Classic Salkantay Trek 5 days to Machu Picchu

Name: Classic Salkantay Trek 5 days to Machu Picchu | 4 day hike
Brand: Inca trail

What to Pack

PACKING LIST TO SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS

Personal trekking gear and a sleeping bag are required for the five-day Salkantay treks. We provide sleeping bag rentals for those who don’t bring their own, as well as trekking pole rentals for those who prefer them. We give the necessary downtime for this hike.

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the following suggested items to bring on the Salkantay trek:

Clothing:

Footwear suited to hiking
Wool or synthetic hiking socks
Long trousers (like leggings or hiking pants)
T-shirts or other lightweight tops
Sweater or coat made of fleece
Raincoat or poncho is required.
Wear a warm hat and gloves
Clothing suited for swimming or use in hot springs.
Flip-flops or sandals
Wet towel

Gear:

Daypack (20-30L)
Bag for sleeping in (good for temperatures between 32 and 41 degrees F, or 0 and 5 degrees C).
You can rent one from the business if you do not already have one.
Flashlight or headlamp (with spare batteries)
Trekking poles (preferred but optional), which the company can provide if you don’t already own a set.
Sunglasses
Hat or cap to protect from the sun
Hydration pack or water bottle (at least 1.5 liters)
Individual hygiene items (such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap)

Optional:

Imaging device or mobile phone
Power bank or portable charger
A book or e-reader to pass the time with
Feast on some trail mix, dried fruit, or energy bars as a snack.
Soles (for spending on souvenirs and other goodies)
Dress in layers, and carry both warm and waterproof clothing or rain ponchos, as the weather in the Andes can be unpredictable.

The document you must have with you on the trek

First Edition Passport
To receive a student discount, you must have a valid, original student ID.

Note: You can bring up to 7 kg of personal items with you on the trek, and Machu Picchu Tours will give a duffel bag for you to use. A day hike requires only the essentials, all of which you will take in a tiny backpack. The duffel bag will be easily accessible at each campground, so you may keep all of your other items in there.

If you decide to hike without a guide you’ll need camping gear; tent, mattress, camping stove, gas, pots, etc. If Salkantay is the only trek you’re going to do rather rent camping gear than bring your own from home if you’re planning to do a couple of hikes – having your own stuff is better.

What you will have on the duffle bag:

You will need a suitable sleeping bag that can handle -10 degrees Celsius. You can bring your own, or you can rent from us as well.
Hiking Boots that are lightweight and waterproof; we strongly recommend having hiking boots rather than sneakers; also, make sure you use them before to avoid blisters.
Sandals, after long hours of hiking, you will need to wear something light at the campsite, and for this, we recommend sandals.
Six pairs of wool hiking socks are very comfortable when hiking with boots.
4 pairs of light socks as well, you will use them at night or walk around on the campsite with sandals.
6+ pairs of underwear, Just in case; bring extra in case they get wet
2 or 3 hiking pants, breathable, are better. Legging for ladies works well as well.
1 Sweatpant, for the nights and early mornings
5 sets of t-shirts long sleeve shirts work better,
Tissues or wet wipes to freshen up after the long hike before bed.
Bathing suit, optional as you can visit the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.
For trekking poles, bring your own or rent from us
Inflatable mattresses. We provide foam mats; however, you can bring or rent an air mattress if you want more comfort.

Prices

Salkantay trek cost

It’s easier to go with a tour and more expensive as well. Tours start from US$400 per person and usually include; accommodation (camping and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes), transportation (except train tickets), entrance fee, food, water, tents and mattresses, porters, chef, and a guide. Tours and prices vary from company to company some are more luxurious with better food, and nicer accommodation, and some are more basic where you pay extra for everything.

SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS, 4 NIGHTS (GROUP SERVICE) – 2023 SEASON:

The Salkantay Trek 5D-4N offers two pricing options, depending on your preferred mode of transportation for the return to Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu:

SALKANTAY TREK RETURN by CAR

Student: $200 USD
Adult: $210 USD

SALKANTAY TREK RETURN by TRAIN

Student: $269 USD
Adult: $289 USD

Additional Enhancements for Your Salkantay Trek:

Huayna Picchu Mountain: $60 USD (subject to availability). Check availability at https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/inicio

Machu Picchu Mountain: $60 USD (subject to availability). Check availability at https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/inicio

Sleeping Bag Rental (for the entire trek): $10 USD

Upgrade to Vistadome – Panoramic Train (if you choose the train return option): $35 USD

STUDENT PRICE:

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE STUDENT PRICE:

The student price is available for all students around the world, provided that they meet the requirements set by the Peruvian government. This discount is applicable when purchasing Machu Picchu tickets from the Peruvian government.

