If you’re a thrill-seeker who revels in the world’s best trekking routes such as the ones Peru Jungle Trips cover, our Classic Salkantay Trek 5 Days awaits you.
It seamlessly intertwines exhilarating trails with breathtaking scenery, promising an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re flying solo, with a partner, or part of a group, this trek is tailor-made for you.
Prepare to traverse snow-capped peaks before descending into the enchanting cloud forest, eventually winding your way through the verdant Peruvian jungle toward the iconic wonder, Machu Picchu.
The dramatic shift in landscapes and climates renders this trek a truly unique experience.
Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring vistas and tick off destinations from the bucket lists of many travelers. Day 1 treats you to a trek to the mesmerizing Humantay Lake, nestled like a sapphire amidst the snowy panorama.
But the excitement doesn’t end there. Conclude your epic journey with a visit to the fabled Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
Enjoy a guided tour spanning about two hours, followed by an ascent to either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. From there, soak in a panoramic vista of the Citadel, feeling as if you’re soaring like a condor and journeying back centuries to envision life in ancient times.
.Don’t let the chance slip away—embark on our Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and make memories to last a lifetime.
We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 am and 5:00 am to take a bus to Mollepata.
We’ll embark on a breathtaking scenic journey through the plains of Anta with stunning panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay and other snow-capped mountains, as well as the Apurímac River Valley.
Breakfast stop in Mollepata before Challacancha. Stretch, rest, grab supplies. Join us for a seamless Salkantay adventure! There we’ll meet our support staff who will load the equipment onto horses and mules.
Around 9:30 a.m., we’ll start our hike to Soraypampa (3900 meters above sea level). If we maintain a steady pace, it will take about 4 hours to reach Soraypampa, the first campsite (with glass domes and cabins offering a very pleasant panoramic view), where we’ll have lunch.
After lunch, in the afternoon, we’ll visit Humantay Lagoon (4200 meters above sea level), which requires a 3-hour round trip hike from the campsite to see the Humantay glacier lagoon.
A delicious and comforting dinner awaits us in the evening.
Day 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY – HUAYRAMACHAY – CHAULLAY
In the wee hours of the morning, we’ll gently rouse you with a steaming cup of coca tea. As the clock strikes 5:00 am, a hearty breakfast awaits, signaling the start of what promises to be the most challenging day of the Salkantay trek.
At around 6:00 am, we’ll set out, ascending towards the pinnacle of our journey.
Trek 6km uphill through rocky mountains with Mount Salkantay as backdrop. Join us for an unforgettable journey!
Upon reaching the summit, a breathtaking panorama unfolds before us, showcasing the rugged grandeur of the mountains and the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, standing tall at 6264 meters above sea level—the second highest in the Cusco region.
After a leisurely descent of approximately 2 hours, around 1:00 pm, a sumptuous Peruvian lunch awaits us at Huayracmachay.
We continue to Chaullay, a gentle 3-hour downhill walk to our campsite at 2900m altitude. Recharge and enjoy the journey!
Here, amidst the rustic charm of indigenous cabins, we’ll settle in for a well-deserved rest. Come 7:00 pm, a hearty dinner awaits, a fitting reward for conquering the trails of the day.
Day 3: CHAULLAY – COLLPAPAMPA – LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA
At 6:00 am, we’ll kick off our hike towards the quaint village of La Playa, threading through the Santa Teresa Valley.
You’ll soak in the freshness of this new landscape during our 6-hour trek today. Along the way, we’ll be treated to a tapestry of sights including rivers, waterfalls, wild orchids, and plantations of coffee, banana, and avocado.
Don’t miss the chance to sample the renowned passion fruits and granadilla en route.
We’ll pass Colpapampa, a cloud forest village, for cascades, birds, hot springs, fruit trees, and diverse flora and fauna.
La Playa
With a stroke of luck, we might even catch sight of the splendid “Cock of the Rock,” Peru’s national bird. After a hearty lunch at La Playa, a brief 20-minute walk will bring us to our base camp nestled in Lucmabamba capsules.
We take pride in being the sole travel agency offering this unique camping experience in the region (2400 meters above sea level). We’ll delve into the tropical forest for a spell and visit an organic coffee plantation.
For coffee aficionados, this will be nothing short of heavenly—you’ll have the chance to savor freshly brewed coffee made by the locals! If coffee isn’t your thing, fear not; you can still relish the decadent aroma of freshly roasted and ground coffee wafting through the air.
Coffee stands as the primary agricultural industry for the locals in the jungle, with vast hectares devoted to its cultivation for export to the United States, Asia, and Europe.
Though coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia, it wasn’t until the Spanish invaded Cusco that it found its way to this region.
Day 4: LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA – HIDROELÉCTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES
Just like the mornings before, the trek’s chef will rouse you bright and early with a comforting cup of coca tea.
As you gear up for today’s adventures, relish in your final breakfast skillfully prepared by our talented trekking chef. We’ll commence our hike early, offering you the chance to experience a snippet of the famed and revered Inca Trail.
Following a breathtaking 2-hour ascent with stunning vistas of the Santa Teresa Valley, we’ll arrive at the Inca site of Llactapata, directly facing Machu Picchu. This marks our first encounter with the enigmatic Lost City of the Incas!
It’s a profoundly special place to explore together, delving deeper into the roots and history of this land. From this vantage point, not only will we behold the ruins of Machu Picchu, but also Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain.
Guided by our expert, we’ll unravel the tales of the Incas who once inhabited and revered this land. Of course, ample time will be given to capture these memories through photographs, ready to be shared with loved ones back home.
LLactapata
Following our visit to the Llactapata ruins, we’ll continue our trek with a leisurely 2-hour downhill walk. Along this stretch of the trail, the iconic silhouette of Machu Picchu will remain a constant until we reach the Hidroeléctrica train station for lunch.
One of the area’s most striking features is the natural 300-meter-high waterfall, generating electricity for the entire Cusco region. Post-lunch, we’ll arrive at Intiwatana, a renowned ancient rock used as a sundial during the Inca era. Legend has it that Intiwatana worked in conjunction with the famous sundial stone at Machu Picchu.
These two stones were utilized to measure and interpret the winter solstice, heralding the start of the new planting season for the Incas.
After this intriguing encounter with Inca history, we’ll reach the train tracks leading to the town of Aguas Calientes. Here, you’ll have two options: 1) If you’re feeling weary, you can opt to take the train to Aguas Calientes (additional $38.00). 2) If the wanderlust still beckons, we can trek from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes along the train tracks, a 3-hour journey through the warm embrace of the cloud forest.
This very path was once traversed by American professor Hiram Bingham, who rediscovered Machu Picchu after centuries of being lost to the outside world.
Note: During the rainy season, hiking along the Llactapata Trail is not guaranteed 100% due to safety concerns. When heavy rains are frequent, this trail becomes highly perilous.
Day 5: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Today signifies the eagerly anticipated culmination of our trekking expedition, leading us to the illustrious Machu Picchu—a site hailed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With the dawn breaking after a restorative night’s rest at our lodge, we’ll seize the opportunity to outpace the crowds, ascending to the pinnacle of Machu Picchu to bask in its tranquil allure amidst the gentle morning glow.
Opening its gates from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, Machu Picchu awaits our footsteps. Opting for a leisurely stroll (with a bus ride available for $12.00), we’ll venture into the hidden realm of the Inca’s Royal Citadel. Here, a two-hour guided exploration will unravel the mysteries of this ancient city, unveiling its temples, terraces, palaces, priestly abodes, sundial, industrial precincts, and verdant agricultural lands.
Behold the marvels of Inca engineering, a testament to their foresight and innovation, which remains partly shrouded in enigma even today.
Crafting a sustainable and picturesque community on the mountainside, devoid of modern tools or iron, stands as a testament to their ingenuity. Water, channeled through intricate canals, flowed through the streets, a lifeline for its inhabitants.
When a Peruvian guide introduced this site to Hiram Bingham, it was a verdant wilderness, hardly recognizable and in dire need of restoration. Since then, painstaking efforts have revitalized Machu Picchu, safeguarding its legacy for the world to cherish.
Huayna Picchu Mt. and Machu Picchu Mt.
Post-tour, the opportunity beckons to ascend either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance ticket booking recommended). Each ascent and descent requires approximately three hours, leaving ample time to immerse oneself in the enchantment of this ancient citadel before descending to Aguas Calientes.
A train about to arrive in Ollantaytambo’s train station.
There, awaiting our departure at either 4:22 pm or 6:20 pm (depending on availability), a group minivan will transport us to Ollantaytambo, from where we’ll journey back to Cusco. Rest your weary limbs and body now, for though the physical exertion may cease, the memories forged will endure, enriching your spirit for weeks and years to come.
✅ Professional Guides
✅ Briefing at our office.
✅ Emergency Horse
✅ Hotel
✅ Transportation
✅ Equipment
✅ Food, Lunch the last day is not included.
✅ Water
✅ Extras: small pillow to sleep with, a foam mattress, a day pack and a rain poncho.
✅ Satellite Phones
❌ Sleeping bag: USD $25
❌ Inflatable air mat: USD $20
❌ Walking sticks (pair): USD $20
❌ Huayna Picchu Mountain $ 35
Passport
Valid, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbacks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 litres.
Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
2-3 wicking t-shirts
2-3 hiking pants
4 sets of undergarments and 4 sets of hiking socks,1 Fleece
4 sets of undergarments and 4 sets of hiking socks,1 Fleece
1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
Headlamp: Essential
Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger
Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
Large plastic bags: to help organise and keep clean from dirty
Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
Sunscreen, face moisturiser, bug spray, handsanitiser, wet wipes, toothbrush and paste, toilet-paper
Personal medication
First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc
Price From
$400
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Got a Question?
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+51 998 134 635
info@perujungletrips.com
see more related tours
Inka Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu
The Inca Jungle trek to Machu Picchu is by far the most adventurous trekking option in the Cusco region. It is also the most varied in terms of activities.
The ‘trek’ includes a massive downhill mountain biking experience, followed by possible river rafting on Grade III and IV rapids, jungle trekking, and optional zip-lining. It culminates with a visit to Machu Picchu.
The trek naturally appears to adventurous types who like thrilling adrenaline-filled experiences.
This journey to the Manu National Reserve or Tambopata with Peru Jungle Trips commences in Cusco, the Inca capital, passing through agricultural fields where local farmers continue to cultivate and plow using traditional hand tools.
Our route leads us to the cultural hub of Paucartambo, and as we ascend further into the mountains, we eventually reach Acjanaco.
The descent begins, and the scenery undergoes a swift transformation, signaling our entry into the cloud forest of Manu. Here, the mountain streams support a diverse array of plants and flowers. Upon arrival, we are warmly greeted by the local host, particularly the majestic “Imperial Quetzal.” Although the dominant figure in this cloud forest is the Cock of the Rock, Peru’s national bird, whose captivating mating dance we can witness from the LEK viewing platform.
For many visitors to Peru and even South America, a visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu is the long-anticipated highpoint of their trip. In a spectacular location, it’s the best-known archaeological site on the continent. This awe-inspiring ancient city was never revealed to the conquering Spaniards and was virtually forgotten until the early part of the 20th century.
Choquequirao, meaning “Cradle of Gold”, is an impressive archaeological complex located in the Vilcabamba mountain range in the Cusco region. This area is believed to have been the last refuge of the Incas during the resistance led by Manco Inca II.
Likely built by Túpac Yupanqui, Choquequirao is renowned for its terraces adorned with llamas and a shepherd in the Llamachayoc sector. These terraces are notable for the use of vertically placed stones. Additionally, in the Pacchayoq sector, you can observe an advanced water channel system irrigating a complex of agricultural terraces. The steep inclination of the slopes where these terraces are located is truly remarkable.
During the trek, you will enjoy spectacular geography as well as the native flora and fauna of the region, which includes inter-Andean valleys and tropical jungle. Temperatures can range from a minimum of 5ºC (41ºF) at night to a maximum of 23ºC (73ºF) during the day.
It is recommended to follow ecotourism principles, respecting and protecting the environment, archaeological sites, and local customs.
Our journey to Machu Picchu by Bus Tour offers a more relaxed visit to the ancient Inca Citadel for those who prefer a leisurely pace when visiting Machu Picchu.
For many travelers to Peru and South America, visiting Machu Picchu is the highly anticipated climax of their journey or one of its most eagerly awaited highlights.
Situated in a breathtaking location, it stands as the most famous archaeological site in the continent. This remarkable ancient city remained hidden from the conquering Spaniards and was virtually lost to history until the early 20th century.
The Lares Trek is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail. Taking you off the beaten track with visits to authentic Andean communities whilst being surrounded by stunning mountains, lakes and valleys. The Lares trek offers a real insight in to the lives of the people of Cusco as it once was.
The route we offer starts in the village of Pumahuanca in the Sacred Valley and finishes in the hot springs of Lares with a visit to the village of Cuncani along the way. On Day 3 of the trek you take a bus from Lares to Ollantaytambo and then to Cusco.
