Don’t miss one of the most popular tours to Salkantay and Machu Picchu! Spend 5 adventure-filled days trekking the high altitude trail and the high jungle as you encounter diverse flowers and small coffee, avocado, and banana farms!
Make no mistake, the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most popular treks in the Cusco area. Commonly known as the alternative route to the iconic Inca Trail trek, this trek was recently named as one of the 25 best treks by the National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. This less-crowded alternative route will bring you near the highest peaks in the Cusco area, including Apu Salkantay and Huamantay. The first part of the trek covers dramatic, high altitude terrain and then slowly descends to the high jungle. Along with glaciers and snow-capped peaks, we will observe exotic flowers and diverse plant life. Additionally, you will have the option to explore the Llactapata ruins on day four before a private tour of the celebrated ruins the following morning.
5 Days / 4 Nights
Day 1
Salkantay Trek: Cusco-Challa’cancha-Suirococha
In the morning we’ll pick you up from your hotel in private transportation to bring you to Mollapata, a small village on the high jungle zone’s upper limits. We’ll stop here for an optional breakfast (cost not included) before continuing on to Challa’cancha. Here, we will be able to truly appreciate the majestic, snow-capped peaks belonging to the Salkantay mastiff. Then we’ll trek an easy 2 hours to Soraypampa where we will enjoy lunch. In the early afternoon, we’ll continue climbing another 3.5 hours to Suirococha, our first campsite of the trek.
Duration: 5 hours / 12 km (7.45 miles)
Included meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Salkantay Trek: Suirococha-Huayracmachay-Colpapampa
We’ll have an early breakfast before climbing to the Salkantay Pass. There, we will stop to celebrate reaching the highest point of the trek and to appreciate the gorgeous panoramic views of Vilcanota’s snow-capped mountains and glaciers. After we will head down to Huayracmachay where we will have lunch and rest; then, we will begin our descent into a more tropical climate. After a long descent along the Salkantay River, we will arrive at our second camp, Colpapampa (2,890 m).
Duration: 8 hours / 13 km (8 miles)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Salkantay Trek: Colpapampa-Lucmabamba
Continue the adventure through the high jungle. Along the way, you’ll pass dramatic waterfalls and small avocado, banana and coffee farms and observe orchids and tropical birds firsthand. You’ll enjoy lunch at a small family-owned coffee farm where you will also stay overnight.
Duration: 6 hours / 11 km (6.8 miles)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Salkantay Trek: Lucmabamba-Aguas Calientes
You’ll start the day with the opportunity to roast and grind your own breakfast coffee as you learn about organic coffee cultivation. After breakfast, there will be time to optionally zip line through the Santa Teresa Valley before trekking to Aguas Calientes.
Duration: 3 hours / 6 km (3.7 miles)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Machu Picchu Tour:
Explore Machu Picchu! Our visit will include the famous highlights, in addition to lesser-known (but equally fantastic) places. Â We’ll arrive in Cusco on the train in the early evening.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Group min/max: 2-12 people
These items are not included but may be requested for rent:
We offer the option to upgrade your trek to add a bit more comfort each night. Our upgrade option includes a larger tent with a higher ceiling (so most people can stand fully upright), extra thick air mattress,-15 C sleeping bag, a pair of walking poles, a solar-powered lantern in your tent, and wine served each night with dinner. $19.00 per person, per trek day.
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After you book your experience, you will receive a confirmation email from us confirming that your payment went through. You will then be connected directly to the tour operator, in case you have any further questions. We are also happy to answer any questions about the tour, or travel in general in your country of destination.
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