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Machu Picchu Hiking in Peru

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a spectacular Andean hike, with high peaks, snow-capped mountains, and tropical valleys. Get ready to complete one of the most spectacular treks that get to Machu Picchu. Considered one of the best 25 treks in the world according to National Geographic Magazine, the Salkantay trek offers a variety of Peru ecosystems; from the Andes, high pass, and azure lagoons to the high jungle, tropical forests, and even dense jungle.

Highlights

  • Scenic Andean hiking trip
  • Trek to the world-famous Machu Picchu and explore the ancient citadel
  • Walking along a segment of the original Inca trail
  • Serene walk among the rich vegetation of the cloud forest
  • Admire the picturesque Humantay Lake
  • 4 nights accommodation

Skill level

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate

5 days with instruction in English
The organizer also speaks: Spanish
Group size: 2-15 participants
Airport transfer available:
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (US$ 20 per person)
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Accommodation

Check-in Time:
04:30
Check-out Time:
19:00
  • The first night you sleep in an Ecological House in the town of Pispitayoc in the middle of the high jungle.
  • The second night you sleep in the town of Santa Teresa. Comfortable accommodation: 2 beds or triple or double, private bathroom, hot shower.
  • The accommodation in Machu Picchu is a hostel which is well located. There will be rooms with 2 beds, double, or triple, with clean, private bathrooms, hot showers, and breakfast

If you want better accommodations like 3, 4, or 5-star hotels, just let Inkas Destination know to quote.

Program

The Inca and pre-Inca people named this mountain Apu Salkantay ("Savage mountain"). It is located in the Vilcabamba mountain range. If you love adventure and you are thinking of doing a trekking route to Machu Picchu away from everything and in contact with nature (Pacha Mama), this is your ideal route. You will learn all about Inca culture, and nature, and most importantly you will arrive at Machu Picchu and will enjoy a guided tour, do not miss out on this salkantay trek to Machu Picchu.

Tour highlights

  • Traverse through breathtaking landscapes that include snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and cloud forests, providing a diverse range of natural beauty.
  • Witness the turquoise brilliance of Humantay Lake, a stunning high-altitude lake nestled amidst the mountains, offering a picturesque and tranquil setting.
  • Explore the Inca archaeological site of Llactapata, strategically located with panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.
  • Conquer the challenging Salkantay Pass, reaching an elevation of over 15,000 feet (4,600 meters), and relish the accomplishment with awe-inspiring views.
  • Encounter diverse ecosystems, from high-altitude alpine terrain to lush cloud forests, providing opportunities to spot unique flora and fauna along the trail.
  • Culminate your trek with a visit to Machu Picchu, exploring the ancient citadel and its architectural marvels while soaking in the rich history and breathtaking surroundings.

Meeting and briefing

Some days before the tour, the Inkas Destination team will contact you via E-mail or WhatsApp and will coordinate the meeting time at your hotel to provide you the all tour details and answer all your questions.

The tour starts from your accommodation in Cuzco at 04:30 a.m. and ends in the center of Cuzco at about 7:00 p.m.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Wayllabamba

  • Walking distance: 11 km. - 6.83 mi. + 4 km. - 2.48 mi.
  • Duration: 4 hours + 2 hours
  • Maximum elevation: 4200 m. / 13776 ft.
  • Minimum elevation: 2800 m. / 9116 ft.
  • Lodging: Soraypampa Campsite

The guide will pick you up at your accommodation in Cuzco Center from 4:30 a.m. When the whole group is gathered, you will drive for 2 hours to Mollepata (2800 m. – 9116 ft.) where you have the opportunity to have an energetic breakfast, and then continue driving 40 minutes to the small village of Challacancha (3600 m. – 13680 ft.) where you meet your muleteers and mules, in this place begins the 4-hour walk to the first camp of Soraypampa (3900 m. – 12792 ft), lunch.

After a delicious lunch, the hike to Lake Humantay begins (4200 m. – 13776 ft). It is 1 hour and 30 minutes uphill walk and you'll spend the same time down to the camp, have dinner, and overnight.

To keep in mind

At the Mollepata stop, you will separate your stuff and you may send 5Kl. by horse. You will also pay for access to Humantay Lake. This ticket costs 20 soles which is not included in the tour.

Day 2: Soraypampa - Wayracpampa - Colpapampa

  • Walking distance: 22 km. / 13.67 mi.
  • Duration: 10 hours
  • Maximum elevation: 4617 m. / 15137ft.
  • Minimum elevation: 2800 m. / 9116 ft.
  • Lodging: Colpapampa

You will wake up early morning at 5 a.m. After a delicious breakfast, you’ll then begin a roughly 3.5-hour hike to Salkantay Pass (4650 m. – 15091 ft.). You’ll stop to catch your breath at the top and bask in the glaciated presence of Salkantay (6271 m. – 20574 ft.) and other snow-capped peaks like Humantay and Tucarhuay, possibly even seeing avalanches careening down them.

After the guide's explanation and spending some time taking in this beautiful landscape, you will start your descent until your lunch point Wayracmachay (3900 m. – 12792 ft.). Then, continue walking down to the high jungle, passing through the Vilcabamba mountain range. You will finish the second day of the trek at the Colpapampa (2800 m. – 9184 ft.) campsite, where the vegetation and wildlife will be more abundant. Dinner and overnight.

