Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu Glamping (Low Cost)
Affordable 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Glamping Experience
5 Days from $ USD 100.00
Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu Glamping (Low Cost)
Affordable 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Glamping Experience
c5 Days from $ USD 100.00
Overview
Salkantay Trek 5 Days with Glamping
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days with Glamping to Machu Picchu is a unique adventure that combines the beauty of the Peruvian Andes with a glamping experience at a reduced cost.
This hike is ideal for travelers who want to immerse themselves in nature, appreciate spectacular views, and enjoy camping amenities without spending a fortune.
This low-cost glamping option allows you to enjoy the Salkantay Trek without losing comfort. With spacious shops, delicious food and the opportunity to be surrounded by nature, it is an unforgettable way to live this unique adventure.
Our tour begins in Cusco, where you will be welcomed and taken to Soraypampa, our first glamping camp, located in a privileged area with beautiful views and luxury tents equipped with modern amenities.
Trip Details
Details about Salkantay Trek 5 Days with Glamping
- STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco & Sacred Valley Hotel/Airbnb. From 4:30 am to 5:00 am
- ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb 10:30 pm
- DEPARTURE: Daily. If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as a large group service). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in Cusco
- HIKING DISTANCE: 60.5 km / 37.5 ml
- PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 3. Salkantay Trek requires some physical preparation and we also recommend Aclimatize 2 days before we begin the Salkantay Trek
- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,630 m / 15,228 ft
- TRANSPORTATION: Private Van/Bus to Challacancha (for our Passengers and staff)
- 02 Options: to choose Returning by Tourist Expedition Train Back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and Bus back to Cusco or Bus Back from Hidroelectrica Station
- ACCOMMODATIONS: 03 nights in Camping Tent (Private Campsite at Soraypampa, Chaullay, and Loreta La Playa), 01 night in the hostel (Aguas Calientes)
- PORTERING/HORSEBACK SERVICE: 5 Kilos/10 Pounds Extra Portering service is included. We will provide you with a duffel bag for your personal Stuff (This will be carried by the porter or Horses),
- MEALS: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, 3 tea times + wake-up teas
- MACHUPICCHU: Machupicchu entrance fee Included. (See Availability https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/)
3B, 2L, 1D
Loal Guide
Private Conductor
Bus, and Boat
Glamping
Easy
Travel Map
Itinerary at a Glance
- DAY 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa (Glamping in Small Sky Dome)
- DAY 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huaracmachay – Chaullay (Glamping in Small Sky Dome)
- DAY 3: Chaullay – LLuscamayo – Loreta La Playa Sahuayaco (Glamping in Small Sky Dome)
- DAY 4: Loreta – Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (Hotel)
- DAY 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Highlights
- Sleep in comfort under the stars in our Campsites of Camping Tents
- Day 1: Private Soraypampa Campsite (Glamping Sky Lodge Small Dome)
- Day 2: Private Chaullay (Glamping Sky Lodge Small Dome)
- Day 3: Private Loreta La Playa (Glamping Sky Lodge Small Dome)
- Day 4: Aguas Calientes Hostel
- Visit Humantay Lake and Salkantay Lake
- Hike the Original Inca Trail to the LLactapata Incan site to see Machupicchu.
- Enjoy the scenic views of Salkantay Snow Mountain
- Make a small ritual for the Andean gods and learn about the Incan religion
- Enjoy our friendly customer service and experienced top guides
- Eat delicious, freshly prepared Peruvian cuisine (Buffet Peruvian Style Food)
- Hike through the different types of landscapes and Sceneries, such as cloud forests, highlands, grassy hills, and Andean valleys
- Reach 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) in elevation along the Salkantay Pass
- Explore Machu Picchu and the surrounding area with expert and knowledgeable tour top guides
- Hike one of National Geographic’s 25 “World’s Best Treks”
Please, Note: We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures are 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You are Going !!! To Confirm and Secure the Machupicchu Permits. Send us the filled-out booking form as well as a deposit of 30% and you are ready to go…
For travelers who don’t have many days to hike, or for those who don’t feel fit enough to hike the Salkantay for 5 days. We have a great alternative salkantay trek and Humantay lake of 3 days conecting to machupicchu by train from ollantaytambo to aguas calientes. or salkantay and humantay lake.
Itinerary
Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa (Glamping in Small Sky Dome)
We will collect you from your hotel between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. for a 2.5-hour drive to Mollepata. After breakfast, we’ll continue driving to Challacancha where we’ll begin our hike.
As soon as we arrive, the cook and horseman will pack up the camping gear and cooking equipment, and we’ll start hiking.
The first 25 minutes will be uphill until we reach the Water Channel, where we’ll enjoy panoramic views of Humantay (4,120m/13,500ft) and Salkantay (6,271m/20,575ft), just the start of our Salkantay trek.
We’ll make our way towards Soraypampa, our first camping spot (3,800m/11,750ft), which is close to the second-highest snow-capped mountain of Cusco.
After lunch, we’ll visit Humantay Lake, explore the area, and then descend to our Sky Lodge Dome campsite in Soraypampa.
- Day 1: Total distance: Approximately 15 km
- Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
- Maximum altitude point: Approximately 3,800m
- Campsite altitude: Approximately 3,800m
Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huaracmachay – Chaullay (Glamping in Small Sky Dome)
We begin our second day of the Salkantay Trek with an early breakfast, and we hit the trail around 6:30 am. This is the longest day of the trek, and the first four hours are spent hiking uphill to reach the highest point of the trek, which is located at an altitude of 4650m/15200ft.
The pass is situated halfway between two massive mountains, Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left, and offers incredible views of both snow-capped peaks.
Depending on the weather, we may encounter snow at this point. After a well-deserved rest, we will begin our descent through a stunning cloud forest to reach Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch.
After lunch, we continue hiking towards the start of the jungle until we reach our second camping spot of Chaullay or Colcapampa (3000m/9800ft).
Day 2: Total distance: 19 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 8 – 9 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,650 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 2,750 m (aprox.)
Chaullay – LLuscamayo – Loreta La Playa Sahuayaco (Glamping in Small Sky Dome)
We begin our hike at 6:30 am after breakfast, walking through the upper jungle and crossing the Lluskamayo River and various small brooks to reach La Playa, which takes about 6 hours.
Along the way, we will pass through valleys and witness beautiful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits, and plants.
Once we reach La Playa, we will stop for lunch and take a break before setting up camp for the night.
(Additional option: In the afternoon, there is a chance to visit the Colcalmayo hot springs at an extra cost, which can be discussed on site.)
Day 3: Total distance: 16 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,750 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 1,600 m (aprox.)
Loreta – Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (Hotel)
After enjoying our breakfast at 8am, we depart from our Lluscamayo campsite and start our trek on the original Inca Trail towards the Llactapata site. Here, you will get a chance to witness a breathtaking view of Machupicchu far away, making it one of the most beautiful places to observe the ancient Inca city.
Continuing our journey, we pass by various crop plantations such as coca and banana until we reach the hydroelectric station. After lunch, we trek for another two and a half hours along the train tracks until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night at a hostel.
While in Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the town’s thermal springs (entrance fee of 10 soles), a real treat after completing the Salkantay Trek.
Day 4: Total distance: 12 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 5 – 6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 1,600 m (aprox.)
Hostel(aguas calientes) altitude: 1,900 m (aprox.)
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
This is the most important day of the Salkantay trek. We will wake up early at 4 am, have breakfast at 4:30 am and then start our ascent to Machupicchu.
It takes about one and a half hours to hike up to Machupicchu, but there is also an option to take the first bus that leaves at 5:30 am (25-minute ride) in order to arrive at the magnificent city as the sun is rising.
Once we arrive, our guide will provide a walking tour (approximately 2 hours), after which you can explore the mysterious city on your own. If you still have energy, you can also climb Huaynapicchu (2720m/8890ft) which takes 45 minutes to reach the top.
