5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Salkantay Trekking & Sky Lodge Domes

PRICE FROM

$ 780
$ 580.00 USD

price per person in group service

Classic Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu A Scenic Expedition (Group Service)

Venturing on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, we will traverse some of the most awe-inspiring terrains the Andes have to offer. As we journey through Salkantay Trekking routes, we’ll be greeted by the towering Salkantay peak, standing tall at 6,271 meters or 20,574 feet. This path is not only a testament to nature’s grandeur but also an invitation to challenge and rediscover oneself amid the vastness of the Andean landscapes.

As we advance, the changing sceneries will astound us, ranging from glacial peaks to tropical rainforests. These shifts in ecosystems serve as a vivid backdrop to our trek. We can feel the pulsating energy of ancient civilizations that once tread these grounds. By the culmination of our journey, the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu will reward our endeavors, ensuring our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu remains an unforgettable experience.

Cusco I Mollepata I Soraypampa I Humantay Lake I Salkantay Pass I Wayracmachay I Chaullay I Loreta I Aguas Calientes I Machu Picchu
Duration of the trip:

5 Days | 4 Nights

Total Distance

60.5 km / 37.5 miles.

Physical Level:

Easy

Altitude:

4650 msnm

Type of Tour:

Trekking Nature & Culture

Group SIze:

02 Min - 08 Max

5 Day Salkantay Classic Trek to Machu Picchu – Salkantay Trekking

The 5 Day Salkantay Classic Trek to Machu Picchu is a popular alternative to the Classic Inca Trail. Although Salkantay Trekking experience offers no visits to any other Inca ruins except Machu Picchu, this high altitude trek is popular for surreal views that captivates the trekkers.

5 Day Salkantay Trek starts high up in the Peruvian Andes and takes you around the mighty Salkantay mountain down through the cloud forests to Hidro Electrica from where you will be traveling to Aguas Calientes town, gateway to Machu Picchu.

The Salkantay Trekking experience is so rewarding that the National Geographic Travel Magazine recognized this as one of the best 25 treks around the world. The trek is dotted with captivating views of the Andes as you begin the hike.

On the first day of the trek you will be visiting the Andean Jewel, the turquoise waters of Humantay lake which is a popular full day trip from Cusco City.

Towards the end of the experience, you will also be visiting some local farms and plantations in the Cusco Region. You will have the opportunity to interact with local farmers and see how they produce the best coffee which is exported to different continents.

The highest point of the Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the Salkantay Pass at 4630 meters above sea level (15190 ft.). This is a high-altitude experience. We highly recommend that you spend at least 3-4 days in Cusco city before you hike the Salkantay Trek, to acclimate and avoid altitude sickness.

The best time to hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is during the dry season, between March to November. During the rainy season, the trek is often wet and slippery.

5 Day Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Salkantay Trekking Summary:

  • TOUR NAME: Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu + GLAMPING SKY LODGE DOMES
  • 100% LOCAL COMPANY: fully licensed Salkantay Trek Tour Operator, Highly Recommended! Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor & Youtube what our Passengers say about us
  • GROUP SIZE: 02 People Minimum (04 – 06 Average) and 08 People Maximum
  • STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco & Sacred Valley Hotel/Airbnb. From 4:30 am to 5:00 am
  • ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb 6:30 pm
  • DEPARTURE: Daily. If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as large group service).
  • HIKING DISTANCE: 60.5 km / 37.5 ml
  • PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 3. Salkantay Trek requires some physical preparation and we Also recommend to Aclimatize 2 days before we begin the Salkantay Trek
  • MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,630 m / 15,228 ft
  • TRANSPORTATION: Private Van/Bus to Challacancha Trailhead (for our Passengers and staff) and Expedition Train Back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo at 14:30 pm and Bus back to Cusco
  • ACCOMMODATIONS: (SKY LODGE DOMES  with Private Bathroom and Shower): Because you DESERVE the best Service.
    02 nights in Green Eco Sky Lodge Dome Eco-friendly (Private Campsite of Domes at Soraypampa and Loreta La Playa), 01 Night in Small Sky Lodge Dome of 3 meters diameter & 01 night in the hotel (Aguas Calientes)
  • PORTERING/HORSEBACK SERVICE: 7Kilos/14 Pounds Extra Portering service is included. We will provide you a duffel bag for your personal Stuff (This will be carried by the porter or Horses), Salkantay T-shirt will be given at the briefing time,
  • MEALS: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, 3 tea times + wake-up teas (Vegetarian, Vegan and Free Gluten with NO extra cost, Upon Request)
  • SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU: Machu Picchu entrance fee Included  (Based on Availability). (Circuits to Visit Machu Picchu)

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Salkantay Trekking Short Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa (Overnight Sky Lodge Dome)
  • Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay (Overnight Sky Lodge Small Dome)
  • Day 3: Chaullay – Lluscamayo – La Playa Loreta (Coffe Experience) (Overnight Sky Lodge Dome)
  • Day 4: La Playa Loreta – Lucmabamba – Llactapata incan site – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (Overnight Hotel)
  • Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Why Choose Quechuas Expeditions for Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?

  • 100% Peruvian Company: Recognized as the best local tour operator.
  • Employing the top GUIDES in the region.
  • Featuring the best chefs and cooks for an exceptional culinary experience.
  • Ownership of private GLAMPING SKY LODGE DOMES, ensuring responsible protection of the natural area.
  • Exclusive Salkantay campsites reserved only for our passengers.
  • A reliable and certified company ensuring high standards.
  • Offering small groups for more personalized, memorable lifetime experiences with a 100% guarantee.
  • Specially crafted itinerary to avoid large crowds, with additional surprises to make your SALKANTAY trip unforgettable!

5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Highlights:

  • Majestic Salkantay Peak: As one of the highest and most stunning peaks in the Peruvian Andes, Salkantay stands as a breathtaking backdrop throughout the trek.
  • Diverse Ecosystems: The trek leads through a myriad of landscapes, from snow-clad mountains and high-altitude meadows to lush cloud forests, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region.
  • Ancient Inca Paths: While Salkantay Trekking, one can tread on ancient Inca pathways, bridging the present with the rich historical past of the region.
  • Humantay Lake: This turquoise glacial lake, set against the snow-peaked mountains, offers a serene spot for reflection and is one of the trek’s visual highlights.
  • Coffee and Cocoa Plantations: Along the lower altitudes of the trek, hikers get a glimpse of local agriculture, including aromatic coffee and rich cocoa plantations.
  • Machu Picchu Finale: The trek culminates with the grandeur of Machu Picchu, the iconic Incan citadel, providing a rewarding endpoint to a remarkable journey.

Please note that we require a minimum of two participants for the trip. You can choose any departure day that best fits your schedule. Rest assured, once you’re booked, your departure is 100% guaranteed. For the confirmation and security of your Inca Trail permits, kindly send us the completed booking form along with a 30% deposit, and you’ll be all set for your journey.

DAY 1
Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa (Sky Lodge Dome)+

DAY 2
Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huaracmachay – Chaullay (Sky Lodge Dome)+

DAY 3
Chaullay – LLuscamayo – Loreta La Playa Sahuayaco (Sky Lodge Dome)+

DAY 4
Loreta – Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (Hotel)+

DAY 5
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco +

Salkantay Trek Includes:

  • Pivate Tourist Transportation Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha. (Salkantay Trailhead)
  • Pick up from your hotel by your guide.
  • Professional bilingual Tour guide English/Spanish.
  • Entrance Fee to Machu Picchu.
  • Food service in the campsites (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, 3 snacks) – nutritionally balanced menu: Buffet style. Plenty of food you will never be hungry with us! as well as Guinea Pig for free because we want you to taste all from Peru. All these meals are prepared by our cook and his assistant.
  • Professional Cook/Chef: all our fresh vegetables are washed in iodine water prior to serving. Vegetarian (vegan) food on request at no extra cost! All dietary requirements from vegans, lacto-allergies,, and general dislikes can be catered for so long as a prior warning is given when booking the trip
  • Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) including hot drinks such as mate de coca and locally grown coffee)
  • Dining equipment including portable chairs and tables
  • First Aid Kit
  • 01 Oxygen tank
  • Porters/Horseman, Horses (to carry All Food, Camping Equipment and 7 kilos of passengers’ belongings) We Never overload our Horses (well Animal Welfare)
Accommodations:
  • 1st Night Private Campsite: 01 Night Glamping Sky Lodge Dome at Soraypampa
  • 2nd Night Private Campsite: 01 Night Glamping Sky Lodge Dome at Chaullay 
  • 3rd Night Private Campsite: 01 Night Glamping Sky Lodge Dome at La Playa Loreta Coffe Camp
  • 4th Night Private Hotel: 01 Night in Aguas Calientes (Twin Bedroom, 3 beds room, 04 beds room)
  • Please Note: The DOME at 1st and 3rd Campsite is 6 Meters in diameter and has Comfortable Beds, Blankets, Pillows Private Shower, and in Bathroom (Accommodation is upon request) (Twin Bedroom, 3 beds room, 04 beds room) and our domes use Solar Energy and Solar Water heater is base on the weather. And the 2nd Campsite of our domes is 3 Meters in Diameter to sleep only. So you will need a sleeping bag. And we only use biodegradable things and we Support Sustainable, Responsible & Ethical Tourism.
  • Expedition Train Back From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Train Time from 1:37 pm to 7:00 pm) Subject to Availability
  • Bus back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco and drop off at the hotel.
  • Duffel bag for personal belongings (We will provide you with this duffel bag at the briefing time)
  • Pre-trek Orientation – briefing A day before we do the Trek. (Hotel or Office) Let us know once you are at the office or by email.
  • Water for Drinking: we will supply you with filtered and boiled water and your bottles will be filled at each meal time. Please, bring enough water for the 1st day only.
  • Free “I survived” T-shirt and certificate (only for PEOPLE who successfully complete the trek!!!)

Salkantay Trek Doesnt Include: (Please, No hidden costs or surprises)

  • Breakfast Day 1
  • Lunch and dinner Day 5
  • Entrance fee to Salkantay and Humantay Lake 20 soles
  • Sleeping Bag (You can rent from us)
  • Walking Poles (You can rent from us)
  • Tips for our staff (Optional)
  • Optional: If you feel tired after the trek to and from Llactapata, There is a chance to take a train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. (30-minute ride)(Cost of the Train Service is $35)
  • Optional Bus ticket (round trip) from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu ($24 per person)
  • Travel and Health Insurance.(bring copies with you please): Quechuas Expeditions highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss, the and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance, and emergency medical expense insurance.
  • Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)
DISCOUNTS (to apply discounts. Please send us an email at info@quechuasexpeditions.com)
  • UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD (Students must be below 25 years) : US$20. Please send us a scanned copy of the student card at the time of booking.
  • Under 17 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 12 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Group of 5 or more: US$10 per person. All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
UPGRADES:
  • Huaynapicchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$90 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
  • MachuPicchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$90 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
  • Upgrade to Vistadome Train (First Class Train) (Includes Private Transportation From Ollantaytambo to Cusco) USUS$70
  • Extra Night in Aguas Calientes US$30 per person (Twin Bedroomdon’t, 3 Beds room & 4 Beds Room with Private shower & Bathroom)
  • A night in Cusco at our Quechuas Guesthouse: from US$30 per person / Twin Bedroom (Before we do the tour/trek or after the tour/trek)
RENTALS
  • Goose Down sleeping bag (Mummy style): US$30 for the entire trip
  • (Black Dimond) Walking Poles Rubber Tips Included: US$20 for the entire trip
  • Day Pack 20 – 30 liters (Rain cover included): US$15 for the entire trip
ADDITIONAL INFO:
  • BRIEFING: all our treks is a Night before we do the trek at 6:30 pm in our office, But if you want us to come to your Hotel let us know in advance.(You will get a chance to meet your guide and as well as to give you your duffel bags)
  • STORAGE: Most Hotels have storage where you can leave the rest of your stuff while you hike to Machupicchu, But if they dont have a place you can leave your stuff in our storage with no extra cost. (Let us know at the time of briefing)

We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You are Going !!! To Confirm and Secure the Inca Trail Permits. Send us the filled-out booking form as well as a deposit of 30% and you are ready to go…

Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu A Scenic Expedition (Prices for 2024 & 2025)

Salkantay Trek Peru Availability And Permits 2024 – 2025: Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You are Going, We won’t cancel your Trip !!!

How to Book?: Send us all Your Personal information, as well as a Deposit of US$150 and the Final Balance, will be paid once you are in Cusco.

  • Group Service: Price per person: US$580 (Returning by Train/Train time between 1:30 pm to 9:00 pm
  • Group Service: Price per person: US$510 (Returning by Bus From Hidroelectrica at 2:30pm)
Daily Departures ( We are the Best Operator On Salkantay Trek with our own Private Campsites of GREEN SKY DOMES)

(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities): From 02 Persons to 08 Persons (Maximum)

If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as GROUP SERVICE). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in Cusco

What you need to bring on Salkantay Trek:

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

List of things you must bring:

  • Original Passport (and some copies) If you have changed your passport Bring a couple of copies of the one that you used to purchase the Salkantay trek permit.
  • Travel insurance  is essential (and some copies)
  • Airline tickets (and some copies)
  • US$ cash and Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
  • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
  • Camera and Memory cards
  • Rechargeable batteries and adapters
  • Reading/writing material
  • Binoculars
  • Cover for backpacks
  • Sunblock
  • Sunglasses
  • Toiletries (biodegradable)
  • Watch or alarm clock
  • Water bottle
  • Purifying tablets or filter (Micropur recommended)
  • Insect Repellent (for mosquitos)25 % of deet at least you can also buy in Cusco.
  • Flashlight (headlight recommended)
  • Pocketknife.
Clothes:
  • Fleece top
  • Windproof/waterproof jacket
  • Small towel and swimwear
  • Shirts/t-shirts
  • Sun hat
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • 2 pairs of long trousers *zipp off
  • 1 pair of Zipphiking pants/track pants
  • Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes (with ankle protectors)
  • Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge)
  • Sport hiking sandals
  • Money belt
  • Sleeping silk liner (for sleeping bags)
  • Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof)
  • Rain poncho, plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
  • Sleeping bag (it can be hired from us) we have goose down or synthetic sleeping bag
  • Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
  • Thermal underwear
  • Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band-Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea from, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

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