Overview (Salkantay Trail – Machu Picchu Hike Tour)
Pacha Expeditions invites you on a breathtaking Salkantay Mountain Peru expedition to Machu Picchu. Over five days, you will trek the legendary Salkantay Trail, ending with an amazing Machu Picchu Hike Tour. This journey blends adventure with the mystique of ancient Inca sites.
Our tour starts with the drive from Cusco to Mollepata. You’ll face high altitudes, so prepare accordingly. We’ll cross the challenging Salkantay Pass. Remember booking a month in advance secures your spot on this unforgettable hike to Machu Picchu.
As we advance, the Andes reveals its secrets. You’ll soak in hot springs and explore lesser-known Inca ruins. This Machu Picchu Hike Tour is a journey back in time. We trek during the dry season to avoid the rainy season’s unpredictability.
Pacha Expeditions is your gateway to exploring Machu Picchu with confidence. Our packing list ensures you’re well-prepared for every day of our Machu Picchu Hike Tour. From the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu, adventure awaits with Pacha Expeditions, your trusted tour company.
*Difficulty level depends very much on your fitness and acclimatization.
We offer daily departures in the Inca Trail and Alternative routes: check availability here.
It is recommended to book the Inca Trail at least 4 months in advance, because this is the most famous road in South America and many people want to visit it.
The Inca Trail is the most iconic Peru Machu Picchu Hike. However, there are many alternative options to hike Machu Picchu, like the Inca Quarry Trek or the Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu.
Useful Information
- Start Altitude: Approximately 2,900 meters (9,515 feet) above sea level
- Maximum Altitude: 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) at the Salkantay Pass
- Total Distance of the Hike: Around 74 kilometers (46 miles)
- Average Highest Temperature: Can reach up to 20°C (68°F) during the day
- Average Lowest Temperature: Can drop to -5°C (23°F) at night, especially at higher altitudes
- Meals Included: 12 meals total; 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners
- Level of Difficulty: Considered challenging due to high altitudes and the physical distance
Overview Day to Day
- Day 1: Trek from Mollepata to Soraypampa. Camp at Soraypampa.
- Day 2: Cross the Salkantay Pass to Chaullay. Camp at Chaullay.
- Day 3: Hike through the Cloud Forest to La Playa. Camp at La Playa.
- Day 4: Visit Llactapata, then hike to Aguas Calientes.
- Day 5: Tour Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco.
PLEASE SEE: OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND F.A.Qs
Conditions for the Mountain – Machu picchu and Wayna picchu.
- * Note:Level of difficulty depends a lot on your fitness and acclimatization.
- * The train service on all tours includes (Expedition to Ollanta) and bus to Cusco.
* If you want to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes have to tell us in advance to arrange your hotel and modify the train service return.
Itinerary
Day 1: From Mollepata to Soraypampa
Pacha Expeditions will start the Salkantay Trail hike. We’ll meet in Cusco and drive to Mollepata. The drive takes about 3 hours. After breakfast in Mollepata, we´ll begin hiking.
The first hike is to Soraypampa, taking about 4 hours. Lunch is on the route. Soraypampa is our campsite. It has stunning views of Humantay and Salkantay peaks.
- Altitude Start: 2,900 meters (9,500 ft) ; End: 3,900 meters (12,800 ft)
- Distance Covered: 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)
- Main Places Visited: Mollepata, Soraypampa
Day 2: Soraypampa to Chaullay via Salkantay Pass
Day 2 challenges us with the Salkantay Pass. We’ll start early, aiming to reach the pass in 4 hours. After conquering the pass, we’ll descend to Huayracmachay for lunch.
Then, it’s a hike to Chaullay, our campsite. This leg takes about 3 hours. The landscapes change dramatically today. From andean mountains to cloud forest.
- Altitude Start: 3,900 meters; Peak: 4,630 meters (15,190 ft); End: 2,900 meters (9,500 ft)
- Distance Covered: 22 kilometers (13.7 miles)
- Main Places Visited: Salkantay Pass, Huayracmachay, Chaullay
Day 3: Chaullay to La Playa through the Cloud Forest
We’ll trek from Chaullay to La Playa through the Cloud Forest. This day will be less strenuous.
Expect lush vegetation and waterfalls. The hike takes about 6 hours. La Playa is our campsite. It offers a subtropical climate.
- Altitude Start: 2,900 meters (9,500 ft); End: 2,100 meters (6,900 ft)
- Distance Covered: 15 kilometers (9.3 miles)
- Main Places Visited: Cloud Forest, La Playa
Day 4: La Playa to Aguas Calientes via Llactapata
From La Playa, we’ll hike to Llactapata. This Inca site offers a unique view of Machu Picchu from afar. The hike to Llactapata takes about 3 hours.
After exploring, we’ll descend to the hydroelectric station for lunch. Then, we’ll walk to Aguas Calientes next to the train tracks. This final stretch takes about 3 hours.
- Altitude Start: 2,100 meters (6,900 ft); Peak: 2,650 meters (8,700 ft); End: 2,040 meters (6,700 ft)
- Distance Covered: 20 kilometers (12.4 miles)
- Main Places Visited: Llactapata, Aguas Calientes
Day 5: Machu Picchu Exploration and Return to Cusco
We’ll rise early to catch the bus to Machu Picchu. The guided tour of Machu Picchu lasts about 2 hours.
After exploring, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes. Then, we’ll take the train and bus back to Cusco. We’ll arrive in Cusco in the evening. Thus, our incredible Machu Picchu Hike Tour comes to an end.
- Altitude Start: 2,040 meters (6,700 ft); Peak: 2,430 meters (7,980 ft)
- Main Place Visited: Machu Picchu
*PLEASE SEE: OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND F.A.Qs
*Conditions for the Mountain Machu Picchu & Wayna Picchu
Includes
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Professional bilingual tour guide
- Assistant tour guide for groups of 9+
- Transportation from Cusco to Mollepata (starting point)
- Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Drinking water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek, you need to bring your own)
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Porters to carry the main luggage
- Horseman and mules to carry up to 8 kg of personal belongings per person
- 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Round trip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu by bus.
- Entrance to Salkantay Trail
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Breakfast on day 1 and lunch on Aguas Calientes
- Tips for the guide, cook, and porters
- Travel insurance
- Additional horses for personal gear above the 8 kg limit
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Hot springs entrance in Aguas Calientes
- Extra activities and excursions
**Train included in Salkantay Trek, is the Expedition service (to Ollanta) Train times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. The earliest train you could take is the 14:55.pm and being the 18.20,pm the last train. Pacha Expeditions, will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus).
Please Note: train times are subject to change depending on Peru rail timestable and availability.If organized in advance, the train can be upgraded to Visatadome (larger windows than the Expedition train) for an increased price.
More Information
WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE.
- Hiking boots
- Warm clothing layers (for cold temperatures at high altitudes)
- Waterproof jacket and pants (rain gear)
- Sleeping bag (suitable for freezing temperatures)
- Inflatable sleeping pad
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Hat for sun protection
- Gloves (warm and waterproof)
- Personal medical kit
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks (energy bars, chocolate, dried fruits, etc.)
- Camera or phone
- Daypack (for carrying personal items during the day)
- Passport and ISIC card (if applicable for a discount)
- Cash (for tips and personal expenses)
- Biodegradable personal hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.)
- Lightweight towel
- Bathing suit (for hot springs)
- Sandals or comfortable shoes (for camp and hot springs)
*To qualify as a student, it is necessary to have a university card, with current and updated date
* If desired train back to Cusco can be upgraded to Vistadome (+U$.65)
OPTIONAL SERVICES (NOT INCLUDED):
- Rental of sleeping bags
- Rental of inflatable mattresses
- Rental of trekking poles
- Single tent supplement for solo travelers
- Porter service for additional personal items beyond the included weight limit
- Upgrade to a private tour
- Train upgrade to Vistadome or Executive service for the return trip
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Additional meals or dietary preferences beyond standard offerings
PLEASE SEE: OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND F.A.Qs
Price & Add – ons – 2024
Group: U$: 550
Private: U$: 680
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Pacha Expeditions Travel Peru, is able to join that person with additional groups.
Discounts
- Under 18 years Discount: U$: 20
- Under 07 years Discount: U$: 35
Rentals
- Hiking poles – U$: 20 (pair)
- Sleeping Baag
Upgrades
- Return Vistadome train – U$: 50 per person
- Return Hiram Bingham train– U$: 380 per person
- Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel (5-star hotel) – U$: 245 Per person
- Tierra viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – U$: 50 Per person
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Acomodation
Map
Reviews
Hice el tour de Inka Jungle (4 días y 3 noches) y el de la Montaña de Siete Colores con Pacha Expeditions. Javier me atendió impecablemente, respondió todas mis dudas... read more
January 1, 1970
Excelente organización. Todo genial. Súper recomendable. Los guías unos genios, bilingües a la perfeccion.
November 10, 2018
Me encantó haber contactado esta agencia, Javier el encargado fue muy atento, servicial y nos brindó una informacion muy detallada acerca de nuestro trekking a Salkantay, todo el servicio fue... read more
May 8, 2018
Positive Impact Travel
By joining this trip, you are directly supporting a project with a positive impact, with the Goal of Sustainable and responsible Development for future generations. The earnings that Pacha Expeditions receives, for each of our tours, a percentage is destined to support various Andean communities. Pacha Expeditions organizes activities for the benefit of the local community, for children and adults, throughout the year. Our projects are backed by local authorities and with internationally recognized standards and are audited by third parties. Which imply positive impacts on the beneficiaries
