Best Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
The Best Salkantay Trek takes you to explore the lost city of the Incas – Machu Picchu. During this trekking you’ll explore the picturesque “Umantay” lagoon and the mysterious Inca sites along the trail!!
Best Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu was opened to trekkers in 1990s, though people have trekked in the area in connection with mountaineering expeditions since the turn of the century. The Best Salkantay Trek takes you to walk through the skirts of “Salkantay Mountain” which is considered the second highest mountain in the region of Cusco with its 6,271m / 20574ft.
The Best Salkantay Trek is blessed by magnificent views of the Snow Mountains of Salkantay and Umantay and the ice lagoon of “Umantay”; located in the base of the Umantay Mountain at 4,000m / 131123ft. This trekking route contains less steep passages and higher altitudes than the Classic Inca Trail to Machupicchu; and it is slightly less demanding.
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This trekking route offers a great variety of conditions; from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high pass. The Salkantay Pass at 4,600m is the highest pass that you will cross.
There is an ample chance to spot the famus Andean Condors, different types of birds and hummingbirds; wild flowers in full blossom and rare animals. One of the highlights of this trek is that you will be bestowed with the opportunity to camp beneath some of Inca’s most spiritual peaks – Salkantay and Umantay.
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
- Difficulty: Adventurous
- Duration: 5 Days
- Departures: Daily
- Grade: Moderate to challenge
- Activities: Trekking
- Destinations: Machu Picchu – Peru
- Max Alt: 4,600m
- Beginning and Ending Points: Cusco
THE BEST SALKANTAY TREK DESCRIPTION
The Best Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers opportunity to walk on the Peruvian Andes conquering the altitude of 4,600m passing through well cultivated fields, indigenous villages, pristine forest, world’s deepest gorge (Apurimac); and explore the stunning Machu Picchu before you return to Cusco. It is a 5-day trekking tour that begins in the zone of “Markukasa” located at 3:30 hours from the city of Cusco
Involves four days trekking for approximately 6-7 hours per day and one day explore Machu Picchu; the walking distance is of 70km. The tour package assures three night accommodation in camping tents and one night accommodation in hotel of 3-stars category; a professional and licensed guide, all ground transportation and the entrance fees to Machu Picchu . However, the package can be fully customized to your requirements and budget. All the customized packages come with a guarantee of 100% departure, flat rate and a special group discount.
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS
- A wonderful bus journey From Cusco to Mollepata village
- Escorted Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Explore the Inca ruins along the trail.
- 2 -3 hours Machu Picchu Tour (optional climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain).
- Many photo opportunities.
SHORT ITINERARY FOR BEST SALKANTAY TREK
DAY 1: Explore UMANTAY Lagoon
At 5:30 we pick you up from your hotel and head to Markukasa from where we commence trekking to Soraypampa camp. In the afternoon we’ll explore the lagoon of UMANTAY.
DAY 2: Hike ove the pass at 4,600masl / 15091ft
Today we’ll hike over the highest pas from where you’ll be rewarded with splendid views of the Salkantay and Umantay mountains. Then the trail descents to Ccollpampa camp.
DAY 3: Hike through the “Seja de Selva”
Hike through the cloud forest observing stunning flora and fauna, the trail passes small communities and wonderful waterfall where one can take well deserve showers.
DAY 4: First view of Machu Picchu
The hike of todays is for 6-7 hours over the Llactapata pass from where you can see the mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. The day ends in the town of Aguas Calientes.
DAY 5: Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
Early beginning (4:30am); today we’ll explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu; you’ll have free time within Machu Picchu for further exploration. In the afternoon, we’ll take the train to return to Cusco.
ITINERARY
DETAILED ITINERARY FOR BEST SALKANTAY TREK
DAY 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Markukasa – Soraypampa:
The Adventure trek begins at 05:30 a.m when your trekking guide will meet you in your hotel and travel for 3-hours to the village of Mollepata where we’ll stop for toilets, purchase some items and get some breakfast in one of the restaurants, then continue half hour to Markukasa (the beginning point of the Hike. Once in Markukasa, your guide will introduce the team, take a group photo and at around 10:00 a.m. you’ll start to hike.
