The Savage Mountain Trail to Machu Picchu
After spending some time in the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, join us on the Classic Salkantay Trek to the World Wonder of Machu Picchu. The best alternative route to the Inca citadel will take you to the stunning Humantay Lake, the imposing Salkantay Mountain, the fascinating cloud forest, and then to the edge of the Peruvian jungle.
You’ll spend each night in comfortable accommodation and enjoy some of the tastiest food around - in the middle of the mountains! Experienced guides will be with you all the way to teach you about the history and nature of the region. Enjoy this route in comfort and great company.
The Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Map
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Before You Go
- Packing List
- Accommodation
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
If you love adventure and enjoy some of the best trekking routes in the world, our Classic Salkantay Trek 5 Days is for you. It combines the most exciting trekking trails with the most incredible scenery imaginable. Join us on your own, in a couple, or as part of a group.
Expect to pass through snowy mountaintops before heading down through the cloud forest. You’ll end up hiking through the lush Peruvian jungle as you get closer and closer to the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu. The drastic change in climate and surroundings makes this exciting trek so unique.
Not only will the scenery envelop you, but you’ll also see wonderful destinations on many travelers’ bucket lists. On day 1, you’ll trek up to the stunning Humantay Lake, which sits like a blue gem amidst the snowy backdrop. The next day, we’ll embark on the challenging trail to the Salkantay Pass to see the majestic Salkantay Mountain. On day 4, you’ll visit the fascinating Inca archaeological site of Llactapata and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
As if that wasn't enough to get your heartbeat racing, what better way to end the ultimate trip than with a visit to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of about two hours before climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain and contemplating a panoramic view of the Citadel. You’ll feel like you’re flying high like a condor and transport back in time hundreds of years to imagine what life was like back then. Don’t miss out on our Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day 01
Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Sky Camp
This morning, hike to Soraypampa and enjoy a delicious lunch; in the afternoon, we’ll hike up to Humantay Lake. Spend the night in our Sky Camp at Soraypampa.
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Day 02
Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huayracmachay - Chaullay - Collpapampa (Mountain Sky View)
Today, you’ll tackle the trek's highest point, the Salkantay Pass, and admire the Salkantay Mountain before descending through the Cloud Forest. You’ll spend the night at our exclusive Mountain Sky View in Collpapampa.
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Day 03
Collpapampa - La Playa - Lucmabamba - Jungle Domes
Enjoy the day walking through the lush jungle and visiting an organic coffee farm. Tonight you’ll sleep surrounded by nature in our exclusive Jungle Domes.
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Day 04
Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Aobamba - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
In the morning, you’ll hike to the Inca archaeological site of Llactapata and appreciate Machu Picchu for the first time before heading to Aguas Calientes to rest in a comfortable hotel.
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Day 05
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
It’s the big day! You’ll spend the morning exploring Machu Picchu before returning to Aguas Calientes. Then, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo, and our private transportation will take you back to Cusco.
What's it like
Highlights
- The Salkantay Trek is considered one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.
- Enjoy one of the very best trekking adventures you’ll find in Peru and South America.
- Besides the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular treks to Machu Picchu and is less frequented by tourists.
- Visit stunning locations like Humantay Lake and the glorious Salkantay Mountain.
- Witness incredible scenery like cascades, waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, colorful valleys, unique plants and wildlife, and the cloud forest.
- Hike alongside the magnificent Salkantay glacier.
- Exploring the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the greatest experiences in the world.
Why Travel with us
Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Sky Camp
Highlight of the day: Get ready for one of the most incredible views you will ever have: the glorious and spectacular Humantay Lake.
Hike to the Jewel in the Mountains
After an early wake-up, you’ll head to Mollepata to enjoy an optional breakfast before continuing to Challacancha, where you’ll begin today’s exciting hike. The morning walk will take around 3 hours and lead you to Soraypampa, your first accommodation, where you’ll stay in our unique Sky Camp.
After an energizing lunch and a well-deserved rest, we will ascend to the impressive jewel of the mountain, the Humantay Lake; it is a three-hour round trip before descending for a tasty dinner and a well-deserved sleep.
You’ll be up nice and early today to be ready for us to pick you up around 4:00 a.m. You’ll travel in our comfy transportation with blankets to enjoy a bit more sleep on the drive. After 2 hours, we’ll enjoy a brief stop in Mollepata for an optional breakfast. We’ll then continue to Challacancha, where we’ll start our hike.
First, you’ll meet the cooks and horsemen and do a last equipment check. Then, we’ll be on our way. You’ll start with a 3-hour moderate walk to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where we’ll be spending our first night. The first section is relatively flat, with a slight uphill through a deep valley of glaciers. You’ll notice that much of the trail follows a restored Inca water channel, which local farmers still use today. This section is 7 km / 4.35 mi overall.
Once in Soraypampa, you’ll get settled in at our exclusive Sky Camp, where you’ll sleep this evening. You’ll have time to rest after enjoying your first lunch in the mountains. Feeling refreshed, it’ll be time to start the hike up to the incredibly beautiful Humantay Lake (4,200 m /13,780 ft).
This round trip takes about 3 hours and covers 3 km / 1.86 mi. It’s not far, but you need to take things slowly at this altitude. You’ll have some time to enjoy the fantastic scenery once you get to the lake. There aren’t many places in the Andes quite as stunning as the turquoise waters glistening against the Humantay glacier. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale!
Back at camp, you’ll enjoy a delicious and well-deserved dinner with a beautiful sunset in your company. You can’t describe the energy here, but you’ll feel its peacefulness for yourself once here. Then, it’ll be time to turn into your Sky Camp igloo. From the glass roof, you’ll be able to enjoy a night under the stars, constellations, and comets and wake up to see the Apu Salkantay watching over you.
Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huayracmachay - Chaullay - Collpapampa (Mountain Sky View)
Highlight of the day: Witnessing the energy and hugely powerful gigantic Salkantay Mountain.
The Stunning Salkantay Pass and Descent to the Amazon Jungle
Today is the most challenging, but the reward will be great as you will get fantastic views of wonderful landscapes. After tasting our breakfast, we will hike for approximately three hours to the Salkantay pass, where we will spend time taking pictures of the incredible panorama. Afterward, we will descend through the cloud forest to the lunch spot before continuing to the jungle's edge amidst exotic scenery. Finally, we will arrive at the exclusive Mountain Sky View Campsite in Collpapampa for the night.
In the morning, you will wake up with the day's first rays and see the Apu Salkantay while enjoying an energizing coca tea. Afterward, you will have a nutritious breakfast before embarking on the 7 km trek for approximately three hours to the highest point of the route, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). It is a difficult ascent along the "path of the 7 snakes" because of its winding path.
Once at the top, you will appreciate the most magnificent view over the surrounding valleys and the Salkantay mountain right in front of you (6,271 m / 20,574 ft). It boasts the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region, and it’s considered an Apu (Inca God). You will also be able to observe the mountains: Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. After enjoying the views and rest, you will start descending (7 km / 4.35 mi) to our lunch point at Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). This section is rocky and steep but has impressive views of the surrounding valley.
After a revitalizing lunch, you will enter the edge of the rainforest, also known as the "cloud forest." This section has a distance of 9.5 km / 5.9 mi and lasts approximately three hours. Along the way, you will enjoy the verdant rainforest and witness how the scenery changes rapidly and drastically from the Andes to the Amazon. You will observe colorful landscapes, unique fauna, and native plants and feel the warmer climate.
After a long day of hiking, you will be glad to arrive at Collpapampa for the night. Finally, we will serve you a hearty meal before resting at our exclusive Mountain Sky View Campsite.
Collpapampa - La Playa - Lucmabamba - Jungle Domes
Highlight of the day: Explore the lush jungle and learn all about coffee and the process in the plantations. The aroma in the air is heavenly.
Jungle Adventure and Coffee Experience
Your adventure continues today by hiking through the jungle of the Santa Teresa Valley, where you’ll observe a lush landscape of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and many plantations, including bananas, coffee, and avocado. You’ll get to our Jungle Domes camp at lunchtime for a rest before enjoying a free afternoon to explore your surroundings and visit an organic coffee farm. You’ll get a good night’s rest this evening, listening to the sounds of nature all around.
Today you’ll be woken at 6:00 a.m. for your tea and breakfast before leaving the campsite. Our first destination will be La Playa, walking through the Santa Teresa Valley. You’ll enjoy a more leisurely walk today with more downs than ups as you soak in the lush landscape of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and many plantations, including banana, coffee, and avocado.
We’ll pass through a small village called Collpapampa, and after, descend through a valley where you’ll observe waterfalls, birds, hot springs, fruit trees, and plenty of flora and fauna. You might be lucky enough to see the national bird of Peru, the ‘Cock of the Rock.’
In La Playa, we’ll devour a tasty lunch before we head to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft), just another hour away. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the tropical surroundings and visit an organic coffee farm, especially perfect for those who are coffee lovers. Even if you are not a fan of a cup of coffee, the smell in the air is delicious. This is the primary agricultural industry in the jungle that exports products to the United States, Asia, and Europe. You will also visit avocado and orange plantations.
After dinner, of course, you will go to bed for the night in one of our exclusive camps, Jungle Domes. While resting, you can listen to the different sounds of nature and feel in harmony with Mother Earth.
Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Aobamba - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
Highlight of the day: Visit the fascinating Inca archaeological site of Llactapata. Get your camera ready for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu!
Enjoy Your First Glance of Machu Picchu from Llactapata
Today things get more exciting as you hike along a part of the original Inca Trail. You’ll walk up for 2 hours to an Inca archaeological site called Llactapata. You’ll learn all about the history and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu! You’ll walk downhill to lunch before making your way to Hidroeléctrica.
From here, you can continue walking to Aguas Calientes for around 3 hours or board a train for an extra US$ 37.00. Tonight, you’ll be dining in a restaurant and sleeping in a hotel before the big day tomorrow.
You’ll be eager to put on your hiking boots for your last day of trekking after you’ve filled up on fuel at breakfast. This morning, you’ll be able to walk along a bit of the original, world-famous Inca Trail! After a 2-hour uphill climb and fascinating views over the Santa Teresa Valley, you’ll reach Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), an Inca archaeological site right in front of Machu Picchu.
Llactapata is the first Inca site you’ll see on the trek, and you’ll learn all about the mysteries of this ancient culture and the extraordinary site. You even get to have your first exciting glance at Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu from here. Your guide will fill you in on all the history of the Incas while you take all the photos you want to share your fantastic experiences with friends and family back home.
Afterward, you’ll walk downhill for 1:30 hours, getting another couple of peeks at the Inca citadel, Machu Picchu, along the way - only making your anticipation for tomorrow stronger. We stop for lunch in Aobamba before we continue, for a half-hour, to Hidroeléctrica (1,800 m / 5,906 ft). One of the most impressive sites in this section is the 250-meter-tall artificial waterfall, which generates electricity for the entire city of Cusco.
Once in Hidroelectrica, you have two options: 1) If you’re tired out after all the trekking, you can opt to board a train to Aguas Calientes (not included). If you want to enjoy the last stretch of the trek, you can take the flat walk along the side of the tracks to Aguas Calientes, which takes around 3 hours. It’ll be one more chance to embrace the warm jungle surroundings as you hike.
Along the way, you’ll see Intihuatana, an ancient rock the Incas used as a sundial, which worked together with the sundial stone at Machu Picchu. These were used to measure and read the winter solstice, meaning the beginning of the farming season for the Incas. Next, you’ll reach the train tracks that lead to Aguas Calientes. Once in the small town, you’ll enjoy dinner at a restaurant and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
Note: During the rainy season, and for safety reasons, the hike up the Llactapata Trail isn’t 100% guaranteed. When there’s frequent heavy rain, this trail can become very dangerous.
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Highlight of the day: Get ready for the experience of a lifetime that will allow you to travel back in time to one of the Seven Wonders of the World: The magnificent Machu Picchu.
