This five-day trek to Machu Picchu has been firmly on my hit list for ages. It’s the ultimate back-door way to get to the iconic citadel without the immense crowds of the Classic Inca Trail. I’m craving the adventure, the vibrant scenery, and the sheer variety of landscapes this trek promises—from lush rainforests to the imposing, snow-capped peaks of the Andes. National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine even chose it as one of the 25 best treks in the world, which is a detail that just nudged its way into my brain and I can’t stop thinking about it.
I’m dying to witness the ancient Inca paths and take in the amazing views while hiking through the cloud forest. I’ve heard this is a great option for nature explorers, couples, and friends who want to experience the Andes without the constant rush of a more beaten path. The idea of setting up camp in remote areas and sleeping under a sky so dark you can see the Milky Way is calling my name. I’m particularly excited about seeing natural bridges, orchids, waterfalls, and all the wildlife that thrives in this incredible region.
What makes this particular trip so appealing is the focus on unique experiences and ethical travel. I love that the company doesn’t overload their pack horses and treats their horsemen with respect, providing them with proper equipment and fair wages. Knowing that they use top-notch gear from brands like Eureka Tent and Black Diamond for trekking poles also gives me peace of mind, guaranteeing ache-less nights up in the mountains. I also appreciate that they use satellite phones, which is a great touch for keeping in touch with loved ones from such a remote spot.
The adventure kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco (11,155 ft / 3,400 m) around 5:00 a.m. We’ll head out on a nearly three-hour drive to Anta-Mollepata, passing through incredible landscapes. On the bus ride, you’ll see the white, snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Veronica, which the Incas considered to be holy gods. After three and a half hours of driving, we’ll make our first stop in Soraypampa (12,860 ft / 3,920 m), which is the starting point of our hike. There are toilet facilities here, and a hearty breakfast prepared by our chef will be waiting for us. We’ll also meet our support staff and organize our gear.
At around 9:00 a.m., we’ll begin our trek to Humantay Lake (13,779 ft / 4,200 m). The path starts flat and then goes uphill all the way to the lake. We’ll spend about 30 minutes exploring the area before hiking back down to Soraypampa for lunch. After lunch, we’ll continue hiking up to Salkantaypampa (13,615 ft / 4,150 m), our campsite for the night. The campsite is located in the middle of glacial valleys, and the total lack of ambient light makes it the perfect spot for stargazing.
I’m so excited for the early wake-up call at 5:00 a.m. with a hot cup of coca tea delivered right to the tent. We’ll pack up and have a quick breakfast before immediately starting the demanding 3-hour, 5-km hike up to the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass (15,255 ft / 4,620 m). During the ascent through the rocky valley, we’ll get to see the magnificent Salkantay Peak (20,341 ft / 6,217 m) and might even spot some chinchillas along the trail. Reaching the top is considered the most difficult part of the trek, and I can’t wait to feel the accomplishment of getting there and enjoying the spectacular mountain views.
The next three hours are spent descending a winding gravel and rocky path to Huayracmachay, our lunch spot for the day. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at the upper part of the rainforest, also known as the “cloud forest.” We’ll cover 9 km over three hours until we get to Ccolpapampa Village (9,514 ft / 2,900 m), our base campsite. During this descent, we’ll see a thick forest full of colorful orchids and native plants, and the weather is generally warm and pleasant most of the year.
We’ll get a 5:30 a.m. wake-up call with coca tea before we have breakfast and start hiking straight to La Playa, walking through the thick jungle and following the gradual trail along the riverbank of the Salkantay River. Along the route, we’ll stop at several family hamlets to enjoy some local fruits and vegetables, like passion fruit, bananas, avocados, and mangoes. If we’re lucky, we’ll be able to spot the famous Cock of the Rocks bird.
The trail is 16 km and takes about seven hours to reach Lucmabamba (6,693 ft / 2,040 m), our base camp for the night. Lucmabamba is a small town surrounded by coffee trees and provides basic facilities like toilets and electricity. In the afternoon, we’ll get to participate in the entire coffee process: harvesting the coffee beans, peeling them, roasting and grinding them, and then preparing our very own espresso.
Today, we need to start early to avoid the mid-day heat. We’ll hike through coffee plantations and an artisan coffee mill on the way to Llactapata (9,186 ft / 2,800 m). Here, we’ll follow a wide, well-preserved, and original Inca trail that once ran to Quito. As we follow the trail up the side of the ridge, we’ll see lots of butterflies, citronella, orchids, and stunning views of the Santa Teresa Valley. From the pass, we’ll be able to see Machu Picchu just as clearly as you can from the famous Sun Gate.
