Epic Salkantay Journey, the Alternative Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 Days

Description

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is not merely a physical challenge; it is a transformative journey that takes trekkers through diverse landscapes, immerses them in local culture, and culminates in the awe-inspiring presence of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This 5-day adventure is a testament to the natural beauty and cultural richness of Peru, leaving participants with a profound sense of accomplishment and a deep appreciation for the wonders of the Andes.

Overview

Discover the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu is a 5-day adventure that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Peru. This trek is an excellent alternative to the classic Inca Trail, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion. The Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu allows you to experience the diverse ecosystems of the region, from high mountain passes to lush cloud forests, all leading to the majestic Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Start of the Salkantay Trek

Your Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu begins with a drive from Cusco to Mollepata, where the trek starts. On the first day, you’ll hike through picturesque valleys and enjoy views of the stunning Salkantay Mountain. The day ends at the Soraypampa campsite, where you’ll rest under the stars, surrounded by towering peaks.

Day 2: Challenging Ascent to Salkantay Pass

Day two of the Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu is the most challenging, as you ascend to the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,200 feet). The effort is rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After the pass, you’ll descend into the warmer, tropical zone of the Andean jungle.

Day 3: Descent into the Cloud Forest

On the third day of the Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu, the landscape changes dramatically as you descend into the cloud forest. Here, you’ll encounter a rich variety of flora and fauna, and pass by small villages where you can learn about local traditions and lifestyles. The day ends at the Lucmabamba campsite, nestled in the lush greenery of the cloud forest.

Day 4: Final Stretch to Aguas Calientes

The fourth day of the Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu takes you along the Inca trail to the archaeological site of Llactapata, which offers a unique view of Machu Picchu from a distance. After exploring Llactapata, you’ll continue your descent to the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

Day 5: Machu Picchu Tour

The final day of the Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu is dedicated to exploring the iconic Machu Picchu. An early morning bus ride takes you up to the citadel, where a guided tour will reveal the history and mysteries of this ancient Inca site. After the tour, you’ll return to Cusco, concluding your incredible 5-day adventure.

Why Choose the Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu for 2025?

The Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu is perfect for adventurers seeking a challenging and rewarding trek through some of Peru’s most stunning landscapes. With its combination of high mountain passes, cloud forests, and the ultimate destination of Machu Picchu, this trek offers an unforgettable experience.

Book the Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu for 2025 and embark on an epic 5-day journey through the heart of the Andes.

Itinerary

The Salkantay Trekking 5 days to Machu Picchu is one of the most spectacular treks you can do in all of South America.

If you are thinking of trekking to Machu Picchu and want to be away from it all, in the middle of the mountains, close to the Andean communities and appreciate the diverse nature of Peru, this is your ideal route. A 5-day guided trek, with which you will enjoy unique and diverse landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, Andean villages, tropical forests and even a dense jungle to finally get to know Machu Picchu like a real trekker.

The Salkantay trek is a trekking route that takes the visitor to the Inca City of Machu Picchu. The total trekking distance is approximately 70 kilometers (5 days of trekking).

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa.

We will depart very early, around 5.00 am. We pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco and drive to Mollepata, where we will make a short stop to buy breakfast and any personal supplies for the trek.

We will then drive to Cruzpata (3 400 m.s.n.m) where we will organize the horses (who will carry the supplies and backpacks).  From here we will start the hike – around 3 hours of walking and then a stop for lunch at Challabamba.

After lunch we walk around 4 hours more before the valley broadens and flattens out and the beautiful conical snow-capped peak of Nevado Salkantay comes into view.  Here at Soraypampa (4000m) we will have dinner and camp our first night.

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Maximum Altitude: 4100 masl/13.4312feet
  • Minimum Altitude: 2850 masl/9.3504feet
  • Distance Travelled: 10 km/6.200mile.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 2: Soyrococha – Huayraqmachay – Collpapampa

The second day after breakfast we climb to the highest point a pass  lose to Nevado Salkantay (4,600 meters) from this point we can see the snow-covered Salkantay, we also have a breathtaking view of the snowy mountains like Umantay and Huayanay.

Today is the hardest day Then descend for an approximate 2:30 pm to Huayraqmachay (3700 m) where we will have a delicious lunch and then continue down through the jungle for about 3 ½ hours of walking to our second camp called Collpapampa (2600 m).

