Classic Adventure in Salkantay Trek: 5 Days and 4 Nights

Set out on a classic adventure in the Salkantay Trek, a thrilling 5-day, 4-night journey through the stunning Andes mountains near Cusco, Peru. This all-inclusive tour promises an unforgettable exploration of diverse landscapes and rich cultures, with breathtaking highlights like Humantay Lake, the majestic Salkantay Pass, and the iconic Machu Picchu. With professional guides, comfortable camping equipment, and essential meals, adventurers can enjoy the region’s natural beauty and uncover the secrets that lie within.

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Key Points

This 5-day, 4-night Salkantay Trek near Cusco, Peru offers a classic adventure, including highlights like Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu, for $748.75 per person.
The itinerary covers trekking through the Andes mountains, exploring cloud forests, and visiting coffee and avocado plantations, with professional guides and camping equipment provided.
Entrance fees to Machu Picchu and Salkantay National Park, as well as ground transportation, are included in the package price.
Additional costs may include meals during the trek, entrance fees for optional activities, and gear rentals, which should be budgeted for.
Moderate fitness is required, and recommendations include bringing altitude sickness pills, a small day pack, and a camera with batteries.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Salkantay Trek offers a classic 5-day, 4-night adventure in the stunning Andes mountains near Cusco, Peru. Priced from $748.75 per person, the trek includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve your spot without immediate payment.

The tour covers highlights like Humantay Lake, the Salkantay Pass, and Machu Picchu. Included are meals, professional guides, camping equipment, and transportation.

Additional costs cover optional activities, hot springs, and entrance fees. Hikers should be moderately fit, pack proper gear, and consider altitude sickness medication.

No refunds are given for late cancellations.

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Itinerary Highlights

The 5-day, 4-night itinerary for the Salkantay Trek offers an array of exhilarating highlights. Trekkers depart from Cusco, drive to Mollepata, and hike to Soraypampa to visit the stunning Humantay Lake. On day 2, they ascend to the Salkantay Pass for breathtaking views before exploring the cloud forest and camping in Collpapampa. The trek continues to La Playa, where coffee and avocado plantations await. Optional activities on day 4 include ziplining and rafting before reaching Machu Picchu Pueblo. The final day culminates with an early exploration and guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu site.

| Day | Highlights |

| — | — |

| 1 | Depart Cusco, trek to Soraypampa, visit Humantay Lake |

| 2 | Trek to Salkantay Pass, explore cloud forest, camp in Collpapampa |

| 3 | Trek to La Playa, visit coffee and avocado plantations |

| 4 | Optional activities, trek to Machu Picchu Pueblo |

| 5 | Explore and tour Machu Picchu, return to Cusco |

Included Services

The Salkantay Trek package includes an array of essential services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable adventure. Travelers can expect:

Professional, knowledgeable guides to lead the way and provide insights throughout the trek
Comfortable camping equipment, including personal sleeping mats, to ensure a restful night’s sleep after each day’s hike
Entrance fees to both Machu Picchu and the Salkantay National Park, eliminating the need for additional planning and payments

Plus, ground transportation from Cusco to the starting point and a group transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to downtown Cusco are provided, making the logistics hassle-free.

Additional Costs and Optional Activities

While the Salkantay Trek package covers a range of essential services, there are a few additional costs and optional activities travelers should be aware of.

Visitors will need to pay for meals not included during the trek, estimated at around 40 soles per person for the entrance to Santa Teresa hot springs. The Humantay Lagoon entrance fee is 20 soles.

Visitors must budget for meals not included in the trek and entrance fees to Santa Teresa hot springs and Humantay Lagoon.

Optional activities like rafting and zip-lining are available for an additional fee, payable on-site. Trekkers can also rent walking sticks and cover miscellaneous expenses like bottled water and hot water showers.

Understanding these extra costs allows for better trip planning and budgeting.

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Important Information and Recommendations

Moderate fitness is required for the Salkantay Trek, with a total of 3 hours of hiking per day.

Travelers should bring extra soles for spending, tickets, and tips. No refunds are offered for cancellations made after booking.

To prepare for the high altitudes (over 3,700m), the tour recommends:

Bringing altitude sickness pills
Packing a small day pack, waterproof jacket, and a camera with extra batteries
Avoiding bringing pets, alcohol, or unaccompanied minors, and refraining from feeding or touching animals.

Following these recommendations will help ensure a safe and enjoyable Salkantay trekking experience.

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Preparing for the Trek

Although a moderate fitness level is required for the Salkantay Trek, hikers can adequately prepare by ensuring they have the necessary gear and medication. The trek involves 3 hours of hiking per day, so hikers should train with shorter hikes prior to the tour.

A packing checklist can aid in preparedness:

| Essentials | Recommended | Optional |

| — | — | — |

| Hiking boots | Trekking poles | Sunglasses |

| Warm layers | Altitude sickness pills | Swimsuit |

| Rain jacket | Portable charger | Snacks |

Bringing the right equipment and medication will help hikers maximize their enjoyment and safety on the Salkantay Trek.

Exploring the Salkantay Region

The Salkantay region, a stunning natural wonder nestled in the Andes, offers trekkers a captivating journey through diverse landscapes.

From the serene Humantay Lake to the majestic Salkantay Pass, the trek showcases the region’s breathtaking beauty:

Witness the awe-inspiring glacial peaks and azure lakes that reflect the surrounding mountains.
Explore the lush cloud forests, home to a rich tapestry of flora and fauna.
Immerse in the local culture, visiting coffee and avocado plantations and experiencing the welcoming hospitality of the Andean people.

The Salkantay Trek allows adventurers to connect with the captivating essence of this magical region.

Arriving at Machu Picchu

As the trek through the Salkantay region comes to a close, trekkers eagerly anticipate their arrival at the iconic Machu Picchu.

The trek through the Salkantay region nears its end as trekkers eagerly await the iconic Machu Picchu.

On the final day, they wake up early for the final push, hiking to Hidroelectrica and then taking a train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

From there, they board a bus that climbs the winding road to the Sun Gate, the entry point to Machu Picchu.

Stepping through the ancient ruins, trekkers are awestruck by the jaw-dropping vistas of the Lost City of the Incas.

A guided tour helps them appreciate the site’s rich history and impressive architecture before they depart for Cusco.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Accommodations Will Be Provided During the Trek?

The trekkers will stay in camping accommodations throughout the tour. Camping equipment, including personal sleeping mats, will be provided. An optional upgrade to lodging in Aguas Calientes is available for an additional cost.

How Much Should I Budget for Tips and Personal Expenses?

You should budget about 200-300 soles (around $50-$75 USD) for tips, bottled water, hot showers, and other personal expenses during the trek. These costs aren’t included in the tour price, so it’s wise to plan ahead.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Minimum Requirements for Participants?

There are no age restrictions or minimum requirements for participants, but the trek requires a moderate fitness level. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Solo travelers are welcome.

Can I Bring My Pet Along on the Trek?

No, pets are not allowed on the trek. According to the information provided, the tour rules state that "Not allowed: pets, alcohol, unaccompanied minors, feeding or touching animals." Participants will need to make alternative arrangements for their pets.

What Are the Weather Conditions Typically Like During the Trek?

The weather during the trek can be quite variable. Hikers should expect a mix of sunny, cloudy, and potentially rainy conditions, especially at the higher elevations. Bringing proper gear like waterproof jackets is recommended to stay comfortable throughout the hike.

The Sum Up

The Salkantay Trek offers an unforgettable adventure through the Andes, showcasing the region’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. With expert guides, comfortable camping, and essential meals, travelers can enjoy the stunning vistas of Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, and the iconic Machu Picchu. This all-inclusive tour promises an enriching experience for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike, making it a must-do classic journey in Peru.

You can check availability for your dates here: