Salkantay Trek Peru 5 Days

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Trip Length

Group Size

Min 2 Persons

Activity Type

Physical Level

Easy

Salkantay Trek Peru 5 Days

Salkantay Trek Peru 5Days to Machu Picchu, it is one of the best alternative trekking options, designed for those who wish to see and experience different ecosystems atmosphere.

Salkantay Trek Peru 5Days It became a famous 5-day trip to Machu Picchu, including overnights in comfortable and ecological accommodations, camps with accommodations similar to the igloo or in basic camping equipment, the options are many. Salkantay Trek Peru 5Days, nowadays, it is a route available for all the passionate hikers in nature.. Witness yourself a living ancient culture in remote small villages, enjoy Salkantay Trek Peru 5Days, with real life experiences.

Salkantay Trek Peru 5Days

The name of this mountain is a contraction that comes from our mother language QUECHUA, Salqa means sullen or wild and Antay means, produce avalanches. The name of Apu, usually wrote before it, which the Quechuas define as a “great sacred mountains”. Salkantay is one of the highest mountains in the Cusco region , Nevertheless it is the greatest in its splendid isolation, the greatness of Vilcanota mountain range.

The Salkantay Trek is a multi-day hike that offers a different route to Machu Picchu. The trail is known for its wide range of landscapes, starting in the dry, high-altitude plains near the Andes mountains and finishing in the upper jungle region. The journey begins with a drive from Cusco to the trailhead, where the trek commences with a walk towards the base of the imposing Salkantay mountain.

The central part of the trek is physically demanding, involving an ascent to the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the route at over $4, 600$ meters. From this high point, there are direct views of the Salkantay glacier. After crossing the pass, the trail begins a long descent, and the environment changes from a cold, alpine setting to a warmer, more humid cloud forest with dense vegetation.

The final days of the trek continue through the high jungle valleys, passing by small streams and areas with local flora and fauna. The route includes a bus transfer and a final walk to the town of Aguas Calientes, located at the base of Machu Picchu. The tour concludes on the fifth day with a guided visit to the Machu Picchu citadel before the return trip to Cusco.

Salkantay Trek Peru 5 Days See What each day looks like!

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Trip Summary

Day 1: Cusco – Challacancha – Soraypampa A bus journey from Cusco to the trailhead at Challacancha, followed by a hike to the first campsite at Soraypampa.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Colpani The most challenging day, hiking up to the Salkantay Pass and then descending into the cloud forest to the Colpani campsite.
Day 3: Colpani – Playa Sahuayaco – Santa Teresa A walk through the high jungle to Playa Sahuayaco, followed by a bus to Santa Teresa to camp and visit the hot springs.
Day 4: Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes A hike from Santa Teresa to Hidroelectrica, then a final walk alongside the train tracks to the town of Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco An early morning visit to Machu Picchu for a guided tour, with a return to Cusco by train and bus in the afternoon.

Trip Details

Starting Altitude: $3, 700 m /12, 140 ft$ (Challacancha).
Highest Altitude: $4, 650 m /15, 091 ft$ (Salkantay Pass, Day 2).
Total Walking Distance: $70 km /43 miles$ approximately.
Overall Difficulty: Moderately Difficult to Difficult (depending on your level of fitness).
Sites to Visit: Soraypampa, Salkantay Pass, Cloud Forest, Cocalmayo Hot Springs, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu.
Acclimatization: Acclimatization in Cusco for at least 2 days is recommended.

Highlights

Hiking below the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
Crossing the high Salkantay Pass at $4, 650$ meters.
Descending from the cold highlands into the warm cloud forest.
Walking through valleys with diverse plants and animals.
Visiting the Cocalmayo hot springs in Santa Teresa.
A complete guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel.

