Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu – 5 Day Tour

The Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu is a remarkable 5-day hiking adventure that immerses travelers in the stunning landscapes of Peru. This tour caters to those with moderate physical fitness, offering a comprehensive package with transportation, camping equipment, and an expert English-speaking guide. With a maximum group size of 18, adventurers can expect breathtaking scenery, delectable meals, and the opportunity to discover the iconic Machu Picchu. What makes this experience truly unforgettable, however, is the chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Key Points

• This 5-day hiking tour covers the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu, including transportation, camping equipment, guide, and meals.
• The tour caters to travelers with moderate physical fitness, with a maximum group size of 18 people.
• Included services cover transportation, camping equipment, guide, chef, first aid, and Machu Picchu ticket, with some additional costs.
• The tour is not recommended for travelers with heart problems or serious medical conditions, and is not wheelchair accessible.
• The tour is provided by PaRa Travels, with a starting price of $327.91 per person and a non-refundable policy.

Tour Overview

The Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu tour is a 5-day hiking adventure that takes travelers through the scenic landscapes of Cusco, Peru.

A 5-day hiking adventure through the scenic landscapes of Cusco, Peru on the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu.

It includes transportation to the hike’s starting point and back from Aguas Calientes to Cusco. The tour provides camping and kitchen equipment, a professional English-speaking guide, a chef, and a first aid kit.

Horses and muleteers are available to carry personal items up to 5kg. Hikers will receive tickets to Machu Picchu and accommodations in Aguas Calientes.

The tour caters to travelers with moderate physical fitness and has a maximum group size of 18 people.

Included Services

The Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu tour includes a range of essential services to ensure a seamless hiking experience.

Transportation is provided to the hike’s starting point at Soraypampa, and back from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.

All camping and kitchen equipment are included, along with a professional, English-speaking guide, a chef, and a first aid kit with oxygen.

Horses and muleteers are available to carry general items and up to 5kg of personal belongings.

Tickets to Machu Picchu and a hotel stay in Aguas Calientes are also part of the package.

Meals are covered, with 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.

Additional Costs

While the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu tour includes a comprehensive set of services, there are some additional costs travelers should be aware of.

These include a one-way bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, which costs $12 USD. The first breakfast and last lunch are also not included.

Travelers should be aware of the $12 USD cost for the one-way bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and the unincluded first breakfast and last lunch.

Equipment rentals like a sleeping bag ($15 USD) and access to hot springs ($25 soles) are optional extras. Ziplining costs $100 soles.

If personal luggage exceeds 5kg, travelers must pay an extra $150 soles for a mule to carry it. These additional expenses should be factored into the overall tour budget.

Pickup and Schedule

Pickup from the hotel is provided before the tour starts, with the confirmation of the exact time given to travelers a few days in advance.

The tour operates daily, with opening hours from 10/18/2019 to 3/18/2026, 24 hours a day. Travelers will meet at the designated pickup location and time to begin their journey.

This 5-day Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu tour offers convenience and flexibility, allowing guests to experience the stunning scenery and historical significance of the region on their own schedule.

Health and Accessibility Information

This Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu tour isn’t recommended for travelers with heart problems or serious medical conditions.

It’s also not suitable for pregnant women. However, service animals are allowed.

The Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu tour is not suitable for pregnant women, but service animals are permitted.

While the tour is located near public transportation, it’s not wheelchair accessible.

To participate, travelers need moderate physical fitness as the tour involves hiking.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 18 travelers.

Booking Information

PaRa Travels supplies this Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu tour. The price starts from $327.91 per person.

There’s a non-refundable policy – no refund for cancellations. Travelers can book this tour Monday through Sunday from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

The tour operates from October 18, 2019 to March 18, 2026. Travelers should expect a maximum group size of 18 people.

This moderate hike isn’t recommended for those with heart problems or serious medical conditions, nor for pregnant travelers.

However, service animals are allowed, and the tour is near public transportation, though not wheelchair accessible.

What to Expect on the Salkantay Trail

What can travelers expect on the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu? The trail offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and the Salkantay Pass at 15,213 feet.

Hikers will traverse diverse ecosystems, from alpine tundra to cloud forests. Each day brings new challenges, with the trek’s highest point being the most demanding.

Travelers must be prepared for varying weather conditions and manage their pace. The journey culminates in reaching the iconic Machu Picchu, where visitors can explore the Inca ruins.

Highlights of the Salkantay Trail

The Salkantay Trail boasts a variety of captivating highlights that draw travelers to this renowned route to Machu Picchu.

Key highlights include:

1. Breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain, the second-highest peak in the Cusco region.

2. Traversing diverse ecosystems, from high-altitude glaciers to lush cloud forests, offering a diverse array of flora and fauna.

3. The opportunity to visit the remote Andean communities and gain insights into traditional Quechua culture.

4. The grand finale – the awe-inspiring arrival at the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Challenging Is the Salkantay Trail in Terms of Difficulty Level?

The Salkantay Trail is considered a moderate to challenging hike, requiring a good level of physical fitness. It involves high-altitude trekking, steep ascents, and long hiking days, but it’s doable for most travelers in good shape.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Salkantay Trail Tour?

Service animals are allowed on the tour, but personal pets are not permitted. The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness and is not suitable for travelers with serious medical conditions or pregnant women.

Do I Need to Purchase Travel Insurance for the Salkantay Trail?

While travel insurance isn’t explicitly required, it’s highly recommended for this trekking tour. It can cover unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other potential issues that may arise during the challenging hike.

Can I Customize the Salkantay Trail Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

The tour operator generally allows some customization of the Salkantay Trail itinerary to accommodate traveler preferences, though additional costs may apply. It’s best to discuss any desired changes directly with the tour provider.

What Are the Options for Flexible Payment Plans for the Salkantay Trail Tour?

The tour provider doesn’t offer flexible payment plans. Customers need to pay the full amount upfront. However, they do provide a lowest price guarantee and have a non-refundable cancellation policy, so travelers should carefully consider their booking.

The Sum Up

The Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable 5-day hiking adventure for travelers with moderate fitness. With professional guides, meals, and equipment included, this tour provides an immersive exploration of breathtaking landscapes. Discover the wonders of Machu Picchu and create lasting memories on this small-group journey.