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ITINERARY
INCLUSIONS
PRICES
HOW TO BOOK
STUDENT DISCOUNT

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Includes Llactapata Return by Bus 5 Days

OVERVIEW

Join the 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, one of Peru’s most scenic and exhilarating hiking routes. This unforgettable journey takes you through majestic glacier-covered mountains, stunning turquoise lakes like Humantay and Salkantay, and the lush beauty of the Amazon jungle.

By booking with us, you’ll enjoy high-quality services at a fair price. Our exclusive campsites are equipped with comfortable camping tents, and our experienced guides and support staff ensure a safe and enriching trek. With a comprehensive and carefully crafted itinerary, you won’t miss a single highlight of this incredible route.

Throughout the trek, you’ll encounter breathtaking natural wonders—soaring to altitudes up to 4,630 meters, walking beside rivers and waterfalls, and relaxing in the natural hot springs of Santa Teresa. You’ll also hike a section of the original Inca Trail to reach the Llactapata ruins, which offer a rare and spectacular view of Machu Picchu from afar.

Recognized by National Geographic as one of the “World’s Best Treks,” the 5-day Salkantay experience is filled with memorable moments—from the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake to the impressive Salkantay Pass, the lush Quiswarniyoc valley, and the cultural richness of Lucmabamba.

This journey ends with a guided visit to Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Andes. Choose a trusted company and create unforgettable memories on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Cusco | Mollepata | Challacancha | Soraypampa (Humantay Lake)
Pick Up and Transfer: Cusco – Challacancha
We pick you up at 5:00 AM for a scenic 4-hour drive to Challacancha, passing through Anta and Mollepata. We make a short stop for restrooms and optional breakfast. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Apus Salkantay and Humantay.
Trekking: Challacancha – Soraypampa
Upon arrival at Challacancha, we meet our trekking team and begin a 3-hour hike to Soraypampa (3,850 m). The 7 km trail offers beautiful Andean landscapes and sections of an ancient aqueduct still used by local communities.
Lunch & Rest: Soraypampa Campsite
We arrive at our first campsite in Soraypampa and enjoy lunch with stunning mountain views. After a short rest, we prepare for an afternoon hike
Hike to Humantay Lake
In the afternoon, we hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m), a 5 km round-trip journey. The lake’s vibrant turquoise waters and glacier backdrop create one of the most iconic views of the trek.
Evening: Sunset, Stargazing & Overnight
Back at camp, take in a peaceful sunset and a sky full of stars. With no light pollution, enjoy perfect stargazing before resting in your tent, surrounded by the quiet majesty of the Andes.
Early Morning – Breakfast & Preparation
Our day begins at 5:30 AM with the first light and an energizing breakfast to fuel the most demanding part of the trek.
Ascent to Salkantay Pass
We begin a 7 km (4.34 miles) ascent to the highest point of the route: Salkantay Pass (4,650 MASL / 15,255 FASL). This 3-hour climb leads us through rocky valleys, with the impressive Salkantay Mountain (6,271 MASL / 20,574 FASL) looming above. Along the way, we enjoy panoramic views of the Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo peaks.
Salkantay Pass – Sacred Summit Moment
At the summit, we pause to admire Apu Salkantay, one of the most revered mountains in Inca tradition. The surrounding landscapes are stunning and spiritual—a perfect spot for photos and reflection.
Descent to Huayracmachay & Lunch
After enjoying the summit, we descend 5 km (3.1 miles) along a winding gravel path to Huayracmachay, where we stop for a well-earned lunch with sweeping mountain views.
Trek Through the Cloud Forest
In the afternoon, we enter the upper Amazon jungle, known as the cloud forest. This part of the hike covers 10 km (6.2 miles) in about 3 hours, as the landscape transforms dramatically. The climate becomes warmer and more humid, and the surroundings burst with lush vegetation, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Arrival at Chaullay Campsite
We end the day at Chaullay (2,900 MASL / 9,514 FASL), a campsite nestled in the jungle. After a long, challenging, and rewarding journey, we rest and recharge for the adventure ahead.
Wake Up in the Jungle
Start your day at 6:00 AM with a cup of warm coca tea in a lush jungle setting, followed by a nutritious breakfast to fuel your hike.
Trek Through the Santa Teresa Valley
At 7:30 AM, begin a scenic 5-hour trek through the stunning Santa Teresa Valley, passing by vibrant plantations of coffee, bananas, avocados, coca, and passion fruit—a true immersion into Peru’s natural abundance.
Lunch & Camp at Lucmabamba
Arrive at Lucmabamba, your third campsite, just in time to enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. Rest and enjoy the jungle atmosphere before your optional afternoon activity.
Optional: Cocalmayo Hot Springs
After lunch, take a 1.5-hour drive to the famous Cocalmayo hot springs in Santa Teresa. Spend the afternoon relaxing in natural thermal pools surrounded by mountains—a perfect reward after your hike. Return to the campsite for tea time, a delicious warm dinner, and a cozy bonfire under the stars.
Early Start in Lucmabamba
Begin your day with an early breakfast at 5:30 AM, preparing for one of the most scenic segments of the trek.
Hike to Llactapata
Set off on a 3-hour uphill hike along an original Inca Trail that leads to the Llactapata archaeological site. From here, take in breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and even Salkantay Mountain, weather permitting. This is a perfect photo opportunity and a unique chance to view Machu Picchu from a completely different angle.
Descent to Hidroelectrica
After exploring Llactapata, begin a 2-hour descent to Hidroelectrica, where you’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch and take some time to relax before the final stretch of the day.
Hike to Aguas Calientes
In the afternoon, continue with a 3-hour walk along the train tracks toward Aguas Calientes. This route through the jungle offers a peaceful and rewarding finish to your trekking day.
Arrival in Aguas Calientes
Upon arrival, head to your hotel to freshen up and rest before dinner.
Evening in Town
At around 7:00 PM, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant with your group. Afterward, return to your hotel for a comfortable night’s sleep, getting ready for your Machu Picchu visit the next day.
Early Morning Visit to Machu Picchu
After a restful night in our hotel, we rise early to visit the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arriving before the crowds lets you experience the citadel in the soft glow of morning light — a truly mystical experience. The entrance opens at 6:00 AM, and you can either hike up or take the optional bus for $12.00 to reach the main gate.
Guided Tour of the Citadel
Once inside, we begin a 2-hour guided tour, exploring the most important parts of the Inca city: Temples, palaces, and terraces The sacred sundial (Intihuatana) The agricultural and residential sectors Learn about the ingenious Inca engineering — no steel, no modern tools — yet they built one of the world’s most impressive cities in perfect harmony with nature.
Free Time & Optional Hikes
After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore more of Machu Picchu on your own. Optional hikes (with advance booking) include: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: Around 3 hours round trip Sun Gate (Inti Punku): The original entrance of the Inca Trail (2-hour round trip, no extra ticket required) Inca Bridge: A short, impressive hike to an ancient Inca construction clinging to the cliffside
Return to Cusco
After an extraordinary visit to this iconic site, you will need to walk back to Hidroelectrica to board our transportation. Boarding begins at 2:30 PM and the vehicle departs at 3:00 PM, arriving in Cusco at approximately 10:00 PM.