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Itinerary

DAY 1Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa

At 05 am. we pick you up from your hotel and we will begin by bus to Mollepata ( $2, 800 m.s.n.m.$ or $9, 116$ feet). This is a beautiful scenic drive through the valley of Limatambo where you can take photos of the Apurimac valley. Upon reaching the town of Mollepata we will have breakfast. We will continue driving for one hour more to Challacancha which is the start point; this is where we will find the muleteers and mules to begin our walk towards Soraypampa ( $3, 825 m.s.n.m.$ or $12, 371$ feet). After 4 hours of hiking, lunch, and then we will continue to our first camp, Soraypampa. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 2Soraypampa – Wayracpampa – Colpany

This day we will arrive at the first high pass ( $4, 650 m.s.n.m.$ or $15, 091$ feet), you will see the snowcapped Salkantay mountain; with the snowcapped mountains of Huamantay on the right side and Tucarhuay on the left side. Once here, we will observe the Salkantay glacier ( $6, 271 m.s.n.m.$ or $20, 574$ feet) and the magnificent view of avalanches. To continue, we will pass for spectacular places into the vast Peruvian territory that lead to the gradual descent of our trek through the cloud forest, where the vegetation and wildlife will be more abundant. Colpani camping ( $2, 900 m.s.n.m.$ or $9, 514$ feet). Dinner & Overnight.

DAY 3Colpani – Playa – Santa Teresa

After the breakfast, we will begin our walk at 06:30 am, through the high jungle and then we will cross the Lluskamayo River, plus a small variety of streams. We will pass through valleys and will have wonderful experiences next to the exotic flora and fauna of the region, plus the amazing view of cataracts. We will stop in Playa – Sahuayaco ( $2, 250 m.s.n.m.$ or $7, 381$ feet) for lunch; later, we will take a little bus that will bring us to Santa Teresa ( $1, 900 m.s.n.m.$ or $6, 233$ feet). In this place we will camp and later we will relax in the thermal baths of Cocalmayo.

DAY 4Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes

After the breakfast, we will begin the trek in the Santa Teresa valley with direction to Hidroeléctrica, the place where we will lunch. Later we will continue with our walk with a majestic view of Machu Picchu and the principal sacred mountains of the Incas such as: Huayna Picchu, Putucusi and including the snowcapped Salkantay Mountain. After 6 hours of walking, we will arrive at Aguas Calientes town ( $1, 900 m.s.n.m.$ or $6, 233$ feet), where we will spend the night.

DAY 5Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

We wake up at 04:00 am; then we start to walk to the Machu Picchu citadel. When we will be in the Machu Picchu checkpoint the group will join and then start the Guiding tour for about 2 hours. After that, you will have free time to climb Huayna Picchu (previous payment) and visit the different places recommended by our guide, like: The Inti Punku and Machu Picchu Mountain. At last, we will return by train to Ollantaytambo city and then by bus to Cusco.

Included

Pick up from the Hotel. Transport from your hotel in Cusco to the start of the tour.
Bus from Cusco to Mollepata. Tourist bus transfer to the area where the trek begins.
Return bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. Transfer from the train station back to your hotel in Cusco.
Muleteers and mules. Staff and pack animals to carry camping gear, food, and your personal duffel bag.
Tent, mattresses, kitchen and dining equipment. All necessary camping equipment for the trek.
Double tents. Two people share a tent, providing adequate space.
4 breakfast / 4 lunch / 4 dinner. All meals are provided during the trek, from breakfast on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4.
Cook. A dedicated cook prepares all the meals at the campsites.
Transport from Playa sahuayaco to Santa teresa. A local bus is included for this section of the journey.
One night accommodation in Aguas Calientes. A basic hotel/hostel is included for the night before visiting Machu Picchu.
Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. A tourist class train ticket for the return journey.
Entrance fee of Machu Picchu. The standard entry ticket to the archaeological site.
Professional guide (English & Spanish). A licensed guide accompanies the group for the entire tour.
First aid kit and oxygen bottle. Carried by the guide for emergencies.

Not Included

Last lunch in Aguas Calientes. You must cover the cost of your lunch on Day 5 after the Machu Picchu tour.
Sleeping bag. You need to bring your own or rent one from the company.
Tips. Tips for the guide, cook, and muleteers are optional but appreciated.

Pricing

This tour offers two service options, with prices varying based on the number of people in your group:

Private Tour: $800.00 USD per person for a group of 2 to 3 people.
Group Tour: $780.00 USD per person for a group of 1 to 3 people.

For groups of 4 or more, please contact our To Andes Path Peru Sales Department to request a discount.

