Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu Tour by Inkas Destination Tour Operator

5 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

15 peopleMaximum group size

5 - 79 yearsAge range for participants

English, SpanishGuide language

4615mHighest point reached

Starts

Cusco, Peru

Ends

Cusco, Peru

Highlights

One of "the best 25 new treks in the world" by National Geographic

Salkantay is a majestic peak of over 6300 meters (20,000 feet!)

The trek combines hiking in the Andes with the cloud forest

Great views of Salkantay and other snow-capped mountains of the Vilcabamba Range

Itinerary

For adventurous souls craving an alternative to the Inca Trail, the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu offers five days of ever-changing ecosystems and cultural immersion. Traverse from snow-capped Andean peaks into lush tropical forests, encountering diverse wildlife, medicinal plants, and remote villages where ancient traditions still thrive. Each day reveals new vistas and unique experiences, culminating in the awe-inspiring arrival at Machu Picchu—a truly unforgettable finale. The trek’s unique selling point is its variety: from magical landscapes to living culture, this trip offers a rich, less-traveled path to one of the world’s great wonders, perfect for those seeking both adventure and authenticity.

day 1 - Cusco - Mollepata - Markokasa - Soraypampa

The 5-day Salkantay Trek begins with a 4:20 a.m. pick up from your hotel or hostel in Cusco. The day before, our guides will visit you at your hostel/hotel for a short briefing about the trek and confirm your location.

We begin the trek by traveling to Mollepata. This is a beautiful and scenic journey through Limatambo, stopping for panoramic views of the Apurimac valley. Arriving at Mollepata we will meet our porters and horses, here you can also have breakfast.

Mollepata is the official starting point of the trek where we will start our hike to Soraypampa 3,725 m. (12,221 ft.) After a 2 hour hike, we will have lunch among the beautiful scenery. After lunch, we will continue on our hike until arriving at Soraypampa 4 hours later. Here we make camp, have dinner and get a good nights rest.

Duration:6 hours

Accommodation: Camping

day 2 - Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huayracmachay - Collpampa

Today we will hike to the highest point of the trek at 4,650 m. (15,091 ft.) and get a beautiful view of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain and the peaks of Humantay and Tucarhuay. Once we arrive you will have time to appreciate the area and the views. The glacier of Salkantay is 6,271 meters above sea level. Depending on the weather, you could be able to see small avalanches on the mountain from a safe distance.

Afterwards, we will hike through some of the most spectacular scenery in Perú, walking across snowy high passes as we start descending into the cloud forest. We will hike past Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha. Here vegetation and wildlife will become more abundant and the weather milder. We reach our camp in the afternoon at Chaullay 2,900 m. (9,514 ft.). Here we will overnight and have dinner.

Duration:8 hours

Accommodation: Camping

day 3 - Collpapampa - Playa Sawayaco - Santa teresa

After breakfast, we depart Colpani around 6:30 a.m. We'll start the trek hiking through the upper jungle, crossing the Lluskamayo River and a variety of the little brooks. Here the weather is more enjoyable as you are in the high jungle. The day's hike is through valleys and you will have wonderful views of waterfalls, flora and fauna endemic to the region. The hike lasts for 4 hours before stopping for lunch.

We will stop in Playa (Sahuayaco) 2,250 m. (7,381 ft.) for lunch, and then we will continue our hike to Collpapampa to enjoy bathing at the hot springs. Afterwards we take a transport to Santa Teresa 1,900 m. (6,233 ft.) where we'll overnight.

Duration:7 hours

Accommodation: Camping

day 4 - Santa teresa - Hydroelectrica - Machu Picchu town

After breakfast we'll begin our hike through the Santa Teresa Valley to the hydroelectric station, here we will continue along the rail lines to the hydroelectric station. The hike lasts approximately 5 hours before we stop for lunch.

After lunch, we will continue our hike for 3 hours before arriving at Aguas Calientes. You also have the option of bypassing the hike by taking a train to Aguas Calientes for $30 (not included). At Aguas Calientes, your guide will take you to your hostel. You will overnight in Aguas Calientes, where you will have a group dinner and go over the following days' tour at Machu Picchu.

Duration:6 hours

Accommodation: Hostel

day 5 - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Very early (5:00 a.m.) we'll have our breakfast. Afterward, we'll begin our hike up to the Machu Picchu Citadel. There is also the option to take the bus up to the entrance if you would rather not hike ($12, optional) When you arrive at Machu Picchu you will be able to enjoy a sunrise over the ruins (weather permitting). You then will begin a 2-hour tour of Machu Picchu. After that, you'll have free time.

In the afternoon you can either hike down to Aguas Calientes or take the bus shuttle ($12, optional) where you will catch your train to Ollantaytambo, transferring to tourist bus to Cusco.

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What's Included

Hotel pickupTransfer to trek starting point1 night hostel accommodation in Aguas Calientes on the last nightGroup porters (to carry tents and food) and cookGroup horses (to carry 5 kg of personal gear)Waterproof tentsEquipment - safety gear for zip lines provided when booking optional excursion.English speaking guideMeals (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners)Guided Machu Picchu tourMachu Picchu general admissionReturn expedition train and bus transport to CuscoFirst aid & oxygen

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Highlights

Itinerary

day 1 - Cusco - Mollepata - Markokasa - Soraypampa

day 2 - Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huayracmachay - Collpampa

day 3 - Collpapampa - Playa Sawayaco - Santa teresa

day 4 - Santa teresa - Hydroelectrica - Machu Picchu town

day 5 - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

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What's Included

What's Excluded

Why book with BookMundi

Itinerary

day 1 - Cusco - Mollepata - Markokasa - Soraypampa

day 2 - Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huayracmachay - Collpampa

day 3 - Collpapampa - Playa Sawayaco - Santa teresa

day 4 - Santa teresa - Hydroelectrica - Machu Picchu town

day 5 - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Altitude Map

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