Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Includes Llactapata Return by Car 5D–4N

OVERVIEW

Embark on the 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and experience one of the most scenic and thrilling routes in Peru. This trek takes you through breathtaking glacier mountains, picturesque lakes like Humantay and Salkantay, and the enchanting Amazon jungle.

 

By choosing our tour, you can enjoy exceptional services at affordable prices. Our exclusive campsites feature newly-built Mountain Sky Huts and glass igloos, accompanied by knowledgeable guides and dedicated staff. We offer comprehensive itineraries, ensuring you won’t miss any highlights. Prepare to pass by stunning lakes, reach heights of up to 4,630 meters, and trek alongside waterfalls, rivers, and hot springs.

 

The trek includes a portion of the original Inca Trail, leading to the Llactapata ruins, providing a unique perspective of Machu Picchu. The 5-Day Salkantay Trek is recognized as one of the «World’s Best Treks» by National Geographic, making it an unforgettable adventure. Choose a reputable and experienced company for your Salkantay Trek and create lifelong memories.

 

The trek highlights include the majestic Salkantay Mountain, the turquoise Humantay Lake, high altitude passes offering incredible views, the Llactapata ruins, and the grand finale of exploring Machu Picchu. Experience the beauty of the Quiswarniyoc camp and the richness of the Amazon region. Indulge in the relaxing hot springs of Santa Teresa and spend the night in Lucmabamba.

ITINERARY

From Cusco to Quiswarniyoc Private Camp: Unveiling Soraypampa and the Enchanting Humantay Lake
  • Pick up in Cusco.

    • 5:00 am - Pick up from respective hotels or locations in Cusco.
    • Drive for two hours to the village of Mollepata.
    • Enjoy a delicious breakfast upon arrival in Mollepata.
    • Pay the 20 soles entrance fee to the local municipality (not included in the tour cost).
    • Continue by car for another hour to Soraypampa.
    • Meet the muleteers and horses in Soraypampa.

  • Begin to Humantay Lake.

    • Begin a two-hour uphill hike to Humantay Lake.
    • Spend a couple of hours at Humantay Lake exploring, taking photos, and listening to the guide's insights.
    • Start a two-hour downhill hike from Humantay Lake.
    • Arrive at the exclusive Quiswarniyoc campsite.

  • Camping Quiswarniyoc.

    • Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at the campsite.
    • Take advantage of free time to explore the surroundings or hike to the Salkantay Mirador for panoramic views.
    • Relax in the Mountain Sky Huts or glass igloos at the campsite.
    • Engage in additional short hikes, visit breathtaking mountain viewpoints, and explore cascading waterfalls at the Quiswarniyoc campsite.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
  • Walking Distance: 13 km, approximately 6 hours of hiking
  • Campsite Altitude: 4,100 meters above sea level
  • Difficulty: Moderate day (acclimatizing to the Salkantay Trail)
  • Weather: Warm and windy during the day, with very cold nights
  • Accommodations: Mountain Sky Huts or Crystal Domes
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner
  •  
Quiswarniyoc to Chaullay Private Camp: Journey through the Salkantay Pass
  • Morning Activities

    • Wake-up call at 5:00 am.
    • Enjoy a cup of hot coca tea and pack your belongings.
    • Have a hearty breakfast at around 5:45 am.

  • Hike to the highest point

    • Start a 3 to 4-hour uphill hike at a steady pace towards the trek's highest point at 4,630 meters.
  • photographic moment

    • Marvel at the breathtaking mountain vistas and capture photographs.
    • Learn about the revered mountain gods and participate in a traditional Andean ritual.

  • Hike downhill chaullay

    • Begin a 2-hour downhill hike.
    • Pause for a mouthwatering lunch.
    • Continue the descent for another 3 hours to reach the second camp, Chaullay, at an altitude of 2,900 meters.

  • Chaullay

    • Receive camping equipment, hot tea, and a delicious dinner at Chaullay.
    • Take an optional hot shower for 10 soles offered by locals.
    • Purchase refreshing drinks such as beer, soda, and water at Chaullay.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
  • Walking Distance: 22 km, approximately 9 hours of hiking
  • Campsite Altitude: 2,900 meters above sea level
  • Difficulty: Challenging day (conquering the highest point at 4,650 meters above sea level)
  • Weather: Warm and windy during the day, with cold nights
  • Accommodations: Mountain Sky Huts
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner
Chaullay to Santa Teresa: Journey through Playa Sahuayaco and Indulge in Hot Springs
  • Morning Activities

    • Wake up at 6:00 am. meter. in the lush jungle setting and enjoy a cup of coca tea.
    • Have a delicious breakfast.

  • Hike to Lucmabamba

    • Start the hike at 7:30 am.
    • Duration: Approximately 5 hours.
    • Traverse the pictures Santa Teresa Valley.
    • Explore plantations including coffee, bananas, avocados, coca, passion fruit, and more.

  • Lucmabamba

    • Reach Lucmabamba, the third campsite, after 5 hours of trekking and enjoy a delightful lunch.
    • After lunch, you have the option to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs in Santa Teresa.

  • Cocalmayo

    • Take a 01:30-hour car ride to the hot springs and spend a few hours relaxing in the pristine, natural waters.
    • Return to the campsite for tea time, a delicious warm dinner, and a cozy group bonfire.
    • Note: The hot springs activity is optional; you can choose to relax at the campsite if you prefer.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
  • Walking Distance: 16 km, approximately 5 hours of hiking
  • Campsite Altitude: 2,100 meters above sea level
  • Difficulty: Easy and relaxing day
  • Weather: Warm, hot, and tropical
  • Accommodations: Sleeping in tents
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner
Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes: Llactapata Trek, Hidroelectrica, and Aguas Calientes Adventure
  • Lucmabamba

    • Early morning breakfast around 5:30 am to start the day.

  • Llactapata

    • Depart from Lucmabamba for a 3-hour uphill trek along the original Inca trail to the captivating ruins of Llactapata.
    • Take your time to explore and appreciate the awe-inspiring views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu Mountain, and possibly Salkantay Mountain, if weather permits.

  • descend Hidroelectrica

    • Descend for 2 hours from Llactapata towards Hidroelectrica.
    • Enjoy a delicious lunch and some well-deserved downtime at Hidroelectrica.

  • Hike Aguas Calientes

    • Begin a 3-hour walk along the train tracks, leading you to the charming town of Aguas Calientes.

  • Arrival in Aguas Calientes

    • Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, proceed to your hotel to freshen up and unwind.

  • Evening Activities

    • Gather around 7:00 pm for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.
    • Return to your hotel for a good night's sleep, preparing for the next day's adventure.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
  • Walking Distance: 22 KM – Approximately 8 hours of hiking
  • Lodging Altitude: 2,000 meters (high) above sea level
  • Difficulty: Challenging and long day
  • Weather: Hot, very humid, and tropical
  • Accommodations: Overnight stay at a hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Machu Picchu - Cusco
  • Arriving at Machu Picchu's Main Gate from Aguas Calientes

    • Choose between a 1.5-hour hike or a bus ride ($12).
    • Depart from Aguas Calientes at 4 am after breakfast.

  • Machu Picchu Guided Tour

    • Explore with a pre-arranged ticket (circuit 01 or 02).
    • Experienced guide leads a 2.5-hour tour, visiting iconic locations.

  • Leisure Time and Optional Hikes

    • Enjoy free time to explore and relax.
    • Optional hike: Huayna Picchu (2-hour round-trip, pre-booking required, $30) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3-hour round-trip, $30).

RETURN BY CAR:

Then from 11:00 to 11:30 am we have to leave the city of Machu Picchu to begin our walk for 3 more hours to the Hidroelectrica
where we will board our bus to return to the city of Cusco. The bus departure is at 14:00 p.m and arriving in Cusco between 21:30 p.m and 22:00 p.m (Approximately 6 hours of travel).

INCLUSIONS

INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED

PRICES

Adult

$ 285
  • The lowest price guaranteed
  • Real local operator (cusco)
  • English, Spanish
30% off

Student

$ 265
  • The lowest price guaranteed
  • Real local operator (cusco)
  • English, Spanish
30% off
ASK FOR PRIVATE SERVICE

Book Online

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HOW TO BOOK

Choose Your Package

Select the package that best suits your travel plans.

Fill Out the Online Booking Form

Click on the “Book Online” button, choose your travel date, and complete the booking form.Important: Only one person should fill out the form for the entire group to ensure you're all booked together.

Make Your Payment

Secure your booking by paying online with any debit or credit card.Our system will charge 40% of the total amount in advance.

Send Passenger Information

After your payment is completed, our reservations team will contact you via email to request the following information for each passenger (please include a photo or scanned image of the passport): Full name, Passport number, Nationality, Date of birth, Gender, Phone number
Full Payment Method
You can pay the full tour amount upfront to avoid any future payment concerns. Ask for the total payment link.
Balance Payment
The remaining BALANCE is due 48 hours before the tour begins. You can pay in CASH (soles or dollars) or CREDIT CARD (+ 4 %) at the office in Cusco or in your hotel/hostal/apartament.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. Obtain insurance before departing and consider working with a reputable agency for affordable coverage.
Additional Enhacements
Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain: 30 USD (subject to availability). → Check availability
Sleeping Bag Rental: 15 USD or the entire trek
Trekking Poles Rental: 10 USD one pair for the entire trek
Extra night: 20 USD per person based 2 people 40 USD single accommodation

STUDENT DISCOUNT

If your student card meets Peruvian government requirements, reserve the tour with a deposit and pay the remaining balance upon arrival in Cusco. The student discount will be applied at that time.

All university cards must be laminated and clearly show the following information:

SALKANTAY PACKING LIST

The essencial packing list for trek

SALKANTAY WEATER

The essencial guide to the climate

WHAT TO PACK

Get your backpack ready with the following recommendations!

  • Hiking boots or shoes

  • Hiking socks (wool or synthetic)

  • Long pants (hiking pants or leggings)

  • T-shirts or breathable shirts

  • Fleece jacket or sweater

  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho

  • Swimwear (for hot springs or swimming)

  • Sandals / Flip flops

  • Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)

  • Sunglasses

  • Sun hat or cap

  • Water bottle or hydration system (at least 1.5 liters capacity)

  • Personal medication (if necessary)

  • Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)

FREQUENT QUESTIONS ABOUT SALKANTAY TREK

We help you solve any doubts you may have!

The Salkantay trek is an alternative route to the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu. It is a multi-day hike that goes through stunning landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, high-altitude passes, cloud forests, and Inca ruins.

The Salkantay trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek. It involves hiking at high altitudes, with the highest point being Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) above sea level. However, the trek is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and previous hiking experience.

The Salkantay trek typically takes 4 to 5 days to complete. Some tour operators offer longer or shorter itineraries, depending on your preferences and fitness level.

You should pack comfortable and waterproof hiking gear, including sturdy hiking boots, a backpack, warm clothes, rain gear, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. It’s also essential to bring a sleeping bag, a water bottle, and snacks or energy bars.

While you don’t need to be an experienced hiker, it’s important to have a reasonable level of fitness to complete the Salkantay trek. You’ll be hiking for several hours each day, often at high altitudes, so it’s a good idea to prepare your body with cardio and strength training before your trip.

While it’s possible to do the Salkantay trek independently, it’s recommended to hire a guide for safety reasons and to learn more about the history and culture of the area. Most tour operators offer guided tours, which also include transportation, meals, and accommodation.

The best time to do the Salkantay trek is from April to October, which is the dry season in the region. During these months, you can expect clear skies, warm days, and cool nights. However, it’s also possible to do the trek during the wet season (November to March), although the trails can be muddy and slippery, and you may encounter more rain and clouds.

Real Reviews (Happy Tourist)

It’s easy to fabricate written reviews or create fake ones on platforms like TripAdvisor, but we believe the best proof comes from video testimonials. Videos capture real experiences, showing genuine reactions from our travelers. That’s why we encourage you to check out our video reviews to see firsthand the authentic experiences our customers have had with us. Trust real stories from real people, not just words on a screen. You can also visit our social media channels to watch all our video testimonials and get an even better sense of the quality of our service.

Video reviews

More testimonials, visit our social media channels.

Coffee Snack Abra Malaga

A magical break at Abra Malaga

Discover the Experience of Quillabamba Coffee at Café Snack Abra Málaga, an unforgettable 15-minute stop on the Cusco – Hidroelectrica route. Enjoy organic jungle coffee, handcrafted chocolate, and a unique view of the Andes. Part of the exclusive Machu Picchu by Car VIP experience and without a doubt, a 100% Instagram-worthy spot

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