CUSCO TREKKINGS FEATURED

Salkantay Trekking

4.9 · 312 reviews
Duration 5 Days / 4 Nights
Max Altitude 4,650 m
Difficulty Challenging
Group size Max 10
Start / End Cusco, Peru

The Expedition

Tour Overview

Considered by National Geographic as one of the best treks in the world, the Salkantay Trail is the perfect alternative for travelers seeking an authentic, challenging, and deeply enriching experience to reach Machu Picchu. This route, which combines the majesty of the Andes with the exuberance of the high jungle, will take you through dreamlike landscapes, from imposing glaciers to tropical valleys.

The highlight of this adventure is the Salkantay Pass, located at 4,650 meters above sea level, where you will closely contemplate the imposing Salkantay snow-capped peak (6,271 m a.s.l.), one of the most venerated sacred mountains (apus) of the region. But the magic does not end there: the descent towards the high jungle will reward you with panoramic views of jungle valleys, waterfalls, and surprising biodiversity.

With Cusco Vibe, the Salkantay Trek becomes a comprehensive experience where adventure, culture, and nature intertwine to offer you memories that will last a lifetime.

Program

Welcome to the Salkantay Route

  • 03:00 pm | Meeting at our office: Since you will likely have checked out of your hotel before the departure time, the meeting point for this hike will be our Cusco Vibe office, located near Cusco’s main square. Here you will meet your guide and the rest of the trekking group.
  • 03:30 pm | Start of the journey to Soraypampa: We will board our private transport to begin a journey of approximately 3.5 hours towards the heart of the mountain range. The route will take us through picturesque Andean valleys, with increasingly imposing views.
  • 07:00 pm | Arrival in Soraypampa: We will arrive in Soraypampa (3,800 m a.s.l.), where we will stay in the exclusive Glass Accommodations (Glamping). We will arrive just in time to capture photographs of the sunset over the glacier’s snow-capped peaks.
  • Night in Soraypampa: The guide will accompany you to your room before enjoying a delicious dinner with hot drinks. During the night, you will have a privileged view of the starry sky, a unique spectacle in the immensity of the Andes.

Note: No hiking today! It is a night for preparation and acclimatization.

  • Altitude: 3,800 m a.s.l.
  • Climate: Cold, windy. Possibility of rain during the wet season.
  • Accommodation: Glass Accommodations (Glamping)

The Challenge of Apu Salkantay

  • 05:30 am | Wake-up and Breakfast: We will start the day with a hearty breakfast to fuel up.
  • 06:30 am | Hike to Humantay Lagoon: We will begin our hike towards the beautiful Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m a.s.l.), a mirror of intensely turquoise water, fed by the meltwater of the Humantay snow-capped peak. We will have time to explore its shores, take photographs, and marvel at its beauty.
  • 08:30 am | Return and Continuation of the Trek: We will return to the starting point and continue our route, gradually ascending towards the Salkantay Pass.
  • 01:00 pm | Salkantay Pass (4,650 m a.s.l.): We will reach the highest point of our hike. Here we will be rewarded with impressive panoramic views of the Salkantay Snow-Capped Peak (6,271 m a.s.l.) and the surrounding glaciers. The guide will share stories and legends about this sacred apu. We will rest and enjoy the landscape before beginning the descent.
  • 03:00 pm | Descent to Challway: We will begin a gradual descent towards the valley, entering a warmer and greener ecosystem.
  • 06:00 pm | Arrival in Challway: We will arrive at our campsite in Challway (2,950 m a.s.l.), where our tents and a well-deserved hot dinner await us. The change in altitude is noticeable: the climate is milder.
  • Hiking distance: 22 km
  • Maximum altitude: 4,650 m a.s.l.
  • Camp altitude: 2,950 m a.s.l.
  • Climate: Cold in the morning, mild during the day, cold at night.
  • Accommodation: Camping (tents)

The Encounter with the High Jungle

  • 07:00 am | Breakfast and Preparation: After an early breakfast, we will continue our hike. The landscape begins to transform: we leave the puna behind and enter the lush high jungle.
  • Route: During the hike, we will appreciate the incredible diversity of flora and fauna in the region. We will cross suspension bridges, see waterfalls, and be surrounded by increasingly dense vegetation.
  • 01:00 pm | Lunch: We will enjoy a lunch along the way, prepared by our kitchen team.
  • 04:00 pm | Visit to Llactapata: The highlight of the day will be the visit to the Llactapata archaeological site, an ancient Inca city located in a strategic place. From here, we will have a privileged panoramic view of the canyon and, on clear days, a first distant glimpse of Machu Picchu.
  • 06:00 pm | Arrival at La Playa (Sahuayaco): We will arrive at La Playa (2,350 m a.s.l.), a small village where we will spend the night in a campsite. We can relax, interact with the locals, and prepare for the next day.
  • Hiking distance: 16 km
  • Camp altitude: 2,350 m a.s.l.
  • Climate: Warm during the day, cool at night.
  • Accommodation: Camping (tents)

The Embrace of the Jungle and the Hot Springs

  • 06:00 am | Breakfast: We start the day with a revitalizing breakfast.
  • Route: We will walk through an increasingly tropical landscape, surrounded by coffee, banana, cocoa, and exotic fruit plantations. The scent of the jungle will accompany us throughout the journey.
  • 12:00 pm | Arrival in Santa Teresa: We will arrive at the village of Santa Teresa, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch.
  • 02:00 pm | Hike to Hidroeléctrica: We will continue our hike, now following the train tracks, until we reach Hidroeléctrica. This section is flat and offers impressive views of the Urubamba River canyon.
  • 04:30 pm | Train to Aguas Calientes: At Hidroeléctrica, we will board a train that will take us on a short journey to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m a.s.l.), the town located at the foot of Machu Picchu.
  • Night in Aguas Calientes: We will check into our hotel. You will have the afternoon free to explore the picturesque town, have dinner on your own, and, if you wish, visit the hot springs to relax your muscles after four days of hiking (entrance not included).
  • Hiking distance: 18 km
  • Altitude of Aguas Calientes: 2,040 m a.s.l.
  • Climate: Warm and humid.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

The Encounter with the Sacred Citadel

Climate: Warm during the day, cool at night.

04:30 am | Ascent to Machu Picchu: After an early breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the bus station to ascend to the citadel of Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes.

06:00 am | Guided Visit to Machu Picchu: We will enter the citadel and begin a guided visit of approximately 2 hours. Our expert guide will reveal the secrets of this wonder of the world: its history, architecture, temples, and spiritual significance. We will explore the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the main ceremonial enclosures.

08:30 am | Free Time: After the guided visit, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own, take the definitive photographs, and absorb the mystical energy of the place. If you have booked it in advance (additional cost and subject to availability), you may ascend to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu for unforgettable panoramic views.

12:00 pm | Descent to Aguas Calientes: We will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes to have lunch (not included) and get ready for the return trip.

04:00 pm (approx.) | Return Train: We will board the return train to Ollantaytambo (the exact time will depend on ticket availability).

06:00 pm (approx.) | Arrival in Ollantaytambo and Transfer to Cusco: Upon arriving at the Ollantaytambo station, our Cusco Vibe team will be waiting for you to transfer you by private bus back to the city of Cusco.

09:00 pm (approx.) | Arrival in Cusco: We will arrive at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, thus concluding an unforgettable 5-day adventure.

Altitude of Machu Picchu: 2,430 m a.s.l.

Inclusions

Includes

  • Informative meeting: Detailed briefing 1 or 2 days before the tour to resolve all your questions.
  • Professional guides: Bilingual guides (Spanish/English) with extensive experience and knowledge of the route.
  • Porters: Support staff to transport camping and kitchen equipment (they do not carry your personal backpack).
  • Accommodation:
    • 01 night in Glass Accommodations (glamping) in Soraypampa.
    • 02 nights in a campsite (tents).
    • 01 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • Transportation:
    • Private transport Cusco – Soraypampa (Day 1).
    • Train Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes (Day 4).
    • Train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Day 5).
    • Private bus Ollantaytambo – Cusco (Day 5).
  • Camping equipment: Tents (2 people), sleeping mats, table and chairs for meals.
  • Meals: 04 breakfasts, 04 lunches, 03 dinners (during the trek). Note: Dinner on Day 4 and lunch on Day 5 in Aguas Calientes are not included.
  • Water: Drinking water during the hikes (excluding the first day of trekking, bring your own bottle).
  • Entrance fees: General entrance to Machu Picchu.
  • First aid services: First aid kit and portable oxygen throughout the excursion.
  • Additional extras: Coca tea every morning to help with altitude.
  • Satellite phones: Available for emergencies (for guide use only).
  • Permanent assistance and coordination by Cusco Vibe.

Does Not Include

  • Additional equipment rental: Trekking poles (you can rent from us), sleeping bag (necessary, you can rent it), inflatable mat (optional).
  • Ascent to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: Requires advance reservation and has an additional cost.
  • Daypacks (you must bring your own).
  • Headlamps (recommended for nights at the campsite).
  • Flights (international and domestic).
  • Tips for the guide, cooks, and porters (personal appreciation, optional).
  • Travel insurance (we recommend purchasing travel insurance from your home country that covers high-altitude trekking).
  • Meals not specified: Lunch on Day 5 in Aguas Calientes, dinners in Cusco, drinks during meals.
  • Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (optional, direct payment).

Recommendations

Recommendations for your trip:

To ensure your experience with Cusco Vibe is a complete success, we share these key recommendations:

Documentation and Money:

  • Documents: Bring your original passport (valid). If you are a student and booked with a discount, bring your valid international student ID (ISIC).
  • Cash: Bring soles or dollars in small denominations for personal expenses, handicraft purchases, tips, and the entrance to the hot springs (optional).

Personal Equipment (Essential):

  • Trekking backpack: Good capacity (40-50 liters) but as light as possible. Remember that you will carry your own backpack throughout the hike. Pack as light as possible.
  • Sleeping bag: Essential. Must withstand temperatures down to -5°C. If you do not have one, you can rent one from us.
  • Trekking poles: Highly recommended, especially for the ascent and descent of the Salkantay Pass. You can rent them from us.
  • Headlamp: Very useful for nights at the campsite and for early mornings.
  • Camelbak or water bottle: Capacity for at least 2-3 liters. Preferably reusable.

Clothing and Footwear:

  • Trekking boots: Waterproof, comfortable, with good traction (preferably already broken in to avoid blisters).
  • Layering system:
    • First layer (breathable): Long-sleeve thermal underwear and lightweight quick-drying pants.
    • Second layer (insulation): Fleece or wool jacket.
    • Third layer (protection): Windbreaker and waterproof jacket (poncho or down jacket).
  • Accessories: Wool hat for the cold, thermal gloves, scarf or fleece neck gaiter.
  • Sun protection: Wide-brimmed hat, UV-protection sunglasses, high-resistance sunscreen (50+ SPF), protective lip balm.

Hygiene and Health Items:

  • Personal hygiene kit: Toothbrush and toothpaste, biodegradable soap, quick-dry towel, toilet paper (bring enough), wet wipes.
  • Personal first aid kit: Personal medications, altitude sickness pills (“Soroche Pills”), pain relievers, blister bandages.
  • Insect repellent: Essential especially from Day 3 onwards.
  • Hand sanitizer: To maintain hygiene during the hike.

Other Useful Items:

  • Camera: With charged batteries and storage space.
  • Power bank: There will be no access to electricity during the camping days.
  • Earplugs: To ensure better rest during the night.
  • Ziploc bags: To protect documents and electronic equipment from moisture.
  • Small waste bag: To dispose of your trash and help keep the environment clean.

Physical Preparation and Health:

Backpack restriction in Machu Picchu: Remember that inside Machu Picchu, backpacks larger than 40 liters are not permitted (some sources indicate 25 liters). You must leave your large backpack at the hotel in Aguas Calientes and take only a small backpack for the visit.

Acclimatization: It is mandatory to have spent at least 2 full days in Cusco before starting the trek.

Physical condition: Do preparatory hikes beforehand. The Salkantay Trek is demanding due to the altitude and long distances.

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