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Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu

This trek takes 5 days/4 nights and ends in Machu Picchu.

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS Multi Day Hike

23 reviews
Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu

Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu

This trek takes 5 days/4 nights and ends in Machu Picchu.

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS Multi Day Hike

23 reviews

Overview

Excellent hike through the Cordillera de Vilcabamba and pass through many impressive landscapes, where we will meet the famous Tropical Cloud Forest to the high Andes in this beautiful Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. We will visit the Camp the first night in our private camp, located at the foot of the mountain of the Salkantay, surrounded by breathtaking views of the snowy. In the evening, we will observe stars with telescopes to know the Inca constellations. We will stay in our camp the second night in our ecological and private camping, surrounded by green vegetation, lush, with fruit plantations like bananas, mangoes, avocados, and coffee, here we have a free hot shower Camp on the third night with breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, to enjoy the sunset and sunrise on the mountain of Machu Picchu. We will go through different microclimates.

Itinerary

Soraypampa – Salkantay Tampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 am to begin our expedition to Machu Picchu. You will be greeted at your hotel by your trekking guide, cook, and porters to drive three hours in our private van at the head of the trail, Soraypampa. You will enjoy your first breakfast, prepared by your trekking chef, and then start preparing for your trip. If weather permits, the views from this area are breathtaking. You will see two great mountains, called Humantay (5,900 meters above sea level) and Salkantay (6,215 meters above sea level). Your guide will introduce you to the team, take a group photo, and around 8:30 am, you should be walking on your way to Machu Picchu. During the hike of the day, you will explore the Andes with alpine views all the time.

For two hours, you will participate in a gradual and uphill walk along the Salkantay valley until you reach Salkantay Pampa, located at 4,000 meters, for a rest and a beautiful view of the summit of the Salkantay Glacier and the Salkantay River. After your break, you will continue the last hour uphill by switching back to our lunch spot in Laguna Suyroccocha, located 4,200 meters high. You will be impressed with the view along the way as you pass through streams, waterfalls on the slopes, and pictures of both mountains (Salkantay and Huamantay). Meals are always something to expect when walking with «Action Inca Trails.»

For your first lunch, you will be greeted by your trekking chef and porters, who will be ready with hot drinks followed by an incredible family-style meal for you to enjoy. This place is located near the mountain of Salkantay, trek, so you will see and hear some avalanches that fall from the hill of the glacier peak Salkantay. You can take a little nap after lunch until it’s time to continue your expedition. It will start with the last uphill of the day, towards the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters of height, the walk’s highest point. This will take about an hour; we will reward your hard work with hot drinks or coca tea. As the sky begins to change color, you can enjoy these incredible views without any other tourist. The views surround you. You will be looking towards the peak of Salkantay, valleys, clouds rising over the valleys, and the beginning of the sunset, over the mountains. If there is enough time, you will have a short walk to enjoy the small, colorful lake at the foot of the glaciers. Finally, your last two hours and a half will be downhill to our first camp, Wayracmachay, located 3,800 meters high. Again, you will experience some breathtaking views. You will enjoy the back of the mountain, which always has snow on the roof, and the cloud forest at the bottom of the valley. Hopefully, the weather will allow you to see the sunset over this magical place and watch the condors flying overhead. At about 5:30 p.m., you will get to your campsite, located at the foot of Salkantay Mountain, and your trekking staff will have your tents set up and with your duffel bags ready. They will provide hot water to wash and change into something warm. We will have a happy hour with hot chocolate and coffee, followed by dinner. Weather permitting, you can enjoy the blue sky, as your tour guide will show you the Inca constellations.

  • Walking Distance: 15 km
  • Elevation Gained: 850 meters
  • Elevation Descended: 850 meters
  • Weather: Cold, windy, rainy in the wet season

Wayracmachay – Chaullay – Ccollpapampa La Playa – Sahuayaku

We will start our walk early with a hot drink to help you create the day. We will have the opportunity to see the sunrise, over the peaks and clouds of the glaciers, rising from the green and foggy forest. You will have time to pack and enjoy a good breakfast, prepared by our cook.

Around 7 am, we will begin the walk, which will be 4 hours downhill, until arriving at his lunch, called Collpapampa, at 2,700 meters high. After lunch, we notice that the microclimate changes from cold and glacial views to a warmer forest with green jungle and lush and beautiful flora and fauna.

There will be a diversity of orchids to appreciate, as well as ferns and begonias flowers. We will enjoy the company of colorful hummingbirds. After lunch, we will gradually go for 5 hours of descent to our camp, called in Sahuayacku or La Playa, 2,400 meters high. On the way, we will appreciate beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and again, flora and fauna. This tropical forest climate, where people grow coffee, passion fruit, papayas, oranges, and avocados. Upon arrival at the camp, you will be greeted by your trekking staff and will have time to enjoy your afternoon with hot drinks and dinner.

  • Walking Distance: 18 km
  • Campsite Elevation: 2,400 meters
  • Elevation Descended: 1,400 meters
  • Weather: Warm and hot

La Playa Sahuayaku – Lucmabamba Coffee Farm – Inca Trail – Llactapata – Camp in Front of Machu Picchu

After breakfast, we will start a shorter day, but more interesting. You will experience the most beautiful scenery along your trek to Machu Picchu. You will explore the rainforest and visit an organic coffee farm, where you can taste the coffee prepared by local people.

Coffee is the primary agricultural industry of the local population. They cultivate large hectares of coffee to export to the United States, Asia, and Europe. Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia, but it was not until the Spanish invaded Cusco brought to this region. We will also explore some orange and avocado farms. When you have finished, you will have the opportunity to climb part of the Inca trail for two and a half hours.

You will see you will appreciate breathtaking views of the Santa Teresa valley, up to Llactapata Inca site, just in front of Machu Picchu. This will be the first site you see of the Lost City of the Incas. We will appreciate the ruins of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu from this place. You will explore and learn about the Inca site with your tour guide. There will be plenty of time to take photos. Then we will walk for 15 minutes downhill; we will take our lunch in the camp. A local family owns this camp. This is a great place to enjoy the sunset and sunrise over Machu Picchu. After lunch, we will have time to enjoy the views and relax from the hike. Once again, we will have a happy hour, with tea and coffee, and your cook will prepare a meal for dinner.

  • Walking Distance: 12 km
  • Campsite Elevation: 2,700 meters
  • Elevation Gained: 400 meters
  • Weather: During day time hot and humid, chilly at night

Llactapata Mirador – Aguas Calientes Hotel

We’ll start the day with a hot mate of coca. You will prepare for today’s activities and enjoy the last breakfast prepared by your cook. We will start our two-hour hike downhill, with breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, until we reach the hydroelectric station. The impressive part of this area is the natural waterfall, 300 meters high, which generates electricity for the region of Cusco.

Then, we will arrive at the famous Intiwatana (solar clock). According to history, this Inca stone worked with the renowned sun rock in Machu Picchu during the winter solstice, which was the beginning of a new season of cultivation for the Incas. After passing through this small Inca site, you come to the train rain road suitable for walking.

In 3 hours, we will arrive in Aguas Calientes, located at the foot of the Machu Picchu valley. This section was used by American Professor Hiram Bingham, who rediscovered Machu Picchu after centuries of being lost. He walked through this valley, looking for the lost city of Vilcabamba. He met the farmer Melochor Artaega, who guided him to Machu Picchu. We will pass by the estate of Melchor Arteaga, where we will see many species of flora and fauna, among them the famous Peruvian national bird called «gallito de las Roccas,» toucans, parrots, and orchids.

Finally, upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we can enjoy lunch. in the restaurant. Then, we will go to your hotel to enjoy a shower of hot water and a visit to the famous hot springs (10 soles, not included) of Aguas Calientes. In the evening, you can enjoy your final dinner in the restaurant too

Walking Distance: 14 km
Aguas Calientes Elevation: 2,000 meters
Weather: Hot

Machu Picchu (The Sacred City of The Incas) – Return to Cusco

Today is the most important day of your expedition, and to make the most of the day, we will start the day with a good breakfast early before taking one of the first buses to Machu Picchu (from 5:30 in the morning). The Hotel will prepare your bags upon your return from the tour.

The bus will take 30 minutes to reach the top of Machu Picchu. Once you arrive, your guide will introduce you to Machu Picchu. We will head to a beautiful place to watch the sunrise and take photos. The Guide will show you the citadel of Machu Picchu for two and a half hours, teaching you more about the history and culture of the Incas. At the end of the tour, you will have time for yourself or, if you are organized to walk Huayna Picchu (must be booked in advance as it is sold and costs $ 25 per person), your guide will show you where to begin this hike. Which will not take more than two hours round trip. Then later, we will return to take our bus to return to Aguas Calientes around 3 pm, as his train usually leaves at 4:20 pm. We will take a train back to Ollantaytambo for two hours, followed by a two-hour drive, back to your hotel in Cusco.

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
  • Walking stick
  • Wifi
  • Hot shower
  • Sleeping bag
  • 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:
    • 4 breakfast
    • 4 lunches
    • 4 dinner
    • 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 the day 1 and 5

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 $830.00
2 $800.00
3 $770.00
4 $740.00
5 $710.00
6 $680.00
7 $650.00
8 $620.00

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 $620 per person

Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).

Discounts:salkantay trek 5 days 

  • Student Discount 20$ dollars
  • 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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