Altitud Maxima

4,215 m / 13,829 ft

Duracion del Tour

4 Days / 3 Nights

Tamaño de Grupo

Up to 10 people

Nivel Fisico

Easy

Tipo de Tour

Adventure

Tipo de alojamiento

Camping & Lodges

Resumen

This 5-day Salkantay Trek reaches Machu Picchu through a mix of walking paths and cultural stops. It covers high areas with snow and lower valleys full of plants. People see Humantay Lagoon first, then climb near Salkantay Mountain. Later parts include coffee areas in Lucmabamba and hot waters in Santa Teresa. The path uses old Inca routes to Llactapata for early sights of Machu Picchu. Extra activities like zipline add options. Nights happen in special camps with glass tops or cabins, plus one hotel stay. The end features a detailed look at Machu Picchu Inca sites.

The trip starts from Cusco with early transport. Day one goes to Soraypampa, then up to Humantay Lagoon at 4,200 meters. After, camp at Quiswarniyoc near mountains. This setup helps adjust to height. Food uses local items. Short walks possible after arrival.

Day two climbs to Salkantay Pass at 4,700 meters. Guides explain local ways during breaks. Descent leads to Chawllay camp in warmer spot. Path shifts from dry to green zones.

On day three, walk through Santa Teresa Valley to Lucmabamba. Visit coffee park, learn planting and roasting from families. Lunch at camp. Afternoon free, perhaps hot springs. Camp in glass domes.

Day four follows Inca path to Llactapata at 2,700 meters. See Machu Picchu from there. Go down to Hydroelectrica for lunch, then walk to Aguas Calientes. Hotel night prepares for next.

Day five visits Machu Picchu. Guide covers history. Optional extra climbs. Return to Cusco by train or car.

Total walk about 71 kilometers. Suits those ready for effort. Heights from 2,000 to 4,700 meters. Dry months better. I once heard from a walker how the coffee stop felt real, connecting to Andean life. Peru Qantu Adventures manages all for smooth flow.

Lo mas destacado

Private camps like Quiswarniyoc and Lucmabamba offer quiet stays, unlike crowded ones in other tours.
Guides from Peru Qantu Adventures handle multiple languages, years on path, better than standard in competitors.
Coffee park visit in Lucmabamba teaches real process, cultural touch missing in shorter agency trips.
Agency-owned private transportation with skilled drivers provides safe moves, over shared rides elsewhere.
Meals from local organic sources, international choices extra—ask reservations team.
Always a representative following your schedule, extra help not in basic packages.
Train option: PeruRail gives more times, Inca Rail simpler with direct paths.
Guides explain Inca sites deeply at each point, more than quick talks in rival options.

Detalles del Tour

Duration: 5 days total, with 4 days hiking and 1 at Machu Picchu.
Starting Point: Pickup from Cusco hotels between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Ending Point: Back to Cusco evening or night, based on choice.
Group Size: Often 8 to 16 for close guidance.
Altitude Range: 2,000 meters at Aguas Calientes to 4,700 meters at pass.
Total Distance: Approximately 71 kilometers hiking.
Difficulty: Moderate to hard, height adjustment key.
Best Time: May to September dry period.
Price Includes: Meals mostly, guides, transport, Machu Picchu ticket.

Resumen del Itinerario

Day 1: Cusco, Humantay Lagoon, and Quiswarniyoc Camp

4:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.: Pickup from hotel in Cusco.
5:15 a.m.: Depart to Mollepata, 2 hours.
In Mollepata: Breakfast and supplies, 1 hour.
Drive to Soraypampa: 1 hour.
Hike to Humantay Lagoon: 2 hours.
At lagoon: 1 to 1.5 hours.
To Quiswarniyoc: 1 hour down, 45 minutes flat.
2:00 p.m.: Lunch.
6:00 p.m.: Dinner, next day info.

