5-Day Salkantay Trek Tour to Machu Picchu

Question 1

Day 1: Visit of Humantay Lake

Answer

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Trekking time & distance: Approx. 6.5 hours & 6.2 miles (10 km)

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Lodging: Sky dome (12,795 ft / 3900 m)

Set your alarm for 4:00 a.m. when we pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco. We leave Mollepata after a delicious breakfast and proceed to the starting place of the trek. To go to Sky Camps in Soraypampa, we must hike for 3.5 hours 5 mi (8 km) over spectacular mountain views.

After lunch in front of the breathtaking Salkantay peak, we refuel for the long climb to Humantay Lake. The 1.25 mi (2 km) of ascent displays the magnificence of nature. Don’t worry; a horse may be rented for S/70 ($19) if that’s what you prefer.

Observe the crystal-clear lake and the way the sky is reflected on its mirror-like surface. Our guide will help to capture this unique moment with your phone and take some unforgettable pictures of you and your partner. At the end of the day, enjoy a delicious dinner and an amazing stargazing experience in your igloo.

Question 2

Day 2: Crossing the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m/15,255 ft.)

Answer

Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner

Trekking time & distance: Approx. 10.5 hours & 13.7 miles (22 km)

Level of difficulty: Challenging

Lodging: Andean Huts (2900 m / 9,500 ft)

Your day begins at 5:30 am with a cup of energizing coca tea and a freshly prepared breakfast. Afterwards it’s time for the rocky and challenging Salkantay Pass. But it’s worth the effort, because after reaching the top, you’ll be awaited by Salkantay Mountain’s snow-covered magnificence and picturesque background.

Conquer the difficult terrain under the guidance of an experienced guide while soaking in the beautiful views. As this part is quite demanding, your guide will make sure everyone follows the pace and make enough breaks if necessary.

Having passed the Salkantay pass, we will descend a bit further to have lunch. Watch how the entire flora and fauna changes while hiking 2.5 hours to the next campsite in Chaullay.

Question 3

Day 3: Welcome to the Jungle

Answer

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Trekking time & distance : Approx. 6.5 hours & 11.2 miles (18 km)

Level of difficulty: Easy

Lodging: Jungle domes (2000 m / 6,560 ft)

Start early on an adventure to the town La Playa. Explore waterfalls, coffee and fruit farms, as well as rivers and orchids. The atmosphere changes as we enter the subtropical jungle, and the energy increases.

We enjoy a typical lunch in La Playa before continuing our adventure. The final mile takes you to the Lucmabamba campground.

Relax under jungle domes or seek out Cocalmayo’s hot springs’ for a well-deserved bath.

Question 4

Day 4: Inca Trail

Answer

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Trekking time & distance: 9 hours & 15.5 miles (25 km)

Level of difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Lodging: Hotel accommodation (Aguas Calientes, 2040 m / 6,700 ft)

After breakfast, embark on the legendary Inca Trail. A 2-hour trek takes us to Llactapata, from where you can already have a glimpse of the magical Machu Picchu ruins.

After another two hours of descent, we stop for lunch close to the hydroelectric station. An easy 3-hour hike takes us to Aguas Calientes, where a comfortable hotel is waiting for you to spend the night. You are almost there!

Question 5

Day 5: Machu Picchu

Answer

By starting the day early, you can reach Machu Picchu before the crowds arrive. Following a guided tour, you might like to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, both offer 3-hour round-trip hikes with amazing views. Make sure to get your tickets in advance.

At the end, you’ll take the train from Aguas Calientes and return to Ollantaytambo from where our private driver will bring you safely back to Cusco.