Today our Salkantay hike, nature will change drastically from barren alpine to snowy peaks and tropical areas, we will immerse in the Rainforest. After a nutritious breakfast prepared by our local Salkantay trekking chef, we will start the most difficult part of the trek Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Firstly, We will start the hike around 7:00 am. We will hike to a place called Salkantay Pampa, continuing left upwards towards the face of Salkantay. Subsequently, By midday we will reach the highest point of the trek (4,600 m).midday we will reach the highest point of the trek (4,600 m).

The views from here are literally breathtaking – not only Salkantay glacier (6,264 m) but also the surrounding peaks and valleys below. So, Around 1:00 pm, we will have lunch in the area called Wayraqmachay. After a trek of about 3 hours, we will arrive at our camp in Challway (2,920 m), When you arrive at the campsite the Salkantay trekking staff will have your tents all set up and your duffel bags ready. Certainly, Later in the evening we will rest from the trek and share dinner together at our camp in Challway (2,920 m).

After a delicious homemade breakfast, you’ll start the shortest but most exciting day of your Salkantay adventure. Today you’ll experience the most beautiful sights along your Salkantay trekking route to Machu Picchu. We will start our Salkantay hike through the high jungles. After about 5 hours we will arrive at Playa Sahuayaco near the town of Collpabamba, traversing an altitude known as the “eyebrow of the Amazon,” where waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, and diverse flora and fauna manifest in absolute abundance. Meanwhile, If we are lucky, the famous Andean bird known as the “Cock of the Rocks‘ may appear to bless us with its beauty. After that, Once at Playa Sahuayaco we will rest and have lunch. In the afternoon, continuing downstream for a few more hours, we arrive at the town of Lucmabamba, which is our last campsite and also the beginning of the Inca Trail to Llactapata.

Here you will visit a local organic coffee farm where you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the orange and avocado plantations as well as taste some of the freshly-brewed coffee. During your visit to the coffee farm, you’ll get a brief informational introduction to the region’s coffee history as well as its importance to the area.

This morning the portion of the Salkantay hike will gradually hike upwards for about 2 hours to the archeological site of Llactapata, an impressive center with connections to Machu Picchu and Sayacmarka. After that, we will have plenty of time to explore this beautiful Inca site before descending to the Hydro-Electrica (hydro station) which takes roughly 1.5 hours. From here, a gentle 3-hour walk will bring us to the town of Aguas Calientes where we will check in to a hotel for the night. After that, we will meet up again for dinner together at one of the many restaurants in town.

Our last day of the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu route starts very early – we will wake up at around 5:00 am for breakfast and catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Most importantly, to avoid the main crowds and also see the citadel during the first rays of morning light. Subsequently, Our guide will start the day with a tour of the most important locations, altars, and constructions around Machu Picchu. During this walk, he will also share with you what we know about the history of this place and the people who lived here. If you still feel like you have energy after the previous days, now is the time to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Then, Once you feel complete with your visit to Machu Picchu, a bus will take you back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. After lunch, we will board the train to Ollantaytambo and from there continue by our private van to Cusco. (End our Salkantay hike to Machu Picchu )

All our treks (Inka Trail, Salkantay hike, Ausangate, Lares, etc) are moderately difficult, lengthy, and traverse rough mountain terrain. We kindly recommend that if you plan to conquer any of these routes Machu Picchu travel to be in relatively good physical condition, plus acclimatization.

How far in advance should I acclimatize for the Salkantay trek 5 day?

This means arriving in Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to the altitude. During the last two months leading up to your Salkantay trek 5-day Salkantay pass we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible!

Of course! Without any additional costs! When you make your reservation for the Salkantay hike, Salkantay trek 5 days, please inform us of any dietary needs or requirements, including allergies.

That is to say, Vegetarian foods will be absent from all meats, chicken, or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.

What will the meals be like during the Salkantay trek 5 days?

Most of our main meals are buffet-style, leaving you the option to avoid anything undesirable to you.

If there are any food items or veggies that you cannot stomach, perhaps onions, tomatoes, mushrooms.. etc., upon your request we will ask our chef to leave them out or separate this item.

We can also attend lactose-intolerant or gluten-intolerant diets. We cannot accept individuals with serious allergic or life-threatening reactions.

Certainly, Every day we receive many clients with food allergies to nuts, wheat, etc. Please inform us in detail of your condition upon making your reservation for the Salkantay trek 5 days.

Therefore, We kindly ask that you declare the severity of your reaction and any medication that you take in case of an emergency.

However, If your allergy is severe, we ask that you be accompanied by a friend or individual conscious and fully responsible for your situation and ready with any medication.

WE CAN NOT ACCEPT CLIENTS WITH LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES

We require that all clients arrive in Cusco at least 48 hours before the start of your trek, although 02 nights before is ideal. Certainly, You must pay your remaining balance two days before your departure for your trek Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. This will assure that all individuals are acclimatized and adjusted to the high altitude conditions to begin their trek comfortably. Please note that your remaining balance must be paid in cash in our office and cannot be paid before your arrival.

What are the office hours?

Certainly, Our office hours are Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm, 4:00pm – 8:00pm. (Please aim to arrive at 7:30 pm at the latest!)

For this Salkantay Hike more than any other, we do recommend hiking sticks, especially for those with any known knee problems. The poles will assist your balance and reduce the impact on your knees.

In addition, Inkayni Peru Tours will rent hiking sticks for $15

Any baggage that is not necessary for your Salkantay Hike may be stored in your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer this service free of charge). However, In the case that your hotel may not provide this service, we will store your baggage safely in our office free of charge.

Most importantly, The best time for making the Salkantay hike with good weather is between the months of April – October when there is minimal rainfall and clear skies. Therefore, The driest months are June – August, which is winter in the Andes.

When is the rainy season in Cusco?

In the same vein, January to March is summer in Peru, which means rainy season for Cusco and especially the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, which is located mostly in the tropical cloud forest.

Certainly, We will pick you up from your hotel to begin your trek and upon finishing, we will also leave you at your hotel.

If you wish to change your train company or option (such as Vistadome de Peru Rail, to Ollantaytambo or the whole route to Poroy), or your departure time, additional fees may apply. That is to say, You must speak with one of our sales agents to inquire about availability and the additional costs of those extra costs Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu.