Step away from the ordinary with the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. In 5 amazing days, you’ll explore some of the most beautiful places in the Andes: Salkantay Mountain, Humantay Lake, and the Cloud Forest. Along the way, you’ll see snowy peaks, green valleys, waterfalls, and small mountain villages.
This is a premium tour with a touch of adventure and comfort. You’ll enjoy a glamping experience at our Salka Glamp Campsite, where nature meets luxury. The food is fantastic, and you’ll spend a special night on a hill with a view of Machu Picchu. To make it even better, you’ll return on the Panoramic Vistadome Trains, with huge windows to enjoy the amazing scenery.
Ultimate Salkantay Tour 5 days
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s top adventures. It offers a mix of stunning landscapes and incredible Inca sites, such as Llaqtapata and Machu Picchu.
You’ll visit the beautiful Humantay Lake, camp at over 4,000 meters, and enjoy glamping at our Salka Glamp Campsite. On the second night, stay in cozy Andean huts with amazing views.
Reach the 4,600-meter Salkantay Pass, surrounded by glaciers, then head into the warm Cloud Forest to visit a coffee farm and enjoy a hands-on Pachamanca barbecue experience.
On Day 4, take in the first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu from Llaqtapata, followed by a relaxing night in a hotel. End your journey with a guided visit to Machu Picchu and a scenic ride back to Cusco on the Panoramic Vistadome trains.
Tour Highlights:
- Hike one of the best and most complete trekking adventures in Peru.
- Enjoy glamping at our exclusive Salka Glamp Campsite and stay in Andean huts on the second night.
- Make your own Pachamanca, the most iconic Andean dish, in a hands-on experience.
- Visit an organic coffee farm and learn about Peru’s finest coffee.
- Take in stunning views of Machu Picchu from the Llactapata Inca site.
- End your journey with a breathtaking ride aboard the Panoramic Vistadome train.
Salkantay Trek 5 Days at a Glance:
Day 1: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Salka Glamp Campsite (16km, 8hrs)
Start your adventure with a 3-hour drive from Cusco to the trailhead. After breakfast, hike to Soraypampa for 3 hours and enjoy your first lunch prepared by the chef. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Humantay Lake at 4,200 meters. Spend the night in style at our Salka Glamp Campsite, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views at 4,150 meters.
Day 2: Salka Glamp - Wayracmachay – Andean Huts (18km, 9hrs)
Wake up with hot coffee or tea served in your tent and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Begin a 2-hour hike to the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters, the highest point of the trek, followed by a 3-hour downhill hike to a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, continue descending for 3 hours to your cozy Andean huts, set at 2,770 meters.
Day 3: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata (16km, 8hrs)
After breakfast, trek through the lush Cloud Forest for 3 hours. Lunch today is a hands-on Pachamanca barbecue, where you’ll prepare a traditional Peruvian meal. Afterward, visit an organic coffee farm to learn about and taste the finest Peruvian coffee. In the afternoon, hike 3 hours uphill to the Llactapata campsite, located on a ridge with an incredible view of Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (14km, 6hrs)
Wake up to breathtaking views of Machu Picchu from your tent. Hike downhill for 2 hours to Hidroelectrica, where you’ll have lunch. Then, continue for 3 hours along the railway to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel, preparing for the big day ahead.
Day 5: Machu Picchu (Beat the crowds!) – 4hrs
Start early and take the first bus to Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise and explore the iconic citadel with your private guide. After your unforgettable visit, board the Panoramic Vistadome train and bus back to Cusco, enjoying stunning views of the Andes along the way.
