5 Day Salkantay Premium Glamping Sky Lodge Dome (Private Service)

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa (Sky Lodge Dome)

We pick you up from your hotel Between 4:30 a.m to 500 am to drive for about 2 and half hours to Mollepata where we stop to have breakfast and after we will keep driving to challacancha where we start hiking and as Soon as we are at challacancha the cook and the horseman will pack all the camping equipment and cooking stuff and we start hiking the first 25 minutes will be a little bit uphill to get the Water Channel where we will have a nice place with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120m/13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft) – just the start! We will begin our Salkantay trek towards Soraypampa our first Salkantay Trek camping spot (3800 m/11750ft; the highest and coldest campsite of the trip) we will be very close to the second highest Salkantay snow capped -mountain of Cusco. Then after Lunch we will go to Humantay Lake and explore around and the we will walk down to our best Sky Lodge Dome campsite of soraypampa.

Day 1: Total distance: 15 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 3,800 m (aprox.)

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huaracmachay – Chaullay (Sky Lodge Dome)

After having our Salkantay Trek breakfast we start walking about 6:30 am ,because this day will be the longest day the first 4 hours is uphill to get the highest point of the Salkantay Trek (4650m/15200ft) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible. There is a possibility of snow here. After a rest, we will continue our walk (downhill) through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch. We hike again after lunch in the direction of the start of the jungle until we reach our second Salkantay Trek camping spot of chaullay or Colcapampa (3000m/9800ft).

Day 2: Total distance: 19 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 8 – 9 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,650 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 2,750 m (aprox.)

Day 3: Chaullay – LLuscamayo – Loreta La Playa Sahuayaco (Sky Lodge Dome)

After breakfast, at 6.30am, we start walking through the upper jungle crossing the Lluskamayo River and a variety of little brooks to reach La Playa walking about 6 hours. Today we will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits ,plants and as soon as we are at la playa we will have lunch and then we will rest and camp at la Playa.

(Optional: in the afternoon there is a chance to go to the hot spring of colcalmayo ist has an extra cost that you can see once you are there)

Day 3: Total distance: 16 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,750 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 1,600 m (aprox.)

Day 4: Loreta – Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (Hotel)

We will have breakfast at 8am and leave our camping spot of Lluscamayo. We walk up on a original Inca Trail to Llactapata site where you will get a chance to see Machupicchu far away (one of the most beautiful place to see Machupicchu) then We continue walking, passing a variety of crop plantations, coca, banana etc. until we reach the hydroelectric station. And after the lunch we keep walking about two and half hours along the train road till reaching Aguas Calientes town where we will spend the night in a hostel. In Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the thermal springs in the town (entrance 10 soles) a real treat after finishing the Salkantay Trek

Day 4: Total distance: 12 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 5 – 6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 1,600 m (aprox.)
Hostel(aguas calientes) altitude: 1,900 m (aprox.)

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco 

Salkantay trek important day ,We wake up early morning about 4 am to then to 4:30 to have the breakfast and leave to walk up to Machupicchu which takes one and half hours up to machupicchu but there is another option to catch the first bus which leaves 5:30 to Machupicchu (25-minutes long) in order to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun is rising. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your Guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huaynapicchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top.and after enjoying machupicchu you have to go down to aguas calientes to take the train back to ollantaytambo and then bus back cusco.

and those who return by bus they will have to walk back from Machupicchu to Hidroelectrica to take the bus back(you must be between 2:30pm to 3:00pm)

Day 5: Total distance: 4 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 1- 2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (aprox.)

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 breakfast, 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/Cheff: 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 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 us mate de coca and locally grown coffe)
• 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)
• 1st Night Private Campsite: 01 Night in Glamping Sky Lodge Dome at Soraypampa
• 2nd Night Private Campsite: 01 Night in Glamping Sky Lodge Dome at Chaullay
• 3rd Night Private Campsite: 01 Night in Glamping Sky Lodge Dome at La Playa Loreta Coffe Camp
• 4th Night Private Hotel: 01 Night in Aguas Calientes (Twin Bed room, 3 beds room, 04 beds room)
• Please Note: The DOME at 1st & 3rd Campsite is 6 Meters diameter has Confortable Beds, Blankets, Pilows Private Shower, Bathroom (Acomodation is upon request) (Twin Bed room, 3 beds room, 04 beds room) and our domes use Solar Energy and Solar Water heater is base on weather. And the 2nd Campsite of our domes are 3 Meters Diameter  to sleep only. So you will need sleeping bag. And we only use biodeagradable things and we Support Sustainable, Responsible & Ethical Tourism. 
• First Class Vistadome Train Back From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Train Time from 1:37pm to 7:00pm) Subjet to Availability
• Bus back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco and dropp off at the hotel.
• Duffel bag for personal belongings (We will provide you 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 Driking: we will supply 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 minutes ride)(Cost of the Train Service is $35)
• Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu ($12 per person, one way)
• 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 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 a scanned copy of the student card at the time of booking.
• Under 17 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of passport at the time of booking.
• Under 12 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of 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$70 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
• MachuPicchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$70 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 Bed room, 3 Beds room & 4 Beds Room with Private shower & Bathroom)
• A night in Cusco at our Quechuas Guesthouse: from US$25 per person / Twin Bed room (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

ADITIONAL INFO:

• BRIEFING: for all our treks is a Night before we do the trek at 6:30pm 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 you 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…

5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu by Glamping Sky Dome to Dome (Prices for 2023 & 2024)

How to Book?: Send us all Your Personal information, as well as a Deposit of 30%, and the Final Balance, will be paid once you are in Cusco.

Private Service: Group Size is Upon Request 

Recommended for Honeymooners, Families with children & Groups of Friends (02 Person Minimum)

If you are a group of 02 we depart (Group size Upon Request). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in Cusco.

(PRIVATE SERVICE) Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu By Glamping in Mountain Sky Lodge Domes 5/Days (Dome to Dome)/ Prices are based on Number of people/ We will leave with Minimum of 02 Ppl 
This Service Includes: First Class Vistadome Train Back, Private bus back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, Walking Poles, Bus & Down to Machu Picchu as well as a 3 stars Hotel
01 Person Group / US$2200 per person
02 People Group / US$1350 per person
03 People Group / US$1300 per person
04 People Group / US$1250 per person
05 People Group / US$1200 per person
06 People Group / US$1150 per person
07 – or More People Group / US$1100 per person

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 have used to purchase the inca trail 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
• Pocketknife.
• Fleece top
• Windproof/waterproof jacket
• Small towel and swim wear
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sun hat
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 pairs of long trousers *zipp off
• 1 pair hiking 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
• Sun block
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (biodegradable)
• Watch or alarm clock
• Water bottle 
• Purifying tablets or filter (Micropur recommeded)
• Insect Repellent (for mosquitos)25 % of deet at least you can also by in cusco.
• Flashlight (head light recommended)
• 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 form us) we have goose down or syntetic 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 diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

FAQs of Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu

How difficult is the Salkantay?

For an average traveller or tourist, Salkantay is considered a challenging but certainly not impossible hike. Due to the physical demands, anyone who wishes to trek Salkantay should at least be moderately fit. Plus, all hikers should spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the salkantay trek, to get acclimatized. Being extremely fit does not grant any immunity from altitude sickness.

The entire trek is approximately 60.5 kilometers (approximately 37.5 miles), and this hiking takes place during 4 days and 3 nights. The remaining 1 day of the trek is spent at Machu Picchu. In general, Salkantay is considered to be slightly harder than the Inca Trail. Other trails, such as Choquequirao, are considered to be slightly harder than Salkantay.

What’s the most challenging section of the hike?

The Salkantay Pass, at 4,630 m / 15,228 ft above sea level, is the most difficult section in the trail. Expect wind and cold temperatures. Some hikers might experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Symptoms will disappear as soon as you start your descent. Oxygen will be provided if needed. The Salkantay Pass, at approximately 4,650 meters above sea level is the most difficult section in the trail. These challenges are a result of several factors: the challenge of uphill climbing, bitter cold winds, low temperatures in general, and the fact that you are trekking at a low-oxygen altitude.

Can I hike the Salkantay at any time?

Weather conditions during the rainy season makes the Salkantay trek into a risky decision. Therefore we cannot guarantee the availability of the Salkantay treks from mid-march to the end of February. If the weather is good, we will give the OK for a trek to start. If we think the safety of our porters and clients is being threatened, we will cancel the trek.

Before to hike to Salkantay, Where could I stay in Cusco?

You can choose your hotel by yourself, our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek and He or She will pick you up from there.

How many days did you walk from Mollepata to Machu Picchu? How many kilometers is Salkantay Trek per day?

