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5 Day Salkantay Classic Trek to Machu Picchu
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5 Day Salkantay Classic Trek to Machu Picchu
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5 Day Salkantay Classic Trek to Machu Picchu

5 Day Salkantay Classic Trek to Machu Picchu

5D/N from $ USD 399.00

5 Day Salkantay Classic Trek to Machu Picchu

"Visit Machu Picchu Walking through the Humantay Lake and the Salkantay snow-capped mountain"

Humantay Lagoon, Salkantay pick, Machu Picchu
Start at:
Cusco
Ends at:
Cusco
Duration:
5D/N
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 10 ppl
Physical Level
Demanding
Style
Camp

Salkantay Classic Trek 5 Day to Machu Picchu. It is one of the best trekking excursions that leads to one of the new 7 wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. In its route of more than 72 km/44.7miles, it crosses different altitudinal floors, amazing high Andean landscapes and part of the Amazon rainforest. The hiking highest point will be the impressive Salkantay pass, at 4,620masl/15,157 ft.

Enjoy your adventure escorted all the way by an experienced trekking guide and enjoy delicious meals prepared by our local cook.

About 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the first alternative trek to the classic and famous 4-day Inca Trail as well as Lares trek and Huchuy Qosqo trek that are traveled by the Inca empire original and legendary path.

Salkantay Classic Trek 5 day, today is exceptionally famous and visited by thousands of tourists throughout the year, because it offers an amazing scenic beauty at different altitudinal levels. It allows you to explore the famous Humantay lagoon, see impressive Villcabamba mountain range glaciers, walk through subtropical areas of abundant flora and fauna and get to know the traditional high Andean communities. Finally, it will allow you to visit Machu Picchu, cultural and natural humanity heritage.

Walk this impressive route and visit Machu Picchu in a different way with the Machupicchu Andes Tours – Matours specialized trekking team. We have daily departures with a minimum of 2 people and the tour starts and ends at your hotel in Cusco, Peru.

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When you book with us, you will benefit from a reduced refundable deposit payment option, flexible cancellation options and personalized customer service. General terms and conditions apply.
Unique & unforgettable memories
Our uniquely curated trips offer you the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation. Join us and see the world with other like-minded travellers who will feel like friends from day 1.
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Since 2016, thousands of people have trusted Machupicchu Andes Tours to help them discover the wonders of Peru.

Highlights

  • Discover part of the Vilcabamba Mountain range on foot and enjoy the marvelous landscapes offered by the Salkantay trails.
  • Trek among huge snow-capped mountains, test your limits and discover your strength.
  • Hike the ancestral path and follow the footsteps of the Inca empire to the Machu Picchu.
  • Climb up to 4,620 masl/15,157ft and admire the charm of the Salkantay mountain.
  • Meet the Quechua-speaking communities, descendants of the Incas.
  • Experience 5 Day of authentic emotion and adventure in a route that combines the glaciers and part of the Amazon Rainforest.
  • Venture out on a private tour or a group tour of 8 or more people.

Salkantay Classic Trek 5 Day Summary

DAY 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon.
  • 4:30 hrs. Pick up from your hotel and travel to Challakancha
  • Breakfast at Mollepata local restaurant.
  • 9:20 hrs. Start of the hike in Challacancha.
  • 12:00 hrs. Lunch in Soraypampa and in the afternoon visit to Humantay Laguna.
  • Dinner and accommodation at the Soraypampa Camp.
  • Walking time. 7 hours
  • 8 Km / 5 miles
DAY 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay pass – Chaullay
  • 5:40 hrs. Breakfast and hiking start to Salkantay pass
  • 10:00 hrs. Arrival to the Salkantay Trek highest point (4,620masl / 15,157 ft).
  • 12:00 hrs. Lunch in Wayracpunku
  • 18:30 hrs. Dinner and overnight in Chaullay
  • Walking time: 8-9 hours
  • 19 Km / 11.8 miles
DAY 3: Chaullay – Playa Sawayaco / San Teresa.
  •  6:00 hrs. Breakfast and start of the hike
  • 12:00 hrs. Lunch at Sawayaco Beach
  • 13:15 hrs. Visit to San Teresa hot springs (optional).
  • 18:30 hrs. Dinner and overnight at Sawayaco beach / San Teresa.
  • Hiking time. 6 hours
  • Length: 13 Km / 8 miles
DAY 4: Playa Sawayaco – Llaqtapata – Hydroelectric – Machupicchu town (Aguas Calientes)
  • 6:40 hrs. Breakfast and hiking start
  • 10:00 hrs. Visit to the Llaqtapata archaeological site.
  • 12:00 hrs. Lunch at hydroelectric power station
  • 17:00 hrs. Arrival to the Aguas Calientes town
  • 18:30 hrs. Dinner and overnight in Aguas Calientes in a hotel
  • Length. 19 km /11.8 miles
  • Hiking time. 10 hours
  • Hydroelectric train ride to the Aguas Calientes town (optional).
DAY 5: Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) – Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco.
  • Visit to Machu Picchu at the indicated time and by the route assigned in the ticket (2-hour tour).
  • At 14:55 / 15:20 / 18:20 hours, departure by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo according to availability (1 hour and a half trip).
  • Arrival of the train at Ollantaytambo station and transfer to the city of Cusco.