Included
- Safety briefing the day before the tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- All transportation during the tour
- Professional tour guide
- Return on the Panoramic Vistadome Train or 360° Train
- Round-trip bus to Machu Picchu
- Entry tickets to the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu
- Porters to carry all camping equipment
- Experienced chef to prepare fresh meals daily
- 1 night at Salka Glamp Campsite for a luxurious and cozy experience under the stars (Day 1)
- 1 night at Andean huts, blending comfort with breathtaking mountain views (Day 2)
- 1 night in comfortable tents at Llactapata, with incredible views of Machu Picchu (Day 3)
- 1 night in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Day 4)
- All meals on the trail, except lunch on the last day
- Water and daily snacks
- Pachamanca barbecue and coffee experience on Day 3
- Duffle bag for up to 8 kg (17 lb) of personal belongings
- First-aid kit, satellite phones, and oxygen supply for your safety
Not Included
- Sleeping bag, air mattress, trekking poles
- Last day lunch
- Entry to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Entry to Montaña Machu Picchu
- Travel Insurance
Extra hikes after the guided tour in Machu Picchu:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$ 68 per person
You can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain for amazing views. The trip takes 2 hours round trip, and you need to book far in advance.
- Machu Picchu Montaña – US$ 68 per person
This is the highest mountain in Machu Picchu. The hike is a round trip that takes three hours.
During the Salkantay Trek, we provide:
Food:
Get an authentic taste of Peru with meals made from fresh, local ingredients prepared by our expert trekking chefs. During the Salkanty Trek, you’ll participate in a unique Pachamanca barbecue, where you’ll cook with hot stones—a cherished Andean tradition. We also cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, ensuring everyone is well-fed and happy.
Accommodation:
- Day 1: Stay at the Salka Glamp Campsite, where you’ll enjoy a luxurious night under the stars with stunning views of the Andes.
- Day 2: Sleep in cozy Andean huts, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
- Day 3: Camp in comfortable tents at Llactapata, offering incredible views of Machu Picchu right from your tent.
- Day 4: Unwind in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, getting ready to visit Peru’s most iconic wonder, Machu Picchu.
Transportation:
Enjoy seamless travel with our door-to-door service. Your trek starts with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco. After the trek, sit back and unwind on the panoramic Vistadome or 360° train, where you’ll take in the stunning Andean landscapes. We’ll drop you back at your hotel to end your journey smoothly.
TreXperience Difference:
Salkantay offers a chance to connect with nature, interact with local culture, and create lifelong memories. Our goal is to create unforgettable experiences for our clients while minimizing environmental impact and supporting local communities.
Full itinerary of the Ultimate Salkantay Trek 5 days 4 nights
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa
Start your Salkantay Trek with an early pick-up from your hotel’s door at 4:30 am and drive for 3 hours to the trailhead – arriving approximately at 7:30 am. You will enjoy the first breakfast prepared by your chef, then meet the team of porters and horsemen to start the Salkantay TreXperience later!
The first part starts with a 3-hour gentle hike to Soraypampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) following an ancient aqueduct used since the Incas. Lunch is served at Soraypampa, where our chef will prepare delicious meals using fresh local products.
After lunch, you will continue with a 2-hour hike up until you reach the stunning glacial lake of Humantay (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). Once at the lake, you can explore and relax, enjoying this spectacular turquoise lake’s beautiful views. Then continue for 2 more hours to the first campsite at the base of Salkantay Mountain. Along the way, you will see various flora and fauna, such as the Andean goose (the love bird), deer, and vizcachas (which look much like rabbits).
Your first night will be spent at the Salka Glamp Campsite (4,150 m / 13,615 ft), offering a luxurious camping experience like no other. Enjoy breathtaking views of Salkantay Mountain and a clear night sky filled with stars. After a freshly prepared dinner, unwind, stargaze, and enjoy the comfort of this special campsite.
- Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
- Duration: 6 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, dinner
- Accommodation: Glamping at Salka Glamp Campsite
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Wayracmachay – Collpapampa
Wake up bright and early with a hot cup of coffee or coca tea in your tent, admiring the spectacular views of the snowcapped mountains. After breakfast, you will start the ascent for 2 hours to the Salkantay Trek’s highest point at 4,630 m (15,190 ft). Once on top, you will take some time to explore and enjoy the area and even visit a beautiful lake at the base of Salkantay Mountain. Next, it’s another 3-hour downhill hike to the lunch place at Wayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft). You might also see Vizcachas (Lagidium Peruanum), a Chinchilla only found in Peru.
After a well-earned lunch, you will get ready for the day’s final stretch, three more hours downhill from the highland, where the air is dry and cold, into the lush cloud forest, where the weather is warm and humid. For sure, this is one of the fastest changes in temperature and landscape that you will experience.
For the night, you’ll stay in authentic Andean huts, offering a cozy and unique experience surrounded by the greenery and tranquility of the cloud forest. The campsite is next to the village of Collpapampa.
- Hiking Distance: 18 km / 11.8 mi
- Duration: 9 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
- Highest Altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, and dinner
- Accommodation: Andean huts
- Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Collpapampa – Llucmabamba – Llactapata
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the village while admiring the views of the mountains you left behind. After breakfast, you will prepare for the most beautiful day of the TreXperience, hiking toward the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. You’ll follow narrow paths along the river, cross wooden bridges, pass waterfalls, and walk through granadilla and banana plantations until you arrive at Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,561 ft) for lunch.
Today’s lunch is a special highlight of the Salkantay Trek. After hiking for about 3 hours and taking a van for the last stretch, you’ll participate in a Pachamanca Barbecue, an ancient traditional underground stone cooking method. After burying the food, you’ll visit organic coffee farms, where you’ll prepare and enjoy your own cup of coffee. While the food cooks for about 45 minutes, you can relax and explore. Then, you’ll sit down to enjoy delicious dishes, including cuy (guinea pig), potatoes, fruits, and vegetables prepared the traditional way.
Once refreshed, get ready for a 3-hour climb along an ancient Inca Trail to Llactapata, a small Inca citadel located on a mountaintop at 2,750 m (9,022 ft). Here, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu from a distance. This site, originally discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, was lost to history until its recent rediscovery.
You’ll camp right in front of Machu Picchu, where, if the weather allows, you can witness the sunrise and sunset over the citadel from the comfort of your tent.
- Hiking Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
- Duration: 6 hours
- Campsite Altitude: 2,750 m / 9,022ft
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Open your tent, and the first thing you’ll see is Machu Picchu on a mountain right in front of you, while your trekking team serves you a cup of coffee or coca tea. After breakfast, enjoy an easy 2-hour downhill hike to the hydroelectric station. Here, you’ll have your last meal with the trekking chef, say goodbye to the team, and begin the final stretch of the Salkantay TreXperience to Aguas Calientes.
The last part of the trek is a 3-hour hike along the railway, following the Urubamba River upstream. This section is rich in history. You’ll stop at Mandor Botanical Gardens, where Hiram Bingham met a farmer named Arteaga, who led him to Machu Picchu in 1911. During this stop, you’ll visit Arteaga’s farm, home to various endemic birds like the Rupicola Peruviana (cock-of-the-rock), parrots, toucans, hummingbirds, and orchids.
Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, your guide will take you to your hotel, where you can shower, explore the town, or relax in the hot springs. In the evening, you’ll have dinner at a local restaurant and prepare for the most important day of the Salkantay Trek.
- Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi
- Duration: 6 hours
- Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,000 m/ 6561 ft
- Highest Altitude: 2,840 m / 9,318 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Today is the most important day of the Salkantay Trek—visiting one of the world’s new seven wonders. Machu Picchu, a city abandoned for unknown reasons during the 16th century by the great Inca Empire, awaits you. Wake up early, have breakfast at the hotel, and take the first bus to catch the sunrise at Machu Picchu.
Your tour guide will lead you through the most famous temples, palaces, and plazas, sharing the mysteries of this spectacular Inca city perched on an impossible mountain peak. The guided tour lasts about 3 hours, and you’ll also have time to explore the magical citadel on your own or climb Huayna Picchu or Montaña (Machu Picchu Mountain) if you choose.
After finishing your tour or hike, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch, collect your belongings from the hotel, and board the exclusive Panoramic train to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private van will take you back to Cusco. The TreXperience Team will drop you off at your hotel around 7:30 pm.
- Tour Duration: 3 hours in Mach Picchu
- Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
- Difficulty: Easy
Salkantay Trek 5 days Packing List
When you sign up for the Salkantay Trek, you will hike Peru's second most popular hike and the most challenging trek to Machu Picchu. You will be walking from high altitudes into the jungles. The terrain will vary with unpredictable weather, and you must be prepared.
It's important to note that you won't carry all your stuff on this trek; you will only take essentials for the tour and leave the rest of your luggage in Cusco. We will provide a duffle bag to put 7 kilos of your stuff, including your sleeping bag and air mattress. Mules carry the duffle bags for the first 2 days, and then our porters will transfer to the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
You will also have a daypack; this must be with you when hiking with all the essentials for the day. We recommend a maximum of about 5 to 8 kilos.
You need to take to the Salkantay Trek:
What to pack in the daypack?
- You must always have the original passport in your day pack and keep it in a safe pocket, and dry is better to keep it inside a plastic bag or something waterproof; rain can occur at any time, even in the driest months. Ziploc bags will help you to have it all organized.
- Plastic Ponchos, TreXperience will provide you with plastic ponchos. Remember that you will still need your rain jackets as ponchos are used when the rain gets strong. We reuse the ponchos; please return them with the duffle bag after the trek.
- Sunscreen, you will be hiking out in the open space with the direct sun; make sure you bring the right sunscreen for you or buy it in Cusco before leaving for the trek. Bring some lip protectors as well.
- Toilet paper, you will find toilets from locals; they usually charge one sol; you must always have toilet paper with you in your daypack.
- Insect repellent, you will be hiking in the jungle after the second day. You always need insect repellent with you and always wear long sleeves.
- 1 rain jacket, and 1 warm/winter jacket, Jackets must always be with you in your daypack; the first 2 mornings, the temperatures will be cold, and you will start hiking with all layers; then, as you warm up, you will begin removing and put in your daypack.
- The average trek duration each day is around 8 hours, and you will be burning much energy; besides the meals and snacks we provide, we recommend bringing energy bars, granola bars, chocolate, and candies.
- Water Container, you will need to bring water for the first half day, then we will provide you water after the first lunch; however, you need to have a container of at least 2 liters: camel bags and reusable bottles will be okay.
- A flashlight or Headlamp must always be in your daypack if needed during hiking, and at night, you will need to walk around the camp and use the restrooms. Headlamps work better for having hands-free.
- Hat, you need to bring a sun hut for the daytime and for the night we recommend getting something warm. Also, gloves are recommended for the nighttime and early mornings.
- Sunglasses protect your eyes from the intense sun in Salkantay.
- Extra Money in Cash, we recommend bringing to the Salkantay Trek around 600 soles (200. USD); make sure to have some small coins, this is emergency money, and you won't spend everything. You will need to use the toilets, buy souvenirs, drinks, or snacks, and tip if you see it is convenient for your stuff.
- Personal medication: You also need to bring band-aids, Diamox, Pepto, Ibuprofen, Imodium, motion sickness pills, and feminine products.
- Devices, cameras, and cellphones for photos.
What to pack in the duffle bag:
- You will need a suitable sleeping bag that can handle -10 degrees Celsius. You can bring your own, or you can rent from us as well.
- Hiking Boots that are lightweight and waterproof; we strongly recommend having hiking boots rather than sneakers; also, make sure you use them before to avoid blisters.
- Sandals, after long hours of hiking, you will need to wear something light at the campsite, and for this, we recommend sandals.
- Six pairs of wool hiking socks are very comfortable when hiking with boots.
- 4 pairs of light socks as well, you will use them at night or walk around on the campsite with sandals.
- 6+ pairs of underwear, Just in case; bring extra in case they get wet
- 2 or 3 hiking pants, breathable, are better. Legging for ladies works well as well.
- 1 Sweatpant, for the nights and early mornings
- 5 sets of t-shirts long sleeve shirts work better,
- Tissues or wet wipes to freshen up after the long hike before bed.
- Bathing suit, optional as you can visit the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.
- For trekking poles, bring your own or rent from us
- Inflatable mattresses. We provide foam mats; however, you can bring or rent an air mattress if you want more comfort.
You can't miss the complete Salkantay trek Packing List
Price of the Ultimate Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Price per person:
- US$ 550 - Adults
- US$ 510 - Children and students
To book the Ultimate Salkantay Trek 5 days, you need to make an initial payment of US$ 200 per person. The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco with any card and without booking fees.