TO QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT PRICE, YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

Your student ID must be an original ID issued by your university, made of PVC material.

The student ID must have the following information printed on it.

University information.

Student name.
Student picture.

The student ID must have a valid expiration date printed on it, which is only valid for one year. For instance, if you visit Machu Picchu in 2023, the expiration date on your ID must be 2023 or 2024. If you visit Machu Picchu in 2023, the maximum expiration date allowed is 2024.
The student discount is available only for students who are not more than 25 years old.
The International Student Identification Card (ISIC) is not valid for the discount, even if it meets the requirements mentioned above.
The only valid document for the student price is the original student ID that meets the requirements set by the Peruvian government. No other documents such as certifications or virtual cards are accepted as proof of student status.

Faqs and Travel Guide

Salkantay Trek 5 Days to Machu Picchu is one of the most scenic and thrilling routes to reach Machu Picchu. With glacier mountains, picturesque lakes like Humantay and Salkantay Lake, and a trek through the Amazon jungle, this is one of the most beautiful and interesting treks in Peru after the Classic Inca Trail or the Short 2 Day Inca Trail.

SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS FAQS

How long does the trip to Salkantay take?

The trip takes 5 days and 4 nights to complete and the distance traveled is 72 km.

How is the climate of the Salkantay mountain?

It can vary a lot, and what will make the difference is the time of the year in which you visit it and the point at which you are. During the day you could experience a temperature of 12 C°, while at night it can drop to 0 C°.
Likewise, depending on the month, you can tour the Salkantay mountain in rainy weather, with strong winds, and even cloudy weather, which is typical of the months of December to March.

In which months is the Salkantay closed?

In the month of February, this is due to the fact that the temperatures and weather conditions are not suitable for your tour. That is, from March to January you can visit this destination without problems.

What level of difficulty does the Salkantay trek have?

It is considered moderate to challenging; since the route of the second day of travel is one of the strongest in terms of the physical resistance that it implies and the distance that is traveled (20 kilometers).

Can you take the children to the Salkantay mountain?

It is recommended that children under 12 years of age do not go on this trip because there are challenging routes in which they must walk long distances without stopping to comply with the established itinerary.

What is the difference between the Salkantay tour from 4 to 5 days?

The difference lies in the distance traveled between one day and the next; as well as the places that are included in the itinerary; For this reason, if you have time availability, we recommend you opt for the Salkantay trek 5 days, 4 nights so as not to miss out on anything that this destination has to offer.

Is it necessary to carry poles to make the trek to Salkantay?

It is not mandatory and depends on your personal tastes. However, the poles will provide you with greater stability during the tour, reduce the impact on your joints and minimize muscle fatigue; therefore, it would be convenient to take them for your trek to Salkantay.

What is the difference between the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail?

The Salkantay Trek is more strenuous and famous for its mountain scenery, while the Inca Trail is a classic trek that offers diverse scenery. Salkantay is considered slightly harder than the Inca Trail, but less challenging than other trails like Choquequirao.

What is the best time to hike the Salkantay Trek?

The best time to hike the Salkantay Trek is during the dry season, which lasts from April to November in Cusco. May and October offer the best weather conditions.

Can I hike the Salkantay Trek on my own?

Yes, it is possible to hike the Salkantay Trek independently, but it can be risky as the trail is not well-marked at all points. Hiring a tour agency like Mystic Salkantay offers the advantage of experienced guides who know the route well.

Can I hike the Salkantay Trek with the children?

Children over 12 years old who are in good physical shape and used to hiking long distances are allowed to hike the Salkantay Trek.

How Cold Is The Salkantay Trek?

