+51 971-569-997

+51 966-143-567

+51 966-151-637

ES

Español

a
a
M

Our Services

About Us

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

5 Days / 4 Nights

USA +1 757 744 4430

Peru +51 971 569 997

Messenger

ACTIVITIES

Hike, Camping

}

lENGTH

5 Days / 4 Nights

!

MAX. ALTITUDE

4,650 mts

LOCATION

Soraypampa, Machu Picchu, Cusco

Difficulty Level

Challenging

}

LENGTH

5 Days / 4 Nights

ActiviTIES

Hike, Camping

!

Max. HEIGHT

4,650 mts

LOCATION

Soraypampa, Machu Picchu, Cusco

Overview

The Salkantay 5 days and 4 nights experience promises an unparalleled adventure along a magical trail that begins at the base of an imposing snow-capped mountain and culminates in an astonishing encounter with one of the Wonders of the World, offering unparalleled panoramas of beauty along the way.

From the first day, this journey immerses you in a spectacular change of microclimates, full of varied flora and fauna, revealing that nature is a valuable refuge from routine and daily stress, providing you with a range of emotions.

This experience is designed for those with a suitable state of health for the challenges presented and can be undertaken individually, fostering encounters with new travel companions, as a couple to share these emotions, or in a group with friends and family, all willing to live an adventure that will leave an indelible mark on their memories.

Allow yourself to be inspired by the testimonials of travelers who, like you, were captivated by this experience.

Why book this tour?

  • Visit the magical Humantay Lagoon.
  • Overcome your limits and reach the top of the Salkantay Pass.
  • Enjoy the beautiful and relaxing hot springs.
  • Explore the beautiful Inca citadel and its surroundings.
  • Enjoy the magical train journey in its various classes.
  • Capture the best shots from the Guardian’s House.
  • Fall in love with Inca culture with its living history.
  • Taste and participate in the preparation of foods.
  • Be part of Responsible and Sustainable Tourism with us and leave a positive impact on every journey.

AT A GLANCE

Day 1: Cusco, Mollepata and Soraypampa

  • 04:30 – 08:30 Pick up from the hotel and start of the journey to the town of Mollepata.
  • 08:30 – 10:00 Free time for breakfast and a briefing with our guide.
  • 12:00 – 15:00 Arrival at Soraypampa where our support staff will set up camp (the domes) and we will start our hike towards the mysterious Humantay Lagoon at the base of the snow-capped mountain.
  • Upon returning from our hike, we will find that our chef has prepared an incredible lunch for us and we will have the afternoon free to enjoy the amazing scenery. In the evening, we will enjoy our dinner and spend the night at the campsite (the domes) which will be ready for us.
  • Night at the Campsite

Day 2: Soraypampa – Chaullay

  • 08:00 – 10:00 Start of the hike from our campsite to Salkantay Pampa.
  • 10:00 – 14:00 We begin the ascent to the Salkantay Pass, which is the highest point of our entire adventure.
  • We will have some free time to enjoy the place and take photographs of this magnificent location, then we will begin the descent to the first town where we will enjoy our lunch.
  • 14:00 – 17:00 We will continue our journey until we reach the town of Chaullay where we will spend the night in exclusive campsites.
  • Night at the Campsite

Day 3: Chaullay – Santa Teresa

  • 07:00 – 10:00 We start the journey from the campsite to the town of Sahuayaco.
  • 10:00 – 02:00 We will take our transport to reach Santa Teresa.
  • We will enjoy our free afternoon to explore the town visit the organic coffee farm, and spend the night at our campsite in Santa Teresa.
  • Night at the campsite

Day 4: Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes

  • 07:00 – 12:00 We start our hike from Santa Teresa to the hydroelectric plant.
  • 12:00 – 02:00 Adequate time to enjoy our lunch.
  • 02:00 – 05:00 We begin the hike along the railway track from the hydroelectric plant to the town of Aguas Calientes.
  • We will have the afternoon free to explore the city and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

  • Night at a Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco City

  • 07:00 – 08:00 Bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
  • 08:00 – 10:00 Guided tour of the main attractions within the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. (Schedule subject to changes according to the availability of Machu Picchu entrance times)

    Return the bus to Aguas Calientes and free time in Aguas Calientes for lunch, visit the town (on your own).

