








Salkantay trek to machu picchu 5 days
Machu Picchu and Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Salkantay trek to machu picchu 5 days
Machu Picchu and Salkantay Trek 5 Days
5 Days Short Hike
Salkantay trek to machu picchu 5 days Overview
The 5 days Salkantay Trek is one of the alternatives for all those who love the open Andean countryside. KuskAndes offers you the opportunity to get to know the entire cultural landscape conglomerate that the Peruvian Andes offer.
As the name kuskAndes (together) suggests, we will be accompanied by local Quechua speakers who will be happy to share the history and gastronomy of our Inca ancestors. We will also cross different altitudes, landscape contrasts, and natural and climatic diversities.
The 5 days Salkantay Trek is the preferred trekking route for tourists, after the 4-day Inca Trail. It is the most challenging hike because it covers a total of approximately 70 kilometers. It owes its name to the fact that it crosses the Salkantay Pass (4,650 meters above sea level), a point close to the famous snow-capped mountain. Machu Picchu is reached by following the route through ‘Llactapata’.
Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu
In addition to the Inca city, during this hike you will appreciate other tourist attractions such as the famous Humantay lagoon.
The tour includes everything necessary for the visit: transportation to the starting point of the hike, porter equipment, cook equipment, tour guide, camping equipment (tents, poles, etc.), accommodation in Aguas Calientes, entrance to Machu Picchu, and return by train to Cusco.
Trip Details:
- Duration: 5 days Salkantay Trek.
- Includes: Camping, meals, porters, transportation, guide, entrance tickets, and more.
- Payment: Easy with any credit or debit card.
- Confirmation: Immediate.
- Safety: Meets all health protocols. Entrance: Machu Picchu Only.
- Group: Maximum of 4 to 16 people.
Itinerary Salkantay trek to machu picchu 5 days
Day 1 Cusco - Soraypampa
We begin our 5 days Salkantay Trek with pick up from the hotel at 5:00 am in a private bus to the district of Mollepata. We will make a 30 minute stop where you will have breakfast prepared with local products, and you can also make any last minute purchases before the 5 day hike. After breakfast, we will continue for another hour in the private bus until we reach the Challacancha sector, located at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level.
We will begin the Salkantay hike, starting with a slight ascent of 30 minutes until we reach the water channels that will take us for 2:30 hours to the Soraypampa sector, located at 3800 meters above sea level, where we will arrive for lunch, around 1:00 p.m.
After lunch, we will take another hike to the Humantay Lagoon, located at an altitude of 4200 meters above sea level. After walking around the crystal clear and turquoise waters of the lagoon, we will return to the Soraypampa sector to spend the night, where we will also have dinner.
- Duration: 6 hours
- Distance: 12 kilometers
- Dificulty: Moderate
Day 2: Soraypampa -Challway.
This day is a very important day, so we will wake up very early at around 5:00 am with a cup of coca tea, and then we will be ready for breakfast.
Once we finish breakfast we will start with the hike to the Salkantay pass which will last 3 hours and a half crossing Salkantaypampa (4150masl), Soyrococha (4480masl) which will offer us beautiful landscapes such as valleys, streams, and streams, magnificent views of the Apu (Salkantay) which is considered as God protector of the Andean man
Once arrived at the highest point we will have enough time to take pictures of the second-highest mountain in the region of Cusco (Salkantay) and finished with the photos and the explanation of the guide, we will begin to descend for 2 hours and a half to the hamlet of Wayracmachay at an altitude of 3,900 m.
We will have lunch prepared by our chef and then we will continue descending for 3 hours to the camp located in the middle of a beautiful landscape where we will spend the night at 3,200 m.a.s.l. in the Challway sector.
- Duration: 9 hours
- Distance: 18 kilometers
- Difficulty: Challenge
Day 3: Challway_ Lucmabamba.
We will start the hike after breakfast, this morning we continue descending for 2 hours until the zone called Wiñaypocco at 2,600 meters above sea level. in this section we will be able to observe all the greenery of the typical environment of the high jungle with very interesting flora and fauna, where we will have a day of rest until lunch time, finished we continue with the walk until we arrive to Wiñaypocco where we will enjoy the most precious fruit for the farmers of the area (granadilla) after the break we will continue by a local transport service to Lucmabamba located at 2,100 m.a.s.l. this locality is the appropriate area to learn about the process of the coffee experience. Harvesting, peeling, roasting, grinding, tasting. Overnight in this small community.
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 6 kilometers
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Lucmabamba -Aguas calientes.
After enjoying breakfast we will start the activity of the day with an ascent of 3 hours during this walk we will have views of the Santa Teresa Valley also mountains of the Vilcabamba mountain range typical landscape of the area until we reach the highest point called Llactapata viewpoint which is at 2,750 m.a.s.l.
Where we can appreciate the drastic change of vegetation entering the valley. where we can appreciate the drastic change of vegetation entering a cloud forest inhabited by prehistoric ferns from this place we begin to descend for half an hour to reach the archaeological center of Llactapata from where we can see the Inca city of Machupicchu after visiting and taking pictures of this place we continue down for 2 hours to Hidroelectrica where we will enjoy the food prepared by the cooks and then continue to Aguas Calientes for another three hours enjoying the freshness that offers us the forest in the area, The trail is next to the railway line from where we will be able to see some parts of Machupicchu.
In the district of Machupicchu better known as Aguas Calientes we will have dinner in this beautiful place in a restaurant in the area, where we will also spend the night in a hotel reserved by kuskandestrek.
- Duration: 8 hours
- Distance: 15 kilometers
- Difficulty: Challenge
Photo Showcase
Prices in Private Service
| Number of persons | Price per person | |
| 2 | $950.00 | BOOK NOW |
Prices in Group Service
Included
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel
- Transportation Cusco – Mollepata.
- Professional bilingual guide (from the beginning of the trek).
- entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
- Bus tickets to the Inka citadel of Machu Picchu up and down.
- Meals: lunches 5 breakfasts 4 , 4 dinners and several snacks to be tasted throughout the day. «Meals after the last breakfast (day 5) are not included».
- Professional Cook:for all the service , all our vegetables are very fresh from the farm to the pot .
- Vegetarian (vegetarian) food on request at no extra cost! All dietary requirements for vegetarians, lactose-allergies and general dislikes can be catered for as long as prior notice is given when booking the trip.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- First aid kit
- 01 Oxygen tank
- Horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
- Horsemen or muleteers who will be in charge of all the logistic equipment.
- Quadruple tent (4 people), waterproof tent for 02 people
- 01 sponge mattress to sleep on for each person
- 01 night in a hostal (hotel according to the service) in Aguas Calientes.
- Return train tickets Expedition tourist service according to availability (Machu Picchu to Ollanta) and tourist transportation to Cusco.
No Included
- First breakfast and the last lunch 5
- Sleeping bags, US $20.00 for the whole tour (you can rent them from the agency).
- Inflatable mattresses, $15.00 (can be rented from the travel agency)
- Entrance fee to Sacred Mountain Huayna Picchu or Sacred Mountain Machu Picchu
- Entrance to the Hot Springs of Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes)
- Tips for staff of the work team.
Recommendations
Note: On the night before this day there will be a briefing with your guide in Cusco. After an early breakfast at your hotel, our pick-up time may vary and will be confirmed only on the day of your briefing at your Cusco hotel by the ITEP guide and vehicle «Pick-up time may vary and will be confirmed only on the day of your briefing».
Tarawasi: On our way we will visit the archaeological center of Tarawasi (approx. 1.5 hrs. from Cusco). The archaeological complex of Tarawasi is located in the district of Limatambo, province of Anta (Cusco region), to the left of the Limatambo River and 2675 MASL.
This name comes from the union of two Quechua words «Lengua Inca», which would be: «Tara» which means bush and the second is «Wasi» which means home. The construction of this complex could be built by the Inka Pachacuteq during the time of his reign.
The structure of the archaeological complex indicated that it was a ceremonial center located at the beginning of the Chinchaysuyo, there is also a construction of a temple that would be seated on the Ushnu.
A pyramid-shaped ceremonial altar that was used for important ceremonies and its location indicates that it also served as a resting place on the way to the Chinchaysuyo.
After leaving Tarawasi, we pass through the mountain village of Mollepata where we stop for a brief rest before ascending to Soraypampa.
Campsite: 5 Days Salkantay Trek
Here in Soraypampa, our first campsite will be «Lodge del Cielo». After lunch, our hike takes us to Lake Humantay, fed by glaciers high above the slopes of the impressive Mount Humantay. Our 4 hour hike is necessary to reach the lake, but the view is great and those brave enough can go for a swim! Our local guide, in view of the imposing Mount Salkantay, tops off this unique experience. Return to the Lodge.
Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch en route).
Hike and Terrain: Hiking on open roads, some steep and ascending trails.
What To Bring
- passport
- small backpack of 20 liters
- impermissible jackets
- mosquito repellent
- sun block, sunglasses, warm clothes for the cold, rain poncho.
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Personal first aid kit.
- Vegetarian / special dietary options available
Travel Guide
1. Best time to hike the 5-Day Salkantay Trek
The Cusco region has two types of marked climates, rainy season and dry season, so it is considered the months of May to October the best dates for this excursion since the rains stop and the road is firm; however this route can be done all year round, except for the month considered the rainiest of the year (February), so we suggest you think about it very well.
2. What the trekking offers
The route to Salkantay offers privileged views of the snowy Humantay and Salkantay, since with the thaw of these two there are lake formations, finding the most important and very visited by travelers, called Humantay lagoon, (currently visited by tourists from around the world to enjoy its beauty and leave offerings to the Pachamama, deity that represents Mother Earth in the Inca culture). In addition to the snow-capped mountains, the route shows a variety of flora and fauna as far as the region of the eyebrow of the jungle is concerned, since one is surrounded by a green and warm landscape that allows us to breathe pure air that is good for our organism.
Marvel at the vestiges and constructions that our ancestors left us as a legacy.
Enjoying magical nights with a starry sky, which makes you think and say that it was worth all the effort made.
3. Difficulty of the 5-Day Salkantay Trek
The degree of difficulty for any hike depends a lot on the physical condition that one may have, in addition to already having experience in a similar route and if the state of health that one may have.
This route is considered by many travelers of greater effort since the degree of difficulty is «High», thus being considered a great challenge for those people who do it.
Physical preparation 5-Day Salkantay Trek
The preparation for the Hike Salkantay Trek begins by taking into consideration the physical condition that one has, that is why specialists consider having an early preparation before making this hike, since in that way the muscles are strengthened and generate resistance at the time of our walk to Salkantay.
So gradually your physical condition will be in better conditions, since at the time of the hike all the muscles will be prepared and in that way also our heart will pump blood more efficiently that will make us have more oxygen.
4. Altitude sickness 5-Day Salkantay Trek
Also known as mountain sickness, soroche or properly speaking altitude sickness, it is a physical discomfort caused by the difficulty of adaptation to the low atmospheric pressure which generates headache, nausea, difficulty breathing due to lack of oxygen in the blood.
Usually this symptom is shown in travelers who live in countries or places that are at lower altitude, since those who live in plains or countries of similar altitude are more likely to suffer from it.
How to avoid altitude sickness
A day before your arrival, it is recommended to have a better rest, eat something light and avoid alcoholic beverages.
To avoid or make it more bearable, it is recommended to acclimatize upon arrival, take rest or not to make physical efforts that can agitate you, it is recommended in the first days upon arrival to the city of Cusco.
It is advisable to drink coca tea the day of your arrival, as a first natural remedy.
You should consider inhaling air, climb gradually, hydrate yourself continuously, avoid smoking, choose easily digestible food, keep warm and avoid taking tranquilizers.
Frequently Asked Questions Salkantay trek to machu picchu 5 days
Frequently asked questions 5-Day Salkantay Trek
These are the questions asked by tourists interested in the Salkantay trek 5 days. Send us your questions to info@kuskandestrek.com
1) Can I cancel the tour after the purchase?
Yes, the tour can be cancelled as long as it is done with a maximum of 3 days in advance. The cancellation is requested by email (to info@kuskandestrek.com) and has a penalty of 35% of the tour value.
2) Can I change the date of the tour after the purchase?
Yes, you can change the date of the tour with a maximum of 3 days in advance. The change of date is subject to a penalty of 25% of the tour value.
3) Are there any age limits?
No, the tour can be taken by people of any age. However, it is recommended that children be older than 8 years old and enjoy this type of trekking. Older adults must be in good physical condition and free of heart problems.
4) Is there a vegetarian or vegan option on the 5-Day Salkantay Trek?
Yes, if you would like a vegetarian or vegan option you can request it in advance at info@kuskandestrek.com.
5) Is the tour safe?
Yes, the tour is done on safe roads with signposts. The guide is trained in first aid. The service includes a first aid kit and transportation in case of emergencies.
6) What should I bring?
During your visit do not forget to bring: good sneakers, poncho in case of rain, sun block, mosquito repellent, sleeping bag, warm clothes for the first nights, snacks, fruits, rehydrating drinks, extra polo shirt or blouse, personal items and everything in a backpack of no more than 5 kilos of weight.
7) When is the best time to do the Salkantay trek?
The dry season (from April to October) offers good months to do the trek. In those months it does not rain much, which makes the route easier.
8) ¿Puedo agregar al tour la visita a la montaña Huayna Picchu?
Si, para agregar la visita a la montaña Huayna Picchu debe pagar 20 dólares adicionales al precio del tour.
9) ¿Puedo hacer el Salkantay trek por mi cuenta?
Sí, si organizas bien tu equipaje, boletos e itinerario puedes hacer esta caminata por tu cuenta. Sin embargo, la opción más segura es contratar un tour todo incluido.
10) ¿Puedo optar por hacer el tour en servicio privado?
Sí, el tour también ofrece una opción privada. en info@kuskandestrek.com.
Frequently asked questions 5-Day Salkantay Trek
These are the questions asked by tourists interested in the Salkantay trek 5 days. Send us your questions to info@kuskandestrek.com
1) Can I cancel the tour after the purchase?
Yes, the tour can be cancelled as long as it is done with a maximum of 3 days in advance. The cancellation is requested by email (to info@kuskandestrek.com) and has a penalty of 35% of the tour value.
2) Can I change the date of the tour after the purchase?
Yes, you can change the date of the tour with a maximum of 3 days in advance. The change of date is subject to a penalty of 25% of the tour value.
3) Are there any age limits?
No, the tour can be taken by people of any age. However, it is recommended that children be older than 8 years old and enjoy this type of trekking. Older adults must be in good physical condition and free of heart problems.
4) Is there a vegetarian or vegan option on the 5-Day Salkantay Trek?
Yes, if you would like a vegetarian or vegan option you can request it in advance at info@kuskandestrek.com.
5) Is the tour safe?
Yes, the tour is done on safe roads with signposts. The guide is trained in first aid. The service includes a first aid kit and transportation in case of emergencies.
6) What should I bring?
During your visit do not forget to bring: good sneakers, poncho in case of rain, sun block, mosquito repellent, sleeping bag, warm clothes for the first nights, snacks, fruits, rehydrating drinks, extra polo shirt or blouse, personal items and everything in a backpack of no more than 5 kilos of weight.
7) When is the best time to do the Salkantay trek?
The dry season (from April to October) offers good months to do the trek. In those months it does not rain much, which makes the route easier.
8) ¿Puedo agregar al tour la visita a la montaña Huayna Picchu?
Si, para agregar la visita a la montaña Huayna Picchu debe pagar 20 dólares adicionales al precio del tour.
9) ¿Puedo hacer el Salkantay trek por mi cuenta?
Sí, si organizas bien tu equipaje, boletos e itinerario puedes hacer esta caminata por tu cuenta. Sin embargo, la opción más segura es contratar un tour todo incluido.
10) ¿Puedo optar por hacer el tour en servicio privado?
Sí, el tour también ofrece una opción privada. en info@kuskandestrek.com.
