Salkantay 5 Day Trek
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
c5 Days from $ USD 646
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
Experience the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
Salkantay 5 Day Trek explores the domains of a series of microclimates with incredible landscapes along the trails of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days, camping in spectacular places every day, enjoy a magnificent vacation in Peru in the open-air heading to Macchu Picchu.
The 05 Day Salkantay Trek hiking circuit begins in the vicinity of Soraypampa; from Soraypampa, we head towards the turquoise lagoon of Humantay and then ascend to the Salkantay pass; from the Salkantay pass; we descend into the cloud forest and arrive at Machu Picchu Peru.
The adventure through the Salkantay Trek 5 Days is not complete if we do not try an organized coffee on the beach of La Playa Sahuayaco and then go strongly towards the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu via Lucmabamba and Llactapata; Let’s explore together the trails of the 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in the Cusco region, Peru, South America.
Overview
Salkantay 5-Day Trek Summary
CUSCO, PERU, SOUTH AMERICA – LATAM “Latin America”
The Salkantay hiking trails are one of the most selected for presenting incredible panoramic views of the beautiful Salkantay and Humantay glaciers, as well as the impressive views of the Andes Mountain range with its cloud forest; in the foothills of the great mountains; there are colorful coffee plantations, passion fruit. Adventures to Machu Picchu are better with walks in the great outdoors and even better on the beautiful trails of Salkantay, Peru.
- Day 1: Cusco travel to Soraypampa – Hiking to Humantay Lagoon
- Day 2: Soraypampa Hike to Salkantay Pass – Chaullay
- Day 3: Chaullay Trek to La Playa & Lucmabamba
- Day 4: Lucmabamba Hike to Hydro & Aguas Calientes
- Day 5: AM Visit Machu Picchu | PM Return to Cusco
Trip Details
- Recommended for: Travelers who want breathtaking views and a variety of landscapes, especially those who want to see the different flora and fauna that Peru has.
- Duration: 5 days/4 nights
- Physical Level: Moderate to difficult, depending on your fitness level.
- Distance: 48 kilometers or 30 miles
- Spaces Available: This hike does not require permits, so it is always available. However, it is best to book the walk in advance to secure entrance fees to Machu Picchu and the best train tickets.
- Recommended acclimatization: The highest point on the trail is at 4,635 meters above sea level (15,200 feet), and it is necessary to acclimatize for at least two days in Cusco or the surrounding area before starting the trek.
Photo Gallery Salkantay 5 Day Trek
Salkantay 5 Day Trek Highlights
- Splendid vacations through the Salkantay Trek 5 Days 4 Nights hiking circuit
- Explore the magnificent walks along the Salkantay trails in Peru toward Machu Picchu
- Are you looking for alternative hiking adventures? Visit the 05-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu guided tour.
Why You´ll love the Salkantay 5 Day Trek
Salkantay Trek in Peru is one of the spectacular adventure trails for world travelers to the mysterious Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek circuit is for trekkers who want to experience the beautiful mountainous landscapes of the Peruvian Andes and see incredibly diverse natural panoramas that gradually reveal breathtaking views daily on our expeditions. All of us who visit Peru go to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu through the 05 Day Salkantay Trek; it is a suitable adventure excursion that connects us with the incomparable wonder of the world of southern Peru in South America.
Salkantay 5-Day Trek Itinerary
In this part, we have the complete development of the Salkantay expedition to Machu Picchu, describing it daily in terms of mileage, miles, elevations, places to spend the night, etc. We travel northwest from Cusco to reach Soraypampa to climb and turn, walking the Salkantay pass, then descend a couple of mountains to reach the Santa Teresa valley to reach Machu Picchu.
BRIEFING Salkantay 5-Day Trek
Please note that you will need to attend the pre-hike briefing at 6:00 p.m. the day before the first day of the hike. We organize the informative talk at the hotel reception where the travelers are staying.
We recommend arriving at least a day before your excursion to acclimate to the altitude before your hiking adventure. Spending a full day in Cuzco (3,249 m/10,659 ft) relaxing and drinking plenty of water is usually enough to acclimate most people.
PRESENTATION OF SALKANTAY 5 DAY TREK
Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon
We head from Cusco to Soraypampa; in Soraypampa, we already have panoramic views of the spectacular Salkantay and Humantay glaciers. Enjoy a short walk through the foothills of Salkantay; at night, appreciate a starry night. Maybe we will find some shooting stars to ask for our wishes. Note at night; there is cold in Soraypampa and the surrounding areas.
