moderate-challenging
5 days
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
A premier Andean hiking experience combining high-altitude mountain trekking with access to Machu Picchu via its 'backdoor' route through jungle terrain.
Duration
5 days
Group Size
2-10
Max Altitude
4600m
Destination
peru
Overview
A premier Andean hiking experience combining high-altitude mountain trekking with access to Machu Picchu via its 'backdoor' route through jungle terrain.
Trip Highlights
- No permits required (unlike Inca Trail)
- Views of sacred Salkantay peak (6,271m/20,574ft)
- Diverse landscapes: high alpine to semi-tropical jungle
- Natural hot springs at Qollpapampa campsite
- Uncrowded backdoor approach to Machu Picchu
- Coffee plantation hiking experience
- Small group sizes (max 10 people)
- Private guided tour at Machu Picchu included
- 2 porters per hiker standard
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco → Humantay Lake → Soraypampa
Meals: lunch, dinnerStay: Camping at Soraypampa
Day 2
Soraypampa → Apacheta Pass → Qollpapampa
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinnerStay: Camping at Qollpapampa with hot springs access
Day 3
Qollpapampa → Lucmabamba
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinnerStay: Camping at Lucmabamba
Day 4
Lucmabamba → LLactapata → Aguas Calientes
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinnerStay: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (private bathroom, hot water)
Day 5
Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Cusco
Meals: breakfastStay: Return to Cusco
What's Included
- Hotel-to-trailhead transportation
- All meals during trek
- Camping equipment (tents, cooking utensils, mattresses)
- Horses for gear/luggage transport (5kg personal limit)
- Professional wranglers and trail chef
- English-speaking licensed guide
- First-aid equipment
- 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes (private bathroom, hot water)
- Machu Picchu National Park entrance tickets
- Bus transportation to/from Machu Picchu
- Train ticket and transfer (Aguas Calientes to Cusco)
- Trekking poles
- Therma-rest mattresses
- 2 porters per hiker (standard)
- Duffle bags for personal gear (11 lb / 5 kg maximum)
Not Included
- International flights to/from Lima
- Domestic flights (Lima-Cusco roundtrip)
- Cusco hotel (available at $85/double room through company)
- Personal trekking gear (daypack, sleeping bag)
- Sleeping bag rental ($20 per person, must bring liner)
- First breakfast and last lunch
- One-way train from hydroelectric station ($31 USD cash)
- Travel insurance
- Porter tips (customary $30-35 per porter)
Pricing
Starting from
$1,010
per person
Questions?
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