The Classic Salkantay Trek offers adventurers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of Peru while staying in luxurious domes. This 5-day journey takes trekkers to the iconic Machu Picchu, providing a perfect blend of challenge and comfort. With guided tours, delectable meals, and essential camping gear, participants can enjoy the cultural and natural wonders of the region. But what truly sets this trek apart is the chance to witness the captivating transition from high mountains to lush jungles.
Key Points
- The Classic Salkantay Trek is a 5-day trekking experience that culminates at the iconic Machu Picchu site.
- The trek features luxury camping accommodations, including "Jungle Domes" and "Mountain Sky View Campsite".
- Participants can expect to see breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and have the opportunity to visit an organic coffee farm.
- The tour is guided in both Spanish and English and is limited to 14 participants.
- The package includes meals, camping gear, train tickets, and entry fees to Machu Picchu and Salkantay park.
Overview and Pricing
The classic Salkantay Trek is a 5-day journey to Machu Picchu, featuring luxurious domes as accommodation. Priced at Kč 19,083 per person, this trek offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay-later option to secure your spot.
The trek is limited to 14 participants and guided in both Spanish and English. Breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and majestic mountains await as highlights of this immersive experience.
With meals, camping gear, and train tickets included, the Salkantay Trek provides a comprehensive and convenient way to explore the beauty of Peru’s natural and cultural wonders.
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Trek Details
This classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu spans 5 days, with a limited group size of 14 participants.
The trek features live tour guides in both Spanish and English, allowing for seamless navigation and immersion. Highlights include breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and majestic mountains.
The daily itinerary covers challenging terrain, from the Salkantay pass to the cloud forest and Santa Teresa Valley jungles. Along the way, trekkers will have the opportunity to visit an organic coffee farm and the Llactapata archaeological site before the grand finale at Machu Picchu.
Daily Itinerary
As the trek begins, participants awake early on the first day and have the option of enjoying breakfast in Mollepata before embarking on a hike to Challacancha.
Here, they’ll stay at the Sky Camp and visit the nearby Humantay Lake.
Participants will stay at the Sky Camp and visit the nearby Humantay Lake.
The second day features a challenging hike to the Salkantay pass, followed by a descent through the cloud forest to the Mountain Sky View Campsite in Collpapampa.
On day three, hikers explore the Santa Teresa Valley jungle, visiting an organic coffee farm before reaching the Jungle Domes camp.
The original Inca Trail and Llactapata archaeological site await on day four, with an optional train to Aguas Calientes.
The final day starts with an early visit to Machu Picchu, followed by a guided tour and return to Cusco.
Inclusions
Included in the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu are bus transfers from Cusco to Soraypampa, along with a bilingual guide who provides services in both English and Spanish.
Meals – 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners – are also included. Campers will have access to necessary camping gear like tents, sleeping mats, and more.
The trek also includes a train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and entry tickets to Machu Picchu and Salkantay park. Accommodation for one night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes is also provided.
Lastly, a sleeping bag and walking poles are available as additional items.
More Great Tours NearbyExperience Highlights
Travelers can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Salkantay Trek, experiencing a diverse range of landscapes from high mountains to lush jungles.
The trek offers:
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Exploration of hidden jungle valleys and the iconic Machu Picchu, providing a unique perspective on the region’s rich history and culture.
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Engagement with nature, as hikers witness the transition from towering peaks to verdant forests, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders.
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Immersion in local traditions, with opportunities to interact with communities and gain insights into their way of life along the trekking route.
This unforgettable adventure allows travelers to fully experience the essence of the Salkantay Trek.
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Breathtaking Landscapes
The Salkantay Trek immerses adventurers in a breathtaking tapestry of landscapes, unveiling the true grandeur of Peru’s natural wonders. Trekkers ascend to snow-capped peaks, descend through lush cloud forests, and traverse verdant valleys, each step revealing a new facet of the region’s extraordinary beauty. The trek offers a captivating visual feast, from the shimmering Humantay Lake to the ancient Inca ruins at Llactapata. Explore this diverse terrain with the following table highlighting the diverse landscapes encountered along the way.
| Landscape | Description |
| — | — |
| High Mountains | Majestic peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows |
| Cloud Forests | Lush, verdant valleys with dense vegetation |
| Jungle Valleys | Tropical foliage, cascading waterfalls, and hidden trails |
| Inca Ruins | Ancient stone structures and archaeological wonders |
Ancient Ruins and Majestic Mountains
What ancient ruins and majestic mountains await adventurers on the Salkantay Trek? Along the way, explorers will encounter:
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The Llactapata archaeological site, an Inca ruin perched atop a mountain with awe-inspiring views of Machu Picchu.
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The towering, snow-capped peaks of the Salkantay mountain, one of the highest in the Cusco region, looming over the trekkers as they ascend to the pass.
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The mysterious Humantay Lake, a turquoise glacial pool nestled in the embrace of the Andes, a hidden gem of the trek.
These ancient wonders and natural marvels promise to leave trekkers in a state of wonder and reverence for the majesty of this region.
Taking in Nature and Local Culture
As trekkers enjoy the Salkantay experience, they’ll have the opportunity to intimately connect with the natural wonders and local culture of the region.
The trek showcases diverse landscapes, from high Andean peaks to lush cloud forests. Along the way, they’ll visit an organic coffee farm and interact with the local communities, gaining insight into their traditions and way of life.
Trekkers can expect to be fully immersed in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Salkantay region, creating lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the environment and local way of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option to Upgrade to Private Transportation?
Yes, there’s an option to upgrade to private transportation for an additional cost. This allows for a more personalized and convenient travel experience throughout the trek.
Can I Bring My Own Hiking Equipment?
Yes, travelers can bring their own hiking equipment. The trek package includes camping gear, but hikers are welcome to use their own sleeping bags, poles, and other personal gear if they prefer.
Are There Any Medical Facilities Along the Trek Route?
There are basic medical facilities at the campsites along the trek route. Guides carry first-aid kits and can provide basic medical assistance. For serious medical issues, the nearest larger medical facilities are in Cusco.
How Much Time Is Allotted for Exploring Machu Picchu?
The tour includes an early visit to Machu Picchu on the final day with a guided tour. Travelers then have free time to explore the ancient ruins before taking the train back to Cusco.
Is There an Option to Extend the Trek for Additional Days?
The tour package doesn’t explicitly mention an option to extend the trek for additional days. However, it’s worth checking with the tour operator as they may offer customized itineraries or extensions for travelers who want to spend more time in the region.
The Sum Up
The Classic Salkantay Trek offers an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu, combining stunning landscapes, challenging hikes, and immersive cultural experiences. Adventurers can enjoy the comfort of luxurious domes while exploring organic coffee farms, Humantay Lake, and the transition from high mountains to lush jungles. With guided tours in both Spanish and English, delicious meals, and essential camping gear, this trek provides an unparalleled experience for those seeking an exhilarating and luxurious trek to Machu Picchu.
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