From the pass, it’s a short walk to the Llactapata ruins. We’ll explore the site, which is still covered in vines and jungle vegetation, before descending to the Rio Aobamba. We’ll have our last lunch with our amazing cook at Hidroelectrica (5,905 ft / 1,800 m). From there, we’ll take a 45-minute train ride to Aguas Calientes (6,693 ft / 2,040 m). Once we get to town, we’ll check into our hotel, have dinner, and stay the night.
Today is the most magical day: we’re heading to Machu Picchu (7,972 ft / 2,430 m). We’ll wake up early and take a bus up to the ruins to see the sunrise. Once we’re at the checkpoint, we’ll show our passport and enter the citadel. Our guide will take us straight to the classic picture spot to get as many photos as we want, and then we’ll start our guided tour, following circuit 2. Our guide will spend about two hours explaining the highlights of Machu Picchu.
After the tour, you’ll have time to explore the ruins on your own and hike Huayna Picchu if you booked the separate ticket ($65). Finally, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes (6,693 ft / 2,040 m) and take a train back to Ollantaytambo (9,160 ft / 2,792 m), and then a bus back to Cusco (11,155 ft / 3,400 m), arriving at your hotel around 7:00 p.m.
Additional Items
| Item | Price |
| Huayna Picchu Mountain | $65 |
| Machu Picchu Mountain | $65 |
| Vistadome Train Upgrade | $35 |
| Sleeping Bag Rental | $20 |
| Trekking Poles Rental | $20 |
What to Bring
Duffel Bag
You will be given a duffel bag at the briefing to be carried by the horses. This bag can only be accessed at designated campsites. Your day pack should be used for essential items needed during the day, such as water, snacks, and rain gear. The total weight of the duffel must not exceed 7 kg / 14 lbs. Of this, 4 kg are for your personal belongings, while 3 kg are reserved for your sleeping bag and pad.
A highly qualified professional with extensive experience in the art of guiding will lead your tour. They have years of dedication to nature walks, have medical certifications and an overflowing passion for leading people on unforgettable adventures.
We understand how essential a delicious hot meal is to revitalize and comfort your body after a challenging hike. Therefore, on each expedition with Ausangate Peru, you will find chefs with extensive experience in preparing meals during the hikes.
All our hiking trips offer a varied selection of delicious meals, rich in carbohydrates, proteins and essential fats. We have carefully selected foods that adapt perfectly to the natural environment.
Our experienced muleteers and their faithful horses are responsible for all our equipment and will always be available in the safe and comfortable camps, ready to receive us.
No, there is no age limit, but if you are older, it is recommended to have a medical check-up before traveling, try to acclimatize at altitude (see altitude sickness). We have had 7 year olds and people up to 68 years old many times. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you do it! When there is a will, if possible.
If you can change the departure but not the date of entry to the Machu Picchu citadel, tickets are purchased well in advance. If you change the departure, your tour could become one of four or three days, depending on the reserved program. Remember to schedule your trip to Peru in advance to avoid problems and stay in Cusco 3 or 4 days before the trip). Please note that on this trip you will find people of different sex and nationality than yours, we are an organization that cannot guarantee the sex and nationality of our tourists.
We have an excellent kitchen that offers an amazing variety of dishes:
Breakfast: Varies depending on the difficulty of the trip that awaits you. Usually a wide selection of products: oatmeal, eggs, pancakes, bread and jam. You can have hot chocolate, coffee, English tea and/or a selection of infusions (chamomile, lemongrass, tea or simply traditional coca).
Lunch and dinner: always have a bowl of soup followed by a main dish (chicken, meat, fish, etc., with rice or pasta). Next, dessert and a forever herbal drink.
Refreshments (Happy Hour): After the walk every day there will be hot drinks, popcorn, cookies, bread and jam, chocolate, milo, etc., etc.)
Snacks: Before starting the walk, for the day you will receive a gift – a piece of fruit, a chocolate bar, a small package of cookies and some sweets.
Vegetarian/special diet options are available upon request (see below)
Yeah. We offer vegetarian food. Please specify your dietary requirements when making your reservation.
Yeah. We add previously boiled water or at least 5 minutes (water treatment tablets are not necessary). Therefore, you only need one bottle of water for the first part, for lunch, on the first day and then from there you refill your bottles until Machu Picchu.
Yeah. There are several bathrooms along the trail and at the campsites (please avoid using nature)
The tents for all our tours are for 4 people, but the modern man is very tall and only 2 can fit in each one, which allows for more space and comfort. If you are traveling alone you have to share the tent with another person unless you request a private one, (single tent $25).