Tour of the Incredible Incan Citadel: Machu Picchu
Today is the day you have been waiting for. You’ll finally visit one of the seven wonders of the modern world, Machu Picchu. After an early start to the day, you’ll head to the citadel to avoid the crowds. Once there, you’ll have an approximately two-hour guided tour and learn everything you need to know about the site while appreciating the wonderful scenery.
Afterward, you can climb an additional mountain if you booked your ticket in advance. You’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and board your train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco. It’s now time to rest after an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Today’s the day you’ve been waiting since you first set foot on the trail. You’ll finally visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site – Machu Picchu! You’ll need to be up early today to make sure you beat the crowds and enjoy the serenity of the site in the early morning light.
Once in the Inca citadel, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours through the most relevant sectors of this incredible ancient site. You’ll see houses, temples, terraces, and crop fields, among others. You will be impressed by the intelligence of the Incas in terms of engineering work, which was way ahead of its time and remains a mystery in many aspects.
The Incas did not have the tools we use today, but they could still build and organize their community on the side of a mountain and even create a water system with aqueducts and canals.
Bonus Fact: When a Peruvian guide showed this site to Hiram Bingham, it was almost unrecognizable, covered in thick vegetation and disrepair. It’s since been cleaned and restored and is now protected and treasured by people from every corner of the globe.
After your tour, you can choose to go to Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,000 m / 9,843 ft); these tours will take you 2 and 3 hours up and down, respectively (tickets must be booked in advance).
Make sure you’re back in Aguas Calientes for a spot of lunch before boarding your train to Ollantaytambo, which leaves at approximately 2:55 pm (subject to availability). Our private bus will collect you from the next station and drive you back to your hotel in Cusco at around 8 pm. You can now put your feet up and enjoy much-needed rest; however, your heart will still beat the Andes rhythm for many weeks, months, and years to come!
At Salkantay Trekking, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
What Is Included?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Entrance to the Salkantay Sanctuary
Entry to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site
Circuit 2
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure Briefing - The day before the trip, at 5:00 pm you will meet your trekking guide.
You’ll meet your trekking guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. There, we’ll provide you with the duffle bags, which our horses will carry. The meeting will be at 5:00 pm the evening before the trip begins.
Experienced Tour Guide - All our guides have professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness and passion, which will make your trip safe and comfortable.
English and spanish speaking official tour guide. All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. We choose them for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and sincere desire to proudly share in our culture and history. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time worry-free!
Private Camping Equipment - We have dining rooms at each campsite.
We have dining rooms, tables, chairs, and a kitchen at each campsite. In addition, all our equipment, like cooking equipment, will be carried by our horses.
One Duffle Bag
On the trek, you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7 kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
Medical Kit or First AID Kit - Our guides are trained to deal with basic emergencies.
All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers' diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
Extras Included in our Service - You’ll receive a cover to protect your backpack on the road and a rain poncho.
We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your backpack on the road and a rain poncho.
24/7 Customer Service - We have 24 hours a day telephone service.
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Salkantay Trekking leading up to your trek.
Satellite Phone - Each of our guides has a satellite phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to call anywhere in the world in case of emergency.
Our main priority will always be the tranquillity of our clients. All of our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains; however, being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps you feel more secure. For this reason, each Salkantay Trekking guide has a satellite phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to call anywhere in the world in case of an emergency.
Accommodation
Personal Accommodation in Private Campsites
Like our ancestors, we’re very considerate of the Pachamama (Mother Earth). For this reason, our campsites and lodges are adapted to the environment to avoid generating negative impacts.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
You will spend the last night of the trek in a comfortable hotel at Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage, while you visit Machu Picchu.
- *Accommodation is in double, twin, and triple rooms.
Meals
5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 4 Dinners - We are mindful of everyone's diet, so let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
Our chef prepares the most amazing dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), so let us know if you have any particular allergies or restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.
Water on the trail - You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle for us to give you boiled, filtered and refrigerated water.
We’ll provide you boiled, filtered, and cooled water during your hike, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. For this, you need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 liters).
Wake up tea - Every morning at campig we will provide you with hot coca tea.
Every morning at the campsite, you'll be woken up with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
Tea Time or Happy Hour - Every evening, before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, cookies, coffee, tea, hot water, etc.
