- 5 Days & 4 Nigths
- Up to 12
From:
View Itinerary
THE SALKANTAY PREMIUN PRIVATE TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
An Exclusive Salkantay Trek Experience After spending some time in Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, join us on the Salkantay trek to the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu. The best alternative route to the Inca citadel will take you t…
Duration
5 Days & 4 Nights
Group Size
Up to 12
Distance
40.1 mi / 64.5 Km
Difficulty
Difficulty
Departures
Daily departures
Ideal For
For Everyone
THE EXPERIENCE
THE SALKANTAY PREMIUN PRIVATE TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
SALKANTAY TREK · Cusco, Peru
An Exclusive Salkantay Trek Experience
After spending some time in Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, join us on the Salkantay trek to the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu. The best alternative route to the Inca citadel will take you to the impressive Humantay Lagoon and the imposing Salkantay Mountain through the fascinating cloud forest and then to the edge of the Peruvian jungle.
Each night you will spend in comfortable and exclusive lodges where you can enjoy the tastiest meals in the middle of the mountains. Experienced guides will accompany you all the way to explain the history and nature of the region. Enjoy this route with excitement and great company.
Itinerary
Day-by-day information for this experience.
Day 01: Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Sky Camp
Hike to the Jewel in the Mountains
You will start bright and early with a pickup from your hotel around 4:30 a.m. You will travel in our private transportation with blankets in case you wish to sleep a little longer during the trip. We will stop in Mollepata to enjoy a delicious breakfast, and then we will continue to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek.
Before starting our adventure, you will meet the cooks and the muleteers; you will also check your luggage for the last time, and then we will head out on the trail. You will begin with a moderate three-hour hike to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where we will spend our first night. The beginning of the section is relatively flat, with a slight ascent through a deep glacier valley. You will notice that much of the trail follows a restored Inca water channel, which local farmers still use today. This trail is 7 km / 4.35 miles in total.
Once in Soraypampa, you will settle into our exclusive Sky Camp and have time to rest before enjoying your first lunch amidst the mountains. After recharging your energy, we will start hiking to the beautiful Humantay Lake (4,200 m /13,780 ft). This round trip takes three hours and covers 3 km / 1.86 miles. It’s not far, but take it easy at this altitude. Once you reach the lagoon, you will have time to enjoy the fantastic scenery. Not many places in the Andes are as impressive as the turquoise waters glistening against the Humantay glacier. You will truly feel like you are in a fairy tale.
Upon returning to camp, you will enjoy a welldeserved dinner in the company of a beautiful sunset. There is no way to describe the energy here, you will feel the tranquility once you arrive. Afterward, you can rest in your igloo at Sky Camp. From the glass roof, you will enjoy a night under the stars, constellations, and comets. In the morning, you will wake up and see the Apu Salkantay in front of you.
Our dazzling SKY CAMP is located in front of the impressive mountains Humantay and Salkantay. This campsite creates the perfect union of sky and earth. It allows you to sleep calmly under a clear sky starred with an exceptional view of the cons - tellations. At the same time, you can enjoy all the comforts of a first-class vacation home.
- 32 Igloos
- 2 people per igloo
- Dining room and kitchen
- Toilets
- Optional:
- Wi-Fi
DAY FACTS:
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Glass-Topped Sky Camp
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Challenging
- WALKING DISTANCE: 10 km / 6.21 mi
- WALKING TIME: 5 to 6 hours
- STARTING ELEVATION: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- MINIMUM ELEVATION: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
- CAMPSITE ELEVATION: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
Day 02: Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huayracmachay - Chaullay - Collpapampa (Mountain Sky View)
The Stunning Salkantay Pass and Descent to the Amazon Jungle
Today you will wake up with the first rays of light and an energizing coca tea to give you energy. Enjoy a nutritious breakfast before setting out on a twohour horseback ride to the highest point, the Abra Salkantay (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). It is a challenging ascent, but riding a horse along the “path of the 7 snakes” will make it less demanding. You are also free to conquer this section on foot!
When you reach the summit, you will be able to see the magnificent Salkantay mountain standing next to you at 6,271 m / 20,574 ft. Salkantay boasts the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region and is considered one of the Inca Gods or Apus. You will also get stunning perspectives of the valleys below and see the mountains of Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. After enjoying the views, we’ll start descending 7 km / 4.35 miles to Wayracmachay to savor a revitalizing lunch.