Synthesis of the hiking
- Land trip start time: 05:30
- Travel time from Cusco to Soraypampa: 4.5 hours
- Walking distance: 09 km/ 5.5 miles. 04 hours
- Hiking Difficulty: Challenging.
- Lowest trekking site: None
- Highest hiking place: Humantay Lagoon 4,283m/14,051ft.
- Camp Site: Soraypampa or Salkantay Pampa 4,154m/13,625ft.
Food
Box Lunch, and Dinner
Physical Level
Challenging
Walking Distance
13.7 km/ 8.5 miles.
Hiking Time
5-6 hours
Min Altitude
2,890m/9,481ft.
Max Altitude
4,645m/15,239ft.
Map Salkantay 5 Day Trek
Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay
Enjoy the hike to the Salkantay Pass; We have 03 hours and a half to ascend the Salkantay Pampa mountain until we reach the top; At the top of Salkantay, we have a spectacular view of the Salkantay Glacier. After resting at the top of the Salkantay pass, we descend the Andes Mountain range and then enter the cloud forest until we reach the base camp of Chaullay, “5 hours of descent”.
Summary of the hiking
- Walking distance: 22 km/ 13.6 miles. 8-9 hours
- Hiking Difficulty: Challenging, and some spots moderate
- Lowest trekking site: Chaullay
- Highest hiking place: Salkantay Pass 4,638m/15,213ft.
- Camp Site: Chaullay or Colpapampa 2,870m/9,414ft.
Food
Local brekfast, Lunch and Dinner
Physical Level
Intense
Walking Distance
10.2 km/ 6.3 miles.
Hiking Time
5 hours
Min Altitude
1,815m/5,954ft.
Max Altitude
2,814m/9,232ft.
Map Salkantay 5 Day Trek
Chaullay – La Playa – Lucmabamba
Special walk inside the cloud forest towards the tropical zone of La Playa Sarayaku and Lucmabamba; for 5 hours, gently descend the mountain, always accompanied by the Totora glacier river. See plantations of wild berries and tropical fruits such as passion fruit, mango, coffee, banana, avocado, etc.
Compendium of the hiking
- Walking distance: 16 km/ 9.9 miles. 5.5 hours
- Hiking Difficulty: Moderate but long hiking
- Lowest trekking site: Lucmabamba
- Highest hiking place: None
- Camp Site: Lucmabamba 2,017m/6,617ft.
Optional “additional cost”: Travel to Santa Teresa 1,555m/5,101ft.
At 2:00 pm, Go to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo to enjoy 02 hours of relaxation in the Hot Spring, or camp or stay at a local hostel at Santa Teresa.
Food
Hotel breakfast, Box Lunch
Physical Level
Moderate
Walking Distance
16 kilometers / 9.9 miles
Hiking Time
6-7 hours
Min Altitude
2,100 meters/ 6,900feet.
Max Altitude
2700mt /8540 feet.
Map Salkantay 5 Day Trek
Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes
Have the experience of walking the Inca trail from Lucmabamba to go around the Lucmabamba pass to see Machu Picchu from the Llactapata ruins. We have 3 hours of ascent to the mountain pass, and from there, we have another 3 hours of descent until we reach the Aobamba River and then to the Hidroeléctrica train station; From Hydroelectric, we walk about 2 hours and a half more bordering the slopes of Machu Picchu until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes.
Excerpt of the hiking
- Start time of the walk: 6:00 a.m.
- Walking kilometers: 16 km/9.9 miles | 05 + 02 hours
- Hiking Difficulty: Challenging – Moderate.
- Highest hiking place: Lucmabamba Pass
- Lowest trekking site: Hydroelectric
- Train: From Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes – By Perurail – Departure at 16:35 – AC arrival at 17:22
- Camp Site: None | 3 Star-Hotel “Aguas Calientes Overnight.”
Food
Hotel breakfast
Physical Level
Easy
Walking Distance
Stroll
Hiking Time
2-hour guided tour
Min Altitude
2,065m/6,774ft.
Max Altitude
2,430m/7,972 ft.
Map Salkantay 5 Day Trek
Visit Machu Picchu | Return to Cusco
Enjoy a magnificent guided tour inside the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and visit the highlights of Machu Picchu, the functionality, the reasons, and why the Incas built Machu Picchu exclusively within the cloud forest. In the afternoon we return to Cusco by train and then by private vehicle.
Hiking & Tour Summary
- Bus service to Machu Picchu (up and down)
- Two-hour guided tour inside Machu Picchu.
