5 Days Salkantay to Machu Picchu Trekking Tour Peru
Trip Overview
Discover a different side of the great Andes mountain range and get the most amazing views of the mountains by taking this alternative route to Machu Picchu. Ascend to the highest pass at 4,650 meters above sea level for up-close-and-personal views of the massive Salkantay and Humantay mountain peaks in the Cordillera Vilcanota range, which are among the highest in Peru. This pristine high altitude trail is the perfect opportunity to get into nature and see abandoned Inca sites. This is the most challenging hike but you’ll get to walk very close to the glaciers and revel at the wondrous mountain peaks towering overhead as you breathe fresh mountain air.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco to Mollepata to Challacancha, Trek to Soraypampa Camp (3,920m) (L/D)
Today we pick you up between 5:00 - 6:00 am and travel by tourist-class bus to Mollepata (2,900m) where you can stretch your legs and buy snacks. Continue by car to Challacancha where we will make final preparations and double check our equipment. Embark on a 3-hour walk that will take us to Soraypampa (3,920m) where we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains. Hike up to Laguna de Humantay (approx. 1.5 hours each way) for more incredible views of the Andes mountains and then return to camp for the night. Our first campsite is located at 3,920m and is the highest and coldest campsite of the trip. Take some time to rest up, and enjoy your first night immersed in nature. Have dinner and go to sleep early.Inclusions: Accommodation pick-up, Transfer Cuzco - Challacancha, 1N Camping, Meals 1L/1D. (14km, 6hrs)
Day 2: Trek to Challhuay or Colcapampa Camp via High Pass (4,650m) (B/L/D)
We will have breakfast at around 6:00 am and begin our 4-hour walk to the highest pass on this trek (4,650m) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay (6,267m) and Humantay (5,900m). (Optional horse rental available to reach high pass for approx. 100 - 120 soles). From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible with a possibility of snow here. After a 2-hour downhill hike, a well-deserved lunch will be served at Huayracpampa, followed by another 3-hour trek to our campsite at Challhuay or Colcapampa as we near the beginning of the high jungle region at 2,900 meters.Inclusions: 1N Camping, Meals 1B/1L/1D. (22km, 9-10hrs)
Day 3: Trek to La Playa & Transfer to Santa Teresa Town (1,700m) (B/L/D)
After breakfast at 6:30 am, we start trekking for the day through the upper jungle crossing the Santa Teresa River and a variety of little brooks. Today we will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits and plants. We will have lunch at La Playa (2,200m) and continue by car to Santa Teresa town (1,700 meters), our camp for the night, with a warmer climate. After a rest, we have the option to visit the hot springs in Santa Teresa town (extra cost) and enjoy the well-deserved soothing water, a real treat after 3 hard days of trekking!Inclusions: Car La Playa - Santa Teresa Town, 1N Camping, Meals 1B/1L/1D. (15km, 5.5hrs)
Day 4: Trek to Hydroelectric Station & Aguas Calientes (B/L/D)
After having breakfast at 8:00 am, our last day on the trail will take us from Santa Teresa (1,700m) along a relaxing path for 3 hours to reach the hydroelectric station (1,880m) where a box lunch will be served. From here Aguas Calientes (2,010m) is another 3 hour slight uphill walk where we will finally have time to relax, recharge our batteries and get ready for our visit to Machu Picchu. Dinner at a local traditional restaurant.
*Optional bus transfer from Santa Teresa to the Hydroelectric Station is available for an extra cost.
*Optional train transfer from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes is available for an extra cost.Inclusions: 1N Aguas Calientes 3* Hotel, Meals 1B/1L/1D. (18km, 6hrs)
Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cuzco (B)
We will catch one of the first buses (05:30 am) to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride) in order to appreciate the magnificent city in the early morning light as the mist dissipates. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city on your own. If you still have energy you can also climb the optional Huayna Picchu Peak inside the archaeological site (to be booked in advance at an extra cost). Take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Return by train to Ollantaytambo and take a bus to Cuzco. You will be dropped off late in the day at the Plaza San Francisco. Upon arrival you will need to make your own way to your accommodation.
