Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
4/5
4600 MASL / 15190 FT
SALKANTAY AND MACHU PICCHU
387 Review
from $830.00
Salkantay Inca Trail Trek 7 Days
This trek takes 7 days/6 nights and ends in Machu Picchu.
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS Multi Day Hike
23 reviews
Salkantay Inca Trail Trek 7 Days
This trek takes 7 days/6 nights and ends in Machu Picchu.
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS Multi Day Hike
23 reviews
Altitude
4600 MASL / 15190 FT
Departure
CUSCO
Physical Level
4/5
Duration
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS
Group Size
8 PER GROUP
Seasson
MARCH TO DECEMBER
Accomodation
CAMP / HOTEL
Trip Style
HIKING
Overview
Salkantay Machu Picchu trek begins in Mollepata, above the Apurimac (Also called «Apu Rimac») River, and crosses the impressionist mountains to Machu Picchu, above the Urubamba River. We pass under the shadow of Salkantay Mountain, The god or Apu of the mountain ranges where the Incas gave offerings as gratitude.
Itinerary
Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha
We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am; we will drive to the Mollepata location to begin the journey. By car, we pass the towns of Anta Plains (Izcuchaca, Zurite, Ancahuasi) and then enter the Limatambo Valley, where we can appreciate the ruins of Tarawa. In Mollepata, we begin the hike, and later we will camp in Challacancha.
You will appreciate the fantastic views of the Andes, with the exuberant valley full of vegetation and some beautiful waterfalls. This hike will have some difficulty; it will be a long day in Canada. There will be a slight uphill climb until lunch, which lasts approximately three and a half hours. After lunch, the walk will be less inclined and easier to walk. The views along the way change drastically. The beginning of the trail is full of lush vegetation; in the afternoon, you will be right at the foot of the snowy mountain of Humantay. You will also experience a significant temperature drop from hot to cold. Be sure to bring a warm jacket and gloves in your day pack, and for the afternoon, it will be somewhat chilly. Upon arrival at the Soyapamapa camp (3,800 m), you will be greeted by your team, and where they will provide you with hot drinks and dinner.
And then, we will enter Valle de Limatambo, where we can appreciate the queens of Tarawa.
In the town of Mollepata, there is a hike, and then we will camp in the city of Challacancha and then arrive at Markokasa camp.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum Altitude:3980 meters
- Minimum Altitude: 3200 meters
Challacancha – Soraypampa
In the morning, we will start the day with hot drinks and breakfast; after stopping, we will show you the cold microclimate, and incredible views of the glaciers considered the highest peaks of Cusco. The first hours of the day will be seeing the most beautiful blue lake located at the bottom of the Humantay glacier mountain.
It is believed that the Incas celebrated ceremonies for their water god and APUS; Then, we return to the main path where we will have lunch in Salkantay Pampa. At this moment, we will leave for Humantay Peak and enjoy the views of the impressive Salkantay Mountain (6215m); we will arrive around 1 in the afternoon and enjoy lunch after two hours, we will walk Until our second camp in Ichupampa or also called Pampa (4200). Today we will have a cold walk, be sure to bring a warm jacket, sunglasses, in the camp we will be welcomed by our porters and enjoy hot drinks and dinner.
Tonight is perfect to appreciate the constellations and the views of the Snowy Salkantay; This place is very close to the snow where there are avalanches, but do not be afraid we are very sure we are not near avalanches, this is the highest camp, and we will have a cold night very close to 0 ° C
- Elevation: 3,500 – 4,300 meters
- Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
- Considered: Moderate to difficult
- Weather: Cold
Salkantay mountain in background
Ichupata – Inca Chiriasca Pass – Inca Canal
After tea and breakfast, we embark on the most challenging yet rewarding hike to date. Our guide will take you to the Inca Chiriasca pass (about 5000 meters high), following a constant rhythm to appreciate the incredible views of the glacier mountains. Once you have reached the top, we will take a mate of hot coke and enjoy the phenomenal views of valleys, lakes, and even some spectacular birds, such as condors and hawks. Then we start descending, or you can also take an optional hike to a glacier, which only takes 30 minutes. Then we will continue falling until lunchtime, where the porters will be waiting for you with the traditional hot tea and a delicious lunch. We will walk up the hill through green valleys and streams for the rest of the day before reaching the camp in a small village of 10 families.
- Elevation: 4,300 – 5,000 meters, then to 37,500 meters
- Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
- Considered: Difficult
- Weather: Cold
Inca Canal – Pauccar Cancha – Wayllabamba – Ayapata
This day is a peculiar sight to the past while we walk along the slopes’ paths that the Peruvian farmers use; they continue to live the same way as the Incas did.
Afterward, we will arrive at the famous Inca ruins, where we will visit the rest of the history of the Incas. After visiting the ruins, your tour guide will show you new and different vegetation while changing to the microclimate of the jungle. Finally, we will pass the classic Inca trail, where its porters serve a delicious lunch.
The afternoon hike will be all uphill until we reach our camp. Make sure you have a camera on the list, with fully charged batteries, as you will not want to miss out on this unique opportunity to capture the magnificent mountain views and enchanting natural waterfalls in the cloud forest.
Elevation: 3,750 – 3,000 meters, then to 3,300 meters
Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
Considered: Moderate to difficult
Weather: Cold in the morning, warm in the afternoon
Ayapata – Warmi Wañusca- Chaquicocha
This will be the longest day, but even more interesting, because we will visit the Inca ruins and cloud forest. After a very early breakfast, we will start with a two-hour climb in a Puna area. It is a dry place with very little vegetation. We will appreciate some flames you can see here. When we reach the peak (4,200 m.), we will have time to rest and enjoy some impressive peaks of glaciers and mountains. Then we started down a paved road to our lunch spot. On the way, we can observe some beautiful flowers and orchids. Here we will try to stroll, taking care of nature. This section of the road is a perfect place to appreciate hummingbirds. After lunch, we will start an uphill climb for about two hours to reach the second peak. Halfway through your trip, we will visit the Inca ruins called Runcu Raccay.
This place was built to serve as a watchtower due to its oval shape and its overtaking of the valley. After crossing the second peak (4,000 m), we descend for an hour towards the lake called Yanaccoha, where the Incas organized water ceremonies. Then, we will arrive at the famous cloud forest, and we will also appreciate one of the most beautiful Inca ruins, Sayacmarca. From the ruins of Sayacmarca, you can understand the original Inca houses, water fountains, water channels, and the most spectacular views of the valley.
After the ruins, it will take us about 30 minutes to reach our camp called Chaquicocha. Once again, we will have the opportunity to see different types of flora and fauna; here we are in the area of the high jungle
Elevation: 3,300 – 4,200 meters (the pass), 3,600 meters (the lunch) and again, 4,000 meters (the pass), 3,600 meters (the camp)
Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
Considered: Difficult
Weather: You will experience the four seasons, all in just one day
Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
This day will be pretty straightforward. We will have views of the surrounding mountains, the Andes Mountains, and the Pumassillo glaciers’ peaks in the morning. It will only be about five hours of trekking, including the three Inca ruins to our camp. The first ruin we will visit will be called Phuyupatamarca (cloud-village), two hours from the center. It is impressive to observe the charming platform and the houses where the Inca nobles studied astronomy. The second ruin lies on a hillside of many terraces. It is believed to be an Inca agricultural experiment station. We will also appreciate breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River. Finally, we will arrive at the last camp, called Wiñay Wayna (2,600 m.), where we will leave our day packages and walk for five minutes to reach the most beautiful Inca ruins, along with the Inca Trail Machu Picchu. This place is close to a village, where you can enjoy the beauty of the water canals, terraces, and temples. Religious ceremonies used to happen here.
After lunch, we will have the opportunity to take a hot shower, followed by a free afternoon to explore the most beautiful Inca site, Wiñay Wayna. We will have a Happy Hour and dinner, enjoy a small talk from our porters, and enjoy a good company of friends. We will return to Cusco the following day while continuing our trip to Machu Picchu.