After enjoying Machupicchu, we will descend to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Ollantaytambo, and then a bus back to Cusco.
For those who choose to return by bus, they will need to hike back from Machupicchu to Hidroelectrica to catch the bus (you must be there between 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm).
Day 5: Total distance: 4 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 1- 2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (aprox.)
Inclusions
Included
Included on the Salkantay Trek 5 Days with Glamping
- Pivate Tourist Transportation Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha. (Salkantay Trailhead)
- Pick up from your hotel by your guide.
- Professional bilingual Tour guide in English/Spanish.
- Entrance Fee to Machu Picchu.
- Food service in the campsites (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, 3 snacks) – nutritionally balanced menu: Buffet style. Plenty of food you will never be hungry with us!
- Professional Cook/Chef: all our fresh vegetables are washed in iodine water prior to serving. Vegetarian (vegan) food on request at no extra cost! All dietary requirements from vegans, lacto-allergies and general dislikes can be catered for so long as a prior warning is given when booking the trip
- Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) including hot drinks such as mate de coca and locally grown coffee)
- Dining equipment including portable chairs and tables
- Camping Tents and Mats to sleep
- First Aid Kit
- 01 Oxygen tank
- Porters/Horseman, Horses (to carry All Food, Camping Equipment, and 5 kilos of passengers’ belongings) We Never overload our Horses (well Animal Welfare)
- 1st Night Private Campsite SORAYPAMPA: Glamping in Small sky dome / Foam Pad included
- 2nd Night Private Campsite CHAULLAY: Glamping in Small sky dome / Foam Pad included
- 3rd Night Private Campsite LORETA PLAYA SAHUAYACO: Glamping in Small sky dome / Foam Pad included
- 4th Night Hostel: 01 Night in Aguas Calientes (Twin Bedroom, 3 beds room, 04 beds room)
- Please Note:
- Expedition Train Back From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Train Time from 7:00pm to 9:20 pm) Subject to Availability or bus back from Hidroelectrica train station at your choice
- Bus back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (San Francisco or Regocijo Square)
- Duffel bag for personal belongings (We will provide you with 30-minutethis duffel bag at the briefing time)
- Pre-trek Orientation – briefing A day before we do the Trek. (Hotel or Office) Let us know once you are at the office or by email.
- Free “I survived” T-shirt and certificate (only for PEOPLE who successfully complete the trek!!!)
No Included
No Included on Salkantay Trek 5 Days with Glamping
- Breakfast Day 1
- Lunch and dinner Day 5
- Entrance fee to Salkantay and Humantay Lake 20 soles
- Sleeping Bag (You can rent from us)
- Walking Poles (You can rent from us)
- Tips for our staff (Optional)
- Optional: If you feel tired after the trek to and from Llactapata, There is a chance to take a train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. (30-minutes ride)(Cost of the Train Service is $35)
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu ($12 per person, one way)
- Travel and Health Insurance.(bring copies with you please): Quechuas Expeditions highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss, and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance, and emergency medical expense insurance.
- Additional costs or delays out of the control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)
DISCOUNTS (to apply discounts. Please send us an email at info@quechuasexpeditions.com)
- UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD (Students must be below 25 years)Machu Picchu: US$20. Please send us a scanned copy of the student card at the time of booking.
- Under 17 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 12 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Group of 5 or more: US$10 per person. All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
UPGRADES:
- Huaynapicchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$30 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
- Bedroom Mountain (Based on Availability): US$30 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
- Upgrade to Vistadome Train (First Class Train) (Includes Private Transportation From Ollantaytambo to Cusco) USUS$70
- Extra Night in Aguas Calientes US$30 per person (Twin Bedroom, 3 Beds room & 4 Beds Room with Private shower & Bathroom)
- A night in Cusco at our Quechuas Guesthouse: from US$20 per person / Twin Bed room (Before we do the tour/trek or after the tour/trek)
RENTALS
- Goose Down sleeping bag (Mummy style): US$30 for the entire trip
- (Black Dimond) Walking Poles Rubber Tips Included: US$20 for the entire trip
- Day Pack 20 – 30 liters (Rain cover included): US$15 for the entire trip
ADDITIONAL INFO:
- BRIEFING: all our treks is a Night before we do the trek at 6:30 pm in our office, But if you want us to come to your Hotel let us know in advance.(You will get a chance to meet your guide and as well as to give you your duffel bags)
- STORAGE: Most Hotels have storage where you can leave the rest of your stuff while you hike to Machupicchu, But if they don’t have a place you can leave your stuff in our storage at no extra cost. (Let us know at the time of briefing)
We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You are Going !!! To Confirm and Secure the Inca Trail Permits. Send us the filled-out booking form as well as a deposit of 30% and you are ready to go…
What to Bring
For the five days of Salkantay treks, you need personal trekking gear and a sleeping bag. If you do not have a sleeping bag is possible to rent one from us also if you like trekking poles, you can rent them from us. The rest needed for this trek we provide.
Here is a general packing list for the Salkantay trek that you can use as a reference:
Clothing:
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Hiking socks (wool or synthetic)
- Long pants (hiking pants or leggings)
- T-shirts or breathable shirts
- Fleece jacket or sweater
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Warm hat and gloves
- Swimwear (for hot springs or swimming)
- Sandals / Flip flops
- A towel
Gear:
- Backpack (20-30L)
- Sleeping bag (rated to 0-5 degrees Celsius/32-41 degrees Fahrenheit). If you do not have one, you can rent one from the company
- Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Trekking poles (optional but recommended), if you do not have one pair you can rent from the company
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat or cap
- Water bottle or hydration system (at least 1.5 liters capacity)
- Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)
- Personal medication (if necessary)
Optional:
- Camera or phone for taking pictures
- Portable charger or power bank
- Book or Kindle for reading during downtime
- Snacks (such as energy bars, trail mix, or dried fruit)
- Cash in soles (for buying souvenirs or optional activities)
- Also, keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable in the Andes, so it’s recommended to dress in layers and bring both warm and waterproof clothing or rain ponchos.
DOCUMENTS YOU MUST CARRY DURING THE TREK
- Original Passport
- Original student card if you have applied for a student discount.
NOTE: Salkantay Treks Peru provides a duffle bag in which you can pack up to 7 kilograms of your personal belongings, which will be carried by horses during the trek. During the trek, you will carry a small backpack with the necessary items for the day hike. The rest of your belongings can be packed in the duffle bag, which will be accessible at each campsite.
Pricing List
Salkantay Trek 5 Days with Glamping
Small Dome/Shared Bathroom (Prices for 2023 & 2024)
Availability: Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You are Going, We won’t cancel your Trip !!!
How to Book Salkantay Trek 5 Days with Glamping?:
Send us all Your Personal information, as well as a Deposit of US$150, and the Final Balance will be paid once you are in Cusco.
Group Service (Salkantay Trek Returning by BUS)
Price per person:
- Student: US$290 (You must send us your Valid University Student Card Copy)
- Adult: US$310
Group Service (Salkantay Trek Returning by TRAIN)
Price per person:
- Student US$370 (You must send us your Valid University Student Card Copy)
- Adult: US$390
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Upcoming Departures Dates ( We are the Best Operator On Salkantay Trek with our own Private Campsites)
March 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
April 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
May 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
June 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
July 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
August 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
September 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
October 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
November 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
December 2023: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities): Memorable Salkantay Operator provider
STUDENT PRICE:
For this Salkantay Trekking 5 Days If you like to apply for the student price, you need to comply with the next requirements of Peruvian regulation for students. If you are a student, you need to send us a copy or picture of both sides of your STUDENT CARD also a picture or photo of your PASSPORT in order to verify, to get a discount The student card must be an original student ID given from the university in PVC material and it must have the next requirements printed on it.
University information, personal student information, student picture, and expiration date valid only for one year, it year must coincide with the year that student visits Machu Picchu, the discount until 25 years old. ISIC cards are not valid for the discount
Group Price
| Number of persons | Price per person | |
| Price Per person (Max 12 participants) | $100.00 | Inquire Now |
Booking Note
DISCOUNTS
(to apply discounts. Please send us an email at info@salkantaytreksperu.com)
- UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD (Students must be below 25 years): US$20. Please send us a scanned copy of the student card at the time of booking.
- Under 17 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 12 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Group of 5 or more: US$10 per person. All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
UPGRADES:
- Huaynapicchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$90 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
- Machu Picchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$90 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
- Upgrade to Vistadome Train (First Class Train) (Includes Private Transportation From Ollantaytambo to Cusco) USUS$70
- Extra Night in Aguas Calientes US$30 per person (Twin Bedroomdon’t, 3 Beds room & 4 Beds Room with Private shower & Bathroom)
- A night in Cusco at our Quechuas Guesthouse: from US$30 per person / Twin Bedroom (Before we do the tour/trek or after the tour/trek)
RENTALS
- Goose Down sleeping bag (Mummy style): US$30 for the entire trip
- (Black Dimond) Walking Poles Rubber Tips Included: US$20 for the entire trip
- Day Pack 20 – 30 liters (Rain cover included): US$15 for the entire trip
ADDITIONAL INFO:
- BRIEFING : all our treks is a Night before we do the trek at 6:30 pm in our office, But if you want us to come to your Hotel let us know in advance.(You will get a chance to meet your guide and as well as to give you your duffel bags)
- STORAGE: Most Hotels have storage where you can leave the rest of your stuff while you hike to Machupicchu, But if they dont have a place you can leave your stuff in our storage at no extra cost. (Let us know at the time of briefing)
We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures are 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You Are Going !!! To Confirm and Secure the Inca Trail Permits. Send us the filled-out booking form as well as a deposit of 30% and you are ready to go…
Valid Student ID for Machu Picchu
To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:
- 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
- The ID must have the Name of the university, name, and photo of the student
- The ID must have a valid expiration date
Invalid Student IDs
Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:
- Traveler is older than 25
- Expired ID
- Student Id without expiration date
- ISIC cards are not valid.
Travel Guide
Trave Guide Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu Glamping
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days with Glamping is recognized by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful tours in the world and it has become increasingly popular to visit the natural landscapes of Peru in a way that involves more adventure.
One of them is to travel the Inca Trail and its thousands of trails to reach Machu Picchu on foot after spending several days in the mountains. In this article I am going to give you 10 training tips for the Salkantay Trek so that you can enjoy this route that offers enormous biodiversity and will make you fall in love with every step.
Best Season
The rainy season in Peru is from November to April (wild and green) and the dry season is between June and October (cold and clear). It is possible to do the Salkantay trek at any season of the year, but if there is one thing you should not forget, it is your rain jacket, since even if it is the dry season, it can rain.
The Altitude on the Salkantay Trek 5 Days with Glamping
The Salkantay trek reaches 4,630 meters above sea level at its highest point, which is located at the foot of the Salkantay mountain. It begins in Soraypampa at 3,950 meters above sea level. and ends in Aguascalientes at 2,050 meters above sea level to climb Machu Picchu.
In the mountains, the strongest is not the one with the biggest muscles or the best condition, but the one who adapts most easily to change. The body works in a different way at altitude, the atmospheric pressure decreases the higher you are and the air is less dense, so oxygen does not reach the brain as easily as being on a beach at sea level. That is why those who conquer the highest mountains in the world can spend even months in an acclimatization process in the mountains.
As part of the training to be able to climb and acclimatize correctly to being at altitude, it is important that before going on the expedition, you spend a few nights at least more than 2,500 meters above sea level, so that, when sleeping in the altitude, let’s know our body’s reactions and it will learn what it’s like to spend several hours at altitude and develop a greater number of red blood cells, which are the blood particles that transport the body’s oxygen.
Physical preparation to do the Salkantay Trek
A very good tip to train and have your legs and body strong enough is to do a few weighted hikes. Leave your house to go on a hike in the mountains and carry your backpack. Start with little weight and as the days go by and you strengthen your muscles, increase the weight you carry, you can even reach up to 15 kg. but that depends on each person.
Due to the number of people who do this trekking, they have made Salkantay very adapted for tourists, so thanks to this you are fortunate to choose a guided expedition with a porter service, this means that the guides ride on the Mules carry your equipment and they take it to the next camp, allowing you to carry only a “day pack”, which includes only what you need to walk that day such as a jacket and your water and food.
If it is not possible to go out to a mountain in your city, a very good option is to climb stairs carrying a backpack. It is very likely that if you choose to do the guided Salkantay trek, you will not have to carry more than around seven kilos, but it is still recommended that you train for more.
Inca Trail Avaialability, (Oficial Inca Trail Permits 2024)
- Mon
- Tue
- Wed
- Thu
- Fri
- Sat
- Sun
- 1No Spaces
- 2No Spaces
- 3No Spaces
- 4No Spaces
- 5No Spaces
- 6No Spaces
- 7No Spaces
- 8No Spaces
- 9No Spaces
- 10No Spaces
- 11No Spaces
- 12No Spaces
- 13No Spaces
- 14No Spaces
- 15No Spaces
- 16No Spaces
- 17No Spaces
- 18No Spaces
- 19No Spaces
- 20No Spaces
- 21No Spaces
- 22No Spaces
- 23No Spaces
- 24No Spaces
- 25No Spaces
- 26No Spaces
- 27No Spaces
- 28No Spaces
- 29No Spaces
- 30No Spaces
- 31No Spaces
Frequently Asked Questions
Salkantay is considered a challenging but doable hike for the average traveller or tourist. Moderate fitness is necessary due to the physical demands, and spending at least 2 days in Cusco before the trek is recommended for acclimatization to the altitude. Even those who are extremely fit may still experience altitude sickness.
The entire Salkantay trek covers approximately 60.5 kilometers (37.5 miles) over 4 days and 3 nights, with the remaining day spent at Machu Picchu. Compared to the Inca Trail, Salkantay is slightly more challenging, while other trails such as Choquequirao are slightly more difficult than Salkantay.
The Salkantay Pass, located at 4,630 m / 15,228 ft above sea level, is the most difficult section of the trail. Hikers should expect cold and windy weather, and may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Oxygen is available if needed, and symptoms typically subside once hikers begin their descent. The uphill climb, cold winds, low temperatures, and low-oxygen altitude all contribute to the challenge of the Salkantay Pass.
The Salkantay trek may not be available during the rainy season, from mid-March to the end of February, due to safety concerns. If the weather is good, the trek will be approved, but if safety is compromised, the trek will be cancelled to ensure the safety of our clients and porters.
You are free to choose your own hotel, and our guide will pick you up from there one day before the trek.
The Salkantay trek takes 4 nights and 5 days, with the 5th night spent in Machu Picchu. The total distance covered is approximately 60 km, with an average of 12 km per day. However, some days may require more distance than others.
A 30% deposit is required to guarantee your reservation and ensure that we can make necessary purchases such as entrance fees, bus and train tickets. This deposit is non-refundable once received because we use it immediately for the aforementioned purchases. Additionally, making a deposit helps us to prepare for the trek by knowing how many guides to assign and how much food to purchase. The final balance (70%) is paid in Cusco, 2 days before the trek, and payment options include online payment systems, VISA, Western Union, Money Gram, or a Peruvian bank account.
Answer: To book the Salkantay Trek, you must fill out the attached booking form that we email you with updated and accurate information. This will ensure that we can make your bookings with the right information. Alternatively, you can send us your Full Names, Passport Number or ID Number, Nationality, Gender, and Birthdate to expedite the booking process.
The Salkantay trek has various trails and campsites, but the trail we follow is about 60.5 km. On average, you will hike approximately 8-9 hours per day.
Answer: The Salkantay Trek is ideal for adventure enthusiasts who can handle the altitude and distance. While it’s not a technical hike, altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend bringing a wooden walking stick or purchasing one in Peru to aid with balance and reduce load on your knees. Metal tipped walking sticks should not be used as they can harm the environment.
Altitude affects everyone differently. If you have little to no experience with altitude, we recommend giving yourself 2-3 days in Cusco to adjust. Drinking plenty of water, chewing cocoa leaves, and taking medicine if necessary can help alleviate any symptoms. Generally, breathlessness, headaches, and slight nausea are the most common symptoms.
You will arrive at Machu Picchu early in the morning on Day 5 and have a 2-hour tour with a local guide followed by a few hours of free time to explore on your own before taking a bus to Aguas Calientes and then the train back to Cusco.
No, pack mules and/or horses will carry your personal items. You will still need to bring a day backpack to carry essentials, and a duffel will be provided to put your belongings in.
It can get quite chilly at night, especially during the Andean winter, so it’s recommended to bring thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. Locally made mitts and gloves can be purchased in Cusco.
Private campsites and green eco domes are used on Days 1-3, and a hotel is used on Day 4.
Basic permanent toilets and portable toilet tents are available at some places. Trekkers are provided with a bowl of hot water every morning in their tent.
Boiled water is provided every evening after dinner for refilling water bottles, but purchasing bottled water is discouraged to reduce garbage. Trekkers can bring water purification tablets.
High-energy meals appropriate for the trek are prepared by the chefs/cooks, including pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables, and breakfast foods. Food for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets is also provided.
Children under 8 years old are not allowed, but those over 8 years old and in good physical shape can do the trek. Horseback riding is also an option for some parts of the trek.
How to Book
TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS, FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS:
- Choose a reputable, government-authorized tour operator.
- Click the “Book Online” button, select the date, and complete the booking form. Have one person fill it out for the entire group to ensure you’re booked together. Keep your passport handy for accurate information.
- Make a payment online using any debit or credit card. There’s a 2.9% fee for online payments, which customers must cover.
- To secure your Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu Glamping (Low Cost), provide a $180 deposit per person. This helps obtain necessary permits and tickets from the Peruvian government.
- Optionally, you can pay the full tour amount upfront to avoid any future payment concerns.
- If you choose to pay only the deposit, the remaining balance is due 24 hours before the tour begins. You can pay in cash (soles or dollars) at the office in Cusco or by card (3.9% fee). You can also pay the balance online with any card (2.9% fee).
By following these straightforward steps, you can easily book your Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu Glamping (Low Cost) experience and focus on preparing for your adventure.
Payment: You can pay for Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu Glamping (Low Cost) online using any debit or credit card. A 2.9% fee applies to online payments, which customers must cover. To book Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu Glamping (Low Cost), a $180 deposit per person is required to secure permits and tickets from the Peruvian government. You can choose to pay the full tour amount upfront to avoid future payment concerns. If you pay only the deposit, the remaining balance is due 24 hours before the tour starts. Pay the balance in cash (soles or dollars) at our office in Cusco, or by card with a 3.9% fee. You can also pay online using any card with a 2.9% fee.
Passport Requirements: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date to Peru. If it’s set to expire within 6 months, renew it before traveling. If your passport expires within 6 months but you want to secure Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu Glamping (Low Cost) and Machu Picchu tickets, book the tour and update your passport details with us after renewal. Failure to do so may result in permit and ticket forfeiture.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. Obtain insurance before departing and consider working with a reputable agency for affordable coverage.
Deposit: The $180 deposit per person for the Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu Glamping (Low Cost) tour is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Remaining Balance: If you only pay the deposit, the balance is due 24 hours before the tour starts. Pay in cash (soles or dollars) at our office in Cusco or by card with a 3.9% fee. You can also pay online with any card and a 2.9% fee.
Student Discount: If your student card meets Peruvian government requirements, reserve the tour with a deposit and pay the remaining balance upon arrival in Cusco. The student discount will be applied at that time.
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Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru operated by Hikes in Peru. Please take a moment to complete our short form so that one of our friendly adventure consultants can provide you with all the information for the best trip of your life in Peru.
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