Note: All times mentioned in the itinerary are approximate and will vary depending on how the group progresses along the route.

5 Day Salkantay Trek Itinerary

DAY 1

Cusco - Soraypampa - Humantay Lagoon

Salkantay Classic trek 5 Day

Challakancha, beginning of the hike.

1 Day Humantay Lagoon Trek, Humantay Lagoon Full Day Tour, The Humantay Lake Peru

Best Humatay Lagoon panoramic view.

To start this wonderful 5 Day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. At 4:30 a.m., our staff will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco. Then, take a 2-hour drive to the Mollepata village where you will have a homemade breakfast. Then, continue your journey to Challakancha, the trek starting point, where you will also meet the muleteers who will be in charge of transporting all the camping equipment.

As you hike, enjoy the Villcabamba mountain range spectacular views. At noon, taste the delicious dishes prepared by our local cook. In the afternoon, take a short hike to the stunning Humantay Lagoon (4,200 masl/13.779ft), admire the scenic beauty and take excellent photographs.

At 18:30, dinner and overnight at Soraypampa camp.

Food

L & D

Physical Level

1, Easy

Distance Hiked

8Km/ 5 miles

Tour Length

7 hour

Starting Altitude

3350msnm/10,991ft, Cusco

Min Altitude

3880masl / 12,730 ft, Soraypampa

Max Altitude

4,200 masl/13,779ft, Humantay lagoon

DAY 2

Soraypampa – Salkantay Highest Pass – Chaullay

Salkantay trek Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Ascent to the highest point.

Salkantay Classic trek 5 Day

The Salkantay highest pass.

Today you will wake up among the Villcabamba mountain range. At 5:40 am, have breakfast and then start uphill hike to the highest point of the 5 Day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. From the Salkantay highest pass, admire the majesty of the Apu Salkantay (Apu = tutelary God) and also visit the blue lagoon. Then start descending towards Wayracpunku and take a short break to enjoy an energetic lunch.

After lunch, continue descending to the tropical forest, where you will appreciate the richness of the biodiversity (flora and fauna) and finally arrived at the Chaullay campsite.

At 6:30 pm. Dinner and overnight in tents.

Food

B, L & D

Physical Level

3, Demanding

Distance Hiked

19 km / 11.8 miles

Tour Length

8 Hour

Starting Altitude

3,880masl / 12,730 ft, Soraypampa

Min Altitude

2,900masl / 9,514ft, Chaullay

Max Altitude

4,620masl /15.157 ft

DAY 3

Chaullay - Playa Sahuayaco / Santa Teresa

Salkantay Classic trek 5 Day, Chaullay

Tropical rainforest.

Salkantay Classic trek 5 Day, Playa Sahuayaco

Playa Sahuayaco camp

After a healthy breakfast, you’ll begin your hike through the rainforest, commonly known as the high jungle. This part of the adventure is considered one of the best sections as you’ll see a variety of wild and domestic vegetation such as orchids, begonias, coffee plantations, bananas, oranges and much more.

After 6 hours of unforgettable trekking, you will arrive at Sahuayaco beach, where you will enjoy a rewarding lunch and spend the third night of the 5 day Sakantay trek to Machu Picchu. After lunch you will have the afternoon free to explore further. Options: You can visit a local family to see the coffee harvest, as this place is considered the best coffee capital of Cusco, Peru or you can visit the Santa Teresa hot springs. Also, if you are a lover of birds, mammals and orchids, this is the perfect place to observe.

