Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days

Inca Trail 1 day to machupicchu

Description

Salkantay Trek crosses the Salkantay Pass at 4600m, descends into the cloud forest and passes through the archaeological place named Llactapata, with one of the wonderful views of Machu Picchu.

The trail starts in Challacancha or Soraypampa, a couple of hours away from Cusco and ends in Hidroelectrica giving access to town of Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu.This trek was nominated as the 25 best Trek in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. Salkantay has some outstanding views and the altitude will descend till 1,000 meters above sea level, the lands cape is gorgeous and not too steep.

The purpose of the Salkantay Inca Trail to Machupícchu was religious and ceremonial, a pilgrimage that included rituals to honor the mountains and peaks and lakes of the route, like Salkantay and Humantay.

ITINERARY

salkantay trek to machu picchu 4 days

Include:

  • Pre-departure briefing: Prior to the trek, there will be an orientation session at our office where you'll meet your Salkantay guide and fellow group members. During this session, we will provide you with duffle bags, which will be carried by our horses during the trek. The meeting is scheduled for 6:00 PM on the evening before the trip begins. If this time is inconvenient for you, kindly inform us so we can arrange an alternative time.
  • Touristic Transport: Your journey will commence with a morning pick-up from your Cusco hotel, and you will travel in private transportation to Challacancha, the starting point of the Salkantay trek.
  • Experienced Salkantay Tour Guide: Throughout the trek, you will be accompanied by an adventure-experienced Salkantay tour guide. Fluent in English, professionally educated, and an officially certified tour guide with expertise in tourism, these guides are natives of the region, passionate about sharing their heritage. Your guide will narrate the cultural and environmental aspects along the entire route, conducting ancient ceremonies with your group. Their primary focus is ensuring your safety, comfort, and enjoyment throughout the trek along the Inca path.
  • Tour Guide in Machupicchu Cultural Experienced: An English-speaking, professionally educated tour guide, officially certified in tourism, will accompany you for the exploration of the sacred city of Machupicchu.

    Night 2: Indulge in our second night at Lodge del Cielo in Collpapampa campsite. Your accommodation includes a comfortable bed and a thick camping mattress, all provided at no extra cost. The campsite is enveloped by the presence of the Sacred Mountains.

    Night 3: Immerse yourself in our third night at "Lodge del Cielo" in Lucmabamba campsite. Inside your dome, you'll find a cozy bed, available in twin or double (depending on your specified preferences). Surrounded by the raw beauty of the cloud forest, we'll be in close proximity to local families who, as heirs of the Inka culture, are delighted to share their lands with us.

    Night 4: The fourth night includes a stay at the 2-star Hotel House of the Luz, located in the town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machupicchu Village. If preferred, there's an option to upgrade to a 3-star hotel for an additional USD 45 per person. Hotel prices will vary based on your expectations and budget. The 2-star hotel in Aguas Calientes offers double or triple rooms, an elevator, private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, breakfast, and luggage storage while you explore Machu Picchu.

