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Home » Tours M7 » Cusco » Hikes and Adventures to Machu Picchu » Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N

Cusco | Hikes and Adventures to Machu Picchu
5 Days / 4 Nights
Starting from US$340 per person

LOCATION

Cusco

Maximum HEIGHT

4,650 m

DIFFICULTY

Challenging

Overview

The Salkantay Trek is one of the most scenic and adventurous alternatives to the traditional Inca Trail. This 5-day trek offers breathtaking landscapes ranging from snow-capped mountains to high jungle, passing by crystal-clear lagoons, cloud forests, and remote Andean villages. The route culminates in a guided visit to the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Perfect for travelers seeking a combination of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and natural beauty.

Route

  • Mollepata
  • Challacancha, Mollepata
  • Soraypampa
  • Humantay Lake
  • Abra Salkantay
  • CHAULLAY
  • La Playa Sahuayaco
  • Santa Teresa
  • Hidroeléctrica
  • Aguas Calientes
  • Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

Photo Gallery

Itinerary

Customize this itinerary by adding additional days to any location. Contact one of our expert travel advisors for advice.

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa

  • 04:00–04:30: Hotel pickup and departure to Mollepata.
  • 08:30: Breakfast in Mollepata (not included).
  • 09:00: Transfer to Challacancha.
  • 10:00: Trek to Soraypampa (approx. 3 hours).
  • 13:00: Lunch.
  • 14:00: Hike to Humantay Lake (approx. 2 hours round-trip).
  • 17:00: Camp setup and tea time.
  • 19:00: Dinner and overnight at campsite

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Challway

  • 06:00: Breakfast.
  • 07:00: Trek over Salkantay Pass (4,650 m) to Huayracmachay (approx. 5 hours).
  • 13:30: Lunch.
  • 14:00: Continue hike to Challway (approx. 3 hours).
  • 17:00: Camp setup and tea time.
  • 19:00: Dinner and overnight at campsite.

Day 3: Challway – Playa Sahuayaco – Santa Teresa

  • 06:00: Breakfast.
  • 07:00: Trek through cloud forest to Playa Sahuayaco (approx. 6 hours).
  • 13:00: Lunch.
  • 14:30: Local transport to Santa Teresa.
  • 15:30: Camp setup (optional visit to Cocalmayo hot springs).
  • 19:00: Tea time, dinner, and overnight.

Day 4: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric Station – Aguas Calientes

  • 06:30: Breakfast.
  • 07:30: Hike to Hidroeléctrica (approx. 3 hours).
  • 12:00: Lunch along the route.
  • 13:00: Continue hike to Aguas Calientes (approx. 3 hours).
  • 16:00: Accommodation in a hostel.
  • 19:00: Dinner and briefing for Machu Picchu tour.

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco

  • 04:30: Hike up to Machu Picchu ruins.
  • 06:00: Guided tour of Machu Picchu (approx. 2 hours).
  • 09:00: Free time to explore (optional visit to Huayna Picchu, Temple of the Moon, Inca Bridge).
  • Descent to Aguas Calientes (time coordinated with guide).
  • Return train to Ollantaytambo.
  • Bus transfer from train station to Cusco.

Route Map

Important Information

  • Bus transport Cusco – Mollepata
  • Professional English/Spanish-speaking guide
  • Cook and kitchen assistant
  • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
  • Horses and muleteers for 3 days (5 kg of luggage per person)
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
  • 1 night in hostel in Aguas Calientes
  • Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Bus transfer Ollantaytambo – Cusco
  • Camping equipment: dining tent, kitchen tent, sleeping tents (quad for double use), mattress, tables, chairs, oxygen tank, first aid kit
  • First day breakfast, fifth day lunch
  • Sleeping bag (rental available)
  • Bus to/from Machu Picchu citadel (optional, US$24)
  • Entrance fee to Mollepata (approx. S/10.00)
  • Huayna Picchu ticket (optional, US$20 – limited availability)
  • Original passport (and ISIC card if student)
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Basic first aid kit (bandages, pain relief cream, altitude and stomach pills, water purification tablets)
  • Sunscreen, insect repellent
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Rain poncho/plastic cover
  • Sunglasses, camera, binoculars
  • Trekking poles
  • Sturdy hiking boots
  • Thermal clothing for cold nights
  • Lightweight clothes for warm days
  • Extra cash in soles
  • Optional: swimsuit and towel for hot springs
  • Optional sleeping bag rental: fiber (US$15) or down (US$20)
  • Optional extra porter: US$90 per horse (3-day service)
  • Group sizes: Minimum 10, maximum 16 participants

Reservations

Starting from US$340 per person

Contact us and plan your visit, we offer you the most flexible booking conditions!

Whatsapp

(+51) 943744015

Correo

info@machupicchu7.com

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