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DetailItineraryIncludedReviews

Salkantay Backpacking: Salkantay trek 5 days to Machu Picchu

0
  • Durations5 Days
  • Max Guests 12 People
  • Difficulty Moderate
  • Activity TypeMulti-day hike
GalleryVideo

Overview

Salkantay Backpacking Adventure: 5 Days to Machu Picchu

Embark on the unforgettable 5-Day Salkantay Backpacking Trek to Machu Picchu, the second most popular trekking route in the stunning Cusco region. This dream journey takes you through impressive snow-capped mountains, including the breathtaking Salkantay Pass and the serene waters of Humantay Lake, surrounded by lush cloud forests and vibrant Peruvian jungles. Known as one of the most beautiful hikes in Peru, this trek is perfect for nature and adventure enthusiasts.

Recognized by National Geographic as one of the top 25 treks in the world, the Salkantay Backpacking Trek offers an incredible journey through diverse ecosystems, culminating in the iconic wonder of Machu Picchu. The trek provides an immersive experience in the Andes, with breathtaking views and unique landscapes. During this trek, you’ll have the chance to witness traditional Andean communities, rich flora and fauna, and experience a true adventure that takes you from glaciers to tropical forests.

Trek Overview:

  • Starting and Ending Point: Cusco City
  • Ideal For: Moderate to advanced hikers looking for a varied and adventurous route
  • Difficulty Level: Challenging, with rugged terrain and significant altitude changes
  • Starting Altitude: 3,200 m / 10,500 ft (Cusco)
  • Highest Altitude: 4,650 m / 15,200 ft (Salkantay Pass)
  • Total Trekking Distance: 72 km / 45 miles
  • Accommodations: Campsites along the route with spectacular mountain and valley views

What to Expect: The Salkantay Backpacking Trek is an immersive journey where each day offers distinct scenery and challenges, from the dramatic snow-capped Salkantay mountain to the warmer cloud forests near Machu Picchu. Along the way, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about Andean culture and practices from local guides, making this more than just a trek but a cultural experience as well.

Tip: To fully enjoy this unique Salkantay Backpacking experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, it’s recommended to acclimate to the altitude in Cusco for 1 to 2 days before beginning the trek.

Itinerary

DAY 1Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake

Your Salkantay Backpacking adventure begins at 4:30 AM when your guide picks you up from your hotel in Cusco. During the two-hour drive to Mollepata, enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes at sunrise. Upon arrival, you’ll have a nourishing breakfast at a local restaurant and purchase your entrance ticket to Humantay Lake (20 soles).

The journey continues to Challacancha, the starting point of your trek, where you’ll begin acclimating to the altitude and enjoy panoramic views of the Mollepata and Challacancha valleys from the Hornada Pata viewpoint. After a scenic trail, you’ll arrive at the Soraypampa campsite around 1:30 PM. Here, a local chef will prepare a delicious lunch to recharge your energy.

In the afternoon, a 1.5-hour hike to Humantay Lake awaits, where you’ll see turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. This is a sacred site for locals, connecting with the energy of the Apus mountains. After returning to Soraypampa, relax and enjoy a hot dinner before resting in glass cabins, perfect for stargazing.

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
  • Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Glass cabins at 3,900 m / 12,800 ft
  • Climate: Warm during the day, cold at night
  • Highlights: Humantay Mountain and Lake

DAY 2Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa

The day begins early with an energizing breakfast at 5:00 AM. As you ascend from Soraypampa, you’ll pass through the fields of Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, an area dotted with small glacial lakes. The three-hour climb to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,250 ft) is challenging but rewarded with spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo.

Your guide will share stories about the spiritual importance of Salkantay, considered one of the sacred Apus mountains of the Incas, and its connection to Machu Picchu. Then, a two-hour descent brings you to Huayramachay, where a well-deserved lunch awaits, replenishing your energy for the day ahead.

The hike continues through the high jungle, where you’ll experience a gradual change in climate and vegetation, from the Andean tundra to dense Amazon forest. At the Collpapampa campsite, enjoy a comforting dinner in dome tents surrounded by the sounds of nature.

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Distance: 22 km / 13.6 miles
  • Hiking time: 8-9 hours
  • Accommodation: Dome tents at 2,850 m / 9,350 ft
  • Climate: Warm with moderate winds, cool at night
  • Highlights: Salkantay Pass, beginning of the Amazon jungle

DAY 3Collpapampa – Lucmabamba

Wake up surrounded by lush nature at the Collpapampa campsite. After breakfast, continue with a 5.5-hour hike through the Peruvian cloud forest, immersing yourself in the jungle’s rich flora and fauna, including coffee plantations, orchids, and medicinal plants. Your guide will explain local coffee farming techniques and the traditional uses of medicinal plants by the locals.

You’ll have the chance to sample organic coffee and learn more about the region’s coffee cultivation. After lunch, those interested can relax in the Cocalmayo hot springs (not included), known for their therapeutic properties and beautiful natural setting.

Return to camp in the late afternoon to enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and share stories with fellow travelers.

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
  • Hiking time: 4-5 hours
  • Campsite altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
  • Climate: Hot, humid, and tropical
  • Highlights: Amazon jungle, coffee plantations, Cocalmayo hot springs

DAY 4Lucmabamba - Llaqtapata (Inca Trail-Machupicchu view point)– Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

Wake up amidst banana, avocado, and coffee plantations. After a nutritious breakfast, you’ll start a hike along an ancient Inca Trail section leading to the Llaqtapata archaeological site. This section offers stunning views and an authentic trekking experience. After a 2.5-hour climb, you’ll arrive at Llaqtapata, where you’ll see Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu in the distance.

Your guide will share historical and cultural insights about the site, which served as an observation post in Inca times. From Llaqtapata, continue to Hidroeléctrica, where you can choose to take the train to Aguas Calientes (additional cost of $36) or continue hiking. In Aguas Calientes, enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant and rest at a cozy hostel.

  • Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Distance: 22 km / 13.6 miles
  • Hiking time: 8-9 hours
  • Accommodation: Hostel in Aguas Calientes at 2,050 m / 6,725 ft
  • Climate: Hot, humid, and tropical
  • Highlights: Inca Trail, Llaqtapata archaeological site, first views of Machu Picchu

DAY 5Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The grand finale of your Salkantay Backpacking adventure has arrived. Wake up early to catch the first bus to Machu Picchu and avoid the crowds. Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a guided tour of the citadel, exploring its neighborhoods, plazas, astronomical observatories, and agricultural terraces. Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world, symbolizes Inca architectural perfection and advanced knowledge.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own and take photos. For those interested, optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are available with pre-purchased tickets. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our transfer team will take you back to Cusco to conclude this unforgettable experience.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Highlights: Machu Picchu citadel, optional Huayna Picchu hike, panoramic train to the Sacred Valley

What is included

Price Includes
Price Excludes
Extras and Upgrades

Accommodation

  • Night 1 (Soraypampa): Glass cabins for two, offering stargazing views.
  • Nights 2 and 3 (Colpapampa and Playa Sahuayaco): Private dome tents for two at scenic campsites.
  • Night 4 (Aguas Calientes): Comfortable hostel with Wi-Fi, private bathroom, and hot water; option to upgrade to a higher-quality hotel.

Meals

  • Included: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners, freshly prepared by our professional chef.
  • Dietary Options: Vegetarian and vegan meals available with advance notice.
  • Extras: Morning coca tea and boiled water for tea/coffee.

Transportation

  • Private Transfer: From Cusco to the trek’s starting point and return from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
  • Train Ticket: Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (departure at 14:55 or 18:20).

Guides and Equipment

  • Certified Guides: English/Spanish-speaking guide with assistant for larger groups, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen.
  • Support Horses: Transport for equipment and up to 5 kg of personal items.

Additional Services

  • Briefing: Pre-tour meeting to review all tour details.
  • Entrance Fees: All fees for Salkantay Trek is included.

 

 

Entrance Fees:

×Machu Picchu entrance is NOT included ($40).

×Humantay Lake ticket is NOT included (S/20 Peruvian Soles).

Meals

×Breakfast: Not included on day 1.

× Lunch: Not included on the last day.

× Water: Not provided; you can purchase additional bottles along the trek. Hot and cold drinks (Coca tea, Mint tea, Chicha Morada, Star fruit drink, Maracuya drink) are available with meals.

Equipment

× Sleeping Bags: Available for rent at $15.00 per person for the entire trek.

× Trekking Poles: Available for rent at $15.00 per person.


Other Costs

× Tips: For your guide, chef, and staff.

× Travel Insurance: Not included.

× Additional Activities: Not mentioned in the itinerary.

Optional Activities

× Mountain Entrances: Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu, or Huchuy Picchu for $60.00 per person (advance notice required).

× Hot Springs: Entrance in Santa Teresa, including round-trip transport and 1.5 hours in the pool for 50 soles.

× Shuttle Bus: Between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu for $12 USD one way.

 

 

 

Hotel upgrade in Aguas Calientes: Inform us in advance, and we will arrange everything for you.

Optional visit to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: $60.00 per person. Let us know at the time of booking, as it requires a separate permit.

Sleeping bags: Available for rent if you don’t have one with you ($15.00 per person).

Trekking poles: Available for rent for $15.00 per person.

What to Bring for Your Trek
  • Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
  • Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
  • Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, a few t-shirts, socks, sun hat, warm underwear, light long pants, gloves, rain jacket)
  • Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
  • Sunscreen
  • Head lamp
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera with spare batteries
  • Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us)
  • Insect repellent

 

REMINDERS: It’s possible that any part of the program might change due to circumstances out of our control such as weather conditions, flight schedules, etc.

How can I obtain the student discount for Machu Picchu admission?

f you are a student under 25 years old, you may qualify for a $20 USD discount on your Machu Picchu ticket. This benefit is subject to certain requirements set by the Peruvian government and applies to the cost of your admission ticket, with no room for negotiation.

To receive the discount, you will need to send us a photo of both sides of your student ID and another photo of your passport after making your booking. Our team will assist you in verifying that all necessary conditions are met. Please note that your student ID must be original, made of PVC material, and issued by your university. It should contain university information, your personal details, a photo, and a valid expiration date for one year that matches the year you plan to visit Machu Picchu. For example, if you intend to visit Machu Picchu in 2023, the expiration date on your ID must be 2023, with 2024 being the maximum allowed expiration date.

It is also essential that you bring your student ID with you, as it will be verified at the Machu Picchu control point.

Please ensure that your student ID meets the following requirements:

  • University information included
  • Student’s personal information
  • Student’s photo
  • Valid expiration date (for one year, 2023)
  • Matches the year of your visit to Machu Picchu
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