Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 4 days, is a spectacular choice for those travelers who want a peaceful hike in a route that’s currently barely untouched that will eventually merge with the Famous “Inka Trail” to the Mystical Lost City of the Incas – Machu Picchu. This Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 4 days, leads you through the Apurimac River basin, alongside the Urubamba River, where you’ll appreciate the Snow-capped peak of the “Salkantay” mountain and site-see ancient Incan temples crowning the mountains. The “Salkantay” Mountain is the second highest mountain of Cusco (Alt. 6,277 m). This spectacular Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 4 days, ascends through the high mountains and descends alongside ridges, bluffs, and sheer vertical cliffs to finally pass through a dense beautiful snowy forest.
You will have the pleasure and privilege to walk the path of the Incas and see the most important and most sacred place of South America, “Machu Picchu” – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
CAUTION: Please allow a minimum of two (02) days to acclimate before considering to begin your adventure package to Machu Picchu.
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION |
Your Hotel in Cusco |
DEPARTURE TIME |
Early in the morning. |
INCLUDES:
(walking sticks, sleeping bag, blankets, pillows, sleeping mat)
- Bilingual English speaking tour guide (additional tour guide for groups of nine people or more)
- Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.
- Four-person tent for every 2 people.
- Chef
- Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
- Horse to transport 8 kg of your gear
- Duffle bag for your gear
- Four breakfasts, four lunches, and four dinners
- Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
- One night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Round trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Doesn’t include:
- Tips: Guide, Cook, Horseman.
- Water on Day 1
- $ 25 Waynapicchu Mountain (walk to the top without a guide, the trail is well marked).
- First breakfast-last lunch
What to Bring:
- A good day pack: such as Eagle Creek Afar Backpack (Appropriate pack to carry your personal belongings.)
- Original passport (International Student Identity Card “ISIC” if applicable)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not required
- Lighter trekking boots (with good ankle support)
- 3 pairs of trekking pants (not jeans), 1 hiking, 1 cotton–which is just enough. Please spray both pairs with an insect repellent spray before the trip.
- Layers for variable temperatures especially at night.
- 1 rain jacket: The first night the temperature can be as low as – 5 degrees Celsius/23 degrees Fahrenheit. A rain jacket can be helpful because there are rainy days even in the dry season!
- 1 warm/winter jacket (Thermals: wool socks/gloves, scarf and woolen hat for cold nights).
- 4 pairs of underwear, 6 pairs of socks (Bamboo or cotton/nylon-blend socks dry faster than 100 percent cotton, which lose their softness when air-dried.) It is nice to have a couple of extra pairs of socks to change into at night when you’re not hiking. Also, we recommend bringing both heavy hiking socks and lighter socks as well as the weather is variable, so you want to make sure you’re not too cold or too hot.
- 4 t-shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts
- 1 good sleeping bag liner which is super lightweight and easy to pack. This does its job!
- Travel-size tissues and wet wipes.
- Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness. Several people on the hike have varying degrees of altitude sickness and both of these remedies (in addition to the coca tea) are very helpful in alleviating the symptoms.
- Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).
- Bug spray with 30% DEET in it–which you need, but it doesn’t work very well. The issue with Cusco outdoor is that most of the bugs are not mosquitoes. They are these small flies you can’t even see that leave weird bites that first look like you pricked your finger and then blow up into itchy red bumps. Unfortunately, these bugs seem to bite you no matter what kind of spray you put on, so bringing some anti-itch ointment could be helpful.
- Re-usable plastic or metal water container or a hydration pack such as Camelback
- Water (Only for the first day of the hike, as we will provide you with water throughout the rest of the hike).
- Camera
- A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with spare batteries
- Bandages or moleskin
- Flip flops to change into at night. Your toes will thank you!
- Toiletries
- Medication (Imodium AD or something for your stomach) because some people get an upset stomach on the trek. Also, Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen can be helpful to help with aches and pains after 8-10 hours of hiking each day.
- Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes
- Something to read in the evenings
- Extra money for drinks, tips in Soles for cooks, horsemen, guides. (USD$60-70).
- Emergency money at least 300-450 extra soles (USD$ 220)
Packing list:
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing.
- 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 Celcius.
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
- A small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
Prices:
Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2020 through January 2021. All prices quoted are $USD
- 2-3 Trekkers: $499 per person
- 4-5 Trekkers: $400 per person
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).
Discounts:
- Student Discount 20$ dollars
- Under 15 years will pay as student: US$20.00
- Under 7 years Discount: US$35.00
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
- Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 25.00 (Need to book in advance)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 25.00 (Need to book in advance)
Faq`s
Salkantay trek to machu picchu 5 days
How long does it take to trek Machu Picchu?
