Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon – Salkantaypampa

Start the Salkantay Trek with a pick-up from your hotel door at around 4:30am (depending on your location) and drive for 3.5 hours to the trailhead at Soraypampa (3600m/11811ft), arriving approximately at 8:30 am Once in
Soraypampa, surrounded by mountains, you will enjoy the first perfect breakfast prepared by your chef, then you will meet the team of porters, chef horsemen led by the tour guide and then start the Salkantay TreXperience!

The first part begins with a 2-hour hike to the impressive Humantay Glacier Lake (4,200m/13,779ft). Once at the lake, you will have time to explore the surroundings and relax, enjoying the beautiful views of this spectacular turquoise water lake. Then continue to the lunch spot for two more hours, where the chef awaits you to serve you a delicious meal prepared with local organic products from the area. Along the way, you will see a variety of flora and fauna, such as the Andean goose (the love birds), deer, and vizcachas (which look a lot like a rabbit).

After lunch, you will continue for two more hours along a beautiful valley with meandering streams until you reach Salkantay Pampa (3,900m/12,795ft). This base camp offers you an unobstructed view of the Salkantay Mountain and the sky at night. Get ready to dine, stargaze and sleep under a million stars.

• camp altitude:3900m / 12795ft
• maximum altitude:4200m / 13779ft
• Distance:12 km / 7.4 miles
• Duration:6 hours
• Foods:Breakfast, snack, lunch, tea, dinner.
• Accommodation:Camp under a million stars.
• Considered:Moderate

Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Wayrampunku – Collpapampa

Wake up early with a cup of hot coffee or coca tea, admiring the spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains. After breakfast, you will start the ascent for 2 hours to the highest point of the Salkantay Trek at 4630m (15190ft). Once at the top you will take some time to explore and enjoy the area and even visit a beautiful lake at the base of the Salkantay Mountain. Then it’s another 3 hour downhill hike to the lunch spot at Wayracmachay (3800m/12467ft). Along the way, it is possible to see Vizcachas (Lagidium Peruanum), a unique type of Chinchilla endemic to Peru.
After a well-deserved lunch, you will prepare for the final leg of the day, a further 3 hours of descent from the highlands where the air is dry and cold, into the lush cloud forest where the weather is hot and humid. Without a doubt, this is one of the fastest temperature and landscape changes you will experience. The camp is located next to
the town of Collpapampa at 2770m (9087ft).

• camp altitude:2770m / 9087ft
• maximum altitude:4630m / 15190ft
• Distance:18 km / 11.1 miles
• Duration:9 hours
• Foods:Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea and dinner.
• Accommodation:Camping next to a village.
• Considered:Challenging

Day 3: Collpapampa – Llucmabamba – Llactapata

Enjoy some leisure time in the village while admiring the view of the mountains you left behind. After breakfast, you will prepare for the most beautiful day of this expedition to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, walking through narrow paths, following the river, passing wooden bridges, waterfalls, passion fruit, banana plantations, until you
reach Lucmabamba (2000 m / 6561 ft) for lunch.

Today’s lunch is unique and the highlight of the Salkantay Trek. After walking for approximately 3 hours, taking a van, the last part, you will prepare to participate in a Pachamanca, an old traditional underground stone barbecue.
After burying the food, you will visit the coffee farms organic and prepare your cup. Cooking lasts about 45 minutes; then, you sit down to enjoy the different delicacies such as cuy (guinea pig), different types of
potatoes, fruits, vegetables prepared as the locals do.

Once fed and revitalized, prepare for a final 3-hour climb along an ancient Inca Trail to Llaqtapata, a small mountaintop citadel at 2,750m (9,022ft), where you get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu from a distance. This place was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and was lost again until recently. You will be camping right in front of Machu Picchu; when you open your tent, you will be able to see the sunrise and sunset over Machu Picchu if the weather allows it.

