Salkantay trekking, 5 days - 4 nights
Salkantay trekking to Machu Picchu, 5 days
Salkantay pass at 4600 m - 15901 ft
Important info: The hikers of this trek are counted into the 5000 people allowed a day for the Machu Picchu citadel, so we recommend you book at least 3 months in advance in order to assure you a space for Machu Picchu.
Huayna Picchu mountain only offer 400 spaces, so you need to assure a space for Wayna Picchu mountain 4 months in advance at least.
Price as of 2020:
US$ 480 - regular price
US$ 460 - Student (university student card)
Overview
If you did not get a space for the Inca Trail, the Salkantay trek is a great option for you.
You will begin from Cusco, driving in a bus for two hours, passing through the highlands of Cusco and down the Apurimac River (1500 m, 4921 ft.), always paying attention to the surroundings in order to see the local houses and growing areas along the way, as the landscape changes very quickly.
The hike begins at Mollepata (2900 m, 9514 ft.) an area with lower altitude than Cusco, where you will see several temperate crops, such as corn fields, potatoes, wheat, barley, and other community farming endeavors located on the slope of the mountains. Going up to get the highest pass at 4600 m (15901 ft.) which is at the very bottom of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain (6271 m, 20574 ft). At this point, you will be able to see glaciers toward each of the four cardinal points!
After this magnificent view, the path goes all the way downhill into the cloud forest. Thus, in just one day, you will see the glaciers and the high jungle, which begins at 3700 m (12139 ft). You will continue hiking further down to 1600 m (5249 ft) to see tropical fruits like bananas, avocados, coffee plantations, jungle potatoes and more local villages and houses made of wood along the way.
We highly recommended going to the very relaxing hot springs by Santa Teresa, where we begin the easiest section of the hike along the road and the train railway by the bank of the Urubamba River. Passing through the jungle and beautiful vegetation close to Aguas Calientes, you will catch a glimpse of the Guard House of Machu Picchu—your final goal.
On the last day, you have all day for a guided tour and free exploration of the special untouched City of the Incas (the Spanish fortunately never found it). You will need four hours to cover all the main areas, but if you go to Huayna Picchu mountain or the Sun Gate, it will take two more hours at least.
In the afternoon, you will head back to Cusco by train and bus, arriving at approximately 10:45 pm.
Huayna Picchu mountain only offer 400 spaces, so you need to assure a space for Wayna Picchu mountain 4 months in advance at least.
Price as of 2020:
US$ 480 - regular price
US$ 460 - Student (university student card)
Overview
If you did not get a space for the Inca Trail, the Salkantay trek is a great option for you.
You will begin from Cusco, driving in a bus for two hours, passing through the highlands of Cusco and down the Apurimac River (1500 m, 4921 ft.), always paying attention to the surroundings in order to see the local houses and growing areas along the way, as the landscape changes very quickly.
The hike begins at Mollepata (2900 m, 9514 ft.) an area with lower altitude than Cusco, where you will see several temperate crops, such as corn fields, potatoes, wheat, barley, and other community farming endeavors located on the slope of the mountains. Going up to get the highest pass at 4600 m (15901 ft.) which is at the very bottom of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain (6271 m, 20574 ft). At this point, you will be able to see glaciers toward each of the four cardinal points!
After this magnificent view, the path goes all the way downhill into the cloud forest. Thus, in just one day, you will see the glaciers and the high jungle, which begins at 3700 m (12139 ft). You will continue hiking further down to 1600 m (5249 ft) to see tropical fruits like bananas, avocados, coffee plantations, jungle potatoes and more local villages and houses made of wood along the way.
We highly recommended going to the very relaxing hot springs by Santa Teresa, where we begin the easiest section of the hike along the road and the train railway by the bank of the Urubamba River. Passing through the jungle and beautiful vegetation close to Aguas Calientes, you will catch a glimpse of the Guard House of Machu Picchu—your final goal.
On the last day, you have all day for a guided tour and free exploration of the special untouched City of the Incas (the Spanish fortunately never found it). You will need four hours to cover all the main areas, but if you go to Huayna Picchu mountain or the Sun Gate, it will take two more hours at least.
In the afternoon, you will head back to Cusco by train and bus, arriving at approximately 10:45 pm.
