Trek to Machu Picchu: Salkantay Trek

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Follow the path of the Incas on a trek through Peru’s picturesque Vilcabamba range and admire the majestic and sacred Salkantay Mountain as you make your way to Machu Picchu. For centuries, Andean people have worshiped the mountains as gods, which they call Apus, and Salkantay Mountain in particular, one of the highest peaks in Peru, has played a central role in the astrology and spirituality of Andean cultures past and present.

The reverence shown to the Apus by the Incas is especially obvious at the world-renowned citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven New World Wonders. Here, the concept of “sacred geography” is reflected in the citadel’s stunning architecture and location, as well as in its alignment with the mountains and the movements of the sun and the stars.

This breathtaking adventure in the heart of the Vilcabamba range will take you through astonishing landscapes dominated by snow-capped peaks, crossed by mighty rivers, and populated by quaint traditional villages, until you reach the mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu itself.

The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is challenging yet immensely rewarding and ranks high among Peru’s most spectacular trekking routes. 

Day 1 : Begin the Salkantay Trek - Soyroqocha
Day 2 : Salkantay Trek - Collpapampa
Day 3 : Salkantay Trek - La Playa
Day 4 : Salkantay Trek - Aguas Calientes
Day 5 : Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco

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Day 1 : Begin the Salkantay Trek - Soyroqocha

• After breakfast, you will be met at your hotel in Cusco and taken on the scenic drive into the beautiful Andean mountains and through Mollepata and to Soraypampa, where you will be able to have lunch and prepare for the trek. You will meet your trek team and load the horses with your equipment before setting off on your first hiking day.
• A three-hour hike will take you through Salkantaypampa from where you will catch your first glimpses of the magnificent Salkantay Mountain. The highest and most impressive peak of the Cordillera Vilcambamba, Salkantay truly lives up to its name, which comes from the Quechua word sallqa, meaning savage or invincible.
• You will continue on a steep hike up to 14,715 feet (4,485 m) until you reach Soyroqocha, where you will find your campsite for the night. Enjoy a tasty and filling dinner prepared by the trek chef and take in the beauty of your surroundings as you prepare to spend your first night in the Vilcabamba. 

 

Distance: 3.1 miles (5 km)
Minimum Altitude: 10,722 feet (3,268 m)
Maximum Altitude: 14,715 feet (4,485 m)
Approximate Time: 3 hours
Gradient: Moderate 

Day 2 : Salkantay Trek - Collpapampa

• Today you will be able to sleep in to avoid the piercing cold of the mountains’ early mornings. Enjoy the warmth inside your tent and a generous breakfast before starting the second and most demanding day of your trek. You will start your 7-hour hike climbing up to the Salkantay Pass, located at a dizzying height of 15,340 feet (4,650m). Once you reach the summit, you will have some time to rest and should you wish, build an apacheta, a small stone tower, an Incan sign of respect to the sacred Apu.
• Once you have had your fill of the striking view, you will continue on your hike and start descending toward the picturesque Huamantay Valley until you reach Collpapampa, where you will camp for the night. Here you will enjoy a well-earned dinner and rest after this challenging day.

 

Distance: 6.80 miles (11 km)
Minimum Altitude: 9,372 feet (2,840 m)
Maximum Altitude: 15,340 feet (4,650 m)
Approximate Time: 7 hours
Gradient: Challenging 

Day 3 : Salkantay Trek - La Playa

• The third day of the Salkantay trek is slightly easier than the others but just as full of stunning views and opportunities to admire the interesting wildlife populating the region. After breakfast, you will start your hike alongside the pleasant banks of the Santa Teresa River, which winds through forests of native trees, waterfalls, and coffee and fruit plantations. As you progress down the trail, you’ll notice the vegetation becoming more green and lush.
• After a 7-hour hike, you will reach your campsite, La Playa, where you will be able to take advantage of the toilet and shower facilities. Enjoy dinner and a quiet evening by the river’s refreshing waters.

 

Distance: 6.2 miles (10 km)
Minimum Altitude: 6,850 feet (2,088 m)
Maximum Altitude: 9,372 feet (2,840 m)
Approximate Time: 7 hours
Gradient: Moderate 

Day 4 : Salkantay Trek - Aguas Calientes

• Today you will leave the valley and start climbing the trail up through gorgeous forestland until you reach the beautiful Llactapata archeological site, which was recently uncovered. From there, you will enjoy stunning views of both Machu Picchu and the grandiose Salkantay Mountain.
• You will then continue on your hike descending toward the Aobamba River until you reach the hydroelectric plant, where you will catch the train to Aguas Calientes, the town nearest to Machu Picchu.
• You will be taken to your confirmed hotel in Aguas Calientes, and have the remainder of the day to enjoy at your leisure resting at your hotel or exploring the lovely town. 

 

Distance: 5.6 miles (9 km)
Minimum Altitude: 6,233 feet (1,900 m)
Maximum Altitude: 9,240 feet (2,800 m)
Approximate Time: 7 hours
Gradient: Moderate to challenging 

Day 5 : Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco

• Rise early and head to the bus station for the drive up to the citadel itself, which is hidden on a mountain top amid cloud forests. With your guide, you will enjoy a 2-hour tour during which you’ll explore the most important parts of the Inca citadel, including the urban, agricultural and adjacent zones. The Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the Principal Bath are only a few of the impressive sights that you will see.
• After your tour, you have the option to explore more of the site and capture some final photos. If your trek gets you yearning for more, you can climb up the lush peak of Huayna Picchu. The extra trek is not for the faint of heart and must be done with extreme caution. But the opportunity to see Machu Picchu from another angle often beckons the more adventurous visitor. Tickets for Huayna Picchu, limited to 400 visitors per day, must be purchased in advance.
• In the afternoon, you will take a comfortable train back to Cusco. You also have the option to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes.

For more information about what to see and do in Aguas Calientes, read our Machu Picchu Guide.

Check our Trekking & Adventure FAQs to help you prepare for your Salkantay Trek and contact your travel advisor for any additional questions.

	Group	Private
per person	$ 699	$ 1399
Prices may vary according to the season, availability, and client preferences. Certain transport costs may not be included. Please contact one of our expert travel advisors for more information.

	Group	Private
per person	$ 699	$ 1399
Prices may vary according to the season, availability, and client preferences. Certain transport costs may not be included. Please contact one of our expert travel advisors for more information.

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Included

• Private transportation from Cusco to Soraypamapa
• English-speaking guide
• Sleeping liner
• Sleeping mat
• Cook and cooking assistant
• Snacks
• Daily tea service
• Dining & bathroom equipment
• All meals on the trek
• Optional vegetarian menu
• Tents for two people (single tents available for extra cost)
• Mule handlers & mules
• Saddled horse (1 saddled horse for every six passengers)
• First-aid kit
• Emergency oxygen bottle
• Train ticket from Hydroelectric Plant to Aguas Calientes
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
• Round trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu

Not Included

• Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Optional tip for field staff
• Sleeping bag

Packing List

• Water-resistant trekking shoes and sandals
• Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, socks)
• Waterproof clothing (poncho)
• Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts)
• Sunhat and sunglasses
• Sun cream and insect repellent
• Water bottles
• Any required medications
• Walking sticks
• Swimsuit and towel
• Personal items
• Personal snacks
• Original Passport