• Campsite altitude:2750m / 9022ft
• Distance:16 km / 9.9 miles
• Duration of the walk:6 hours.
• Foods:Breakfast lunch dinner.
• Accommodation:Camp in front of Machu Picchu.
• Difficulty:moderate

Day 4: Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

Open your tent and the first thing you see is Machu Picchu on another mountain in front of you while your trekking team offers you a cup of coffee or coca tea. After breakfast, it’s an easy 2-hour descent to the hydroelectric station. You will have the last lunch offered by the trekking chef, say goodbye to them and walk the last final leg of
the Salkantay TreXperience to Aguas Calientes.

The last part is a 3-hour walk along the railway, following the Urubamba River upstream. This section of the walk is steeped in history as you will stop at the Mandor Botanical Gardens, visited by Hiram Bingham who found a farmer named Arteaga living in the area. He was the first to take the American to Machu Picchu in 1911. He will visit the Arteaga farm, home to several endemic birds such as the Rupicola Peruviana (known locally as the cock-of-the-rock), parrots, toucans, hummingbirds. and orchids. Once in Aguas Calientes, your guide will take you to his hotel, where you can take a shower, visit the city, hot springs. He will have dinner at a local restaurant while planning the next and most important Salkantay Trek day in the evening.

• Hot waters:2,000m / 6561ft
• Distance:14 km / 8.6 miles
• Duration:6 hours
• Foods:Breakfast lunch dinner.
• Accommodation:3 star hotel
• Difficulty:moderate

Day 5: Machu Picchu (Arrival with the first)

Today is the most important day of the Salkantay Trek. You are visiting one of the new seven wonders of the world, a city abandoned for unknown reasons during the 16th century by the great Inca Empire. Get up early, have breakfast at the hotel and take the first buses to catch the sunrise at Machu Picchu. Your tour guide will take you on a tour to the most famous temples, palaces and squares and will explain the mysteries that this spectacular Inca city hides perched on this impossible mountain peak. The guided tour lasts approximately 3 hours, and then you will have time to explore the magical place or climb Huayna Picchu or Montaña (Machu Picchu Mountain).

After finishing with the citadel, you must take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, have lunch, collect your belongings from the hotel and take the exclusive panoramic train to return to Ollantaytambo and our private van to Cusco. The
Sacred Expeditions Peru team will return to your hotel around 7:30 pm.

• tour duration:3-4 hours.
• Foods:Breakfast (hotel)
• Difficulty:Easy

Included in The Salkantay Trek 5 days

• Safety briefing the day before the tour at 6:00 pm in our office
• Pick up from your hotel on the morning of the tour.
• All transportation for the duration of the trek
• Sports bag up to 7 kilos for your things carried by horses
• Highly trained professional mountain tourism guides.
• Experience chefs, porters and horsemen.
• Pachamanca BBQ
• Tour organic coffee farms
• Three nights of camping in the mountains with comfortable equipment.
• One night in a 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• All meals during the trek with local natural ingredients.
• Entrance ticket to Salkantay and Machu Picchu.
• Buses up and down to Machu Picchu
• Exclusive panoramic train at the last to return to Cusco.

Not included in the Salkantay Trek 5 days

• Sleeping bags, air mattresses or trekking poles
• Lunch on the last day
• Tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
• Tips for porters, chef, guides.

Additional walks after the guided tour in Machu Picchu:

Huayna Picchu Mountain –Tickets are an additional $75 per person. We need to book well in advance; the climb takes 2 hours round trip.
Machu Picchu Mountain –Tickets are an additional $75 per person. You need to book in advance; It is the highest mountain around Machu Picchu with a 3 hour round trip hike.

Salkantay Tour Packing List

When the Salkantay Trek is reversed, take the second most popular trek in Peru and hike the most challenging trek to Machu Picchu. You will walk from great heights into the jungles. The terrain will be varied with unpredictable weather, and you should be prepared.

It’s important to note that you won’t take all your stuff to this hike; you will only take to the Salkantay Trek the essentials for the trek and leave in Cusco the rest of your luggage. We will provide you with a canvas bag to put 7 kilos of your things; this should include your sleeping bag and air mattress. The mules carry the duffel bags for the first 2 days, and then our porters will transfer to the hotel in Aguas Calientes.

You will also have a backpack; this should be with you at all times when you go hiking with all the essentials for the day. We recommend having a maximum of about 5 to 8 kilos.

