Imagine trekking through towering mountains, crossing glacial passes, and camping beneath the stars — all while staying in a mix of glass cabins, Hobbit houses, and cozy campsites. This 5-day journey from Cusco, priced at around $650 per person, offers an impressive route through the Andes to the legendary Machu Picchu, with an itinerary carefully designed to maximize scenery, comfort, and authentic experiences.
What we love about this tour? First, the diverse accommodations—from a glass cabin with panoramic views to Hobbit houses with outdoor jacuzzis, which add a special touch to the adventure. Second, the expert local guides who help you navigate the terrain and share insights about the landscape and culture.
A potential consideration? The trek involves quite a bit of walking across uneven terrain, and there are some physical demands, especially at high altitudes. It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with moderate to strenuous hiking and have some outdoor experience.
This tour fits travelers seeking an uncrowded, immersive experience—away from the crowded trails—yet still craving comfort and unique lodging. If you’re dreaming of stunning mountain vistas, ancient ruins, and a mix of adventurous camping and boutique lodging, this trip could be a perfect fit.
Key Points
- Diverse accommodations: Glass cabins, Hobbit houses with jacuzzis, camping, and a hotel.
- Expert guides: Local indigenous guides who enhance your understanding of the landscape.
- Stunning scenery: From Humantay Lake to Salkantay Pass, the views are unforgettable.
- Authentic experience: Travel through various ecosystems in the Andes, away from crowds.
- Includes logistics: Transportation, meals, entry fees, and a personal porter.
- Physical demand: Requires moderate hiking stamina, high-altitude awareness, and outdoor gear.
An In-Depth Look at the Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu Experience
The Starting Point and Overall Vibe
Your adventure begins in Cusco, where you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transported to the starting point of your trek. The tour, organized by Alpaca Expeditions, promises a small group experience—limited to 16 travelers—ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere.
The journey is designed to balance adventure and comfort: you’ll hike during the day and enjoy a variety of accommodations at night, from glass cabañas with 360-degree mountain views to cozy Hobbit houses, complete with outdoor jacuzzis. The price, at $650, might seem steep, but it reflects the combination of all-inclusive meals, accommodations, guides, transportation, and park fees.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa and Humantay Lagoon
Your trek kicks off in the afternoon with a transfer to the Salkantay Glass Cabañas. Early on, you’ll visit the Humantay Lagoon, a stunning turquoise mountain lake set against the towering backdrop of Salkantay Mountain. We loved the way this first stop sets the tone: clear, crisp mountain air and views so vivid it’s hard to believe they’re real. This part of the trek introduces you to the dramatic alpine scenery you’ll encounter throughout.
Day 2: Crossing the Salkantay Pass to Wayracmachay
The hiking gets more challenging here, with the ascent to the Salkantay Pass at over 4,600 meters (15,000+ feet). The pass offers sweeping panoramic views, and the descent to Wayracmachay is a highlight—an opportunity to breathe in the high-altitude scenery and appreciate the rugged landscape. The choice of accommodations, such as the Hobbit house, adds a fun touch to the journey, making the camping experience more memorable.
Day 3: From Loreta to Llactapata and Coffee Farm
Day 3 features a full day of varied scenery—from lush forests to coffee plantations. You’ll visit Llactapata, an Inca site facing Machu Picchu, and camp right in front of the famous archaeological site, giving you a sense of proximity and wonder. We found the visit to the coffee farm particularly interesting—an authentic experience that connects you with local life and agriculture.
Day 4: Waterfalls, Lookouts, and Aguas Calientes
This day takes you through Mandor waterfalls, where the mist and lush surroundings refresh tired legs. The final destination is Aguas Calientes, the bustling town at the foot of Machu Picchu. The journey offers a mix of nature and local culture, and many reviews praise the expert guidance that enriches the experience.
Day 5: Machu Picchu and Return
Your reward comes early in the morning with a bus ride up to Machu Picchu. You’ll explore the ancient citadel, with ample time to absorb its grandeur and take photos. The included return train (Class: Expedition) offers a comfortable way back to Cusco, completing an adventure that balances physical activity with plenty of comfort.
What’s Included & What to Bring
The tour offers meals, accommodations, park fees, transportation, and professional guides—a well-rounded package. The water, guide, and most meals keep costs predictable, but you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag, trekking poles, and other outdoor gear. The route’s terrain and altitude mean packing warm clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, and hiking shoes is essential.
More Great Tours NearbyAuthentic Experiences and Unique Lodging
One of the top draws is the variety of accommodations. The glass cabins with panoramic mountain views are perfect for those who want a taste of comfort amid wilderness. The Hobbit houses, with outdoor jacuzzis, make the trek feel more like a special escape than just camping. Camping in the Andes is a true adventure, and staying in front of Machu Picchu on the final night adds a sense of closeness to history many travelers cherish.
Guides and Local Insights
According to reviews, guides like Carlos (if mentioned) are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, sharing local stories and geological insights that deepen your appreciation of the landscape. Their ability to manage logistics and keep the group safe at high altitudes is a key part of the experience—something that truly adds value for adventurous travelers.
The Physical Challenge and Comfort Balance
This trek isn’t for everyone—it demands good physical fitness and adaptability to altitude. Several reviews note that the journey can be strenuous, especially crossing the Salkantay Pass. However, the expert guides and well-organized logistics help mitigate some of these challenges, and the varied accommodations add comfort during rest days.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This trip suits adventurous travelers craving a less crowded, more authentic trek with plenty of scenic highlights. If you appreciate breathtaking mountain views, diverse ecosystems, and unique lodging experiences, you’ll find it rewarding. It’s ideal for those comfortable with moderate to strenuous hiking and who want a balance of adventure and comfort.
Final Thoughts
The 5-night Salkantay Trek with Machu Picchu from Cusco offers a spectacular journey that combines nature, culture, and comfort in a way few tours manage. The guides’ expertise and the variety of accommodations make it stand out, especially if you’re tired of crowded tourist trails. While it’s a physically demanding trip, the reward is well worth it—a chance to see Peru’s wild beauty while staying in unique lodgings that enhance your experience.
For travelers seeking a less commercialized route to Machu Picchu, one that includes authentic encounters and stunning scenery, this tour offers excellent value. It’s a strong choice if you’re prepared for the effort and eager to create memories that are as much about the journey as the destination.
FAQ
What is the total duration of this tour?
This is a 5-day trek, starting in Cusco and ending at Machu Picchu, with the return to Cusco on the fifth day.
Are accommodations included in the price?
Yes, accommodations range from glass cabins, Hobbit houses, campsites, to a hotel, all included in the $650 price.
Is this trek suitable for beginners?
While some outdoor experience helps, the trek involves moderate to strenuous hiking—especially at high altitude—so it’s better suited for travelers with some hiking experience.
What meals are included?
You get breakfast daily, lunch on four days, and dinner on four days, plus water and the support of professional chefs.
What should I bring?
Essential items include passport, hiking shoes, sun protection, rain gear, thermal clothing, insect repellent, and other outdoor gear as recommended.
Are guides bilingual?
Yes, the tour offers live English-speaking guides to enhance your understanding of the surroundings and assist throughout the trek.
What about the high-altitude challenges?
The route reaches over 4,600 meters at the Salkantay Pass, so travelers should prepare for altitude sickness and be mindful of their physical limits.
Can I hike Huayna Picchu?
No, Huayna Picchu Mountain Pass is not included but can be added for an extra fee if booked in advance.
Embark on this adventure if you’re after a less crowded, more adventurous route to Machu Picchu with the comfort of diverse accommodations and expert guidance. It’s a memorable way to connect with Peru’s incredible landscapes and history—one step at a time.
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