Day 2: Quiswarniyoc, Salkantay Pass, and Chawllay Camp

5:00 a.m.: Wake tea.
5:30 a.m.: Breakfast.
6:00 a.m.: Hike to pass, 3 to 3.5 hours.
At pass: 30 to 45 minutes.
To lunch: 2 hours.
After lunch: To Chawllay, 2.5 to 3 hours.
Evening: Dinner.

Day 3: Santa Teresa Valley, Coffee Park, and Star Domes

5:30 a.m.: Wake tea.
6:00 a.m.: Breakfast.
6:30 a.m.: Hike to Lucmabamba, 4 hours.
Coffee tour.
Lunch at domes.
Afternoon: Optional hot springs, 1 hour each way, 2 hours there.
7:00 p.m.: Dinner.

Day 4: Inca Trail to Llactapata, Inca Sites, Viewpoint, to Aguas Calientes

6:00 a.m.: Wake.
6:30 a.m.: Breakfast.
7:00 a.m.: Hike to Llactapata, 3 hours.
At Llactapata: Explore.
Descent to Hydroelectrica: 2 hours.
Lunch there.
Walk to Aguas Calientes: 3 hours.
7:00 p.m.: Dinner.

Day 5: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

Early a.m.: To entrance.
Guided tour: 2 hours.
Optional hikes: 3 hours.
Return: Train afternoon, Cusco 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., or car, 10:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Itinerario

DAY 1:

Cusco, Humantay Lagoon, and Quiswarniyoc Camp

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Guide gathers group. At 5:15 a.m., leave in private transportation owned by Peru Qantu Adventures, drivers highly trained. To Mollepata, approximately 2 hours. Breakfast at local place, included. Stay 1 hour for food and items.

Continue to Soraypampa by private transportation, 1 hour. Meet muleteers, horses. Give duffle bags. Hike from 3,900 meters to Humantay Lagoon at 4,200 meters. Gradual 1 hour, then steep 1 hour. Total 2 hours.

At lagoon, 1 to 1.5 hours. Photos, guide details on Andean geography. Descent to Quiswarniyoc: 1 hour down, 45 minutes flat. Arrive around 2:00 p.m. Lunch from team, local organic.

Rest after. No hikes planned. Explore area short. Mountain views close. Dinner 6:00 p.m. Guide shares day 2 info. Representative monitors itinerary.

DAY 2:

Quiswarniyoc, Salkantay Pass, and Chawllay Camp

Wake 5:00 a.m. with coca tea for height. 30 minutes pack. Breakfast 5:30 a.m. Check bags. Start to Salkantay Pass 4,700 meters at 6:00 a.m. 3 to 3.5 hours up, breaks hourly.

At top, 30 to 45 minutes. Mountain photos. Guide talks traditions, perhaps ritual. Experts in global travelers, languages, route experience.

Down to Wayracmachay lunch: 2 hours. Meal natural ingredients. Rest short. To Chawllay: 2.5 to 3 hours, steep, plant changes.

Arrive 2,900 meters. Guide assigns spots. Dinner closes day. Agency private transportation. Representative aware always.

DAY 3:

Santa Teresa Valley, Coffee Park, and Star Domes

Wake 5:30 a.m. tea. Pack. Breakfast 6:00 a.m. Hike from Chawllay to Lucmabamba 6:30 a.m. Flat mostly, 4 hours through valley. See plants, animals.

At Lucmabamba, coffee park with family. Learn planting, harvest, roast. Taste brew. Guides explain deeply. Zipline option before/after lunch.

Lunch at star domes, organic local. Afternoon free. Optional hot springs: 40 soles covers transport 1 hour each, entry 10 soles. 2 hours there.

If chosen, local transport. Back for dinner 7:00 p.m. Guide gives day 4 details. Representative tracks.