This trek offers different landscapes as well as different ecosystems and temperatures; the weather varies throughout the year depending if you are hiking during the dry season (April to October) or wet season (November to March); the temperatures will rise slightly during the wet season as is summer in the Southern hemisphere.
Day 1: During the first day of the trek, the temperatures will be from 18°C/64°F maximum during day time and will drop below 0°C/ 32°F at night time. It’s essential to have warm clothes as the temperature will drop when the sun sinks or gets cloudy. High places like Humantay Lake are always chili, even with the sun.
Day 2: The second day offers 2 completely different climates, the first part of the day until lunch, you will hike through the Salkantay Pass, the highest and most challenging part of the trek; this part is usually bright and sunny; however, if rain falls, the temperature will drop to very cold, and you will need to wear jackets, hats, gloves.
The temperature will increase in the second part of the day as we enter below the tree line (below 3000m). Here, we will start descending quickly to the second campsite in the Cloud Forest. The temperatures will be from 24°C/75°F during day time and 10°C/ 50°F at night time.
Day 3: You will be hiking through the tropical cloud forest all day during the third day. You must wear light clothes, protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes, and have plenty of water. At night temperatures can be around 10°C/ 53°F
Day 4: The last day of hiking starts as the day before in the Cloud Forest as we lower even more until we reach Aguas Calientes town with an average temperature range between 12ºC/54ºF and 24ºC/75ºF
Day 5: During the 5th day, you will visit Machu Picchu in the tropical mountain forest with warm and humid weather almost all year round.

Is altitude sickness a problem? What should I do to avoid altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is real and can affect anybody, whether they are expert hikers or not. Below is some recommendation to avoid altitude sickness:
•  Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before your trek departure; this will help you to adapt to the altitude before your trek; during these first days, you should do activities that are not exhausting or that don’t include several hours of hiking: we recommended Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley tour, or Maras Moray.
•  You should avoid tours like Rainbow Mountain, including several hiking hours, which are very high. This tour is perfect after the Machu Picchu trip.
•  Bring altitude medicine like Diamox or others recommended by your doctor.
•  During the first days in Cusco, eat light and drink lots of water; Coca tea will help.

Salkantay Trail Distances

Day 1: Mollepata to Salkantaypampa: 13 Km (8.08 miles)
Day 2: Salkantaypampa to Collpapampa: 22 Km (13.67 miles)
Day 3: Collpapampa to La Playa: 16 Km (9.94 miles)
Day 4: La Playa to Aguas Calientes: 19 Km (11.81 miles)
Day 5: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: 4 Km (2.49 miles)
Total Distance: 74 Km (45.98 miles)

What is the most challenging part of the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Pass, located at an altitude of 4,650 meters above sea level, is considered the most difficult part of the trek. Hikers may experience wind, cold temperatures, and symptoms of altitude sickness. Oxygen will be provided if necessary.

What is the minimum age for the Salkantay Trek?

While there is no strict age limit, children under 12 years old may not enjoy the trek and should be able to walk for 90 minutes without needing to be carried.

What is the weather like on the Salkantay Trek?

The weather on the Salkantay Trek is varied due to the different terrains and altitudes encountered on the trail. The Salkantay Pass and nearby areas are the only places where weather is a serious concern, with temperatures that can fall below freezing.

What is the difference between the Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail?

In this board, we will see the versus between the Salkantay trek vs the Inca trail with more detail about their qualities.

	Inca Trail Hike	Salkantay Trek
Scenery	Mountains, cloud forest, and Incan Archaeological Sites	Mountains and abundant wildlife
Distance	26 miles over 4 days	46 miles over 5 days
Difficulty	Moderate (3/5)	Strenuous (4/5)
Highest Altitude	13,828 feet	15,000 feet
Availability	200 people per day, book in advance. More customizable than Salkantay.	No permit restrictions, an average of 50 hikers per day.
Facilities	Mid-range camping or luxury glamping. Porters are available to carry gear.	Options from rudimentary camping to luxury lodges.
Best For	Travelers in good hiking shape who value comfortable camps and don’t mind a popular trail.	For experienced, hikers who want to get off the beaten path and value solitude, mountain scenery, opportunities to view wildlife, and a wider range of overnight options.

Salkantay trek vs Inca trail

Aditional Information

Highlights

The Salkantay Trek is considered one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.
Enjoy one of the very best trekking adventures you’ll find in Peru and South America.
Besides the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular treks to Machu Picchu and is less frequented by tourists.
Visit stunning locations like Humantay Lake and the glorious Salkantay Mountain.
Witness incredible scenery like cascades, waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, colorful valleys, unique plants and wildlife, and the cloud forest.
Hike alongside the magnificent Salkantay glacier.
Exploring the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the most extraordinary experiences in the world.
UNESCO world heritage.

Travel Guide about Salkantay trek to Machu picchu

If you are planning to embark on the Salkantay Trek, here is a travel guide to help you prepare for your adventure:

Best Time to Go: The best time to go on the Salkantay Trek is during the dry season from April to October when the weather is more stable, and there is less chance of rain or snow. However, the shoulder season of March and November can also be a good option with fewer crowds.
Physical Preparation: The Salkantay Trek is a challenging and physically demanding trek, so it is essential to prepare yourself adequately. It is recommended that you do some regular exercise before the trek, including cardio and strength training to help prepare your body for the altitude and the steep terrain.
Altitude Sickness: The Salkantay Trek reaches high altitudes, which can cause altitude sickness in some trekkers. It is important to acclimatize slowly by spending a few days in Cusco or other high-altitude destinations before starting the trek.
Equipment: You will need appropriate clothing and equipment for the trek, including waterproof and warm layers, sturdy hiking boots, and a comfortable backpack. It is also recommended to bring a sleeping bag, a headlamp, and trekking poles.
Permits and Guides: The Salkantay Trek requires a permit, which can be obtained through a licensed tour operator. It is also mandatory to have a licensed guide accompany you on the trek.
Responsible Tourism: As a responsible tourist, it is essential to respect the local communities, their customs, and the environment. Choosing a licensed tour operator that follows sustainable tourism practices, including proper waste disposal and supporting local communities is important.
Machu Picchu: The Salkantay Trek ends at Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. It is recommended to spend at least a full day exploring the ruins and learning about their history and significance.

Overall, the Salkantay Trek is a rewarding and challenging adventure that requires proper preparation, respect for local communities, and responsible tourism practices.

Do you know?

During Salkantay Trekking, you will observe many kinds of orchids, some of which have a history. It is said that this beautiful orchid is the tears of an Inca princess. The legend is called ” The Wakankis” Now We will tell you more about this love history:

Wakanki legend:

In the kingdom of the Andes, there was a beautiful young princess. She fell in love with a brave and attractive Inca warrior. Once their father found out about the relationship, forbid them to see each other since the princess was destined for the Sun God. When the princess learned of her decision, she ran across the Andes, crying for her forbidden love, and became the beautiful “Waqanki” flower. So, every time the warrior found this flower in the Andes, He also cried remembering his lost love. “The spirit of beauty is still there, also expressed in our days in a song that we can hear even now:

“You will cry, my most beautiful flower with your beautiful eyes, for your envy surrounds me, I am committed to you, beautiful Waqanki, a flower that you bloom in the heights, How will your song be when I take you In my heart”

This is the only testimony of appreciation that orchids existed in the empire of the Incas and have been preserved to this day orally transmitted from one to another. It is believed that there are about 350 native species in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. More than 100 of these species can be easily seen in these orchid trails in their natural habitat.

The best salkantay trek company

The best Salkantay trek company is Inca Trail is an experienced, established, and dynamic tour operator. We run Salkantay Treks to Machu Picchu and have been providing tours for more than 8 years! Our experience, knowledgeable, reliable, friendly personnel, and personalized customer service and it is the main reason why our customers return year after year. Salkantay Trek operator offers a wide range of different types of adventure trips to suit any person’s needs. We would like to welcome you to our Salkantay family and make your trip an unforgettable reality.

Salkantay trekking

The Salkantay trekking is an incredible adventure that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Peru. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, this trek offers something for everyone. From stunning mountain views to serene lakes and lush valleys, every step of the way is a feast for the eyes. Along the trek, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the famous Machu Picchu, making it even more special. Just make sure to be well-prepared with proper gear and be ready for the challenging terrain. It’s definitely an experience that you won’t forget.

Salkantay History

According to some authors, the name of this mountain is a contraction that comes from wild Salqa and Antay produce avalanches. The name of Apu, which in the Quechua language comes to mean lord, is usually defined in front of the great mountains which mean something sacred above the valleys. For example Apu Salkantay in the Vilcabamba mountain range.

Salkantay Mountain, also known as Salccantay, snow-capped peak of Peru located in the department of Cusco; It constitutes one of the main elevations of the Cordillera de Vilcabamba, an extension of the Eastern Cordillera, a mountain branch of the Peruvian Andes. It reaches an altitude of 6,271 meters. It presents two peaks covered by snow, known as Salcantay China and Salcantay Female, separated by a port that opens to the Santa Ana Valley in the province of Urubamba. Both the mountain pass and the fluvial course that is born there are called Salcantay. This river pours its waters into the Urubamba on its left bank. But you know why this mountain is sacred?

Spirit of the Mountain:

The Apus of the mountains are superior spirits considered protective of men and people. The Apus does not speak to humans, it is humans, through invocations, payments, rituals, and prayers, who speak to the Apus asking for protection. The Apus are typically male spirits, although there are also female deities. In the Quechua language; spoken by the Incas, the plural of APU is apukuna.

What is the cult of the mountains based on?

It could be based on an ecological reality since meteorological phenomena such as snow, hail, rain, clouds, lightning, and thunder often originate in the mountains. However, other common elements give clues to better understand the reverence that the ancient Peruvians felt for the mountains.

Worship of the sacred mountains

It is possible that social cohesion has revolved around the cult of the sacred mountains. As the cases of ethnic identity that have been observed in many regions of the Andes. The mountains were perceived as a kind of god of war; In the Inca culture, the mountains were Apus protectors of the people who lived nearby and they worshiped them. It is said that the Incas tried to appropriate the admiration felt by the pre-Inca peoples through the mountains, building places of worship such as the city of Machu Picchu. This is in order to consolidate your government.

A very common belief in the Andes of Peru is that the mountains (Apus deities Incas) are the owners of wild animals, so the hunting practiced by the Incas is linked to the mountains. The rugged territory of Machu Picchu hosts an enormous variety of fauna, including bears, pumas, snakes, birds, etc. The building of the city would have provided additional reasons for the cult of the mountains. One of the deities that protects Machu Picchu, is the imposing Salkantay mountain. The word “wild” is “salqa” in Quechua and it is possible that this was the hunting place of Pachacútec, the builder of Machu Picchu.

Now discover the most amazing adventure on Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu the incredible alternative path to Machu Picchu. Explore The Salkantay Mountain the popular wild mountain in Peru and Enjoy the best views of natural landscapes along the Salkantay Trek.

Salkantay Trek Altitude:

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a great trek to the Inca citadel Machu Picchu. Some people choose this trek when the famous Inca Trail in Peruis sold out (which happens quite often). Salkantay Trek is the best alternative trek to Machu Picchu. Here you will see the altitude that we will cross during our trek:

Cusco – Soraypampa:

Starting Elevation “Mollepata” . 9,515 feet (2900 meters)
Campsite Elevation “Soraypampa” – 3850 meters / 12631ft
Considered : Moderate
The area : Andes

Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Challway:

Highest Elevation “Salkantay pass” – 4600 meters /15090 ft
Campsite Elevation “Challway” – (3000m/9842f)
Considered : Difficult
The area : Andes, Salkantay Glaciar

Challway – Santa Teresa:

Starting Elevation. “Challway” – (3000m/9842f)
Campsite Elevation “Santa Teresa” – 1811 meters / 7055 ft
Considered : Moderate
The area : Cloud Forest

Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes:

Walking Distance – 15km / 9 miles
Starting Elevation : “Santa Teresa” – 1811 meters / 7055 ft
Hotel Elevation : “Aguas Calientes” – 2050 meters / 7986 ft
Considered : Moderate
The area : Cloud Forest

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco:

Machupicchu Inca City 7,972′ (2,430 m)
Huaynapicchu sacred Mountain 8,924′ (2,720 m)

Salkantay Trek 5 Days

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WE OFFER YOU TWO OPTIONS FOR RETURNING TO CUSCO AFTER VISITING MACHU PICCHU

SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS RETURN BY TRAIN:

SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS RETURN BY CAR:

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