Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days

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8 Days

From

~~$980~~

$931

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 8 Days

8 Days Starting and ending in Cusco

Visiting: Centro Histórico, Huayllabamba, Peru, Machupicchu District, Santa Teresa, Pueb Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu, Cusco

Tour operator:

TreXperience

Tour code:

66100P14

Recommended For:

Couples, Family-Kids, Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 8

Physical rating:

Medium, MODERATE

Age range:

3-65

Special diets catered:

Meat, Vegetarians, Vegans, dairy free, Gluten free

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

From:

$980

$931 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$49

Tour Overview

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu takes you to discover the Imperial City of Cusco and the Sacred Valley as you acclimatize to the altitude! Explore the Cathedral, Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and get ready for the spectacular 5-days hike of the Salkantay trek and arrive at the legendary Lost City of Machu Picchu.

Highlights

Explore the best of Cusco City, the Sacred Valley
Hike along the Cordillera de Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu
Go off the beaten and visit Humantay Lake and Local
Spend a day exploring the best of Machu Picchu
Return To Cusco on the Vistadome train

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Day 1: Arrival At The Airport – Cusco City Tour

Location: Centro Histórico

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: No Meals

Pick up will be from the airport of Cusco upon your arrival and transfer to your centrally located hotel, check-in and free time to relax in the morning (recomended to book morning flights to Cusco). In the afternoon, you’ll start a walking tour with your tour guide, visiting the most remarkable places in Cusco: Explore the plaza de Armas, marvel at the priceless paintings in The Cathedral, visit the 12 angled stone, and discover the temple of the sun at Koricancha. The second part is by car, 10 minutes drive to Sacsayhuaman, and enjoy the views from the upper of Cusco, then visit the labyrinth of Quenqo, the temple of the water at Tambomachay, and the red fortress at Pucapucara. On the way back to your hotel, if you still have time, visit the large white statue of Christ perched up the hill overlooking the city of Cusco.

Duration: Half-day

Meals: Not Included

Entrance Ticket: Included

Accommodation: Munay Wasi Hotel or Similar

Day 2 : Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour: Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero

Location: Huayllabamba

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After Breakfast in your hotel, The tour guide will collect you from the hotel at 8:00 a.m and drive across the mountains to the Sacred Valley. On the way, you’ll stop at Awanacancha alapca farm, here you can see llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, guanacos, and learn the difference between them. Then continue to Mirador of Taray, a lookout point with spectacular views of the Sacred Valley, the eastern mountain range of the Andes, and the Urubamba River.Later, you’ll head to the Pisaq archeological site, a very well preserved Inca settlement built on top of the mountain. Explore impressive agricultural terraces, the thousands of tombs, palaces, houses surrounded by enormous walls, and the beautiful vistas of the Sacred Valley. After exploring, You´ll drive to Pisaq town to visit the handicraft market, very famous because of the local artisans produce their own textiles and sell it directly to the tourist. After bargaining in the market, you’ll drive for 1 hour to lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba, you’ll have a variety of dishes prepared with fresh products from the area. After enjoying a delicious lunch you’ll drive and discover the fortress of Ollantaytambo, walk along the narrow Inca streets in the town and head back to Cusco, on the way you’ll visit Chinchero, explore the well preserve Inca site, visit the colonial church built over the Inca Palaces, and finally visit the textile center to learn the art of Andean textiles. Drop off at your hotel around 6.00 pm.

Duration: Full-day

Meals: Buffet Lunch

Entrance Ticket: Included

Accommodation: Munay Wasi Hotel or Similar

Day 3 : Day 3: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa

Location: Peru

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leave from your hotel in Cusco around 4:30 am in our exclusive van and drive to Soraypampa (3900m) – arriving approximately at 8:30 am. After breakfast, you’ll start the trek To Machu Picchu. First, you’ll hike 2 hours up to Humantay Lake, located at 4200 meters, this turquoise water lagoon is visited by hundreds of visitors every day, arriving first and enjoying the amazing views with fewer people. After exploring the lake, you’ll begin another 2 hours down Back to Soraypampa where your trekking chef will be waiting with a delicious lunch. Then, continue along the Salkantay Valley, following the meandering streams up to Salkantaypampa, the first campsite at the base of Salkantay Mountain located at 4000 meters. Upon arrival, you’ll find the tents ready, warm water to wash, tea time, dinner, and go to sleep in the comfortable million-star tents.