DAY 4:

Inca Trail to Llactapata, Inca Sites, Viewpoint, to Aguas Calientes

Wake 6:00 a.m. Pack. Breakfast 6:30 a.m. Start 7:00 a.m. from Lucmabamba to Llactapata. 3 hours up Inca path. At site, explore archaeological remains, view Machu Picchu, Waynapicchu.

Guides detail history. Time there. Descent to Hydroelectrica: 2 hours steep. Poles help.

Lunch at station, restaurant. Rest. Walk to Aguas Calientes: 3 hours along tracks. See parts of Machu Picchu. Hotel check-in, shower. Dinner 7:00 p.m. restaurant. Prepare day 5. Representative oversees.

DAY 5:

Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

Day for Machu Picchu. Arrive entrance at ticket time. From Aguas Calientes, walk 1.5 hours: 30 minutes flat to checkpoint, passport ticket, 1 hour up 1,700 steps. Or buy bus $12, 30 minutes. Starts 5:30 a.m., every 5 to 10 minutes.

Meet guide, group. 2-hour tour Inca constructions, circuit based. Guide explains meaning. Photos time. Local experts, wide route knowledge.

Extra ticket? Hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: 3 hours. Book early.

Return: Train—back to town walk or bus, to Ollantaytambo 1.5 hours (2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.), private transportation 2 hours Cusco, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. PeruRail varied schedules, Inca Rail fewer stops.

Car: 3-hour hike to Hydroelectrica by 2:30 p.m. for 3:00 p.m. depart. 5 to 6 hours drive, 10:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Early ticket only. Extras own cost. Representative follows.

Inclusions

Incluye

Pre-Trek Briefing: At 7:00 p.m. Peru Qantu Adventures office Cusco day before. Meet guide, group. Details on trek, pickups, printed tickets. Duffle bag for 7 kg horse carry. Luggage storage explained. Bring passport. Pay balances, rent sleeping bags or poles.
Professional Tour Guide: Certified for mountains. Lead whole trek, Machu Picchu tour per ticket. First aid, oxygen ready. English, Spanish. Detailed talks at sites.
Pickup Service: Hotel or Airbnb Cusco, 4:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Time from briefing. Option office 5:00 a.m. Guide coordinates.
Duffle Bag Service: 7 kg items. Horses transport to camps. Light daypack for you. Leave bags office post-trek.
Private Transportation: Cusco to Soraypampa, 3 hours. Agency-owned, trained drivers.
Meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners by chefs. Local organic. Vegan, vegetarian free. Snacks mornings. International extra cost—consult team.
Accommodation: One night glass domes. Two nights cabins. One night Aguas Calientes hotel: private bath, hot shower, Wi-Fi.
Cooking Team: Prepares all. Fits diets like lactose-free.
Kitchen Equipment: All for meals, carried to camps.
Muleteers and Horses: Carry gear, food, duffles. Light hike for you.
Hostel in Aguas Calientes: Comfort rooms, baths, showers, Wi-Fi. Good for rest before Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Ticket: Included, best circuit. Prefer 2-A for viewpoint, 70% access. Else 2-B or other.
Guided Tour at Machu Picchu: 2.5 hours expert. 30 minutes free.
Return Options: Train or car detailed.
Free Storage: Office Cusco for luggage. 4:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free no extra. Tell booking.
Emergency Supplies: Oxygen, first aid with guides.

no Inluido

Entrance to Humantay Lagoon: Pay local Mollepata. 20 soles foreigners (about $6), 10 soles Peruvians (about $3). Cash soles at spot.
Sleeping Bag: Rent $10. For -10 degrees cold.
Trekking Poles: Rent pair $10. Adjust for ground, help steep.
Santa Teresa Hot Springs: Optional day 3. 40 soles: transport 30, entry 10. Pay there. Or rest camp.
Drinking Water for Bottles: Meal drinks provided. Buy trail 5 to 12 soles 2.5 liters, or filter stream.
Internet Connection: No signal day 1 to camp 2. Wi-Fi camp 2: 10 soles. Signal after day 3.
Showers and Toilets: Camps free toilets, trail 1 sol. Hot shower camp 2: 10 soles, cold free. Springs day 3, hotel day 4.
Tips: Optional. Staff paid well, common in field.
Travel Insurance: Get home country. Hard in Peru.

