Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N

From $750 per person

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, spanning 5 days and 4 nights, is an extraordinary high-altitude adventure that offers a diverse and breathtaking journey to the iconic Inca citadel. This trek, often considered one of the best alternative routes to Machu Picchu, takes you through diverse ecosystems, from high mountain passes to lush cloud forests.

You’ll traverse the Salkantay Pass, reaching elevations of over 15,000 feet, and witness the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain. As you descend, the landscape transforms into tropical rainforests, where you’ll encounter cascading waterfalls and vibrant wildlife. Your expedition concludes with the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu visit, allowing you to explore the ancient ruins.

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Duration: 5 Days - 4 Nights
Type Service: Private Service
Max Altitude: 3,850 m.s.m
Activity Level: Challenging

Itynerary

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa

We will leave Cusco at 5:00 a.m., arriving at Soraypampa at 9:00 a.m, where we will have breakfast and then climb up to Lake Humantay. Afterwards, we’ll walk back to Soraypampa for lunch and then walk for another 2 hours to our campsite for the evening, Salkantay Pampa (4200m).

Travel time: 4 hours

Hiking time: 6 -7 hours

Climate: moderate during the day and cold at night

Day 2: Salkantay Pampa – Salkantay Pass – Chalway

After breakfast, we will set off towards the Salkantay pass (4600m/15,092ft), and after crossing the pass, we will descend into the tropical forest where you’ll notice the changing landscape and vegetation of this varying ecosystem. We will camp in Chalway today, in the heart of the forest.

Hiking time: 8-9 hours

Optional: There are some hot springs nearby the community of Collpapampa and a visit can be arranged at an additional cost.

Day 3: Chalway – Wiñaypoco – La Playa – Lucmabamba

Today is perfect for seeing all different kinds of local flora as we descend further through the forest covered in orchids and bromelias, to meet with local families in Wiñaypoco (2650m/8694ft) and La Playa (2100m/6890ft).

In Lucmabamba, we will learn how local people harvest their crops such as coffee and cacao and, in the afternoon, you will have the chance to learn how coffee is cultivated and processed.

Depending on the variety, it takes approximately 3 to 4 years for newly planted coffee trees to bear fruit.  The fruit, known as the coffee cherry, turns a bright, deep red when it is ripe and ready to be harvested. Due to the botanical characteristics of the coffee tree and the fact that coffee is often grown in mountainous areas, widespread use of mechanical harvesters is not possible so the ripe coffee cherries are usually picked by hand, which is a labor-intensive and difficult process. On this part of the trek, you will learn about the whole process from the plant to your cup of coffee and have a chance to ask your own questions about the process.

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes Town

We will visit the archaeological complex of Llactapata (2650m/8694ft) this morning, which is located amidst a marvelous forest. Here, we will have time to enjoy the magnificent view across to Machu Picchu and take a lot of pictures. Afterwards, we will head towards the hydroelectrical station (1950m/6398ft) where we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, to have lunch and rest in preparation for the early start tomorrow.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will leave our hotel early in the morning to take the bus to Machu Picchu, where we will receive a 2-hour guided tour followed by free time to explore the ruins at your own pace and perhaps climb Huayna Picchu. If time, you will be able to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes before boarding the 2:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. train back to Cusco.

Inclusion

Included

  • Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to Mollepata (Marcoccasa)
  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
  • Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, vegetarian options are available)
  • Cook and cooking equipment
  • Coca tea is served every morning in your tent
  • Boiled water after breakfast, to refill your water bottles (1 liter per person)
  • Snacks each morning
  • Hot drinks such as coca tea, black tea and coffee in the afternoon
  • Transfer of equipment and luggage from Lucmabamba to the hydroelectric station
  • Entrance fees to Salkantay National Park and Machu Picchu
  • 2 hour professionally guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Train ticket from the hydroelectrical station to Aguas Calientes
  • One-way bus ticket: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Expedition train ticket to return to Ollantaytambo, bus to Cusco and transfer to your hotel
  • High quality camping equipment for 2 people. Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent)
  • Sleeping mattress (you will need to carry this unless you hire a personal porter)
  • Horseman and mules, for all camping equipment and customer’s luggage (Up to 10kg)
  • Emergency horse for riding in case of illness or injury
  • Duffle bag
  • First-aid kit and oxygen bottle

Not Included

  • Sleeping bag
  • Trekking poles
  • Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch on Day 5 in Aguas Calientes
  • Return bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes*
  • Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
  • Extra night in Aguas Calientes
  • Travel Insurance – we strongly recommended that you purchase travel insurance for the duration of your trip
  • Tips

*you can hike down or purchase a return ticket for US $12.00

Notes:

(1) From Day 1-2 (from Soraypampa to Chalway) the horsemen and mules will carry the equipment and your personal luggage (up to 10kg) and then from the third day, all the luggage will be transferred by car.

(2) Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for small donations such as clothes or school supplies for their children.

What you should bring

  • Original Passport and migration card
  • ISIC card (isic.org) if applicable (must be submitted at the time of booking)
  • Backpack and daypack with rain cover
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
  • Clothing for warm and cold climates e.g. lightweight pants, thermal layers
  • Rain gear: jacket, poncho, pants
  • Trekking shoes/boots
  • Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs)
  • Woolen or synthetic socks and a sweater
  • Long and short-sleeved polos/T-Shirts
  • Woolen hat
  • Bathing suit for the hot springs
  • Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses, insect repellent
  • Personal medical kit and medication
  • Toiletries and hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper
  • Small towel
  • Water bottle (recommended 1 liter)
  • Trekking poles (can be rented from us)
  • Headlamp with spare batteries (very important)
  • Some snacks such as chocolate bars and dried fruit
  • Camera and extra batteries
  • Extra money for drinks, souvenirs, tips etc. (soles or dollars)

Prices

Private Price Service

  • 2 people USD$ 750.00 per person
  • 3 people USD$ 725.00 per person
  • 4 people USD$ 699.00 per person
  • 5+ people USD$ 665.00 per person

Discounts

  • Student Discount: USD $20.00 (requires green ISIC Card)
  • Under 18’s Discount: USD $20.00

Optional extras NOT included (need to book in advance

  • Sleeping Bag USD $25.00
  • Pair of trekking poles USD $15.00
  • Inflatable Mattress USD $25.00
  • One-person tent USD $35.00
  • Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain: USD $70.00
  • Climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain: USD $70.00
  • Vistadome Train: Aguas Calientes – Cusco: USD $50.00

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N

We are focused on the environment.
You will enjoy evironmental activities that are part of the COCA LIFE ADVENTURE

Why Choose Coca Life Adventure?

All of our English speaking local guides are passionate about their country and will accompany you from the moment you arrive in your destination, throughout your escorted tour and right until your departing flight home.

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Hello! I’m Brissy Luz, thanks for visiting our website. Ever since i was a little girl i was interested spreading the Inca culture and history. I studied tourist administration and worked in different fields of tourism due to which i know very well the needs of our tourists. I decided to create COCA LIFE ADVENTURE with the aim of offering unforgetable experiences to those who visit us.

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