Peru

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

duration: 6 days

difficulty: Strenuous

group size: 8

experience: Beginner

Overview

The Salkantay trek is an amazing alternative to the Inca Trail trek. Experience this ultimate itinerary including Humantay Blue Lagoon and Camp Overlooking Machu Picchu!

In order to include Hamantay lagoon (Turquoise Lagoon) and Llacatapata (amazing camping spot with Machu Picchu in the distance) we need to leave the afternoon before the trek starts making this trek 5.5 days and 5 nights.

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Trip host

Raul C

Raul Ccolque, has lived in the Andes all of his life. Since he was 18-years-old he has worked on the Inca Trail on every trek to Macchu Picchu, as both a porter and a tour guide. Born and raised in a small village called Seque Raccay, Ccolque attended a Quechuan speaking elementary and high school. He then went on to Cusco University to further his studies in tourism. Growing up in a small Quechuan village ignited his passion for hiking the surrounding mountains and exploring his heritage.

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to the Glass Cabanas - No hiking

You will start this Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu on the afternoon of Day 1. We will pick you up at 3 p.m. from your hotel, where you will meet your trekking team. From here, we will head in our private van for a 3.5-hour drive to the Glass Cabañas in Soraypampa, located at 3,800 meters / 12,500 feet. We will arrive just on time to take photographs of the sunset over the glacier peaks.

At the Glass Cabanas, your guide will settle you in your rooms before enjoying your dinner, along with some hot drinks. Your night will also have many stars in the night sky.

**Because you will likely be checked out from your hotel before the departure time, the meeting point for this trek is at our office located close to the main square.

Day 2: Day 1 of trek: Soraypampa Campsite - Hmantay Lagoon - Salkantay Pass - Wayracpunko (11 miles, 2,800 feet elevation gain, 2,800 feet elevation loss)

Day 3: Day 2 or trek: Wayracmachay - Chaullay - Ccollpapampa Loreta (Hobbit House) (11 miles, Elevation loss 3,280 feet)

Day 4: Day 3 of trek: Loreta - La Playa Sahuayaku - Lucmabamba Coffee Farm - Llactapata (Camp in front of Machu Picchu) (7.5 miles, Elevation gain 1,300 feet)

Day 5: Day 4 or trek: Llactapata Lookout - Waterfalls at Hydroelectrica - Mandor Hiram Bingham Farm - Aguas Calientes (8.7 miles,

Day 6: Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco

Image Gallery

Accommodations

On day 1, for 1 day

Glass Cabana

On day 2, for 3 days

On day 5, for 1 day

Pricing

Included:

Transfers

Accommodation

Admission fees

Porter

Guide fees

Excluded:

All meals

Alcoholic beverages

Gratuities

Flights

Visas

Travel insurance

Personal gear

Luggage transfers

Airport transfer

International flights

Domestic flights

Local guide

Some meals

Do not forget to arrange for the requisite passport, visa and travel insurance, if you are booking an international trip.

We try our best to ensure accurate and up-to-date guide information, but in some cases this may change due to emergencies or other unforeseen guide scheduling challenges. In any case, another highly-rated, certified guide with similar experience would lead your trip and you will be kept informed of any such case.