FAQ 1: What is the best way to get to Cusco?

Most people will get to Cusco by air. Please remember that the Cusco airport is for domestic travel only. If you come directly from overseas through Lima, you must get your bags in Lima and re-check them for your flight to Cusco. Four airline carriers fly roundtrip between Lima and Cusco. That includes LATAM Airlines, AVIANCA Airlines, Star Peru, and Peruvian Airlines. They all offer similar schedules and in-flight service, but we usually recommend either LATAM airlines or AVIANCA. They tend to be the most helpful when unexpected flight cancellations or delays occur.

FAQ 2: What do we need to bring along for this trip?

2-3 wicking t-shirts, 2-3 hiking pants, 4 sets of undergarments, 4 sets of hiking socks, 1 Fleece, 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night, 1 Rain jacket and pants, 1 sun hat, 1 wool hat, headlamp: essential, waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them), comfortable shoes for camp, walking boots, waterproof jacket/rain poncho, quick dry towel (we provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger), small bottle of soap (we provide warm water each day to clean - might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap), battery charger (there is no place to plug in while trekking!), large plastic bags (to help organize and keep clean from dirty), sleeping bag (recommend down bags for -10C at least).

FAQ 4: Is the hike to Huayna Picchu included in the price?

No, you will have to arrange for that separately. If you get in touch with us beforehand, we can certainly arrange the same for you, based on availability.

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Trekking

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Q: FAQ 3: Are sleeping bags, sleeping pads and hiking poles available for rent?

Yes, you can rent them for: Sleeping Bag: $25, Inflatable Air Mattress: $20, Walking Sticks (Pair): $20.

Peru

6 days

Difficulty:Strenuous

Skill:Beginner

Group size:8

Highlights

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.

Design exclusive experiences or have any questions?

Itinerary

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

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

DAY 1

Transfer to the Glass Cabanas - No hiking

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)

Trip Inclusions

Transfers

Transportation to and from the airport and between different destinations as part of the itinerary.

Accommodation

Lodging at various hotels, guesthouses, or other types of accommodation during the trip.

Admission fees

Entry fees for museums, parks, historical sites, and other attractions included in the tour.

Porter

Services of a porter to help carry luggage at various points during the trip.

Guide fees

Fees for a Guide required for your adventure.

What's not included

All meals

All meals are provided as part of the tour package, which may include breakfast, lunch, or dinner on all days.

Alcoholic beverages

Costs for any alcoholic drinks consumed during the trip.

Gratuities

All the guide gratuities throughout your adventure.

Flights

All the flight charges required for your adventure.

Visas

Required Visa fees for your travel.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance from a trusted provider for your adventure.

Personal gear

All the personal gear required for your adventure.

Luggage transfers

Cost for transferring your luggage.

Airport transfer

Transportation from and to Airport

International flights

Flights outside the country that are necessary to reach different destinations on the itinerary.

Domestic flights

Flights within the country that are necessary to reach different destinations on the itinerary.

Local guide

A knowledgeable guide to provide insights and information about the places visited.

Some meals

Selected meals provided as part of the tour package, which may include breakfast, lunch, or dinner on certain days.

Accommodation

Day 1

Glass Cabana

Day 2 - 5

Camping

Day 5

Your last night will be in a hotel in the village instead of camping. Your 2-star hotel is included in the trek cost and based on a shared room. If you would like to upgrade your hotel or prefer a single room, there will be an additional cost.

Cancellation Policy

Help

Departure Dates

from $770 /person

Private groups?

Minimum 5 people, and choose any date.

FAQs

What is the best way to get to Cusco?

What do we need to bring along for this trip?

Are sleeping bags, sleeping pads and hiking poles available for rent?

Is the hike to Huayna Picchu included in the price?

Why Book With Us?

Expert Guides

Our experts carefully handpick local guiding companies that ensure your safety and enrich your journey with their local insights and expertise.

All-Inclusive Packages

Enjoy hassle-free travel with our comprehensive packages that cover accommodations, meals, guides, permits, and more.

Sustainable Travel

We are committed to preserving our planet by ensuring that our guiding partners follow eco-friendly practices. All tours benefit local communities and minimize environmental impact.

Travel Confidently

We offer essential resources like gear lists and training plans to ensure you're fully prepared for your adventure. Our goal is to equip you with everything you need to enjoy your trip with confidence.

Departure Dates

from $770 /person

Private groups?

Minimum 5 people, and choose any date.

Need help with a booking?

Our specialists are available seven days a week to resolve any issue.

+1 (425) 458-3226

Meet your 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.

Adventure together

Invite your friends and family on your adventure:

$770

/ person