Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour 5-days

Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour 5-days

5 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru

Visiting: Cusco, Salkantay Pass, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes

Tour operator:

TreXperience

Tour code:

381264

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

MODERATE

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish
From: $1890

NB: Prices correct on 18-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour, a 5-day adventure through Peru's breathtaking landscapes. This exclusive journey offers a blend of nature and comfort, featuring luxury camping with hot showers and private toilets, daily massages, and gourmet meals prepared by expert chefs. Traverse hidden lakes, snow-capped mountains, and lush tropical valleys, with highlights including a Pachamanca barbecue and a coffee tour. Experience the thrill of hiking the Salkantay Pass and exploring the ancient Inca site of Llaqtapata, with stunning views of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a night in a 4-star hotel in Aguas Calientes and a panoramic train ride back to Cusco. With passionate local guides and top-quality equipment, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Peru's natural wonders.

Highlights

  • Hike the Salkantay Trek with luxury camping.

  • Explore the hidden lakes and snow-capped mountains.

  • Experience a Pachamanca underground barbecue.

  • Visit an organic coffee farm and prepare your own cup.

  • Enjoy a massage session during the camping nights.

  • Witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu from Llaqtapata.

  • Visit Mandor Botanical Gardens, once visited by Hiram Bingham.

  • Take a guided tour of Machu Picchu with optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Montaña.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Basecamp

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Luxury camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


On the first day, the pick up will be early at 4:30 am in your hotel in Cusco for the journey to Soraypampa at 3800 meters, where the Salkantay Trek starts. After breakfast, you will hike to Humantay lake and enjoy lunch with a beautiful view of the mountains. The second part of the day is a 2-hour hike to the basecamp right below the Salkantay mountain at 4100 meters.



  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner

  • Accommodations: Luxury camping with showers and massage

  • Hiking hours: 6 hours

  • Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles


Day 2: Basecamp – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa

Location: Salkantay Pass

Accommodation Name: Luxury camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Wake up in your tent with a beautiful view of the mountains, enjoy a hot cup of coffee, and get ready for the most challenging day of the Salkantay hike. After breakfast, start the ascent to the highest pass of the Salkantay trek at 4630 meters, upon arrival to the pass, you will take some time to enjoy the views of snowcapped peaks. From the pass, you will descend for 5 more hours to the second campsite in Collpapampa at 2800 meters. Throughout the day, you will experience different landscapes from the cold high Puna to the lush vegetation of the cloud forest where the weather is warm.



  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner

  • Accommodations: Luxury camping

  • Hiking hours: 9 hours

  • Hiking distance: 18 km / 11.1 miles


Day 3: Collpapampa – Llucmabamba – Llaqtapata

Location: Machu Picchu

Accommodation Name: Rustic Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


 After breakfast, you will start hiking through the Cloud Forest with lush green vegetation, bridges, waterfalls, granadilla plantations, banana plantations until Lucmabamba Village where lunch will be waiting for you. Lunch is a special Pachamanca barbecue (Underground barbecue with hot stones). After lunch, you will visit an organic coffee farm to prepare your own cup and learn the process of harvesting. Then, you will hike for 3-hours along an ancient Inca Trail to Llaqtapata Inca site. here you will have the first glimpse of the Lost Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. Spend the night in a rustic lodge located right in front of Machu Picchu.



  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner

  • Accommodations: Rustic Lodge in front of Machu Picchu.

  • Hiking hours: 6 hours

  • Hiking distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles


Day 4: Llaqtapata – Aguas Calientes

Location: Aguas Calientes

Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva hotel or Similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Llaqtapata is located in a mountain right in front of Machu Picchu, if the weather allows, you will experience the most amazing sunset and sunrise over Machu Picchu. After enjoying the last breakfast with the trekking team, start the final 4 hours hike to Aguas Calientes. Along the way, you will visit Mandor Botanical Gardens, this place was visited by Hiram Bingham in 1911, the discoverer of Machu Picchu. Spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.



  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner

  • Accommodations: Tierra Viva hotelñ or Similar

  • Hiking hours: 4 hours

  • Hiking distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles


Day 4: Machu Picchu (Lost City Of The Incas)

Location: Machu Picchu

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


After Breakfast in your hotel, take the early buses up to Machu Picchu to watch the beautiful sunrise, the guided tour of Machu Picchu takes about 3 to 4 hours and then you will have free time for further exploration or a hike up Huayna Picchu or Montaña (Machu Picchu Mountain) after finishing the tour and exploration, you will have lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge and in the afternoon take the Exclusive Vistadome train back to Cusco.



  • Meals Included: Breakfast in the hotel, Lunch at Machu Picchu

  • Accommodations: Not Included


What's Included

  • Pre-departure briefing

    A pre-departure briefing is provided the night before your tour at 6.00 pm in your hotel.

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

    Pick up and drop off from your hotel located in Cusco city is included.

  • Transportation

    All transportation is included during the 5 days tour.

  • Entrance tickets

    Entrance ticket to Salkantay and Machu Picchu is included.

  • Camping equipment

    3 nights camping with top-quality equipment including air bed and sleeping bags.

  • Hotel accommodation

    1 night stay at a 4-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Sumaq or similar) is included.

  • Meals

    Organic, gourmet meals using local products are provided.

  • Massage sessions

    Massage sessions are available during the 3 nights of camping.

  • Hot showers

    Hot showers are available every day.

  • Tour guides

    Top qualified tour guides are provided.

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What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to Cusco are not included.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses are not covered.

  • Last day dinner

    Dinner on the last day in Cusco is not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

Requirements

  • Original Passport 
  • Rain gear, ponchos
  • Sun protection
  • Warm layers (fleece / long-sleeved tops)
  • Personal medication
  • Camera, extra batteries
  • Head torch
  • Extra snacks, power bars, chocolate
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips (small change is useful for paying to use the villagers' toilets on the first day)

Please Note

  • Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Infant seats are available on request if advised at time of booking
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • Passport name, number, expiry, and the country is required at time of booking for all participants
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

Mode of Transport

All transportation is included during the 5-day tour, with pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Cusco. Enjoy the exclusive Vistadome panoramic train on the return journey to Cusco, providing a scenic and comfortable travel experience.

Accommodation

Experience luxury camping with top-quality equipment, including air beds and sleeping bags, for three nights, and enjoy a stay at a 4-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. Indulge in daily massages and hot showers, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing journey through the Salkantay Trek.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodations are provided during the Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour?

    The tour includes luxury camping with showers and massages for the first three nights, and a stay in a 4-star hotel in Aguas Calientes on the fourth night.

  • Are meals included during the trek?

    Yes, all meals are included during the trek, including breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner. The meals are organic and gourmet, using local products.

  • What is the highest point reached during the Salkantay Trek?

    The highest point reached during the trek is the Salkantay Pass at 4630 meters.

  • Is there any special activity included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a Pachamanca underground barbecue, massages during the camping nights, and a visit to an organic coffee farm where you can prepare your own cup of coffee.

  • What kind of support is available during the trek?

    The tour provides top qualified tour guides, highly trained chefs, porters to carry equipment and food, a personal porter for up to 15 kilos, and safety equipment such as oxygen tanks, AED, satellite phones, and a first aid kit.

  • What is the final destination of the Salkantay Trek Luxury Tour?

    The final destination of the tour is Machu Picchu, where you will have a guided tour and free time for further exploration.

  • When is the best time to travel to Cusco?

    The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. The weather is perfect for trekking and exploring the city, with clear skies and little chance of rain. This is also the peak travel season, so it can be busier. If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind a little rain, the shoulder seasons (April and October) can also be great times to visit.

  • When do you have to arrive in Cusco?

    It’s a good idea to arrive in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your trek starts. This gives your body time to adjust to the high altitude, which is crucial since Cusco sits pretty high up at 11,152 feet (3,400 meters). The extra days also give you time to explore the city and its surroundings before your big adventure begins.

  • How to prevent altitude sickness?

    Altitude sickness is pretty common when you head to places like Cusco, so it’s smart to be prepared. Here are a few things you can do to avoid or lessen it: - Arrive early: Give yourself a couple of days to acclimate. - Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is key. - Try coca tea: Locals swear by it. It's made from coca leaves and can help with altitude adjustment. - Avoid heavy meals and alcohol: These can make it harder for your body to adjust. - Take it easy: Don’t push yourself too hard on the first day or two. - Medication: Talk to your doctor about altitude sickness pills like Diamox if you're worried. If you start feeling dizzy, tired, or get a headache, slow down, rest, and stay hydrated.

  • Which is better, Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek?

    Both treks offer incredible experiences, but they’re different in key ways: - The Inca Trail is all about history, as you’ll walk the same paths the Incas did and pass through several archaeological sites. It’s a shorter trek but highly regulated, with limited permits. - The Salkantay Trek is a bit more off the beaten path. It’s longer and tougher but offers stunning scenery, including glaciers and cloud forests. There are fewer crowds, and no permit is required. If you want the classic Machu Picchu experience, go for the Inca Trail. If you're looking for a more rugged adventure, Salkantay might be the better choice.

  • How many people are allowed in each group?

    The size of each group on the Inca Trail is typically limited to 16 people. This ensures a more personalized experience and allows for easier management on the narrow paths of the trail. TreXperience, like most tour operators, adheres to this limit to comply with government regulations and to preserve the environment along the trail.

Reviews of this operator

Racquel Enad (Google Reviewer)  

The Short Inca Trail (2D/1N)...

29-Nov-2024

The Short Inca Trail (2D/1N) tour exceeded my expectations. TreXperience had great organization/coordination and handled all the logistics of the many pieces involved with visiting Machu Picchu. I felt safe knowing that they handled and thought of everything. The hike was amazing. JJ and Pepe took care of us, managing everyone’s different paces and needs, and teaching us about the Incan hike and culture. They are clearly experts in hiking and all things Machu Picchu. On top of that, they are kind, fun, and professional in their work. Unforgettable experience. Thank you to JJ, Pepe, and the team! Highly recommend.

Catalin Radoiu (Google Reviewer)  

The 4-day Inca Trail was...

15-Apr-2024

The 4-day Inca Trail was an incredible journey, filled with breathtaking views and delicious food. Our guides, Pepe and Maribel, were exceptional. They not only led us safely through the trail but also shared their knowledge, making the trek a learning experience. Their care and attention to everyone's needs made the journey even more enjoyable. The entire experience was worth every step, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure.

Antoine Gasté (Google Reviewer)  

We did the Lares Trek...

09-May-2024

We did the Lares Trek to Macchu Picchu 4 days with TreXperience and it was an amazing experience. During the hike the emphasize was given on enjoying the time with no time pressure on reaching a given point, which allowed us to enjoy the views. Manolo also took the time to tell us a lot about the history of Peru and of the trek we walked specifically. The food was plentiful and awesome for every meal, thanks again Orlando! The preparation was smooth and simple. Thanks to the TreXperience team!

Simon Jensen (Google Reviewer)  

10/10. Pepe and Johny was...

27-Aug-2024

10/10. Pepe and Johny was super professional. Well planned and fun trip! We did the 2 day Inca trail. The trek is easy, but with some steep sections. The views are amazing!

Avi Lazar (Google Reviewer)  

We came to hike the...

14-Mar-2024

We came to hike the Inca trail and it was an amazing experience. It is a very difficult trip, but well worth it. For our trip we had Carlos as our guide. He is a fantastic guy. Polite and helpful. He has a lot of knowledge of the history and culture and his animated explanations made it more exciting. Our chef Alejandro cooked amazing meals. During the trip, while chatting with Carlos, we mentioned we just got married. On our last night they made us home-made chocolate cake to celebrate. How awesome is that, that 1) they could make a cake while camping and 2) he had the ingredients. We never mentioned our marriage when we booked the trip. The food was great and had a lot of variety. They also accommodate special needs (vegetarian, pescatarian, etc) Finally, the porters were amazing. The head porter, Jesus, runs a tight ship and everything is ready to go. Our tents are ready for us, food is timed to come out when we arrive. The trip was hard, but an amazing experience. A few tips 1) when they suggest to get the hiking poles, GET the hiking poles. Just do it. 2) most of this trip are stone "stairs". Some of these "stairs" can be 30 inches high. For sure they are absolutely and not even remotely close to being uniform. 3) make sure to have 100% waterproof gear (goretex), altitude medicine (before you arrive to Cusco), and layers.

I-am Gonzo (Google Reviewer)  

What can I say, GREAT...

11-Oct-2023

What can I say, GREAT COMPANY! We booked this 4 day hike to Machu Picchu, glad we did. This company was great all the way around. We had all information in advance, picked us up at our hotel the morning off, porters/sherpas carried all the main gear, you just had to carry your daily pack. This was tent camping. Food was absolutely amazing for being carried up the mountains and prepared in a tent. The chef made great food with vegetarian options, as long as he’s made aware before heading out. The porters, man, these were hard working guys and gals. They made the hike look easy, and trust me, it was anything but easy! The hiking guides were great and knowledgeable. They provided stories at each stop and ruins along the way. If you’re looking for something easy, this isn’t it. If you want to challenge yourself, learn some history, view amazing sites that only those hiking will see, and make some friends along the way…this is for you. The views were just incredible! They provide the tents, sleeping matts, sleeping bags, and hiking poles. However, I recommend you bring your own bag. These bags get used by many people and have a funky smell. Bring change and cash on the hike. You will find people in small towns selling drinks, gloves, caps, and many things you probably didn’t think of in advance. The coins are needed for the bathrooms along the route. Most places charged $1 sol to use the facility. They don’t have much change so bring coins for that. PS: Bring extra money to tip the porters/sherpas well. You’ve never seen harder working people in your life! I was amazed.

Jessica Yang (Google Reviewer)  

I can begin to even...

22-Mar-2024

I can begin to even describe what a wonderful and life changing experience the 4 day Inca Trail with Trexperience was. The views were beyond anything I could have imagined, but what really made this experience the best of my life were our tour guides Amadeo and Plinio, along with the entire amazing team of porters, chef, and assistant chef. Amadeo's in depth archaeological knowledge and first0hand experience working on the restoring parts of the Inca Trail gave us all so much insight into the ancient ruins and history of Inka culture. Throughout these 4 days, I met such an amazing group of people and formed lifelong friendships, and the fun lighthearted and special dynamic that Amadeo and Plinio helped create made this possible. I am so grateful to Trexperience and everyone in our group who made this possible, you truly cannot get a better team and guide to lead you through this amazing journey that feels like you're flying through the clouds.

Brendan Kent (Google Reviewer)  

Myself and a mate absolutely...

05-Aug-2023

Myself and a mate absolutely loved our 6-day Salcantay/Inka Trail combo for his 40th birthday! Led by super puma & experienced tour guide Leo and the team assisted us in having us a seamless trip from booking enquiry through to dropping us back at our accomodation. We can’t recommend Trexperience more highly for your adventure tour operator based in Cuzco. Our trip commenced with a hotel pickup by private transport to the start of our trek. From there we were supported by horseman Mario who carried our gear, food and kitchen equipment. Masterchefs Augusto & Esteban creatively entertained our tastebuds for breakfast, lunch & dinner in the comfort of a shared kitchen-dining tent. The 3 course meals were perfectly paired to the temperature and that of our energy requirements ahead. Most importantly cleanliness and hygene was of a high standard & our tummies were in tip top shape. The salsa garnish is a must try while in Peru, although this may result in additional exhaust emissions! Tour guide, Leo was an Inca race champion back in the day with over 1000 Inca trail runs and is a walking encyclopedia on the Inca history, flora and fauna of which you will pass a great variety. Leo’s experience enabled us to make the most of the trip, see more, rest a little at times & drink Momma’s beer by optimising the schedule to suit our interests & the weather when the “super kangaroos” were ahead of schedule. Our first stop to Humantay Lake was serene and a good walm up for the following days. Camp sites were in some amazing places, a highlight was overlooking the snow capped Salcantay mountain and witnesssing a couple of avalanches from a more than safe distance but could still hear and feel the power of the event. This camp site was at an altitude of about 15,000 feet and we woke to a powdering of snow in the morning. The treks in the whole area are rocky and at times steep and my Keen ankle boots looked after my ankles and feet. Walking poles are an option which we would recommend taking up to assist with uphill and downhill step downs. Upon entering the Inca trail horses are forbidden so we were joined by a fantastic porter crew consisting of Cerilo, Santos, Ruben, Fortunato, Marcelino, Porfedio. We had a great time with our chefs and porters and if you include them in your trip it will really make the experience better. So dont be snobby - we shared plenty of laughs, music, food and stories with them sometimes through translation as we didnt speak fluent Espanol. Along the way there are the occasional stall to buy drinks or if things workout you may get to stay in a village and try some locally made Inca beer of which we helped make the night before. Tipping is optional but don’t be a tight arse - the support team work in exceptionally hard conditions, carry up to 25kgs on their backs compared to your 6kgs if that and run a fantastic operation. Tipping was by separate envelope to ensure funds go directly to the chef, porters & to guide. On weight keep your packing to a minimum - spare jocks and socks for each day & you’ll get a number of days out of pants and shirts, a couple of sets thermals/compression gear, warm jacket, rain jacket - follow the packing instructions provided and you’ll be fine. I bought a garmin watch which lasted 2 days GPS tracking our route, heart rate & O2 saturation & charged with a powerbank. There are some opportunities for showers but most are cold and most camps are next to a crystal clear creek to ice bath your legs in and make things easier for crew. Altitude sickness wasnt an issue although we could feel the effects of the thin air. A mate put us onto Diamox tablets(sourced through your doctor) which assisted with this, otherwise just taking it easier and focussing on solid breathing helped get us through without having additional things to deal with. Its an incredible trip which you will have a great time if you do a little homework and preparation. If an 80 year old can do it or a guy with a kevlar knee im sure you can do it too! Thank you for a once in a lifetime experience, Trexperience 😘

Merel van de Wiel (Google Reviewer)  

We enjoyed the Inca trail...

09-Oct-2024

We enjoyed the Inca trail with TreXperience so much! The guide Gary was just amazing and we had the best trip because of him. He was very knowledgeable and his English is very good. He explained a lot about the Inca sites, nature and Machu Picchu. Also, he made so many pictures for us to remember our trip! He made us all feel comfortable and explained really well what was going to happen along the way. He made our group feel like a family and he was just a lot of fun to be around. If we did another tour with TreXperience we would definitely ask for him to be our guide again :) Also: the food. It was sooo good, we read a lot of positive things about the food but it was even better than expected. The chef Balbino was amazing. We had a lot of delicious Peruvian dishes and also pizza and a cake. We chose this company because they treat their porters well and we could clearly see it: their gear looked very good. They were very kind to us, everything was really well organised and we appreciated the private toilet that was setup every day during lunch and at camp. The camping gear was really comfortable too, we were happy we rented the air matresses and sleeping bags. It definitely made our trip more enjoyable. All in all I would highly recommend doing the Inca trail with TreXperience.

Brock Simon (Google Reviewer)  

Highly recommend TreXperience. We did...

25-Sep-2023

Highly recommend TreXperience. We did the four day / three night trek as a family guided by Vincent. The trek was beautiful and the trip was fun and incredibly well organized. Greatly appreciate how knowledgeable and helpful Vincent was especially with our children. We would love to do another trek with them in the future.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Wednesday

Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 25, 2024
$1890

Sunday - Thursday

Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 26, 2024
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Monday - Friday

Dec 23, 2024 - Dec 27, 2024
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Tuesday - Saturday

Dec 24, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
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Wednesday - Sunday

Dec 25, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024
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Thursday - Monday

Dec 26, 2024 - Dec 30, 2024
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Friday - Tuesday

Dec 27, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024
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Saturday - Wednesday

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 01, 2025
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Sunday - Thursday

Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 02, 2025
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Monday - Friday

Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 03, 2025
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Tuesday - Saturday

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    TreXperience requires a minimum deposit of 140 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 2 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trexperience charges.

    Up to 3 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 2 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 0 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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