During the day’s hike, you will explore the Andes with alpine views. After three hours hike we stop for lunch and in the afternoon we’ll continue for two more hours to Soraypampa camp at 3,800m / 12467asl. After you leave your personal things in the camp with your camera in your hang we walk up to the lake of UMANTAY. This is a 5 km (3.1miles) round-trip which we’ll walk in a total of 3 hours. The UMANTAY lagoon is a beautiful place, one of the most beautiful sights in all the Andes with unbelievable blue-green water reflecting the mountain glaciers of Umantay. After we enjoy the views we return to our camp at Soraypampa (3,800m).
- Included Meals: L-D
- Accommodation: Camping tenst
- Maximum Altitude: 4,000 m / 13123ft – the Umantay Lake
- Minimum Altitude: 2,850 m / 9350ft – the begining point
- Time of walking: 6 – 8 Hours
- Distance Travelled: 12km / 7.5ml approx
DAY 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Ccollpapampa:
You’ll have a wakeup call with a cup of tea at 6:00am; then pack your things and get your breakfast at 7:00am. After breakfast you’ll start walking slowly towards the Salkantay Pass (4,600 masl/15,091ft); this section will take us approximately 4 hours. From the pass you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peak of Salkantay Mountain (6,271 masl).
After you rest and take enough pictures; we’ll start to descend through old moraine for 2 hours to the zone of “Wayrocmachay”; here, we’ll stop to have lunch and also you can rest and enjoy the splendid views. After the lunch continue descending 2 hours toward the warm valley of “Ccollpampa”; where will be the second camping site. The hike of today is the hardest of the all program, because the “Salkantay Pass”; this is highest point of the Best Salkantay Trek package.
- Included Meals: B-L-D
- Accommodation: camping tens
- Maximum Altitude: 4,600 m / 15091ft – The Salkantay Pass
- Minimum Altitude: 2,920 m / 9580ft – the camping site.
- Time of walking: 7 – 8 Hours
- Distance Travelled: 16 km / 9.9ml
DAY 3: Ccollapampa – Playa Sawayaco:
After a pleasant breakfast, we continue hike on your shortest, but most interesting day. You will experience the most beautiful sights along your Best Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. You will explore the tropical forest and you’ll visit an organic coffee farm, where you can taste a cup of coffee, prepared by locals. Coffee is the main farming industry for locals in this region (The Valley of Santa Teresa). Most of this coffee production is export to United States, Asia and Europe.
The hike of today will be through the high Jungle zone called “Ceja de Selva”. Here you’ll find different varieties of plants, fruits, flowers, birds, hummingbirds; also coca and banana crops. You will have time to shower in a waterfall, take amazing pictures, and with luck we can observe the famous Peruvian National Bird “Gallito de las Rocas”.
- Included Meals: B-L-D
- Accommodation: Camping Tents
- Maximum Altitude: 2,920 m / 9580ft – Starting point
- Minimum Altitude: 2,350 m / 7709ft – Camping site
- Time of walking: 7 – 8 Hours
- Distance Travelled: 16 kms / 9.9ml
DAY 4: Playa Sawayaco – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes:
The breakfast at 7:30am; we’ll continue hike through the coffee farm and gradually climb toward the Llactapata pass which will take you approximately 3-hours. From where you’ll see Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountains; after we rest on the pass and take enough pictures start descent to “Hidro-electrica” station.
The impressive part of this area is the natural waterfall, of 300 meters high, which generates the electricity for the region of Cusco and Apurimac. You will then arrive at the famous Intiwatana (Inca’s sun dial rock). According to history, this Inca stone used to work with the famous sun dial rock in Machu Picchu, during the winter solstice, which was the beginning of a new farming season for the Incas. After you pass this small Inca site, you will reach the train rail way, which has a nice path to walk on until the town of Aguas Calientes; here you’ll have accommodation in the Hotel.
