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5 Day itinerary in Peru, South America

Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

This challenging and scenic trail is a unique journey among the Salkantay snowy peaks. Hike through mountains, jungles, valleys, and villages on your way to Machu Picchu. Discover the diverse landscapes of the Andes mountain range and get to know the Inca history and local culture. This alternative ... Read More

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SandraLeslieIsaacEli

By Sandra, Leslie, Isaac and Eli

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Demanding
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English, Spanish

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Cusco

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Hiking

Indigenous culture

Outdoors & Nature

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

A challenging yet worthwhile trek to Machu Picchu.

2

Cross through snowy high passes

3

Enjoy incredible views of the Andean peaks

4

See Machu Picchu as it opens with the most expert guides

Itinerary

Per Person expand_more

Day 1

place Cuzco to Mollepata to Challacancha, Trek to Soraypampa Camp (3,920m)

Today we pick you up between 5:00 - 5:15 am and travel by tourist-class bus to Mollepata (2,900m) where you can stretch your legs and buy snacks. Continue by car to Challacancha where we will make final preparations and double-check our equipment. Embark on a 3-hour walk that will take us to Soraypampa (3,920 m) where we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains. Hike up to Laguna de Humantay (approx. 1.5 hours each way) for more incredible views of the Andes mountains and then return to camp for the night. Our first campsite is located at 3,920 m and is the highest and coldest campsite of the trip. Take some time to rest up, and enjoy your first night immersed in nature. Have dinner and go to sleep early.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Per Person: Soraypampa Camping
Day 2

place Trek to Challhuay or Colcapampa Camp via High Pass (4,650m)

We will have breakfast at around 6:00 am and begin our 4-hour walk to the highest pass on this trek (4,650 m) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay (6,267 m) and Humantay (5,900 m). (Optional horse rental available to reach high pass for approx. 100 - 120 soles). From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible, with a possibility of snow here. After a 2-hour downhill hike, a well-deserved lunch will be served at Huayracpampa, followed by another 3-hour trek to our campsite at Challhuay or Colcapampa as we near the beginning of the high jungle region at 2,900 meters.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Per Person: Camp
Day 3

place Trek to La Playa & Transfer to Santa Teresa Town (1,700m)

After breakfast at 6:30 am, we start trekking for the day through the upper jungle, crossing the Santa Teresa River and a variety of little brooks. Today we will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits and plants. We will have lunch at La Playa (2,200m) and continue by car to Santa Teresa town (1,700 meters), our camp for the night, with a warmer climate. After a rest, we have the option to visit the hot springs in Santa Teresa town (extra cost) and enjoy the well-deserved soothing water, a real treat after 3 hard days of trekking!

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Per Person: Camp
Day 4

place Trek to Hydroelectric Station & Aguas Calientes

After having breakfast at 8:00 am, our last day on the trail will take us from Santa Teresa (1,700 m) along a relaxing path for 3 hours to reach the hydroelectric station (1,880 m) where a box lunch will be served. From here Aguas Calientes (2,010 m) is another 3 hour slight uphill walk where we will finally have time to relax, recharge our batteries and get ready for our visit to Machu Picchu. Dinner at a local traditional restaurant. *Optional bus transfer from Santa Teresa to the Hydroelectric Station is available for an extra cost. *Optional train transfer from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes is available for extra cost.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Per Person: 3* Hotel
Day 5

place Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cuzco

We will catch one of the first buses (05:30 am) to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride) in order to appreciate the magnificent city in the early morning light as the mist dissipates. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide, and after this you can explore the mysterious city on your own. If you still have energy, you can also climb the optional Huayna Picchu Peak inside the archaeological site (to be booked in advance at an extra cost). Take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Return by train to Ollantaytambo and take a bus to Cuzco. You will be dropped off late in the day at the Plaza San Francisco. Upon arrival, you will need to make your own way to your accommodation.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Soraypampa Camping
  • Camp
  • 3* Hotel

Meals expand_less

  • Lunch (4)
  • Dinner (4)
  • Breakfast (4)

Transport expand_less

  • Cuzco Accommodation Pick-Up
  • Bus and train transfers
  • All transfers as per itinerary
  • Bus Ollantaytambo to Cuzco

Extras expand_less

  • Professional bilingual guide on trek Machu Picchu tour
  • Machu Picchu Entrance Fee
  • Horseman and mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus a total of 5 kilos for each trekker.
  • Foam Sleeping Mat
  • Emergency oxygen bottle
  • Pre-departure briefing 

Not Included expand_less

  • Airport Pick-Up/Drop-Off
  • Sleeping bag
  • Day 1 Breakfast, Day 5 Lunch & Dinner
  • Bottled Water
  • Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own

About Sandra

TEAM LEAD

+3 Local experts

verified Baboo Certified

star_outline 4.83 (12 reviews)

Expertise: 

Historic & cultural landmarks

Hiking

Snorkeling/Diving

Visit markets

Outdoors & Nature

Beach & Sea

Food & Drink

I have been working in tourism for several years and I have traveled on my own to through Mexico.

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$580.00 USD