4 nights and 5 days with the 5th night in Machu Picchu. you will go up to Machu Picchu the 5th day and is back in Cusco by 5th night. A very rough estimate is 60 km overall so maybe 12 km on average per day. (Some days are more than others though).

Why do I need to make a deposit?

We recommend to make your reservation in advance and we will guarantee your Spaces for this hike. Each reservation needs 30% of deposit as first payment. The final balance(70%) will be paid in Cusco (2 days before or at the office). About Payment you must choose where would you like to make the deposit: Payment system online ,

VISA card
Western Union, Money Gram
Peruvian Banking Account

We use the money from your deposit to make several important purchases, including the entrance fee to Machu Picchu, bus tickets, and train tickets. In addition, making a deposit assures us that you will be coming on the trek, and are unlikely to cancel at the last minute. This helps us with knowing how much food to buy, how many of our guides to use for the trek, etc. The deposit is non-refundable once we receive it, because we will immediately use it to purchase the tickets mentioned above. Please note the final Balance will be once you are in cusc 2 days before you go on the trek.

How to book the Salkantay Trek?

Please, it is very much important to fill out in the blanks on the attached booking form we email you with a true and updated information so we can make your bookings with the right and appropriate information, as in case of a missing passport or wrong numbers, or name misspelling, to make fast booking you can send us: Full Names, Passport Number or ID Number, Nationality, Gender and Birthdate.

How long is the Salkantay trek and how many hours a day do we hike?

The Salkantay trek has many different trails and campsite options. The trail that we follow is approximately 60.5 km. On average you will hike about 8 -9 hours per day Aprox.

How difficult is the Salkantay trek?

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is better suited for more adventuresome trekkers who are able to handle a little more altitude and distance. It’s not a technical hike but the altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend bringing a hiking stick or purchasing a wooden walking stick while in Peru as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. We ask that you not use a metal tipped walking stick as it can harm the fragile environment along the trail.

Is the altitude a problem?

The altitude is something that effects everyone differently. We had been at high altitude for a while, and this wasn’t as high for us–so we had no problems 🙂  If you haven’t had experience at this altitude, give yourself 2-3 days of time in Cusco to adjust. Drink lots of water, chew cocoa leaves, and you can even take medicine if it’s really bad. Probably though, the worst you’re going to feel is breathlessness while hiking and headaches and a little nausea.

When do we reach Machu Picchu and how much time do we spend there?

You will reach Machu Picchu early in the morning on Day 5. Your local guide will take you on an informative 2- hour tour of the site. After the tour you will have a few hours of free time to explore the area on your own, relax, meditate or simply write in your journal before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes where we catch the train back to Cusco.

Do porters carry our luggage while on the Salkantay trek?

No, pack mules and/or horses will be provided to carry your personal items. You will still need to bring a day backpack to carry any essentials you might want or need, such as water, snacks, camera, sweater, rain poncho jacket, etc.
We will provide you a duffel to put all your personal belongings, this will be provided to you at the briefing time

How cold does it get on the Salkantay trek? Will I need to bring hats and gloves?

The altitude means it can get quite chilly, especially during the Andean winter (May – September) when the temperature can drop to below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year and so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can purchase warm, inexpensive and locally made hand-woven mitts and gloves in Cusco.

What type of accommodation is used on the Salkantay trek?

We are the only company who has private campsites along the salkantay Trek. and all our Domes are Green
Day 1: Private Soraypampa Campsite at our Green Eco DOME
Day 2: Private Chaullay Campsite at our Green Eco DOME
Day 3: Private Loreta La Playa Campsite at our Green Eco DOME
Day 4: Aguas Calientes Hotel

Are there restrooms available on the trek?

There are a few places where permanent but very basic toilet facilities exist and when they are not available our team will set up portable toilet tents. Trekkers are provided with a bowl of hot water (and a hot drink) every morning in their tent.

Is purified water available on the trek?

Bottled water can be purchased on day 1 of the Salkantay Trek however we discourage hikkers from purchasing bottles as it increases the amount of garbage that must be packed out. Boiled water will be provided every evening after dinner so that you can refill your water bottle(s). If you wish to add water purification tablets you should bring these with you.

What type of food will we get on the the Salkantay trek?

Our Cheffs/cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods. We also provide food for vegetarian, vegan, free gluten as well

Can I do the Salkantay with kids?

Children under 08 years old are not allowed to do the trek, and children who are over 08 years old should be in good physical shape and used to hiking long distances. And there is chance to ride on horseback for those who