At 6:30 pm. Dinner and overnight in tents in Playa Sawayaco / Santa Teresa (depends on how you coordinate with your guide).

Overnight in tents.

Food

B, L & D

Physical Level

2, Moderate

Distance Hiked

13Km/ 8miles

Tour Length

6 hour

Starting Altitude

2,900masl / 9,514ft, Chaullay

Min Altitude

2,095masl / 6,873ft, Playa Sahuayaco

DAY 4

Playa Sahuayaco - Llaqtapata – Hydroelectric – Machupicchu town (Aguas Calientes)

Salkantay Classic trek 5 Day, Laqtapata

Llaqtapata viewpoint

Salkantay Classic trek 5 Day, Llactapata

Llaqtapata viewpoint towards Machu Picchu.

Today you’ll wake up in the high jungle with a coffee prepared by our cook. This morning, the trekking cook will say goodbye and take another route back to Cusco and you’ll continue together with your guide to Machu Picchu.

After an energetic breakfast, you’ll start walking along a beautiful original Inca trail that ascends to the Llaqtapata archaeological site. This is a beautiful and recently discovered small Inca village that remains almost 80% covered by vegetation, but has a privileged location, from where you can enjoy enchanting panoramic views and, in the distance, you can already see the 2 famous mountains: Huaynapicchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain.

After exploring the Llaqtapata archaeological site, start descending a zigzagging path towards the hydroelectric plant, where you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. From here, you have two options to get to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes): the first option is to walk following the railway for 3 hours, so there are many small stones on the way, but it is a spectacular route and the second option is to travel by train for about 48 minutes (train departure time: 14:17 or 14:50 hours, on your own).

Once you arrive at Machu Picchu Pueblo, settle into your hotel and at 18:30 hours enjoy your last included dinner at a selected restaurant.

Food

B, L & D

Physical Level

2, Moderate

Distance Hiked

19Km/11.8miles

Tour Length

10 hour

Starting Altitude

2,095masl / 6,873ft, Playa Sahuayaco

Min Altitude

1890masl / 6,200ft, hydroelectric plant

Max Altitude

2,480masl / 8,136, Llaqtapata

DAY 5

Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) - Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco.

Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu Full Day Hiking tour,

Machu Picchu Inca city

Train to Machu Picchu, Vistadome, Expedition train

Return Train (Expedition train)

Today is an exceptionally important day because you will visit one of the new 7 wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. In fact, this is the place most dreamed of by all travelers visiting Peru.

After breakfast at your hotel, go up to the Inca city of Machu Picchu according to the schedule assigned on your entrance ticket, you can go up by bus or walking. The guided tour inside the lost city of the Incas will last 2 hours and if you have booked a ticket to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, climb on your own after the guided tour.

After all, take the bus to the Aguas Calientes town, have lunch on your own and then head to the train station. Take your return train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy station. Upon arrival, our staff will be waiting for you to escort you to the Cusco city – Hotel.

Food

B

Physical Level

1, Easy

Distance Hiked

1.7Km/1.1miles

Tour Length

1.5 hour

Starting Altitude

2,050masl/ 6,726ft, Machupicchu town

Min Altitude

2450masl/8,038ft, Machu Picchu

Packing List

To do the 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. The Machupicchu Andes Tours – Matours travel agency will provide you with a duffel bag where you can carry all the things mentioned below (Max. 6 kilos/13.2pounds).

  • Walking sticks (we can rent them for you)
  • Sleeping bags (we can rent them for you)
  • A personal light backpack
  • Sweater and jacket
  • Truse
  • Pajamas
  • 4 polo shirts
  • 4 pairs of socks
  • Personal belongings and medicines under your doctor’s prescription. Especially pills for altitude sickness (dizziness, vomiting, muscle relaxants, stomach and headaches and other medications you are taking).
  • Sun block
  • Caps or hats
  • Rain poncho
  • Hiking shoes
  • 1 pair of flip-flops
  • Water bottle or camelback
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Toilet paper
  • Power bars
  • Flashlight with extra battery
  • Lipstick
  • Sunglasses
  • Plastic bag
  • Camera with extra battery
  • Extra money in soles (PEN).