Student Discount:
- US$ 40 off per person
All travelers under 17 have a US$ 40 discount. If you are 25 years old or younger when traveling, you can get the discount with your Student ID. Please send us an email to receive a code for the discount.
Valid Student ID for Machu Picchu:
To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:
Invalid Student IDs:
Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:
- 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
- The ID must have the Name of the university, name, and photo of the student
- The ID must have a valid expiration date
- Traveler is older than 25
- Expired ID
- Student ID without expiration date
- ISIC cards are not valid.
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Salkantay Trek 5 Days FAQs
What is Salkantay?
Salkantay is the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region, with 6,271m / 20,574 ft. It is located in the west-northwest Vilcabamba Mountain, 60 km from Cusco in the Peruvian Andes’ mid-range. Salkantay means “Savage Mountain” and is considered a sacred deity that has controlled the weather and fertility of locals since the Inca Times.
Salkantay was first climbed in 1952 by a French-American expedition. Due to its location on the Amazon border, shape, and steepness, Salkantay Mountain is considered very difficult to climb.
What is Salkantay Trek?
The proximity of Salkantay to Machu Picchu and ancient trails make this a perfect Alternative Trek called the Salkantay Trek.
The Salkantay trek can be done in a 4 or 5-day trek to Machu Picchu, reaching a maximum of 4,630m /15,190ft high, the Salkantay Pass. National Geographic’s Adventure Travel Magazine named this trek among the 25 Best Treks in the World.
How long is the Salkantay Trek?
Salkantay Trek can be done in many ways, depending on your itinerary or your chosen operator. The most popular tours are 4 and 5 days; shorter than four days can be too challenging, and longer schedules usually include city tours, Sacred Valley tours, and not the hike itself.
- Salkantay Trek 4 days and 3 nights.- The hike starts in Soraypampa, visits the amazing Humantay Lake and Salkantay pass, and arrives at Machu Picchu after 3 days of the hike. On the last day, you will visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco on the panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360°). The Total hiking distance is 44km/28 mi, and this doesn’t include the walking tour around Machu Picchu
- Salkantay Trek 5 days and 4 nights.- The ultimate Salkantay Trek starts in Soraypamapa Village, arrives at Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, and allows camp for 1 night in Llaqtapata, a unique archeological site located on a mountain top right in front of Machu Picchu. The total hiking distance is 60km/38 mi for the 4-day hiking tour. On the 5th day, this is a walking tour of Machu Picchu.
Is Salkantay Trek worth it?
Definitely! The Salkantay Trek gives you that unique sense of achievement that other hikes can't match. This journey is a great combination of natural beauty and archeological sites, making the trek complete; it starts high in the mountains, where cold temperatures and snow-capped mountains dominate the landscapes, and ends at the high jungle or Cloud Forest. In any case, it's a great opportunity to witness unique views, climates, and weather changes throughout the journey, with the added chance to camp in front of Machu Picchu.
How high is Salkantay Trek?
It’s important to note the difference between Salkantay Mountain, which is 6,271 m (20,574 ft), and the highest pass reached during the trek, the Salkantay Pass, which is 4,630m /15,190 ft.
• First campsite: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
• Second campsite: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
• Third campsite: 2,750 m / 9,022 ft
• Last night at Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
How is the weather in the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek weather varies throughout the year depending on whether you are hiking during the dry season (April to October) or the wet season (November to March). The temperatures will rise slightly during the wet season, as is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. The trek goes through different ecosystems and altitudes, which means you get a radical change in weather. The minimum temperature can reach 0°C in the mountains and a maximum of 24°C in the cloud forest.
Is it very cold on the Salkantay trek?
Yes. Temperatures can drop to 0°C / 32°F and sometimes below that level, especially in winter (May to August). The coldest it can get is during the first night because you will be close to Salkantay Mountain and Humantay Peak.
Can it be hot on the Salkantay trek?
After you've passed the highest point, you will reach the edge of the jungle. This means you will get a warmer day. On a sunny normal day, it can reach up to 24° C and, in rare cases, up to 30°C. The rainy season (November to March) is where you usually get the highest temperatures.