What to bring

Sleeping bag. A bag rated for cold temperatures (down to $- 5^{\circ} C /2 3^{\circ} F$ ) is necessary for the first two nights.
Walk shoes or boots. Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are essential.
Light clothes. Bring layers, including t-shirts and long-sleeved shirts, for varying temperatures.
Mosquito repellent. Important for the jungle sections on Days 3 and 4.
Water bottle. A reusable bottle is recommended; water will be provided to refill it.
Rain jacket, hat, sunblock, sunglasses. Protection from rain, sun, and cold is necessary.
Chocolates, candies or another snacks. Good for quick energy during the hike.
Camera (optional). To take photos of the scenery.
Extra money but in Nuevos Soles. For tips, snacks, drinks, the final lunch, and any souvenirs.
Walking stick. Trekking poles are highly recommended to help with the steep ascents and descents.

Travel Guide

Tour Duration

The Salkantay Trek is a 5-day, 4-night tour. This includes four days of hiking and one final day for the tour of Machu Picchu and the return to Cusco.

Recommendations

Pack clothing in layers. You will experience a wide range of temperatures, from freezing cold at the Salkantay Pass to hot and humid in the jungle.
Wear broken-in, waterproof hiking boots with good traction.
Use trekking poles to assist with balance and reduce stress on your joints.

Climate

The climate is very diverse.

Highlands (Days 1-2): Cold and dry, with daytime temperatures around $1 0^{\circ} C$ ( $5 0^{\circ} F$ ) and nighttime temperatures that can drop below freezing.
Cloud Forest (Days 3-4): Warm and humid, with daytime temperatures around $2 0^{\circ} C$ ( $6 8^{\circ} F$ ) or higher. Rain is possible at any time.

The Local People

Your primary interaction will be with your trekking crew, who are from local communities in the region. You will also pass through small settlements and farming areas in the later stages of the trek, such as Santa Teresa.

How to Prepare for the Tour

You should have a good level of cardiovascular fitness. Preparing with activities like hiking, jogging, or cycling for several weeks beforehand will make the trek more enjoyable. The main challenge is the sustained walking at high altitude.

Recommended Age

This trek is suitable for physically active people. While there is no official age limit, it is generally recommended for those between the ages of 14 and 60 who have some hiking experience.

How to Acclimatize

Acclimatization is the most important step for a successful trek.

You must arrive in Cusco ( $3, 400 m$ ) at least two to three days before starting the trek.
During this time, it is important to rest, drink plenty of water and coca tea, and avoid heavy meals and alcohol.
Light activity, like walking around the city, is fine, but you should avoid strenuous exercise as your body adjusts.

FAQS

How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?

The trek is considered moderately difficult to difficult. The most challenging part is Day 2, which involves a long ascent to the high Salkantay Pass at $4, 650$ meters. A good level of physical fitness is required.

What is the highest point on the trek?

The highest point is the Salkantay Pass, which you will cross on the morning of Day 2. It is at an altitude of $4, 650$ meters ( $15, 091$ feet).

What is the weather like?

The weather changes significantly. The first two days are cold, especially at night, due to the high altitude. The following days are much warmer and more humid as you descend into the cloud forest and jungle region. You must be prepared for both cold and rain.

Do I need to carry my large backpack?

No. Mules and horses will carry your duffel bag with your personal belongings (up to a weight limit, usually 5-7 kg). You will only need to carry a small daypack with essentials like water, snacks, a rain jacket, and sunscreen.

Is drinking water provided?

Yes, the cook will boil and filter water for you at every campsite. You should bring a reusable water bottle or hydration pack to refill each day.

What kind of food is served on the trek?

The cook prepares a variety of Peruvian dishes. Meals are typically high in carbohydrates to provide energy for hiking and include soups, pasta, rice, chicken, and vegetables. Special dietary needs can be accommodated if you notify the company in advance.

Are there toilets and showers at the campsites?

The campsites used on the Salkantay trek are basic. They usually have simple toilet facilities. Showers are generally not available until you reach Santa Teresa or Aguas Calientes.

What is the accommodation like in Aguas Calientes?

The tour includes one night in a basic hotel or hostel in Aguas Calientes. It will have a private room and bathroom with hot water.

What is the main difference between the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail?

The Salkantay Trek is longer, more challenging, and reaches a higher altitude than the classic Inca Trail. It is known for its dramatic natural scenery and diverse landscapes, whereas the Inca Trail is famous for its numerous Inca archaeological sites along the route.

