5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco via Santa Teresa

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Observe the Inca Citadel and Intihuatana at Machu Picchu.
• 02 Take in the beautiful views of Salkantay Mountain.
• 03 Spot various wildlife and plant species in the Santa Teresa Valley.
• 04 Trek through Peru's ever-changing mountain and valley landscapes.

Sign up for this impressive 5-day trek to Machu Picchu, passing beneath the magnificent Salkantay Mountain and through the beautiful, ever-changing landscapes of Peru. Cross the Santa Teresa Valley and see a wide variety of wildlife, medicinal plants, and several flower species before taking the train to Machu Picchu. Finally, explore the highlights of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, including the Inca Citadel.

Sign up for this impressive 5-day trek to Machu Picchu, passing beneath the magnificent Salkantay Mountain and through the beautiful, ever-changing landscapes of Peru.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Cusco, Machu Picchu, Salcantay

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Cusco to Mollepata and Soraypampa Camp

• Get picked up at your hotel at 05:00 am and start the trip towards the Apurímac River valley. The road is paved to Limatambo, and then continues on a trail that we follow for an hour until arriving at Mollepata.
• From this point, begin a 5-hour walk towards the valley of the Blanco River, which comes from the snowmelt of Salkantay and Humantay. Then, camp at the place called Soraypampa.

2

Day 02

Soraypampa to Challhuay via Humantay Pass

• Ascend the Humantay Pass through large zigzags and a 45-minute walk. From this point, you can see the Santa Teresa Valley, the mountain peaks, and their lagoons.
• Then, descend to Challhuay, where you will camp.

3

Day 03

Chaullay to Tropical Santa Teresa

• Walk to Santa Teresa, a small tropical town located on the banks of the Vilcanota River. This town was affected by a large landslide from the snowy Salkantay, which resulted in the destruction of the railroad that linked it with Cusco and Quillabamba.
• Spend the night in the town of Santa Teresa, either camping or in basic lodging in the surrounding area. There are fruit farms here with oranges, bananas, and other species.

4

Day 04

Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes

• Walk through the valley of the Vilcanota River towards the Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Plant. By the old basket train route, this journey lasts approximately 4 hours.
• Then, take the local train in the afternoon to the town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, where you will check in to a nice and clean two-star hotel.
• In the evening, visit the thermal baths.

5

Day 05

Machu Picchu Guided Visit and Return to Cusco

• Travel by bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu in the morning to explore the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours, and passengers can stay on their own for another 2 hours in the Sanctuary.
• After the visit, return to Aguas Calientes.
• In the afternoon, return to the city of Cusco by boarding the train at Aguas Calientes station.
• In Cusco, a bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Transfer from Cusco - Mollepata.
• Professional guide.
• Kitchen, cook, and dining room equipment.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu.
• 1 night in Aguas Calientes.
• Meals (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners), with vegetarian options.
• Packhorse for camping equipment and passenger luggage.
• Kitchen, dining room, and bathroom tents.
• First aid kit, including an oxygen cylinder.
• 2-person tents and mats.
• Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.

What's Not Included

• First breakfast, and last lunch and dinner.
• Sleeping bag and luggage bag.
• Water, flashlight, and thermal clothing.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu.
• CONSETTUR bus service in Machu Picchu.
• Other expenses and services not detailed.

What to bring

• Backpack.
• Warm clothing for the night.
• Rain gear.
• Flashlight.
• Cap.
• Several T-shirts.
• Insect repellent.
• Plastic rain poncho.
• Purifying tablets.
• Medication kit.
• Water bottle.
• Original passport.
• Extra money in soles and dollars.
• Walking sticks.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Perú

Tour start

Cusco, Peru

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.