Álvaro Mella
1 year ago
The 5-Day, 4-Night Salkantay Trek is the ultimate alternative hiking route to Machu Picchu, crossing spectacular high Andean glacial passes and the lush cloud forest of Cusco. Covering a total of 74 km (46 miles), this elite expedition takes you to explore the famous Humantay Lake at 4,200 m, conquer the majestic Salkantay glacial pass at 4,630 m, relax in the volcanic hot springs of Cocalmayo in Santa Teresa, and hike through the edge of the jungle before an immersive guided tour of the Machu Picchu Citadel with a classic train return.
Conquer the majestic Salkantay glacial pass at 4,630 m.a.s.l. and descend into the Cusco cloud forest. You will cross Humantay Lake on the most spectacular Andean expedition in the world.
For travelers with shorter itineraries, the 4-Day Salkantay Trek is an excellent option. Furthermore, the Classic Inca Trail remains the most requested archaeological expedition to Machu Picchu.
| Feature | Salkantay Trek 5D/4N | Salkantay Trek 4D/3N |
|---|---|---|
| Total Distance | 74 km / 46 miles | 58 km / 36 miles |
| Trekking Pace | Leisurely, progressive, and enjoyable | Fast and intense (very demanding) |
| Humantay Lake | Full Day 1 with a relaxed hiking pace | Express hike with accelerated ascent |
| Coffee Route | Included (coffee experience in Lucmabamba) | Skipped (direct transit to Aguas Calientes) |
| Acclimatization | More time for physical adaptation | Requires excellent prior physical fitness |
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. to travel by private bus to Mollepata (2,900 m) for breakfast. We then continue by car to Challacancha to start the trek to our first camp at Soraypampa (3,900 m). In the afternoon, we gradually ascend to the majestic Humantay Lake (4,200 m) to explore its spectacular turquoise waters beneath the glacier, before returning to Soraypampa to dine and sleep under the starry Andean sky.
The most demanding day begins at 5:00 a.m. with an energy-boosting breakfast. We start the gradual ascent crossing high Andean mountain valleys to crown the majestic Salkantay Glacial Pass (4,630 m), the highest point of the trek with spectacular views of the Salkantay snow-capped peak. After taking elite photos at the glacial pass, we begin the steep descent along rocky mountain trails to Huayracmachay for lunch. We continue descending into the tropical cloud forest until reaching the Chaullay camp (2,900 m) to dine and rest.
After breakfast, we start a beautiful hike through the cloud forest, crossing suspension bridges, waterfalls, and abundant fields of organic coffee, cacao, and tropical fruits. We arrive at Lucmabamba (2,000 m) to enjoy a local lunch and learn about the coffee process. In the afternoon, we transfer by local transport to the relaxing Cocalmayo Hot Springs in Santa Teresa (1,500 m) to enjoy its medicinal natural hot water pools. We have dinner and spend the night at our camp in Santa Teresa.
We have breakfast and start the hike from Santa Teresa to the Hidroelectrica station (with the option to do an extreme zipline in the morning). After a comforting outdoor lunch, we begin a flat and highly scenic 3-hour walk bordering the train tracks and the Urubamba River canyon, under the impressive silhouettes of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains, until reaching Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). We stay in our comfortable hotel and dine at a local restaurant.
The big day starts early taking the Consettur bus up (25 min) to the sacred Machu Picchu Citadel (2,430 m). We take an elite 2.5-hour guided tour with our specialized official guide, exploring the main temples, the Sacred Plaza, the agricultural sector, and the classic viewpoints. In the afternoon, we descend to Aguas Calientes to board the classic train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private driver will be waiting to take you directly back to your hotel in the city of Cusco.
Additional details of the 5 days Salkantay tour are as follows:
Cusco
7:00 am
