Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Tour Overview

The Tradicional Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Tour, considered one of 50 unmissable treks worldwide, is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail. This trek perfectly combines local culture and natural beauty. Salkantay (6264m / 20551ft) is the magnificent snowcapped mountain that was considered the God of the mountains, worshipped by the surrounding villages for thousands of years. This route will take us back to the time of the Incas, accompanied by the spirits of the other nearby mountains, Tucarhuay and Humantay, whose peak is higher than 5000 meters (16404 feet).
Join us is this adventure crossing the Andes from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Itinerary

Day 01: Cusco — Humantay Lake — Soyrococha

We will leave Cusco between 5:00 and 6 a.m., in a bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 masl), we´ll stop for last-minute supplies, to use the restrooms at a local restaurant. We will continue our expedition to Challacancha (3900 masl), our hike starting point. We will meet with our muleteers and horses, who will load the equipment on horses, we will begin our hike toward Humantay Lake, a marvellous lake in the mountains. After 3 hours walking, we will have a panoramic view of the majestic Salkantay mountain, other mountains covered with snow. Between 1:00 and 2 p.m., we will have a delicious lunch in Salkantaypampa. After lunch, we will continue hiking to Soyrococha, our first campsite, where our tents will be ready as well as your dinner.
Transportation time: 4 hours
Hiking time: 7 hours
Climate: Cold
Included: Lunch and dinner

Day 02: Soyrococha — Challway

Today, nature will change from dry surroundings to snowy mountains and tropical areas. After our breakfast, we will begin the most difficult part of the hike around 8:00 am. We will ascend until to reach the highest point (4600 masl) after 2 hours. We will enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains and the Cordillera of Vilcanota and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay (6266 masl) which is known as the second-highest point of the region. On our way down, we will visit the amazing Salkantay Lake. Around 1:00 p.m., we will have our lunch, in Huayracmachay., after 3 hours trek, we will arrive at our camp in Challway (2900 masl). Around 7:00 p.m., we will have our dinner.
Hiking time: 8 hours
Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 03: Challway — Sahuayaco — Santa Teresa

At 7:00 a.m., we will begin our trek. We will walk for about 5 hours toward Sahuayaco, on the route, we will observe Collpabamba, also called the “Forest Cloudy Brow” where we can view waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds. If we are lucky, we will be observing the famous bird called the “Cock of the Rocks”. Arrive at Sahuayaco around midday, here we have lunch, By the afternoon we continue our tour, by local transport until reaching our camping site, very close to Santa Teresa town. (Who wish can go to the hot springs to take a relaxing bath). Around 7:00 p.m., we will have dinner and camping.
Hiking time: 5 hours
Climate: Warm during the day with mosquitoes.
Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 04: Santa Teresa — Hydroelectric —Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town)

After an early breakfast, we start our walk to hydroelectric for approximately 3 hours, down a path, which will take you to the Hydroelectric, here you will have time to rest and enjoy the scenery and lunch at a local restaurant. We continue our journey to the community of Mandor; where we will arrive after 1:30 hours approximately. Here we will have a fantastic visit to the orchid garden to appreciate some of the 317 varieties of orchids in the area; the last part of the route to reach Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) we will do it in an hour and a half more. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel (included in this package). Then we enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant around 7:30 p.m.
Hiking time: 6 hours.
Climate: Warm with a lot of mosquitoes.
Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 05: Machu Picchu — Aguas Calientes — Cusco

Today, we will start early in the morning at around 4:30 a.m., to take the bus to Machu Picchu. In Machu Picchu, we will have a guided tour for around  2 or 3 hours and after that, we will have free time to explore the citadel and take pictures. Bus to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). At according time (depending on availability), we will be taking a train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and from there, a bus will drive you to Cusco.
Included: Breakfast

You should bring: 

• Your original passport must be shown at the entrance of Machu Picchu and if you wish you can have it stamped at the end of the trek.
• Water bottle and sterilizing tablets.
• A backpack with a change of clothes for 5 days.
• Rain jacket (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Flashlight and batteries. / Camera, films and batteries. / Strong footwear.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleece and sweaters.
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, etc.
• Swimsuit (if you wish to visit the hot springs)
• Cash in soles and US for your own expenses.
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain or cold.
• Insect repellent, toilet paper, small towel & sunblock.
• Sleeping bag.
• Sleeping mat (we will provide you with this one)
• Selection of small snacks such as chocolates, dried fruit, biscuits, etc.
• Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag).