Salkantay Trek 5 days hike map

The Salkantay trek in 5 days is the best if you have more time and is guided.

The first day you start from 3320 meters altitude. You are picked up in Cusco and taken to the starting point on the Salkantay mountain. The first part of the route lasts approximately 2 hours, until you reach the Humantay Lagoon. Then there is a descent of another 2 hours to Quiswarniyoc camp. There you have lunch and in the afternoon, you hike to the Salkantay viewpoint to see the sunset.

The route of the second day is about 19 kilometers and you reach the highest point of the trail, the Abra Salkantay (4600 meters altitude). Then there is a 2 hour descent to Huayracmachay.

The third day is shorter, about 12 kilometers. After 5 hours of walking you arrive at the village of La Playa Sahuayaco through the Santa Teresa Valley. Then you are taken by private bus to Santa Teresa to spend the night.

The route of the fourth day is also 12 kilometers and there is less altitude. They take you by bus to Lucmabamba and from there, it is a 3 hour hike on an Inca trail to Llactapapa. Then it is 2 hours to Hidroeléctrica and after having something to eat, you continue on foot for about 3 hours following the train line until you reach Aguas Calientes.

The last day is the shortest, the route is about 6 kilometers. You can choose to go up to Machu Picchu walking or by bus (it costs 12 USD). In Machu Picchu you have a guided tour of 2 hours but then you can see it on your own.

The trekking ends here, but then you get to Ollantaytambo by train or bus, depending on your choice, and from there you are taken back to Cusco.

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You can do this route with us at the following link: https://www.howlanders.com/en/tours-peru/cusco/salkantay-trek-5-days