INCLUSIONS

  • Pre-Trek Briefing

    Detailed briefing the day before departure at the Machu Picchu Reservations office.

  • Duffle Bag Provided

    A duffle bag to pack up to 5 kg of personal belongings, carried by horses during the trek.

  • Bilingual Tour Guides

    Experienced English and Spanish-speaking professional guides throughout the trek.

  • Professional Chef & Equipment

    Skilled chef and all necessary cooking equipment included for the duration of the trek

  • Horse Support for Luggage

    Horses will carry up to 5 kg of personal luggage and shared camping equipment.

  • Hotel Pickup

    Pickup service from your hotel in Cusco on the day of departure.

  • Transportation from Cusco to trek starting point

    Transportation from Cusco to the starting point of the Salkantay trail

  • Meals Included

    All meals during the trek are included—breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day—except for breakfast on the first day and lunch and dinner on the last day.

  • Dietary Options

    Vegetarian and vegan meals available at no extra cost upon request.

  • Camping Nights

    Nights of camping in scenic mountain locations.

  • Hotel Night in Aguas Calientes

    1 night accommodation in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes.

  • Comfortable Sleeping Pad

    Double foam sleeping pad (2.5 inches thick) provided for extra comfort.

  • Entrance Tickets

    Official entrance to the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu.

  • Guided Machu Picchu Tour

    Guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel with a professional guide.

  • Return by Bus

    Direct tourist transportation from Hidroelectrica to Cusco

  • Emergency Equipment

    First-aid kit and oxygen bottle available for emergencies during the trek.

