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SALKANTAY TREK

5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS

A unique 5 day Salkantay Trek, brought to you by the pioneers of alternative trekking in Cusco! Our innovative Salkantay trek 5 day itinerary keeps you out of sync with the crowds and includes a tour of Lake Humantay on Day 1.


This trek boasts spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, turquoise lakes, Andean plateaus, waterfalls, and high jungle. It even includes an original Inca trail to a small Inca ruin and a distant view of Machu Picchu, before reaching the famed city itself. This trek is approximately 60 km (37 miles) and goes up to 4,600 m (15,092 ft). This is the second most popular trek in the Cusco Region (after the Inca Trail) so it is fairly crowded.


Hike under the shadow of Salkantay Mountain's snowy peak, then head down to the tropical climate of Santa Teresa. Trekkers will explore Humantay Lake and impressive Inca ruins, from Llactapata to Machu Picchu, and enjoy the Lucmabamba coffee-making experience and the chance to stay overnight in a homestay.

Classic Inca Trail 01.jpg
Adventure Rating

★★★★☆
Moderate to strenuous, lengthy, high altitude

Solitude Rating

★★☆☆☆
Crowded, 2nd most popular trek after the Inca Trail

Best Time to Visit

Year round.
Best from March to November

Cost Per Person (USD)

6-10 trekkers: $780
3-5 trekkers: $920
2 trekkers: $1,120

Is This Trek Customizable?

Yes! Private, custom, add-ons all available.

Sites

Glacial peaked mountains

Lush/tropical landscapes

Turquoise lakes

Machu Picchu

Terrain

Glacial Snow-capped peaks
Turquoise lakes
Multiple high passes
High jungle
Plateaus

Acclimatization

3 day acclimatization and multi-day trekking experience recommended

Duration

5 Days 5 Nights

Distance

60 km (37 miles)

Altitude

1,870 m (6,135 ft) to 4,600 m (15,090 ft)

Departure

Daily departures with 2 or more people

TREK HIGHLIGHTS

WEATHER

The Salkantay trekis very high altitude, therefore the weather can be quite cold and unpredictable. The nights on this trek are usually around 20F/-7C. During the day it can get quite warm if the sun is out; anywhere from 60-75F/15-24C. Keep in mind, if the weather is rainy or cloudy it will be colder, and that the weather can change in an instant, particularly when up at the high-altitude passes. It is often quite windy at the top of the passes as well. As with any high-altitude trek you’ll need to bring plenty of layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and conditions as well as appropriate sun/rain protection.

INCLUDED

  • Pre-Trek briefing the night before the trek to go over the itinerary, meet your guide(s) and answer any questions

  • Collection from your Cusco hotel in the morning of the first day

  • Private transport to the starting point of the trek

  • Personal porter to carry your overnight gear up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs)

  • Duffel bag to carry your overnight gear so it won’t get wet or dusty

  • 3 person, 4 season tents (2 people in large and comfortable tent)

  • One-inch-thick foam mattress sleeping pad to put under your sleeping bag

  • English speaking professional guide

  • Full meals on the trek (3 meals per day, tea time every afternoon, snacks on the trail)

  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank and emergency horse

  • Dining tent with tables and stools

  • Cook, kitchen tent and cooking equipment

  • Toilet, Toilet tent and toilet paper

  • Horsemen and horses (to carry tents/food/cooking equipment)

  • Hot water every morning/evening for hand washing purposes

  • Boiled water to fill water bottles every morning/afternoon

  • Tourist train from Hydroelectric plant to Aguas Calientes

  • Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo

  • One entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex (First entrance time: 6am to 10am)

  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu

  • Round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back

  • Hotel (double room) in Aguas Calientes and dinner in a local restaurant

  • Private transport back to your hotel in Cusco on the last day

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