Do I need trekking poles?

Trekking poles are highly recommended. They provide stability and reduce the impact on your knees, especially during the long, steep descent from the Salkantay Pass.

WHY CHOOSE ANDES PATH PERU?

Andes Path Peru is a locally-owned and operated family travel agency and tour operator based in Cusco, built on many years of first-hand trekking experience. As a 100% Cusqueñian company with no external shareholders, we are deeply rooted in our community.

Our vision as a local company is to craft small, customized tours and treks that are exclusively operated by our team of local professionals. We are dedicated to providing a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.

We take great pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. We consider our staff to be our extended family and ensure they receive fair wages for their hard work. We are incredibly proud of our team! Without their dedication, we couldn’t offer the exceptional service and create the lifetime experiences our clients cherish.

Andes Path Peru understands the importance of trusting a reliable and honest operator to plan your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. We invite you to read our outstanding reviews and view our certificates of excellence on TRIPADVISOR! We also come highly recommended by publications such as Conde Nast Travelers and Lonely Planet.

SMALL GROUPS

To provide a more customized experience for our guests, Andes Path Peru has a strict policy of limiting our groups to a maximum of 8 people. This commitment to small group sizes is a key factor that distinguishes us from other companies that operate with much larger tour groups.

OUR TOUR GUIDES

We are incredibly proud of our guides! They are consummate professionals who are fluent in English. They possess a deep knowledge of and a true passion for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are committed to continuous professional and personal growth, constantly researching to ensure you receive accurate and recognized information about Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun-loving, engaging, and highly educated. Each guide holds a university degree in a relevant field such as Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

OUR SUPER COOL PORTERS

Trekking with Andes Path Peru is a life-changing journey. We offer a fully portered experience where your comfort and enjoyment are our highest priorities. We are dedicated to making sure you have the best possible holiday in Peru, allowing you to interact with local people, explore breathtaking sites, and rediscover remote ancient Inca towns. Our porters will carry your gear, prepare delicious meals, set up your tents in quiet locations away from crowded campsites, and take care of you, allowing you to simply sit back and relax.

We provide the following equipment to our porters at no cost: a jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, a canteen, a supportive girdle to protect their backs, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired from isolated communities, giving them the opportunity to improve their economic situation and help support their children’s education. We ensure that every one of our porters is treated like family!

OUR EQUIPMENT

The quality of our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our top-of-the-line equipment truly makes Andes Path Peru stand out from the competition. For all of our adventure hikes, we include the following:

OUR TENTS: Enjoy a restful night’s sleep in our 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4-person models, but we only house 2 people in each, leaving plenty of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a small vestibule, giving you extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks to keep the interior clean.
OUR FOAM MATS: These are included to insulate and separate you from the cold ground.
AIR MATTRESSES: These can be rented for $20 USD.
OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent serves as a communal gathering place for meals. It’s a great time to sit back, relax, and chat with your fellow trekkers.
OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining tent includes proper tables and chairs, and its design with two doors on opposite sides allows it to adapt to the day’s weather conditions.
DUFFEL BAGS: These will be provided to you during the briefing the night before the trek begins.
MORE: Pillows, backpack rain covers, souvenir t-shirts, and a biochemical portable toilet are all provided on the trek.

OUR SERVICE PROJECTS

At Andes Path Peru, we have always believed in the importance of giving back to the local, isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we consistently run social projects and prioritize local hiring.

Andes Path Peru is proud to be able to support our local people. We do more than just employ them; we go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. We are delighted to have this holistic and supportive relationship with our highland employees and their families!

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Salkantay Trek Peru 5 Days

Salkantay Trek Peru 5 Days

Salkantay Trek Peru 5 Days See What each day looks like!

Trip Summary

Trip Details

Highlights

TripAdvisor Reviews

Itinerary

Included

Not Included

Pricing

What to bring

Travel Guide

Tour Duration

Recommendations

Climate

The Local People

How to Prepare for the Tour

Recommended Age

How to Acclimatize

FAQS

WHY CHOOSE ANDES PATH PERU?

SMALL GROUPS

OUR TOUR GUIDES

OUR SUPER COOL PORTERS

OUR EQUIPMENT

OUR SERVICE PROJECTS

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