This section of the trail is rocky and steep but has impressive views of the valley. You will be entering the edge of the rainforest, also known as the “cloud forest.” This hike has a distance of 9.5 km / 5.9 miles and lasts approximately three and a half hours. Along the way, you will see the magical green forests showing due to the quick change between the Andes and the Amazon. You will also observe colorful landscapes, unique wildlife, and native plants and feel the warmer climate.
At the end of this incredible day, you will arrive at Collpapampa to spend the night. Finally, you will be served a hearty meal before resting in our exclusive Mountain Sky View Campsite.
Our campsite Mountain Sky View is a warm mountain accommodation and our novelty this year, and it’s with great pleasure that we prepared this place for all those looking for a glamping experience surrounded by nature. Each one of its individual Andean Sky Huts counts with a private bath besides spectacular tropical mountain views. You’ll find peace under the shining stars listening to the voices of wildlife and the whispers of the river in the valley.
- 37 Sky huts
- 2 people per hut
- Dining room and kitchen
- Toilets and Hot shower
- Optional:
- Wi-Fi
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Mountain Sky View
- DIFFICULTY: Challenging
- WALKING DISTANCE: 23.5 km / 14.6 mi
- WALKING TIME: 10-11 hours
- STARTING ELEVATION: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
- MINIMUM ELEVATION: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
- CAMPSITE ELEVATION: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
Day 03: Collpapampa - Loreta - La Playa - Lucmabamba - Cocalmayo - Sacred Jungle Lodges
Live the coffee experience
Today begins at 6:00 a.m. with a warm cup of tea and a hearty breakfast at camp. We’ll then set out on a scenic hike through the Santa Teresa Valley, following a gently descending trail that offers spectacular views of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and plantations of banana, coffee, and avocado. Keep your eyes open—if we’re lucky, we might spot the iconic Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Peru’s national bird.
Upon reaching Zona Propiedad, a private vehicle will be waiting to transfer us to La Playa, allowing us to arrive with more energy and time to enjoy an authentic coffee experience. Here we’ll explore the coffee fields, learn about the cultivation process, and finish by roasting, grinding, and brewing our very own cup.
After this enriching activity, we’ll continue by vehicle to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft), where a delicious lunch awaits before settling into our exclusive Sacred Jungle Lodges. Nestled in the heart of the jungle, this luxurious retreat has been designed to offer maximum comfort after a day on the trail.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to the nearby Cocalmayo hot springs—included in this exclusive package— where crystal-clear, mineral-rich pools provide the perfect setting to relax and soothe tired muscles and joints.
Finally, we’ll return to Lucmabamba for a delicious dinner and a well-deserved night of rest. As you unwind, let the harmonious sounds of the surrounding nature embrace you and reconnect with the spirit of Mother Earth.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Sacred Jungle Lodges
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- WALKING DISTANCE: 10.3 km / 6.40 mi
- WALKING TIME: 4 hours
- STARTING ELEVATION: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
- MINIMUM ELEVATION: 1,900 m / 6,234 ft
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
- CAMPSITE ELEVATION: 1,900 m / 6,234 ft
Day 04: Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Aobamba - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
Enjoy Your First Glance of Machu Picchu from Llactapata
After a hearty breakfast, you will hike some of the original and world-famous Inca Trail. After climbing for two hours and enjoying fascinating views over the Santa Teresa valley, you will arrive at Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), an Inca archaeological site located in front of Machu Picchu.
Llactapata is the first Inca complex you will see on the hike, and you will learn all about the mysteries of this ancient culture and the extraordinary site. Even from here, you will get a first glimpse of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Our guide will explain the history of the Incas while you take as many pictures as you want as a souvenir to share your fantastic experiences with your friends and family back home.
Afterward, you will descend for an hour and a half, being able to watch the Inca citadel, Machu Picchu, from afar. This will encourage your expectations to make tomorrow more exciting. We will stop in Aobamba for lunch before continuing for half an hour to Hidroeléctrica (1,800 m / 5,906 ft). One of the most impressive sights on this stretch is the 250-meter-high artificial waterfall that generates electricity for the entire city of Cusco.
Once in Hidroeléctrica, you will board the train that will take you to Aguas Calientes, appreciating the best scenery along the way. In this small town, you will enjoy dinner at an exclusive restaurant and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
Note: During the rainy season, and for safety reasons, hiking the Llactapata trail is not 100% guaranteed. When there are frequent heavy rains, this trail can become very dangerous.
We offer a selection of well-located hotels in the town with very comfortable and tasteful decorated rooms. You’ll find them impeccable with clean rooms and beds as well as adequate toilets and showers. It’s a perfect place to rest before the most important day of your trip!
- Single, Double, Matrimonial, and Triple
- Dining room and kitchen
- Toilets and warm showers
- Wi-Fi
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Superior 3-star hotel
- DIFFICULTY: Challenging
- WALKING DISTANCE: 14 km / 8.7 miles
- WALKING TIME: 8-9 hours
- STARTING ELEVATION: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
- MINIMUM ELEVATION: 1,800 m / 5,906 ft
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft
- ACCOMMODATION ELEVATION: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Day 05: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Tour of the Incredible Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu Today is the day you have been waiting since you started your trek. You will finally visit one of the seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu. You will have to get up early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the serenity of the place in the morning light.
After going up to the Inca citadel by bus, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours to this incredible ancient site to see temples, houses, palaces, and cultivated fields, among others. You’ll be impressed by the intelligence of the Incas in terms of engineering work, which was far ahead of its time and remains a mystery in many respects.
The Incas did not have the tools we use today, but they could still build and organize their community on the side of a mountain and even create a water system with aqueducts and canals.
Bonus fact: When a Peruvian guide showed this site to Hiram Bingham, it was almost unrecognizable, covered in thick vegetation and disrepair. Since then, it has been cleaned and restored; today, it is protected and treasured by people from every corner of the world.
After your guided tour, you can choose to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,000 m / 9,843 ft) if you book your tickets in advance. These treks will take you two, and three hours up and down, respectively.
Later, we will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo, with the best panoramic views along the way. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our private transportation will pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Cusco. Finally, you will take a welldeserved rest; however, your heart will continue to beat to the rhythm of the Andes for many weeks, months, and years to come.
Important: For reservations in 2026, we are enhancing your travel experience. We have optimized the return service to Cusco, providing transportation on either the PeruRail Vistadome Observatory or The Prime Machupicchu by Inca Rail (assigned based on operational availability), both of which offer unparalleled panoramic views during the journey. In addition, you will spend your third night staying in our exclusive Sacred Jungle Lodges, a space designed for rest, comfort, and connection with nature.
Every detail has been thought out to provide you with a more complete, safe, and memorable experience from start to finish.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast and Lunch
- DIFFICULTY: Easy
- ACTIVITY DURATION: 2-3 hours exploring Machu Picchu
- MACHU PICCHU CITADEL ELEVATION: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- OPTIONAL MOUNTAINS: Moderate to Challenging
- MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN ELEVATION: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft (3-4 hours)
- HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN ELEVATION: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft (2 hours)
- HUCHUY PICCHU MOUNTAIN ELEVATION: 2,497 m / 8,192 ft (1.5 hours)
Inclusions
Services included and excluded from the trip.
What Is Included?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Day 1: Entry Ticket to Humantay Lake & the Salkantay Trek
Day 3: Entrance Ticket for Cocalmayo Hot Springs
Day 5: Entry Ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site
Machu Picchu Circuit 2 offers the most complete and popular route through the citadel, making it the most requested. Although included in this experience, availability is limited, so we strongly recommend booking at least three months in advance. If Circuit 2 is unavailable, we will arrange Circuit 3-B, which explores the lower area of the citadel, including the urban sector and key ceremonial sites. If this is also sold out, Circuit 1-B will be arranged, covering mainly the upper panoramic area with the iconic postcard viewpoint.
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure Briefing
You’ll meet your guide for an orientation the evening before the trek. The meeting is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at our main office in Cusco, but if you prefer, we’ll be happy to meet you at your hotel.
Experienced Tour Guide
Our official tour guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified in safety and quality service. Chosen for their experience, responsibility, and passion for exploration, they take pride in sharing our culture and history. With their guidance, you’ll stay informed, safe, and comfortable, ensuring a worry-free adventure and an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
One Duffle Bag
For the trek, you’ll receive a duffel bag to pack your personal belongings, with a maximum weight limit of 7 kg (15.4 lb), which will be carried by our staff.
