A Truly Andean Experience
This shorter alternative to the Salkantay Classic is sure to ‘peak’ your interest as you walk between the towering peaks of Humantay and Salkantay mountain as you make your way to Machu Picchu. This is truly the experience of a lifetime! Did you know that the Salkantay Trek is listed as one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine? Join us, and discover what it means to walk the sacred paths of the Inca.
Short Salkantay Trek Map
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Before You Go
- Packing List
- Accommodation
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous treks in Cusco, and it is undoubtedly the best alternative route to experience the original Inca paths. This trek takes you through many different types of landscapes. You will have the best opportunity to see the typical Andean landscape up to the snow-capped mountains, down to the tropical forests, and finally, even venture into the dense rainforest. If you are thinking of doing a hiking trip to Machu Picchu and you want to be off the beaten path, close to the Andean communities and appreciate the beautiful and diverse nature of Peru, the Salkantay Trek is highly recommended.
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day 01
Cusco | Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Sky Camp
Walk from Challacancha to Soraypampa. Relish in an afternoon visit to the absolutely whimsical Humantay, one of the most beautiful lakes of Peru nestled at the base of Humantay Glacier. Take in your first views of the enigmatic Apu Salkantay. Spend the night in our glass-topped Sky Camp, and stargaze from your bed in our exclusive campsite!
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Day 02
Soraypampa | Salkantaypampa - Salkantay Pass - Wayracmachay - Chaullay - Andean Huts
Hike along the winding Salkantay trail with the mountain’s tallest peak in front of your eyes all morning! Challenge yourself as we make our way up to some steep slopes while looking out on the valley far below until we reach the base of Apu Salkantay. Around midday, you will be standing in the middle of the Andes mountain range! In the afternoon, we make our way into the incredible cloud forest and tropical rainforest around Chaullay. This is your most challenging day but also the most rewarding!
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Day 03
Chaullay | Colpapampa - La Playa - Hidroelectrica- Aguas Calientes
Enjoy a serene trail and appreciate landscapes, beautiful sceneries, and wildlife. As we walk, the roaring of the river will accompany us. While trekking through the luscious jungle, you will find countless wild fruits such as banana, avocado, passion fruit, and granadilla. Walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes for about 3 hours along the train track.
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Day 04
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
The most exciting day has arrived! In the morning, you´ll explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. Afterwards, our private transportation will take you back to Cusco.
What's it like
Why Take the Salkantay Trail
- The Salkantay Trek is listed as one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.
- The Salkantay Trek is one of the very best trekking adventures you will find in Peru and South America.
- The Salkantay Trek is the 2nd most popular trek to Machu Picchu after the Inca Trail, and a lot less crowded.
- Trekkers can see snow-capped mountains, colorful valleys, waterfalls, streams, wildlife, unique plants, and cloud forest.
- Private camping with fewer people allows you to control your trip and have the best views of these incredible mountains.
- Hiking alongside the magnificent Salkantay glacier and arriving at the majestic Machu Picchu ruins is one of the best experiences known to mankind.
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
We start the day by picking you up from your hotel at approx 04:00 AM. We will drive for around 3:15 hours, crossing Anta and Mollepata and ending up at Challancha. You will see the white, snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Humantay: two colossal gods of the Incas (Apus), through the bus windows. You will also see the spectacular scenery of high peaks and low valleys in a colorful and contrasting panorama filling every direction you turn your eyes on!
After the first 2:15 hours of driving from Cusco, we will stop in Mollepata to take advantage of the toilet facilities, souvenir shops, and optional, short breakfast. We will then continue to Challacancha, the starting point for our trek. There, we will meet our support staff, and they will organize all of the equipment and cargo mules.
At around 09:30 am, we will begin trekking to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the first campsite on our journey. This section of the path takes us over a few deep valleys along the side of a mountain. Along the trail, we’ll follow an ancient Inca canal that still supplies water to farmers in the following valleys. We will travel 7 km (4.35 mi) for 3 hours to Soraypampa, where we will have our lunch at the base camp of Salkantay.