Tipping is a personal decision. Depending on the work performance of each of the people who accompany you on this trip.
All hostels and hotels in Cusco have a warehouse to store tourists’ belongings, to make this trip they only have to leave them in the place.
Yeah. There are several bathrooms along the trail and at the campsites (please avoid using nature)
We have a very low rate of people returning once the trip has started. Our priority is to help complete it; All of our guides are well trained and have a top-of-the-line emergency first aid kit and oxygen. Please don’t think this (you are in good hands)
In Cusco we only have two rainy seasons 6 months and dry 06 months, the dry season begins in April and October, the days are usually sunny and warm, but we must keep in mind that the weather is very variable in the high and mountain cities. , from November to March the rainy days and many unstable months, where the rains can be heavy.
Note: Temperatures are for the Cusco Valley 3400m. And temperatures change depending on altitude (higher altitude = cold or vice versa)
The train included in all tours is the (Expedition Service), the schedules are the spaces available in the carriages and once the agencies make full payment. The first train can be taken at 6:20 p.m. and the last at 10:50 p.m.: Salkantay Expeditions. Organize transportation back to Cusco (by taxi or bus).
Note: Trains are sometimes subject to change depending on Peru Rail train operators. If desired, the train can be modified for better service by making the corresponding price increase.
From Cusco, you can start several multi-day hikes to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay trail is very diverse. During the 5-day Salkantay trek you cross different climatic zones (from tropical to icy peaks), these are intense days where you can enjoy Peruvian hospitality, beautiful mountain villages and arriving at Machu Picchu at dawn.
Salkantay trekking in Peru is one of the most impressive things you can do during your trip to Peru. We are sure that you will be surprised by the landscape from the first day. The Salkantay hike is not an easy hike, preparation is essential. In this article, read everything you need to know about the hike, how to prepare, what to expect, where you should book the hike, and many more tips.
Before we get into the details of what you need to know about the Salkantay Trail, here are some quick facts about the hike.
• Location | Peru
• Duration of the walk | 5 days
• Home | Cusco
• End | Macchu Picchu
• Distance | 74 kilometers / 46 miles
• Highest point of the Salkantay trek: 4630 meters
• Highest point of the Salkantay mountain: 6271 meters
It is not uncommon to do the Salkantay hike individually, however, you don’t see many other people doing it individually. Most people do it through a group tour.
The advantages:
• The freedom to go wherever you want;
• Often much cheaper than a tour.
• You have to carry everything yourself, organize your accommodation, determine your own route, organize all your tickets. You have to fix everything yourself;
• You do not have an experienced guide with you who can help you in case of an emergency;
• It is always safer to walk in a group than alone;
• For female travelers, we do not recommend walking alone.
Physical Requirements
This is a difficult hike that requires you to be in good physical condition. The significant elevation changes make the trek tough, so it’s highly recommended to train beforehand.
Weather
The weather in the Andes is unpredictable, so you should pack for both warm and cold temperatures, as well as rainy and dry conditions. The rainy season is from November to March, while the dry season is from April to October. Temperatures are much colder at night, especially during the first two days of the trek. As we descend into the rainforest, the climate becomes warmer and more humid.
Travel Insurance
We advise getting travel insurance in case you need to cancel your trip unexpectedly. This insurance can provide reimbursement for your prepaid, non-refundable Machu Picchu permit and cover any medical expenses in case of illness or injury during the trek.
Passport Updates
If you are renewing your passport, you can send us a digital copy of your current passport or another government-issued ID to book your permit, as long as the name is the same. Once you get your new passport, you should email us a copy to update the information on your permit.
Accommodation for Solo Travelers
Solo travelers will be paired with another solo traveler of the same gender to share a tent, while couples will get a dedicated tent for their exclusive use.
Pre-Departure Briefing
There is a pre-departure briefing at our Cusco office at 6:00 p.m. the day before your departure. This is where you’ll meet your guide and get detailed information about the trek, what to bring, and rental equipment. The briefing lasts about 30 to 45 minutes.
Tipping
Tipping is a common practice on Salkantay tours. On the morning of the third day, we’ll say goodbye to our horsemen, and this is a good time to give them a tip. We’ll say goodbye to our cook in the afternoon after lunch on the third day. Tipping is not mandatory, and the amount you give is based on your experience. We recommend tipping in Peruvian soles for the horsemen and chefs, while guides can accept U.S. dollars or soles.
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
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