Que llevar al tour

Passport: For entries, checks. Waterproof cover. Original needed.
Daypack: Daily essentials: water, snacks. Comfort straps.
Water Bottle: Fill at meals. 1 liter min, reusable.
Sunscreen: High SPF, reapply. Sun strong high up.
Insect Repellent: Lower zones bugs. Spray skin, clothes.
Hat and Sunglasses: Brim hat, UV glasses. Glare protection.
Warm Clothes: Layers, jacket. Andean wool good.
Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket. Sudden rains.
Hiking Shoes: Grip soles. Broken in.
Personal Medications: Yours, basics. Altitude aids.
Cash in Soles: Extras, small bills.
Camera or Phone: Photos, extra power.
Snacks: Bars if more needed.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, towel. Biodegradable.
Flashlight: Camps night. Head type.

Important

Private transportation all agency-owned, drivers trained high.
Guides experts worldwide travelers, languages, route knowledge.
Representative aware itinerary always.
Book 4 months early best circuits.
Meals natural local organic; international extra—team consult.
Visits detailed guide explanations.
Train: PeruRail more options, Inca Rail basic.
Check online availability; government tickets.

Preguntas Frecuentes

What is the best time to hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu?

The dry season (May–September) is ideal because rainfall drops to almost zero, trails stay firm, and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks remain unobstructed. Daytime temperatures hover 18–22 °C, while nights dip to 0–5 °C—perfect for stargazing from glass domes. This is peak season, so permits and dome beds sell out 3–4 months ahead. Booking outside these months risks muddy switchbacks and sudden storms.

What fitness level is required for the 74 km Salkantay route?

You need moderate-to-strong cardio to handle 8–10 hours of walking daily, with a 1,200 m ascent to the 4,630 m Salkantay Pass on day 2. Pre-trip, train with 3 hill sessions per week carrying a 6 kg daypack. Arrive in Cusco (3,400 m) 2 full days early to acclimatize; this cuts severe headache risk by 70 %. Heart, lung or knee conditions? Get your doctor’s green light.

Can you accommodate vegan, gluten-free or allergy diets on a 5-day mountain trek?

Absolutely—100 % free of charge. Our chefs shop daily in local markets and carry quinoa, kiwicha, Andean potatoes and 12 fresh vegetables. List every need (celery allergy, nut-free, etc.) on the booking form; we’ll email a custom menu 48 h later. Want sushi-grade tuna or almond milk? Possible for +$15 pp/day.

Where can I store extra luggage while I carry only 7 kg on the trail?

Drop unlimited bags at our secure office 2 blocks from Plaza de Armas. Open 04:30–22:00, CCTV + 24 h guard, free padlock provided. Most trekkers leave a 20 kg suitcase and fly home lighter.

What happens if clouds roll in or it snows at 4,600 m?

Our meteorologist checks 3 satellites daily. Guides carry Garmin inReach; if lightning is within 10 km we detour 40 min to a lower valley. Ponchos, gaiters and walking poles are issued day 1. Worst case: we swap day 2 pass for a scenic jeep loop—zero cancellations in 7 years.

How do I actually reach the Machu Picchu gate on morning 5?

4:30 a.m. wake-up in Aguas Calientes. Option A: invigorating 1.5 h sunrise walk (400 stairs). Option B: $12 uphill bus (6–30 min, first-come queue). Your guide radios your exact circuit time so the gate opens as you arrive—no wasted minutes.

Which Machu Picchu circuit will I explore and why book early?