After lunch and a short rest, we’ll hike up to the unforgettable Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). This is a 3 km (1.86 mi) round-trip which we will walk in a total of 2:30 hours. Humantay lake is one of the most beautiful sights in all the Andes, with unbelievable turquoise water reflecting the mountain glaciers of Humantay, like something out of a dream or fairy tale. Back at our camp, the valley’s background at sunset creates the most peaceful scene with an energy that can only be felt and not described.
Because Soraypampa (our camp) is located in the middle of the glacier valleys, the sky is so immensely clear at night that you can genuinely appreciate the stars, constellations, and even comets shooting across the pitch blackness, uninterrupted by the hustle, bustle, or lights of the city. Take a moment this night to recenter your spirit and consider all the deep things of life in the profound silence and tranquility of Soraypampa.
We start the day by picking you up from your hotel at approx 04:00 AM. We will drive for around 3:15 hours, crossing Anta and Mollepata and ending up at Challancha. You will see the white, snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Humantay: two colossal gods of the Incas (Apus), through the bus windows. You will also see the spectacular scenery of high peaks and low valleys in a colorful and contrasting panorama filling every direction you turn your eyes on!
After the first 2:15 hours of driving from Cusco, we will stop in Mollepata to take advantage of the toilet facilities, souvenir shops, and optional, short breakfast. We will then continue to Challacancha, the starting point for our trek. There, we will meet our support staff, and they will organize all of the equipment and cargo mules.
At around 09:30 am, we will begin trekking to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the first campsite on our journey. This section of the path takes us over a few deep valleys along the side of a mountain. Along the trail, we’ll follow an ancient Inca canal that still supplies water to farmers in the following valleys. We will travel 7 km (4.35 mi) for 3 hours to Soraypampa, where we will have our lunch at the base camp of Salkantay.
After lunch and a short rest, we’ll hike up to the unforgettable Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). This is a 3 km (1.86 mi) round-trip which we will walk in a total of 2:30 hours. Humantay lake is one of the most beautiful sights in all the Andes, with unbelievable turquoise water reflecting the mountain glaciers of Humantay, like something out of a dream or fairy tale. Back at our camp, the valley’s background at sunset creates the most peaceful scene with an energy that can only be felt and not described.
Because Soraypampa (our camp) is located in the middle of the glacier valleys, the sky is so immensely clear at night that you can genuinely appreciate the stars, constellations, and even comets shooting across the pitch blackness, uninterrupted by the hustle, bustle, or lights of the city. Take a moment this night to recenter your spirit and consider all the deep things of life in the profound silence and tranquility of Soraypampa.
Soraypampa | Salkantaypampa - Salkantay Pass - Wayracmachay - Chaullay - Andean Huts
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
After an early wake-up with the first daylight at 5:30 am and a quick but energizing breakfast, we will start trekking up to the highest point of the trail, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). A 7 km (4.34 miles) difficult ascent awaits us for 3 hours between the rocky valley base and the magnificent Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft).
When we reach the top of the pass, we will appreciate the spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the imposing mountains of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. Salkantay is the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the Inca gods called “Apu.”
After the climax of today’s trek, there is a 7 km (4.35 mi) downhill walk on a serpent-shaped, rocky, gravel path that leads to the Wayracmachay lunch place (3,850 m / 12,631 mi). There is a perfect valley outlook to rest on the way down that is stunning!
In the afternoon, after our meal, we will enter the upper part of the Amazonia, which is also called “the cloud forest.” This is an 8 km / 4.97 mi hike completed in 3 hours on a wide trail in the thick and magical tropical jungle. During this part of the trek, you will notice a dramatic change in landscape and the earth’s energy as we move from the Andes to Amazon!
This hike is truly beautiful; the hills are decorated with colorful scenery, unique wildlife, and native plants. The forests are warm and tropical most of the year, with temperate climates. At the end of this outstanding hike, we arrive at a small village called Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) for a well-deserved rest from our long day of trekking. This is our camp for the night, surrounded by valleys, rushing rivers, and lots of vegetation.
