05 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - Private Service Inkayni Peru Tours

Soraypampa
Humantay
Salkantay
Machu Picchu

The chances for ethnic and cultural exchange are ever-present with local natives who still remain closely attached to their heritage and are very willing to share it with open minds

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Highlights

5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Private Service

The Tour 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Salkantay trekking can be done with any size and we will go out of our way to make it the most special vacation. Certainly, You will trek from 3,900m/12,800ft to 2,100m/6,900ft, traversing across magnificent mountain passes, enjoying enormous and mystical snow-capped peaks. Likewise, we see nature in its purest form and exploring more than 15 different ecosystems that we have in this area from beginning to end of Salkantay route.

OVERVIEW SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE (L)(D)

Walking Distance – 12km / 7.45 miles
Starting Elevation – 3350 m. / 10990 feet.
Highest Elevation – 4200 m, / 13779 feet.
Campsite Elevation – 3900 m. / 12795 feet.
Difficulty: Challenging

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – CHALLWAY (B)(L)(D)

Walking Distance – 22 km / 13.7 miles
Starting Elevation – 3900 m. / 12795 feet.
Campsite Elevation – 2920 m. / 9514 feet.
Salkantay Elevation – 4630 m. / 15190 feet.
Difficulty: Formidable

DAY 3: CHALLWAY – LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA (B)(L)(D)

Walking Distance – 18km / 11.19 miles
Starting Elevation – 2920 m. / 9514 feet.
Campsite Elevation – 2000 m. / 6561 feet.
Highest Elevation – 2920 m. / 9514 feet.
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA – LLAPTAPATA -HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES (17KM , HOURS 9)

Walking Distance – 17 km / 10.6 miles
Starting Elevation – 2000 meters ASL / 6561 feet ASL
Campsite Elevation – 2050 meters ASL / 6571 feet ASL (Aguas Calientes hotel)
Highest Elevation – 2702 m. / 8858 feet.
Difficulty: Mild

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (B)

Activity Overview: Private Tour in Machu Picchu with optional hike “Huayna Picchu” or “Machu Picchu Mountain”
Activity Level: easy

Itinerary

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE (L)(D)

Firstly, We will leave from Cusco at approximately 05:00 a.m. A bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level) where we will arrive approximately at 08:00 in the morning. Consequently, we will stop for last-minute supplies, leg-stretching or to use the restrooms. Subsequently, We will continue to our trek starting point, Challacancha.

So, We will meet with our support staff, and they will load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 09:00 a.m., we will begin our walk toward Soraypampa (3900 meters above sea level). During the trip, we will have panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay, other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River. At about 01:00 p.m., we will have a Peruvian lunch. After lunch, we will continue hiking toward Humantay Lake for 03 hours approximately, this is a beautiful lake in the mountains. We will come back to our camp where the tents will be ready for you as well as your dinner.

Lodging: Campsite in Soraypampa

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – CHALLWAY (B)(L)(D)

Today, nature will change drastically from dry sceneries to snowy peaks (Salkantay glacier) and tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, we will start the most difficult part of the Salkantay trekking. Firstly, We will start the hike around 07:00 in the morning. We will hike to a place called Pampas Salkantay, then go toward the left side of the snowy peaks of Humantay located next to the Apu Salkantay. Subsequently, at midday, we will be at the highest point ( 4600 meters above sea level).

Then, we will appreciate spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay pass (6264 meters above sea level) which is known as the second highest point in the Cusco region. After that, around 01:00 p.m., we will have our lunch, in the area called Huayracmachay. After a trek of approximately 03 hours, we will arrive at our camp in Challway (2920 meters above sea level). Around 07:00 p.m., we will recuperate from the trek and eat dinner.

Lodging: Campsite in Challway

DAY 3: CHALLWAY – LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA (B)(L)(D)

Around 7:00 a.m., we will start our Salkantay trekking and we will enjoy the beautiful sunrise. So, We will walk for about 5 hours toward Playa Sahuayaco, and during this period, we will observe a town called Collpabamba, also called the “Forest Cloudy Brow”. Similarly, where there are waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. Likewise, if we are lucky, we will be able to observe the famous bird called the “Cock of the Rocks” the national bird of Peru Once at Playa Sahuayaco lunch. After that, we are going to hike a couple of hours more to get to Lucmabamba which is our last campsite, and also the beginning of the Inca trail of Llactapata.

Lodging: Campsite in Lucmabamba

DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA – LLAPTAPATA -HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES (17KM , HOURS 9)

Firstly, at around 8.00 am. we will gradually hike up for about 2 hours to finally get to LlaptaPata a beautiful archeological site that has connections to the Inca sites Machupicchu and Sayacmarka. So, We will have plenty of time to explore this nice Inca site and will then start our descent to HidroElectrica (power plant) which will take us about 1 ½ hour. A pleasant 3 hours walk will bring us to Aguas Calientes where we will stay in a hotel for the night. After having stored our baggage we will go out and have dinner together in one of the many restaurants.

Lodging: Golden Sunrise Machu Picchu Hotel *** or similar

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (B)

This last day of Salkantay route starts very early. We will wake you up at around 05:00 am have breakfast and then take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. Above all, There are two good reasons to be at the entrance of Machu Picchu very early:

1.- It is well worth the effort to get up early as the Inca city is quietest in the early morning and you will have plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the sunrise over Machu Picchu.

2.- Our guide will give you a tour around Machu Picchu telling you about the history of the most important temples and altars. Of course, he will also take you to the classical viewpoint (sacred Rock Hut), this vantage point offers a terrific view of the whole inkan city. After that, if you still have plenty of energy you should climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (optional).

Usually, we take the bus at around 1:00 pm. The bus ride takes around 25 minutes and your guides will give you the ticket. Make sure that, before you leave Machu Picchu by bus, the guides give you the time and location where the group meets in Aguas Calientes. You will get your train and bus tickets back to Cusco in the restaurant in Aguas Calientes.

What´s Included

5 DAY SALKANTAY TREK INCLUDED:

Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. At this time, we will provide you with the duffle bags which will be carried by our horses. The meeting will be at 06:00 PM 01 or 02 Days before the trip begins.
Professional English Speaking Tour Guide.
Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+.
Chef.
Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment and 07 kg of your personal items.
Pick-up and transportation from your hotel to the start of the trail.
Water (excluding the first 04 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own).
04 Breakfasts, 04 Lunches, 04 Afternoon Snacks, and 04 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know (food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit,
avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude. Teatime every day (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn)
Wake up tea: Every morning at the campsite, you will wake up with a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
Dining tent with tables and chairs.
4-man tent for every 2 trekkers.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Golden Sunrise Machupicchu *** , or similar) Day 4.
Double thickness foam sleeping mattress.
Oxygen bottle.
First aid kit.
Entrance to Machu Picchu.
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (round trip)
Train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
Transportation Ollantaytambo-Cusco.

NOT INCLUDED:

Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us). US$25.00
Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 05.
Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain US$85.00
Tips.
Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

WHAT TO BRING FOR 5 DAY SALKANTAY TREK:

Original Passport
Current University Card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
Walking boots
Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Warm jacket
Hat and gloves
T-shirts
Comfortable Trousers
Sun hat
Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
Insect repellant
Toiletries and hand sanitiser
Personal medication
Camera and film
Torch with spare batteries or Headlamps.

Prices

5 DAY SALKANTAY TREK RUNS AS A PRIVATE SERVICE

Daily Departure with at least 2 people

NUMBER OF PAXS	PRICE PER PERSON	ACTION
*02 people	$ 780.00	Book Now
*03 people	$ 750.00	Book Now
*04 people	$ 720.00	Book Now
*06- 08 people	$ 620.00	Book Now

Discounts for Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu:

Under 18 years old: US$ 25.00 Please send us a copy of the passport at the booking time.
Student Discount (Maximum Age 25 years old): US$ 25.00 Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. Likewise, For those using an university student card to receive the discount, we need to see a copy of the card at booking. Similarly, For those booking children 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. So, Please send all to info@inkayniperutours.com. More Information about STUDENT CARD.

Extra Services?

SERVICE	PRICE
Hire of sleeping bag – 5 season	$ 25
Walking stick highly recommended!	$ 15
Single supplement	$ 70
Additional night at 3 star hotel	$ 85

FAQS?

Is the trek difficult? Do I need to be in good physical condition?

All our treks (Inka Trail, Salkantay, 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 5 day Salkantay trek?

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 trekking Salkantay, we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible!

Are vegetarian, vegan, and/or other special diet needs available?

Of course! Without any additional costs! When you make your reservation, please inform us of any dietary needs or requirements, including allergies!

That is to say, Vegetarian foods will be absent of 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 5 day Salkantay trek?

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.

I have a food allergy. May I still participate?

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 trekking.

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 of your situation and ready with any medication.

WE CAN NOT ACCEPT CLIENTS WITH LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES

When must I arrive in Cusco or arrive at your office?

We require that all clients arrive to Cusco at least 48 hours before the start of your trek, although 03 nights before is ideal. You must pay your remaining balance two days before your departure for your Salkantay trekking. This will assure that all individuals are acclimatized and adjusted to the high altitude conditions to begin your 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!)

Are hiking sticks or poles necessary for Salkantay trekking?

For this trek 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

Where can I store my baggage that I don't need for the Salkantay trekking?

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

What is the weather like during the Salkantay trekking?

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

When is the rainy season in Cusco?

That is to say, January to March is summer in Peru, which means the rainy season for Cusco and especially the Salkantay trekking, which is located mostly in the tropical cloud forest.

Where do I have to be the morning of the start of my trek and where will I finish at the end?

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

I wish to have a train company or train option different from that which Inkayni Peru Tours offers, is this possible?

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. You must speak with one of our sales agents to inquire about availability and the additional costs for Salkantay trekking.

Video

Max & Lee (Youtubers) Salkantay trek with our team

Why take this tour with us?

Inkayni Peru Tours is continually working to become one of the most responsible tour operators in Peru. We ideally try to keep our groups to a limit of 10 persons. Therefore, since we fully operate all of our treks, we have complete control over the quality of our service. Therefore, we want to make sure that you have a great experience on all our treks and tours.

Above all, it is also crucial that all the people involved in the operation of our services are treated and taken care of properly, and that the benefits brought by tourism are shared throughout the Peruvian communities.