Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

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.

ITINERARY

At 5am, we will pick you up from your hotel and drive in our private van for 3.5 hours to Soraypampa. Along the way we drive through the charming villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo, with spectacular views of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain as our companion. At the Soraypampa trailhead we fuel up with a hot breakfast prepared by our chef whilst being enchanted by the views of Humantay (5,900m/19,356ft) and Salkantay (6,217m/20,396ft) mountain glaciers. Then, we begin our trek with a 2.5 hour hike up to see the turquoise Humantay Lake. We continue with a gentle ascent for 1.5 hours to Salkantay Pampa where our trekking chefs have our delicious lunch waiting in front of the beautiful glacier. After lunch, we have an hour of uphill switchbacks to our first campsite at Soroccocha, located at the foot of the great Salkantay Mountain. Then, you can relax with a coffee or hot chocolate while enjoying the amazing views. Our horsemen and cooking team have campsite already setup on arrival and welcome you with afternoon tea accompanied by a selection of delectable snack. Later, dinner is served in our communal dining tent under a star studded night sky.

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 and within an hour we will reach the highest point of the trek (4,650m/15,367ft). From here, we find nature at its purest, the perfect time to recharge and reconnect whilst in awe of the picturesque glaciers of Salkantay, Humantay, Huayanay and the white rivers, and turquoise lakes. We take half an hour to enjoy the truly exquisite turquoise Salkantay Lake. Continuing, we have a short down hike to Rayanniyoc for another delectable and abundant lunch prepared by our chef. Finally, we trek for 2 more hours to the small village of Colpapampa to camp for the night.

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

Today, we have passed 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 and always plenty of birds to watch. We arrive at the fabulous Lucmabamaba for a gourmet lunch.

After lunch, we will experience the fruitful rainfall and its 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, pick, roast, and grind your 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 appreciate as we pick our fresh produce which our chef will use for our dinner.

Around 3pm, we will take the local transport for 30mins to the natural hot springs at Cocalmayo. Here we soak our fatigued bodies in the natural, medicinal hot springs provided by Mother Nature. Upon our return, our trekking 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

Day 4: Lucmabamba – LLAQTAPATA – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
This morning our talented chef prepares the last breakfast for the trek. After we indulge, we continue uphill along the ancient and remote Inca Trail for 3 hours to 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 ruins of Llactapata, located just in front of Machu Picchu where we enjoy its surrounding mountains – Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu and the Urubamba Canyon.

Next, we descend for 2 hours to the Hydroelectric plant, the primary power source for Cusco, 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 are ready to get an early bus at 5:30am up to Machu Picchu just in time to witness the sunrise. It is a truly mystical site out of history and not something you’ll want to miss! After enjoying the sunrise your guide will provide a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes around two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel during your tour.

After the tour, those people that have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu will have time to hike it on their own. When they have had their fill of the incredible views of Machu Picchu, a bus back down to Aguas Calientes will be waiting. Upon arriving at Aguas Calientes lunch is waiting with numerous restaurants to choose from (lunch not included). Depending on your train departure time, there may be some time for shopping, or sightseeing.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You can expect to arrive at your hotel about 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 booking.
The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at 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

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

Travelers' Choice Awards 2022

Excellent based on 280 reviews based on 280 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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