- NOTE: NO FREE TIME according to the new regulations of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary since 2015. If you require more time, book a new entrance ticket
AFTERNOON, board your train service to POROY and Return to Cusco City.
Information about the train service from MACHU PICCHU TO POROY
- Railway company: PERU RAIL
- Train Travel Route: MACHU PICCHU TO POROY
- Class: EXPEDITION 34
- Train departure time from Aguas Calientes train station: 15:20
- Travelers must be inside the train facilities: At 14:50; otherwise, you will not be allowed to board the train.
- Arrival time at POROY train station: 19:05
When you arrive at the POROY train station, go to the waiting area where our staff will wait for you. Look for a sign with your name on it.” Group Name: Salkantay 5-Day Trek
Private transfer service from Poroy train station to Cusco “Hotel.”
Cusco Overnight: Travelers organize and reserve their hotels
Food
Box Lunch
Physical Level
Challenging
Walking Distance
7 km/ 4.3 miles
Hiking Time
70 minutes
Min Altitude
4,900 meters / 16,076 feet.
Max Altitude
5,100 meters / 16,732 feet.
Map Salkantay 5 Day Trek
What to Bring
- You must bring your original passport to show to the train service, Salkantay Hiking Trails, and Machu Picchu
- Daypack
- Small travel bag for Machu Pichu (You can store your main suitcase safely at Hotel Cusco.)
- Water bottle “It is forbidden to introduce non-recyclable plastics in Machu Picchu; take precautions and bring reusable bottles.”
- Good sturdy shoes or walking boots
- Warm fleece jacket
- Layers of warm clothing “In Cusco, get some baby alpaca wool.”
- Hats (to protect yourself from the sun and also to keep warm)
- Rain gear, Waterproofing
- Essential Sunglasses
- High SPF sunscreen “In cream.”
- Insect repellent “In cream allowed inside the citadel; let’s conserve flora and fauna of the seventh world wonder.”
Notes of Salkantay 5-Day Trek:
* Travel Tour Operator 100% for the Salkantay 5-Day Trek
Salkantay 5-Day Trek Price Information
PRICES PER PERSON [U.S Dollar] 2024, with hotel*** twin-share or matrimonial
02 participants USD$ 1,180. “Prices reduce if more people are in your group.”
03 participants USD$ 985.
04 participants USD$ 840.
05 participants USD$ 785.
06 participants USD$ 715.
07 participants USD$ 685.
08 participants + USD$ 646.
Salkantay 5 Day Trek Upgrade
HOTEL “AGUAS CALIENTES”
Enhance Your Trip
PER PERSON & Per Night
Gringo Bill’s Machupicchu
+$25. DBL/MATRIMONIAL | +$43 Suite
Inti Punku Machupicchu
+$25. Standard | +$33. Superior | +$39. Junior Suite | +$63. Senior Suite
Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu
+$29. Traditional | +$35. Superior | +$45. Suite
Taypikala Boutique Machupicchu
+$35. Standard SGL/DBL | +$80 Suite
Jaya Suite Machupicchu
+$40.
El MaPi ByInkaterra
+$69. Superior Deluxe SGL or DBL | +$91. Suite SGL o DBL
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
+$244. Superior | +$271. Superior Deluxe |+$298. Junior Suite | +$389. Junior Suite Deluxe | +$488. Suite | +$555. Inkaterra Suite
TRAIN SERVICES
By PeruRail / PER PERSON
+ $35 Vistadome train (MACHUPICCHU – POROY) Outbound Journey
+ $50.00 Vistadome train (MACHUPICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO) + Transfer to Cusco from Ollantaytambo
+ $445.00 Hiram Bingham train (Train MACHUPICCHU – POROY) Inbound Journey
EXTRA TICKETS
+$75 Huayna Picchu
+$75 Montaña
+$60 RE-ENTRY TO MACHU PICCHU
DISCOUNTS
This applies to the following services:
- Machu Picchu Fee
Salkantay 5 Day Trek College students$20 off
Book Now
Thank you for being so interested in having an adventure travel experience in Peru operated by "Kondor Path Tours." Please take a moment to complete our short form so that one of our friendly adventure consultants can provide you with all the information for the best trip of your life in Peru.
Faqs Salkantay 5 Day Trek
How should I prepare myself physically for the Salkantay Trek 5 Days?
Regarding the level of trekking done in our tours, it is recommended to be in good physical condition. We suggest working on your body performance for at least 2 to 3 months before doing a trek like the Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu. Remember that the level of trekking varies from moderate to complex.
