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Salkantay Trek – 5 Days / 4 Nights

Before booking through our website, we recommend checking with one of our travel advisors about the availability of Machu Picchu entrance tickets, as they are limited and often sell out in advance. This will help you better plan your visit and avoid last-minute issues.

⚠️ Important: Once your payment is completed, please send us your accommodation details by email at info@bookmachupicchu.com or via WhatsApp at +51 917 663 649. This information is essential for the proper coordination of your service.

Hotel Pickup

Pickup available only from hotels in the city center of Cusco.

Difficulty Level

High – Requires good physical condition. Long hikes at high altitude and uneven terrain.

Maximum Altitude

4,650 meters above sea level (Salkantay Pass)

Duration

5 days / 4 nights

Guide

Bilingual guide (English – Spanish) throughout the entire route, including Machu Picchu.

Shared Transportation Service

Tourist transport from Cusco to Mollepata and from Hidroelectrica to Cusco.

Accommodation

03 nights in camping tents 01 night in a hotel (Aguas Calientes)

Availability

Minimum 2 people required to book

Minimum Recommended Age

12 years old

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Cusco | Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa (Humantay Lake)
Hotel Pickup & Transfer: Cusco – Challacancha
We pick you up from your accommodation between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. for a scenic 4-hour drive to Challacancha, passing through Anta and Mollepata. We’ll stop briefly for restroom use and an optional breakfast. Enjoy panoramic views of the majestic snow-capped Apus: Salkantay and Humantay.
Hike: Challacancha to Soraypampa (3,850 m)
Upon arrival, we meet our trekking crew and begin a 3-hour hike (7 km) to Soraypampa. The trail offers stunning Andean scenery and sections of a centuries-old aqueduct still in use today.
Lunch & Rest: Soraypampa Camp
Enjoy a delicious lunch at our campsite, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. After a short rest, we gear up for a scenic afternoon hike.
Afternoon Hike: Humantay Lake (4,200 m)
We hike to Humantay Lake, a 5 km round-trip. The turquoise glacial lake, set against dramatic snow peaks, is one of the trek’s highlights.
Sunset, Stargazing & Overnight
Return to camp for a tranquil sunset and a star-filled sky. Without light pollution, it’s the perfect place for stargazing. Overnight in tents at Soraypampa.
Early Morning & Breakfast
Start the day at 5:30 a.m. with a hearty breakfast to fuel our toughest day.
Ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft)
We begin a 7 km (4.3 miles) uphill hike that takes about 3 hours to the highest point of the trek: Salkantay Pass. You'll be surrounded by towering peaks like Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo.
Sacred Summit Moment
At the summit, we pause to take in the spiritual energy of Apu Salkantay—one of the most sacred mountains in Andean culture.
Descent to Huayracmachay & Lunch
We descend 5 km (3.1 miles) to Huayracmachay for a well-earned lunch with stunning views.
Into the Cloud Forest
The trail transitions into lush high jungle, covering 10 km (6.2 miles) over 3 hours. The scenery becomes greener and warmer as we spot waterfalls, orchids, and possibly wildlife.
Camp Night at Chaullay (2,900 m)
We reach Chaullay Camp, nestled in the cloud forest, where we rest and recharge after a long and rewarding day.
Wake-Up in the Jungle (6:00 a.m.)
Begin your day with a hot cup of coca tea and a nutritious breakfast amidst the lush Amazonian jungle.
Scenic Hike Through Santa Teresa Valley
At 7:30 a.m., embark on a 5-hour trek through Santa Teresa Valley, passing vibrant plantations of coffee, bananas, avocados, coca leaves, and passion fruit.
Lunch & Camp at Lucmabamba
We arrive at our third campsite in Lucmabamba just in time for a freshly cooked lunch. Relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Optional Activity: Cocalmayo Hot Springs
In the afternoon, take a 1.5-hour ride to Cocalmayo Hot Springs in Santa Teresa. Soak in warm natural pools surrounded by jungle and mountains. Afterward, return to camp for tea, dinner, and a cozy bonfire under the stars.
Early Breakfast & Inca Trail Hike
Start with a 5:30 a.m. breakfast, then hike up an original Inca trail to Llactapata, a small archaeological site with a panoramic view of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and even Salkantay (weather permitting). A truly special moment.
Hike to Llactapata
Embark on a 3-hour uphill hike along an original Inca Trail leading to the archaeological site of Llactapata. From here, enjoy breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and even Mount Salkantay, weather permitting. This is a perfect opportunity for photos and a unique chance to see Machu Picchu from a completely different perspective.
Descent to Hidroelectrica & Lunch
After exploring Llactapata, we descend for 2 hours to Hidroelectrica, where lunch and a short rest await.
Final Hike to Aguas Calientes
Continue with a 3-hour walk along the train tracks through the rainforest to Aguas Calientes, a peaceful and scenic way to end the day.
Arrival & Dinner in Town
Check into your hotel, clean up, and enjoy a group dinner around 7:00 p.m. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Early Visit to Machu Picchu
After a restful night, we wake early for our visit to the majestic Machu Picchu—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. You can hike or take a bus (USD $12) to the entrance, which opens at 6:00 a.m.
Guided Tour of the Citadel
Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour exploring the most iconic parts of the city: Temples and royal palaces , The Sun Dial (Intihuatana) , Agricultural and residential sectors and Incredible stonework built without modern tools
Free Time & Optional Hikes
After the tour, enjoy free time or optional hikes (must be booked in advance): Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (approx. 3 hours round-trip) , Sun Gate (Inti Punku) – 2 hours round-trip, no extra ticket needed and Inca Bridge – a short but fascinating cliffside walk
Return to Cusco
After your Machu Picchu visit, walk back to Hidroelectrica and board the shared transport around 3:00 p.m. Arrival in Cusco is expected around 10:00 p.m.

