Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N (Start Trek on Day 2)
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N (Start Trek on Day 2)
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N (Start Trek on Day 2)
5 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, SORAYPAMPA, Aguas Calientes
Tour operator:
Tour code:
58327
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-90
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Salkantay Trek, immersing yourself in breathtaking Andean landscapes en route to Machu Picchu. Experience a dynamic journey through lush cloud forests, towering glaciers, and pristine mountain passes. Delight in unique cultural encounters with locals and marvel at the ancient ruins. This trek offers hiking enthusiasts an invigorating alternative to the Inca Trail, ensuring a blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and profound serenity. Discover a once-in-a-lifetime Peruvian escapade filled with captivating highlights.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco, Peru
Location: Cusco
Arrival Day
Day 2: Cuzco-Soraypampa Camp, Peru
Location: SORAYPAMPA
Cuzco to Mollepata to Challacancha, Trek to Soraypampa Camp (3,920m) (L/D)
Today we pick you up at 05:30am 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 (3,920m) 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 3,920m 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.
Inclusions: Accommodation pick-up, Transfer Cuzco - Challacancha, 1N Camping, Meals 1L/1D (14km, 6hrs)
Day 3: Soraypampa Camp-Challhuay, Peru
Location: SORAYPAMPA
Trek to Challhuay or Colcapampa Camp via High Pass (4,650m) (B/L/D)
We will have breakfast at around 6:00 am and begin our 4-hour walk to the highest pass on this trek (4,650m) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Humantay on the left. (Optional horse rental available to reach high pass for 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.
Inclusions: 1N Camping, Meals 1B/1L/1D (22km, 910hrs)
Day 4: Challhuay-Aguas Calientes, Peru
Location: Aguas Calientes
Trek to La Playa, Transfer to Hydroelectric Station, Trek to Aguas Calientes (B/L/D)
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) with a warmer climate. From here we will take another car to Hydroelectric Station (40 minutes) and then walk 3 hours to Aguas Calientes. There are internet cafes, cafes with board games and cards, plenty of shops and places to relax. Optional train transfer from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes is available for an extra cost.
Inclusions: Car La Playa - Santa Teresa Town - Hydroelectric Station, 1N 3* Hotel Aguas Calientes, Meals 1B/1L/1D. (24km, 9hrs)
Day 5: Aguas Calientes-Cuzco, Peru
Location: Cusco
Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cuzco(B)
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 Huayna Picchu (to be booked in advance at an extra cost). Return to Aguas Calientes by bus. Take the train back to Ollantaytambo and 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.
DESCRIPTION OF MACHU PICCHU GUIDED SITE VISIT: The one and only, the most spectacular (and not to mention most popular) archaeological site in all of South America. Your guide will take you on a 2-hour tour of Machu Picchu walking you through the most important sites and covering the history of the place. Then you will have free time to explore on your own and take pictures at your leisure. When you decide to head back down to Aguas Calientes, there are buses departing every 15 minutes from the entrance or you can take the walking trail down if you feel like another 1 hour stair stepping downhill to Aguas Calientes town.
Take and OPTIONAL hike up the steep peak named Huayna Picchu, which is located inside the Machu Picchu archaeological site. This sometimes muddy peak takes about 45 - 60 minutes to hike up and awards you with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu from a coveted perspective. Keep in mind that if you want to take this optional hike, you must now purchase your ticket at least 2 weeks in advance for an additional cost in order to get one of the 400 passes (200 people are allowed up at 7:00am and 200 more at 10:00am). Please send us an email directly to request this extra ticket.
