A Lifetime Experience in the Middle of Sacred Mountains
After spending some time in the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, join us on the Salkantay Trek to the World Wonder of Machu Picchu. The best alternative route to the Inca citadel will take you to the stunning Humantay Lake, the imposing Salkantay Mountain, through the fascinating cloud forest, and then to the edge of the Peruvian jungle.
You’ll spend each night in comfortable accommodation and enjoy some of the tastiest food around - in the middle of the mountains! Experienced guides will be with you all the way to teach you about the history and nature of the region. Enjoy this route in comfort and great company.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Before You Go
- Packing List
- Accommodation
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
If you love adventure and want to enjoy one of the best trekking routes in the world, our 5-day Salkantay Premium trek is for you. It combines the most exciting hiking routes with the most incredible landscapes you can imagine. Join us alone, as a couple, or as part of a group.
Expect to pass through snowy mountain tops before heading down through the cloud forest on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You’ll end up hiking through the lush Peruvian jungle as you get closer and closer to the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu. The dramatic change of climate and surroundings is one of the aspects that makes this exciting trail so unique.
Not only will the scenery envelop you, but you’ll also see some wonderful destinations that are on many travelers’ bucket lists. On day 1, you’ll trek up to the stunning Humantay Lake that sits like a blue gem among the snowy backdrop. On day 2, we’ll embark on the challenging trail up to the Salkantay Pass to see the majestic Salkantay Mountain. After, you’ll get to visit the fascinating Inca archaeological site of Llactapata and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
As if that wasn't enough to get your heartbeat racing, what better way to end the quintessential trip by exploring the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours before climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (if you booked your tickets in advance) and contemplating a panoramic view of the citadel.
You’ll feel like you’re flying high like a condor and transport back in time hundreds of years to imagine what life was like back then. Don't miss our Salkantay Premium trek to Machu Picchu.
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day 01
Cusco | Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Sky Camp
In the morning, you’ll hike to Soraypampa and enjoy a delicious lunch before climbing to the Humantay Lagoon. You will spend the night at our Sky Camp in Soraypampa.
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Day 02
Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huayracmachay - Collpapampa (Mountain Sky View)
Today you’ll ascend a challenging trail up to Abra Salkantay to see the Salkantay Mountain before descending through the cloud forest. You’ll spend the night in our exclusive Mountain Sky View in Collpapampa.
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Day 03
Collpapampa | Loreta - La Playa - Lucmabamba - Super Jungle Domes
You’ll hike through the lush jungle and visit an organic coffee farm. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a relaxing soak in the thermo-medicinal waters of Cocalmayo. At night, you’ll sleep surrounded by nature in our Jungle Domes.
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Day 04
Lucmabamba | Llactapata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
In the morning, you’ll hike to the Inca archaeological site of Llactapata and appreciate Machu Picchu for the first time before heading by train to Aguas Calientes.
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Day 05
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Today is a great day! You’ll spend the morning exploring Machu Picchu before returning to Aguas Calientes. Then, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will take you back to Cusco.
What's it like
Highlights
The Salkantay Trek is listed as one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.
Enjoy one of the very best trekking adventures you’ll find in Peru and South America.
Apart from the Inca Trail, Salkantay is one of the most famous and less frequented routes to Machu Picchu.
Visit stunning locations like Humantay Lake and the glorious Salkantay Mountain.
Witness incredible scenery like cascades, waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, colorful valleys, unique plants and wildlife, and the cloud forest.
Exploring the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the greatest experiences in the world.
Why Travel with us
Cusco | Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Sky Camp
Highlight of the day: The glorious and absolutely stunning Humantay Lake - be prepared for one of the most amazing views you’ve ever seen.
Hike to the Jewel in the Mountains
Today we will get an early start and head in our private transportation to Mollepata to enjoy a good breakfast before continuing to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek. Then, we will hike for about three hours to Soraypampa, where we will spend the night in our exclusive Sky Camp. After an energizing lunch and a well-deserved rest, we will ascend to the impressive jewel of the mountain, the Humantay Lake; it is a three-hour round trip before descending for a tasty dinner and a well-deserved sleep.
Today you will get an early start and be picked up from your hotel around 4:00 a.m. You will travel in our comfortable transportation with blankets in case you wish to sleep a little longer during the trip. After two hours, we will make a brief stop in Mollepata to enjoy an energizing breakfast. Then, we will continue to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek.
Before starting our adventure, you will meet the cooks and muleteers and check your luggage one last time before we head out on the trail. You will begin with a moderate three-hour hike to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where we will spend the first night. The first part of the section is relatively flat with a slight ascent through a deep glacier valley. You will notice that much of the trail follows a restored Inca water canal, which local farmers still use today. This trail is 7 km / 4.35 mi in total.
Once in Soraypampa, you will settle into our exclusive Sky Camp for the night. You will have some time to rest after enjoying your first lunch around the mountains. After recharging your energy, we will start hiking up to the beautiful Humantay Lake (4,200 m /13,780 ft).
This round trip takes three hours and covers a distance of 3 km / 1.86 miles. It is not far, but take it easy at this altitude. Once you reach the lagoon, you will have time to enjoy the fantastic scenery. There are not many places in the Andes as impressive as the turquoise waters glistening against the Humantay glacier. You will truly feel like you are in a fairy tale.
Upon returning to camp, you will enjoy a delicious and well-deserved dinner in the company of a beautiful sunset. There is no way to describe the energy here, you will feel the tranquility once you arrive. Afterwards, you can relax in your igloo at Sky Camp. From the glass roof, you will enjoy a night under the stars, constellations, and comets.
Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huayracmachay - Collpapampa (Mountain Sky View)
Highlight of the day: Witnessing the energy and hugely powerful gigantic Salkantay Mountain - the walk up is really worth it.
The Stunning Salkantay Pass and Descent to the Amazonia
Today is the most difficult day but the reward will be great because you will get fantastic views of wonderful landscapes. After tasting our breakfast, we will hike for approximately three hours to the Salkantay pass, where we will spend some time taking pictures of the incredible panorama. Afterwards, we will descend through the cloud forest to the lunch spot, before continuing to the edge of the jungle amidst exotic scenery. Finally, we will arrive at the exclusive Mountain Sky View Campsite in Collpapampa for the night.
In the morning, you will wake up with the first rays of the day and see the Apu Salkantay right in front of you, while enjoying an energizing coca tea for energy. Afterwards, you will have a nutritious breakfast before embarking on the 7 km trek for approximately three hours to the highest point of the route, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). It is a difficult ascent along the "path of the 7 snakes", so-called because of its winding path.
Once at the top, you will appreciate the most magnificent view over the surrounding valleys, as well as the Salkantay mountain next to you (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), which is the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region, considered Apus (Inca Gods). You will also be able to observe the mountains: Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. After enjoying the views and rest, you will start descending (7 km / 4.35 mi) to our lunch point at Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), from where you can enjoy fantastic views.
This section of the trail is rocky, steep and has wonderful views of the valley. After a revitalizing lunch, you will enter the edge of the rainforest, also known as "cloud forest". This tour has a distance of 9.5 km / 5.9 mi and lasts approximately three and a half hours. Along the way, you will enjoy a magical rainforest and witness how the environment changes rapidly and drastically from the Andes to the Amazon. You will observe colorful landscapes, unique fauna, native plants and feel the climate become much warmer.
After a long day of hiking, you will be glad to arrive at Collpapampa for the night. Finally, we will serve you a hearty meal before resting in our exclusive Mountain Sky View Campsite.
Collpapampa | Loreta - La Playa - Lucmabamba - Super Jungle Domes
Highlight of the day: Exploring the luscious jungle and learning all about coffee and the process at the plantations - the aroma in the air is heavenly.
Jungle Adventure and Coffee Experience
Today your adventure continues with a hike through the jungle of the Santa Teresa Valley, where you will observe a lush landscape of rivers, waterfalls, orchids and many plantations: banana, coffee, and avocado. You will arrive at our campsite at lunchtime to rest before enjoying a free afternoon to explore the surroundings and visit an organic coffee farm. Afterwards, you will take a relaxing bath in the hot springs of Cocalmayo to recover your energy. In the evening, you will rest in our Jungle Domes listening to the sounds of nature.
Today we will start the day around 6:00 a.m. for hot tea and breakfast before leaving the camp. Then, we will walk through the Santa Teresa valley until we reach our first destination, La Playa. During the tour, we will take a more leisurely walk, with more downhills than uphills, as we immerse ourselves in the lush landscape of rivers, waterfalls, orchids and various plantations: banana, coffee and avocado. In addition, you may be lucky enough to see Peru's national bird, the "Gallito de las Rocas".
At La Playa, we will enjoy lunch before heading for an hour to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft), where our campsite is located. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the tropical surroundings and visit an organic coffee farm, perfect for those who are coffee lovers. Even if you are not a fan of a cup of coffee, the smell in the air is delicious. This is the main agricultural industry in the jungle that exports products to the United States, Asia and all of Europe. You will also visit avocado and orange plantations.
After this incredible experience, you will go to the hot springs of Cocalmayo to take a comforting bath and relax after several days of hiking. You will take a break and feel the tranquility of the surroundings. Later, you will return to Lucmabamba to spend the night in our Jungle Domes. While resting, you can listen to the different sounds of nature and feel in harmony with mother earth.
Lucmabamba | Llactapata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
Highlight of the day: Exploring the luscious jungle and learning all about coffee and the process at the plantations - the aroma in the air is heavenly.
Enjoy Your First Glance of Machu Picchu from Llactapata
Today the adventure will be more exciting as you hike along part of the original Inca Trail. You will hike for two hours to an Inca archaeological site, Llactapata. You will learn all about the history, as well as get your first view of Machu Picchu. Then, you will descend for lunch before heading to Hidroeléctrica. From here, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes. Once there, you will have dinner at a restaurant and sleep in a hotel before the big day tomorrow.
After a hearty breakfast, you will hike a bit of the original and world-famous Inca Trail. After climbing for two hours and enjoying fascinating views over the Santa Teresa valley, you will arrive at Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), an Inca archaeological site located in front of Machu Picchu.
Llactapata is the first Inca complex you will see on the hike, and you will learn all about the mysteries of the ancient culture and the extraordinary site. Even from here, you will get a first glimpse of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Our guide will explain the history of the Incas while you take as many pictures as you want as a souvenir to share your fantastic experiences with your friends and family back home.
Afterwards, you will descend for an hour and a half and have the opportunity to see along the way the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which will encourage your anticipation to make tomorrow more exciting. We will stop in Aobamba for lunch before continuing for half an hour to Hidroelectrica (1,800 m / 5,906 ft). One of the most impressive sights on this stretch is the 250-meter-high artificial waterfall that generates electricity for the entire city of Cusco.
Once in Hidroelectrica, you will board the train that will take you to Aguas Calientes, appreciating the best scenery along the way. Once in the small town, you will enjoy dinner at an exclusive restaurant and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
Note: During the rainy season, hiking the Llactapata trail is not 100% guaranteed for safety reasons. When there are frequent heavy rains, this trail can become very dangerous.
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Highlight of the day: One of the New Seven Wonders of the World: The majestic and magnificent Machu Picchu - get ready for the experience of a lifetime and to be transported back in time.
Tour of the Incredible Incan Fortress Citadel: Machu Picchu
Today is the day you have been waiting for the whole trip. You will finally visit one of the new seven wonders of the modern world, Machu Picchu. After an early start to the day, you’ll head to the citadel by bus to avoid the crowds. Once you are inside and enjoy the initial view, you’ll have a guided tour of approximately two hours and learn everything you need to know about the site.
You’ll then have time to climb an additional mountain if you booked your ticket in advance. Afterwards, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have lunch, and then board the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco. Now it's time to rest after an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Today’s the day you’ve been waiting for since you first set foot on the trail. You’re finally going to visit one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site – Machu Picchu! You’ll need to be up early today to make sure you beat the crowds and enjoy the serenity of the site in the early morning light.
After going up to the Inca citadel by bus, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours to this incredible ancient site to see temples, houses, palaces, cultivated fields, among others. You’ll be impressed by the intelligence of the Incas in terms of engineering work, which was far ahead of its time and remains a mystery in many respects. The Incas did not have the tools we use today, but they were still able to build and organize their community on the side of a mountain and even create a water system with aqueducts and canals.
Bonus fact: When a Peruvian guide showed this site to Hiram Bingham, it was almost unrecognizable, covered in thick vegetation, and in a state of disrepair. It’s since been cleaned and restored and is now protected and treasured by people from every corner of the globe.
After your guided tour, you can choose to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,000 m / 9,843 ft) if you booked your tickets in advance. These treks will take you an hour and a half and three hours up and down, respectively.
Be sure to return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. Our private transportation will pick you up at the next station and take you back to your hotel in Cusco. Finally, you will take a well-deserved rest; however, your heart will continue to beat to the rhythm of the Andes for many weeks, months, and years to come.
At Salkantay Trekking, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
What Is Included?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Entrance Ticket to Salkantay Trek
Entrance Ticket to Cocalmayo Hot Springs
Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site
Circuit 2
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure briefing
You will meet your trekking guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. At this time, we will provide you with the duffle bags, which our horses will carry. The meeting will be at 5:00 pm the evening before the trip begins.
Experienced Guide
All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. We choose them for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and sincere desire to proudly share in our culture and history. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time worry-free!
- Bilingual Tour Guide in group service or shared (English and Spanish)
Medical Kit or First Aid Kit
All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers' diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
Private Camping Equipment
We have dining rooms and a kitchen on each campsite. In addition, all our equipment, like tables, chairs, cooking equipment, etc., will be carried by our horses.
One Duffle Bag
There, you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 12 kg / 26.5 lbs (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
Sleeping Bag
Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
Trekking Poles with rubber tips
Extras included in our service
We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your backpack on the road and a rain poncho.
24/7 Customer Service
We have telephone service available 24 hours a day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.
Satellite phones
Our main priority will always be the tranquillity of our clients. All of our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains; however, being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps you feel more secure. For this reason, each Salkantay Trekking guide has a satellite phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to call anywhere in the world.
Accommodation
Personal Accommodation in Private Campsites
Like our ancestors, we are very considerate of the Pachamama (Mother Earth). Therefore, our campsites and lodges are adapted to the environment to avoid generating negative impacts.
Superior 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
You will spend the last night of this trek in a comfortable hotel at Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage while visiting Machu Picchu.
Meals
Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 4 Dinners
Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets: vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost, so let us know if you have any particular restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.
Water
We will provide you boiled, filtered, and cooled water from your breakfast in Soraypampa to your lunch in La Playa. For it, you need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 liters).
Wake up tea
Every morning at the campsite, you’ll be woken up with a cup of coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your bed so that you’re warmed from the inside out before you start your day.
Tea Time or Happy Hour
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm-up, and enjoy a bite to eat.
Snacks on the trail daily
Every morning we’ll give you snacks so you can enjoy them during the walk. Your tour leader will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc., at the beginning of each day.
One cloth snack bag per person
To avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we will give you a cloth bag for your snacks.
Products for hygiene
You’ll be provided with a small towel and soap before each meal to clean your hands.
Transportation
Private Transport for your group
- Day 0: A Salkantay Trekking representative will be waiting for you at the Cusco airport to take you directly to your hotel.
- Day 1: You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel by private transportation for to Challacancha, the trek starting point.
- Day 3: Transportation from Lucmabamba/ La Playa to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo.
- Day 5: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
Train Tickets
- Day 4: Train Ticket from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes.
- Day 5: Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition Service).
Round-Trip Consettur Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu (Day 5)
Personal Belongings Transportation
- On day 1, 2 and 3, cargo mules carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb).
- On day 4, your duffle bag will be transported by car and train.
What Is Not Included?
Huayna Picchu Mountain
You can climb the famous mountain you always see in the photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s 45 minutes uphill, and coming back down can be scary if you fear heights. You can take this excursion once your guided tour to Machu Picchu ends. The permit must be issued at least two to three months in advance due to high demand. Consider that there could be changes to protect your integrity, mainly due to weather conditions.
The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains that surround the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider, and visually less frightening roads than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can assure you if we have time in advance.
- The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain costs US$ 60.00 per person.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Dinner in Cusco (Day 5)
Personal Clothing and Gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Tipping is usual on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering their hard work. Typically, group participants collect their tips to hand out to the horsemen and chefs together.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Salkantay Trekking in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
Is it for me?
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative for the Inca Trail trek and better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances. Ascending to reach the famous Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) is not too strenuous nor very steep since it is at the beginning of the trek. Still, it does require stamina and a little time in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before beginning the trek.
How many days do I need to acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?
It is very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before exerting yourself on a trek. We do recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek starts to help you become acclimatized and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while on the trek.
Suppose you have already been in another area of Peru at a high altitude before arriving in Cusco. In that case, we still recommend you have a whole day in Cusco to rest, recover from your travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before departing for the trek.
Here some suggestions for activities to do in the Cusco vicinity before starting your adventure trek:
Briefing or Informative Meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held in our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate another time by email, by phone or at the Salkantay Trekking office.
Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)
If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it 2 days before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, it would be greatly appreciated if you could settle the remaining balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or the local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw funds from various ATMs located along Avenida Sol, offering both US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Alternatively, you have the option to pay using a credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler's checks as forms of payment for the balance.
Duffle Bag for the Premium Salkantay Trek - 5 Days
The evening before you start your trek, we will provide you with a duffle bag to pack your clothes for the 5 days of your Salkantay Trek. Your weight allowance is up to 7 kg / 15.4 lb. Our horses will carry your duffle bag for you together with the food and camping gear. It is important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the horsemen and horses will always be ahead of the group.
During the trip, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, raincoat, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually, a 30 to 50-liter backpack is sufficient.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of guests
Please note:
- All pickups are within Cusco City, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center for its convenient location.
- Our guide or staff will confirm the pickup time the day before the tour.
- Due to traffic conditions, the pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes.
- Cusco is an old city and has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets without car access or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. For such reasons, we strongly advise you to book accommodation with good access.
Return to Cusco
Returning from Machu Picchu requires quite a bit of logistics, but don’t worry. Everything is included in your tour!
- In Machu Picchu, you’ll board a bus that’ll take you for 25 minutes to the small city of Aguas Calientes. The buses are boarded according to arrival.
- In Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo. Your guide will give you the train tickets where the boarding time will be shown. Make sure you’re on the platform 30 minutes early. The train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes 1:45 hours.
- Once you arrive at the station, our representative, identified with the Salkantay Trekking clothing, will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco or directly to your hotel. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes 1:30 hours.
- In Cusco, depending on your hotel’s location, we’ll take you to a smaller car from our company (Hyundai H1) to transfer you faster to your hotel.
Note: Your tour includes a One-Way Consettur Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a round-trip bus ticket, you’ll need to pay an extra of US$ 12.00.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, tents or restaurants. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
ESSENTIAL
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
Private & Exclusive Campsites
Sky Camp
Our incredible Sky Camp is located in front of the impressive mountains Humantay and Salkantay. This campsite allows for the perfect union of sky and earth. It allows you to sleep calmly under a deep, blue sky starred with an exceptional view of the constellations. At the same time, you can enjoy all the comforts of a first-class vacation home.
- Location: Soraypampa
- Altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
- Igloos: 26
- Capacity: 2 people per Igloo
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Mountain Sky View
Our campsite Mountain Sky View is a warm mountain accommodation and our novelty this year, and it’s with great pleasure that we prepared this place for all those looking for a glamping experience surrounded by nature. Each one of its individual Andean Sky Huts counts with a private bath besides spectacular tropical mountain views. You’ll find peace under the shining stars listening to the voices of wildlife and the whispers of the river in the valley.
- Location: Collpapampa
- Altitude: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
- Cabins: 10
- Capacity: 2 people per Sky Hut
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Super Jungle Domes
From the comfort of our domes, you can be in intimate contact with the surrounding nature, hearing the wind or the rain or gazing at the stars through the central dome from your comfortable bed. The conceptual design of our domes invites you to see one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world from your window.
- Location: Lucmabamba
- Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
- Domes: 8
- Capacity: 2 people per Dome
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Selected Hotels
We offer a set of well located hotels with very comfortable and tasteful decorated rooms. You will find them impecable, clean rooms and beds, adequate toilets and showers. A perfect place to rest before the great day!
- Location: Aguas Calientes
- Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
- Type: Double, Matrimonial, and Triple
- Meals: Breakfast
"Salkantay Premium Trek to Machu Picchu" can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We don’t operate this itinerary in February because of the rainy season & maintenance of the route.
2025 Land Cost
Group Price: US$ 995.00 per person
Required Pre-payment: US$ 400.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): Typically paid in Cusco two days before the start of your expedition.
Please note that PayPal and our credit/debit card payment gateway, Niubiz, charge a 5% processing fee for online deposits. We kindly request that our clients cover this fee, as it is necessary to use their secure service. Please be aware that this fee only applies to online deposits. If you choose to pay the full amount or remaining balance in cash, there will be no additional charges.
Hotel
All the related treks to Machu Picchu end in or before Aguas Calientes, so you’ll spend the last night in a hotel in the village rather than camping (shared room included in the trek cost). If you’d like to upgrade your hotel or prefer a single room, please consider that there will be an additional cost.
Extras & Upgrades
There are complementary services and upgrades you can include in this trip.
- Huayna Picchu: US$ 60.00
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$ 60.00
- Huchuy Picchu Mountain: US$ 45.00
- Single Supplement (Hotel at Aguas Calientes): US$ 80.00 per person
- Extra Night at Aguas Calientes: US$ 150.00 per Single, Double, or Twin room
Extensions & Offers
There are several extensions you can include to your Peru Adventure. The promotional prices only apply to confirmed departures, otherwise the normal price will be applied. You can enhance your Peru Adventure with a variety of optional extensions. Please note that promotional prices are valid only for confirmed departures. For any other dates or changes, the regular price will apply.
- City Tour: US$ 50.00 US$ 40.00
- Sacred Valley of the Incas: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Andean Textiles, Moray & Maras Salt Mines: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Waqrapukara Tour: US$ 120.00 US$ 100.00
- Ausangate Seven Lakes: US$ 120.00 US$ 100.00
- Qeswachaka Inca Bridge: US$ 120.00 US$ 100.00
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information
Student Discount
US$20.00 off
Student discounts apply to anyone 17-years-old or younger, and we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send all to info@salkantaytrekking.com.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Salkantay Trekking. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. The Salkantay Trekking Company will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 958 191 179 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
Note | Due to the rainy season and trail maintenance, we don't offer this trek during the whole month of february. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, we are working to provide you a better service!