Beyond the Glacier: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu tour 5 Days
Beyond the Glacier: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu tour 5 Days
from $ USD 600.00
Beyond the Glacier: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu tour 5 Days
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu is the second most popular trekking route to reach the legendary Inca citadel and the perfect alternative to the often-crowded Classic Inca Trail. This journey delivers pure adventure, dramatic mountain scenery, and an extraordinary variety of landscapes—ranging from snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys to lush cloud forests and rainforest terrain.
With fewer restrictions than the Classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is also considered the “back door” to Machu Picchu, making it an excellent option when Inca Trail permits are sold out. Remote, wild, and deeply immersive, this trek is designed for travelers seeking a more authentic connection with the Andes.
Min 2 Persons
Easy
The 5-day Salkantay Trek is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and adventurous routes to Machu Picchu—and the 5-day version offers the most complete experience. Along the way, you will hike beneath towering glacial mountains, visit iconic turquoise lakes such as Humantay Lake and Salkantay Lake, and gradually descend into the Amazon jungle.
This trek combines high-altitude adventure with rich biodiversity, creating one of the most visually stunning and rewarding trekking experiences in all of Peru. Every day reveals a new landscape, making the Salkantay Trek a true journey of discovery
Highlights
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One of the 25 Best Treks in the World, selected by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine
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Trek through glaciers, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and rainforest
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Witness breathtaking views of Mount Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft)
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Visit iconic sites such as Humantay Lake and remote Andean valleys
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Camp with fewer travelers for a more intimate and authentic experience
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Enjoy exclusive campsites, including Mountain Sky Huts and glass igloos
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Professional, knowledgeable guides and full support staff throughout the trek
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Reach altitudes of up to 15,000 feet (4,650 m)
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Relax in natural hot springs after challenging trekking days
Why Travel with us
All Inclusive Trips
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Small Groups
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Included
- Private van from your hotel in Cusco to Challacancha (starting point of the trek).
- 7 Kilograms of your personal belongings.
- English speaking guide with radio communication.
- Professional chef.
- Horseman
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel.
- Mules transporting group equipment and large bags provided by the company
- for personal belongings.
- Meal service at the campsites (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, 4 snacks). With option for vegetarians, gluten free, lactose intolerance and any food allergy.
- Large dining tent, table, stools, all cutlery and kitchen tent.
- Two-person 4-season tents (3-person capacity tent used as a double – Kayla Doite).
- First aid kit, including oxygen.
- Round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back.
- Foam mattresses.
- Briefing on the Inca Trail prior to departure, presented by the tour guides at 18:00 in the office the day before.
- Entrance fees to Salkantay Mountain, including Machu Picchu ticket.
3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes (La cabaña or similar). - Round trip train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo at 14:55.
- Private van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Rain poncho to cover from the rain.
- Poncho to cover from the rain.
- Two hour guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Boiled water to fill your water bottles or Camelback (your chef will provide you with clean water after each meal).
- Backpack cover to keep your belongings dry.
- Tea to wake you up. Hot herbal tea brought to your tent, every morning before breakfast.
- A duffel bag, where you put your 7 kg / 14 pounds of personal items per person (personal care, personal items, sleeping bag are inside this 7 kg / 14 pounds).
No Included
- Tips for guides, cooks and horsemen.
- Entrance to hot springs in Cocalmayo (Santa Teresa) or other entertainment in Aguas Calientes.
- Personal riding horse. Additional horses can be rented according to the needs of the individual and the group.
What to Bring
- Original passport
- ISIC card (if you are a student and wish to benefit from the discount)
- Hiking boots
- Rain jacket / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable pants
- Sunscreen (factor 35 or higher)
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Flashlight with spare batteries or headlamps.
Optional Services
Travel Guide
The Salkantay trek is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail in Peru that offers hikers an opportunity to explore the stunning Andes Mountains and reach Machu Picchu. The Salkantay route is less crowded than the Inca Trail and offers a more challenging trek, with higher elevations and longer distances.
The Salkantay trek usually takes five days to complete and covers approximately 45 miles. The trek starts in the town of Mollepata and takes hikers through a diverse range of landscapes, including dense forests, snow-capped mountains, and high-altitude passes.
One of the highlights of the Salkantay trek is reaching the Salkantay Pass, which is located at an altitude of 15,213 feet. The pass offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for photos.
Throughout the trek, hikers will also pass through several traditional Andean villages, where they can learn about the local culture and interact with the friendly locals. Finally, the trek ends at Machu Picchu, where hikers can explore the ancient Inca city and learn about its fascinating history.
Pricing List
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