SALKANTAY 5D/4N-LLACTAPATA-SKY DOMES

The Salkantay 5D/4N trek to Machu Picchu promises an unforgettable adventure. This trek features comfortable accommodations, professional guides, and breathtaking sights like Humantay lagoon and Llactapata ruins. With small group sizes and a focus on personal gratification, it’s an enriching journey amidst nature’s beauty. For those seeking an immersive trekking experience, the Salkantay trek offers a chance to discover the wonders of Peru’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Key Points

• 5-day, 4-night Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu with an alternative route and serene landscapes, priced at $403 per person.
• Accommodation includes domes and huts, with a sleeping mat provided for each participant.
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu on the final day, with a pre-departure briefing and transportation to the starting point included.
• Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch on the last day are provided, with optional extras like hot springs and rental of walking sticks and sleeping bags.
• Trek rated 3.5 out of 5 stars based on limited reviews, with positive feedback highlighting extraordinary experiences and deep cultural discovery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

This 5-day, 4-night Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is priced at $403.00 per person.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve now, pay later option is available.

The small group trek is limited to 15 participants and includes live tour guides in Spanish and English.

The trek covers diverse landscapes, from glaciers and mountains to cloud forests.

The trek traverses an array of environments, from towering glaciers and peaks to lush, misty cloud forests.

Accommodation comprises domes and huts, with amenities like dining tents, pack animals, and professional staff.

Trek Highlights and Itinerary

Travelers embark on an alternative trek to Machu Picchu, exploring serene landscapes and encountering minimal crowds. The highlights include glaciers, mountains, valleys, unique plants, wildlife, and the cloud forest.

Day 1 starts in Cusco, hiking to Soraypampa (3900m) and visiting Humantay lagoon.

On Day 2, they reach Salkantay Pass and camp at Chaullay (2900m).

Day 3 takes them to La Playa and the base camp at Lucmabamba (2400m).

The trek continues to the Llactapata ruins on Day 4, then arrives at Aguas Calientes.

The final day includes a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu.

Accommodation and Amenities

The accommodation on the Salkantay 5D/4N-Llactapata-Sky Domes trek includes a mix of domes and huts.

The domes can accommodate up to 4 people, while the huts are designed for 2 people. Each participant is provided with a sleeping mat.

The trek also features a dining tent with tables and chairs, as well as kitchen facilities. Plus, one night is spent in a hostel in Aguas Calientes.

Throughout the trek, a professional English-speaking guide and chef are on hand to support the group.

Pack animals carry the tents, food, cooking equipment, and personal gear, with a maximum weight limit of 5 kg per person.

Inclusions and Optional Extras

The Salkantay 5D/4N-Llactapata-Sky Domes trek includes various amenities and optional extras.

Guests receive a pre-departure briefing, transportation to Mollepata, and entrance to Machu Picchu. A train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is also provided.

Prior to departure, guests receive a briefing, transport to Mollepata, and entry to Machu Picchu. A train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is also provided.

Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch on the last day after the guided tour are included. The tour also provides biodegradable personal hand soaps and a first aid kit with emergency oxygen.

Optional extras include:

• Visit to hot springs (50 soles)

• Rental of walking sticks ($20)

• Rental of sleeping bags ($20)

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Customer Reviews and Experience

Overall, customers have rated the Salkantay 5D/4N-Llactapata-Sky Domes trek 3.5 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews. Positive feedback highlights the extraordinary experiences and deep cultural discovery. Guides were praised for their knowledge and support throughout the trek. Memorable landscapes and personal gratification were emphasized in the reviews.

| Positive | Neutral | Negative |

| — | — | — |

| Extraordinary experiences | Moderate rating | Limited reviews |

| Deep cultural discovery | – | Potential room for improvement |

| Knowledgeable guides | – | – |

Why Choose the Salkantay Trek?

Although the Salkantay Trek isn’t as well-known as the iconic Inca Trail, it offers a remarkable alternative for travelers seeking a less crowded and more serene path to Machu Picchu.

The trek highlights include:

• Stunning glaciers, mountains, and valleys

• Diverse flora and fauna in the cloud forest

• Opportunities to connect with local Andean culture

• Visits to historical sites like the Llactapata ruins

• Accommodations in cozy sky domes and huts

The Salkantay Trek provides a deeply immersive and unforgettable experience, making it a compelling choice for adventurous hikers looking to explore the Andes in a more intimate and sustainable way.

What to Bring and Prepare

To ensure a smooth and comfortable trek, hikers should pack a well-rounded set of gear and supplies. Sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, rain protection, and sun protection are essential.

A day pack, water bottle, snacks, and personal hygiene items are also necessary. Trekkers should bring any personal medications, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Hiking poles can help ease the strain on knees during the ascent and descent. Thermal sleeping bags and mats are provided, but hikers may wish to bring their own for added comfort.

Proper preparation and packing will help make the Salkantay trek an unforgettable experience.

Additional Information and Booking

Booking this Salkantay trek can be done conveniently through the tour operator’s website. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Group size is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a personalized experience with an English and Spanish-speaking guide.

Additional amenities include:

• Guided tour of Machu Picchu and optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

• 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes hostel

• Biodegradable toiletries and emergency first aid kit

• Optional activities like hot springs visit and rental of walking sticks and sleeping bags

With an overall positive rating, this Salkantay trek promises extraordinary cultural discoveries and memorable landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Altitude Sickness Precautions Provided?

The tour provides a biodegradable first aid kit with emergency oxygen to address potential altitude sickness. Plus, the guide is trained to monitor participants and offer support throughout the high-altitude portions of the trek.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated on the Trek?

Yes, the tour can accommodate dietary requirements. The itinerary includes meals prepared by a professional chef, so they can cater to vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs with advance notice from participants.

How Difficult Is the Salkantay Trek Compared to Other Inca Trails?

The Salkantay Trek is moderately challenging, requiring a good level of fitness. It’s more strenuous than the classic Inca Trail, with higher elevations and longer hiking days. However, it offers stunning scenery and a less crowded alternative to reach Machu Picchu.

Is There an Option to Extend the Trek or Visit Other Sites?

The 5-day trek does not offer options to extend the hike or visit additional sites. However, travelers can explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, or other trails like the Inca Trail as add-ons to the Salkantay experience.

Can I Request a Private or Custom Tour for My Group?

Yes, the tour operator offers customized private tours for groups. Travelers can request changes to the itinerary, group size, and other preferences to create a personalized adventure. Additional fees may apply for private or custom tours.

The Sum Up

The Salkantay 5D/4N trek to Machu Picchu offers an exceptional experience. With stunning landscapes, culture, and comfortable accommodations, it’s a journey that promises personal gratification. Though the $403 price tag may be daunting, the trek’s small group sizes, professional guides, and focus on customer satisfaction make it a compelling choice for those seeking an enriching adventure amidst nature’s beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: