SALKANTAY TREK
5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS
A unique 5 day Salkantay Trek, brought to you by the pioneers of alternative trekking in Cusco! Our innovative Salkantay trek 5 day itinerary keeps you out of sync with the crowds and includes a tour of Lake Humantay on Day 1.
This trek boasts spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, turquoise lakes, Andean plateaus, waterfalls, and high jungle. It even includes an original Inca trail to a small Inca ruin and a distant view of Machu Picchu, before reaching the famed city itself. This trek is approximately 60 km (37 miles) and goes up to 4,600 m (15,092 ft). This is the second most popular trek in the Cusco Region (after the Inca Trail) so it is fairly crowded.
Hike under the shadow of Salkantay Mountain's snowy peak, then head down to the tropical climate of Santa Teresa. Trekkers will explore Humantay Lake and impressive Inca ruins, from Llactapata to Machu Picchu, and enjoy the Lucmabamba coffee-making experience and the chance to stay overnight in a homestay.
Adventure Rating
★★★★☆
Moderate to strenuous, lengthy, high altitude
Solitude Rating
★★☆☆☆
Crowded, 2nd most popular trek after the Inca Trail
Best Time to Visit
Year round.
Best from March to November
Cost Per Person (USD)
6-10 trekkers: $780
3-5 trekkers: $920
2 trekkers: $1,120
Is This Trek Customizable?
Yes! Private, custom, add-ons all available.
Sites
Glacial peaked mountains
Lush/tropical landscapes
Turquoise lakes
Machu Picchu
Terrain
Glacial Snow-capped peaks
Turquoise lakes
Multiple high passes
High jungle
Plateaus
Acclimatization
3 day acclimatization and multi-day trekking experience recommended
Duration
5 Days 5 Nights
Distance
60 km (37 miles)
Altitude
1,870 m (6,135 ft) to 4,600 m (15,090 ft)
Departure
Daily departures with 2 or more people
TREK HIGHLIGHTS
WEATHER
The Salkantay trekis very high altitude, therefore the weather can be quite cold and unpredictable. The nights on this trek are usually around 20F/-7C. During the day it can get quite warm if the sun is out; anywhere from 60-75F/15-24C. Keep in mind, if the weather is rainy or cloudy it will be colder, and that the weather can change in an instant, particularly when up at the high-altitude passes. It is often quite windy at the top of the passes as well. As with any high-altitude trek you’ll need to bring plenty of layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and conditions as well as appropriate sun/rain protection.
INCLUDED
Pre-Trek briefing the night before the trek to go over the itinerary, meet your guide(s) and answer any questions
Collection from your Cusco hotel in the morning of the first day
Private transport to the starting point of the trek
Personal porter to carry your overnight gear up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
Duffel bag to carry your overnight gear so it won’t get wet or dusty
3 person, 4 season tents (2 people in large and comfortable tent)
One-inch-thick foam mattress sleeping pad to put under your sleeping bag
English speaking professional guide
Full meals on the trek (3 meals per day, tea time every afternoon, snacks on the trail)
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank and emergency horse
Dining tent with tables and stools
Cook, kitchen tent and cooking equipment
Toilet, Toilet tent and toilet paper
Horsemen and horses (to carry tents/food/cooking equipment)
Hot water every morning/evening for hand washing purposes
Boiled water to fill water bottles every morning/afternoon
Tourist train from Hydroelectric plant to Aguas Calientes
Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
One entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex (First entrance time: 6am to 10am)
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back
Hotel (double room) in Aguas Calientes and dinner in a local restaurant
Private transport back to your hotel in Cusco on the last day