Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 5 Days And 4 Nights

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable journey through Peru’s captivating Andes. This 5-day, 4-night adventure showcases the region’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Travelers can look forward to expert-guided hikes, delectable meals, and quality camping amenities as they explore the UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu and a local coffee plantation. With a perfect recommendation score, this trek is a must-consider for those seeking an immersive high-altitude experience. What makes this journey particularly compelling is the opportunity to…

Key Points

• The Salkantay Trek is a 5-day, 4-night hiking adventure through the Andes, offering a 100% traveler recommendation and a visit to UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu.
• The trek includes a tour of a local coffee plantation, lodging in Aguas Calientes, and transportation by expedition train and bus to Machu Picchu.
• Amenities include a bilingual English-speaking tour guide, camping equipment, daily meals prepared by an expert chef, and horse support for personal belongings.
• Recommended trekking gear includes sturdy boots, warm clothing, and essentials like sunscreen, headlamp, and camera.
• Booking details include prices starting from $690 per person, a maximum group size of 16, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Overview of the Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a 5-day, 4-night hiking adventure through the Andes.

This scenic trek has a 100% traveler recommendation, with 42 reviews and a Badge of Excellence. Small groups receive hands-on guidance from a bilingual English-speaking tour guide.

Hikers will visit the UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu, tour a local coffee plantation, and stay in Aguas Calientes on the fourth night.

Transportation, camping equipment, meals, and hiking essentials are included, making this an all-inclusive trekking experience.

The trek isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.

Highlights of the Itinerary

According to the itinerary highlights, travelers can expect to visit the UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu during the trek.

On day 3, they’ll tour a local coffee plantation. The trek also includes lodging in Aguas Calientes on night 4 and an expedition train from there to Ollantaytambo or Poroy.

The package includes round-trip bus tickets to Machu Picchu.

Key highlights of the trek include:

• Visit UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu

• Tour local coffee plantation on day 3

• Lodging in Aguas Calientes on night 4

Included Amenities

To ensure a comfortable and well-supported trek, the package includes a variety of amenities.

Travelers will have the guidance of a bilingual English-speaking tour guide, as well as a pre-departure briefing at the hotel.

The trek includes transportation to the starting point, camping equipment like tents and mattresses, and a kitchen and dining setup.

An expert chef and assistant will prepare delicious daily meals.

For personal belongings, the trek provides horse support up to 8 kg.

Plus, hikers will receive a sleeping bag, hiking poles, and tips for the crew.

What to Bring

When packing for the Salkantay Trek, travelers should bring their original passport (and old passport if applicable) to ensure proper identification during the trek and visit to Machu Picchu.

Recommended trekking gear includes:

• Sturdy boots, a fleece jacket, and warm clothing to stay comfortable in the Andes.

• Toiletries like toilet paper, wet wipes, and a personal towel for freshening up.

• Essentials like sunscreen SPF 35+, a headlamp, sunglasses, and a camera with spare batteries.

Plus, trekking poles, insect repellent, and a book to read can enhance the experience.

However, the trek isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions.

Trekking Difficulty and Considerations

While the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers a scenic journey through the Andes, it’s important for travelers to consider the physical demands of the trek.

The trek involves hiking up to altitudes of over 15,000 feet, with steep ascents and descents. Travelers should be in good physical condition and have experience with multi-day trekking.

Those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or serious medical conditions may find the trek challenging. The trek isn’t recommended for these travelers.

Proper preparation, pacing, and hydration are crucial for a safe and enjoyable Salkantay Trek experience.

Booking Details and Policies

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers flexible booking options, with prices starting from $690.00 per person.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 16 travelers, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later, making it easy to secure their spot. The tour can be booked for pickup from Cusco city Airbnbs, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.

However, the trek isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Key booking details include:

• Prices from $690.00 per person

• Maximum group size of 16 travelers

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before start

• Reserve now, pay later option available

• Pickup from Cusco city Airbnbs

Group Size and Composition

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu limits group size to a maximum of 16 travelers. This small-group setting allows for a more personalized and intimate trekking experience.

The group is typically composed of solo travelers, couples, and small groups of friends or families. This size ensures that everyone receives attentive guidance from the bilingual, English-speaking tour guide.

The small group dynamic also fosters camaraderie and shared experiences among the participants as they navigate the scenic Andean trails together. This group size policy helps maintain the quality and exclusivity of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

Transportation and Pickup Information

For the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, pickup is available from Airbnbs located within Cusco city.

Travelers will be transported to the starting point of the trek at Soraypampa.

The trek includes:

• Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy

• Round trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu

• Emergency horse and transportation for personal belongings up to 8 kg

The confirmation for this trek is received at the time of booking, and it isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Travelers should note that this trek isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Trek as a Solo Traveler?

Yes, solo travelers can book the trek. The tour operator accepts individual bookings, and the trek is suitable for solo travelers who’ll join a small group for the hike to Machu Picchu.

What Is the Altitude Range During the Trek?

The trek takes you through an altitude range of 2,600 to 4,650 meters (8,530 to 15,260 feet). It starts at Soraypampa and climbs over the Salkantay Pass before descending to Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements for the Trek?

The trek doesn’t have strict age or fitness requirements, but it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions. Participants should be prepared for strenuous hiking in high altitudes.

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

Travelers can store their luggage in Cusco while on the trek. Most tour operators offer secure luggage storage at their offices or partner hotels, allowing hikers to pack light for the trek and retrieve their belongings upon return.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Camping Equipment?

Yes, travelers can upgrade the camping equipment on the Salkantay Trek. For an additional fee, you can opt for a private tent, deluxe sleeping bag, or upgrade the mattress and pillow. These upgrades provide more comfort during the multi-day hike.