Salkantay trekking, 5 days itinerary:
Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Sayllapata -Soraypampa
In front of Humantay glacier
We will pick you up at 5:00 am at your hotel and take a tourist bus to Mollepata (2900 m, 9514 ft.) the breakfast place (breakfast is not included – US $6). Afterwards, we will start hiking by 9:00 am along the picturesque landscape of local growing areas and native mud-brick houses on the slope of the mountains. Hiking for about five hours to Sayllapata, we will stop to eat lunch (located at 3500 m, 11482 ft.) with a beautiful view of the Humantay glacier. The campsite is located at the very bottom of this mountain.
After lunch and perhaps a siesta, you still have three more hours of hiking to the campsite along the road. You can see the Humantay glacier during this last part, and at the end the silhouette of the Salkantay glacier appears as well. At 5:30 at the latest you will be by the campsite of Soraypampa (3800 m, 12467 ft.). As the site is located almost in between two snow-capped mountains, it is the coldest night of -5 C or 23 F.
Meals: Lunch, "happy hour" and dinner.
After lunch and perhaps a siesta, you still have three more hours of hiking to the campsite along the road. You can see the Humantay glacier during this last part, and at the end the silhouette of the Salkantay glacier appears as well. At 5:30 at the latest you will be by the campsite of Soraypampa (3800 m, 12467 ft.). As the site is located almost in between two snow-capped mountains, it is the coldest night of -5 C or 23 F.
Meals: Lunch, "happy hour" and dinner.
Day 2: Soraypampa -Salkantay pass - Huayracmachay - Challway
Salkantay glacier seen from the pass
This morning breakfast and a cup of coca tea are provided at wake up time by 5:00 to 5:30 am to start hiking by 6:30 am.
This day is going to be the hardest one for you, because you have to do between three to four hours uphill to the highest point - the Salkantay pass - located at 4600 m (15091 ft) right at the bottom of the Salkantay glacier. This section of the path is in the middle of two glaciers, the Humantay (5900 m, 19356 ft) and the Salkantay (6271 m, 20574 ft), with an impressive view of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain in front of you.
After the pass it takes 2 more hours downhill to Huayracmachay, the lunch site, located at 3800 m (12467 ft). Here begins the high jungle, going down for three more hours to the second campsite of Challway at 2900 m (9514 ft). On the way down, you will enjoy the spectacular view of glaciers and the colorful cloud forest inhabited by small mammals, birds and the rarely-seen spectacled bear.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, "happy hour" and dinner.
This day is going to be the hardest one for you, because you have to do between three to four hours uphill to the highest point - the Salkantay pass - located at 4600 m (15091 ft) right at the bottom of the Salkantay glacier. This section of the path is in the middle of two glaciers, the Humantay (5900 m, 19356 ft) and the Salkantay (6271 m, 20574 ft), with an impressive view of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain in front of you.
After the pass it takes 2 more hours downhill to Huayracmachay, the lunch site, located at 3800 m (12467 ft). Here begins the high jungle, going down for three more hours to the second campsite of Challway at 2900 m (9514 ft). On the way down, you will enjoy the spectacular view of glaciers and the colorful cloud forest inhabited by small mammals, birds and the rarely-seen spectacled bear.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, "happy hour" and dinner.
Day 3: Challway - Collpapampa - La Playa - Santa Teresa
Waterfall on the way down in the cloud forest
After sleeping for about eight hours to wake up at 6:00 am with a cup of coca tea, the hike begins by 7:00 am with six more hours down into the cloud forest, with more local houses made of wooden logs widespread on the slope of the mountains surrounded by growing areas of corn, passion fruit, banana trees, avocado trees, and coffee plantations. We arrive at La Playa, the lunch site, by 1:00 pm, located at 2100 m (7217 ft.).
After lunch, you take a bus for an hour down to Santa Teresa (1600 m, 5249 ft), the campsite. You have the option of going to the hot springs nearby, so you need an extra US $ 4 for the transport and US $ 2 for the entrance fee.
You can spend two hours in the hot springs before coming back to Santa Teresa, where there will be a campfire by the campsite, or you can go downtown for dancing and drinks in town.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, "happy hour", dinner.
After lunch, you take a bus for an hour down to Santa Teresa (1600 m, 5249 ft), the campsite. You have the option of going to the hot springs nearby, so you need an extra US $ 4 for the transport and US $ 2 for the entrance fee.
