begin the ascent to the highest point of the entire trek, Salkantay Pass, located at 4,600 meters above sea level. From here, we will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and snow-capped peaks.
We will have time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the impressive mountain scenery at the highest point of the route.
During the descent, we will visit Salkantay Lake, a beautiful high-Andean lagoon surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes.
We will continue descending through changing landscapes until we reach Huayracmachay.
We will enjoy lunch in Huayracmachay before continuing the descent toward the cloud forest area.
After lunch, we will continue descending for approximately 3 more hours. During this section, the landscape changes from dry Andean mountains to a more tropical environment.
In the evening, dinner will be served at the campsite.
We will spend the night at our campsite in Chaullay.
Meals:
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Alojamiento:
Campsite in Chaullay
Chaullay – Playa Sahuayaco – Santa Teresa
We will begin the day with a comforting breakfast before starting the hike through the cloud forest.
We will hike for approximately 5 hours toward Playa Sahuayaco. Along the way, we will pass through Collpabamba, also known as the cloud forest area, where we can see waterfalls, fruit trees, orchids, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. With some luck, we may also spot the famous Andean bird known as the Cock-of-the-Rock.
At midday, we will take local transport toward Santa Teresa, where the Cocalmayo hot springs are located.
We will enjoy lunch in the Santa Teresa area before relaxing in the hot springs.
In the afternoon, we will enjoy time at the Cocalmayo hot springs, a beautiful place to relax after several days of hiking.
At night, we will enjoy dinner and rest after the day’s adventure.
We will spend the night in Santa Teresa.
Meals:
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Alojamiento:
Accommodation in Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we will get ready for another beautiful hiking day toward Aguas Calientes.
We will take transport to Lucmabamba, the starting point of the hike to Llactapata.
We will hike uphill for approximately 3 hours through lush vegetation, fruit plantations, and coffee fields until we reach the archaeological site of Llactapata.
At Llactapata, we will have time to rest and enjoy a special view of Machu Picchu from a different angle.
After visiting Llactapata, we will descend toward the Hidroelectrica station of Machu Picchu.
We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Hidroelectrica before continuing the final part of the hike.
We will continue walking along the train tracks until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes.
We will arrive in Aguas Calientes and settle into the selected hotel.
In the evening, we will enjoy dinner and receive the final instructions for the visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
We will spend the night at the selected hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Meals:
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Alojamiento:
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
After breakfast, we will get ready for the visit to Machu Picchu.
We will board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes.
Once inside Machu Picchu, we will enjoy a guided tour visiting the most important sectors, temples, terraces, and viewpoints of this Wonder of the World.
After the guided tour, passengers will have free time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and explore the area according to the permitted circuit.
We will take the bus back down to the town of Aguas Calientes.
Passengers will have free time to have lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the return train.
We will board the return train to Ollantaytambo. Train schedules may vary depending on availability.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our tourist transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. Arrival is expected around 6:30 p.m., depending on train availability.
End of the tour
Meals:
Breakfast
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Reviews
Real experiences from travelers who explored Peru with our local team.
Publicado en Tripadvisor Dubraska RVerificada Nos encargamos de disfrutar, ellos de todo lo demás Agradecemos enormemente el excelente servicio brindado durante nuestro viaje a Perú. Desde nuestra llegada hasta el regreso, el equipo se encargó de todos los traslados, tours, entradas y coordinaciones, permitiéndonos disfrutar sin preocupaciones. Cada servicio se realizó de manera puntual y organizada. Visitamos Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu y el Valle Sagrado con la tranquilidad de saber que cada detalle estaba previamente planificado. Queremos destacar especialmente a Abel por su profesionalismo, atención y disposición para ayudarnos en todo momento. Siempre estuvo pendiente de nuestras necesidades y respondió rápidamente a cualquier consulta. Gracias a su excelente organización vivimos una experiencia inolvidable. Sin duda los recomendamos a quienes deseen conocer Perú con la confianza de que todo estará perfectamente coordinado.Publicado