This will depend upon your travel arrangements and your physical stamina. We offer the “Classic Inca Trail” for those of you who have a good hiking experience. The trekking tour lasts a total of 4 days.
Our other trekking tour package is the Salkantay trek 5 days. Is the second most popular trek in Cusco It’s for those who have a little bit more time to enjoy Peru, and especially Cusco? On this tour, you’ll hike small portions at a time to fully enjoy the surroundings and countryside.
Is the Salkantay trek worth than Inca trail?
Well, Salkantay trek and Inca trail are so far the best options if you won’t do the original Inca trail 4 days you will see a lot of people on the way, every day 500 people and sowing passport in each control and you have to book at least four months before. Now the Salkantay trek is the most complete because you will start from the highland passing beautiful landscapes (lagoons, glaciers, and flora and fauna) and hot spring and the famous coffee experience Salkantay trek is better than Inca trail and we have the option to do in 4 days and 5 days.
How long is the Salkantay trek?
In South America, we have many archaeological centers and thousands of thousands of Inca road networks that go from Cusco passing through all of South America and especially in Cusco of which we have one of the best hikes called Salkantay that the second option after the classic road Inca. in total the Salkantay trek is 75 km you will start from the highland passing beautiful landscapes (lagoons, glaciers, and flora and fauna) and hot spring and the famous coffee experience and Inca sites
How hard is 5-Day Salkantay trek?
Inca Trail is the number one sought out tour in Cusco. If you find that there are no more bookings, your next option can be the “Salkantay Trek”. The difference between the “Inca Trail” and “Salkantay” tour is that Salkantay trek is more adventurous.
According to previous hikers’ commentaries in Peru, the “Inca Trail” is more difficult than “Salkantay” because the path is made of stone. Conversely, the “Salkantay trek” is higher in elevation than the Inca Trail. Thus, an extra horse is a must and there are even spots where you’ll need to rent a car and train to get Machu Picchu
Is Salkantay trek better than Inca trail?
Well, Salkantay trek and Inca trail are so far the best options if you won’t do the original Inca trail 4 days you will see a lot of people on the way, every day 500 people and sowing passport in each control and you have to book at least four months before. Now the Salkantay trek is the most complete because you will start from the highland passing beautiful landscapes (lagoons, glaciers, and flora and fauna) and hot spring and the famous coffee experience Salkantay trek is better than Inca trail and we have the option to do in 4 days and 5 days
is the 5-Day Salkantay trek is dangerous?
If you won’t do this amazing Salkantay trek you have to be in Cusco 2 or 3 days before, for good acclimation and some part of the trek are difficult especially the second day but you can ride a horse until the hight point is not dangerous even for the day 3 you can take care and train in the last cases.
Which is better Inca trail or Salkantay trek?
Well, Salkantay trek and Inca trail are so far the best options if you won’t do the original Inca trail 4 days you will see a lot of people on the way, every day 500 people and sowing passport in each control and you have to book at least four months before. Now the Salkantay trek is the most complete because you will start from the highland passing beautiful landscapes (lagoons, glaciers, and flora and fauna) and hot spring and the famous coffee experience Salkantay trek is better than Inca trail and we have the option to do in 4 days and 5 days.
How much do you tip Salkantay trek?
Well, Peru is a tourist place and is the best option to do some treks. And specially Salkantay trek, so here we don’t porter to carry your stuff as Inca trail but we have horses and cook, assistant cooks depend on the amount of the hikers for instant 10 hikers will have a cook, 2 assistant cooks, and 2 cowboys and the tip is 10 soles per hiker for our cowboys, for the assistant cook is 20 soles per hiker and for the cook is 30 soles per hikers this tip is for your heart and your appreciation.
Can you do the Salkantay trek without a tour guide?
Of course yes, every year this trek is getting most popular and we have some beautiful places to set up the tents and even you can rent some mules to carry your staff the 1 day and the 2 days and you can do in 3,4, or 5 days because there are some cars and train especially from the 3 days to get Machu Picchu this is one option because some part is difficult but when you have experience hiking you do without problem even hiking solo.
Should I book Salkantay trek in advance?
Salkantay trek is getting popular every year, so and especially in the dry season (May, June, July, August, ) are the best time actually to do this trek and Machupicchu, we recommended book this tour because a lot of people want to do those months and if you want to reserve even Machupicchu and Waynapicchu mountain extra hikes from the Machu Picchu Inca site.
What Should I wear a Salkantay trek?
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing.
- 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 Celcius.
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
- A small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Hiking shoes
- Toilet paper
- Headlight
- Sunglasses
- Gloves
- Heavy jacket
- Rain jacket
What Should I wear to Salkantay trek?
- A good day pack: such as Eagle Creek Afar Backpack (Appropriate pack to carry your personal belongings.)
