Salkantay to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights Salkantay to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights Salkantay to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights Salkantay to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights Salkantay to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights Salkantay to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights Salkantay to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights Salkantay to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights Salkantay to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights Salkantay to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights Salkantay to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights Salkantay to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights

Salkantay to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights

(526)
Physical Level
Easy
Trip Style
Hike
Max Altitude
3300msn
Group Size
Min 2 Persons
Trip Length
1 Day
Starting from
$ 1400.00
per person

Salkantay to Machu Picchu Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights

1 Day from US $ 1400.00

Our Salkantay Trek 5 days is a personalized alternative to the usual Inca Trail. This is an innovative adventure for action travelers who want a little more solitude and off-the-beaten-path tours. With more breathtaking views, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu gives you the privacy and peaceful reflection that such a sacred trail deserves.

The legendary Salkantay trail has been chosen as one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine. It is a trek easily accessible to all, with no limitations or permits required (at least for the moment). The Salkantay Trek 5 days / 4 nights is an ancient and secluded trail, located in the same area as the Inca Trail, where huge icy mountains infringe on the abundant rainforest.

Highlights

Information about the Salkantay Walk

The Nevado Salkantay is the highest point of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range in the Department of Cusco, Peru. It is the highest mountain in the Machu Picchu area and is the most sacred mountain in the land of the Incas. The name is derived from the Qechua “Sallqa”, which means wild or invincible. This is due to frequent avalanches that ravage the mountain and storms that rise to engulf the peak from the High Amazon Rainforest in the north.

The best time to climb the Nevado Salkantay is from May to September. Depending on the route, it should be tested at different times in those months. Since the first ascent in 1952, Nevado Salkantay has been climbed on the south, east and north sides of the mountain.

The Salkantay Tour is the perfect alternative to the Inca Trail

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most interesting and important alternatives to the Inca Trail, due to its wide range of flora diversity, various ecosystems, remote Andean villages, view of the snow-capped mountain of Salkantay , as well as the site of Llactapata, located on the top of a mountain, just behind the Machu Pichu mountain. This trail finally reaches Aguas Calientes< /strong>, located at the foot of the historical and archaeological site of Machu Picchu, from where we walk early in the morning to the lost city of the Incas to see the sunrise over it. Then, our tour guide takes us through this incredible Inca citadel.

Salkantay Peru is a 5-day trek through spectacular corners, they say it is the perfect alternative to the well-known Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but this one is a little more “adventurous.”

Nevado Salkantay

One of the key features of the Salkantay hike is the mountain that gives the trail its name.

Mount Salkantay (or Nevada Salkantay / Salcantay) is one of the most emblematic mountains in the Cusco region and the highest mountain in the Willkapampa range.

Hikers on the Salkantay trail spend one day approaching the mountain from the south and then another day very close to the mountain as they climb the Salkantay pass, which at 4,600 m offers incredible views of the valley.

For mountaineers, Salkantay has a reputation for being a very tough summit. In fact, the Quechua name, Sallqantay, means ‘wild’ or ‘savage’. Although it was first successfully climbed in 1952 by a French-American expedition, the mountain is not usually conquered.

The easiest summit assault pass is around the northeast ridge, which will not be visible on the Classic Salkantay trail, but is visible to hikers on the Salkantay/Inca Trail combo.

Machu Picchu is directly north of Salkantay. Although the mountain is not visible from Machu Picchu, the Southern Cross star formation, when viewed from the Machu Picchu sundial, appears directly over the top of Salkantay during the rainy season.

It is for this reason that the Incas considered Salkantay as one of the main deities that controlled the weather in the region. Even today, Salkantay holds a prominent place in the local beliefs of the people living in the Cusco region.

Location of Nevado Salkantay:

Located 60 km northwest of the city of Cusco, Salkantay, which stands at 6,271 m, is the 12th highest mountain in Peru and the 38th highest in the Andes.

Where does the name «Salkantay» come from?

The name “Salkantay” comes from the words sal, or wild, and antay, or avalanche producer. Locals call it Apu Salkantay, which means “Holy Lord over the valleys.”

The Salkantay summit

The snow-capped summit of Salkantay contains two peaks, located to the east and west. In the past, the western summit was thinner and more attractive than the eastern one, however, after many years, both peaks are now the same size.

Keep in mind that the snowy Salkantay is an alternative route to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu, or in case you have not made your reservation for the Inca Trail, here is your best opinion , the tour to the snow-capped Salkantay grabe the Vilcabamba mountain range, you can also enjoy the diversity of fauna and flora that exists throughout this route, for example you can find beautiful Orchids, which will fascinate you with the color of their flowers.

Flora:

  • Erodium cicutarium
  • Orchid
  • Ichu (Andean grass)
  • Salicornia ramosissima

Fauna:

  • Alpaca
  • Condor
  • Vizcacha
  • The cock-of-the-rock (national bird of Peru)
  • Call

Trip Details

  • Type of trip: Hiking, camping, adventure, history, culture.
  • Good for: people in good physical shape
  • Difficulty: Challenging.
  • Considerations: Check availability for entrance to Machupicchu and Huaynapicchu mountains.
  • Starting altitude: 3200m / 9515ft.
  • Highest Altitude: 4650m / 15,200ft.
  • Walking distance: 72 km.
  • Longest day: Day 2, approximately 22 km / 11 miles.
  • Coldest night: Day 1 around 0º Celsius.
  • Acclimatization is recommended.

Trip Summary

Salkantay Trek 5 días Short Itinerary:

  • Día 01: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha -Soraypampa.
  • Día 02: Soraypampa – Montaña Salkantay – Collpapampa.
  • Día 03: Collpapampa – La Playa.
  • Día 04: La Playa – Cerro Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes.
  • Día 05: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

Itinerary

DAY 1:

Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha -Soraypamp

At 5 a.m. we travel from Cusco by bus for approximately 4 hours to the village of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level). At 7:30 a.m. we have breakfast in a restaurant if the group wishes (not included in the cost) and we can buy some last minute supplies (not included). Then we continue our trip uphill for another 1 hour until we reach Challacancha (the starting point of the trail).

There we meet our support staff, who will pack the equipment on horses and mules. We need to have 2 backpacks. One that will carry all our personal items (up to 5 kg) that will go on the horses and a backpack with your items such as water bottle, snacks, jacket, etc. that you will need to carry. From there we will walk for about four hours to Soraypampa, which is located among the snow-capped mountains (3850 meters above sea level), on a trail with panoramic views of the impressive Salkantay, other snow-capped mountains and the Apurimac River valley.

We arrive at our camp, where we have lunch. After lunch, we will climb the Humantay mountain for 2 hours to visit the Humantay Lake, a magnificent lake in the mountains and then descend to the camp in Soraypampa. There you will find the dining tent set up for afternoon tea with coca tea, coffee, chocolate, etc. You can rest and later dinner will be served.

An early start, we had a good breakfast and prepared for the longest and most difficult day of the excursion.

We start at a moderate pace for 1 hour until we reach Soyrococha. Then we walk uphill for about 3 more hours until we reach the high pass, at 4,800 m near the wonderful icy peaks of Salkantay (6,271 m) and Humantay (6,100 m), the second highest peak in the Cusco region.

Here we enjoy the impressive scenery, you will also see piles of stones called Apachetas. From here we descend for 1 hour to Wayracmachay (3,800m) where we have lunch and rest. Then follows a 3 hour hike to our campsite in Collpapampa.

Another early start after breakfast, we walk along a narrow path on the mountainside, discovering various types of orchids and plant species, some corn fields and fruit fields. We also have the opportunity to pass an exquisite waterfall on the way.

After walking for about 5 hours we arrive at La Playa. From here you have 2 options, if you choose the Santa Teresa option, we will board a car to the town of Santa Teresa. This will take about 45 minutes.

Upon arrival, we set up camp and have the opportunity to go to the nearby hot springs, about 45 minutes from town (Optional).

In the evening we will have dinner and rest at the camp.

The other option, if you wish to see the ruins of Llactapata is a two-hour hike, where you will camp for the night.

Si eliges pasar por las ruinas de Llactapata, comienzas el día con el desayuno y luego una caminata de 4 horas hasta las ruinas restauradas (2.860 m) desde donde puedes ver tanto Machu Picchu como la montaña Salkantay.

Nuestro guía turístico nos muestra las ruinas. Después de eso, comenzamos a descender durante aproximadamente 4 horas hasta el río Aobamba a través de exuberantes plantaciones de bambú, huertos y plantaciones de café, lo que nos brinda excelentes oportunidades para observar aves. Después llegamos a la Central Hidroeléctrica (Hidroeléctrica), un lugar donde almorzamos más tarde y continuamos por los senderos que nos llevan a nuestro hotel en el Pueblo de Aguas Calientes.

We start early to continue walking to Machu Picchu and see the sunrise over this glorious old city! We hike for approximately 2 hours to the ruins of Machu Picchu and take a guided tour that lasts approximately 2 hours.

After you have enough time to tour the fortress on your own, and perhaps climb Huayna Picchu (if you have a permit) or see the Inca Bridge.

Then you can take the bus to Aguas Calientes. You can have lunch in Aguas Calientes (not included in the cost).

In the afternoon, we return by train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.

Machu Picchu is the least studied site, as it is not mentioned in any chronicle of a Spanish conquistador, so contemporary archaeologists can do nothing but speculate about its functions. Local farmers knew of Machu Picchu for centuries before an 11-year-old boy showed the American historian Hiram Bingham (who was in search of Vilcabamba) this site on July 24, 1911.

At that time, the rest of the world became aware of its existence. However, the site was covered with thick vegetation so Hiram Bingham and his team returned and in the years of 1912 and 1915 cleared its surface. Over the years, much work has been done to excavate and study the site. Despite these efforts, many questions remain unanswered!

PREMIUM LODGE IN OLLANTAYTAMBO

All our travel experiences can be customized with one of our exclusive accommodations in Ollantaytambo. Before reaching Machu Picchu, you can enjoy spending the night with breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley. Ask our travel expert about one of these two options.

Star Dome Lodge

At StarDome Peru, the unparalleled mountaintop views are combined with authentic immersion with our native family, the local Quechua culture, and the spiritual history of the Valley. Through connection with Mother Earth, StarDome offers a deep dive into personally curated, once-in-a-lifetime adventures and cultural experiences in the Sacred Valley.

Vertical Sky suites

Our suites have a structure made of glass that will allow you to have a privileged view of 360°. Each of them includes a private bathroom with bathrobes and organic amenities for your care. Also, they have a private balcony and a view of the Andes Mountains, you will see sightings of Andean condors in their natural habitat.

Inclusions

  • Pick up from hotel in Cusco.
  • Tourist Transportation Cusco / Mollepata.
  • Professional bilingual guide service.
  • Oxygen, First Aid Kit.
  • 04 breakfasts, 04 lunches, 04 dinners (prepared by our chef).
  • Hot beverages such as tea, coffee.
  • Equipped for overnight stay.
  • 01 night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
  • Transportation by bus Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes.
  • Entrance to Machupichu.
  • Train tickets Aguas Calientes / Ollantaytambo.
  • Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
  • Transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
  • Laundry services.
  • Lunch on day 05.
  • Walking sticks.
  • Snacks and/or soft drinks.
  • Entrance fee to Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes (S / .10.00).
  • Entrance fee to Wayna Picchu (USD 25 US dollars).
  • Gratuities.

What to Bring

    • Tour start date.
    • Names (as in passport)
    • Last name (as it appears in the passport)
    • Scanned Passports or Cedulas (Required)
    • Bring a copy of your Migration Card (TAM) which will be given to you when you enter Peru.
    • Nationality.
    • Passport number.
    • Minimum passport validity of 6 months.
    • Date of Birth.
    • Name of your hotel
    • Contact telephone numbers
    • Payment of 50% of the tour cost.
    • WATCH: We do not accept payment of 100% of the tour cost.
    • Prices are promotional and for cash payments, if paying by credit card there will be an 8% surcharge to the total.

We have several options based on the type of train and guiding, the options accommodate all budgets and the price is per person.

Ask for our seasonal offers and promotions for last minute bookings.

If the hotel of your preference is not in our offer request a quote and we will respond very quickly; if you have questions regarding prices, destinations or the tour, we will gladly assist you write to tourcuscoperu@gmail.com and you can also contact us at the following phone numbers:
Cellular – WhatsApp: +51 971 127 698.

Travel Guide

Recommendations for the Salkantay Trek:

1. Best time to do the Salkantay Trek.

The Cusco region has two types of climates marked, rainy season and dry season, so it is considered the months of May to October the best dates for this tour since the rains stop and the road is firm. However, this route can be done all year round, except for the month considered the rainiest of the year (February), so we suggest you think about it very well.

2. What the route to Salkantay offers.

The route to Salkantay offers privileged views of the snowy Humantay and Salkantay, since with the thaw of these two there are lake formations, being the most important and very visited by travelers. Currently, the Humantay Lake is visited by tourists from all over the world to enjoy its beauty and leave offerings to the Pachamama, the deity that represents Mother Earth in the Inca culture.

In addition to the snow-capped mountains, the route shows a variety of flora and fauna as far as the region of the eyebrow of the jungle is concerned, since one is surrounded by a green and warm landscape that allows breathing pure air that is good for our organism. Marvel at the vestiges and constructions that our ancestors left us as a legacy. Enjoy magical nights with a starry sky, which makes you think and say that it was worth all the effort made.

3. Difficulty of the hike

The degree of difficulty for any hike depends a lot on the physical condition that one may have, in addition to already having experience in some similar route and if the state of health that one may have. This route is considered by many travelers of greater effort since the degree of difficulty is “High”, thus being considered a great challenge for those people who do it.

4. Physical preparation

The preparation for the Salkantay Trek, begins taking into consideration the physical condition that one has, that is why specialists consider having an early preparation before making this excursion, since in that way the muscles are strengthened and generate resistance to the time to make our Salkantay trek.

So gradually your physical condition will be in better condition, since at the time of the hike all the muscles will be prepared and thus also our heart will pump more blood, oxygenating our body better.

5. Altitude sickness

Also known as mountain sickness, soroche or properly called altitude sickness, is a physical discomfort caused by the difficulty of adaptation to low atmospheric pressure which generates headache, nausea, shortness of breath due to lack of oxygen in the blood. Usually this symptom is shown in travelers who live in countries or places that are at lower altitudes, since those who live in plains or countries of similar altitude are more likely to suffer from it.

How to avoid altitude sickness:

  • It is recommended a day before your arrival, have a better rest, eat something light and avoid alcoholic beverages. To avoid or make it more bearable is recommended upon arrival to acclimatize, take rest or do not make physical efforts that can shake, it is recommended if the first few days upon arrival in the city of Cusco.
  • It is advisable to drink coca tea the day of your arrival, as a first natural remedy.
  • Consider inhalations of air, climb gradually, hydrate continuously, avoid snuff, choose easily digestible food, wrap up warmly and avoid taking tranquilizers.

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