Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu

5.0Based on

Carbon neutral

5 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

5 - 79 yearsAge range for participants

English, Japanese, Portuguese, SpanishGuide language

5000mHighest point reached

Starts

Cusco, Peru

Ends

Cusco, Peru

Highlights

Discover stunning mountains and steep peaks

Enjoy the best of natural beauty and wildlife

Visit Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas

Explore the Salkantay Circuit, one of the greatest attractions of Peru

Itinerary

Embark on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, a high-altitude journey that promises both adventure and breathtaking scenery. This tour introduces you to the majestic Apu Salkantay (6,271m), sacred to locals and surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba range. Traverse remote valleys, bathe in natural hot springs, spot condors and alpacas, and stroll through orchid-filled forests—all while sampling Peru’s famed coffee in Quillabamba. The trek culminates with awe-inspiring views of Machu Picchu, capping off an experience rich in both nature and culture. The USP? This tour delivers a lesser-traveled, spectacular alternative to the Inca Trail, ideal for those seeking an intimate connection with Peru’s wild beauty.

day 1 - Cuzco - Challacancha - Soroycocha

We leave the city of Cuzco en route to Mollepata, a town located at 2,803 m, and continue the journey on a packed dirt road until reaching Challacancha. Awaiting us there are the pack horses that will carry our baggage and their drivers. From here, we begin our ascent to Salcantaypampa, arriving first at Soroycocha (4,491 m), which is the campsite and where we catch our first glimpses of Mount Salkantay.

Accommodation: Hotel

day 2 - Soroycocha - Qollpapampa

We begin a long trek towards Qollpapampa, our second campsite. The first section leads us to the Salkantay Pass (4535 m), the highest point on the route, where the incredible views of glaciers hanging from the Vilcabamba Cordillera and south face of Mount Sakcantay will amaze us. Continuing onwards, we will reach our lunch site: Huayracmachay, and shortly thereafter descend to a cloud forest, following the Salcantay River.

Accommodation: Guest house

day 3 - Qollpapampa - Lucmabamba

We will continue descending along a narrow trail next to the Cachora River. We will soon take note of a change in the weather and the scenery: hotter, more humid, and greener. In the afternoon, we will continue trekking to Sahuayaco, a small community of 20 families, and set up camp rather close by at Lucmabamba.

Accommodation: Guest house

day 4 - Lucmabamba - Hydroelectric Plant - Machu Picchu

We will cross the river and ascend to the Q’elloqasa Lookout or Pass (2860 m), where we catch our first exceptional view of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, and partake of our last outdoor lunch on the trip.

Our next stop is Llactapata, a place with an amazing system of terraced hillsides. Afterwards, we continue our descent to the Aobamba River and stop at the Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Plant to board the train to the town of Aguas Calientes.

Accommodation: Guest house

day 5 - Machu Picchu - Cuzco

Today, we will catch the first bus to Machu Picchu, one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, and you will have free time to explore the complex. Then, it’s back to Aguas Calientes to re board the train that will take us to Ollantaytambo, where a bus awaits to transport you to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel

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What's Included

Pick-up from the hotel 30 minutes before the departure of Cusco.Private transfer to Mollepata, starting point of the tourProfessional Spanish and Inglés Guide.Entrance ticket to Salkantay Trail. Entrance to Machu Picchu Archaeological Sanctuary.Porters and horses to carry all the equipment, tents, food, cooking equipment, restaurants and tents, equipment passenger (6 kilos maximum)Permits and tickets for our porters and chefs.4 breakfasts, 4 snacks, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners. All These meals are prepared by our chef and his assistantCoca tea is served every morning in your tent.Boiled water after breakfast, to refill Their water bottles (one liter per person).Lunch with hot drinks like tea and coffee coke. Appetizers every morning or snacks.Oxygen and first aid kit.Vegetarian and special diets on request.All equipment, Including tents for personnel.2-hour guided tour in Machu Picchu.Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo and then a by bus to Cusco.Hotel 01 night in Aguas Calientes

What's Excluded

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Highlights

Itinerary