Itinerary 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Official Booking with Bus Return

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake

• Distance: 12 km | Time: 5 hours | Max Altitude: 13,779 ft.

• Your journey starts early (4:20 – 4:50 a.m.). After a scenic drive to Mollepata, we begin trekking at Challacancha (11,811 ft).

• We’ll arrive at our Soraypampa base camp for a panoramic lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll hike up to the stunning Humantay Lake for breathtaking photos before returning to camp for dinner and a night under the stars in our Sky Lodges.

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay

• Distance: 22 km | Time: 9 hours | Max Altitude: 15,190 ft.

• Today you conquer the heights! After a 3-hour steady ascent, you’ll reach the legendary Salkantay Pass.

• At the summit, we’ll hold a traditional Andean ceremony to thank the mountain spirits.

• Then, we descend to Huayrapunku for lunch and continue toward Chaullay, where the air turns warm and the lush high jungle begins.

Day 3: Chaullay – Sahuayaco Beach – Cloud Forest

• Distance: 15 km | Time: 4 hours | Max Altitude: 9,514 ft.

• A radical change in scenery awaits. We trek through the cloud forest, passing waterfalls and plantations of coffee, coca, and exotic fruits.

• At Sahuayaco Beach, we’ll enjoy a local lunch and an authentic coffee tour.

Optional Activities: Santa Teresa hot springs or Zip-lining (not included).

Day 4: Sahuayaco – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes

• Distance: 25 km | Time: 9 hours | Max Altitude: 9,186 ft.

• Follow an original Inca Trail to the ruins of Llactapata.

• From this peak, you’ll witness a rare, distant view of Machu Picchu—a sight only a few hikers ever see.

• After descending to Hydroelectric for lunch, we’ll walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll rest in a comfortable hostel.

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco by Bus

• Distance: 5 km | Time: 1.5-hour hike up | Altitude: 7,972 ft.

• The grand finale! Explore Machu Picchu with a 2-hour guided tour.

• Afterward, you must begin the descent back to Hydroelectric on foot (by 10:30 a.m. at the latest).

• We will board our Return Bus at 2:00 p.m., arriving in Cusco around 10:00 p.m.

What’s Included – Salkantay Trek:

• Machu Picchu entrance ticket
• Detailed information about your tour booked 1 day before departure at the Okidoki Travel Peru office. Location: Calle Nueva Alta No. 644, Hostal Okidoki Cusco.
• EQUIPMENT DELIVERY: (Canvas bag to carry all your equipment on the mules for Salkantay).
• Transportation from Cusco to the start of the Salkantay trek.
• 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners (Salkantay-Machu Piccho).
• SLEEPING BAG.
• Professional guide (English/Spanish) for 4 days, including Machu Picchu.
• Hot drinks in the evening and with each meal.
• Mules to carry 5 kg per person.
• Hostel in Aguas Calientes. 1 night.
• Return bus transportation to Cusco on the last day (if returning with the bus option).

Not Included – Salkantay Trek:

• The last lunch
• Entrance ticket to the Mollepata community – Humantay Lagoon costs 20 soles
• Transportation on the third day, after lunch, from Sahuayaco beach to Hidroeléctrica (40 or 50 soles). Start of the trek to reach the town of Aguas Calientes.
• Water (cold beer, champagne, whiskey, etc.)
• Trekking poles (PAR): US$10
• Hot waters in the town of Aguas Calientes: 20 soles
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: US$12 (one way)
• Entrance to HuaynaPicchu mountain: US$25 (book months in advance)
• Entrance to Machu Picchu mountain: US$25 (book months in advance)
• Tips (voluntary) on the trek
• Travel insurance
• Hot shower at the second campsite: 10 soles
• Wi-Fi: 10 soles

What to Pack – Salkantay Trek:

• Original Passport and original student ID (if you booked as a student): You will need it to enter Machu Picchu and the trail checkpoints.
• Backpack (30 liters): A comfortable backpack to carry your personal belongings, water, and snacks.
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Hiking Boots: Well-worn, waterproof boots with ankle support. Do not bring brand-new shoes to avoid blisters!
• Flashlight
• Towel and toilet paper
• Personal medications for the trek
• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm, as the sun is very strong at high altitudes.
• sunglasses, hat
• Mosquito repellent
• Chocolate and candy snacks
• Camera for Salkantay and Machu Picchu
• Extra money for the trek
• Technology: Extra camera batteries (the cold drains them faster!) and a portable power bank.

** OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (NOT INCLUDED) ON THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU:

• US$ 25 HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN
• US$ 25 MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN
• US$ 12 BUS from Aguas Calientes to the Inca citadel of MACHU PICCHU (one way only)
• If you would like an extra night in the town of Aguas Calientes: US$ 15