en Tripadvisor MiguelVerificada 5 day tracking through Peru It has been one of the best experiences of my life. Hard but worth it, and the service of Explora el Peru has been essential for it to go smoothly. There wasn’t an instant that we felt alone, or that the service was poor. It was amazing, and the guides Dario and Ahmed were very nice, friendly and fun. Truly worth tryingPublicado en Tripadvisor Silvia Melina RVerificada Excelente agencia para viajar con adultos mayores! Excelente toda la coordinación y me seleccionaron guías que tuvieron mucha paciencia ya que yo viajé con dos adultos mayores y sabemos que ellos tienen otro ritmo. Los transportes super cómodos y en el hotel todos muy amables. Gracias por toda la paciencia y el buen trato, volvería a viajar con ustedes!Publicado en Tripadvisor Flyer54155832783Verificada Enchanting our Spirits, Body and Mind I'm from Brazil and definitely our one week trip to Cuzco wouldn't be amazing as it was without the support of Explora El Peru! Specifically Abel who supported the whole logistics, provided information and was there for us at all times. The guides Freddy, Anthony, Alex and Judith and the driver Alvaro were also an exquisite team! Cuzco took our breaths away not because of the altitude, but due to its amazing food, culture and charming people! I recommend this agency with no doubts your trip will be amazing! PS: hacienda hotel centro cultural it was an excellent Hotel ! Spanish: Sin duda, nuestro viaje de una semana a Cuzco no habría sido tan increíble sin el apoyo de Explora El Perú. En especial, Abel, quien se encargó de toda la logística, nos proporcionó información y estuvo disponible en todo momento. Los guías Freddy, Anthony, Alex y Judith, junto con el conductor Álvaro, también formaron un equipo excepcional. Cuzco nos dejó sin aliento, no por la altitud, sino por su deliciosa gastronomía, su cultura y el encanto de su gente. Recomiendo esta agencia sin ninguna duda; ¡su viaje será maravilloso! El Hotel Hacienda Centro Cultural fue excelente!Publicado en Tripadvisor Gannelin GVerificada Awesome experience My experience with Explore Peru was wonderful. They were on top of every detail on tours to Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley. Constant communication and attention to details, great guides, mention apart for Fabio Chavez, his explanation were fabulous. But I wanted to recognized all the people involved on our pleasure days at Cusco. If you ask me to recommend Explore Peru, I will say 100%. Thank you for the days we had in Cusco..Publicado en Tripadvisor Bernardina SVerificada Excelente. Muy recomendable. Recomiendo sinceramente Explora el Perú! Vine con mi mamá e hicimos la excursión de valle sagrado y Machu Picchu, y todo salió perfecto! La organización, la atención, la rapidez en responder! Los guías que nos tocaron en ambas excursiones súper amables, se ofrecieron a sacarnos mil fotos, todo perfecto! Especial agradecimiento a Abel que organizó todo, y a los guías Roger y a Antony!Publicado en Tripadvisor JMVerificada Experiência maravilhosa! Foi uma experiência maravilhosa. Desde o momento que começamos a organizar nossa viagem, fomos muito bem recepcionados pela empresa, que nos auxiliou em tudo, desde a preparação, dicas, informações importantes que deram o melhor resultados nos dias que ficamos em Cusco. Agradecimento especial ao Abel, que foi que nos norteou no momento da pré compra, compra e pós compra e a todos os guias, Elvio, Grabriel, Silvana e Alex. Super recomendamos a empresa.Publicado en Tripadvisor Merca CVerificada Reseña viaje con Explora el Perú Todo excelente, Abel siempre al pendiente de nosotros! Un viaje inolvidable! Muchas gracias a Explora el Perú por hacer de este viaje realidadPublicado en Tripadvisor Letícia FVerificada Experiência incrível Desde o primeiro contato, Abel foi extremamente atencioso e solícito. O roteiro foi muito bem planejado e organizado. Não tivemos problema em nenhum momento. Viajamos com tranquilidade e segurança. Indicamos e recomendamos a agência sem sombra de dúvidas! Ainda recebemos lhama de pelúcia de brinde! 🥰Publicado en Tripadvisor Guada GVerificada Excelente experiencia Excelente experiencia con la agencia en Perú. Fuimos 2 parejas 10 días a Perú y conocimos Lima, el desierto de huacachina, cuzco, machupichu, laguna humantay y montaña 7 colores, entre otras cosas. El itinerario fue excelente y super coordinado (guías excelentes, puntuales, amables, etc). John Abel, agente de venta de la empresa, continuamente presente y coordinando todo. Super recomendable la agencia!Carga más