- Included Meals: B-L-D
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Maximum Altitude: 2,700 m / 8858ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2,000 m / 6561ft
- Distance Travelled: 12km / 7.5ml approx
DAY 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco:
After early breakfast leave your duffle bag in the reception of the hotel and then you’ll walk for 5 minutes to the bus station, from where we’ll take the bus up to Machu Picchu (25 minutes). Once in Machupicchu you’ll have complete guided tour of this magnificent Inca citadel, leisure time to explorer on your own. In the afternoon at 14.55 hours you’ll take the train to return to Cusco arriving there in the evening and you will be transferred to your hotel.
Included Meals: B – in the hotel
PRICE INFO
PRICE FOR BEST SALKANTAY TREK
Daily Departure
Group serveice and private service
| TYPE OF TRAIN | PRICE PER PERSON |
| Expedition class | US$ |
| Vistadome class | US$ |
| Hiram Bimgham class |
Discounts for Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu
Student Discount: US$20 (Requires ISIC Card to qualify)
Under 18’s Discount: US$20
Optional Extras:
Sleeping Bag US$25
Walking Pole US$12
Inflatable Mattress US$25
Single Tent Supplement US$55
Extra 7kg of personal items US$70
Huaynapicchu permit US$35
Private Service Prices
2 people US$650 per person
3 people US$585 per person
4 people US$545 per person
5 people US$515 per person
6 people US$480 per person
7+ people US$450 per person
Discounts for Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu private service:
Student Discount: US$20 (Requires ISIC Card to qualify)
Under 18’s Discount: US$20
Optional Extras:
Sleeping Bag US$30
Walking Pole US$12
Single Tent Supplement US$35
GALLERY
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BASIC FAQ's
FAQ’s
When is the best time to Trek?
Round the year except monsoon (January and February). During the winter is colder is very important to be prepared months (June, July and august).
How difficult is the Trek?
The trek varies from moderate to difficult depend of your fitness level and your acclimatization to the altitude; otherwise it is a moderate trek.
How cold does it really get on the hike?
First two days temperature can get below cero because the altitude and the proximity to Salkantay Mountain; remember that the highest point will be 4,600masl; consider that we start the trek at 3,500masl. The following days will warm because the trek runs through the jungle forest and the altitude is much lower; is important to carry sunblock and insets repellents
Is Diamox is advisable?
NO, but in case you are having so please consult your doctor because there are lots of MYTH about Diamox.
Who will lead and who all will go along with us?
Always trek leads by professional Trek leader who complete Basic and Advance mountaineering course and certified in first-aid course and along with one local guide, cook, helper, porter and other staff.
How big are the groups?
For Best Salkantay Trek, we try to bring together a small group of likeminded people to give them a memorable and insightful travel experience, normally we take 4 – 10 people in one batch including male and female. We need minimum 3 people to run a fix departure but for the customized trip group size doesn’t matter.
I am the only girl in trek, is it safe?
Yes definitely, Security of girls is the foremost important for us. We always create friendly environment on trek. All our guides and other support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. They are very honest and reliable, but we would also advise you to take care of your own personal belongings.
What thing we need to carry?
Once you made the booking our team will send you the trek essentials list according to the trek.
I can’t carry my bag can anyone carry it for me?
Yes, one night before the trek the tour guide will give you the briefing of the tour and will provide you a duffel bag where you’ll put your personal belongings weight limited to 7kilos per person. This duffel bag will transported by the horses and you’ll see it only in the campsites
Which type of shoes should I buy?
For Good trekking shoes are the most important part of the trek, so you have to be very careful before buying it.
How many trekkers will be in one tent?
For Best Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, we have four men tents but two people will be accommodating in one tent.
What is the level of fitness expected from the participants?
Optimum level of fitness is always required in any trek so that you can enjoy your trek.
How to get safe drinking water on the trek?
The water is consider as a clean and mineral water but for safe side we use boil water / chlorine tablet in our camps, during the trek ask once to trek leader or guide from where to fill water bottles.
Do you think I should bring some medicines with me?
Yes, it is always advisable that in any trek carry your own medication weather organizers carrying it or not.
How do I book the Best Salkantay Trek with you?
After choosing the trip you wish to join, the first step is to fill up the booking form; a deposit has to be made in order to confirm the reservation. All details will be emailed to you to make it easy for you to book.
Can you customize a trip?