You can spend two hours in the hot springs before coming back to Santa Teresa, where there will be a campfire by the campsite, or you can go downtown for dancing and drinks in town.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, "happy hour", dinner.
Day 4: Santa Teresa - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes
This day the wake up call will be by 7:00 am, after having a fun night in town.
The first option is to do the "Vertical Zip-line" in the morning (US$35)—an unforgettable experience along 2500 m (8202 ft.) of cables, built up in six sections between the mountains. The maximum speed is 80 km per hour and the highest point is about 250 m (820 ft.).
If you do the zip-line experience, you have to walk only three more hours from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes, as a bus will leave you at Hydroelectric.
The other option involves hiking three hours from Santa Teresa to Hydroelectric along the local road by the Urubamba River bank, with more local plantations of jungle potatoes, coffee, bananas and avocado trees. We eat lunch at Hydroelectric and keep hiking 3 more hours to Aguas Calientes along the railway track and through the cloud forest close to Machu Picchu. On the way, you will see Machu Picchu up on the mountain from different views.
At Aguas Calientes, there will a comfortable hotel for you and you will have a nice dinner in a restaurant as you organize the tour for Machu Picchu the following day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
The first option is to do the "Vertical Zip-line" in the morning (US$35)—an unforgettable experience along 2500 m (8202 ft.) of cables, built up in six sections between the mountains. The maximum speed is 80 km per hour and the highest point is about 250 m (820 ft.).
If you do the zip-line experience, you have to walk only three more hours from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes, as a bus will leave you at Hydroelectric.
The other option involves hiking three hours from Santa Teresa to Hydroelectric along the local road by the Urubamba River bank, with more local plantations of jungle potatoes, coffee, bananas and avocado trees. We eat lunch at Hydroelectric and keep hiking 3 more hours to Aguas Calientes along the railway track and through the cloud forest close to Machu Picchu. On the way, you will see Machu Picchu up on the mountain from different views.
At Aguas Calientes, there will a comfortable hotel for you and you will have a nice dinner in a restaurant as you organize the tour for Machu Picchu the following day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
On the fifth day you get up at 4:30 am, and after getting a snack, you will take a bus up to Machu Picchu at 5:30, getting to Machu Picchu at 6:00 am to show your passport at the checkpoint.
Your guide will lead you to the upper part of Machu Picchu to begin the tour through this wonderful archaeological site, where you will learn much more about the Incas. By 8:30, you will be able to explore on your own, until 4:00 pm the latest!
If you want to climb up to Huayna Picchu mountain (which appears in the background of the classic picture of Machu Picchu), please let us know at booking to check availability. This climb is very popular. Please book in advance at an extra cost of US $35.
Only 400 people a day are allowed for climbing to Huayna Picchu mountain. One group of 200 people leaves at 7:00 am and the other 200 at 10:00 am. We recommend you go in the second group, as it is sometimes cloudy in the morning.
The way back to Cusco takes four hours in total, so it is about two hours by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and two more hours by bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
We will leave Machu Picchu at 4:00 pm at the latest and take a bus down to Aguas Calientes to have time for eating and shopping in town. From there, you will take the two-hour train at 18:20 back to Ollantaytambo, where a bus will be waiting for you. It is about two more hours by bus to Cusco.
You will arrive to Cusco at 10:30 pm. As you will need about four hours to get back to Cusco from Aguas Calientes, if you would like to arrive earlier in the evening in Cusco, we recommend taking a train at 14:55 from Aguas Calientes. Please indicate your preferences regarding this issue.
OUR PROMISE IS TO PROVIDE YOU A COMFORTABLE HIKE, ASSURING THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR SOUTH AMERICAN TRIP! NEW EQUIPMENT, SMILING PORTERS, EXPERT COOKS, AMAZING FOOD AND PROFESSIONAL GUIDES WILL MAKE THIS HIKE UNFORGETTABLE FOR YOU.
WE RECOMMEND TRAINING FOR THIS TREK, AS IT IS DIFFICULT BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE.
WE RECOMMEND DOING EXERCISES FOR 30 DAYS, JOGGING, WALKING AT HOME PRIOR TO THE HIKING AND ACCLIMATIZING TO THE ALTITUDE FOR AT LEAST TWO DAYS IN CUSCO.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL DEPENDS ON YOUR FITNESS AND ACCLIMATIZATION.
Your guide will lead you to the upper part of Machu Picchu to begin the tour through this wonderful archaeological site, where you will learn much more about the Incas. By 8:30, you will be able to explore on your own, until 4:00 pm the latest!
If you want to climb up to Huayna Picchu mountain (which appears in the background of the classic picture of Machu Picchu), please let us know at booking to check availability. This climb is very popular. Please book in advance at an extra cost of US $35.
Only 400 people a day are allowed for climbing to Huayna Picchu mountain. One group of 200 people leaves at 7:00 am and the other 200 at 10:00 am. We recommend you go in the second group, as it is sometimes cloudy in the morning.
The way back to Cusco takes four hours in total, so it is about two hours by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and two more hours by bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
We will leave Machu Picchu at 4:00 pm at the latest and take a bus down to Aguas Calientes to have time for eating and shopping in town. From there, you will take the two-hour train at 18:20 back to Ollantaytambo, where a bus will be waiting for you. It is about two more hours by bus to Cusco.
You will arrive to Cusco at 10:30 pm. As you will need about four hours to get back to Cusco from Aguas Calientes, if you would like to arrive earlier in the evening in Cusco, we recommend taking a train at 14:55 from Aguas Calientes. Please indicate your preferences regarding this issue.
OUR PROMISE IS TO PROVIDE YOU A COMFORTABLE HIKE, ASSURING THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR SOUTH AMERICAN TRIP! NEW EQUIPMENT, SMILING PORTERS, EXPERT COOKS, AMAZING FOOD AND PROFESSIONAL GUIDES WILL MAKE THIS HIKE UNFORGETTABLE FOR YOU.
WE RECOMMEND TRAINING FOR THIS TREK, AS IT IS DIFFICULT BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE.
WE RECOMMEND DOING EXERCISES FOR 30 DAYS, JOGGING, WALKING AT HOME PRIOR TO THE HIKING AND ACCLIMATIZING TO THE ALTITUDE FOR AT LEAST TWO DAYS IN CUSCO.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL DEPENDS ON YOUR FITNESS AND ACCLIMATIZATION.
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What is included?
-"Walking tour in Cusco", 1 day or 2 days before your treks begin. -Pre-departure briefing, 1 or 2 nights before the trek, provided by your guides. -Tourist bus from your hotel to Mollepata, the beginning of the hike. -Professional bilingual guide. -Assistant guide (groups over 8 people). -Entrance fee for Machu Picchu. -Bus ticket round trip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. -Accommodation in 2-Star hotel. -Boiled-cooled water since day 2 at breakfast time. -4 breakfast, 4 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks (happy hour), 4 dinners, 2 snacks for walking (day 1 breakfast is not included). -Cook and cooking equipment. -Four-person tent for two people. -Inflatable mattress. -Horses and a horseman to carry all the equipment. You can leave 8 kilos max. of your belongs to be carried by the horses. -Bottled oxygen and first aid kit. -Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition service, leaving at 18:20) and bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco. -No extra cost for vegetarian food on request. Optional items -Shorts (during the day it is normally warm, so take some sunscreen and insect repellent). -Walking poles with rubber tips. -Plasters and bandages. -Sandals. Optional services not included -Upgrade of train service to Vistadome Class at 16:22, US$35. -Upgrade of train service to Expedition Class at 14:55, US$20. -Renting of sleeping bag - 4 season, US$20. -Renting of walking poles - US $20 each pair. -Emergency horse for riding until day 2 only - US$60. -Single tent supplement - $30. -Extra night in Aguas Calientes - $60 (2-Star hotel). -Ask for discounts: If you are a student US $20 - ISIC card only (send a copy at booking), teenagers up to 15 years old US $20. *Size of the group: Min. 2 people, max. 16 people. |
What do You need to take?
-Original passport (ISIC card if applicable). You must bring the passport or ID you used for booking. If you get a new one, it is essential to bring a copy of the old one. -Travel insurance is essential. -A comfortable daypack to carry what you really need for hiking during the day. -Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits. Our meals are very complete and delicious, but you will realize after walking a couple of hours you want to bite into a cookie! -Sleeping bag -5 C or 23 F at least (not included-you can rent it from us). -Walking boots. -Waterproof gear, rain poncho (just in case during the dry season as well). -Warm jacket and warm clothes (temperature varies from -5 to 24 C, 23 to 75 F ). -Hat, gloves, beanie and sunglasses. -T-shirts. -Comfortable trousers. -Bathing suit (very nice hot springs at Santa Teresa, day 3). -Sun hat. -Sun protection cream (35 SPF recommended). -Insect repellent (20% DEET - no malaria has been reported). -Bottled water. -Water purifying pills. -Toiletries. -Towel. -Personal First Aid kit. -Camera and charger to recharge your batteries on the 3rd and 4th nights. -Flashlight and spare alkaline batteries. -Chap stick. -We recommend packing your belongings in plastic bags due to the rain and bringing a waterproof cover for your day pack. -Extra money (at least 300 soles - ATM in Aguas Calientes only). *Important: To qualify as student, you must have a valid ISIC card and send a copy at booking. *Advise us about any allergy or personal health condition (asthma, etc). |
Salkantay trek, 5 days - 4 nights map
Altitud profile of Salkantay trek, 5 days - 4 nights
SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU, 5 DAYS FAQ's
How long is the Salkantay Trek and how many hours do we hike per a day?
The Salkantay Trek is about 62 km (38.5 mi) long. Depending on which campsites are used, the approximate hours hiked per day are as follows. Day 1: 7 hours. Day 2: 9 hours. Day 3: 6 hours. Day 4: 6 hours. Day 5: 2 hours
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek is considered a moderate hike. The altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend purchasing a pair of walking stick while in Peru as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. You can use trekking poles too.
Is altitude sickness common? And how high is the Salkantay Trek?
It's impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day spent in Cusco (3350 m), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water, is usually enough for most people. The highest point you will reach while hiking the Salkantay Trek is 4600 m (15081 ft).
Is it possible to skip the Salkantay Trek even if the tour includes it?
Yes! If you do not wish to hike the Salkantay Trek please advise us at the time of booking (it is very difficult to make these arrangements once you have already confirmed). If you choose not to hike the trail you will spend three nights in Cuzco and then take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes for the fourth night, where you will rejoin your group and spend the night before touring Machu Picchu the following morning.
When do we reach Machu Picchu and how much time do we spend there?
You will reach Machu Picchu early in the morning at 6:00 am on Day 5. You will be guided through an informative 2-hour tour of the ruins. After the tour, you will have a few hours of free time to explore the area on your own before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes, where we catch the train back to Cuzco.
Do porters carry our luggage while on the Salkantay Trek?
No, pack mules and/or horses will be provided to carry your personal items. You will still need to bring a day backpack to carry any essentials you might want or need, such as water, snacks, camera, sweater, rain jacket, etc. (horses will carry luggage for two days only until reaching the second camp site, after which point the cook will be in charge of transporting your belongings to Aguas Calientes).
How cold does it get on the Salkantay Trek (will I need to bring hats and mittens)?
The high altitude means it can get quite chilly, especially during the Andean winter (May - September) when the temperature can drop to below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year, so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag for 0 C (32 F). You can purchase warm, inexpensive and locally made hand-woven hats and gloves in Cuzco.
What type of accommodation is used on the Salkantay Trek?
Four-person tents are used to accommodate two same-sex travelers for the first two nights. The third night will be spent in hotel in Aguas Calientes. There are a few places where permanent, but very basic toilet facilities exist and when they are not available our team will set up portable toilet tents. Trekkers are provided with a bowl of hot water.
Is a sleeping bag and mat included?
Sleeping bags are not included, so we recommend bringing a compact three-season sleeping bag. A popular alternative is to rent a sleeping bag from us in Cusco. They are clean, warm and cost approximately US $20 (for all five days). Some renters may choose to bring a sleeping bag liner or sheet. A self-inflating mattress Therm-a-rest can be rented from us at an additional cost of US $20, but we provide foam camping mattress when you rent the sleeping bag.
Is purified water available on the trek?
We recommend that you bring a refillable water bottle, as boiled water will be provided in the morning at breakfast, at lunch and every evening after dinner.
What type of food will we get on the Salkantay Trek?
Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.
How much should I tip the guides and porters?
Tipping is at your discretion but always appreciated.
What are the requirements to hike the Salkantay trek?
To hike the Salkantay trek with INCA HIKE you must be over the age of 08, hikers with moderate level of fitness, and hold a passport that is valid for up to 6 months after your return to your home country.
Bookings must be made as far in advance as possible. To be able to ensure a spot on Machu Picchu, we recommend that you purchase your trip at least 3 months in advance at any season.
We guarantee the availability of a permit by following these guidelines.
We require the following information for the purchase of a Machu Picchu permit.
1. Passport full name (exactly as it appears on the passport).
2. Passport date of birth.
3. Passport nationality.
4. Passport number.
5. Gender.
6. Date of passport expiry - Must be valid for the date of travel.
Any attempts at modifications result in a loss of the permit and any money paid.
The Salkantay Trek is about 62 km (38.5 mi) long. Depending on which campsites are used, the approximate hours hiked per day are as follows. Day 1: 7 hours. Day 2: 9 hours. Day 3: 6 hours. Day 4: 6 hours. Day 5: 2 hours
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?
The Salkantay Trek is considered a moderate hike. The altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend purchasing a pair of walking stick while in Peru as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. You can use trekking poles too.
Is altitude sickness common? And how high is the Salkantay Trek?
It's impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day spent in Cusco (3350 m), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water, is usually enough for most people. The highest point you will reach while hiking the Salkantay Trek is 4600 m (15081 ft).
Is it possible to skip the Salkantay Trek even if the tour includes it?
Yes! If you do not wish to hike the Salkantay Trek please advise us at the time of booking (it is very difficult to make these arrangements once you have already confirmed). If you choose not to hike the trail you will spend three nights in Cuzco and then take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes for the fourth night, where you will rejoin your group and spend the night before touring Machu Picchu the following morning.
When do we reach Machu Picchu and how much time do we spend there?
You will reach Machu Picchu early in the morning at 6:00 am on Day 5. You will be guided through an informative 2-hour tour of the ruins. After the tour, you will have a few hours of free time to explore the area on your own before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes, where we catch the train back to Cuzco.
Do porters carry our luggage while on the Salkantay Trek?
No, pack mules and/or horses will be provided to carry your personal items. You will still need to bring a day backpack to carry any essentials you might want or need, such as water, snacks, camera, sweater, rain jacket, etc. (horses will carry luggage for two days only until reaching the second camp site, after which point the cook will be in charge of transporting your belongings to Aguas Calientes).
How cold does it get on the Salkantay Trek (will I need to bring hats and mittens)?
The high altitude means it can get quite chilly, especially during the Andean winter (May - September) when the temperature can drop to below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year, so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag for 0 C (32 F). You can purchase warm, inexpensive and locally made hand-woven hats and gloves in Cuzco.
What type of accommodation is used on the Salkantay Trek?
Four-person tents are used to accommodate two same-sex travelers for the first two nights. The third night will be spent in hotel in Aguas Calientes. There are a few places where permanent, but very basic toilet facilities exist and when they are not available our team will set up portable toilet tents. Trekkers are provided with a bowl of hot water.
Is a sleeping bag and mat included?
Sleeping bags are not included, so we recommend bringing a compact three-season sleeping bag. A popular alternative is to rent a sleeping bag from us in Cusco. They are clean, warm and cost approximately US $20 (for all five days). Some renters may choose to bring a sleeping bag liner or sheet. A self-inflating mattress Therm-a-rest can be rented from us at an additional cost of US $20, but we provide foam camping mattress when you rent the sleeping bag.
Is purified water available on the trek?
We recommend that you bring a refillable water bottle, as boiled water will be provided in the morning at breakfast, at lunch and every evening after dinner.
What type of food will we get on the Salkantay Trek?
Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.
How much should I tip the guides and porters?
Tipping is at your discretion but always appreciated.
What are the requirements to hike the Salkantay trek?
To hike the Salkantay trek with INCA HIKE you must be over the age of 08, hikers with moderate level of fitness, and hold a passport that is valid for up to 6 months after your return to your home country.
Bookings must be made as far in advance as possible. To be able to ensure a spot on Machu Picchu, we recommend that you purchase your trip at least 3 months in advance at any season.
We guarantee the availability of a permit by following these guidelines.
We require the following information for the purchase of a Machu Picchu permit.
1. Passport full name (exactly as it appears on the passport).
2. Passport date of birth.
3. Passport nationality.
4. Passport number.
5. Gender.
6. Date of passport expiry - Must be valid for the date of travel.
Any attempts at modifications result in a loss of the permit and any money paid.