Itinerary

AFTERNOON 1:

Transfer to the Crystal Cabins We’ll begin our adventure to Machu Picchu with a transfer to the Crystal Cabins in Soraypampa. Your guide will pick you up at 3 pm at your hotel in Cusco. From here, we’ll head by private transport to Soraypampa, located at 3,800 meters above sea level. We’ll arrive just in time to enjoy the sunset over the glacial peaks. At the cabins, you’ll settle into your room and enjoy a delicious dinner with hot drinks, while taking in the night views.

Day 1: Soraypampa Camp – Humantay Lagoon – Salkantay Pass – Wayracpunko (16km, 8hrs)

After an early breakfast, we’ll begin our hike to Humantay Lagoon, approximately 1.5 hours of steady ascent. Here, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the lagoon and snow-capped peaks. We’ll continue to lunch at Soyroccocha, followed by a gradual 3-hour climb to Salkantay Pass at 4,650 masl, the highest point of the trek. Here, you’ll be greeted with hot drinks before descending another 3 hours to Wayracmachay to camp.

Day 2: Wayracmachay – Chaullay – Collpapampa – Loreta (18km, 9hrs)

After breakfast, we will begin with a 4-hour descent to Chaullay and then to Collpapampa. You will enjoy a landscape that changes from glacier to rainforest with waterfalls and diverse flora. Then, we will walk 4 more hours to Loreta, where you can relax with a hot shower, jacuzzi and swimming pool. Dinner will be served overlooking the Salkantay River.

Day 3: Loreta – Sahuayaku Beach – Lucmabamba Coffee Farm – Llactapata (16km, 8hrs)

After breakfast, we will explore the rainforest and visit an organic coffee farm. We will continue to Llactapata along the Inca Trail, enjoying spectacular views of the Santa Teresa Valley and Machu Picchu. We will camp in an exclusive location with panoramic views ideal for watching the sunset and enjoying the Milky Way.

Day 4: Llactapata Viewpoint – Waterfalls at the Hydroelectric Plant – Mandor Farm (14km, 6hrs)

We will start with a descent to the Hydroelectric Station and visit the Mandor Farm before arriving in Aguas Calientes. Here, you will enjoy lunch and free time to explore the town and the hot springs. In the evening, farewell dinner in Aguas Calientes.

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

Early in the morning, we will take the bus to Machu Picchu to enjoy a guided tour of this Inca wonder. You will have free time to explore on your own or climb Huayna Picchu if you have booked in advance. Afterwards, we will return to Cusco by train and private transport.

For more details or reservations, contact us at info@sacredexpeditionsperu.com.

INCLUDES / DOES NOT INCLUDE

Includes

Briefing : The evening before your trek, you will meet at our office for a briefing. Here you will receive your travel bag, which will be carried by our porters during the trek.

The bag must not exceed 7kg / 14lb and will include your sleeping bag and inflatable mattress.

Professional Guides : Our guides are professionals who have graduated from universities and institutes in Cusco. They are locals committed to sharing their cultural heritage. They are knowledgeable and will ensure your well-being and satisfaction throughout the trip.

Porters : We include a team of porters who will carry your camping gear. There is no additional charge for this service, and you will not have access to your overnight bag until you arrive at camp.

Hotel : After the hike, the last night is spent in a 2-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, in shared rooms. If you prefer a single room or a superior hotel, there are options available at an additional cost.

Transportation : All transfers are included, from pickup at your hotel in Cusco to the start of the hike at Marccoccasa (3,300 meters). Also included is the ride on the expedition train from Aguas Calientes, with the option to upgrade to the Vistadome train for $75 per person. After returning by train to Ollantaytambo, you will be taken back to your hotel in Cusco. Additionally, the round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is provided.

Equipment : We use Eureka 4 tents, shared between two people, and a spacious dining tent for meals. Small pillows, foam mattresses to insulate from the ground, waterproof backpack covers and rain ponchos are included.

Food : Our chefs prepare a variety of delicious meals tailored to various dietary restrictions. Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are included, as well as hot drinks (tea, coffee, chocolate). Your last meal with the chef will be after breakfast on day five; lunch on the final day is not included.

Water : From the first lunch to the last breakfast, we provide boiled and purified water. We recommend that you bring water bottles or camelbacks to refill at each stop.

First Aid: Our guides are trained in first aid and carry first aid kits and oxygen for basic medical emergencies. Additionally, each guide carries a satellite phone for remote communications if necessary.

Extras : We care about the details that make the difference. We provide a small sleeping pillow, foam mattresses, backpack covers and rain ponchos. We are committed to ensuring that you enjoy a memorable experience.

Satellite Phones: All our guides are equipped with satellite phones to ensure safety and communication while trekking in remote areas.

Not Included

Rentals : You will need a sleeping bag for camping. Optionally, you can rent inflatable mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips).

Huayna Picchu: This additional hike next to Machu Picchu costs $75 and must be booked at least a month in advance due to its popularity.

Weather may affect availability. Day Packs: We do not provide day packs; you must bring your own with the essentials for the hike. Machu Picchu has size restrictions for backpacks.

Headlamps: It is recommended to bring a headlamp to facilitate navigation in the night camps, as there is no lighting.

Flights: Flights to Cusco may be delayed or cancelled; we recommend arriving at least two days before the trek. LAN Peru is the most reliable airline.

Tips : Always appreciated and based on your satisfaction with the service received during the hike.

Travel insurance: Not mandatory, but recommended to cover eventualities such as altitude adaptation or flight cancellations.

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

• Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling shall be updated as and if needed.

Why Choose Sacred Expeditions Peru?

Here’s how booking with us, you make a positive impact:

• Intimate Experiences:  We focus on creating intimate travel experiences by capping our group sizes at 8 participants during the pandemic and 16 during standard operations. This allows us to provide personalized service tailored to each traveler’s needs.
• Fair Treatment of Staff:  Our dedication to equity is reflected in the fair wages and respect we extend to all our porters, cultivating a nurturing and inclusive work environment for both men and women.
• Social Impact:  Your reservation plays a vital role in supporting social initiatives in Cusco, enabling us to provide local children with essential resources such as computers and internet connectivity.
• Comfort in Nature:  We prioritize your comfort on all camping tours by providing portable toilets and hot showers, ensuring a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
• Transparent Practices:  We uphold a commitment to transparency, which is why we do not charge any booking or credit card fees, allowing you to plan your trip without unexpected costs.
• Join Us:  Experience the beauty of travel with Sacred Expeditions Peru, where your journey not only enriches your life but also positively impacts the communities we serve.