Salkantay Trek weather day by day:
Day 1: During the first day of the trek, the temperatures will be from 18°C/64°F maximum during daytime and will drop below 0 °C/ 32°F at night. It’s essential to have warm clothes as the temperature will drop when the sun sinks or gets cloudy. High places like Humantay Lake are always chilly, even with the sun.
Day 2: The second day offers 2 completely different climates. The first part of the day until lunch, you will hike through the Salkantay Pass, the highest and most challenging part of the trek; this part is usually bright and sunny; however, if rain falls, the temperature will drop to very cold, and you will need to wear jackets, hats, gloves.
The temperature will increase in the second part of the day as we enter below the tree line (below 3000m). Here, we will start descending quickly to the second campsite in the Cloud Forest. The temperatures will be from 24°C/75°F during the day and 10°C/ 50°F at night.
Day 3: You will be hiking through the tropical cloud forest all day during the third day. You must wear light clothes, protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes, and have plenty of water. At night, temperatures can be around 10°C/ 53°F
Day 4: The last day of hiking starts as the day before in the Cloud Forest as we lower even more until we reach Aguas Calientes town with an average temperature range between 12ºC/54ºF and 24ºC/75ºF
Day 5: During the 5th day, you will visit Machu Picchu in the tropical mountain forest with warm and humid weather almost all year round.
Salkantay Trip: What To Expect from this Trek?
When you choose Salkantay, you are signing up for the most challenging trek we have to Machu Picchu, and you must be prepared for long hours of hiking in sunny, cloudy, rainy, chilly weather—camp during the first night under freezing point weather and no electricity or cellphone service.
Not every day is freezing; it is cold on day one and half of day 2. Also, after the second campsite, there is a cell phone signal and wifi at specific points.
Which Salkantay trek should I take?
There are so many tours to Machu Picchu and Salkantay that travelers might have difficulty deciding which one to take.
Among the most important factors to consider is price; you should not choose the lowest prices, as they have hidden costs, and you will end up paying more or having a bad experience. The regular price of the Salkantay trek varies between 450 USD and 650 USD. This cost should include 3-star hotels, meals, porters, transportation, and an English-speaking certified tour guide.
It’s essential to book your tour with a company with a good reputation; this is a hiking tour at a high altitude and slippery terrain, and you should trust the company and tour guides.
TreXperience provides experienced tour guides, expert chefs, and comfortable camping equipment; plus, we include a Coffee tour, Pachamanca cooking, and a Panoramic Vistadome train on the last day for a great price.
How to prepare for the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Route is doable by anybody; however, you need a moderate fitness level to finish the trek. You don’t need to be an expert hiker but have a somewhat active life; if not, you must prepare before this trip to avoid bad experiences.
You do not need to train months in advance. However, you must go on occasional hikes for about an hour or 2 and increase the frequency and duration as you get closer to the tour departure. Some hours in the gym, jogging, or spinning will also help.
We recommend hiking on weekends or at least twice a month on short treks, including uphill.
Is altitude sickness a problem? What should I do to avoid altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is real and can affect anybody, whether they are expert hikers or not. Below are some recommendations to avoid altitude sickness:
• Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before your trek departure; this will help you to adapt to the altitude before your trek; during these first days, you should do activities that are not exhausting or that don’t include several hours of hiking: we recommended Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley tour, or Maras Moray.
• You should avoid tours like Rainbow Mountain, including several hiking hours, which are very high. This tour is perfect after the Machu Picchu trip.
• Bring altitude medicine like Diamox or others recommended by your doctor.
• During the first days in Cusco, eat light and drink lots of water; Coca tea will help.
Where to book the Salkantay Trek tour in Cusco?
Machu Picchu is the most important tourist destination in South America and Peru; we have limited entrances to this Sanctuary. We have 2 train companies, Aguas Calientes town and Machu Picchu, which receive thousands of visitors daily. You must always book your tour in advance to consider these and other factors.
Booking your tour early will allow us to choose the best train schedules, hotels, and Machu Picchu entry shifts.
When is the best time to hike the Salkantay and visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to November, which is the dry season. April and November are the shoulder months, and a weather increase is expected.
January and February are months to avoid this trek due to the heavy rainy season and the risk of landslides. During these months, we recommend the Lares trek.