Recomendations

  • To do the Salkantay Classic Trek 5 Day, you should be in Cusco at least 2 days before to acclimatize better.
  • For the best acclimatization, take pills for altitude sickness and coca leaves infusion. You should take short walks around the Cusco city on your own, or you can hire a short tour such as the Cusco city Tour, the Sacred Valley, the salt mines of Maras – Moray. If you hire one of these tours you will have a special discount.
  • Bring appropriate clothing for hiking.

About Prices of the 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Prices are expressed in US dollars (US$), per person and in double or triple room in the Aguas Calientes town. If you want a single room, you will have to add a supplement or you may prefer to stay in 3, 4 or 5-star hotels. Please contact our travel advisors.

We offer 2 types of tours: 5 Day Salkantay trek to Mach Picchu Group Tour and Private Tour (Exclusive).

Price List

Group Tour
5 Day Salkantay Trek Group Tour Price

The whole tour will be in a group of 8 or more people. The members of the group will be from different nationalities and also different languages, beliefs, ages, gender, etc. But the guided tour will be only in 2 languages English and Spanish.

Join our already formed groups and together with your new friends experience the Salkantay Classic Trek 5 Day and visit Machu Picchu in a different way.

We have daily departures and the 12 months of the year.

Pax number Price per person
2 or more people $ USD 399.00
Private Tour
5 Day Salkantay Trek Private Tour Price

This option is exclusive for you who prefer to do the 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with your couple, family, children (over 10 years) or friends and don’t want to meet with strangers. You can start the trek any day of the year. The tour will be in English or Spanish. If you want to do the tour in the language of your preference, ask for the tour guide who speaks the language you want.

The price varies according to the number of people booking together, the more people in your group the price decreases.

Pax number Price per person
2-3 Persons $ USD 920.00
4-5 Persons $ USD 790.00
6 or + Persons $ USD 660.00

Optional Services

Upgrade your 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

All these services aren’t included in this package; if you wish, you must add them to your booking.

  • $ 70 USD. Ascent to Huayna Picchu Mountain. It is an incredible mountain located north of the Machu Picchu citadel. If you want to explore more places, you can climb this mountain from Machu Picchu citadel, it will take you about 45 minutes, but you must buy another ticket 3 or 4 month before, the availability is limited.
  • $ 70 USD. Ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain. It is another incredible mountain located south of the Machu Picchu citadel. If you want to explore more places, you can climb this mountain from Machu Picchu citadel, it will take you about 1.40 hours, but you must buy another ticket 2 or 3 month before, the availability is limited.
  • $ 40 USD. To return on the Vistadome train. It superior-class train that has cars with large windows on the wall and on the roof that allow you to enjoy the scenic view. It also offers typical dances and fashion shows on board.
  • $ 25 USD. per person. Sleeping bag for the whole trip,
  • $ 15 USD. 1 pair of walking sticks for the whole route.
  • If you want to spend the nights in a superior or luxury hotel (3, 4 or 5-Star hotel), ask for our confidential rates.
We offer US$ 20 off.
  • Discount for countries belonging to the Andean Community (Peru, Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador).
  • Discounts for international students with university ID valid for one year. To verify the validity of the card, please send us the photo.

Packing list

To do the 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. The Machupicchu Andes Tours – Matours travel agency will provide you with a duffel bag where you can carry all the things mentioned below (Max. 6 kilos/13.2pounds).

  • Walking sticks (we can rent them for you)
  • Sleeping bags (we can rent them for you)
  • A personal light backpack
  • Sweater and jacket
  • Truse
  • Pajamas
  • 4 polo shirts
  • 4 pairs of socks
  • Personal belongings and medicines under your doctor’s prescription. Especially pills for altitude sickness (dizziness, vomiting, muscle relaxants, stomach and headaches and other medications you are taking).
  • Sun block
  • Caps or hats
  • Rain poncho
  • Hiking shoes
  • 1 pair of flip-flops
  • Water bottle or camelback
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Toilet paper
  • Power bars
  • Flashlight with extra battery
  • Lipstick
  • Sunglasses
  • Plastic bag
  • Camera with extra battery
  • Extra money in soles (PEN).
...
Mario Ordoñes Quispe Salvida

In Cusco, I am your travel specialist, with more than 10 years of experience organizing adventure trips.

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