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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days

Trip Overview

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Join our Sacred Journeys family on the 5 day spiritual adventure along the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. This powerful trek leads you through breathtaking landscapes to crystalline lakes, snow capped mountains and glaciers and lush green cloud forests all connecting you to the spirits of the Andean people. Follow the ancient paths that were once walked by the Inca. Each day offers moments of awakening and spend each night under the stars to connect with the cosmos. Arrive at the mystical site of Machu Picchu, the perfect spiritual homecoming surrounded by the magnificent Andes. The best alternative to the Inca Trail perfect for nature lovers and adventures seekers alike.

Duration

5 Days / 4 Nights

Travel Style

Hiking / Nature

Difficulty

Difficult / Challenging

Group Size

2-8

itinerary

Our adventure to Salkantay and Machu Picchu start when your guide will pick you up from your hotel early this morning. Starting with a 3 hour drive passing the Andes and the spectacular mountains of Apu Salkantay and Nusta Humantay, the two most important mountain for the Inca spirits.

Arrive to Soraypampa village, here you will meet your trekking staff. After everything is organized we set off on a walk to Soraypampa campsite from here we take a 3 hours trek to the beautiful Humantay Lake, known for its breathtaking surrounds and turquoise water at the foot of the Humantay glacier. After spending some time around the lake with your guide return to camp to enjoy a spectacular sunset and later enjoy the clear night sky and the show of star that it puts on every night. Enjoy the tranquility of Soraypampa and a good nights rest before the day ahead.

Overnight: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning you will wake with the sunrise, arise to a hearty breakfast and later start your hike to the highest point of the trail, Salkantay Pass at 4650m/15,255ft. This is a hard climb that take 3 hours but the rewards far out way the efforts, see spectacular views of the Andes before a 2 hours descent to our lunch spot.

After a delicious lunch trek to the high regions of the Amazon jungle walking through wonderfully lush cloud forests. Hike for around 3 hours in the jungle seeing through beautiful landscapes before arriving at our camp in Chaullay Village, where we will spend the night again under a blanket of stars with dinner prepared by our wonderful chef.

Overnight: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne
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This morning at sunrise start the day with a trek to La Playa located deep in the Santa Teresa valley. This will be a long 6 hour hike and you will be rewarded with a delicious lunch at La Playa. Later we will have a short hike to our camp for the night at Lucmabamba. Here your can explore the jungle and have the experience of visiting a organic coffee plantation. Take in the energy of the jungle and experience a deep meditation. Later we have the option of visiting the wonderful thermal baths in Santa Teresa.

Overnight: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will be awoken with a fresh hot cup of coca tea and prepare for the day’s activity with the last delicious meal prepared by our trek chef. We will begin our hike early and walk along the Inka Trail for two hours to Llactapata, an Incan site before Machu Picchu. This is the first archaeological site from the Lost City of the Incas and a special place to reflect and enjoy. An approximate two hour downhill hike will bring us to Intiwatana, a rock used as a sundial by the Incas. From there we will follow an easy path for three hours to reach Aguas Calientes, the town under Machu Picchu.

Awake this morning to a fresh cup of tea and a delicious breakfast to prepare for the day of exciting activities ahead. Begin with a walk along the original Inca Trail for around 2 hours to the ancient site of Llactapata. This will be our first archaeological site on the trek a place to reflect and enjoy the energy. Later we hike downhill to the sacred sundial of Intiwantana. From here we trek through the Andes on an easy trail to the quaint village of Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. Spend some free time exploring, visit the hot springs and take in the spiritual energy that this town provides. Enjoy a peaceful night surrounded by the Andes and rest for the spectacular day ahead.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes: 3*, 4* or 5* accommodation
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast at our hotel walk a few minutes to the bus station. From here head to the holy sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Known as the Crystal Condor site this is not only a marvel of Inca engineering but also a powerful place of wisdom and energy, no doubt the most famous of the Inca civilization. Thought to be an astronomical observatory and a place of rest and pilgrimage Machu Picchu sees thousands of visitor every year from around the world seeking its energy and beauty.

Located in the heart of the Andes, the site is surrounded by a natural triangle and is considered the perfect place for reflection and meditation. With your guide explore all the important parts of the site include the sacred temples, the plazas, the sacred stones and the residential areas all while hearing stories of the legends of Machu Picchu. Connect with the universe and allow the energy to empower you and leave with a strong sense of well being.

In the afternoon, we adventure to the Aguas Calientes train station and board a scenic train. We will then ride along the winding Urubamba River, taking in certain stunning landscapes as we go to our hotel in Cusco.

After you have finished exploring, take the bus back down through the high jungle to Aguas Calientes. Have time to enjoy lunch before boarding the train through the stunning landscape of the Sacred Valley to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. Travel by private transport back to the Inca capital of Cusco where in the evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner with the group and reminisce about the journey with our new found friends. Tour ends, contact your travel advisor if you wish to book more accommodation in Cusco.

Important Notes:

  • ** Entrance to Machu Picchu is scheduled for Circuit 2 at 6:00 AM (or the closest available time).
  • ** You can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain at 10:00 AM or 07:00 AM.
  • ** Please check availability of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu with us before confirming your booking.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Price & Inclusions

From: US$ 1350 per person

We require 2 people minimun to start this trip

Costs (per person, based on double occupancy)

Starting at:

US$1350.00

Add ons and extras:

IT INCLUDES

  • Pick up from hotel.
  • Transportation to the trail head.
  • Horsemen and Mules for camping equipment and kitchen.
  • Camping equipment (tents, cutlery, tables, chairs, etc. )
  • Load on their maximum horse stuff 7 kilos per person.
  • English, Quechua and Spanish speaking guides.
  • First aid kit and oxygen tank.
  • 4 breakfasts – 4 lunches – 4 dinners.
  • Vegetarian and vegan meals available.
  • 1 hotel night in Aguas Calientes Town.
  • Bus up and down Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu.
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 (depending on availability)
  • Expedition Tourist train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
  • Shuttle from Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
  • Taxes

NOT INCLUDED

  • Meals not mentioned on the itinerary.
  • Gratuities for Sacred Journeys team (Guides, Drivers, Cook, porters).
  • Souvenirs.
  • International or domestic airfares.
  • Personal Items
  • Extra water.
  • Small backpack for the hike.
  • Good hiking boots. (waterproof)
  • Water bottle, we refill your container with boiled water.
  • Flashlight with pillas for the trip.
  • Wide brimmed hat.
  • snacks
  • Water purification tablets
  • Extra warm clothing for the night and down jacket.
  • Insect Repellent.
  • Swimwear.
  • Flashlight
  • Hiking gear.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Camera and extra batteries or power bank.
From $ 1350PP
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 5 Days
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What Our Travelers Have to Say About Us

We are grateful to all our global family who shared beautiful and unfogettable experiences with us.

The most sacred of spiritual journeys in Peru

Absolutely the best retreat experience in Peru to date! Puma Adventures created the most divine journeys of plant medicines, spiritual wisdom teachings, and sacred sites for our group. Look forward to returning next year for another profound journey with spirit!

Leyla D

Published 25 July 2025 on

Truly a unique and wonderful experience!

The depth of knowledge the team the team has about the sacred sites in Peru and the absolute care they take with each and every person to ensure a beautiful experience.

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Published 30th July 2025 on

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