The 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu provides an exceptional private service experience for adventurous travelers. This trek explores stunning landscapes, offering a chance to take in the breathtaking scenery and rich Inca culture, all while avoiding the crowds of the traditional Inca Trail. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and delicious meals included, participants can fully focus on the journey and savor the remarkable exploration of the ancient citadel. Those seeking a truly unique and personalized trekking experience won’t want to miss this incredible opportunity.
Key Points

- A 5-day private Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, avoiding crowds on the Inca Trail and showcasing diverse landscapes like jungles, mountains, and hot springs.
- The trek includes a professional bilingual guide, all meals, comfortable camping accommodations, and transportation to and from the trailhead.
- Transfers to and from Cusco, a return tourist train trip to Ollantaytambo, and transportation back to Cusco are provided.
- Exclusions include international and domestic flights, excess baggage charges, alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, and insurance, with the tour being non-refundable.
- The 5-day itinerary covers hiking through farmland, climbing to Salkantay Pass, visiting hot springs, trekking through jungle, and exploring Machu Picchu.
Tour Overview and Highlights
This 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers a private service experience that allows travelers to avoid the crowds on the Inca Trail.
Along the way, hikers will explore lowland jungles, glacier-carved mountains, and natural hot springs before reaching the iconic Machu Picchu.
With 26 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this trek provides a personalized experience limited to your group.
An expert bilingual guide, round-trip transfers, all meals, and camping gear are included.
Upgrades like the Vistadome train are available for an additional cost.
Strong fitness is required, but this trek promises an unforgettable journey.
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Inclusions

The 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu includes a professional bilingual tour guide and assistant guide to lead the way.
All meals – 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners – are provided. Travelers stay in comfortable accommodations and have their gear transported by horsemen and mules.
A dining tent with tables and chairs, a cook, and 4-man tents (2 per tent) with sleeping mattresses are set up. Extra oxygen and a first-aid kit are available should they be needed.
The trek also includes a night’s stay in Aguas Calientes and round-trip transfers from the traveler’s Cusco hotel.
Transportation Details

The tour includes round-trip transfers from the traveler’s Cusco hotel.
Travelers will be picked up and brought to the trailhead. After the trek, they’ll take the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo.
Valencia Travel agency then organizes the transportation back to Cusco, either by taxi or bus.
Train times for the return trip are confirmed after full payment. Earliest train departure is at 1pm, latest is at 9:20pm.
Travelers can upgrade to the Vistadome train at an additional cost if desired.
Exclusions

Although the tour includes many services, there are some exclusions travelers should be aware of.
International and domestic flights, airport departure taxes, and visa fees aren’t covered. Excess baggage charges and additional nights due to flight cancellations also aren’t included.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, insurance, laundry, phone calls, and radio calls/messages are also excluded.
The tour is non-refundable, and there are no refunds for cancellations.
Additional Information
Confirmation is received at booking for this 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
This trek isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems.
Vegetarian options are available, but travelers must inform the agency at booking. A strong physical fitness level is required.
There are no refunds for cancellations as the booking is non-refundable.
The price per person varies based on group size, starting from $1,132.40.
Additional nights due to flight cancellations and excess baggage charges are also excluded from the package price.
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Salkantay Trek Itinerary

This 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu takes travelers on an exhilarating journey through diverse landscapes.
On day one, they’ll hike through lush farmland to the small village of Soraypampa.
The second day challenges them with a steep climb to the Salkantay Pass at 15,213 feet. After, they’ll descend into the tropical cloud forest.
On day three, they’ll reach the hot springs of Cocalmayo.
The fourth day leads them through the jungle to the town of Aguas Calientes, located at the base of Machu Picchu.
The final day is spent exploring the ancient Inca citadel.
Arrival and Departure
After completing the challenging hike through the diverse landscapes, travelers can look forward to the seamless arrival and departure process for this 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. The tour provider arranges hassle-free round-trip transfers from the Cusco hotel. Trains depart as early as 1 pm and as late as 9:20 pm, providing flexibility. The agency then organizes the return transportation to Cusco, either by taxi or bus.
| Arrival Details | Departure Details |
|---|---|
| Pick up from hotel | Return transportation (bus or taxi) |
| Transfer to trail start | Train times confirmed after payment |
| Earliest train at 1 pm | Latest train at 9:20 pm |
| Vistadome train upgrade available | Train upgrade to Vistadome available |
Packing List

Packing for the 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is essential to ensure a comfortable and successful journey.
Travelers should pack the following essentials:
- Breathable, quick-dry clothing for hiking
- Warm layers, including an insulated jacket and gloves
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots
- Sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Sum Up
The Salkantay Trek offers an exceptional private service experience, allowing adventurers to explore stunning landscapes while avoiding crowds. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and all meals included, participants can fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery and rich culture, culminating in the remarkable exploration of the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
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