Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4or 5 Days Authentic Peruvian Food

4.8 (169 reviews) Cusco, Peru
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Duration5 days
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 15 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Embark on the unforgettable Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, one of Peru’s most spectacular hiking adventures. Journey through 75 km of breathtaking landscapes, from the majestic Salkantay Mountain and high-altitude passes to turquoise lakes, cloud forests, and lush jungle trails.

Experience the perfect combination of adventure and culture as you follow ancient paths with a professional local guide, enjoy delicious Peruvian meals prepared along the route, and discover hidden gems away from the crowds.

Cross the famous Salkantay Pass at 4,700 m (15,420 ft), admire incredible mountain views, visit stunning natural attractions, and finish your adventure with the unforgettable arrival at Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic archaeological wonders.

This trek is ideal for travelers seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience, combining nature, local traditions, authentic cuisine, and the magic of the Andes.

Options

Salkantay, 4 days and 3 nights

Panoramic Mountain Cabins
Salkantay, 4 days and 3 nights
Duration: 4 days
4 breakfast 3 lunch 3 dinner: Meals Included: 4 breakfasts, 3 freshly prepared lunches, and 3 authentic Peruvian dinners.
Pickup included

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days and 4 Nights

Pickup included

What's included

  • English/Spanish speaking professional tour guides
  • 3 Nights in glamping sky huts, cabins.
  • On the day before departure Pre-Trek Briefing at 5 or 6 pm at the Machu Picchu Expeditions office
  • Pick up from your hotel in Cusco historic center
  • Coca tea to wake you up every morning in the campsite
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Free Storage service
  • 3 Snacks
  • Breakfast
  • Vegetarian/Vegan options available on request with no additional charges
  • Private transportation to head of Salkantay trail
  • A duffle bag to pack 6 kg of your belonging that will be carried by horses during the trek
  • Guided visit to Machu Picchu (Only Circuit 2 / 6:00 or 7:00
  • Boiled water provided for coffee and tea to accompany your meals at the campsites
  • 3 tea time every afternoon: Popcorn, cookies, chocolate & coffee
  • Free electricity in all camps to charge your electronic devices
  • Personal pad and pillow
  • First-Aid equipment, walkie-talkies and oxygen bottle for emergencies
  • 1 night in a 3-Star hotel in Machu Picchu town
  • Professional chef and cooking equipment
  • Horses for carrying up to 6 kg of personal luggage and other required equipment
  • Sleeping bag (you can rent from us for US$ 10.00 for whole trek)
  • Walking sticks (you can rent from us for US$ 15.00 for whole trek)
  • Entrance ticket to the hot springs (PEN 10.00)
  • Transportation to the hot springs (PEN 40.00) per person
  • Drinking Water For Bottles
  • Hot Shower
  • Internet Connection
  • TIPS : (Voluntary, not mandatory) for your mountain chef and horsemen
  • ZIPLINE on day 3 , you can book with us $28 USD
  • Optional Horseback Ride from Soraypampa to Salkantay Pass (Day 2) you can book with us.
  • Return by Train Optional
  • Return journey from Hidroelectrica (2h by walk from MP Town to Hidroeléctrica) to Cusco by Bus
  • Machu Picchu entrance (We'll purchase if available.)
  • Entry/Admission - Humantay Lake

What to expect

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
  1. Humantay Lake
    12h · Admission ticket not included
    Your adventure begins with a 4:00 AM hotel pickup in Cusco. After breakfast in Mollepata (not included), we continue to Challacancha, where you'll meet our horsemen and pack horses. They will carry the camping equipment, food, and up to 5 kg (11 lbs) of your personal belongings.

    From here, we hike through breathtaking Andean scenery to Soraypampa before continuing to the stunning Humantay Lake, one of Peru's most spectacular glacial lakes. Enjoy time to explore, take photos, and admire the incredible mountain views.

    Back at camp, savor a freshly prepared authentic Peruvian lunch, followed by a free afternoon to relax, acclimatize, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. In the evening, enjoy dinner and spend the night in our comfortable mountain cabins.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa
  1. Salkantay Trail
    12h
    Wake up surrounded by the breathtaking Andes and enjoy a hot breakfast before starting the most rewarding day of the trek. We hike to the impressive Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the highest point of the route, where you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain.

    After taking time to rest and capture unforgettable photos, we descend through dramatic mountain landscapes into the lush cloud forest. Along the way, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch before continuing to Collpapampa, where you'll relax in our comfortable mountain cabins.

    End the day with a delicious authentic Peruvian dinner while enjoying the peaceful surroundings and preparing for the next stage of your adventure.
Day 3: Collpapampa – Coffee Tour – Lucmabamba
  1. Banos Termales de Cocalmayo
    12h · Admission ticket not included
    After breakfast, continue descending through the lush cloud forest, surrounded by waterfalls, tropical vegetation, and coffee plantations. Upon arrival in Lucmabamba, enjoy an included coffee experience, where you'll discover the traditional process of cultivating, roasting, and preparing one of Peru's finest organic coffees.

    After the coffee tour, savor a freshly prepared authentic Peruvian lunch.

    5-Day Trek

    Spend the afternoon at your leisure. You may choose to visit the Cocalmayo Hot Springs or enjoy an exciting zipline adventure (both optional and not included), or simply relax in our comfortable mountain cabins, surrounded by nature.

    4-Day Trek

    After lunch, take a local transportation (not included) to Hidroelectrica. From there, enjoy a scenic walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where you'll spend the night in a comfortable hotel before visiting Machu Picchu the next day.
Day 4: Machu Picchu (4-Day Trek) | Llactapata Trek to Aguas Calientes (5-Day Trek)
  1. Aguas Calientes
    12h
    4-Day Trek

    Start the day with breakfast at your hotel before taking the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu (bus ticket not included). Enjoy a professionally guided tour of the Lost City of the Incas, where you'll discover its fascinating history, architecture, and breathtaking viewpoints.

    After the guided visit, begin your return journey to Cusco by car, arriving in the evening. Travelers who prefer a faster and more comfortable journey may upgrade to a train return (optional, extra cost).

    Included: Breakfast only

    5-Day Trek

    After breakfast, hike along the original Inca Trail to the impressive Llactapata Archaeological Site, one of the best viewpoints overlooking Machu Picchu. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views before descending through the cloud forest to Hidroelectrica, where a freshly prepared lunch awaits.

    Continue on a scenic walk to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where you'll enjoy dinner and spend the night at your hotel, ready to visit Machu Picchu the following morning.
Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
  1. Machupicchu
    16h · Admission ticket not included
    After an early breakfast, take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu (bus ticket not included) and enjoy a professionally guided tour of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Discover its fascinating history, remarkable architecture, and breathtaking panoramic views while exploring the most iconic sites within the citadel.

    After the guided tour, you'll have free time to explore on your own or, if you have reserved in advance, hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional, subject to availability).

    Return Options to Cusco

    Return by Car (Included)
    Walk back to Hidroelectrica and return to Cusco by tourist transportation, arriving in the evening.

    Return by Train (Optional Upgrade)
    Upgrade your return journey by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by tourist transportation to Cusco. This option offers a faster, more comfortable, and scenic return through the Sacred Valley. Additional cost applies.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

in the center of the square

End point

in San Francisco Square, a few blocks from the main square.

Pickup details

The guide will call you by the name on your reservation and will be wearing a uniform with the company logo.

Additional information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

4.8 (169)
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