After an early wake-up with the first daylight at 5:30 am and a quick but energizing breakfast, we will start trekking up to the highest point of the trail, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). A 7 km (4.34 miles) difficult ascent awaits us for 3 hours between the rocky valley base and the magnificent Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft).
When we reach the top of the pass, we will appreciate the spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the imposing mountains of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. Salkantay is the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the Inca gods called “Apu.”
After the climax of today’s trek, there is a 7 km (4.35 mi) downhill walk on a serpent-shaped, rocky, gravel path that leads to the Wayracmachay lunch place (3,850 m / 12,631 mi). There is a perfect valley outlook to rest on the way down that is stunning!
In the afternoon, after our meal, we will enter the upper part of the Amazonia, which is also called “the cloud forest.” This is an 8 km / 4.97 mi hike completed in 3 hours on a wide trail in the thick and magical tropical jungle. During this part of the trek, you will notice a dramatic change in landscape and the earth’s energy as we move from the Andes to Amazon!
This hike is truly beautiful; the hills are decorated with colorful scenery, unique wildlife, and native plants. The forests are warm and tropical most of the year, with temperate climates. At the end of this outstanding hike, we arrive at a small village called Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) for a well-deserved rest from our long day of trekking. This is our camp for the night, surrounded by valleys, rushing rivers, and lots of vegetation.
Chaullay | Colpapampa - La Playa - 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.
The Adventure Continues to Aguas Calientes
At 06:00 am, we will start our trek to the small town of La Playa through the Santa Teresa valley. You will be able to soak up this new, lush landscape during our first 5 hours of hiking today. We will see rivers, wild orchids, and coffee, banana, and avocado plantations during the hike. You’ll also be able to taste the famous passion fruit and granadilla fruit along the way!
We will walk through a village called Colpapampa, and then we’ll head to the bottom of the mountains to cross to the left side of the valley. Waterfalls, birds, fruit-bearing trees, flora, and fauna will be our mates in this tropical land.
Once in La Playa, we will have a good time enjoying our last lunch with our mountain staff and starting with the coffee show. After relaxing and resting a bit more, our transport will take us to Hidroelectrica train station. Then, we’ll follow the train rails surrounded by the great vegetation of the place, in the Urubamba river company. If you feel exhausted, you have the option (not included) to take a train to Aguas Calientes (US$ 35.00).
In this tropical paradise, we’ll see avocado plantations, banana and coffee plants, and various types of birds, especially the cock of the rocks, the national bird of Peru.
After 3 hours of walking, we’ll arrive at Aguas Calientes town. Here, we’ll head first to our hostel. In your room, you will have a private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, breakfast in the morning, and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu. You can rest a bit before dinner or walk around this enchanting place that has the feel of a California Gold Rush town. There are no cars in Aguas Calientes, so it is an especially peaceful place to be.
At 7:00 pm, we´ll have dinner at a local restaurant and organize to be ready for the icing on our last adventure day: MACCHU PICCHU!
At 06:00 am, we will start our trek to the small town of La Playa through the Santa Teresa valley. You will be able to soak up this new, lush landscape during our first 5 hours of hiking today. We will see rivers, wild orchids, and coffee, banana, and avocado plantations during the hike. You’ll also be able to taste the famous passion fruit and granadilla fruit along the way!
We will walk through a village called Colpapampa, and then we’ll head to the bottom of the mountains to cross to the left side of the valley. Waterfalls, birds, fruit-bearing trees, flora, and fauna will be our mates in this tropical land.
Once in La Playa, we will have a good time enjoying our last lunch with our mountain staff and starting with the coffee show. After relaxing and resting a bit more, our transport will take us to Hidroelectrica train station. Then, we’ll follow the train rails surrounded by the great vegetation of the place, in the Urubamba river company. If you feel exhausted, you have the option (not included) to take a train to Aguas Calientes (US$ 35.00).
In this tropical paradise, we’ll see avocado plantations, banana and coffee plants, and various types of birds, especially the cock of the rocks, the national bird of Peru.
After 3 hours of walking, we’ll arrive at Aguas Calientes town. Here, we’ll head first to our hostel. In your room, you will have a private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, breakfast in the morning, and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu. You can rest a bit before dinner or walk around this enchanting place that has the feel of a California Gold Rush town. There are no cars in Aguas Calientes, so it is an especially peaceful place to be.
At 7:00 pm, we´ll have dinner at a local restaurant and organize to be ready for the icing on our last adventure day: MACCHU PICCHU!
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Highlight of the Day: Know every inch of the incredible lost city of the Incas: Machu Picchu.
Explore the Astounding Inca Fortress: Machu Picchu
Today our trip has an incredible ending, as you’ll wake up before dawn to reach the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu, and thus avoid the arrival of large groups. In the morning, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours and then have the possibility to take one of the additional hikes on Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain that will allow you to get a fantastic view of the entire citadel.
In the afternoon, you’ll descend to Aguas Calientes and have time for lunch at a restaurant of your choice before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transportation will be waiting for you to return to your accommodation in Cusco, taking with us the best memories of the trip.
Today’s the day you’ve been longing for since you set foot on the trail. You’re going to be visiting one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu! We’ll wake up while it’s still dark out after enjoying a restful night’s sleep in our hostel. We like to begin this final day early to beat the large crowds at Machu Picchu and enjoy the soft morning light hitting the massive rocks. The entrance opens at 6:00 am, and we want to be one of the first inside.
From Aguas Calientes, we’ll take a bus up to the Inca citadel before entering and gazing in awe at the incredible construction. Once in the complex, you’ll enjoy a tour of approximately two hours with your guide and visit the most important parts: houses, temples, terraces, cultivation fields, among others. You’ll truly be amazed by the ingenuity of the Incas, which to this day remains a mystery.
The ancient culture didn’t have modern tools or even iron or steel to work with. Those who constructed the city were geniuses in organizing this community sustainably and beautifully on the side of a mountain, even bringing water in canals and aqueducts through its streets for the people to use. When a Peruvian guide showed this site to Hiram Bingham, it was almost unrecognizable, covered in thick vegetation and a state of disrepair. It has since been cleaned and restored and is now protected and treasured by the world at large.
After your incredible guided tour of the citadel, you’ll have the chance to enjoy one of the additional hikes up Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,000 m / 9,843 ft); these tickets must be booked in advance. You’ll be able to contemplate an incredible view over the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the best panoramas in the world.
You need to ensure you come back down to Aguas Calientes to enjoy some lunch before you catch the train back to Ollantaytambo. Your train time will depend on availability. In Ollantaytambo, our private transport will be awaiting you to transport you back to your accommodation in Cusco. You’ll now be able to enjoy a well-deserved rest, although your heart will be soaring high in the Andes like a condor for 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, so you don’t miss anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
What Is Included?
High Quality Service & Safety
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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.
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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!
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Medical Kit - 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.
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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.
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One Duffle Bag
There, you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7 kg / 15 lbs (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
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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.
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Customer Service 24/7
We have telephone service available 24 hours a day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.
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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
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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.
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Hostel in Aguas Calientes
The last night of this trek is spent in a hostel in Aguas Calientes with a double or triple room, private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, breakfast, and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu.
Meals
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Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 3 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.
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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).
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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.
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Tea Time or Happy Hour
This afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide 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.
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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.
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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.
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Products for hygiene
You’ll be provided with a small towel and soap before each meal to clean your hands.
Transportation
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Private Transport
- Day 1: You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel by private transportation to Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek.
- Day 3: Transport from La Playa to Hidroelectrica.
- Day 4: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
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Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 4)
PeruRail Expedition Service
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One Way Consettur Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 4)
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Personal Belongings Transportation
On day 1 and 2, cargo mules carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb).
On day 3, your duffle bag will be transported by car and train.
Permits & Entrance Tickets
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Entrance Ticket for Salkantay Trek
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Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site.
What Is Not Included?
Sleeping Bag
You can rent one from our company if you don’t have your own. 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.
US$ 20.00 per person
Walking Sticks
Walking Sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can rent a set from our company if you’d like.
US$ 20.00 per person
Huayna Picchu Mountain
You can climb the famous mountain always seen in the photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s 45 minutes uphill. Going 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 one month in advance due to high demand. Consider that there could be changes to protect your integrity, this, mainly due to weather conditions.
The ticket for Huayna Picchu costs 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 for you if we have time in advance.
The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain costs US$ 60.00 per person.
Train Ticket from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Day 3)
In case you feel exhausted or in bad condition after the trek from Chaullay to La Playa, you can take the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes.
US$ 35.00 per person.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Dinner in Cusco (Day 4)
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 easy as possible. In this section, you'll find speedy answers to all those questions you had about hiking in Peru with Salkantay Trekking in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services. Please read carefully the following information – it will help you with any questions you may have about our services.
Have another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line and we will get back to you asap!
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 Apacheta 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:
The Briefing
This meeting will take place the night before the trek’s departure at 5 PM at our office which is located at Triunfo Street 346. We are 1 block from the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) of Cusco.
What about the balance?
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.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Duffle Bag for Salkantay Short Trek 4 Days
The evening before you start your trek, we will provide you with a duffle bag to pack your clothes for the 4 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 hike, you can store your main luggage 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 will not 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 all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick-ups
Salkantay Trekking can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. Your guide will coordinate the pickup time in the briefing session, but please keep in mind that the time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic.
Cusco is an old city; therefore, it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you 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 will take you for 25 minutes to the small city of Aguas Calientes. The buses are boarded according to your arrival.
- In Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo (or Poroy). 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 will take you to a smaller car from our company (Hyundai H1) to transfer you faster to your hotel.
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 usually 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 excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
In case of changes or cancellations, all situations 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 buses, 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: 3900 mts.
- Igloos: 26
- Capacity: 2 people per Igloo
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Andean Huts
Like in the times of our ancestors, our commitment is to our Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (Mountains). Our campsite ANDEAN HUTS is adapted to the natural environment without generating any audiovisual impact, constructed of the elements, surrounded by the mountains and rivers, and under the shine of the stars.
- Location: Chaullay
- Altitude: 2900 mts.
- Andean Huts: 20
- Capacity: 2 people per Andean Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Selected Hostels & Hotels
We offer a set of well located hostels & 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: 2040 mts.
- Type: Single, Double, Matrimonial
- Meals: Breakfast
The Salkantay Trek can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We do not run this trek in February because rainy season & maintenance.
2023 Land Cost
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.
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Group Price
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Price
US$470per person
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Pre-payment
US$200(Required)
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Balance
US$270
- This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Online Payment Short Salkantay Trek 4 Days
Hotel
The alternative treks all end in, or before Aguas Calientes. The last night is spent at a hotel in the village, rather than camping. This 2 star hotel is included in the trek cost, and is based on a shared room. If you would like to upgrade your hotel, or prefer a single room, there will be an additional cost.
Extras & Upgrades
There are complementary services and upgrades you can include in this trip.
- Huayna Picchu: US$ 60.00
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$ 60.00
- Huchuy Picchu Mountain: US$ 45.00
- Single Supplement (Hotel at Aguas Calientes): US$ 30.00
- Extra Night at Aguas Calientes: US$ 50.00
- Vistadome Train: US$ 60.00
Extensions & Offers
There are several extensions you can include to your Salkantay Adventure:
- Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Sacred Valley: US$ 60.00 US$ 50.00
- City Tour: US$ 30.00 US$ 20.00
Additional Items
There are additional items you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
- Sleeping bag:: US$ 20.00
- Walking poles (pair): US$ 20.00
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
$20 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 sales@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!
Feel free to reach us via email at sales@salkantaytrekking.com or by calling us directly at (+51) 958 191 179
Every Day: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Triunfo Street 346, Main Square of Cusco, Peru