Included
- Pre-departure briefing
- Cuzco Accommodation Pick-Up
- Van Cuzco to Mollepata to Challacancha (starting point of trek)
- Car Transfer La Playa to Santa Teresa
- Round Trip Tourist Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
- Tourist Train Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Bus Ollantaytambo to Cuzco
- Professional Bilingual Guide on trek & Machu Picchu tour
- Camping Accommodation during trek (including Basic Sleeping Pad & tent for 2 people)
- 1-night 3* Hotel Accommodation at Aguas Calientes
- Meals: 4B/4L/4D/3 snacks with typical menus
- Machu Picchu Entrance Fee
- Horseman and mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus a total of 7 kilos for each trekker. (This includes 3 kilos for your sleeping bag & mattress plus 4 kilos of personal items.)
- Foam Sleeping Mat
- Emergency oxygen bottle
- Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 4
Excluded
- Airport Pick-Up/Drop-Off (please make your own way)
- Sleeping bag
- Day 1 Breakfast, Day 5 Lunch & Dinner
- Bottled Water
- Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own)
Good to Know
Physical rating: You must have a high level of fitness to take part in this trek. You will be walking at high altitudes every day and it will be physically demanding. In the months leading up to your trek, try walking with your daypack, climbing long staircases and add a couple of bricks to it for real training. Undertake regular aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming or cycling. The more preparation you have done in advance, the more you will enjoy it.
Suggested Packing List: Backpack (10 - 15 liters), sleeping bag (if desired-- sheets & blankets are provided), hiking poles, rain pants, plastic rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals/flip flops, thermals (socks, t-shirts, sweater), windbreaker, hiking trousers, shorts, wool hat/beanie, gloves, sun hat, sun block, sunglasses, flashlight/torch, camera (with extra batteries & memory card), personal medications, reusable water bottle, water purification tablets, toiletries (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toilet paper, towel).
Food Budget: Please expect to spend at least 20 USD per day on food and beverages. Please note that food costs will vary depending on the number of portions consumed, location and availability.
Gratuity: Tipping is by no means mandatory, but is customary. For a job well done, we recommend tipping 10% to your guide, porter, and driver.
First Aid: All guides for this tour have completed first aid training.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco to Mollepata to Challacancha, Trek to Soraypampa Camp (3,920m) (L/D)
Today we pick you up between 5:00 - 6:00 am and travel by tourist-class bus to Mollepata (2,900m) where you can stretch your legs and buy snacks. Continue by car to Challacancha where we will make final preparations and double check our equipment. Embark on a 3-hour walk that will take us to Soraypampa (3,920m) where we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains. Hike up to Laguna de Humantay (approx. 1.5 hours each way) for more incredible views of the Andes mountains and then return to camp for the night. Our first campsite is located at 3,920m and is the highest and coldest campsite of the trip. Take some time to rest up, and enjoy your first night immersed in nature. Have dinner and go to sleep early.Inclusions: Accommodation pick-up, Transfer Cuzco - Challacancha, 1N Camping, Meals 1L/1D. (14km, 6hrs)
Day 2: Trek to Challhuay or Colcapampa Camp via High Pass (4,650m) (B/L/D)
We will have breakfast at around 6:00 am and begin our 4-hour walk to the highest pass on this trek (4,650m) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay (6,267m) and Humantay (5,900m). (Optional horse rental available to reach high pass for approx. 100 - 120 soles). From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible with a possibility of snow here. After a 2-hour downhill hike, a well-deserved lunch will be served at Huayracpampa, followed by another 3-hour trek to our campsite at Challhuay or Colcapampa as we near the beginning of the high jungle region at 2,900 meters.Inclusions: 1N Camping, Meals 1B/1L/1D. (22km, 9-10hrs)
Day 3: Trek to La Playa & Transfer to Santa Teresa Town (1,700m) (B/L/D)
After breakfast at 6:30 am, we start trekking for the day through the upper jungle crossing the Santa Teresa River and a variety of little brooks. Today we will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits and plants. We will have lunch at La Playa (2,200m) and continue by car to Santa Teresa town (1,700 meters), our camp for the night, with a warmer climate. After a rest, we have the option to visit the hot springs in Santa Teresa town (extra cost) and enjoy the well-deserved soothing water, a real treat after 3 hard days of trekking!Inclusions: Car La Playa - Santa Teresa Town, 1N Camping, Meals 1B/1L/1D. (15km, 5.5hrs)
Day 4: Trek to Hydroelectric Station & Aguas Calientes (B/L/D)
After having breakfast at 8:00 am, our last day on the trail will take us from Santa Teresa (1,700m) along a relaxing path for 3 hours to reach the hydroelectric station (1,880m) where a box lunch will be served. From here Aguas Calientes (2,010m) is another 3 hour slight uphill walk where we will finally have time to relax, recharge our batteries and get ready for our visit to Machu Picchu. Dinner at a local traditional restaurant.
