Get back to nature on a 5-day hike of the Salkantay Trek. Follow in the footsteps of the Incas and arrive at their legendary "Lost City" to take a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Encounter wild orchids, amazing waterfalls and much more.
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
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 5 days
- Starting time 5:00 AM
- Skip the ticket line
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- Spanish, English
- Pickup included
- Pickup from your hotel in downtown Cusco
Experience
Highlights
- Follow in the footsteps of the Incas on a hike along the Salkantay Trek
- Marvel at snow-capped mountains and wild waterfalls of the Andes
- Discover the "Lost City of the Incas" with an expert guide
Full description
Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas and hike along the same paths they used to trek through the mountains centuries ago. Get back to nature and experience amazing views of the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Andes.
Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Markhuq’asa - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake (L, D)
Depart Cusco and journey to Markhuq’asa for the start of your trek to Soraypampa, 3,850 meters above sea level. Stop for lunch at the base camp and then go on a round-trip hike to Humantay Lake. Then return to base-camp to spend the night.
Day 2: Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Collpapampa (B, L, D)
Hike to the highest point of the trail at Salkantay Pass and get spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains before a 2-hour downhill hike to the camp for lunch. Then, enter the upper part of the Amazon jungle on a hike through the “cloud forest.” Look for native wildlife on the way to the village of Collpapampa, where you will spend the night.
Day 3: Collpapampa - La Playa - Santa Teresa (B, L, D)
After breakfast, take an easy hike to La Playa through the Santa Teresa valley and marvel at the waterfalls and wild orchids. Encounter coffee, banana and avocado plantations, and get the chance to sample the local coffee at an organic coffee farm. After a typical lunch in La Playa, take a 40-minute car ride towards Santa Teresa where attractions include hot thermal springs and abundant birdlife. Here you will spend the night.
Day 4: Santa Teresa - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes (B, L, D)
On this day, in Santa Teresa, you can choose to visit the zipline, canopy, or hot springs. Then, you will head to Hidroelectrica, passing trough waterfalls coming from the glaciers and fields of cocoa and coffee. After a nourishing lunch, begin a 2-hour walk to Machu Picchu Pueblo, known as Aguas Calientes. Once in Aguas Calientes, you can go to your hotel to shower and relax before dinner. After dinner, get some rest before the early morning climb up to Machu Picchu the following morning.
Day 5: Machu Picchu (B)
Explore Machu Picchu in the early morning before the crowds arrive. You can choose to hike uphill to the ruins or take the bus for an additional charge. Benefit from a 2-hour guided tour on arrival and learn more about the temples, palaces, priest houses, and more. You will have some free time to explore at leisure and you can use it to climb to Huayna Picchu or the Machu Picchu mountain (if booked in advance). Alternatively, you can trek to the Sun Gate at the main entrance of the Inka Trail. Take the train to Ollantaytambo at approximately 6:30 PM and then catch the bus back to Cusco for drop-off at your hotel or hostel on arrival.
Includes
- Basic hotel night in Aguas Calientes
- Luggage allowance of 5 kilograms per participant, to be carried by the horses
- Transportation to the head of the Salkantay Trek
- English/Spanish-speaking guide
- Thick mattress and night lighting
- Personal pad: double foam - 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) thick
- Pillow
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Standard train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to downtown Cusco
- First aid equipment and oxygen bottle for emergencies
- Salkantay entrance fee
- Pre-departure briefing
- Camping and cooking equipment
- Meals as per the itinerary (4 x breakfast, 4 x lunch, 4 x dinner)
- Sleeping bag (can be hired)
- Round-trip bus tickets from/to Machu Picchu
- Breakfast on day 1 and lunch on day 5
- Santa Teresa hot springs entrance fee
- Walking sticks
- Round-trip bus tickets
Not suitable for
- People with back problems
- People with mobility impairments
- People with heart problems
- Wheelchair users
COVID-19 precautions
Customers must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers must fill out a travel information form
- 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
- Warm clothing
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Swimwear
- Snacks
- Hiking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Cash
- Daypack
Know before you go
- It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek, so you can acclimatize and get used to the altitude
- Vegetarian and vegan food are available on request at no extra charge
- Sleeping bags are available at extra cost, and can be added when booking