  • Camping equipment:Our team of porters and horses will transport dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment.
  • Entrance Tickets: Included in the package are entry tickets to both Salkantay/Humantay Lake and the Machu Picchu Inka Site.
  • Mules/Horses for Luggage: During the pre-trek briefing, you will receive a duffel bag to fill with necessary items for the upcoming night and day. Access to your duffel bag will only be available upon reaching the evening campsite. On the first two days, mules/horses will carry all camping equipment and your allotted personal baggage (5 kgs/11.02 lbs.). On days 3 and 4, your luggage will be transported by car or train to your destination until we reach Machu Picchu.
  • Professional Trekking Chef: A skilled chef, specializing in trail cooking, along with an assistant, will be responsible for preparing all your delectable meals during our journey on the trail, ensuring you remain energized each day. You won't go hungry!
  • Meals: The package includes 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners, with options for vegetarian, vegan, or special menus available at no additional cost. Please note that the first breakfast and the last lunch are not included.
  • Boiled Water: Starting from your initial lunch to your final breakfast, Inka Trail Expeditions will provide all necessary water. This water undergoes boiling, filtration, and cooling before distribution. You are required to bring your own water bottles or camelback, and we suggest carrying about 3 liters. Water refills will be available at each meal.
  • Wake-Up Tea: Each morning at the campsite, you'll be greeted with a cup of coca tea! Our staff will deliver the tea to your tent, ensuring you're warmed from the inside out before beginning your day.
  • Hygiene Products: Before each meal, a small towel will be provided for hand cleaning, and every morning, there will be a bucket with warm water for personal hygiene.
  • Medical Kit and Oxygen Bottle: Our team will carry a first-aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
  • Train Tickets: Transportation from Aguas Calientes ("Machu Picchu village") to Ollantaytambo train station (departure time confirmed on the briefing day and subject to availability).
  • Transfer Back to Cusco: Private tourist transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your Cusco hotel (Day 5).
  • 24-Hour Guest Service: We offer a 24-hour telephone service for easy communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.
  • Bus Concetur to Machupicchu Inca City: Usually, the wait to board the bus to Machupicchu ranges from 1 to 1.5 hours. Therefore, we recommend deciding a day before your visit to Machupicchu whether you prefer to take the bus, considering the waiting time. Alternatively, you can choose to complete the final ascent on foot for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your physical condition after the trek.
  • 1 Duffle Bag: We can provide one duffle bag for your personal belongings, weighing up to 5 kgs (11.02 lbs.), including your sleeping bag. This bag will be carried by our horses and returned at the end of the tour.
  • Complimentary luggage storage: At ITNCATRAIL.ORG, we continuously seek ways to enhance your travel experience, and as part of our commitment to delivering top-notch service, we provide the convenience of storing your luggage during your planned treks with us at no additional cost.

Not Include:

  • Trekking poles.
  • Sleeping bags.
  • Meals:
    Day 1 - Breakfast in Mollepata
    Day 5 - Lunch and dinner in Cusco.
  • Train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes (If the conditions of the passenger are bad after the trek, we recommend that you take this train).
  • Personal equipment.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Additional income (Huayna Picchu - Machu Picchu Mountain).
  • Huayna Picchu trekking time (45 min).
  • Trekking time Machu Picchu Mountain (1.5 h).
  • Additional costs or delays beyond our control such as: Natural disasters, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to passenger's health problems (suffering from an illness or health problem), pandemic, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, etc.

RENTAL AND ADDITIONAL COSTS

EXTRA COST USD REMARKS
Trekking Poles (PAR) 15 Includes rubber tips
Sleeping bag 25 -
Breakfast in Mollepata 10 -
Inexpensive lunch in Aguas Calientes. 15 -
Pack horse (weight 20kg) 90 Advance confirmation is required.
Saddle horse (for one person) 150 Advance confirmation is required.
Entrance to Huayna Picchu 60 Subject to availability.
Schedule:
07:00 am / 08:00 am / 09:00 am (private service).
10:00 am (group service)

what to bring?

  • Original passport.
  • Sleeping bag.
  • Trekking shoes.
  • Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
  • Jacket, hat and gloves.
  • T-shirts or T-shirts.
  • Comfortable pants.
  • Sun hat and Sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Reusable water bottles.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Personal hygiene items.
  • Personal medications.
  • Camera.
  • Flashlight with extra batteries.
  • Shorts.
  • Trekking poles.
  • Bandages and sandals.
  • Extra money.
  • Bathing suit for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes and Cocalmayo (optional).
View Inca Trail Permits Availability

Information Details

Map

map salkantay to machu picchu 5 days

Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu in 5 Days

In this video we show a brief description about the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu in 5 days, you will appreciate the highlights of this trek in this 2 minutes longer video. There is a short description about the attractions that you will see below.


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