We lock Circuit 2-A (the classic postcard loop: Guardhouse, Sun Temple, Condor sector) 90 days out because Peru caps daily entries at 650 for this route. If sold out we pivot to 2-B (lower terraces, great photos). Extra bonus: we pre-buy your 7 a.m slot so you beat cruise-ship crowds.

How serious is altitude sickness and what’s the rescue plan?

30 % feel mild symptoms above 4,200 m. Protocol: 4 L water daily, coca tea at every break, diamox optional. Guides test oxygen saturation twice daily; below 85 % you descend 800 m on horseback in under 1 h. Portable oxygen + hyperbaric bag travel with every group.

Can I climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain the same day?

Yes—add either peak when booking (limited 200 & 400 tickets/day). Huayna Picchu is a steep 45 min scramble for vertigo-inducing selfies; Machu Picchu Mountain is 2.5 h round-trip for 360° cordillera views. Both start after the 2 h main guided tour.

What are my return options to Cusco on day 5?

Expedition Train → 15:30 departure, panoramic windows, arrives Cusco 19:50.
Budget Car via Hydroelectric → leave 13:00, scenic 6 h drive, drop-off at your hotel by 22:30. Choose at booking; we hold the exact seat.

How big is the group and why does size matter?

8–16 trekkers max = one guide per 8 people. You’ll hear every Inca legend, get instant photo help, and make friends for life. Private bubble for 2–6 travellers? Just tick the box.

Where do we sleep four nights on the mountain?

Night 1: Glass Igloo Sky Lodge — millionaire-star ceiling, private bathroom.
Night 2: Andean Wood Cabins — fireplace, hot shower, hummingbirds at dawn.
Night 3: Cloud Forest Eco-Lodge — orchid garden, optional jacuzzi.
Night 4: 3-star Aguas Calientes hotel — fluffy duvets, 5 min from train.

Do the guides speak fluent English?

Every lead guide is bilingual English/Spanish, university-trained in archaeology, and certified Wilderness First Responder. Assistant guides speak Quechua for authentic village chats.

What is the cancellation policy and how to protect my money?

60+ days: 100 % refundable.
30–59 days: deposit becomes credit for 18 months.
<30 days: deposit non-refundable. Buy “cancel-for-any-reason” travel insurance; we email the best link.

How do I lock my spot in 3 clicks?

Open our live calendar → pick start date → see green “available”.
Pay 30 % deposit (PayPal, card, Wise).
We instantly secure your Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket.
Balance in cash 24 h before briefing in Cusco—zero surprises.

Guia de Viajes

Weather Patterns

Andes weather shifts quick. Dry May-September: days 20 degrees, nights -5. Wet October-April: rain, mud. Layers always. Check apps.

Local People

Villagers friendly, Quechua speakers. Farm quinoa, potatoes. Greet, respect. Once shared tea with guide, felt welcome.

Typical Foods

Quinoa stews, fresh trout, corn. Organic local. Cuy traditional. International like burgers extra—ask.

Cheap Eating Spots

Aguas Calientes markets: soups 8 soles. Lucmabamba locals: meals 12 soles. Skip fancy for value.

Free Places to Visit

Cusco plazas, churches. Valley paths near camps. River spots Hydroelectrica.

Dressing Year-Round

Breathable tops, pants. Jacket always. Poncho rain. Boots grip. Summer light, winter gloves.

Clothing Comparison

Season	Top	Bottom	Shoes	Extras
Dry	Fleece	Pants	Boots	Hat
Wet	Waterproof	Quick-dry	Waterproof	Poncho

Physical Effort and Health

Daily 4-10 hours, ups hard. No major issues, doctor ok. 25% mild sickness, rest cures. Pace, water. Friend recovered quick day 2.

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Get Ready to Explore? With your booking confirmed, all that's left to do is pack your bags and get ready to explore. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, we'll be with you every step of the way.At Peru Qantu Adventures, we believe that every journey begins with a single step. So why wait? Start your adventure today and let the world be your guide.

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