Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days
5 days
Private and Group Tours
Included
Year-round
Classic Salkantay Trek 5-Day Itinerary
- Day 01: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa.
- Day 02: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay.
- Day 03: Chaullay – Collpapampa – La Playa – Santa Teresa.
- Day 04: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric Station – Aguas Calientes.
- Day 05: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa
Early departure from your hotel in Cusco toward Mollepata (2,850 m / 9,350 ft). The drive takes approximately 3 hours, passing through the Limatambo Valley. Breakfast in Mollepata before starting the hike.
We will begin the hike toward Soraypampa, first passing through Cruzpata where lunch will be served. The trail continues through Andean landscapes until reaching the first campsite at Soraypampa (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). During the hike, you will have views of Humantay Mountain. Arrival at the campsite in the afternoon, where the porter team will have the tents set up and hot tea ready. Dinner and overnight stay. This is the coldest campsite of the trek.
Hiking time: Approximately 5–6 hours | Altitude: 3,850 m / 12,631 ft
Day 02: Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Chaullay
After breakfast, we will begin the ascent toward Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,650 m (15,255 ft). The ascent takes approximately 3–4 hours and offers panoramic views of Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft) and the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. At the summit, you will find apachetas (traditional Andean ceremonial stone cairns) and have time for photos. It is also possible to spot Andean condors in this area.
From the pass, we will begin the descent toward Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), passing through different ecological zones and through Wayracmachay. The descent takes approximately 4 hours. Arrival at the campsite, followed by tea time and dinner. Overnight stay in Chaullay.
Hiking time: Approximately 7–8 hours | Maximum altitude: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft
Day 03: Chaullay - Collpapampa - La Playa - Santa Teresa
After breakfast, we will continue the hike toward Santa Teresa, passing through Collpapampa. The trail follows the mountainside along narrow paths surrounded by subtropical vegetation. Along the way, you will see orchids, coffee plantations, corn fields, fruit trees, and waterfalls.
After approximately 5 hours of hiking, we will arrive at La Playa, where we will take a vehicle to the town of Santa Teresa (1,645 m / 5,397 ft). The drive takes about 45 minutes. Camp setup in Santa Teresa. In the afternoon, you will have the option to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs (45 minutes from town, additional cost not included). Dinner and overnight stay.
Hiking time: Approximately 5 hours | Altitude: 1,645 m / 5,397 ft
Day 04: Santa Teresa - Hydroelectric Station - Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we will begin the hike following the Urubamba River. The trail passes through high jungle areas with tropical vegetation, coffee plantations, and fruit trees. We will hike for approximately 3 hours until reaching the Hydroelectric Station, a small village with a train station.
From the Hydroelectric Station, we will continue walking along the railway tracks toward Aguas Calientes for approximately 3 additional hours. The trail is relatively flat and offers views of the Urubamba River canyon and the first views of the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu. Arrival in Aguas Calientes in the afternoon. Hotel check-in, dinner, and briefing about the Machu Picchu visit the following day.
Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours | Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Day 05: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Wake up very early for breakfast and take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu (the bus ride takes 25 minutes). Guided tour of approximately 2–3 hours through the main sectors of the citadel, according to the circuit assigned on your entrance ticket.
After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own, take photos, or do short hikes such as the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge, depending on availability and energy level. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and take the train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. From the station, transportation to Cusco. Arrival in Cusco in the evening and transfer to your hotel.
Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
What’s Included?
Included
Cusco
- Bus from Cusco to Mollepata (trailhead).
- Ollantaytambo – Cusco transportation.
Salkantay Trek (4 days / 3 nights)
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Horses to transport equipment.
- Cook and muleteers.
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping pads, tables, seats, kitchen tent, and dining tent).
- 04 breakfasts.
- 04 lunches.
- 04 dinners.
- First aid kit and oxygen tank.
Aguas Calientes
- 01 night hotel accommodation.
Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Tourist train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
Not Included
- Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes: USD 24 round trip.
- Huayna Picchu entrance ticket: USD 75 (must be booked 3–4 months in advance, only 200 spaces per day).
- Machu Picchu Mountain entrance ticket: USD 75 (must be booked in advance).
- Sleeping bag: available for rent.
- Cocalmayo hot springs in Santa Teresa: approximately 10 soles.
- Trekking poles: available for rent.
- Travel insurance.
Recommendations
- Bring: Original passport.
- Backpack and sleeping bag.
- Hiking shoes or boots.
- Rain jacket or poncho.
- Warm clothing.
- Insect repellent.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat.
- Water bottle.
- Flashlight.
- Snacks (chocolate, candy, cookies, and others).
- Personal first aid kit.
- Small backpack for personal items.
Classic Salkantay Trek 5-Day Prices
ECONOMY
$490
PER PERSON- 2⭐ HOTEL
- Group services
- Expedition or Voyager train
- 30% deposit required
- Entrance tickets not included
SUPERIOR
$790
PER PERSON- 4⭐ HOTEL
- Entrance tickets included
- Small group transfers and guided services
- Private guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Vistadome or 360° train
- 50% deposit required
How to book?
To begin the reservation process, please send us the following information:
Full name:
Passport number:
Nationality:
Date of birth:
Gender:
Phone number:
It is very important that you also provide us with your hotel information in the city of Cusco, so we can pick you up at the start of the tour.
PAYMENT METHODS
We offer the following options to complete your reservation payment:
1. WeTravel
You can make your payment through WeTravel, with a 4.5% service fee.
Important: to book with WeTravel, prior coordination with the agency is required in order to send you your 30% payment link, which includes the mentioned fee.
2. PayPal
You can make your payment via PayPal, with a 7.5% service fee.
The payment request will be sent by the agency.
PayPal account:
peru-sites@hotmail.com
PERU SITES TRAVEL AGENCY
3. Izipay
You can make your payment through Izipay, with a 5.2% service fee.
Important: to book with Izipay, prior coordination with the agency is required in order to send you your 30% payment link, which includes the mentioned fee.
4. Western Union
You can make your payment via Western Union, with no fee.
In this case, the sending information and beneficiary details will be provided by the agency. After sending the payment, you must share the MTCN code of the transfer to confirm your reservation.
- Book your Machu Picchu entrance ticket 3 to 4 months in advance, as well as your hotel.
- Ask about discounts for groups of 5 or more passengers.