Elevation: 3,600- 2,600 meters
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Considered: Warm and humid
Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
This day will be the most important to wake up earlier than usual. After breakfast, we will have a walk of about two more hours to Machu Picchu; then, we will pass by the Puerta del Sol to enjoy breathtaking views of the spectacular mountains, valleys, rivers, and the Inca ruins. The guide will inform you about Machu Picchu for two hours upon arrival. Then we will have time to explore, by itself. Be sure to visit all the sacred sites, temples, palaces, and the famous Inca bride. When we are ready to return to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), buses will leave pretty frequently, with a journey of approximately 30 minutes descending from the Citadel of Mach Picchu. After spending time in the city of Aguas Calientes, we will have to be at the train station 30 minutes before our train returns to Cusco
Walking Distance: 5 km /3 miles
Note: Due to the new legislation to protect the Inca Trail, we used to go in Horse; we now work with Porteadores to transport the equipment from the path to Wayllabamba. Since the horses were banned, we have replaced them with the porters (on the Classic Inca Trail). You will have the same guide and cook during your tour. All meals are prepared on-site, so you always have fresh food.
Included
- Pre-departure briefing.
- Two Excellent experienced top tour guides (9-16 people / 6-8 with one tour guide).
- Tourist bus “Cusco to km 82.”
- Salkantay Trail permits and Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
- Hotel in Cusco
- Admission document to the Inca Road System by SERNANP – INCA TRAIL “National Service of Natural Protected Areas.”
- Indigenous porters to carry camping equipment.
- Extra porter to carry 7 kg/15.4 lb. customer’s items.
- Tent: 02 people in each.
- One inflatable sleeping pad.
- Camping equipment.
- One Kitchen tent.
- Toilet tent with biodegradable toilet facilities.
- One cook.
- Assistant cook.
- One chief porter.
- Meals:
- Daily morning snack
- Bio-degradable personal hand soaps.
- Our kitchen staff uses biodegradable dishwashing detergents.
- First-aid kit.
- Emergency oxygen bottle.
- Machu Picchu guided tour for 2 hours.
- Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town.
- Train return to Ollantaytambo and private transport from Ollantaytambo station to Cusco.
No Included
- Tips (Tipping is 100% optional depending on the service you received)
- Travel Insurance
- water day one
- lunch day 7
Recommendations
Packing List
What To Bring
- A good daypack.
- Original passport.
- Lighter trekking boots (with good ankle support)
- Three pairs of trekking pants.
- One rain jacket: The first night, the temperature can be as low as – 5 degrees Celsius/23 degrees Fahrenheit.
- One warm/winter jacket (Thermals: wool socks/gloves, scarf, and woolen hat for cold nights).
- Four shirts.
- Two long-sleeve shirts.
- One good sleeping bag.
- Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).
- Bug spray.
- Water.
- Digital Camera and film
- A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with spare batteries
- Bandages or moleskin.
- Flip flops. Your toes will thank you!
- Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes
- Something to read in the evenings
- Extra money.
Travel Guide
Prices
| Number of persons | Price per person |
| 1 | $1300.00 |
| 2 | $1270.00 |
| 3 | $1240.00 |
| 4 | $1210.00 |
| 5 | $1180.00 |
| 6 | $1150.00 |
| 7 | $1120.00 |
Prices:salkantay trek to ,machu picchu Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2022 through January 2023. All prices quoted are $USD
- Group service $1120 per person
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules Discounts:salkantay trek and inca trail 7 days
- Under 15 years will pay as student: US$20.00
- Under 7 years Discount: US$35.00
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
- Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 25.00 (Need to book in advance)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 25.00 (Need to book in advance)
Why Choose us
SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL is a Local Travel Agency and Tour Operator with 10 years of experience in the world of tourism. We are specialists in organizing travel packages that include Machu Picchu (the main tourist destination in our country), Adventure tours such as the Inca Trail and alternative tours that also reach Machu Picchu. This article will help you know why you should choose SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL, the local travel agency that personalizes services for demanding clients like you.
Get to know our work and entrust your trip to SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL!
SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL is a local travel agency and tour operator authorized by the institutions that govern tourism regulations in Peru. That is why we have the necessary licenses and permits to operate within our country.
We offer a variety of travel styles for all tastes, our programs are flexible and we can create personalized tour packages that meet all the plans and expectations of our clients. We also carry out tours for clients with disabilities.
We provide personalized assistance 24 hours a day, before and during your trip. When you contact us, you will be assisted by our experts in travel to Peru, who will be happy to assist you and assist you as soon as possible, responding to your concerns and requested information.
We are specialists in offering individual services such as accommodation, travel tickets, entrance tickets to various tourist centers and much more, to make your trip a totally pleasant vacation.
We know you’ll be happy with our service, as evidenced by the hundreds of testimonials from our traveling customers from around the world. See the video testimonials on our YouTube channel, the recommendations and memories of travel experiences on various social networks such as TripAdvisor, which will explain why you should choose SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL for your next 2023 vacation in our country.
About our growth process
Continuous improvement is one of our commitments. One of our principles is that the work of each area is important in order to achieve the best final product. Therefore, throughout our history we have developed various projects with different areas, which have given us the following results:
We have completed the policy of our Integrated Management System as a sign of the guarantee of our organization. Also, read about our mission, vision and values on which we base this company.
Continuous training for tour guides, cooks, porters, drivers, those responsible for various areas such as Sales, Reservations, Operations, Administration, etc., on issues of customer service, quality of service to tourists, knowledge of the route and other issues concerning the tourism industry in Peru. Due to our progress in these areas, we have received the CALTUR 2018 Certification from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism.
About the Licenses and Authorizations of SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL
SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL – Travel Agency and Tour Operator, meets all the requirements and licenses necessary to operate and offer various services in the field of tourism throughout the Peruvian territory. The institutions mentioned below are in charge of regulating the tourism industry in Peru and we are subscribed to them:
We have the authorization of the DIRCETUR (Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Cusco), a government organization that promotes competition, sustainability and the diversification of Peruvian exportable products, tourism and crafts.
We are subscribed to PROMPERU (Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism), an institution belonging to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of our country.
We are also subscribed to SERNANP, to be able to operate on the Inca Trail Network. The National Service of Natural Protected Areas by the State, which is a specialized public technical body of the Peruvian government, dependent on the Ministry of the Environment of Peru, in charge of directing and establishing the technical and administrative criteria for the conservation of the Natural Protected Areas of Peru.
On the other hand, we have the recognition of our clients like you, who recommend us through TripAdvisor. You can view their travel testimonials with our company.
If you want to know more about SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL, then you can also visit our YouTube channel, where you will find real opinions from traveling clients like you.
We invite you to read our article on the Responsible Tourism Commitment of SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL.
Among the reasons why choose SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL, one of the main tasks of our organization is to promote responsible tourism. In this context, we handle three basic concepts:
We promote respect for culture, providing our clients with all the necessary information about the tourist destinations to visit so that they are aware of the customs, traditions, beliefs and different ways of life of the residents of the various populations of our country.
We promote the protection of the environment, through the care of the flora and fauna of the various destinations we visit, recycling, reduction in the use of water and electricity. For this reason, we recommend hiring the services of environmentally responsible tour operators like us, SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL.
We are committed to local initiatives, promoting the purchase of handicrafts, the consumption of excellent national cuisine, and support for community projects. You can be part of responsible tourism by helping to conserve the areas we visit and, if you wish, by directly supporting the residents of the local communities.
Why Choose SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL: We are a Team of Travel Experts
SUMAQ ENCANTO TRAVEL has a team of professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in the area of tourism, who work together and efficiently to make your trip a perfect, pleasant, and unforgettable experience. Start dreaming of your next vacation to Machu Picchu with our help.
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