*Optional bus transfer from Santa Teresa to the Hydroelectric Station is available for an extra cost.
*Optional train transfer from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes is available for an extra cost.Inclusions: 1N Aguas Calientes 3* Hotel, Meals 1B/1L/1D. (18km, 6hrs)
Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cuzco (B)
We will catch one of the first buses (05:30 am) to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride) in order to appreciate the magnificent city in the early morning light as the mist dissipates. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city on your own. If you still have energy you can also climb the optional Huayna Picchu Peak inside the archaeological site (to be booked in advance at an extra cost). Take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Return by train to Ollantaytambo and take a bus to Cuzco. You will be dropped off late in the day at the Plaza San Francisco. Upon arrival you will need to make your own way to your accommodation.
Included
- Pre-departure briefing
- Cuzco Accommodation Pick-Up
- Van Cuzco to Mollepata to Challacancha (starting point of trek)
- Car Transfer La Playa to Santa Teresa
- Round Trip Tourist Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
- Tourist Train Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Bus Ollantaytambo to Cuzco
- Professional Bilingual Guide on trek & Machu Picchu tour
- Camping Accommodation during trek (including Basic Sleeping Pad & tent for 2 people)
- 1-night 3* Hotel Accommodation at Aguas Calientes
- Meals: 4B/4L/4D/3 snacks with typical menus
- Machu Picchu Entrance Fee
- Horseman and mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus a total of 7 kilos for each trekker. (This includes 3 kilos for your sleeping bag & mattress plus 4 kilos of personal items.)
- Foam Sleeping Mat
- Emergency oxygen bottle
- Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 4
Excluded
- Airport Pick-Up/Drop-Off (please make your own way)
- Sleeping bag
- Day 1 Breakfast, Day 5 Lunch & Dinner
- Bottled Water
- Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own)
Good to Know
Physical rating: You must have a high level of fitness to take part in this trek. You will be walking at high altitudes every day and it will be physically demanding. In the months leading up to your trek, try walking with your daypack, climbing long staircases and add a couple of bricks to it for real training. Undertake regular aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming or cycling. The more preparation you have done in advance, the more you will enjoy it.
Suggested Packing List: Backpack (10 - 15 liters), sleeping bag (if desired-- sheets & blankets are provided), hiking poles, rain pants, plastic rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals/flip flops, thermals (socks, t-shirts, sweater), windbreaker, hiking trousers, shorts, wool hat/beanie, gloves, sun hat, sun block, sunglasses, flashlight/torch, camera (with extra batteries & memory card), personal medications, reusable water bottle, water purification tablets, toiletries (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toilet paper, towel).
Food Budget: Please expect to spend at least 20 USD per day on food and beverages. Please note that food costs will vary depending on the number of portions consumed, location and availability.
Gratuity: Tipping is by no means mandatory, but is customary. For a job well done, we recommend tipping 10% to your guide, porter, and driver.
First Aid: All guides for this tour have completed first aid training.