Yes, if you would like to travel independently, you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient time frame for any number of people. Cost for private trip is fixed on the basis of group size, trek area, duration and trek style.
LOCATION
BEST SALKANTAY TREK MAP
Getting to the trailhead
Our staff will meet you in your hotel in the city of Cusco and then we’ll drive for 3:30 hours to the zone of Marcukasa; the trailhead of the Best Salkantay Trek is in the zone of Marcukasa which is close to the village of Mollepata at 2,800m. We’ll have a private transport which gives us the option to stop for pictures and also to visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi on the way. Upon arrival to the village of Mollepata we’ll stop for 30 minutes in order to have breakfast and purchase some items for the trek; from Mollepata will be 30 minutes by car to Marcukasa.
Permits
For Best Salkantay Trek is not necessary the trekking permits for now, but you’ll need the entrance fees to Machu Picchu Inca citadel, so that is very important to reserve in advance to avoid disgusts during your trip to Peru
WHY SALKANTAY TREK?Best Trekking to Machupicchu TREK DIFFICULTYAvailable for everyone QUESTIONS & ANSWERSKnow before you go
EVERY DAY’S HIGHLIGHTS
DAY 1
The Lake of Azul Ccocha located at the base of the mountain of Salkantay
Because at Best Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the most panoramic trekking to Machu Picchu
DAY 2
Salkantay Mountain 6,271masl
The Mt. of Salkantay at 6,271m – Best Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu
DAY 3
The River/valley of Salnta Teresa
Trek through the clud forest
DAY 4
Cocalmayo Hot springs
At Best Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu you’ll enjoy the hot springs in the village of Santa Teresa
DAY 5
Machu Picchu
Best Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu takes you to explore Machu Picchu
Very Important
The Best Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
The goal of this particular trek is the stunning combination of Inca ruins, magnificent mountains, exotic vegetation and extraordinary ecological variety. Salkantay trail goes over high pass of 4600masl with unforgettable views, through cloud forest, and finally into subtropical vegetation. This trail runs through the base of the Salkantay Mountain 6,271masl; one of the highest of Cusco region. The Salkantay trek runs through the National park of Machu Picchu.
Over 250 species of orchid have been counted in the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, as well as numerous rare birds, animals, reptiles, including several species considered to be in danger of extinction. In order to complete the Inca Trail you need to have a reasonable level of fitness, age shouldn’t be a barrier. The most important thing is to be well acclimatized to the altitude.
BEST SALKANTAY TREK INCLUDES
- Transportation: Tourist bus from Cusco to Sayllapata starting point of the trek and tourist train expeditions class from “Aguas Calientes” to Cusco; bus up from “Aguas Calientes” to Machu Picchu.
- Camping equipment: We provide four people capacity tent for two persons, brand new four season tents, Therm-a-rest, dining room tent, kitchen tent, toiled tent, seats, tables, tent for Guides and helpers, kitchen gears.
- Accommodation: Rooms based on double occupancy: 01 hotel’s accommodation night in the town of “Aguas Calientes”.
- Entrance fee: to Machu Picchu.
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- Meals: 4 breakfasts ;4 hot lunches; 4 hot dinners and delicious meals prepared by professional chef 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 everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn), we offer vegetarian option if you request; we provide available boil water each morning for your water bottles.
- Guides: English-speaking professional guides, 2 guides over 8 people
- Cook: Professional Chef and Chef’s Assistants.
- Horses: For camping equipment, food and kitchen gears as well to carry your personal items (6kg per person) in duffel bags that we provide;
- Muleteers.
- Others: First-aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Sleeping bag: can be rented in our office for US$ 20 for the entire trek (every sleeping bag is washed prior to each use).
- Breakfast: on the first morning. Some hotels offer early morning breakfast service. If not, we’ll stop at Mollepata for your breakfast and also you can buy some items for the trek.
- Meals: Lunch in the town of “Aguas Calientes” on the final day, you must consider a bugged of US$ 15 to 20 in average restaurant.
- Entrance fee: to Wayna Picchu Mountain US$ 35.
- Entrance to the thermal baths in “Aguas Calientes” (optional) US$ 6.
- Tips for the staff.
BEST SALKANTAY TREK VIDEO
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