TREKKING / ADVENTURE

Salkantay Trekking

Duration 5 Days & 4 Nights
Difficulty Very demanding
Group Max 12 people
Destination Cusco Treks
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Duration 5 Days & 4 Nights
Accommodation Camping & mountain lodges
Meals All meals during the trek
Transport Private transport + train (per route)
Tour Type Trekking / Adventure

The Expedition

Tour Overview

Considered by National Geographic as one of the best treks in the world, the Salkantay Trail is the perfect alternative for travelers seeking an authentic, challenging, and deeply enriching experience to reach Machu Picchu. This route, which combines the majesty of the Andes with the exuberance of the high jungle, will take you through dreamlike landscapes, from imposing glaciers to tropical valleys.

The highlight of this adventure is the Salkantay Pass, located at 4,650 meters above sea level, where you will closely contemplate the imposing Salkantay snow-capped peak (6,271 m a.s.l.), one of the most venerated sacred mountains (apus) of the region. But the magic does not end there: the descent towards the high jungle will reward you with panoramic views of jungle valleys, waterfalls, and surprising biodiversity.

With Soncco Adventures, the Salkantay Trek becomes a comprehensive experience where adventure, culture, and nature intertwine to offer you memories that will last a lifetime.

Day by Day

Your Itinerary

1

Welcome to the Salkantay Route

Note: No hiking today! It is a night for preparation and acclimatization.

2

The Challenge of Apu Salkantay

3

The Encounter with the High Jungle

4

The Embrace of the Jungle and the Hot Springs

5

The Encounter with the Sacred Citadel

Climate: Warm during the day, cool at night.

04:30 am | Ascent to Machu Picchu: After an early breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the bus station to ascend to the citadel of Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes.

06:00 am | Guided Visit to Machu Picchu: We will enter the citadel and begin a guided visit of approximately 2 hours. Our expert guide will reveal the secrets of this wonder of the world: its history, architecture, temples, and spiritual significance. We will explore the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the main ceremonial enclosures.

08:30 am | Free Time: After the guided visit, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own, take the definitive photographs, and absorb the mystical energy of the place. If you have booked it in advance (additional cost and subject to availability), you may ascend to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu for unforgettable panoramic views.

12:00 pm | Descent to Aguas Calientes: We will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes to have lunch (not included) and get ready for the return trip.

04:00 pm (approx.) | Return Train: We will board the return train to Ollantaytambo (the exact time will depend on ticket availability).

06:00 pm (approx.) | Arrival in Ollantaytambo and Transfer to Cusco: Upon arriving at the Ollantaytambo station, our Soncco Adventures team will be waiting for you to transfer you by private bus back to the city of Cusco.

09:00 pm (approx.) | Arrival in Cusco: We will arrive at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, thus concluding an unforgettable 5-day adventure.

Altitude of Machu Picchu: 2,430 m a.s.l.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch

Why This Trek

Expedition Highlights

Salkantay Trekking to Machu picchu 5 days

Mountain pass at 4,650 m beneath the towering Salkantay apu.

Iconic trek

One of the most famous alternative routes to Machu Picchu.

Diverse landscapes

From high glacial puna to cloud forest in just a few days.

Machu Picchu

The trek ends at the Inca citadel.

What's Covered

Inclusions

What's Included

  • Informative meeting: Detailed briefing 1 or 2 days before the tour to resolve all your questions.
  • Professional guides: Bilingual guides (Spanish/English) with extensive experience and knowledge of the route.
  • Porters: Support staff to transport camping and kitchen equipment (they do not carry your personal backpack).
  • Accommodation: 01 night in Glass Accommodations (glamping) in Soraypampa. 02 nights in a campsite (tents). 01 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • 01 night in Glass Accommodations (glamping) in Soraypampa.
  • 02 nights in a campsite (tents).
  • 01 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • Transportation: Private transport Cusco – Soraypampa (Day 1). Train Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes (Day 4). Train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Day 5). Private bus Ollantaytambo – Cusco (Day 5).
  • Private transport Cusco – Soraypampa (Day 1).
  • Train Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes (Day 4).
  • Train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Day 5).
  • Private bus Ollantaytambo – Cusco (Day 5).
  • Camping equipment: Tents (2 people), sleeping mats, table and chairs for meals.
  • Meals: 04 breakfasts, 04 lunches, 03 dinners (during the trek). Note: Dinner on Day 4 and lunch on Day 5 in Aguas Calientes are not included.
  • Water: Drinking water during the hikes (excluding the first day of trekking, bring your own bottle).
  • Entrance fees: General entrance to Machu Picchu.
  • First aid services: First aid kit and portable oxygen throughout the excursion.
  • Additional extras: Coca tea every morning to help with altitude.
  • Satellite phones: Available for emergencies (for guide use only).
  • Permanent assistance and coordination by Soncco Adventures.

Not Included

  • Additional equipment rental: Trekking poles (you can rent from us), sleeping bag (necessary, you can rent it), inflatable mat (optional).
  • Ascent to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: Requires advance reservation and has an additional cost.
  • Daypacks (you must bring your own).
  • Headlamps (recommended for nights at the campsite).
  • Flights (international and domestic).
  • Tips for the guide, cooks, and porters (personal appreciation, optional).
  • Travel insurance (we recommend purchasing travel insurance from your home country that covers high-altitude trekking).
  • Meals not specified: Lunch on Day 5 in Aguas Calientes, dinners in Cusco, drinks during meals.
  • Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (optional, direct payment).

Before You Go

Recommendations

Recommendations for your trip

  • Documents: Bring your original passport (valid). If you are a student and booked with a discount, bring your valid international student ID (ISIC).
  • Cash: Bring soles or dollars in small denominations for personal expenses, handicraft purchases, tips, and the entrance to the hot springs (optional).

Good to Know

Frequently Asked

Good physical condition. It involves several days of hiking at high altitude with long stages.

Equipped campsites or mountain lodges depending on the day, with all meals included.

Yes, we recommend 2–3 days in Cusco before starting the trek.

Guide, transport, entrance fees, meals and accommodation. See the inclusions section.

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