Trip details

  • STARTING POINT: Hotel pickup between 5:00-5:25 AM from your Cusco accommodation, or meet at our office at 5:30 AM if you’re staying nearby
  • ENDING POINT: Return to Cusco’s main square around 10:30 PM, or hotel drop-off (advance notice required)
  • DEPARTURE: Daily departures available – book for any date that suits you
  • GROUP SIZE: Small groups of 12-14 people (maximum 16 participants)
  • MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,630 m / 15,228 ft
  • ACCOMMODATIONS: 1 night in Mountain Sky Huts + 3 nights in comfortable hotels
  • MEALS: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, 3 tea times + energizing wake-up teas
  • MACHU PICCHU: Entrance ticket included with guided tour

Highlights

5-Day Salkantay Trek + Inca Jungle Trail Highlights:

  • Experience breathtaking panoramic views of majestic Salkantay Mountain
  • Discover the pristine beauty of Humantay Lake and sacred Salkantay Lake
  • Participate in authentic Andean rituals and learn about ancient Inca spirituality
  • Conquer the highest point of the entire Salkantay trail at 4,650m (15,255 ft)
  • Navigate Peru’s diverse mountainous terrain through cycling and hiking adventures
  • Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush on Peru’s highest zip line
  • Follow ancient Inca pathways on this action-packed Machu Picchu Jungle Trek
  • Receive exceptional service from our experienced and knowledgeable guides
  • Savor authentic, freshly prepared traditional Peruvian cuisine
  • Trek through diverse ecosystems: cloud forests, highlands, rolling grasslands, and Andean valleys
  • Explore the wonder of Machu Picchu with expert local guides
  • Sleep comfortably under starlit skies in our exclusive Mountain Sky Huts at private campsites

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1:

CUSCO – HUMANTAY LAKE – QUISWARNIYOC PRIVATE CAMP

After picking up everyone from their respective places or hotel, we left Cusco around 5:45 am to the town of Mollepata by car for 2 hours. Once in Mollepata, we stop to have a delicious breakfast also you pay an entrance fee of 10 soles to the local municipality. Then we continue by car 1 hour more to Soraypampa where we will meet with the muleteers and horse who will take the entire luggage, food and the 7 kilos of personal belongings of each hiker, which is going, given to them in the duffle bags. We start the uphill hike to Humantay lake for 2 hours, When you arrive at the lagoon you will have enough time to explore, photograph the place and the guide will explain all the meaning of the Humantay lagoon. After a couple of hours in the lake, we start going down to Quiswarniyoc exclusive camp for 2 hours to have a healthful lunch. After lunch, you have free time to explore the beautiful area also if you like more hiking you can go up to Mirador of Salkantay for the panoramic view of the entire region. If you are tired, you can rest in the MOUNTAIN SKY HUST, which are the cabins with glass door, inside there is pillows, sleeping pad and the illumination for the night. QUISWARNIYOC PRIVATE CAMP: It is an exclusive camp located at 4000 m. A unique camp has places for short hiking, overlooking the mountains and has waterfalls. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains. There are many llamas at the camp that you can take pictures of them while you explore de area.

The second day of the trek is a little hard because it takes you up to the top the highest point of the whole Salkantay trail to enjoy the fantastic views of the mountains an also you will visit the Salkantay Lake. The cooks will wake you up around 5:00 am with a cup of hot coca tea then you have time to repack and get ready for the nutritious breakfast, which serves, around 5:45 am. After is time to start hiking up to the highest point of the Salkantay trail, which is 4630 m that takes from 3 to 4 hours all uphill hike with a regular and slow pace. Once you are at the highest point, you have time to enjoy the mountains, to take pictures and the guide will teach you about the mountain gods you will be part of the small Andean ritual for the Apus the mountain gods. Then you walk back to Soraypampa for 2.5 hours downhill where you will have a delicious lunch. Afterwards you will take the car from Soraypampa to OLLantaytambo for around 4 hours once in OLLantaytambo you will sleep in the hotel, once there you will have time for showering then in the evening dinner then if you like you can explore a little bit of Ollantaytambo.

After breakfast in the hotel, we take you by car to Abra Malaga 4300m. For 1.5 hours approximately from where you will do downhill biking for 3 hours (if you do not want to the biking you can continue in the car) after the biking you have lunch then you start hiking along the car route for about 45 minutes. Then we get into the original Inca trail that used to be to connect Machu Picchu with Vilcabamba considered the last Inca capital. On the way, we appreciate many plantations of bananas, Coca, yucca, coffee, etc. 3 hours hiking on the original Inca trail with magnificent views of the Vilcanota valley and panoramic views of the hills covered on a different type of plantations from the jungle. After you end the Inca trail hike you will take a transportation for 30m to Santa Teresa where you will sleep in the hotel also you will a delicious dinner.

After breakfast in Santa Teresa, we go to the zip-lining base to start doing the activity for about 2 hours zipping through the six different cables that there is for the zip lining then we catch the transportations to the hydroelectric power plant to have our lunch. After lunch, we hike along the Vilcanota River to Aguas Calientes town. On the way, we see the power plant of Santa Teresa and Hydroelectric, and we see beautiful waterfalls. Before to continue the hike we stop in Intihuatana (sundial) to have an explanation of this small Inca ruins and to have the first view of Machu Picchu then we hike along the train truck for 3 hours approximately an easy hike to get to Aguas Calientes town. Once in the city, we go to the hotel to get ready for our last supper all the group together.

The last day of the tour, you are going visit Machu Picchu. You need to wake up around 4:00 am to get ready for the hike to Machu Picchu main entrance. After you grab your pack breakfast, you start walking to Puente Ruins checkpoint for 30 minutes, which is open at 5:00 am where you have to show your passport and your Machu Picchu tickets. After you pass the first checkpoint, you will hike all upstairs for one hour to Machu Picchu main gate to be there around 6:00 am. Once everybody meets at the gate, you go into Machu Picchu for the guided tour for 2.5 hours to learn everything about the lost city of the Incas. After the guided tour, you have free time to explore on your own the Inca city of Machu Picchu. The time that you will spend in Machu Picchu will depend on how you like to go back to Cusco and will depend if you want to climb the Machu Picchu Montaña or Huayna Picchu Mountain which must book it in advance.
We offer you two options to go back to Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu.
TRAIN OPTION:
You can visit Machu Picchu for a longer time and have enough time if you are planning to do HUAYNAPICCHU or Machu Picchu MOUNTAIN, which require a minimum of 3 hours approximately. After visiting the area of Machu Picchu for 7 to 8 hours, you have to return to the town of Aguas Calientes to take a train at 18:20 to Ollantaytambo for 1.5 hours then by car to Cusco for 2 hours more to arrive in Cusco around 10:30 pm
CAR OPTION:
You arrive at Machu Picchu around 6:00 am for the guided tour for 2.5 hours then you have free time to explore the site on your own. If you take this option, and you are thinking to do HUAYNAPICCHU or MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN is possible but will be too tight and rush because you need to leave Machu Picchu at 11:30 to walk back to Hydroelectric for 3 hours in order to be in Hydroelectric at 2:30 pm to take a car for 6 hours back Cusco. If you are considering doing this option and doing one of the mountains, we recommend you stay one more night in Aguas Calientes and return the 6th day to Cusco by car.

Inclusions

Included

SALKANTAY TREK + INCA JUNGLE TRAIL 5-DAY INCLUSIONS:

  • Official Machu Picchu entrance ticket with guided tour
  • Comprehensive pre-departure briefing with expert guides at 7:00 PM (day before trek)
  • Duffle bag service for 7kg of personal belongings (horse transport – first 2 days only)
  • Professional bilingual guides (English/Spanish speaking)
  • Complete guided Machu Picchu exploration
  • All necessary transportation throughout the tour
  • 1 night in premium Mountain Sky Huts with thick mattresses and glass-door night lighting
  • 3 nights in comfortable hotel accommodations
  • 5 nutritious breakfasts
  • 4 hearty lunches
  • 4 delicious dinners
  • Comfortable pillows at mountain camp
  • Professional chef with complete cooking equipment
  • Return transportation to Cusco – Train service (6:20 PM or 7:00 PM from Aguas Calientes) or Car service (3:00 PM from Hidroelectrica)
  • Vegetarian and vegan meal options available (no extra charge)
  • Mountain biking adventure
  • Thrilling zipline experience
  • Emergency first-aid kit and oxygen bottle
  • Pack horse service for up to 7kg personal luggage and equipment

Not Included

What’s Not Included:

  • Mollepata municipality entrance fee: 10 soles per person
  • Sleeping bag rental: $5 USD (available for rent)
  • Hot springs entrance fee and transportation: 20-25 soles
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities

Addons & Upgrades

Optional Add-ons to Enhance Your Experience:

  • Huayna Picchu mountain entrance ticket – $20 USD (check availability: www.machupicchu.gob.pe)
  • Machu Picchu Mountain entrance ticket – $20 USD (check availability: www.machupicchu.gob.pe)
  • Premium sleeping bag rental for mountain camp – $5 USD
  • Professional walking poles for 2-day trek – $5 USD
  • Vistadome panoramic train upgrade – $25 USD (enhanced scenic views)

Frequently Asked Questions New Salkantay Trek + Inca Jungle Trail 5 Days / 4 Nights

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What fitness level is required? A: Moderate fitness level recommended. You’ll hike 4-6 hours daily with some challenging terrain.

Q: What’s the weather like? A: Expect varied conditions from cold mountain temperatures to warm jungle climate. Layered clothing essential.

Q: Is altitude sickness a concern? A: Yes, we reach 4,630m. Arrive in Cusco 2+ days early for acclimatization.

Q: What about dietary restrictions? A: Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary needs accommodated at no extra cost with advance notice.

Q: Can I store luggage in Cusco? A: Yes, we provide secure luggage storage for items not needed on the trek.

Travel Guide

Recommendations

Essential Recommendations for Your Salkantay Adventure:

Prepare for an unforgettable journey through Peru’s most spectacular landscapes. Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing suitable for varying altitudes and climates. Bring sturdy, broken-in hiking boots, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle. Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 days before departure to adjust to the altitude. Consider travel insurance for peace of mind. Our experienced guides will ensure your safety and comfort throughout this incredible adventure, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Notes

Pricing Information: Your 5-day Salkantay Trek cost depends on your return transportation preference from Machu Picchu to Cusco and eligibility for student discounts.
RETURN BY CAR:
Student: $195 USD
Adult: $215 USD
RETURN BY TRAIN:
Student: $275 USD
Adult: $295 USD
Complete Student Discount Information: Click Here

ADDITIONAL MOUNTAIN TICKETS:
HUAYNA PICCHU Mountain Tickets
MACHU PICCHU Mountain Tickets

Accomodation

Comfortable Accommodations Throughout Your Journey:

Enjoy carefully selected accommodations that perfectly complement your adventure. Spend one magical night in our signature Mountain Sky Huts with panoramic mountain views and premium amenities. The remaining three nights feature comfortable hotel accommodations in strategic locations, providing hot showers, cozy beds, and modern facilities after your daily adventures. All accommodations are chosen for their quality, location, and authentic Peruvian hospitality, ensuring you rest well and recharge for each exciting day ahead.

Accomodation

Premium Mountain Sky Huts Camping Experience:

Experience unparalleled comfort in our exclusive Mountain Sky Huts, strategically located at our private campsites with breathtaking mountain vistas. These innovative eco-friendly accommodations feature comfortable thick mattresses, weather-resistant glass doors, and stunning panoramic views. Wake up to spectacular sunrise views over the Andes while enjoying the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. Our campsites provide clean facilities, fresh mountain air, and an unforgettable night under the stars in the heart of the Peruvian wilderness.

Why Choose Machupicchu Team

Expertise and Experience: Our team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals ensures that you receive accurate information, well-organized itineraries, and top-notch guidance throughout your trip.

Personalized Service: We tailor our tours to cater to each traveler’s unique preferences and requirements, ensuring a customized and memorable experience.

Quality and Safety: Our commitment to quality and safety guarantees an enjoyable and worry-free adventure. We collaborate with professional guides, reliable transportation services, and carefully selected accommodations to deliver the best possible experience.

Sustainable and Responsible Travel: Machu Picchu Team is dedicated to minimizing our environmental impact and supporting local communities. We promote eco-friendly practices and contribute to the well-being of the regions we explore.

Competitive Pricing: We offer a range of affordable packages and options, allowing you to experience the magic of Machu Picchu without breaking the bank.

Excellent Customer Support: Our friendly and responsive customer support team is available to assist you at every stage of your journey, from pre-trip planning to post-trip inquiries.

Choose Machu Picchu Team for a remarkable and hassle-free adventure, as we strive to make your dream trip to Machu Picchu an unforgettable reality.

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