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Maximum Altitude: 4650 masl/15.2559feet
  • Minimum Altitude: 2900 masl/9.5144feet
  • Distance Travelled: 21km/13.0488mile to Chaullay

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3: Collpapampa – Playa – Santa Teresa

After breakfast walk downhill Ceja de Selva for a period of 6 hours, where we will see along the way coffee, coca, fruit, etc. We will also have time to take pictures of small waterfalls, parrots, hummingbirds, orchids, bamboo and much more in the tropical forest, and if you can observe the famous national bird of Peru called “Cock of the Rocks”.

Then We have Lunch at a place called Playa (2250 m) and then continue the trek to Santa Teresa Town (1,700 m) where we camp.

  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Maximum Altitude: 2900 masl/9.5144feet
  • Minimum Altitude: 2100 masl/6.8898feet
  • Distance Travelled: Approx 27km/16.9419mile

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4: Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes.

After breakfast, we crossed the Upper Urubamba river and then walked to Hydroelectric train station (km 116) where we have lunch. Then continue with the walk for a period of 3 hours to reach Aguas Calientes (2000 m).Overnight in a hostel (based on double occupancy).

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

DAY 5: Machu picchu – Cusco

After an early breakfast we head to the bus station where we boarded the first bus to Machu Picchu, where we have a guided tour for 3 hours aprox. Having free time to explore the archaeological site.

Alternatively you can visit the mountain Huayna Picchu, Temple of the Moon and sun door (Intipunku).

Then return by bus to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Cusco.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Important:

  • If you wish to enter Wayna Picchu, you must pay $ 20 (twenty dollars)
  • All buses from the Inca Trail leave passengers at Plaza San Francisco, you must return on your own to your hotel.
  • Departure: 5.00 am, pick up from your accommodation the first day.
  • Return: about 8:30 p.m. on the fourth day

Includes

Salkantay Trek Include

  • Prívate Transportation: Cusco – Mollepata
  • Train: Aguas Calientes – Cusco-backpacker train – if you want another kind of train let us know in advance Reunión
  • informativa 1 día antes previa al viaje en nuestras oficinas.
  • Entry: Machu Picchu – adult If students have the ISIC card and CARD, let us know ahead of time to apply the relevant discount.
  • Bus: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
  • Bus: Playa – Santa Teresa
  • Hotel: Acomodación doble en Aguas Calientes (Cuarto día- habitaciones dobles).
  • Briefing prior 1 day prior to the trip in our offices.
  • Hotel: double accommodation in Aguas Calientes (Day Four- doble room).
  • Professional bilingual guide (English / Spanish).
  • Assistant Guide: From 12 people.
  • Cook: In charge of food preparation.
  • Carriers: Responsible for the management of horses and camping equipment. Horses: Carry tents, food, cooking equipment, backpacks, sleeping bags and matrass (8 kg/17 lbs per person).
  • Meals: 4 Breakfasts / 4 Lunches / 4 Dinners and snacks.
  • Equipment: Double tents, matrass, dining tent, toilet tent, kitchen tent, chairs, tables and first aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.

Not Include

  • Breakfast and lunch the first day last day.li>
  • Drinks.
  • Sleeping bag.
  • Tips for guides, porters and cooks.

Recommendations

Recomended

  • Sleeping bag
  • Flashlight, and batteries, pocket knife, matches
  • Repellent.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Toilet paper.
  • Plastic bags (to protect cameras and littering).
  • Water purifying tablets.
  • Waterproof jacket.
  • 4 poles.
  • A long trousers.
  • A pair of shorts.
  • Several pairs of socks.
  • Rain coat.
  • Slippers or sandals to rest your feet in the camp.
  • A hat.
  • Swimsuit (hot springs)

Price

The cost of this Tour is expressed in American dollars and is per person, the cost will depend on the hotel accommodation you choose, we work with hotels from 2** to 5**** stars, it will also depend on the type of room required : single (1 person), double (2 people) and triple (3 people). You can request the list of hotels we work with for your choice.

Important – In the months of January – April the services of the companies Inka Rail and Peru Rail leave and arrive at the stations of Ollantaytambo or Pachar (2 hours from the city of Cusco). – The prices of our Tours include transfers to these stations

Discounts: Our packages Perú Travel Salkantay Trek to Macchupicchu 5 Days 4 nights from 3 people have a special discount for all our tour packages.

Galería

  • Salkantay Trek a Macchupicchu 5 Días
  • Termos e Condições
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