- Original passport (International Student Identity Card “ISIC” if applicable)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not required
- Lighter trekking boots (with good ankle support)
- 3 pairs of trekking pants (not jeans), 1 hiking, 1 cotton–which is just enough. Please spray both pairs with an insect repellent spray before the trip.
- Layers for variable temperatures especially at night.
- 1 rain jacket: The first night the temperature can be as low as – 5 degrees Celsius/23 degrees Fahrenheit. A rain jacket can be helpful because there are rainy days even in the dry season!
- 1 warm/winter jacket (Thermals: wool socks/gloves, scarf and woolen hat for cold nights).
- 4 pairs of underwear, 6 pairs of socks (Bamboo or cotton/nylon-blend socks dry faster than 100 percent cotton, which lose their softness when air-dried.) It is nice to have a couple of extra pairs of socks to change into at night when you’re not hiking. Also, we recommend bringing both heavy hiking socks and lighter socks, as well as the variable weather so you want to make sure you’re not too cold or too hot.
- 4 t-shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts
- 1 good sleeping bag liner which is super lightweight and easy to pack. This does its job!
- Travel-size tissues and wet wipes.
- Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness. Several people on the hike have varying degrees of altitude sickness and both of these remedies (in addition to the coca tea) are very helpful in alleviating the symptoms.
- Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).
- Bug spray with 30% DEET in it–which you need, but it doesn’t work very well. The issue with Cusco outdoor is that most of the bugs are not mosquitoes. They are these small flies you can’t even see that leave weird bites that first look like you pricked your finger and then blow up into itchy red bumps. Unfortunately, these bugs seem to bite you no matter what kind of spray you put on, so bringing some anti-itch ointment could be helpful.
- Re-usable plastic or metal water container or a hydration pack such as Camelback
- Water (Only for the first day of the hike, as we will provide you with water throughout the rest of the hike).
- Camera
- A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with spare batteries
- Bandages or moleskin
- Flip flops to change into at night. Your toes will thank you!
- Toiletries
- Medication (Imodium AD or something for your stomach) because some people get an upset stomach on the trek. Also, Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen can be helpful to help with aches and pains after 8-10 hours of hiking each day.
- Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes
- Something to read in the evenings
- Extra money for drinks, tips insoles for cooks, horsemen, guides. (USD$60-70).
- Emergency money at least 300-450 extra soles (USD$ 220)
How can I prepared for Salkantay trek?
Some hiker has a really good fit and some hikers don’t have, so the recommended for the Salkantay is you have to do some workout, run, biking in your country first and then once in Cusco some acclimation 2 or 3 days before of the trek. In Cusco, we have a lot of day treks you can do some of them to be ready for this amazing trek.
Do you have to be fit to climb Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu hike you need to be in good shape. You don’t need run to Machu Picchu you should be able to hike 4-6hours per day and some up Hill and down Hill in your country. For Machu Picchu to get there we have steps is about 2 hours from the Aguas Calientes town and back 1 hour up and down is 3 hours in total but maybe you have done some treks such us Salkantay trek o lares trek and you are tired you can take bus wich the Price is 12 dollars one way and 24 dollars round trip.
How cold does it get on the Salkantay Trek?
Peru is one best place to visit, so we have microclimates because we have ( coast, jungle, and Highland) and in Salkantay trek between the April to September we call dry and is perfect to do any treks around Cusco at night is 0 degrees and during of the day is max 25 degrees in the midday and min 8 degrees in the morning and in the wet season between October to march at night is 6 degrees and in the day 20 degrees at midday especially in the trek.
Do you need to book the Salkantay trek in advance?
Salkantay trek is getting popular every year, so and especially in the dry season (May, June, July, August, ) are the best time actually to do this trek and Machupicchu, we recommended book this tour because a lot of people want to do those months and if you want to reserve even Machupicchu and Waynapicchu mountain extra hikes from the Machu Picchu Inca site
How cold does is the Salkantay trek?
Peru is one best place to visit, so we have microclimates because we have ( coast, jungle, and Highland) and in Salkantay trek between the April to September we call dry and is perfect to do any treks around Cusco at night is 0 degrees and during of the day is max 25 degrees in the midday and min 8 degrees in the morning and in the wet season between October to march at night is 6 degrees and in the day 20 degrees at midday especially in the trek.
What is the best month to go to Machu Picchu?
The best recommendation to go to Machu Picchu is in the dry season or winter season. The days are warm and the nights are a bit chilly. From April to September, you can expect to enjoy blue skies that will allow you to enjoy the landscapes. However, you must book your trekking tour at least 8 or 9 months of anticipation. FYI, the National Geographic identified that the Inca Trail is one of the top treks in the world
Is Machuppicchu closing?
Machupicchu is open all year from January to December, is in the dry season or winter season. The days are warm and the nights are a bit chilly. From April to September, you can expect to enjoy blue skies that will allow you to enjoy the landscapes. However, you must book your trekking tour at least 8 or 9 months of anticipation
How many miles do you hike per day Salkantay trek?
The Salkantay trek you will hike different miles every day
The first day is 12 km which 7 miles easy way until lunch and in the afternoon gonna difficult especially going up to visit the amazing lagoon humanity
The second day 21 km which is 13 miles, this day is considered the most difficult day because will arrive at the high point of the Salkantay trek
The three days 17 km which is 10 miles, basically easy day will hike along the forest
The four days is 22 km which is 14 miles, is a long day and in the seem will have a stunning view of the Machupicchu from one Inca site call llactapata
The five days, on this day we have two options ( the 1 option is hiking which is 1 y 30 minutes and back is 1 hour in todo is 2 and 30 minutes) and the distance is 6 km which is 3 miles. another option is taking the bus wich just 25 minutes and the price is 12$ one way if you want round trips is 24$
Can you hike the Salkantay trek in January?
In Peru we have many microclimates between the Sierra and jungle coast and the best recommendation is to take a walk in the dry season between May to September and the rest of the months it is a rainy season, now if you want to do it in January it is a rainy season and the road is mud and in some parts, it is stony and also slippery so we do not recommend hiking in January
Can you shower on the Salkantay Trek?
On your first day we don’t have to take a shower because is the coldest base camp, but the second day you can take shower with an additional cost of S/. 10.00 Soles. The third day, you will chance to go hot spring in Santa Teresa village the price is 10 soles and the passage is 40 soles round trips and the four days will arrive at Aguas Calientes pueblo you can take a shower at the hostel
Are there bathrooms/toilets on Salkantay trek?
There are bathrooms at certain points of the Salkantay trek. On government facilities, you are provided with restrooms (you’ll need to take with you toilet paper). If you utilize private facilities the cost of using their restrooms is S/. 1.00 Soles, for an instant the second day and the third day but just on the way hiking because in our lunch spot and campsites we have a toilet but you will need yours on toilet paper.
Are there bathrooms/toilets in Machu Picchu?
Within the “ruins” of the Inca city of Machu Picchu, there are no toilets. All hikers of the Inca Trail have to have their photo taken to exit the “Machu Picchu ruins” and proceed to use the restrooms to then re-enter the ruins to rejoin the tour guide. The cost of the restrooms is S/. 2.00 Soles.
Can you drink the tap water in Peru?
Though Peru has a diversity of flora and fauna and has an abundance of natural resources (natural spring water), we recommend that you purchase bottled water or have the water boiled before you drink it. You should take the necessary precautions to not have an upset stomach during your visit or a trekking tour.
Why is Machu Picchu dangerous?
Since its’ discovery in 1911, Machupicchu has been repaired and preserved to host many tourists around the world. Thus, it is not dangerous.
Please keep in mind that in the last several years, the Peruvian Government has tightened the influx of tourists due to corrosion and has implemented two strict visiting hours for the citadel of Machu Picchu. Visitors can book for either turn from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Which is harder Salkantay trek or Kilimanjaro?
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is a maximum of 5 days hiking, 4 or max 8 hours per day, and the trailhead is 3,700 (masl) = 12,858 feet and the highest point is 4,600 (masl) = 16,779 feet. Thus, having good nutritional food on the Salkantay trek and a great staff (guide, horses, cook) can make the experience much more comfortable so you can have an unforgettable experience passing through Sun Gate into one of the seven wonders of the world “Machupicchu”.
Kilimanjaro of course is also one of the top treks in the world. The difference is that the trek for Kilimanjaro is at least 6 days to 9 days maximum.
Salkantay trek and Kilimanjaro are both beautiful treks. However, Kilimanjaro is a harder trek and where you can reach altitudes close to 6,000 (masl) = 19,685 feet, wherein the “Inca Trail” you’ll reach altitudes of just 4,200 (masl) = 13,779 feet.
Does Machupicchu get snow?
Peru every year is changing the weather especially in Cusco, some times we have snow but seldom and y Machupicchu so far never get snow, because is located in the jungle so the weather is nice in the day and at night max 13 degrees but in Cusco, we got some bad weathers
There is a signal or reception on the Salkantay Trek?
In Salkantay trek in this year especially every single day we have a reception of wi-fi but if you want to call on the Salkantay trek you can do that, the first day just on the breakfast time now the second day just we have wifi at night and the cost is 10 soles, the third day the seem wifi and the four days for sure in your hostal free wifi but in an emergency, some companies have satellite phones.
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