Publicado en Google Marisa BarthelemyTrustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. excelente servicio!!!!, se ocuparon de todo, desde que bajamos del avión, hasta que dejamos Perú...nos ayudaron con la compra de ticket para el ingreso a Machu Picchu que debido al corto plazo de programación del viaje no había disponible en la web. Todo fue maravilloso, la ubicación de los hoteles, la coordinación de las excursiones, las sugerencias...100% recomendable!!!Publicado en Google Javier RodriguezTrustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. Excelente en todo momento nos sentimos acompañadosPublicado en Google KarelinmTrustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. Los encontre por una publicidad en Instagram, me respondieron cada duda con mucha paciencia y amabilidad. Muy atentos en todo y super organizados, fue un hermoso viaje y super completo. Destaco la atención de Alonso quien fue el que cada día me enviaba la información correspondiente para el tour siguiente. Los tour muy completos, el servicio de desayuno almuerzo que ofrecian algunos de los tour totalmente exquisito, los guias muy atentos y puntuales. El hospedaje hermoso con un desayuno variado. Gracias por hacer de mi viaje un viaje perfecto 🤩. Sin duda los volvería a elegir y recomendar ✈️🇵🇪Publicado en Google Walkiri De leonTrustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. Espectacular . Muy responsables , amables y los mejores restaurante , guías , muy puntual y respetuoso.Publicado en Google Dayana Siles GarcíaTrustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. Muy buena agencia, super responsables, excelente trato y nos dieron un buen recibimiento y despedida.Publicado en Google Maribel SalazarTrustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. Hola! Soy Maribel desde argentina. Que podria decir de nuestra hermosa experiencia cusqueña! Una locura! Me tocó viajar en la época de octubre para pasar mi cumpleaños. Pero sin palabras de la linda experiencia que nos tocó vivir! Gracias lost in Perú que nos brindó todo lo acordado, y mucho más! Una empresa para contratar sin dudar! Nosotras pagamos nuestro tours con hospedaje incluido todo a cargo de la empresa. Felicidades y que sigan creciendo! Sin dudarlo los vuelvo a hablar para volver a Perú! Nos estamos viendo 🫰🏽 saludos desde argentina ! Les mandamos un beso! Maria, Melissa, Ana y MaribelPublicado en Google Tianyu DuanTrustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. Rene is very passionate about the history of the places. He knows many histories of the places and the local culture.Publicado en Google Jessica V. Ortiz CortesTrustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. There are simply no words to describe how incredible my experience was with Lost in Peru, especially with Alonso. I have been fortunate to travel to many places over the years, but this trip was truly something special. Peru is one of those destinations where things can go wrong easily. You can try coordinating everything on your own, but it takes a huge amount of time and effort because there are so many moving parts if you want to fully enjoy everything the country offers. I cannot list every detail that Alonso handled for me, but to give you an idea, I never had to wait for a driver. Someone was always outside ready for me, with timely updates along the way. I never felt uncomfortable, not even during long trips that lasted six to eight hours. I never once questioned whether I should have chosen a different tour because every single one was perfectly selected. The timing was ideal, the balance between group and private tours was spot on, and I never had to worry about crowds. I did not even need to check the weather or think about what to wear because every night I received a message with everything I needed to know for the next day. In summary, I am a very skeptical person and I asked Alonso countless questions before deciding to work with him. I am so glad I did. This was one of the best travel decisions I have ever made. --- No existen palabras para describir lo increíble que fue mi experiencia con Lost in Peru, especialmente con Alonso. He tenido la suerte de viajar a muchos lugares a lo largo de los años, pero este viaje fue realmente especial. Perú es uno de esos destinos donde las cosas pueden complicarse con facilidad. Puedes intentar coordinar todo por tu cuenta, pero requiere mucho tiempo y esfuerzo porque hay muchos detalles que manejar si deseas disfrutar completamente de todo lo que el país ofrece. No puedo mencionar cada detalle que Alonso manejó por mí, pero para darte una idea, nunca tuve que esperar a un conductor. Siempre había alguien listo afuera para recogerme, con avisos oportunos durante el camino. Nunca me sentí incómoda, ni siquiera en trayectos largos de seis a ocho horas. Jamás pensé que debía haber escogido otro tour porque cada uno fue seleccionado de manera perfecta. El horario fue ideal, el balance entre tours grupales y privados fue el adecuado, y nunca tuve que preocuparme por las multitudes. Ni siquiera tuve que revisar el clima o pensar en qué ropa usar porque todas las noches recibía un mensaje con la información necesaria para el día siguiente. En resumen, soy una persona muy escéptica y le hice muchísimas preguntas a Alonso antes de decidir trabajar con él. Me alegra tanto haberlo hecho. Fue una de las mejores decisiones de viaje que he tomado.Publicado en Google Andrea FernándezTrustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. Afortunada y enormemente agradecida de haber contactado con semejante empresa como lo es Lost in Perú, con una calidad humana increíble. Desde el primer contacto, a más de 3mil km de distancia nos solucionaron toda la estadía, alojamientos, traslados, tours guiados y mucho más, con una amabilidad de destacar. Y como si fuera poco, nos recibieron y despidieron con unos hermosos presentes. GRACIAS!! Altamente recomendable, sin dudas. TupananchiskamaCarga más
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