  • First breakfast, Last lunch and last dinner

    Breakfast on the first day is not included, and neither are lunch and dinner on the last day.

  • Drinks or meals not specifically mentioned

    Any drinks or meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary are not included in the package.

  • Transportation from La Playa Sahuayaco to Hidroelectrica

    This service is not included and must be arranged separately on site (Between S/ 60 soles and S/ 80 soles per person)

  • Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Optional)

    Optional train ride for $40 USD instead of walking. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

  • Trekking Poles Rental

    Trekking poles are not included but can be rented for $10.00 per person for the duration of the trek.

  • Sleeping Bag Rental

    Sleeping bags are not provided. You may rent one for $15.00 per person.

  • Extra Luggage Horse

    The trek includes a personal luggage allowance of 5 kg per person. If you need to carry more, additional horses are available at an extra cost.

  • Riding Horse Rental

    Horses are available for rent at S/120 Soles per person, per day. Each horse can carry up to 80 kg (176 lbs). If your weight exceeds this limit, two horses will be required at a cost of S/200 Soles per person, per day.

  • Shuttle Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

    The bus ride between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is not covered. One-way tickets cost approximately $12.00 per person.

  • Thermal baths

    Entrance tickets to the thermal baths (S/ 10 soles per person)

  • Tips for Staff

    Gratuities for your guide, cook, and support team are not included. Tipping is optional but greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks.

PRICES

Adult

$ 285 Book with a $100 deposit.
  • The lowest price guaranteed
  • Real local operator (cusco)
  • English, Spanish
30% off

Student

$ 265 Book with a $100 deposit.
  • The lowest price guaranteed
  • Real local operator (cusco)
  • English, Spanish
30% off
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BOOK ONLINE

$265.00

Check-in 05:00
Check-out 21:30
5 days

HAPPY CUSTOMERS FRIENDS FOREVER

We have a wide multimedia gallery where you can see photos of our groups of passengers on adventure routes such as the Salkantay Trekking of 4 and 5 Days as well. One of the most famous routes that is Machu Picchu by Bus (Acceso Amazonico) for 2 and 3 Days in addition to one day tours such as the Rainbow Mountain Full Day.

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HOW TO BOOK

Choose Your Package

Select the package that best suits your travel plans.

Fill Out the Online Booking Form

Click on the “Book Online” button, choose your travel date, and complete the booking form.

Important: Only one person should fill out the form for the entire group to ensure you're all booked together.

Make Your Payment

Secure your booking by paying online with any debit or credit card.

Our system will charge 40% of the total amount in advance.

Send Passenger Information

After your payment is completed, our reservations team will contact you via email to request the following information for each passenger (please include a photo or scanned image of the passport): Full name, Passport number, Nationality, Date of birth, Gender, Phone number

Full Payment Method
You can pay the full tour amount upfront to avoid any future payment concerns. Ask for the total payment link.
Balance Payment
The remaining BALANCE is due 48 hours before the tour begins. You can pay in CASH (soles or dollars) or CREDIT CARD (+ 4 %) at the office in Cusco or in your hotel/hostal/apartament.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. Obtain insurance before departing and consider working with a reputable agency for affordable coverage.
Additional Enhacements
Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain: 30 USD (subject to availability).
→ Check availability
Sleeping Bag Rental: 15 USD or the entire trek
Trekking Poles Rental: 10 USD one pair for the entire trek
Extra night: 20 USD per person based 2 people 40 USD single accommodation

STUDENT DISCOUNT

If your student card meets Peruvian government requirements, reserve the tour with a deposit and pay the remaining balance upon arrival in Cusco. The student discount will be applied at that time.

All university cards must be laminated and clearly show the following information:

1

University Name

2

University Logo

3

Student full name and photo

4

Date of currently valid student card

5

You have to be under 25 years old

What to Bring for the Hike to Machu Picchu

Salkantay Trek Packing List

Pack smart for your 5-day trek to Machu Picchu with this essential checklist

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What to Expect Year-Round

Salkantay Trek Weather

Plan your adventure with the latest climate insights for every season

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Everything You Need to Know

Salkantay Trek FAQs

Answers to the most common questions before your trek to Machu Picchu

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MACHU PICCHU GATEWAY

100% Local Tour Operator to Machu Picchu Treks and Transportation by Hydroelectric Company 100% Cusqueña We are NOT intermediaries.

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