  • 04:12 – 06:10 Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
  • 06:10 – 08:00 Transfer from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
  • Night at a hotel in Cusco (Request your reservation with us)
DESCRIPTIVE OF THE PLACES TO VISIT

Our wonderful experience will allow us to visit magical and amazing places, this destination is currently considered one of the favorites to discover the mysterious Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The places we will visit on our trip are:

  • Humantay Lagoon: It is named Humantay because of its location at the base of the snow-capped mountain that bears this name. The formation of this lagoon is due to the thawing produced over the years and the peculiar coloration it has is produced by greenish microalgae possibly of the species Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria, mixed with the clarity of the water and the solar radiation produces the particular effect that attracts everyone’s attention.
  • Salkantay Pass: It is the highest point of our entire experience, located at 4650 meters above sea level. From this point, we have a privileged view of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain and its entire valley. Due to its altitude, it is natural for the climate to be extreme and icy due to the presence of snow-capped mountains. A tradition of walkers is the construction of apachetas in this place, which are superimposed stones one on top of the other as a symbol of respect for the mountains as the Incas did in ancient times.
  • Cocalmayo: Located next to the Urubamba River and a small mountain. It is a perfect place for all visitors who make the journey from Salkantay to have a well-deserved rest in these pools fed by natural hot springs surrounded by varied vegetation. We find 3 pools of different sizes with a temperature between 38 and 44 ºC. We also find cold showers with water from the Uripata lagoon, which is very refreshing.
  • Guardian’s House: This beautiful place is located in the highest area of the Inca citadel above the Agricultural area. Its function was to control access to the Inca city and review the entire agricultural and urban area. From here you can appreciate a panoramic view of the entire citadel and the entrance of the ancient Inca road. It has three walls: In the central wall, we find three large windows, which allow easy observation of the entrance to the Inca road and the Inca bridge, the only communication routes with the outside world. We can also see how the Incas covered the enclosures with a thatched roof.
  • Llacta Punku: It is the entrance to the urban sector, located limited by a deep excavation. This sector is located from the cemetery by a long staircase to the peripheral neighborhoods, it has a point system to hold a wooden door, in person and not as a restriction or security element since it is also possible to access the city by other paths.
  • Ceremonial Plaza: It is a set of enclosures built around a square courtyard, three polygonal walls can be seen, made with immense perfectly assembled lithic pieces. The presence of three windows and two niches on each side stands out. It is considered that probably the function of these windows was purely religious, along with this we can find a different enclosure called The House of the Priest.
  • Temple of the Sun (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm): The Temple of the Sun is a two-story building, with the first semi-subterranean and the second standing out for a beautiful semicircular wall with perfect finishes, known as the “Tower”. It was used for religious ceremonies, especially in June and December during the Solstices. The Tower has two trapezoidal windows, one facing the winter solstice on June 22 and the other towards the Sun Gate (Intipunku) for the summer solstice on December 22. In the center, there is a polished rock altar in the shape of a rock, used for ceremonies interpreting the path of the sun. The temple is built on a large rock that houses a small cave, possibly used as a mausoleum with niches for mallquis or venerated mummies.
  • Temple of the Three Windows: This enclosure has three polygonal walls, built with enormous perfectly assembled lithic pieces, highlighting 3 windows and 2 niches at each end. The function they had was magical-religious and not just aesthetic. It was Hiram Bingham who excavated the front of this temple finding a large amount of fractured pottery and highlighting the detail of the bases of this temple with a depth of more than three meters, here is also the possible symbolic figure of the carved llama head, this image is allegorical to the camelid for the importance it had as a pack animal, provider of meat and clothing to the Incas.
  • Main Temple: It has a finely polished structure with beautiful finishes, a precinct framed by only three walls, each of the large pieces has been carefully crafted. The central wall is 11 meters long. Behind the Main Temple is a precinct whose function was probably also religious use according to the records obtained and whose stones have nothing less than 32 angles which makes its meaning quite mysterious.
  • Intihuatana (7:00 am – 10:00 am): It is named in Quechua which translates means “Where the sun is tied”, it is an area that corresponds to one of the highest sectors of the Urban Zone. This is the most important area of Machu Picchu, at the top of this area, we can find a huge sculpture elaborated and carved with flat surfaces, a column of 66 cm. high, and with finely carved faces that complement the sculpture. The total space of the Intihuatana measures 8.60 meters and 1.76 meters.

Intihuatana is one of the most enigmatic objects in Machu Picchu, related to the sunrise and the mountains. The movement of the sun causes shadow projections at different times, which serve to recognize and interpret them at different times of the year.