Sleeping Bag
Our sleeping bags are durable and designed to keep you warm in temperatures as low as -18°C (0°F). They feature a mummy shape and include a sleeping liner for added warmth. Each bag is thoroughly cleaned and carefully maintained after every use.
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles enhance stability on hard terrain while minimizing impact on joints.
Medical Kit or First AID Kit
All Salkantay Trekking guides have specialized first aid training and attend mandatory training sessions every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit and oxygen to handle basic emergencies (altitude sickness, diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.). If needed, we will evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and ensure you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
Backpack Cover
Our attention to detail sets us apart. You’ll receive a cover to protect your backpack along the way.
Day 2: Horseback Ride from Soraypampa to Salkantay Pass
24/7 Customer Service
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Salkantay Trekking leading up to your tour.
Professional long-range walkie-talkies
Walkie-talkies optimize communication, ensuring quick response and coordination in key situations and locations.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Exclusive Campsites
Like our ancestors, we’re very considerate of the Pachamama (Mother Earth). For this reason, our campsites and lodges are adapted to the environment to avoid generating negative impacts.
Campsite Facilities
Our campsites are designed for your comfort and convenience:
- Bathrooms: Shared bathrooms are available at our Sky Camp, while our Mountain Sky View and Sacred Jungle Lodges Campsites offer private bathrooms.
- Showers: Enjoy refreshing showers at both the Mountain Sky View and Sacred Jungle Lodges Campsites.
- Dining & Kitchen Areas: Each campsite features spacious dining areas and fully equipped kitchens, ensuring you can enjoy your meals comfortably and worryfree. Our mules transport all fresh cooking supplies.
Day 4: Superior 3-Star Hotel in Aguas Calientes:
Enjoy your final night in a comfortable hotel, featuring double, matrimonial, or triple rooms with a private bathroom, hot shower, WiFi, breakfast, and luggage storage while you explore Machu Picchu.
Meals
5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, and 4 Dinners
Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), so let us know if you have any particular allergies or restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.
Water on the trail
We’ll provide boiled, warm water during your hike, from your lunch in Soraypampa to your breakfast in Lucmabamba. Make sure to bring an empty water bottle or camel bag for refilling—we recommend a 2-liter capacity.
Wake up tea
Every morning at the campsites, you’ll wake up to a hot cup of coca tea, delivered straight to your bed—perfect for warming up before you start the day.
Tea Time or Happy Hour
During the trek, every afternoon before dinner, our cooks will serve popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and hot water. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to unwind, warm up, and enjoy a tasty treat!
Snacks on the trail daily
Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.
One cloth snack bag per person
We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks—perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout your trek!
Transportation
Private Transportation for the Salkantay Trek: Door-to-Door, Hassle-Free Service
- Day 0: Welcome to Cusco! Airport Pickup and Hotel Transfer.
- Day N: Farewell, Cusco! – Hotel to Airport or Bus Terminal Transfer.
- Day 1: You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel by private transportation to Challacancha, the trek’s starting point.
- Day 3: Private transportation from Zona Propiedad to Lucmabamba.
- Day 5: Private transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
- Day 5: Round-Trip Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
Train Tickets
- Day 4: Train Ticket from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
- Day 5: Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (PeruRail Vistadome Observatory or The Prime Machupicchu by Inca Rail service)
Personal Belongings Transportation
- On days 1,2, and 3, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items, and they’ll hand them to you when you get to each camp.
- On day 4, your duffle bag will be transported by van and then by train.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
Huayna Picchu Mountain
Up for a challenge? Climb Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountain behind Machu Picchu. This 45-minute uphill trek rewards you with breathtaking views and a profound sense of achievement. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re afraid of heights, push through—the reward is truly worth it!
- Booking: Reserve 2–3 months in advance due to high demand.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the breathtaking peaks that surround the archaeological site. Its trails are less steep, wider, and less intimidating than those of Huayna Picchu, making it an excellent option for those seeking a more relaxed climb. Reaching the summit takes approximately 1.5 hours and offers unforgettable panoramic views. This hike requires an entrance ticket, which we can secure for you in advance upon request.
Dinner in Cusco (Day 5)
Optional Horseback Ride from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake (Day 1)
Personal Hiking Clothes and Gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
While our team receives fair salaries, any additional gesture is always appreciated in recognition of their hard work and dedication. Participants often choose to pool their tips and present them directly to the hiking team or through their guide.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemic, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.
Before You Go
Practical information to help you prepare for the journey.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all your questions about traveling with Salkantay Trekking. Please read the following information carefully – it will also help you with any questions about our services.
Is it for me?
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative for the Inca Trail trek and better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances. Ascending to reach the famous Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) is not too strenuous nor very steep since it is at the beginning of the trek. Still, it does require stamina and a little time in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before beginning the trek.
How many days do I need to acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?
It is very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before exerting yourself on a trek. We do recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek starts to help you become acclimatized and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while on the trek.
Suppose you have already been in another area of Peru at a high altitude before arriving in Cusco. In that case, we still recommend you have a whole day in Cusco to rest, recover from your travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before departing for the trek.
Here some suggestions for activities to do in the Cusco vicinity before starting your adventure trek:
- City Tour
- Sacred Valley
- Maras Moray
Briefing or Informative Meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held in our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate another time by email, by phone or at the Salkantay Trekking office.
Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)
The tour has to be paid in full at most 2 days before your departure. Otherwise, your reservation will not be confirmed. It would be greatly appreciated if you pay the tour balance (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw money from several ATMs located in the historical center. We also accept payments by CARD or PAYPAL online, but please note this is subject to a 5% fee (charged by Niubiz and PayPal). We do not accept bank checks or traveler’s checks as payment methods.
Duffle Bag or Travel Bag
The evening before the trek, we’ll provide you with a duffle bag to pack your clothes and personal gear needed for the trip. Our horsemen will carry it on the route and hand it to you once you get to each camp. Please note that you will not have access to your items in the bag until the end of each day. The maximum weight allowed is 7 kg / 15.4 lb, including the weight of your sleeping bag, clothes, and other personal items. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.4 x 8.7 in).
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the trip, you can store your main luggage for free at our office (arrange it with us on the briefing day or by email).
You can also safely keep any equipment you won’t need for the tour in your hotel. Almost every hotel offers this service. Please do not leave valuable items in your bags; put them in the hotel safe and ask for an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt). For extra peace of mind, place items like credit cards inside a sealed and signed envelope.
Pick up of guests
Please note:
- All pickups are within Cusco City, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center for its convenient location.
- Our guide or staff will confirm the pickup time the day before the tour.
- Due to traffic conditions, the pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes.
- Cusco is an old city and has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets without car access or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. For such reasons, we strongly advise you to book accommodation with good access.
Return to Cusco
Returning from Machu Picchu requires quite a bit of logistics, but don’t worry. Everything is included in your tour!
- In Machu Picchu, you’ll board a bus that’ll take you for 25 minutes to the small city of Aguas Calientes. The buses are boarded according to arrival.
- In Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo. Your guide will give you the train tickets where the boarding time will be shown. Make sure you’re on the platform 30 minutes early. The train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes 1:45 hours.
- Once you arrive at the station, our representative, identified with the Salkantay Trekking clothing, will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco or directly to your hotel. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes 1:30 hours.
- In Cusco, depending on your hotel’s location, we’ll take you to a smaller car from our company (Hyundai H1) to transfer you faster to your hotel.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different people with varying physical conditions and ages. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you acknowledge that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
In some cases, a group may want to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all participants, whether such changes are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are usually common in Peru, which may interrupt some of our tours. Roads and train tracks can be blocked or taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
In case of changes or cancellations, our operations department will coordinate everything with you. Your safety is our highest priority, and we will make our decisions to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything once you leave a place or a transport. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
Packing List
Recommended items for a comfortable and well-prepared trip.
- Valid Passport
- Extra money (recommended soles)
- Personal medication
- Water bottle or CamelBak – (optional water purifying pills)
- Sunblock: factor 70 or more
- Insect repellent
- Personal Care Products
- Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
- Light footwear or sandals
- Trekking pants (*)
- Trekking socks
- Pair of thermal pants
- Shorts
- Waterproof gaiter
- Long sleeve t-shirts
- Warm jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Raincoat or rain poncho
- Waterproof or wool gloves
- Sun hat to protect neck and face
- Wool hat for the cold
- Neck gaiter or buff
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Medium trekking backpack (15 - 25 liter)
- Camera and charger
- Power bank
- Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Flashlight
Pricing
Rates and important commercial information for this tour.
Starting From
US$ 1,600
per person
Frequently Asked Questions
General travel information for Inja Expeditions guests.
Booking with Inja Expeditions is simple. First, choose the tour or trekking experience you are interested in and send us your travel details, preferred date and number of passengers. Our team will confirm availability and provide the corresponding booking instructions. Once the required deposit or payment has been received, we will send you a confirmation with the details of your reservation. We recommend checking all passenger information carefully after receiving your confirmation.
For multi-day treks, the briefing allows you to meet your guide and review the most important details before departure. We will explain the itinerary, weather conditions, recommended equipment, pickup time, luggage arrangements and any specific considerations for your route. It is also a good opportunity to ask last-minute questions and make sure you are fully prepared for the experience.
For selected multi-day programs, luggage storage can be coordinated before departure. Travelers normally take only the items required for the trek and leave their main luggage securely stored until they return. Please confirm this service with our team before your departure, as arrangements may vary depending on the itinerary.
Water arrangements depend on the specific itinerary. For many multi-day treks, travelers should begin the first day with their own drinking water and additional safe water is provided or made available during the route. Your trip briefing will explain exactly how water is managed on your chosen trek. We strongly recommend carrying a reusable water bottle or hydration system.
Yes. We recommend carrying some Peruvian soles in cash, especially on trekking routes and in remote areas where cards may not be accepted. You may need cash for snacks, drinks, optional activities, local services, hot springs, tips or unexpected transportation. The amount you need will depend on the length and type of your trip.
Tips are completely optional and should reflect your satisfaction with the service you receive. If you feel your guide, cook, muleteers or support team provided excellent service, a gratuity is always appreciated. There is no mandatory amount, and our team can provide general guidance during the pre-trip briefing if you wish.
Group size depends on the tour, season and number of confirmed travelers. Inja Expeditions aims to keep groups comfortable so guides can provide personal attention and travelers can enjoy the experience without feeling part of an excessively large group. The expected group size can be confirmed before you book.
For trekking programs, you should carry a small daypack with the personal items you need during the day, such as water, sunscreen, rain protection, a warm layer, camera and snacks. Depending on the trek, Inja Expeditions may also provide or coordinate a duffel bag for additional belongings transported by the support team. Weight limits vary by route and will be explained before departure.
Electricity and internet access vary considerably between routes and campsites. Some accommodations or camps may offer charging points and limited Wi-Fi, sometimes for an additional fee, while remote sections may have no connectivity at all. We recommend bringing a fully charged power bank and downloading any important information before leaving Cusco.
A group tour allows you to share the experience with other travelers who have booked the same departure, making it a social and generally more economical option. A private tour is reserved exclusively for you and your companions, allowing greater flexibility with pace, attention from the guide and certain logistical details. Private tours are especially suitable for couples, families and groups of friends looking for a more personalized experience.
Bathroom and shower facilities depend on the route and the type of accommodation used each night. Some campsites provide basic bathroom facilities, while certain locations may offer hot showers for an additional local fee. On routes that include a hotel night, standard bathroom and shower facilities will normally be available. Please review your specific itinerary for exact details.
On certain trekking routes, especially Salkantay and Ausangate, horses may be available for assistance on specific sections of the trail. Availability depends on location, weather and local operators, so this service cannot always be guaranteed at every point of the trek. If you are concerned about your fitness or altitude, please let us know before departure so we can explain the available options.
Why you'll love it
Tour Highlights
The Salkantay Trek is listed as one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.
Enjoy one of the very best trekking adventures you’ll find in Peru and South America.
Apart from the Inca Trail, Salkantay is one of the most famous and less frequented routes to Machu Picchu.
Visit stunning locations like Humantay Lake and the glorious Salkantay Mountain.
Witness incredible scenery like cascades, waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, colorful valleys, unique plants and wildlife, and the cloud forest.
Exploring the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the greatest experiences in the world.
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- 9 Days & 8 Nigths
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US$ 1,200
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