You must take the Salkantay Trek:

What you will have in your backpack:

• Original passport – you should always carry it with you in your backpack and keep it in a safe pocket, and it is better to keep it dry inside a plastic bag or something waterproof; rain can occur at any time, even in the driest months. Ziploc bags will help you to have everything organized.
• Plastic ponchos: Sacred Expeditions Peru will provide you with plastic ponchos. Remember that you will still need your rain jackets, as ponchos are worn when the rain is heavy. We reuse the ponchos; return them along with the duffel bag after the hike.
• Sunscreen – you will walk in the open space with direct sun; be sure to bring the right sunscreen for you or buy it in Cusco before leaving for the trek. Also bring some lip balms.
• Toilet paper: you will find toilets of the locals; normally they charge a sun, you should always carry toilet paper in your backpack.
• Insect repellent: You will be walking in the jungle after the second day. You need insect repellent all the time with you and always wear long sleeves.
• 1 rain jacket, 1 warm jacket / winter: jackets should always be with you in your backpack, the first 2 mornings the temperatures will be cold and you will start walking with all the layers, then as you warm up, you will start to remove and put your backpack on.
• Snacks: the average duration of the daily walk is around 8 hours, and you will be burning a lot of energy; In addition to the meals and snacks we provide, we recommend bringing energy bars, granola bars, chocolate and sweets.
• Water container: you will need to bring water for the first half day, then we will provide you with water after the first lunch; however, it must have a container of at least 2 liters. Reusable bottles.
• The flashlight or lighthouse: They should always be in your backpack if necessary during the hike, and at night, you will need to walk around the camp and use the toilets. Flashlights work best hands-free.
• Hat: it is necessary to bring a cabin for the sun during the day and for the night we recommend bringing some coat. In addition, gloves are recommended for the evening and early morning hours.
• Sunglasses: to protect your eyes from the intense Sun of the Salkantay.
• Extra cash: we recommend bringing to the Salkantay Trek around 600 soles (200.USD); make sure you have some small coins, this is emergency money and you won’t spend everything. You’ll need to use the restrooms, buy souvenirs, buy drinks or snacks, and tip if you see fit for your staff.
• Personal medication: it is also necessary to bring Band-Aids, Diamox, Pepto, Ibuprofen, Imodium, pills for dizziness, feminine products.
• Devices: cameras, cell phones for photos.

What you will have in the canvas bag

• The sleeping bag: the first night during the Salkantay, it will be frozen, below 0 degrees Celsius; You will need a proper sleeping bag that can withstand -10 degrees Celsius. Bring yours or you can also rent it with us.
• Hiking boots: light and waterproof, we strongly recommend wearing hiking boots instead of slippers; Also, be sure to use them before to avoid blisters.
• Sandals: after the long hours of walking, you will need to bring something light in the camp, and for this we recommend sandals.
• Six pairs of wool mountain socks: they are very comfortable when walking in boots.
• 4 pairs of lightweight socks: also, you will wear them at night or walk in the camp with sandals.
• 6+ pairs of underwear: just in case, bring extra in case they get wet.
• 2 or 3 hiking pants: breathable, they are better. Divers for ladies also work.
• 1 sweatpants: for evenings and mornings
• 5 sets of t-shirts: long-sleeved shirts work best,
• Tissues or wet wipes: to cool off after the long walk before bedtime.
• Swimsuit: optional as you can visit the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.
• Trekking poles: It is strongly recommended that you bring your own or you can rent them with us.
• Inflatable mats: we provide foam mats; however, you want more comfort when bringing or renting an air mattress.

Salkantay Tour 5 days FAQs

What is Salkantay?

Salkantay is the second highest mountain in the Cusco region at 6,271 m / 20,574 ft. It is located in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba, west-northwest 6 km from Cusco in the central mountain range of the Peruvian Andes. Salkantay means “Wild Mountain” and is considered a Sacred Deity that controls the weather and fertility by the locals since
the Inca times. Salkantay was first climbed in 1952 by a Franco-American expedition. Due to its location on the border of the Amazon, the shape and the slope, this mountain is considered very difficult to climb.