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you popcorn, biscuits/cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won't have to wait until dinner to relax, warm-up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
Snacks on the trail daily - You will receive a bag with cookies, fruit and more, to be refilled each morning.
Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.
One cloth snack bag per person
To avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we'll give you a cloth bag for your snacks.
Transportation
Transfers - On day 1 we will take you from your hotel to Challacancha, day 5 from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
- Day 1: You'll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel in our transportation to Challacancha, the trek’s starting point.
- Day 5: One-Way Bus Ticket from Agus Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Day 5: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 5)
PeruRail Expedition Service
Personal Belongings Transportation - The first 3 days your camping equipment will be transported by pack mules and on day 4 your duffle bag will be transported by car and train.
- On day 1, 2 and 3, cargo mules carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb).
- On day 4, your duffle bag will be transported by car and train.
What Is Not Included?
Sleeping Bag - If you do not have your own, you can rent one from us at $25.00 per person.
You can rent one from our company if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
- US$ 25.00 per person
Walking Sticks - You can rent Walking Sticks in our company at $25.00 per person.
Walking Sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can rent a set from our company if you’d like.
- US$ 25.00 per person
Huayna Picchu Mountain - If you want to visit this famous mountain it has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person (remember to book at least one month in advance).
You can climb the famous mountain you always see in the photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s 45 minutes uphill, and coming back down can be scary if you fear heights. You can take this excursion once your guided tour to Machu Picchu ends. The permit must be issued at least one month in advance due to high demand. Consider that there could be changes to protect your integrity, mainly due to weather conditions.
- The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
Machu Picchu Mountain- If you want to visit this famous mountain it has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person (remember to book at least one month in advance).
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains that surround the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider, and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can secure for you if we have time in advance.
- The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Dinner in Cusco (Day 5)
Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Day 4)
In case you feel exhausted or in bad condition after the trek from Lucmabamba to Hidroelectrica, you can take the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes.
- US$ 37.00 per person
Personal Hiking Clothing and Gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Tipping is the norm on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do. Typically, group participants collect their tips to hand out to the horsemen and chefs together.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Salkantay Trekking in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
Is it for me?
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail trek and better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances. Ascending to reach the famous Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) isn’t too strenuous nor very steep since it’s at the beginning of the trek. Still, it does require stamina and a little time in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before beginning the trek.
How many days do I need to acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?
It is very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before exerting yourself on a trek. We do recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek starts to help you become acclimatized and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while on the trek.
Suppose you have already been in another area of Peru at a high altitude before arriving in Cusco. In that case, we still recommend you have a whole day in Cusco to rest, recover from your travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before departing for the trek.
Here some suggestions for activities to do in the Cusco vicinity before starting your adventure trek:
Briefing or Informative Meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held in our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate another time by email, by phone or at the Salkantay Trekking office.
Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)
If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it 2 days before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, it would be greatly appreciated if you could settle the remaining balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or the local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw funds from various ATMs located along Avenida Sol, offering both US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Alternatively, you have the option to pay using a credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler's checks as forms of payment for the balance.
Duffel Bag or Canvas Case
You’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. Our horses will carry them, and the horsemen will hand them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 7 kg / 15.4 lb is allowed for each duffel bag, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes, and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of guests
Please note:
- All pickups are within Cusco City, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center for its convenient location.
- Our guide or staff will confirm the pickup time the day before the tour.
- Due to traffic conditions, the pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes.
- Cusco is an old city and has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets without car access or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. For such reasons, we strongly advise you to book accommodation with good access.
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
Returning from Machu Picchu requires quite a bit of logistics, but don’t worry. Everything is included in your tour!
- In Machu Picchu, you’ll board a bus that’ll take you for 25 minutes to the small city of Aguas Calientes. The buses are boarded according to arrival.
- In Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo. Your guide will give you the train tickets where the boarding time will be shown. Make sure you’re on the platform 30 minutes early. The train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes 1:45 hours.
- Once you arrive at the station, our representative, identified with the Salkantay Trekking clothing, will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco or directly to your hotel. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes 1:30 hours.
- In Cusco, depending on your hotel’s location, we’ll take you to a smaller car from our company (Hyundai H1) to transfer you faster to your hotel.
Note: Your tour includes a One-Way Consettur Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a round-trip bus ticket, you’ll need to pay an extra of US$ 12.00.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, tents or restaurants. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
ESSENTIAL
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
Private & Exclusive Campsites
Sky Camp
Our incredible Sky Camp is located in front of the impressive mountains Humantay and Salkantay. This campsite allows for the perfect union of sky and earth. It allows you to sleep calmly under a deep, blue sky starred with an exceptional view of the constellations. At the same time, you can enjoy all the comforts of a first-class vacation home.
- Location: Soraypampa
- Altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
- Igloos: 26
- Capacity: 2 people per Igloo
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Mountain Sky View
Our campsite Mountain Sky View is a warm mountain accommodation and our novelty this year, and it’s with great pleasure that we prepared this place for all those looking for a glamping experience surrounded by nature. Each one of its individual Andean Sky Huts counts with a private bath besides spectacular tropical mountain views. You’ll find peace under the shining stars listening to the voices of wildlife and the whispers of the river in the valley.
- Location: Collpapampa
- Altitude: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
- Cabins: 10
- Capacity: 2 people per Sky Hut
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Jungle Domes
From the comfort of our domes, you can be in intimate contact with the surrounding nature, hearing the wind or the rain or gazing at the stars through the central dome from your comfortable bed. The conceptual design of our domes invites you to see one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world from your window.
- Location: Lucmabamba
- Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
- Domes: 16
- Capacity: 2 people per Dome
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Selected Hotels
We offer a set of well located hotels with very comfortable and tasteful decorated rooms. You will find them impecable, clean rooms and beds, adequate toilets and showers. A perfect place to rest before the great day!
- Location: Aguas Calientes
- Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
- Type: Double, Matrimonial, and Triple
- Meals: Breakfast
"The Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu" can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We don’t operate this itinerary in February because of the rainy season & maintenance of the route.
Price 2024
Group Price: US$ 550.00 per person
Required Pre-payment: US$ 200.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): US$ 350.00 (Typically paid in Cusco two days before the start of your expedition)
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Please note that PayPal and our credit/debit card payment gateway, Niubiz, charge a 5% processing fee for online deposits. We kindly request that our clients cover this fee, as it is necessary to use their secure service. Please be aware that this fee only applies to online deposits. If you choose to pay the full amount or remaining balance in cash, there will be no additional charges.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
All the related treks to Machu Picchu end in or before Aguas Calientes, so you’ll spend the last night in a hotel in the town rather than camping (including a shared room in a standard 3-star hotel). If you need a hotel upgrade or prefer a single room, you can pay an extra fee. Please enquire for more details.
Add-ons & Upgrades
Complementary services and upgrades you can include in this trip:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: US$ 60.00
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$ 60.00
- Huchuy Picchu Mountain: US$ 45.00
- Single Supplement (Hotel at Aguas Calientes): US$ 30.00
- Extra Night at Aguas Calientes: US$ 50.00
- Vistadome Train (Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo): US$ 70.00
Extensions & Deals
There are several extensions you can include to your Peru Adventure.
- Cusco City Tour: US$ 50.00 US$ 40.00
- Sacred Valley: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Moray & Maras Salt Mines: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Waqrapukara Tour: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Ausangate Seven Lakes: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Queswachaka Inca Bridge: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
Extra Equipment
Additional items you can rent for this trip:
- Sleeping bag:: US$ 25.00
- Trekking poles (pair): US$ 25.00
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Student Discount
US$20.00 off
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of the passport at the time of booking. It must be valid and not expire within the travel dates. Please send it to info@salkantaytrekking.com.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Salkantay Trekking. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. The Salkantay Trekking Company will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 958 191 179 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
Note | Due to the rainy season and trail maintenance, we don't offer this trek during the whole month of february. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, we are working to provide you a better service!
Feel free to reach us via email at info@salkantaytrekking.com or by calling us directly at (+51) 958 191 179
Every Day: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Triunfo Street 346 - Main Square of Cusco, Peru