Campsite Altitude: 4000 m/13123 ft

Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles

Duration: 6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, and dinner

Accommodation: Camping under million stars

Considered: Moderate

Day 4 : Day 4: Salkantaypampa -Hayrajpunku – Collpapampa

Location: Machupicchu District

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake in your tent with a hot cup of coffee or tea and the spectacular view of the mountains, you’ll have time to pack and get ready for the day, after breakfast, start with the most difficult part of the trek, a 2-hours ascent to the highest point of the Salkantay Trek, The Salkantay Pass ( 4630 m / 15190 ft), once reaching the top, take some time to explore and enjoy the amazing vistas of the snow-capped peak. Then, continue a 2-hour descend to Hayrajpunku, here your amazing chef will be waiting with another amazing meal. After enjoying the well-earned lunch, continue descending for 3 hours until arriving at the second Campsite near the village of Collpapampa located at 2770m (9087ft). Along the way, you’ll see a variety of flora, fauna, and experience the fastest change in temperature that causes a drastic change in the landscape from clod snowy peaks to green tropical areas.

Campsite Altitude: 2770 mt / 9087 ft

Highest altitude: 4630 m /15190 ft

Distance: 18 km/ 11.1 miles

Duration: 9 hours

Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, and dinner

Accommodation: Camping next to a village

Considered: Challenging

Day 5 : Day 5: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata

Location: Santa Teresa

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast around 7:00 AM, begin the 3-hour trek along the Salkantay Valley, following the white water river coming down from the high mountains like Salkantay, a verdant area home to several waterfalls, orchids, flowers, coffee farms, and small villages. Lunch is among avocado trees at Lucmabamba, you’ll arrive right on time to participate in a PACHAMNACA, a traditional underground barbecue with hot stones, we put all kinds of meat, vegetable, and even fruits then bury underground, while waiting for the special meal, you’ll visit Wilbert’s organic coffee farm, learn the harvesting process, and make your own cup of espresso. After the Pachamanca feast, you’ll continue the second part of the day, following an ancient Inca trail for 3 hours up to Llaqtapata archeological site, this is a unique Inca site located right in front of Machu Picchu, where you’ll catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu. Spent the night with your tents overlooking the citadel.

Campsite Altitude: 2,750 m / 9022ft

Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles

Duration of hike: 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Camping in front of Machu Picchu

Difficulty: Moderate

Day 6 : Day 6: Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

Location: Pueb Machu Picchu

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up early, open your tent and you’ll see Machu Picchu, if the weather allows you’ll have the most beautiful sunrise over Machu Picchu, spend time relaxing, and getting ready for the final and last day of hiking to Aguas Calientes. The first part is a 2 hour downhill to Hidroelectrica Station, where you’ll get a box lunch to reenergize and say goodbye to our trekking team. Then, you’ll continue to Intiwatana (sundial rock). visited by Hiram Bingham during the 1911 expeditions, this carefully carved rock is perfectly aligned with the Sundial at Machu Picchu during the winter solstice.

Continue a pleasant 3-hour hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. This part of the hike is full of history not only because you’ll be walking around Machu Picchu but also because it was used by American Explorer, Hiram Bingham III during the 1911 expedition that led to the discovery of Machu Picchu. You’ll be able to visit the Mandor gardens, this is the exact place where Hiram Bingham arrived in 1911, he met a farmer named Arteaga, and eventually discover Machu Picchu thanks to this farmer. Due to the rich flora and fauna, you’ll be able to see different species of birds and flowers. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, check-in in a hotel and enjoy a relaxing shower. Dinner at Local restaurant.

Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m/ 6561 ft

Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles

Duration: 6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Difficulty: Moderate

Day 7 : Day 7: Machu Picchu (Lost City Of The Incas) – Cusco

Location: Machu Picchu

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

On the last day and most important day, wake up early, have breakfast in the hotel and catch the first buses to Machu Picchu, the hotel will store the heavy bags for you and you’ll go very light to get the best of the day. Upon arrival to the checkpoint, you need to show the original passport and the entrance ticket that we will provide, once inside you’ll start with an optional hike to Sungate of Inca Bridge, then, explore the most important places with your tour guide, plazas, temples, palaces, and learn about the history of this amazing place. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore by yourself or climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional and different from Machu Picchu citadel).

Once you finish visiting Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch (not included) and take the Vistadome panoramic train back to Ollantaytambo and then private van back to Cusco. Drop off at your hotel around 7.30 pm.