What is Salkantay Trek?

The proximity of Salkantay to Machu Picchu and the existence of ancient trails make this a perfect Alternative Trek called Salkantay Trek. The Salkantay trek can be done in a 4 or 5 day trek to Machu Picchu, reaching a
maximum of 4630m/15190ft in elevation, the Salkantay Pass. This The trek was named by National Geographic’s Adventure Travel magazine among the 25 best treks in the world.

How long is the Salkantay trek?

Salkantay Trek can be done in many ways, depending on the itinerary you follow or the operator you choose. The most popular tours are 4 and 5 days, less than four days can be too challenging, and schedules longer than five
days usually include city tours, Sacred Valley tours and not the trek itself. Salkantay trek 4 days and 3 nights.-The trek begins in the town of Soraypampa, visits the amazing Humantay lake, Salkantay pass, and reaches Machu Picchu after 3 days of trekking. On the last day, you will visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco on the panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360°). The total walking distance is 44 km / 28 miles, and this does not include the Machu Picchu walking tour.

Salkantay Trek 5 days and 4 nights.-The last Salkantay Trek starts at Soraypampa Village, reaches Laguna Humantay, Paso Salkantay, and allows camping for 1 night at Llaqtapata, a unique archeological site located on top of a mountain right in front of Machu Picchu. . The total walking distance is 60 km / 38 miles, and this number is only for the 4-day walking tour. On the fifth day, this is a walking tour in Machu Picchu.

Is Salkantay Trek worth it?

The Salkantay Route is not only the most popular trek to Machu Picchu after the Inca Trail. This trek is also wonderful as it offers varied experiences to the travelers. Salkantay Trek begins in the high mountains where the temperatures are cold and the landscapes are usually extensive grasslands surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
They will arrive at Machu Picchu through the high jungle called “Bosque Nuboso”, these extremely varied landscapes will offer trekkers a unique opportunity to experience different views, climates and the opportunity to camp in front of Machu Picchu.

How high is the trek to Salkantay?

It is important to note the difference between the Salkantay Mountains that its 6,271m/20574ft and the highest pass used during the trek crosses the Andes into the Amazon Cloud Forest, the Salkantay Pass, located at 4630m/15190ft.

• First Camp: 3,900m / 12,795ft
• Second camp: 2770 mt / 9087 feet
• Third Camp: 2750m / 9022ft
• Dusk in Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m / 6561 ft

How cold is the Salkantay Trek?

This walk offers varied landscapes as well as different ecosystems and temperatures; the weather varies throughout the year depending on whether you are hiking During the dry season (April to October) or the wet season (November to March), temperatures will rise slightly during the wet season just like summer in the southern
hemisphere.

• Day 1: During the first day of the trek, temperatures will peak at 18°C/64°F  during the day and drop below 0°C/32°F at night. It is important to have warm clothing as the temperature will drop as soon as the sun goes down or it gets cloudy. High places like Laguna Humantay are always cold, even with the sun.
• Day 2: The second day offers 2 completely different climates, the first part of the day until lunch, you will walk through the Salkantay Pass, the highest and most difficult part of the trek, this part is usually bright and sunny; however, if it rains, the temperature will drop to very cold and you will need to wear jackets, hats and gloves.
• In the second part of the day, the temperature will increase as we get below the tree line (below 3000m). Here, we will begin to descend very quickly towards the second camp located in the Cloud Forest. Temperatures will be24°C/75°F during the day and 10°C/50°F at night.
• Day 3: During the third day, you will walk through the tropical cloud forest all day. You should wear light clothing, protect yourself from the sun, mosquitoes and have plenty of water. At night temperatures can hover around 10°C/53°F
• Day 4: The last day of the trek starts like the previous day in the Cloud Forest as we go further down until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes with an average temperature range between 12ºC / 54ºF and 24ºC / 75ºF.
• Day 5: During the fifth day, you will visit Machu Picchu in the tropical mountain forest with hot and humid climate almost all year round.

Trip to Salkantay What do you expect from this trek?