How should I acclimatize for the Salkantay Trek 5 Days?
It is recommended to acclimatize in the city and the surrounding area; for this, you should arrive in Cusco between 2 to 3 days before the tour, preferably.
Do I need trekking poles for Salkantay Trek 5 Days?
If you need to do the trek for 05 days, we recommend these poles, especially for people with known knee problems because the trail is full of steep climbs and narrow Inka stairs.
Therefore, the poles will support your balance and reduce the impact on your knees.
If you do not have walking poles for the Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu, do not worry because Kondor Path Tours rents them for $ 15.00.
Where can I leave my luggage while I do the Salkantay Trek 5 Days?
Usually, the hotels where our passengers stay have free space to leave unnecessary luggage for the trek. If this is impossible, you can leave your luggage in our offices.
What is the best time to do the Salkantay Trek 5 Days?
To do the Salkantay Trek 5 Days with good weather is between April – October, as we have the presence of clear skies and minor scale rainfall.
Mainly the driest months are between June – August, which is winter in the Andes. However, it is suggested to foresee the type of clothing to wear during these months, because during the day you can enjoy the sun, while at night you can feel intense cold.
What is the level of physical effort of the Salkantay Trek 5 Days?
To do the Salkantay Trek 5 Days, you should know that the level of trekking varies from moderate to complex. Therefore, it is recommended to be in good physical condition. In addition, it is recommended to wear good trekking shoes, preferably that they are already molded to your feet, this will facilitate the walk, and you will not have any problem when walking.
How many people take the group tour?
For the group service, the maximum number of people that can form the group is ten people, and the minimum is two people. Please note that the group will be under the responsibility of one of our guides; therefore, you are asked to stay in the group and avoid wandering away.
Travel Guide
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
The Nevado Salkantay is the highest point of the Cordillera Vilcabamba in the Department of Cusco, Peru. It is the highest mountain in the Machu Picchu area and is the most sacred mountain in the land of the Incas. The name is derived from the Quechua “Sallqa,” which means wild or invincible. This is due to the frequent avalanches that sweep down the mountain and the storms that rise to engulf the peak from the High Amazon Rainforest in the north.
The best time to climb Nevado Salkantay is from May to September. Depending on the route, it should be tried at different times in those months. Since the first ascent in 1952, Nevado Salkantay has climbed on the mountain’s south, east, and north sides.
Nevado Salkantay
Nevado Salkantay is one of the most emblematic mountains in the Cusco region and the highest mountain in the Willkapampa range.
Hikers on the Salkantay trail spend one day approaching the mountain from the south and then another day very close to the mountain as they climb the Salkantay pass, which at 4,600 m offers incredible views of the valley.
For mountaineers, Salkantay has a reputation for being a very tough summit. The Quechua name, Sallqantay, means ‘wild’ or ‘savage.’ Although it was first successfully climbed in 1952 by a French-American expedition, the mountain is rarely conquered.
Location of Nevado Salkantay:
Located 60 km northwest of Cusco, Salkantay, which stands at 6,271 m, is the 12th-highest mountain in Peru and the 38th-highest in the Andes.
Where does the name “Salkantay” come from?
The name “Salkantay” comes from the words SalKa, wild, and Antay, avalanche producer. The locals call it Apu Salkantay, which means “Holy Lord over the valleys.”
The summit of Salkantay
The snow-capped summit of Salkantay contains two peaks located to the east and west. In the past, the western PASS was thinner and more attractive than the eastern one; however, after many years, both peaks are now the same size.
Keep in mind that the snowy Salkantay is an alternative route to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu, or in case you have not come to make your reservation for the Inca Trail, is your best opinion, the tour to the snowy Salkantay engraves the mountain range of Vilcabamba so that you can enjoy the diversity of fauna and flora existing throughout this route, for example, you can find beautiful orchids, which will fascinate you with the colorful flowers.
KONDOR PATH TOURS is the operator of all the tourist circuits of tours and hikes.
That means that KONDOR PATH TOURS will never transfer it to another company or a third party. All departures are 100% guaranteed.
Related Peru Treks
Here are some other options that will suit your needs
Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu
Inquire
Recommended on
Why choose Kondor Path Tours
WHY TRAVEL WITH US
THE BEST TREKKING EXPERIENCE IN PERU
OUR TREKKING TEAM
WE GUARANTEE THE BEST OF YOUR TRIPS
SOCIAL PROJECTS
WE BELIEVE IN SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WELFARE
OUR CAMPING TEAM
YOU WILL ENJOY THE BEST ANDEAN NIGHTS