Duration of the tour: 3 – 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), others not included

Difficulty: Easy

Day 8 : Day 8: Depart Cusco

Location: Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport or bus terminal according to your schedule

What's Included

Accommodation

Four nights of 3-star hotel In Cusco and Aguas Calientes
Airport Transfers at Destination

Pick up form Cusco Airport
Drinks with Meals

Breakfast at the hotels, all meals included at the during the trek
Entrance Fees

To Machu Picchu & Salkantay
Fully Guided

Professional tour guide
Local Taxes

All taxes included

What's Not Included

Tipping and Gratuities
Country Entry Visas

Requirements

Original Passport
Rain gear
Sun protection
Warm layers (fleece / long sleeved tops)
Personal medication
Camera, extra batteries
Head torch
Extra snacks, power bars, chocolate
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips (small change is useful for paying to use the villagers' toilets on the first day)

Videos

Check out our Q&As

What is the maximum group size?

8 people
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

You will always have a tour guide during our trekkings.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

Guest must have a moderate fitness leve
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

We use 3-star hotels, based on double occupancy.
Are flights included in this tour?

Flights are not included in this tour

When is the tour available?

This tour is available all year round except February
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

During the trek, you will always have time to explore the Inca sites on your own after the tour guide's explanation.
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Transfer in and out in the airport of Cusco is included
Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

During our group tours, you will meet travelers from different countries and ages.
What is the tipping policy?

Tipping is absolutely optional.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Cee G

Salkantay 5 day trek January 2019

10-Jan-2019

Such an incredible experience! Went with my partner during January, usually the rainy season but our trek was full of sunshine, the food was delicious and plentiful (we had a private chef!), our guide Lizandro was very knowledgeable and experienced, and the views from our tent and along the trail were unparalleled in beauty. We hiked Mt. Salkantay the first day going nice and slow, the next days we hiked the cloud forest jungle and made our way to Machu Pichu. We only had to carry our day bag (water/sunscreen/bugspray) along the trail, our sleeping bags and the provided tent and food were carried by horses and porters. Picked up and dropped off at our hostel in Cusco. Pictures can't capture a fraction of the beauty, you have to be there in person. Awesome experience, Trexxperience was great, would do it again. :)

Noor El huda E

5 days Salkantay Trek

19-Jan-2021

5 days Salkantay trek review. Traveling with Trexperience has definitely been one of the best decisions I've taken during my vacations in Peru. It's a really dedicated team, ethical, highly professional, punctual, and organized. They make sure that every single detail is taken care of so that you can fully immerse yourself in you trek. Given how young this company is, it felt like they have been doing this for years. The fact that they invest in local community projects (building libraries, and computer centers in remote areas amongst other things) will make your investment in this company worth while! Before the trek: One of the staff members will meet you before the start of the trek to go through the run down of all five days, make sure you have all the essentials, and that you won't be missing anything vital while there. During the trek: Accompanied by a guide who's english is impeccable, you'll be walking through some of the most amazing sights you'll ever see. When compared with other groups, our food was worthy of a cook book! 3 course meals 3 times a day, with fresh brewed coffee, and as much matte de coca as you need! You'll be awaken everyday with some hot water, and tea/coffee, and the at the end of each day you'll be welcomed to the camping sight with hot water to wash up, and really great quality food. Every single detail is thought of carefully! After the trek: You'll be left with memories that will last you a lifetime, and bonded with a team who's objective is not only to make money, but to help the local community, which makes it even more rewarding for anyone who doesn't want to be the typical tourist. You'll get the chance to be hosted in coffee farms, and be immersed and a fully local experience. Other important details: We were only 2 girls throughout the trek, and never felt under any threat, we were safe and very well taken care of. Carlos, one of the founders of this company is an incredible human with a story that will leave you inspired. You will not regret booking through them for SURE!