To keep in mind

  • This second day is the most difficult so it is highly recommended to use walking sticks.
  • The weather in the Andes is very changeable so it is recommended to bring a rain poncho or rain jacket

Day 3: Colpapampa – Playa Sawayaco – Lucmabamba

  • Walking distance: 14 km. (8.69 mi.)
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Maximum elevation: 2000 m. / 6562 ft.
  • Mínimum elevation: 1900 m. / 4920 ft.
  • Lodging: Lucmabamba

After breakfast, you will begin your walk at 6 a.m. through the high Jungle of Santa Teresa Valley (1500 m. – 4920 ft.), with more downs than ups as you soak in the lush landscape on rivers, small streams, waterfalls, orchids, and many plantations including banana, coffee, and avocado.

After 5 hours of hiking, you will stop in Playa Sawayaco (1900 m. – 6232 ft.). You will have a tasty lunch before heading to the Lucmabamba campsite (2000 m. – 6562 ft.). In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the area. dinner and overnight.

To keep in mind

This day is optional to visit the thermal baths of Cocalmayo which is not included in the price, but the guide can coordinate with the group to visit this beautiful place. It does not include transportation and entrance to the thermal baths.

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes

  • Walking distance: 11 km. (6.83 mi.) + 12 km. (7.45 mi.)
  • Duration: 4 hours + 3 hours
  • Maximum elevation: 2800 m. (9186 ft.)
  • Minimum elevation: 1900 m. (6270 ft.)
  • Lodging: Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, this morning you will be able to walk along a bit of the original Inca trail after a 2.5-hour uphill hike and fascinating views, you will reach Llactapata (2800 m. – 8858 ft.), an Inca archaeological site right in front of Machu Picchu. The guide will explain to you about the place.

Afterward, you will walk for 2 hours downhill until you reach Hidroeléctrica (1,900 m – 6,270 ft). You will have a nutritious lunch and rest. then you will continue on foot for about 3 hours. Following the train line, you will finally reach the Aguas Calientes (1915 m. – 6396 ft.) aka Machu Picchu town. Dinner and overnight.

To keep in mind

Once in Hidroelecrica, you have 2 options: 1) To continue with the normal itinerary enjoying the last stretch of the trek, enjoy the flat hike alongside the train track to Machu Picchu town about 3 hours or 2) if you are tired out after the trekking, you can opt to board a train to Aguas Calientes (34 USD).

In Hidroeléctrica, you will receive the 5Kl stuff that you have to carry during this section of the walk, but if it is very uncomfortable or very heavy you may send it by train (coordinate with the guide). This is not free, it has an extra cost that depends on the weight of the luggage.

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

  • Walking distance: 6 km
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Maximum elevation: 2400 m. – 7872 ft.
  • Minimum elevation: 1915 m. – 4969 ft.
  • Train back: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Van back: 1 hour 30 minutes

At 4 a.m., you will start your last day, walking up to Machu Picchu (2400 m. – 3872 ft.) for around 1.5 hours. At the entrance of this Inca citadel, you will register and show your ticket to start your 2-hour guided tour. He will show you the most important parts of Machu Picchu citadel.

After the guided visit, you will have free time to explore by yourself. At the end, you will return to Aguas Calientes (1515 m. – 4969 ft.). Pick up your stuff and then go to the train station to take the train to Ollantaytambo, where a bus awaits to return you to Cusco. End of service.

To keep in mind

  • The exact train schedule and access to Machu Picchu are subject to availability and will be indicated with the confirmation of your reservation.
  • To go down from Machu Picchu to the town you can do it by walking for 1.5 hours or taking the bus down for 25 minutes. The cost is 12 USD.
  • In Ollantaytambo, your driver will wait for you with a sign with your name and he will return you to Cusco.

Location

The tour will start at Cusco, then you move to the Sacred Valley, Pass Malaga, and Sta Maria, Cocalmayo hotsprings, Machu Picchu.

Food

The package includes most of the meals, except the first breakfast and last lunch in Aguas Calientes is not included.

The tour can cater to special diets such as vegetarian, vegan, food allergies, etc. If you are vegetarian or gluten-free simply let Inkas Destination know and advise them of your specifications.

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Gluten Free
  • Other dietary requirements on request
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

Things to do (optional)

  • River rafting: 30 USD
  • Zip-line: 30 USD

What's included

  • 4 nights accommodation
  • Informative briefing the day before we coordinate with you the time
  • Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
  • Private transportation from Cusco to Km. 82
  • Professional cook
  • Kitchen and dinner tents, mattresses, chairs, tables
  • Two-person sleeping tents
  • Porter for camp equipment
  • Entrance ticket to Inca Trail
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
  • Professional bilingual guide (English & Spanish-speaking)
  • 3 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 3 dinners
  • Bus D\down to Aguas Calientes
  • Train ticket from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo
  • Bus transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
  • First aid kit and oxygen bottle

What's not included

  • First breakfast, last lunch in Aguas Calientes
  • Entrance to Humantay Lake 20 soles (6 USD)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Hiking poles
  • Airfare
  • Airport transfer

How to get there

Recommended Airports

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). Airport transfer is not included in the price.

If you arrive by bus, contact Inkas Destination and they can organize the transfer service for you. In the case that you won't take the transfer service, the guide will visit you at your hotel to provide you with all tour details.

Airport: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport Airport transfer available: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (US$ 20 per person) Additional charges may apply. You can request this in the next step.

Cancellation Policy

  • A reservation requires a deposit of 100% of the total price.
  • The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
5 days / 4 nights
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Minimum group size

This trip requires a minimum of 2 participants

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