Trip Details
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco – Challacancha – Humantay lake – Soraypampa
This spectacular Andean mountain adventure begins at 5am when we pick you up at the hotel and drive for about 2 and a half hours to Mollepata. Here, enjoy your breakfast in a local restaurant before heading for 35 more minutes until Challacancha. From here, the hike will start! First, you will walk through an inca channel for about 3 hours until Soraypampa.
Upon arrival, seras instalado en Nuestro exclusive campamento: Los domos panoramicos. Aqui, tendras la experiencia de dormir bajo las estrellas en el major glamping de la zona. Luego de dejar tus pertenencias, descansaras y tendras un delicioso desayuno en Nuestro comedor while admiring the breathtaking views of the mountain glaciers of Humantay (19,356 feet) and Salkantay (20,396 feet). By the afternoon, take a 2.5 hour round-trip hike to the turquoise Humantay Lake. Admire the beauty of this natural mirror that nature gives us, return to the camp to enjoy an afternoon of hot drinks and the dinner of the day.
Spend the night under the stars, in a comfortable and warm bed near the Salkantay glacier.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
- Accommodation: Panoramic domes
- Hiking time: Around six hours
- Distance: 9.6 km / 6 miles
- Trekking difficulty level: Moderate
Day 2: Soraypampa – Apacheta Pass – Colpapampa
The guide will wake you with a hot mug of tea or coffee before you get up for breakfast. After a hearty and delicious breakfast, we continue our Salkantay journey with a climb for about an hour to the trek’s highest point, Apacheta pass at 4,650m / 15,367ft. At the pass, take a well-deserved rest and photos while being amazed at the massive snow-capped mountains of Huayanay, Humantay and Salkantay towering above us and at the lakes and rivers below.
As a side trip, we take 30 minutes to enjoy the exquisite and panoramic, turquoise Salkantay Lake. Next, we continue down to Rayanniyoc for lunch. Then, we trek for a couple of hours to our final stop for the day at our glamping place with panoramic domes in Colpapampa. Hot drinks and appetizers will once again be waiting for you when you arrive. As well as the amenities like sauna and hot tub!
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Hiking time: Approximately eight hours
- Distance: 16km / 10 Miles
- Trekking difficulty level: Challenging
Day 3: Colpapampa – Coclamayo Hot Springs – Lucmabamba
This day marks our midway point. We start by walking to our next destination, Lucmabamba. On the walk this morning, you’ll see a variety of wonders, including birds, fruit plantations with their flowering orchards, cacao and coffee trees. We’ll reach our destination for lunch with plenty of time to relax.
After lunch, we’ll tour a coffee plantation close to the campsite. Here we take a relaxing tour, where we get to learn about the source of Peruvian coffee, which is increasingly popular around the world. We begin by browsing the fields, learning about the different types of beans as well picking our own. Then, we roast and grind them into coffee. Finally, we get to brew and drink our own coffee! It is a truly unique experience.
By 15:00h (3:00 PM), we take local transport for a short 30-minute drive to the natural volcanic Hot Springs of Cocalmayo. Here, you can spend the afternoon soaking your muscles in pristine, mineral-rich thermal pools before returning to camp for a specialty gourmet dinner.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
- Accommodation: camping facilities
- Hiking Time: Around five to six hours
- Distance: 14km / 8.7 Miles
- Trekking difficulty level: Moderate
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata Inca ruins – Aguas Calientes
We resume our journey by travelling along the remote and ancient Inca Trail for three hours to the Puncuyoc Pass. During this journey, you’ll see the spectacular scenes of the fruit plantations and distinct valleys. Our next destination is the Inca Ruins in Llactapata. Enjoy seeing the Citadel of Machu Picchu from across the valley, along with the Aobamba Canyon and the neighboring mountains: Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
Next is a two-hour trek down to the hydroelectric plant. This serves as Cusco’s primary power source, a renewable and ecologically produced electricity. Nearby we have lunch, where we enjoy another hearty and delicious meal.
The last leg of your memorable Salkantay adventure involves a short trek to Aguas Calientes via the National Park of Machu Picchu. Appreciate the lush sub-tropical jungle, full of orchids and epiphytes growing on the trees. Excitement builds as you travel closer to the magnificent Machu Picchu! When we arrive in Aguas Calientes you will have time to check into your hotel before our dinner together at a restaurant in town.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 3* Accommodation: Ferre´Machu Picchu (included)
- 4* Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (upgrade)
- Hiking time: Approximately nine hours
- Distance: 14.5km / 9 Miles
- Trekking difficulty level: moderate
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – and back to Cusco
Today is the day, Machu Picchu! After an early breakfast at the hotel, take one of the first busses up to Machu Picchu, so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and something not to miss! The guide will give a tour, which takes about two hours. You will see most of the important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. Learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.
When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on the train departure time ,there may also be time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. Also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to the hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.
- Meal included — Breakfast only
- Trekking difficulty level — easy
WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS?
Included
- Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
- Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
- Entry fee to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 as long as its available, otherwise, we will include circuit 1B OR 3B, an extra ticket will cost 55usd)
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- English speaking, experienced professional guide
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Transfer to your hotel in Cusco
- Dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
- Mules and horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen, 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bags, etc
- Comfortable foam mattress
- Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes, available at every mealtime
Not Included
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Single Suplemment: US$100 usd
- Vistadome Train Upgrade –$67 USD per person (Return Only)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain –$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of SAM TRAVEL PERU
- Any emergency horse.
**Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
Prices Salkantay Trek 5 Days
This unique Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu can be done on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 participants!
GROUP PRICE
- $637 USD per person
PRIVATE SERVICE PRICES:
- 2 – 3 Trekkers: $897 USD per person
- 4 – 5 Trekkers: $757 USD per person
- 6 – 8 Trekkers: $617 USD per person
**** This price includes the extra pack horse who will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs, we will provide you with a duffel bag in which to put your things.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Group of 5 or more: $30 USD – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
EXTRAS
- Walking Poles -$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade –$67 USD per person (Return Only)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain –$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Single supplement-$100usd for the whole trek
**Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
WHY CHOOSE SAM TRAVEL?
SAM Travel Peru is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. SAM Travel Peru is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family! We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
SAM Travel Peru knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create your adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on, TRIPADVISOR for yourself! Also we are highly recommended on Conde Nast Travelers, Lonely Planet and by many blogs like: Trek de Lares 4 hours, “It’s the journey, not the destination…”, Lares Pass – Day 3, Trekking in the Sacred Valley.
SMALL GROUPS
To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at SAM Travel Peru we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
BEST TREKKING ROUTE
Our itinerary is slightly different than the other trekking companies. Our camps are far away from others and we visit two amazing glacial lakes when no one else is there. We hike up to Llactapata Inca ruins which is overlooking Machu Picchu and you will enjoy the guided tour into Machu Picchu, in a small group.
OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES
We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun loving, great sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.
OUR COOKS AND HORSEMEN
Trekking the Salkantay Trail with SAM Travel Peru is a life changing experience with a fully portered trek, where your comfort and enjoyment are our first priority. We make sure that you get the best experience for your holiday in Peru, while you interact with the locals, explore fantastic sites and re-discover remote ancient Inca towns. Our horsemen will help carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up your tents by avoiding crowded campsites and take care of you while you sit back and relax.
We provide the following items to our cooks and horsemen for free: Jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, canteen and girdle for protecting their spine, sleeping bags, mattresses and travel insurance. All of our horsemen and porters are hired from isolated communities and are given the opportunity to work with our company, in regards, to better their economic circumstances as well as getting help for their children’s education!
OUR COOKS ON THE SALKANTAY TREK
The food on the trek has been highly complimented by all our clients, many of whom say “it was better than in the restaurants”. Delicious and abundant gourmet style meals, Peruvian and international cuisine are prepared by our professional and dedicated cooks from a mixture of local and exotic produce. If you have diet restrictions or food allergies, we can cater to your needs!
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
At SAM Travel Peru, we have always believed that we should give back to the local isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.
SAM Travel Peru is so proud to be able to support these people, not only employing them but go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. It makes us happy to have this holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!
IMPORTANT INFO
Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and the Salkantay trek.
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be greeted at the Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to trek´s start. Look out for our representative holding an orange board of SAM Travel Peru at the arrival terminal.
THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY TREK
FIRST, to book your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu permits and entrance tickets without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
*** We require copies of each participants’ passport at the booking.
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address samtravelperu@gmail.com.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.
- University students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, University name and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.
- All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30 USD.
- For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40 USD.
- Children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@samtravelperu.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Yes, but with some restrictions. Once the tickets for Machu Picchu have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON SALKANTAY TREK ?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport you sent to book your Salkantay Trek, other entrances and reservations. Passports will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu, the trek and board the train. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter, Machu Picchu or get on the train.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE SALKANTAY TREK?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness are WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are between 2-6 persons. Sam Travel Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
HIKING THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14lbs. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 40L backpack is sufficient.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The Salkantay Trek is fairly difficult and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes, there are toilets on the Salkantay trek but only those offered by the locals for an entrance fee of 1 sole. When we are at camp, you will have a biochemical toilet set up in a tent a comfortable distance from your tent.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE SALKANTAY TREK?
In the unlikely scenario, that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Sam Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to original plan.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE SALKANTAY TREK ?
Absolutely!! Hotel pick ups and drop offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?
It will depend on the train availability (during the high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore, you we usually book the train at 14:55 or 15:20.
HOW MUCH IS THE VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will pick you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you would like, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
PACKING LIST FOR 5-DAY SALKANTAY TREK
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid student card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3L (water bottles must be reusable, not disposable)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from SAM Travel)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG
As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
- Couple Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, bring them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK 5 Days
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch stop. Please bring your water bottles.
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