Inclusions: Round trip Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu, Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo, Bus Ollantaytambo - Cuzco, 2-hour Machu Picchu Guided Visit, Meal 1B
What's Included
-
Accommodation
4 nights Accommodation
1N in Cuzco in Hostel / 3-star hotel / 4-star hotel, 2 Nights camping and 1 night at a 3-star hotel -
Transport
Pick-up, various transfers
Cuzco accommodation pick-up
Car transfer La Playa to Santa Teresa to hydroelectric station
Round trip tourist bus Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu
Tourist train Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Bus Ollantaytambo to Cuzco
Van Cuzco to Mollepata to Challacancha (starting point of trek) -
Meals
3B / 3L / 3D plus 2 snacks
-
Activities
Active adventure
Trek -
Guides
Professional bilingual guide on trek tour
-
Extras
Briefing, equipment, snacks, fees
Pre-departure briefing
Machu Picchu entrance fee
Foam sleeping mat
Tent for 2 people
2 snacks with typical menus
First aid kit
Emergency oxygen bottle
Horseman and mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus a total of 5 kilos for each trekker. (this includes 2.5 kilos for your sleeping bag & mattress plus 2.5 kilos of personal items.)
What's Not Included
-
Airport pick-up and drop-off (please make your own way)
-
Other meals / drinks
-
Sleeping bag (rental $15 USD for the trek)
-
Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own)
-
Optional services
-
Train transfer from hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes (30 USD)
-
Huayna Picchu Trek (200 soles) must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance
-
Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (200 soles) must be booked at least 1 week in advance
-
Trekking Permit
-
Tips
-
Guide: 40-60 soles per trekker
-
Cook: 150-200 soles for the cook from the whole group
-
Assistant guide: 30-40 soles per trekker
-
Horsemen: 60-80 soles for each horseman from the whole group
-
The Peruvian government may require a trekking permit for Salkantay. If this is approved, the rates will be around: 133 soles for adult, 67 soles for student
Check out our Q&As
-
Is there an age limit?
No! Most of our bamba travellers fall between the ages of 18 - 35, but everyone is young at heart and welcome to come experience the world with us! If you are between the ages of 18 and 118, we invite you to travel with bamba and have the time of your life! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Most of our trips cater to the adventurous independent traveller. In fact, many of our travellers arrive on their own and quickly find that they easily meet like-minded people along the way at their hostels, on transportation, or during activities.
-
Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip, especially when travelling in developing countries. Bamba does not include travel insurance of any type.Your current medical insurance may cover part of your trip, so it is important for you to become familiar with your current coverage. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost or stolen items and unforeseen cancellations. If you plan to participate in activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, sand-buggy rides, etc please make sure they are included in your policy.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 05, 2024 - Nov 09, 2024Saturday - Wednesday
Nov 09, 2024 - Nov 13, 2024Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 12, 2024 - Nov 16, 2024Saturday - Wednesday
Nov 16, 2024 - Nov 20, 2024Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 19, 2024 - Nov 23, 2024Saturday - Wednesday
Nov 23, 2024 - Nov 27, 2024Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 26, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024Saturday - Wednesday
Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 04, 2024Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 03, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024Saturday - Wednesday
Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 11, 2024Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 10, 2024 - Dec 14, 2024Saturday - Wednesday
Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 18, 2024Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 17, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024Saturday - Wednesday
Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 25, 2024Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 24, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024Saturday - Wednesday
Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 01, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 31, 2024 - Jan 04, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 08, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jan 07, 2025 - Jan 11, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 15, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jan 14, 2025 - Jan 18, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jan 18, 2025 - Jan 22, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jan 21, 2025 - Jan 25, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jan 25, 2025 - Jan 29, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jan 28, 2025 - Feb 01, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Mar 01, 2025 - Mar 05, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Mar 04, 2025 - Mar 08, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 12, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Mar 11, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 19, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Mar 18, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 26, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Mar 25, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 02, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Apr 26, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Apr 29, 2025 - May 03, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
May 03, 2025 - May 07, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
May 06, 2025 - May 10, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
May 10, 2025 - May 14, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
May 13, 2025 - May 17, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
May 17, 2025 - May 21, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
May 20, 2025 - May 24, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
May 24, 2025 - May 28, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
May 27, 2025 - May 31, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jun 17, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jun 24, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Jul 26, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Aug 26, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Oct 25, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025Saturday - Wednesday
Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 05, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Bamba Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Bamba Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bamba travel, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Bamba Travel requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bamba travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.