A G

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

19-Jan-2021

Sure, we could’ve just taken the train like many tourists and sight-see-ers, but going to Perú to hike and camp my way to Machu Picchu was a trip planned to take me well outside of my comfort zone (because that’s where the magic happens, right?!), with a bonus of seeing first-hand one of the proclaimed Seven Wonders of the World!!! To be honest, I was terrified of leaving the comfort of the United States and most importantly my working cell phone!!! My dad laughed, “why do you plan these adventures when you know how much they scare you?!” I responded through tears before boarding the plane, “Because facing my fears is the most amazing way to live, Dad! And whenever I show up, even though I’m afraid, it always works out.” And wow, I could never have anticipated how incredibly well it worked out!!!! (So first of all, I planned this trip with a friend who was going to be doing the whole hike with us, but ended up not being able to join us until the last day by train and a bus to Machu Picchu... so I was braving my way into the Andes mountains and jungle solo...) And when I got there, I was met with the most extraordinary group of human beings!!! The other people in our trek group all spoke English, all were amazing, adventurous and kind, and unbelievably awesome!!! :D The group was great, and our Tour Guide was also probably the best in the area! Hubert. Hubert is knowledgeable, professional, fun... a great leader!!! He rallied the troops daily, and set proper expectations for us. He encouraged us when the trek was hard and we were down on energy.. different members of the group had different strengths and weaknesses, and Hubert catered to all of them effectively! He also told us Incan stories at dinner time and kept us engaged in the culture and history of the land. He had us all fascinated!!! The food... So I’m way more of a 5 star resort all-inclusive kind of girl than a wilderness person. And I hafta say, with our chefs, Rodrigo & Lorenzo, it was definitely more like Glamping than camping!!! These guys came along with us on the trails and whipped up delicious meals with gorgeous presentation at every meal!!! We would be so excited daily at what these fantastic chefs prepared for us. We left them big tips for their work!!! Machu Picchu. What a sight to see. I have to admit, I think I appreciated the actual spot way more, due to our hike to get there. It gave me more of a feel for the land and how people (Incans) traveled back then! And it made getting around the site a lot easier, since tbh it’s not that easy walking around Machu Picchu! It’s actually more like hiking as well, so I felt like a pro by the time we got there! lol This trip was fantastic. Way more incredible than I could have ever anticipated. Highly recommend TreXperience. The way they rolled with the unexpected events of my partner and I each getting sick, and still provided a phenomenal experience was highly commendable. Very amazing, punctual, reliable and surprisingly flexible when needed. 5 Stars!!! Thank you all for a wonderful adventure & unforgettable experience!!! -Angela, USA 🇺🇸

Sarah Louisa

A Life Changing Company

18-Dec-2020

Like the Incas has three pachas, or realms, TreXperience has three essential elements that make for the most incredible trekking experience; the tour, the people and the community. The Tour I took the 5D/4N Ultimate Salkantay Trek which was a wonderful alternative to the traditional Inca Trail. I chose it as I thought it would be more physically challenging and less crowded than the traditional route and I wasn’t disappointed! With fewer tours around it felt like a private pilgrimage. TreXperience has the tour down to a tee. With a high degree of attention to detail we had superb equipment, were woken with a hot cup of tea and warm water to freshen up and special little touches like a hot water bottle on the coldest evening were just perfect! The food was truly outstanding; real farm to table, delicious, healthy, expertly prepared and plentiful! With some special surprises thrown in! I could really appreciate Peruvian culture through the amazing food we were served! Timings for each day were also spot on and the tour was a perfect balance between challenging climbs and gentle ambles in the cloud forest culminating with Machu Pichu on the final day! A very well designed tour. The People From initial booking through the end of the tour I was blown away by the professionalism of the company. The porters, horsemen, chefs, local people, were all extremely friendly and talented. Everyone I interacted with felt like family and it was a real pleasure to spend Christmas with them all! The people around me made it such a special and unique experience. The Community One of the most impressive aspects of this company is its community outreach. They strive to engage and empower local communities through various social projects such as libraries in rural areas to providing stable employment for local people, business opportunities for local farmers and small business owners. This is what sets them apart from other tour companies and is something they should be extremely proud of. Thus the tour was not only life changing for me but the company is changing the lives of the local communities in this area. Finally, the man behind these three realms, Juan Carlos, is not only a gentleman and fun to be around, but is also empathetic, compassionate, supportive, has integrity and is determined. His knowledge of the Incas, Peru, his community is outstanding and his passion for his community and its people is inspiring. It is clearly visible through every aspect of his tours and makes for the most amazing experience as a guest. Carlos and the company are true visionaries in the trekking industry in Peru. I would absolutely recommend a tour with them. You won’t be disappointed!

Christine P

8 day Salkantay trek & Sacred Valley tour

01-Jan-2021

The whole experience was great. Hotel provided for before &after was excellent. Tour of Cusco & Sacred Valley where interesting & good introduction. Would have preferred to return earlier from Sacred Valley as to get more sleep before trek. Guide on trek was very informative providing lots of information on area wildlife history &culture Meals were excellent including taste of Peruvian food. Guide & assistant very encouraging & helpful when the walk was tough. Hard walk due to altitude &steep climbs but the views & experiences made the effort worth while.

Dates & Availability

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Apr
2024 May
2024 Jun
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025

Friday - Friday

Apr 19, 2024 - Apr 26, 2024

~~$980~~ $931 (USD)