• When you choose Salkantay, you are signing up for the most challenging trek we have to Machu Picchu, and you should be prepared for: Long hours of hiking in sunny, cloudy, rainy and cold weather. Camp your first night in freezing-point weather with no electricity or cell phone service.
• Not every day is ice cream; it is cold on day 1 and a half of day 2. Also, after the second camp, there is cell phone signal and wifi at specific points.

How much to tip Salkantay Trek?

• There are so many tours to Machu Picchu and Salkantay that travelers may have a hard time deciding which one to take.

Among the most important factors to consider is the price; I definitely wouldn’t go for the lower prices as they have hidden costs and you will end up paying more or have a bad experience. The regular price of the Salkantay trek varies between 450.USD to 650.USD, this cost should include 3 star hotels, meals, porters and all transportation, and a good English speaking certified tour guide. It is important to book your tour with a company that has a good reputation, this is a high altitude hiking tour, slippery terrain, and you have to fully trust
the company and the tour guides.

Sacred Expeditions Peru offers experienced tour guides, expert chefs, comfortable camping equipment, as well as including a coffee tour, Pachamanca kitchen and panoramic train on the last day for an excellent price.

How to prepare for the Salkantay Trek?

Anyone can do the Salkantay route; however, you need a moderate fitness level to finish the hike. It is not necessary to be an expert hiker, but to have a somewhat active life; if not, you will need to prepare before this trip to avoid
bad experiences.

No need to train months in advance. However, you should take occasional walks for about an hour or 2 and increase the frequency and duration as you get closer to the trailhead. A few hours at the gym, jogging, or spinning will also help.

We recommend hiking on the weekends or at least twice a month on short hikes that include uphill.

Is altitude sickness a problem?

What should I do to avoid altitude sickness?

• Altitude sickness is real and can affect anyone, whether they are anexperienced hiker or not. Here are some recommendations to avoid altitude sickness:
• Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the departure of your trek; this will help you adjust to
  the altitude before your hike; During these first days you should do activities that are not
  exhausting, or that do not include several hours of walking: we recommend a walk through
  the city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley Tour or Maras Moray.
• You should avoid tours like the Rainbow Mountain, which involves several hours of
  walking, and is very high. This tour is perfect after the trip to Machu Picchu.
• Carry altitude medications such as Diamox or others recommended by your
  doctor.
• During the first few days in Cusco, eat lightly and drink plenty of water; coca tea will help
  you.

Where To Book Salkantay Trek In Cusco?

• Machu Picchu is the most important tourist destination in South America and Peru; we have limited tickets to this Sanctuary. We have 2 train companies, the town of Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu is a small town that receives thousands of visitors every day. These and other factors to consider, therefore, you should always book your trip in advance.
• Booking your tour in advance will allow us to choose the best train schedules, the best hotels and the best entrance times to Machu Picchu.

When is the best time to hike the Salkantay and visit Machu Picchu?

The best time to trek to Salkantay and visit Machu Picchu is from April to November, when it is the dry season, April and November are the months of humidity and an increase in weather is expected.

January and February are months to avoid this trek as they are the season of heavy rains and risk of landslides. During these months, we recommend the Lares hike.

Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling

• Temperature checks for all travelers are mandatory.
• Face masks required for travelers and staff in public areas.
• Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff at all times.
• High-traffic locations and equipment are regularly sanitized between uses.
• Maximum 12 people per group to reduce crowds during this pandemic.
• The capacity of transport and tourist sites will be reduced to 50%
• Printed material such as maps or vouchers will be avoided.
• 100% online payments with no booking fees at all.
• Flexible reservations during the COVID – 19 pandemic

Why book with Sacred Expeditions Peru

• Sacred Expeditions Peru is a 100% Peruvian Local Tour Operator based in Cusco.
• Personal porter included up to 7 kilos of your personal bag
• Panoramic trains included in the last one (Visatdome or 360°)
• Small group tours for personalized service, maximum 8 people during this pandemic, 16 people during normal hours
• Fair treatment of porters with adequate salaries, we include men and women
• You help us support social projects in Cusco, we provide computers with internet to local children.
• Portable toilets and hot showers are available on all of our tours.
• No booking fees! no credit card fee