  • Sacred Rock: It is a carved stone that resembles the silhouette of a mountain. It is located next to the control point to access Huayna Picchu Mountain, consisting of two huayrana-type environments (three-walled environments), with very high ceilings that are face to face forming a small almost square plaza. This rock has an important location, as it is on the path that leads to two very important enclosures such as Huayna Picchu and the Temple of the Moon.
  • Water Mirrors: Its name is related to the enclosure where they are found as well as the constructions in the place. It is a large sector, with a single access door, so it is attributed to be an Acllahuasi or House of Chosen Women who dedicated themselves to spinning, cooking, and preparing chicha or acja, for the privileged class. Possible functions attributed to this space are: In one of its rooms, you can see two outstanding circular rocks, which are shaped like mortars, probably used to grind grains or prepare dyes. It is also given the denomination of 2 water mirrors because in the rainy season, these collect water and allow the reflected stars to be seen.
  • Condor Temple (10:00 am – 1:00 pm): The set of constructions extends over a cave for ceremonial use and adapts to irregular shapes. The condor, revered in Inca times and associated with the mountain deity, plays a central role. The area is surrounded by staircases and elaborate walls, and its access is controlled by a double-jamb door that reflects the importance and activities of the place. In the central courtyard, a carved rock represents the head and part of the body of a condor. In the underground cave (Condor’s body), offerings, ceramics, and bone remains of camelids were found, corroborating its function as a ceremonial center for offerings
  • Water Sources: We can see a large staircase next to which runs a system of 16 waterfalls, most of them carefully carved in polygonal blocks and surrounded by channels made in the rock. The water comes from a spring in the heights of Machu Picchu mountain that was channeled in Inca times. A different canal at the top of the mountain also associates the mountain’s rainwater seepage and channels it to the main canal.

What’s included?

IncluDED

  • Transfer upon arrival. We pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel by private transport.
  • Personalized briefing The guide will explain everything you need to know and answer your questions. It is done the day before the start of the walk.
  • Transportation Cusco-Mollepata. On the morning of the beginning of the tour, we pick you up in private transport, with the presence of the guide. We will go from the city to the control point of the walk.
  • Entrance to Mollepata. It includes the entry ticket to this area, control station Salkantay Road.
  • Transportation to Soraypampa. This point is the beginning of the Salkantay route.
  • Experienced guide Professional bilingual specialized in Camino Salkantay, with official authorization.
  • First-aid Kit. First aid kit, oxygen tank.
  • Horsemen and horses. To move the kitchen equipment, and food.
  • Comfortable tents. They are of type 4 stations, in excellent condition. Tents for 2 people for 1 passenger and tents for 4 people for 2 passengers. Inflatable mats, waterproof with thermal insulation.
  • Complete dinnerware. Dishes, cups, glasses, cutlery, etc., all of reusable material (surgical steel). We contribute to reducing environmental pollution through disposable plastics.
  • Kitchen staff. Cooks specialists. For groups larger than 4 people, we will have an experienced kitchen assistant.
  • Foods. 04 breakfasts, 04 lunches, 03 dinners during the tour. We provide vegetarian, vegan, and other diets without additional cost, upon request during the reservation.
  • Tea upon awakening. Every day, we bring to your tent a delicious hot infusion.
  • Tea at sunset. Daily, arriving at the camp we offer you a relaxing herbal infusion, tea or coffee, accompanied by rolls, butter, and jam.
  • Assorted snacks We give them in a small cloth bag every morning: a fruit, an energetic bar or cookie, and sweets, so that it consumes them during the day.
  • 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes. For the night of the fourth day. It has a private bathroom, hot water, comfortable rooms, wifi, luggage storage, and breakfast the next day. Dinner that day is held in a restaurant and is included.
  • Bus Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu. Transportation from Aguas Calientes to the citadel.
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu. It includes the ticket to the citadel of Machu Picchu for the guided tour.
  • Private tour in Machu Picchu. The tour of the Inca citadel takes place privately, exclusively for the group.
  • Bus Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes. After finishing the tour, we return by private transport to the town of Aguas Calientes.
  • Lunch fifth day. We include this delicious lunch on the last day, in a restaurant associated with our agency. (Also in Aguas Calientes).
  • Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo Train. Return ticket from there to the Ollantaytambo station.
  • Transportation Ollantaytambo-Cusco. Private transfer from the train station to your hotel in the city of Cusco.
  • Transfer to your departure. Prior coordination of the date, we will take you in private transportation from your hotel to the airport.

At the client’s request is also included:

  • Bags (duffel bags). To carry your luggage.
  • Waterproof poncho. For protection against possible rain and wind.
  • Polar sheets. They adapt to your sleeping bag and are excellent for cold nights.

NoT IncluDeD

  • Airfare. Both international and national.
  • Travel insurance. You must have one, it greatly reduces your expenses in case of any unforeseen event.
  • Transport. From the Beach to the town of Santa Teresa.
  • First-day breakfast You must reserve it at your hotel early before we pick it up.
  • Sleeping bag. You must have one, that can resist up to -18 ° C. They are stuffed with feathers (we rent them at US $ 25.00).
  • Entrance to the thermal waters. Transportation and entrance tickets to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo and Aguas Calientes are not included.
  • Tips It is a tradition that, as a thank you, each group leaves a tip for all the field staff: guide, muleteers, cooks, and driver.
  • Entrance to the mountain Huayna Picchu. This walk should be reserved separately, at an additional cost, and well in advance. Read our article on this fascinating adventure: Huayna Picchu mountain tour.

FAQS

Is it necessary to hire the service with a travel agency?

While it is feasible to undertake the Salkantay trek without the assistance of a travel agency, it is not recommended to do so, as it requires solid physical preparation and presents stretches of high altitude, a factor that should not be underestimated. For this reason, having the guidance of an expert in the field and a travel agency like TOUR IN PERU that provides security and assistance during the tour and has extensive knowledge of the terrain can be extremely beneficial.

What is the difficulty level of the 5-day Salkantay tour?

The Salkantay tour is considered to be of moderate to high difficulty. Participants should be in good physical condition and accustomed to walking for long periods.

At what altitude is the Salkantay trek carried out?

The highest point of the journey is located at 4650 meters above sea level. It is essential, even for those in good physical condition, to spend at least two days in Cuzco before embarking on the route, allowing the body to acclimatize properly to the altitude. This precaution is of great importance.

What is the weather like during the trek?

The temperature along the Salkantay route exhibits considerable variations due to the different altitudes that are traversed. On the first day, temperatures can hover around 17°C, dropping to 0°C and even reaching -5°C during the winter. On the second day, temperatures become significantly warmer, emphasizing the importance of having suitable clothing to cope with a wide range of weather conditions.

What is the best travel season?

Cusco offers a variety of captivating climates at all times. Two seasons stand out:

    • – Dry season (April – October): Sunny and pleasant days without frequent rains, ideal for enjoying the scenery and a favorite choice of many travelers.
    • – Rainy season (November – March): Although rains are more common, the nature of the sanctuary and its surroundings take on a more vivid tone. Additionally, being less crowded, spaces are more available for us.

What to bring?

Clothes

Rain poncho, waterproof jacket, T-shirts, Woolen cap, sun hat, ear muffs, Trousers, shorts, swimsuit, Underwear, socks, Gloves, scarf, Sneakers, trekking shoes, sandals.

Health and Care

Sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repelent, sun hat, Small towel, Bottled water, Personal medication.

Useful Items

Passport, Cash in soles, Camera, charging cord, Extra batteries.

Tour Map

Book this Tour

Experiences that transcend​!

Personalized travel with purpose.

Awarded and recognized tour operator.

Promoters of responsible travel.

Greater experience for the client.

Expertise in the sector since 2009.

Professional specialized guides.

 

 

Testimonials for your inspiration

Travel confidently with TOUR IN PERU

Travel confidently with TOUR IN PERU

Related Tours

HIKE TO THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

Surprise yourself with an unparalleled destination: the one-day 7-Color Mountain Hike. Vinicunca Mountain offers you a dreamy landscape by having the seven colors of the rainbow stacked on top of each other.

SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS TOUR

The Sacred Valley of the Incas tour is a great option for people who want to enjoy the beauty of this wonderful Andean paradise. Explore the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, Pisac and much more.

MARAS & MORAY TOUR

The tour of the Maras salt mines and the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray is an ideal complement for your excursions to Machu Picchu. You will appreciate snow-capped mountains, cultivated fields and towns full of color and tradition.

These are not all our acknowledgments

but they add to the GUARANTEE OF OUR STANDARDS


How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 1

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

As you found this post useful...

Follow us on social media!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Pin It on Pinterest