Ultimate Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers trekkers a chance to enjoy Peru’s stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This 5-day journey combines camping under the stars with a final night in a comfortable hotel, providing a well-rounded experience. Guided by experts, adventurers can expect delectable local cuisine and unforgettable moments, culminating in a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. Discover why this trek has a near-perfect recommendation rate from previous participants.

Key Points

• A renowned 5-day hiking route through stunning Andean landscapes, offering uninterrupted views and cultural experiences.
• Follows the iconic Salkantay route from highlands to dense forests, with a Pachamanca cooking demo and coffee farm tour.
• Includes 3 nights of camping and 1 night in a 3-star hotel, with support from expert guides, chefs, porters, and horsemen.
• Provides access to the UNESCO site of Machu Picchu, with a panoramic train return to Cusco.
• Requires a moderate level of physical fitness for daily hiking of 5-7 hours at high altitudes over uneven terrain.

Overview of the Trek

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a renowned 5-day hiking route that takes adventurers through stunning landscapes, from the highlands to dense forests.

With over 500 reviews and a 99% recommendation rate, it’s considered one of Peru’s finest trekking experiences.

The trek offers uninterrupted views, a Pachamanca cooking demonstration, and an organic coffee farm tour.

Accommodation includes 3 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel.

Travelers can explore the iconic UNESCO site of Machu Picchu and enjoy a panoramic train return to Cusco.

This trek is suitable for moderately fit hikers, with a maximum group size of 16.

Itinerary and Highlights

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu follows the iconic Salkantay route, leading adventurers through a captivating journey from the highlands to the dense forests. Trekkers will enjoy uninterrupted views as they traverse the varied landscapes.

The itinerary includes a Pachamanca cooking demonstration and a visit to an organic coffee farm. Accommodation comprises 3 nights camping in the mountains and 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.

The return journey to Cusco is by exclusive panoramic train. Along the way, expert guides, chefs, porters, and horsemen provide support to ensure a seamless and memorable experience.

Inclusions

This 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu includes a safety briefing before the trek, hotel pickup in the morning, and all transportation during the journey.

Hikers receive a duffel bag carried by horses, up to 7 kilos. Professional mountain guides, experienced chefs, porters, and horsemen accompany the group.

All meals are provided using local organic ingredients. Entrance tickets to Salkantay and Machu Picchu, as well as buses to and from Machu Picchu, are included.

Sleeping bags, poles, and air mats are available for rent. Advanced booking is required for Huayna Picchu and Montaña.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup from various locations in Cusco, including AirBnBs, starts at 4:30 am. This early morning departure ensures travelers reach the trail head at a suitable time.

The tour provides hotel pickup, so there’s no need to travel independently to the starting point. Participants must be ready at their designated pickup spot, as the group won’t wait for latecomers.

It’s essential to double-check the pickup location and time prior to the trek. This streamlined process allows the adventure to commence promptly, maximizing time spent on the legendary Salkantay route to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Safety and Fitness Requirements

Although the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is considered one of the finest trekking routes in Peru, it requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

The trek isn’t recommended for travelers with:

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

1. Back problems

2. Pregnant women

3. Serious medical conditions

4. Low fitness levels

Participants must be able to hike for 5-7 hours per day, at high altitudes, over uneven terrain.

A valid passport is required, and dietary requirements must be disclosed in advance.

The tour operator reserves the right to refuse participation if medical or fitness concerns arise.

Safety briefings are provided prior to the trek to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Accommodation and Meals

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu provides a combination of mountain camping and lodging accommodations. Trekkers will spend 3 nights camping in the mountains, enjoying the stunning scenery and tranquil atmosphere.

The camping gear, including sleeping bags and air mats, is available for rent. On the final night, trekkers will stay in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.

All meals during the trek feature local, organic ingredients, including a Pachamanca cooking demonstration and a tour of an organic coffee farm. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

Transportation and Luggage

The trek includes all necessary transportation during the journey.

Travelers are picked up from various locations in Cusco, including AirBnBs, with a 4:30 am start time.

The tour provides:

1. A duffel bag (up to 7 kilos) carried by horses.

2. Buses to and from Machu Picchu.

3. An exclusive panoramic train return to Cusco.

4. All other transportation required during the 5-day trek.

Advance bookings are needed for accessing Huayna Picchu and Montaña.

Valid passports are required for all participants.

Reservation and Cancellation Policy

Confirmation is received at booking for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu tour.

Travelers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the start of the experience for a full refund.

Travelers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the start of the experience for a full refund.

The tour operator requires a valid passport from all participants.

They don’t recommend the trek for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions as it requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

The maximum group size is 16 travelers, and infants are allowed if accompanied by an adult.

Dietary requirements must be specified at the time of booking, with a vegetarian option available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Prepare Physically for the Trek?

To prepare physically for the trek, one should engage in regular cardiovascular exercises like hiking, jogging, or cycling to build endurance. Strength training exercises, especially for the legs, can also help improve overall fitness level.

Are There Any Special Permits or Permissions Required?

Travelers need a valid passport for the trek. The tour operator handles all necessary permits and entrance tickets to Salkantay and Machu Picchu. No additional special permits or permissions are required for participants.

What Are the Best Months to Undertake This Trek?

The best months to undertake this trek are April to October, when the weather is dry and mild. Hikers should avoid the rainy season from November to March, which can make the trails slippery and challenging.

Can I Bring My Own Food or Equipment?

Travelers can’t bring their own food or equipment on the trek. The package includes all meals, transportation, and gear rental. However, hikers can bring a small personal bag with snacks, water, and other personal items they’d like to have readily available.

What Are the Potential Health Risks During the Trek?

The trek poses potential health risks like altitude sickness, dehydration, and fatigue. Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions or physical limitations should consult a doctor before booking. Following guide instructions and staying hydrated can help manage these risks.

The Sum Up

The Ultimate Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers a remarkable 5-day adventure through stunning Andean landscapes. Hikers will enjoy comfortable camping, delectable local cuisine, and expert guidance, culminating in a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. With a 99% recommendation rate, this trek provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore Peru’s natural and cultural wonders.