5-day Salkantay Trek with Humantay Lake

Duration: 6 days
Trails: T3 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

+ 3 days glamping and 1 night in a 3 star hotel
+ Pick up the afternoon before (no trekking)
+ Machu Picchu tickets & guided tour
+ Return by expedition train
- Last day lunch not included

Probably the most popular alternative trek. This is a bit more difficult than the Inca Trail, as the days are longer and there is more hiking. You will experience many different micro-climates as your scenery changes drastically, each day. This includes our best campsite on the third night, overlooking Machu Picchu.

Even though alternative treks are growing in popularity, it is still likely that you will hike through the Andes with only your group. The roads are not crowded with tourists, and you are visiting places that can only be reached by foot.

Also, for those interested in nature, these treks are often more beautiful. Each one offers something special, like heading to Salkantay Pass by the glaciers, or to local villages with the Lares Trek.

Itinerary

Day
1

Transfer to the Cabañas de Cristal

You'll start this classic Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu at 3pm local time on day 1. You'll meet your trekking team and your adventure begins. (Meeting point at the local outfitter's office, more details after booking confirmation).

At 3pm we'll load into our private van for the 3.5 hour drive to the glass cabañas in Soraypampa at 3,800m. The plan is to arrive in time to take pictures of the sunset over the glacier peaks!

At the glass cabañas, your guide will show you to your rooms before you enjoy dinner and some hot drinks. During dinner there will be a short team introduction for all trekkers and staff to get to know each other. This area is known for its beautiful views of the night sky, so get ready for some unforgettable southern hemisphere stargazing!

NO HIKING TODAY
*When booking this trek please choose the day you would like to start hiking (i.e. day 2). Departure is the night before, when you'll stay at our private campsite and enjoy your first dinner prepared by your chef.

Cabañas de Cristal

Info
Cabañas de Cristal
Day
2

Hiking Begins: Soraypampa Campsite – Humantay Lagoon – Salkantay Pass - Wayracpunko

Duration: 06:00 h
Distance: 22 km
Ascent: 850 m
Descent: 850 m
Highest Point: 4650 m

After a good night's sleep, you'll wake up very early (around 4-4:30am) to enjoy a hearty breakfast before starting the longest day of your trek. In the morning you'll be given an overview of the day's trek and your guide will answer any questions you may have.

After the briefing, you'll give your duffel bag to the mule drivers to take to the next campsite. The day's trek begins with a 1.5-hour steady climb to the famous Humantay Lake, whose tranquil crystal blue waters are absolutely incredible. If the sky is clear, you'll see the first rays of sunlight peeking through the snow-capped peaks.

And... If you're brave enough, you'll have the chance to touch the almost frozen water, which the locals believe can help you stay young forever! The advantage of visiting the popular Humantay Lagoon early in the morning is that it is quiet and there are no other trekkers around except your group. Not everyone can enjoy this!

Once you've caught your breath, you'll head back to the starting point for lunch in Soyroccocha. This part of the Salkantay Trek takes about 3 hours on gradually rising terrain. Along the way you'll pass breathtaking places such as the Salkantay Pampas, with spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. These views are well worth the journey.

After lunch prepared by your local chef and a well-deserved rest, you'll continue with the next stage of your Salkantay Trek. This next section will take approximately 1 hour to reach the Salkantay Pass at 4,650m, the highest point of the trek. The group will rest here and you'll be served hot drinks while you take in the views.

From the Salkantay Pass, you'll begin the last leg of the trek for the day, a 3-hour descent to Wayracmachay, where we'll camp for the night. When you arrive, the staff will have set up your tents and prepared your duffel bags.

The team will provide hot water to wash up from the day so you can change into fresh, warmer clothes for the night. There will then be a happy hour with hot chocolate and coffee, followed by dinner. Weather permitting, you'll enjoy uninterrupted views of the night sky and a brief introduction to the visible Inca constellations.

Wayracmachay campsite

Info
Wayracmachay campsite
Day
3

Wayracmachay – Chaullay – Ccollpapampa Loreta (Hobbit House)

Duration: 06:12 h
Distance: 22 km
Ascent: 70 m
Descent: 1400 m
Lowest Point: 2200 m
Highest Point: 3900 m

Your trekking team will wake you up early (around 5:30am) with a hot drink to start the day. As you open your tent, you'll hopefully be greeted by the sunrise over majestic glacier peaks and clouds rising from the green cloud forest. You'll have time to pack and enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our local cook. This is the second longest day of the trek, similar to the first day with long descents and ascents.

At around 7am you'll start walking downhill for about 4 hours until you reach your lunch spot at Ccollpapampa (2,700m). During this part of the Salkantay Trek, you'll begin to notice the changes in microclimate, flora and fauna. You'll go from cold glacier views to warm green jungle. You'll see many different species of orchids, ferns, begonia flowers and even hummingbirds.

After lunch and a well-deserved rest, you'll continue your trek to our beautiful and unique Hobbit Houses, built on the slopes of the Salkantay River (2,400 metres above sea level). This hike takes about 4 hours on a gradual downhill trail.

Along the way you'll see beautiful waterfalls, rivers and more new flora and fauna. You'll experience another tropical forest micro-climate where the local people grow coffee, passion fruit, papayas, oranges and avocados. When you arrive at your glamping accommodation for the night, staff will be there to welcome you.

At the Hobbit Houses you'll have time to enjoy a nice hot shower and a soak in a wonderful outdoor hot tub, and there's often cold beer and lemonade on sale. Be sure to bring extra soles! There'll also be plenty of time to wander around our organic garden to see some of the local coffee, avocados, chillies, tomatoes and pineapples. Dinner tonight will be in our building overlooking the Salkantay River. As you retire for the night, you will be able to hear the Salkantay River in the distance.

Hobbit House

Info
Hobbit House
See entire itinerary

Included

  • Guides

    A well-trained English-speaking guide is included in the price. The guides all grew up in the Cusco region and are committed to sharing their history and culture with visitors. The guides are friendly and professional and will make sure you don't miss anything.

  • Satellite phones

    Guides are equipped with satellite phones and can organise anything on the fly.

  • Taxes and fees

    All tourist taxes and permit fees applicable are included in the listed price.

  • First aid

    Your guide has received training in first aid from a physician. Mandatory training sessions are conducted every year. Your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. You will be escorted off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible, if needed, and taken to a clinic for treatment.

  • Food and water

    Food and water are included and will be provided as per the itinerary. Water is boiled, filtered, and then cooled before distributing. You must bring your water bottles and or camelback. We recommend carrying about 3L worth per day. You will be able to restock your water supplies at each meal.

  • Getting to and from

    Getting to and from the start/end point of this trekking is included, as per the itinerary.

  • Gear

    All (camping) equipment will be provided, built up, and taken down again. This is included in your trekking package. Please note that a sleeping bag and air mattress are not included but are available for rent.

  • Duffel

    You will receive your duffel bag that will stay with your porters while you hike. This bag should not exceed 7kg/14 lbs and does need to include your sleeping bag and air mattress.

  • Porters

    A personal porter will carry most of your belongings using a duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this. You will have access to your duffel bag in the mornings and evenings.

  • Trekking Briefing

    The night before your trek, you will come to the local office for a briefing. The entire itinerary will be explained and the final logistics for the Salkantay Trek will be taken care of.

  • Permits

    Permits for both your Salkantay Trek trek and for the entry to Machu Picchu are included and will be taken care of.

Excluded

  • Accommodation in Cusco including breakfast

    Before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.

  • Rentals

    Every trekker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but encouraged. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent: Sleeping Bag: USD 20, Inflatable Air Mattress: USD 15, Trekking Poles (Pair): USD 15.

  • Huayna Picchu

    Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is USD 75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.

  • Travel Insurance Including Repatriation

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Peru.

  • Tipping

    Tips for guides, cook and porters are not included. You decide what you want to tip, but be generous.

FAQ

  • What and Where is the Salkantay Trek?

  • Is the Salkantay Trek Something For Me?

  • When is the best season to do the Salkantay Trek?

  • How Do I Get a Permit for the Salkantay Trek?

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

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Zulema del Pozo Moral
Zulema del Pozo Moral
This trek is operated by
Alpaca Expeditions

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