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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days - Orange Nation Peru

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

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From $547

OVERVIEW

This is an alternative route to the Classic Inca Trail, which will take you through incredible landscape and natural beauty with exotic flora and fauna endemic of the region. The trek will involve hiking through valleys and mountains before arriving to the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu. A unique and specially designed 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, with incomparable views of the snow-capped mountains of Humantay and Salkantay, sacred mountains for the Incas.

Trek off the beaten track, following our unique route where you visit two incredible crystal clear glacial lakes, Humantay and Salkantay. Hike through the Andes Mountains and camp at our private sites which are more remote, less crowded and off the typical path. Hike through the extraordinary Peruvian cloud forest, tour a coffee plantation and visit the Hot Springs of Colcamayo. Hike up to LLACTAPATA Inca ruins, and explore this seldom visited ancient Inca city, which was once coated with vegetation. This is the best viewpoint to have a glimpse of the Majestic Machu Picchu. Following in the footsteps of the Incas, explore the crevices and and niches of the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the World, with our expert guide.

ORANGE NATION Peru is your best choice if you truly want to enjoy your Salkantay trek in Peru. We specialize in creating unique trekking routes, with our customized treks to Machu Picchu like the Salkantay.

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Service Level: Standard-comfortable mid-tier to luxury accommodation. Exclusive modern vehicles with private driver.
Physical Rating: Some steep inclines at high altitudes, that can be regarded as strenuous. With sufficient pre-trek training, its easily achievable.
Travel Style: Hiking, trekking, camping and 1 night mid-tier hotel accommodation (option to upgrade).
Group Size: Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5.
Machu Picchu

ITINERARY

Our private van will pick you up from your hotel at 5am, when we begin the 3 hour drive to the Soraypampa trailhead. As we traverse the curving roads of the Andes, sit back and enjoy the view.

Along the route we pass through much of quintessential Peru; from the indigenous villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo to the surrounding valleys and the spectacular snow-capped mountains.

We have our breakfast at the trailhead, while taking in the unbelievable glaciers of Mount Humantay (5,900m/19,356ft) and Mount Salkantay (6,217m / 20,396ft) in the distance. We then begin the 2 and a half hour excursion to the famous Laguna Humantay- a turquoise glacial lake nestled between tall mountains. An incredible sight to see- but a steep climb!

After you have had your fill of the famous glacial lake, we head over to Salkantay Pampa, where a deliciously hot lunch awaits. After you have had your fill, we continue the hike to Soroccocha, our campsite for the night. Our horsemen and chefs raced ahead ensuring the camp and a snack are waiting for us upon our arrival.

This picturesque campsite is located at the foot of the great Salkantay Mountain, the perfect place to sit back with a hot cup of tea and contemplate just how far you have come. Dinner is served as the sky gives way to night. Be sure to have a look at the stars before shutting your tent for the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 10kms/6 miles
  • Time: 6hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Moderate

After a delicious breakfast, get ready for a moderate climb. Within an hour we will reach the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass (4,650m/15,367ft). Here, we find nature at its purest, and we take advantage of this perfect time to recharge and reconnect with nature.

We then continue our journey towards the truly exquisitely turquoise Salkantay Lake. Continuing, we have a short down hike to Rayanniyoc for another delectable and abundant lunch prepared by our chef. Our last push for the day is another 2 hours to reach the small village of Colpapampa, where we make camp for the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accomodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 16kms/10 miles
  • Time: 8hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Today, we will officially pass our midway point! Within 3 hours of walking, we can enjoy the start of the lush tropical rainforest with its bountiful fruit-bearing trees, coffee and cacao trees, and the inviting fruit plantations with their flowering orchids, teaming with birds to watch.

Before you know it, we arrive at the fabulous Lucmabamba where we stop for a gourmet lunch. After lunch, we will explore the farms and plantations and their produce, which is all organic.

We start with a tour to a coffee plantation adjacent to the campsite. Explore the fields and learn about the different varieties of beans. Get stuck in as you learn how to pick, roast, and grind your own beans. Then enjoy brewing your own coffee.

It doesn’t end there! Co-existing with the fields of tomatoes and avocados are multiple ecosystems which we can learn a little about as we pick our fresh produce which our chef will use for our dinner.

Around 3pm, we will take a 30 minute trip on local transport to the natural hot springs at Colcamayo. Here we soak our fatigued bodies in the natural, medicinal hot springs provided by Mother Nature. Upon our return, our chef will have created a masterpiece with our fresh produce from the day.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 14kms
  • Time: 5 to 6 hrs approximately
  • Difficulty: Moderate

This morning our talented chef prepares his final breakfast of the trek, and we say farewell to him. After we have indulged to our hearts content, we continue uphill along an ancient and remote Inca Trail for 3 hours before reaching the Puncuyoc Pass (2,700m/8,858ft).

Along the way, you will be in awe of the amazing views and the impressively unique valleys and fruit plantations. We then arrive at the seldom visited Inca ruins of Llactapata, located just in front of Machu Picchu.

From our vantage point, we enjoy the surrounding mountains – Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu and the Urubamba Canyon. It’s a breathtaking sight, and it’s representative of all the hard work you have put in the arrive here.

For our final push for the day, we descend for 2 hours to the Hydroelectric plant, known as Hydroelectrica, where we have lunch. Then it’s the last leg of the journey walking to Aguas Calientes through the National Park of Machu Picchu, where we will sleep in the comfort of a real bed in a nice hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
  • 3* Accommodations: Hotel Ferre Machu Picchu
  • Distance: 15kms / 9 miles
  • Time: 9hrs approximately
  • Difficulty : Moderate

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we join the queue for the bus up to Machu Picchu at 5:30am, just in time to witness the sunrise. Somehow even better than the pictures, this mystical site is the pinnacle of many travelers trips to Peru.

Watch as the sun creeps over the mountains, and as the morning light glances off the peaks that surround you, your guided tour of the citadel begins. The tour shares many important parts of the citadel with you, and lasts for roughly 2 hours.

If you have booked an additional hike- either to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu, you will be able to climb the peak after the tour has finished. When you have had your fill of the citadel, head back down to Aguas Calientes on one of the waiting shuttle buses.

Once you arrive back in the town, grab some lunch (not included), and explore the market, visit the hot springs, or simply treat yourself to a happy hour until your scheduled train departure.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, and the tracks follow the spectacular Urubamba River. Once you arrive in Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station, taking you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You can expect to arrive at your hotel at around 7:00pm.

  • Meal: Breakfast
  • Difficulty: Easy

***IMPORTANT:

  • You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, 4:22 pm, or 4:43 pm. The cost is $57 USD.
  • We can organize an earlier train, please request at the time of booking.
  • Additional peak climbs (Huayna Picchu & Machu Picchu Mountain) are subject to availability. Please let us know at the time of your original booking.

Prices

This unique Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu can be done on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers!

No. OF PEOPLE PRICE
2 to 10 people $ 537 USD per person

**** This price includes the extra packhorse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs, we will provide you with a duffle bag, in which to put your things.

***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.

DISCOUNTS

  • Under 18 years old: $20 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
    Group of 5 or more: $20 USD. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

  • Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: $30 USD– (Tent is for solo trekkers only)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade:$57 USD per person
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your trek)
  • Hotel single supplement: $35 USD per night (for solo travellers with single room)

ADDED VALUES FOR FREE

  • TRANSFER – from the airport to hotel (Cusco only)
  • DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price!
  • EXTRA PACKHORSE is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc.
  • OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
  • EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick.
  • FOAM MATTRESS AND CAMPING PILLOW

Inclusions

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Transfer from the airport to your hotel (It can be done on any date before the trek)
  • Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
  • Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
  • Entry fee to Machu Picchu
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • English speaking, experienced professional guide
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
  • First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Transfer to your hotel in Cusco
  • Dinner in Aguas Calientes in a restaurant
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
  • Mules and horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen, 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bags, etc
  • Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness so that to ensure the trek is completed by all participants
  • Comfortable foam mattress and camping pillow
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (They are steam cleaned after every trek)
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  • Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
  • Personal tent: $30 USD – (Tent is for solo travelers only)
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade: $57 USD per person
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  • Hotels before and after the trek
  • Travel insurance  (highly recommended)
  • Flights
  • Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
  • Tips for the crew, guide, cook and horsemen of Orange Nation

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK?

  • Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
  • Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: 2-3L (Please only bring reusable bottles)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange Travel)
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK?

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • Bathing suit for the thermal waters
  • Fleece/ thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK?

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
  • Rain poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
From USD $547

Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

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EXPERT GUIDES : Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success

SMALL GROUPS: Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.

OUR EXPERIENCE: With fifteen years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.

ENVIRONMENTAL: Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

Travelers' Choice Awards 2023
Excellent based on 360 reviews
Triadvisor

Letty C

Excellent worker

Jun. 2023

Joaquín excellent 👍 Very Caballero helped me with my 🎒 offered me oxygen does very well His work ⁇ in singing to Subme to the 🐎 And what a beautiful mountain it cost me to Climb but with the Joaquín's help I did!

Mariana D

A great adventure!

May. 2023

We made 4D / 3N of the Inka Trail. The experience was challenging, but it was worth it. Chef Fortunato's meals and explanations of Jony and David's places were very complete. Tmb the patience to make sure we all get there on time.

malala08

Fast and friendly service

Dec. 2022

We did not get to specify the service due to the political situation in the country, however the company quickly and carefully proceeded with the return. Very good service and when the situation calms down we will resume service with them.

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