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Out Trip Reviews
Trust is important to us and your trust is valuable, your vacation has to be perfect; many travelers like you already know the quality of service of Kuskandes Trek, you can read their reviews on tripadvisor, they are the guarantee of our service. Trip Advisor Profile
EXCELLENT
Based on 10 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
World Travel N31. July, 2022.Verified
Excelente Mi Nombre es Nicolas de @world_travel_nicolas y puedo decir que fue la mejor experiencia que pude tener con el guia Americo, son los mejores y los recomiendo un 100%Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Natalia A1. July, 2022.Verified
Best Tour I've ever had! Américo gave us the best tour we could ask for.We were 6 peoples, went por 10 days. He made so interesting every place we went with all the history and knowledge that he shared, so it felt different and special his treatment instead of just going, take the picture and go. Also, the experience in the Salkantay trail it was magical and authentic as if we were the Andean man. I was a little bit worried for my 9 y/o son because the route is of high difficulty, but Américo and his crew were very helpful that made it very easy and pleasent for my kid, they answered all his questions and took cared of his needs.
The food was delicious every day of the tour and made by a private chef just for us. In short the crew made sure to cover all our needs.
The whole experience made me fell in love of Peru and its culture. Everyone in my family was please and happy for the amount of details and care.
I would definitely repeat this tour. It exceed my expectations. I hope i can come back and hire KuskAndes Treck for another tour.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
David P4. June, 2022.Verified
Mi viaje a cusco Kuskandes trek es una agencia que cumplió con todas mis expectativas al 100% americo es un excelente guía y amigo que estuvo en todo momento al pendiente gracias amigo por esta experiencia inolvidable 100% recomendable para toda persona viajera y aventureraPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Marlenne S4. June, 2022.Verified
Cuscotopia...!!! Esta agencia cumplió al 100% todas mis expectativas...! Américo es un excelente guía, un excelente fotógrafo y un excelente amigo. Siempre está muy al pendiente de cada tour. Es muy responsable. Recomiendo ampliamente viajar con él.😊
Saludos de tu amiga Marlen desde México!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Mayra G23. April, 2022.Verified
Just the best hike I ever did in my life. Americo was an amazing tour guide. It was 10 of us, all from different countries He was very knowable about the tour. Inca trail was 4 days with beautiful views . I highly recommend Americo and his whole team . If you are ready to have the greatest experience of your life get in touch with them and book your incredible experiencePosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Antonio M22. April, 2022.Verified
Machu Picchu alternative trek - Inka experience Americo went above and beyond to make our experience in Machu Picchu unforgettable! We arrived to Cusco in the middle of the strikes closing the main roads and whilst many tourists ended up trapped, Americo organised an alternative route to make our trip possible. Highly recommend him!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
leticiaguti856. November, 2021.Verified
Tour a Pie por Cuzco Nos encontramos con Americo por casualidad en la Plaza de Armas y la verdad que fue una buena coincidencia cruzarnos en el camino. Supo transmitirnos perfectamente la cultura Inca y la historia de Cuzco Definitivamente recomiendo este guía apasionado de su trabajoPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Hugo G6. November, 2021.Verified
Merece la pena Americo es un fenomeno, da gusto conocer gente como el. Pronto volveran las rutas por la montaña, hoy nos hizo el tour por la ciudad de cusco y pasamos el rato muy divertido y ameno. Mucha suerte!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Maricela8. May, 2020.Verified
Trek Peru Guía increíble, trato excelente , no te lo puedes perder! Cada paisaje vale la pena y las caminatas son cansadas pero todo es increíblePosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Santina O1. February, 2020.Verified
Trek to Machu Picchu Two summers ago my two girlfriends and I did the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. It was simply the most magical experience of my life. This trek is not easy and the altitude is no joke. However, the accomplished feeling you receive when you finally catch a glimpse of Machu Picchu is unmatched and totally worth every mile climbed. We complete our trek with Terrias Vivas, and had some issues. But our guide, Americo, became like a best friend to us (it was only the three of us and the guide for our trip). I was so happy to hear that he recently opened his own trekking company because he is amazing! He is SO intelligent and can identify nearly every single flower, plant, bird, etc. that he sees. He has such a kind heart and I wish that everyone hiking the Andes had the opportunity to have him as their guide.
In conclusion, this tour is definitely worth it. Again, Americo is incredible and I walked away with not only photos of incredible views, increased knowledge of culture and history, and full bellies but I also gained a great friend in the process!
Why book with us?
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- Tours customized by us.
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