INCLUSIONS

  • Pre-trek briefing

    A detailed briefing will be held one day before departure at the Machu Picchu Reservations office.

  • Travel duffle bag included

    A duffle-style bag will be provided to pack up to 5 kg of personal belongings, which will be carried by horses during the trek.

  • Bilingual tour guides

    Experienced professional guides who speak both English and Spanish throughout the journey.

  • Professional chef and cooking team

    A specialized chef and full cooking equipment are included during the trek.

  • Horse support for luggage

    Horses will carry up to 5 kg of personal luggage per traveler, in addition to shared camping gear.

  • Hotel pick-up

    Pick-up service from your hotel in Cusco on the day of departure.

  • Transportation from Cusco to the trailhead

    Tourist transportation from Cusco to the starting point of the Salkantay Trek.

  • Meals included

    All meals during the trek are included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day (except breakfast on the first day and lunch and dinner on the last day).

  • Dietary options available

    Vegetarian and vegan meals are available at no extra cost upon request.

  • Camping nights

    Accommodation in tents set in beautiful mountain landscapes.

  • Hotel night in Aguas Calientes

    One night of accommodation in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes.

  • Comfortable sleeping mat

    Double foam mat (2.5 inches thick) included for added comfort.

  • Entrance tickets included

    Official entrance tickets for the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu.

  • Guided tour in Machu Picchu

    A professionally guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.

  • Return by bus

    Direct tourist transportation from Hidroelectrica to Cusco.

  • Emergency equipment

    First aid kit and oxygen tank available during the trek in case of emergency.

  • Breakfast on the first day, lunch and dinner on the last day

    Breakfast on the first day, as well as lunch and dinner on the last day, are not included.

  • Meals or drinks not specified in the itinerary

    Any food or beverage not explicitly listed in the itinerary is not included in the package.

  • Transportation from La Playa Sahuayaco to Hidroelectrica

    This service must be arranged locally. The approximate cost ranges between S/ 60 and S/ 80 per person.

  • Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (optional)

    There is an option to take the train for $40 USD (approx. 45 minutes) instead of walking.

  • Trekking pole rental

    Trekking poles are not included. They can be rented for $10.00 USD per person for the entire trek.

  • Sleeping bag rental

    Sleeping bags are not provided. They can be rented for $15.00 USD per person.

  • Extra horse for additional luggage

    Each participant may bring up to 5 kg of personal belongings. If you need to carry more, you can rent an additional horse for an extra fee.

  • Horse rental for riding

    Horses are available to rent at S/ 120 per person per day. Each horse can carry up to 80 kg. If this weight is exceeded, two horses must be rented at a cost of S/ 200 per person per day.

  • Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Consettur)

    The bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is not included. The approximate cost per ride is $12 USD per person.

  • Hot springs

    Entrance to the hot springs has an additional cost of S/ 10 per person.

  • Tips for the staff

    Tips for the guide, chef, and support staff are not included. They are not mandatory but are highly recommended as a token of appreciation.

PRECIOS EXTRANJEROS

Adults

$ 285 Reserve with a deposit of: $100
  • Lowest price guaranteed
  • Real local operator (based in Cusco)
  • English & Spanish spoken
30% off

Students

$ 265 Reserve with a deposit of: $100
  • Lowest price guaranteed
  • Real local operator (based in Cusco)
  • English & Spanish spoken
30% off

PRICES – ANDEAN COMMUNITY (Peru – Bolivia – Ecuador – Colombia)

Adults

$ 245 Reserve with a deposit of: $100
  • Lowest price guaranteed
  • Real local operator (based in Cusco)
  • English & Spanish spoken
30% off

Estudiantes

$ 235 Reserve with a deposit of: $100
  • Lowest price guaranteed
  • Real local operator (based in Cusco)
  • English & Spanish spoken
30% off
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BUS TICKETS HIDROELECTRICA
DESTINATIONS
SAFE TAXI CUSCO
OFFERS
WHY CHOOSE US?

Experts in bus transportation to Hidroelectrica. 100% Cusqueñan company, no intermediaries, offering the best direct and safe service.

  • Av. el Sol 948, (Centro Comercial Sol Plaza) of. 311 - Tercer Piso
  • +51 917 663 649
  • info@bookmachupicchu.com

Click to Open in Google Maps

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