From Cusco: 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an adventure that begins in Cusco, Peru. This trek covers 53 miles through stunning landscapes, including lush valleys, glacial lakes, and the breathtaking Salkantay Pass. Hikers can expect comfortable campsites, delicious meals, and knowledgeable bilingual guides who’ll share the rich culture and natural beauty of the region. But the real highlight? Exploring the iconic Machu Picchu at the end of the journey. What secrets will this ancient Inca citadel reveal?

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Key Points

The Salkantay Trek is a 5-day, 53-mile trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu, featuring glacial peaks, alpine lakes, and tropical cloud forests.
The trek reaches its highest point at the Salkantay Pass (15,210 feet) and includes comfortable campsites, meals, and bilingual guides.
The first two days involve an ascent to the Salkantay Pass and a descent to Collpapampa, offering stunning views of the Salkantay mountain.
Days 3 and 4 involve a journey through lush landscapes, coffee and fruit plantations, and the option to visit hot springs in Santa Teresa.
The trek concludes with a guided tour of the Machu Picchu archaeological site, with the option to hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trek Overview

The 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu takes adventurous travelers on a journey through the stunning Andes mountains.

Covering 53 miles, the trek begins in Cusco and winds its way up to the Salkantay Pass at an impressive 15,210 feet. Trekkers will witness dramatic landscapes, including glacial peaks, alpine lakes, and tropical cloud forests.

The route then descends to the Aguas Calientes village, where hikers catch their first glimpse of the iconic Machu Picchu.

Throughout the trek, participants enjoy comfortable campsites, freshly-prepared meals, and the expertise of English and Spanish-speaking guides.

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Day 1: Cusco to Mollepata and Soraypampa

Starting your Salkantay Trek adventure, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the early morning and driven to the trailhead town of Mollepata.

From there, you’ll begin your hike, climbing upwards through green valleys and past small villages to reach the stunning glacial lake of Soraypampa, situated at an elevation of 3,850 meters above sea level.

This scenic first day sets the stage for the incredible landscapes you’ll encounter over the next four days as you make your way towards the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.

Day 2: Soraypampa to Salkantay Pass and Collpapampa

After reaching the stunning glacial lake of Soraypampa the previous day, the group embarks on the challenging ascent to the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,600 meters above sea level. The steep and winding path tests their endurance, but the rewarding views of the majestic Salkantay mountain make the effort worthwhile. Following the pass, they descend to the lush valley of Collpapampa, where they set up camp for the night.

| Destination | Elevation | Duration |

| — | — | — |

| Soraypampa | 3,850 m | – |

| Salkantay Pass | 4,600 m | 3-4 hours |

| Collpapampa | 2,920 m | 2-3 hours |

Day 3: Chaullay to Collpapampa and Santa Teresa

Having descended from the Salkantay Pass the previous day, the group makes their way from Chaullay to Collpapampa.

The trail leads them through lush, green landscapes, where they spot waterfalls and have the opportunity to visit hot springs in Santa Teresa.

The trek provides a chance to enjoy the local culture, with stops at coffee and fruit plantations along the way.

The group will then continue on to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, setting the stage for the next day’s exploration of the iconic Inca citadel.

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Day 4: Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes

On the fourth day, the trekkers depart from Santa Teresa and make their way to Aguas Calientes, the town situated at the base of Machu Picchu.

They’ll hike to the Hidroelectrica, a hydroelectric plant, and follow the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. Along the way, they’ll explore coffee and fruit plantations.

Upon arrival, they’ll have free time to explore the charming town, visit the hot springs, or prepare for their early morning visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

Upon arrival, they’ll have time to explore the charming town, soak in the hot springs, or prepare for Machu Picchu.

The trek then continues by taking the expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

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Day 5: Machu Picchu Exploration

The fifth and final day of the Salkantay Trek begins with an early visit to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Accompanied by an expert guide, trekkers will explore the ancient Inca citadel, learning about its rich history and cultural significance.

Key highlights include:

Guided tour of the main archaeological site, including the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the Principal Plaza
Optional hike to either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for stunning panoramic views
Free time to wander the ruins and capture breathtaking photographs
Departure from Machu Picchu via the expedition train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer back to Cusco.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu package includes a range of services and amenities to enhance the trekking experience.

It covers hotel pickup, transportation, accommodation, meals, guides, and entrance fees. Hikers will enjoy roomy personal tents, a professional chef, and porters to carry the gear.

The package also includes the expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and transport back to Cusco.

However, some items are excluded, such as Salkantay entrance fee, hot spring fees, and alcohol. Rentals like sleeping bags can be arranged.

Dietary requirements can be accommodated, but drones aren’t allowed on the trek.

Important Considerations

While the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable adventure, there are a few important considerations travelers should keep in mind.

The trek isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with respiratory issues. Baggage is limited to 6 kg per person, and a rental of a -20°C sleeping bag is available for $5 per day.

The Salkantay Trek has strict baggage limits and requires proper equipment, with a $5 per day rental for a -20°C sleeping bag.

Drones aren’t allowed on the trek. Plus, travelers should be aware of the additional costs for the Salkantay entrance fee, hot spring fees, and Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance fees.

[BULLET LIST OF 4 ITEMS]:

Not suitable for pregnant women or those with respiratory issues
Maximum baggage weight: 6 kg per person
Rental of -20°C sleeping bag available for $5 per day
Drones not allowed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Trek?

Sorry, but pets are not allowed on the 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. The trek is not suitable for animals due to the challenging terrain and high altitudes. Participants must bring only essential personal belongings.

Is There Wi-Fi Access During the Trek?

There is no Wi-Fi access during the trek. The Salkantay Trek takes place in remote, rural areas where internet connectivity is limited. Guests should expect to be disconnected from technology for the duration of the 5-day hike.

Can I Store My Luggage in Cusco While on the Trek?

Yes, you can store your luggage in Cusco while on the trek. The tour operator offers luggage storage service so you don’t have to carry all your belongings during the hike.

How Much Time Is Needed to Acclimate Before the Trek?

The tour recommends allowing 1-2 days to acclimate before the trek to prevent altitude sickness. This gives your body time to adjust to the high elevations on the Salkantay Trek and ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience.

What Should I Pack for the Weather Conditions?

Pack layers for changing weather – warm jacket, hat, gloves, rain gear. Bring sun protection like sunscreen and a hat. Pack hiking boots, moisture-wicking socks, and comfortable hiking clothes that can get dirty. Stay prepared for both cold and warm conditions.

The Sum Up

The 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable adventure that takes hikers through stunning landscapes, including the breathtaking Salkantay Pass. With comfortable campsites, delicious meals, and knowledgeable guides, trekkers can enjoy the rich culture and natural beauty of the region. The journey culminates with a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu, making it a perfect blend of exploration and history.

You can check availability for your dates here: