This trek is the second most popular route to Machu Picchu - after the Inca Trail. Make your way through breathtaking snowcapped mountains and picturesque valleys, pass beautiful lakes and waterfalls to finally reach Machu Picchu.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Small group
- Limited to 18 participants
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 5 days
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- Spanish, English
- Pickup included
- Pick-up at hotel
Experience
Highlights
- Visit the Humantay Lake and Llaqtapata
- Get involved in coffee tours and Pachamanca demonstrations
- Beat the crowds to Machu Picchu to see the sunrise
- Support social projects
Full description
The Salcantay Mountain is one of the most beautiful in Peru and is considered sacred by local villagers. Spend five unforgettable days hiking alongside the majestic mountains, taking time to enjoy each magical location and feel the energy through meditation, yoga and exercise. As a final treat, you will join the Inca Trail for a short section before arriving at Machu Picchu via the stunning Llaqtapata.
On Day 1, after a delicious breakfast, you will embark on a 4-hour walk up to Soyrococha (4400 m / 14430 ft) where a chef will be waiting to serve you lunch. You will continue climbing for one more hour to reach Salkantay Pass (4650 m/ 15255 ft). From the top it will be another 3 hour downhill hike to the campsite at Wayracmachay (3800 m/ 12467 ft). Your tent, a snack and a hot drink will be waiting for you. You will then have some time to rest and have dinner before a well-earned nights sleep. On Day 2, you will be woken bright and early with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. You will spend 9 hours on this trek. On Day 3, you will trek for 9 hours once more and arrive at Llaqtapata, an Inca ruin located in front of Machu Pichhu. On Day 4 you will trek for 6 hours to Aguas Calientes and spend a night in a hotel before finally spending Day 5 with a visit to Machu Picchu. Your guide will take you on a 2 to 3-hour comprehensive tour of the city before leaving you in Machu Picchu to explore on your own. Your guide will explain how to take the bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes and then take the train and bus back to Cusco. The team will meet you off the train and return you safely to your hotel.
Includes
- Pre-departure briefing the night before at 6:30 PM
- Pick up from your hotel
- Bus ride from Cusco to Soraypampa to start the trek
- Pick up from Ollantaytambo to Cusco on the last day
- Porters to carry food and equipment
- Horse, horsemen and emergency horse
- Chef to prepare all meals
- Professional English speaking local tour guides
- Second guide for groups of 8+ people
- All meals included except the final day's lunch in Machupicchu
- 4 man tents for every 2 people
- Sleeping pad
- One night hostel in Aguas Calientes
- Entrance ticket to all the places you visit
- Medical kit
- Drinking water
- Hot water for washing
- Hand towels
- Sheets
- Pillows
- Rain Poncho
- All Taxes included
- Train back to Cusco
- Sleeping bag (can be rented)
- Inflatable mattress (can be rented)
- Trekking poles (can be rented)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain pass (needs to be booked in advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain pass (needs to be booked in advance)
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- People with mobility impairments
- People with heart problems
- Wheelchair users
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Important information
What to bring
- Passport or ID card
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
Know before you go
- Dietary options available please advise at time of booking.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Passport details needed at the time of booking.
- It is recommended that you bring a lightweight and comfortable backpack no larger than 25L as larger backpacks cannot be taken into Machu Picchu.
- Bring a hat and sunglasses, rain gear and warm layers, sun cream, bug spray, sanitiser, toilet paper, personal medication, band-aids, a camera, extra batteries and a head torch.
