Experience the Salkantay Trek at your own pace: If you want to enjoy one of the best trekking routes in the world at your own pace with Tunqui Expeditions, our 6 day Salkantay Trek is perfect for you.
Explore the Salkantay Trek at your own pace with incredible scenery that ends at the 7 Wonders of the World, Machupicchu.
The 6 days Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a trek beneath the magnificent Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20569 ft), one of the highest and most impressive mountains in the Peruvian Andes. The Salkantay Trek, or Salcantay Trek, was recently included in National Geographic’s Ultimate Adventure list, defined as “the 20 most extreme, hair-raising and legendary adventures on the planet, even for the world’s elite athletes”.
The Salkantay Trek is a trek open to all, more famous than the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, and rich in natural scenery. The Salkantay Trek’s namesake is Apu or Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), which is higher than the highest mountain in North America, Mount McKinley (6,194 m / 20,332 ft) in Alaska, and the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro (5,892 m / 19,331 ft).
The Salkantay Trek has grown in popularity and is now the second most travelled route to Machu Picchu after the Classic Inca Trail. This trek is one of the most beautiful, as you hike through different ecosystems every day, from the high mountains to the Peruvian jungle. And when you do the Salkantay Trek with Tunqui Expeditions, you will have a unique and very special experience.
If you want to enjoy one of the best trekking routes in the world, our 6-Day Salkantay Trek is perfect for fully discovering the Andes with our expert guides. This adventure combines thrilling hiking trails with some of the most incredible landscapes imaginable.
Get ready to cross snow-capped mountains, descend into cloud forest trails, and finally journey through the lush Peruvian jungle as you get closer each day to the Wonder of the World: Machu Picchu. The ever-changing scenery and climate make this trek truly unique with Tunqui Expeditions.
Along the way, you’ll visit breathtaking locations high on every traveler’s bucket list. On the first day, you’ll hike to the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, nestled at the base of the snow-capped mountain of the same name.
The next day, you’ll tackle the challenging path to the Salkantay Pass and witness the majesty of Salkantay Mountain. Later, you’ll explore the enigmatic archaeological site of Llactapata, where you’ll catch your first view of Machu Picchu.
You’ll also stay at a private campsite owned by a local family, exclusive to Tunqui Expeditions, allowing you to enjoy peace, privacy, and a spectacular sunrise over the sacred mountains and the Inca citadel.
And what better way to end your epic journey than by visiting the majestic Lost City of the Incas—Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Start your journey with a delicious breakfast to fuel your day. Trek to Soraypampa for lunch and hike in the afternoon to the spectacular Humantay Lake. Camp at the breathtaking Salkantay Pampa surrounded by mountains.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay
Today, you’ll reach the highest point of the trek—Salkantay Pass—and enjoy incredible views of the sacred Salkantay Mountain. Descend through the cloud forest to your campsite in Huayracmachay.
Day 3: Huayracmachay – Chaullay – Collpapampa
Descend from the high Andes into the warm Peruvian jungle. Relax at your Collpapampa campsite and enjoy a nourishing dinner prepared by our trekking chef.
Day 4: Collpapampa – La Playa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata
Walk through lush jungle paths, visit an organic coffee farm, participate in a cooking class, and spend the night at our exclusive private campsite in Llactapata with a stunning view of Machu Picchu.
Day 5: Llactapata – Aobamba – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, explore Llactapata’s archaeological site and catch a glimpse of Machu Picchu in the distance. Continue the hike to Aguas Calientes where you can relax in the thermal baths, dine at a local restaurant, and spend the night in a hotel.
Day 6: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
The most anticipated day has arrived! Explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu with your expert guide, then take the train to Ollantaytambo and return to Cusco in our private transport. We’ll drop you off at your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Highlight of the day: Admire the sacred snow-capped mountains of Humantay and Salkantay.
A day full of wonder at the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake and the majestic glacial peaks of the Andes.
We’ll start the day by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 and 4:45 am. A private Tunqui Expeditions vehicle will take us on a scenic 3-hour drive to Challacancha, where you’ll enjoy your first hearty breakfast prepared by our trekking chef.
After breakfast, we’ll begin a 3-hour hike to Soraypampa along an ancient Inca aqueduct that still irrigates the fields of Mollepata. Upon arrival in Soraypampa, our chef will serve a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll ascend for 2 hours to the beautiful Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft).
Along the trail, you may spot Andean geese, deer, and vizcachas (Andean chinchillas). After spending time at the lake, we’ll hike back down for 2 hours to our campsite at Salkantaypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft).
There, you’ll settle into your tents, enjoy a warm tea time, followed by dinner, and marvel at the clear starry night.
Highlight of the day: Witness the awe-inspiring Salkantay Mountain.
An unforgettable journey through the Andes with a night in the high jungle.
Wake up to a steaming cup of coca tea or coffee and breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. After breakfast, we’ll hike 2 hours uphill to the trek’s highest point — Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), via the winding “Trail of the 7 Serpents.”
At the summit, take in incredible panoramic views of the Salkantay Glacier (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. After resting and photos, we’ll descend to our lunch spot.
Our chef will prepare a light and digestible lunch. We’ll then continue hiking gently downhill for 3 more hours until we reach our Wayracmachay campsite (3,600 m / 11,811 ft) between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.
Your tent will be ready upon arrival, so you can freshen up and relax with tea and snacks before dinner and a briefing for the next day.
Highlight of the day: Journey from the Andes into the lush Peruvian jungle.
Hike from high valleys into the misty cloud forest toward your next camp.
After waking up to majestic views and a hot coca tea, we’ll enjoy breakfast and prepare for the day. Our descent begins at 7:00 am, passing vibrant flora and fauna as we head toward the village of Collpapampa.
We’ll stop for lunch in Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) and continue hiking along the Sahuayaco River through lush landscapes to our camp in Collpapampa.
Highlight of the day: Explore the cloud forest and connect with local culture.
Coffee farm visit, cooking class, and stunning views of Machu Picchu from Llactapata.
We’ll begin the day with a nutritious breakfast before continuing through the rainforest. We’ll visit a local organic coffee farm to learn how coffee is harvested, roasted, and prepared — and you’ll get to brew your own cup!
Before lunch, enjoy a hands-on cooking class with our chef. Afterward, hike 2.5 hours along the original Inca Trail to the archaeological site of Llactapata, with your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the sacred mountains around it.
We’ll camp at an exclusive site owned by a local family, accessible only to Tunqui Expeditions, offering privacy and amazing sunset and sunrise views.
Highlight of the day: Wake up to a majestic view of Machu Picchu from your tent.
Start the day with coca tea and a stunning view of Machu Picchu. After breakfast, we’ll hike 2 hours downhill to the Hydroelectric Station, where we’ll enjoy our final lunch with the trekking chef and say goodbye to the support team.
From there, we’ll walk 3 hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, with a stop at Mandor Gardens — once home to the Arteaga family who led Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu.
Check into your hotel, enjoy the town, visit the hot springs, and later meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Rest well — tomorrow is Machu Picchu day!
Highlight of the day: Discover the sacred city of Machu Picchu.
Explore the magical lost city of the Incas and learn its secrets.
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we’ll catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to avoid the crowds and see the sun rise over the ruins (weather permitting).
Enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour through the most important sectors of Machu Picchu. You’ll learn about the site’s history, architecture, and mysteries with your expert guide.
Optional hikes (must be booked in advance):
After exploring, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and take the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo. A private Tunqui Expeditions vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
At Tunqui Expeditions we specify the included and non-included services for all the itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please check the details to make sure you do not miss anything. Some items may be different for certain programmes, so please read carefully before booking with us.
WHAT IS INCLUIDED?
Permits & Tickets
The Machu Picchu Circuit 2 ticket offers the most complete tour of the citadel and is the most popular. For this reason we recommend that you book well in advance to ensure your entry. (Circuit 2)
High Quality Service & Safety
You’ll meet your guide and group at our office for a pre trek briefing. There you’ll receive your duffle bags, which will be carried by our horses. The meeting is at 17:00 the evening before the trek.
Our official guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploration and pride in sharing our culture and history. On every experience they will keep you safe and comfortable, so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
On the trek you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
All Tunqui Expeditions guides have received specialised first aid training. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit for basic emergencies (altitude sickness, traveller’s diarrhoea, cuts, abrasions, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and get you to a clinic for treatment.
We believe that attention to detail is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your rucksack on the road and a rain poncho.
We have a telephone service available 24 hours a day for easy communication with Tunqui Expeditions prior to your trek.
Your comfort is our first priority. Although our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, calling a doctor, hospital or friend can make you feel more secure. For this reason, every Tunqui Expeditions guide carries a satellite phone to call anywhere in the world from anywhere on the mountain.
Accommodation
Like our ancestors, we have a great respect for Pachamama (Mother Earth). Therefore, our tents are adapted to the environment to avoid any negative impact.
You will spend the last night of the trek in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage, while you visit Machu Picchu.
*Accommodation is in double, twin and triple rooms.
Meals
Our chef prepares the most amazing dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan or special menus are available at no extra cost), so please let us know on your booking form if you have any special allergies or restrictions and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks and snacks.
We’ll provide you with boiled, filtered and chilled water throughout the trek, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 litres).
Every morning at the campsite you’ll be woken with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you are warm from the inside out before you start your day.
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of trekking, you don’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up and enjoy a bite to eat!
Before you start your trek, your guide will provide you with a cloth bag containing local fruit, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc. We’ll refill it every morning so you can enjoy your snacks on the trail.
We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks – perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout the walk!
Transportation
Muleteers and Porters (Tunquis)
During the Salkantay Trek, our muleteers and porters (tunquis) will carry all our camping equipment, from personal tents, clothes and sleeping bags to extra tents for eating and cooking, food, water, tables, chairs and a gas stove. We will include the personal service of a porter to carry your duffel bag and personal belongings.
They will be responsible for transporting all camping equipment and food, setting up and taking down each camp, and assisting the cook with food preparation. By law they can only carry a maximum of 20 kg, a rule we take very seriously.
Extras
We believe that it is the attention to detail that sets us apart from other tour operators. As we wrote above, each walker receives
Taxes and Fees
All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in our price. There are no hidden charges.
The Tunqui Difference
The following list is less tangible, but equally important and part of everything we do and include at Tunqui Expeditions.
He started in the industry as a porter and understands your needs better than anyone. We are committed and promise a better life for every member of Team Tunqui.
This includes better wages that they can live on so they don’t have to beg for tips to make ends meet. This is our job. We provide them with all the equipment they need, including warm down jackets, proper walking boots, rucksacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping bags and mats, and tents for them to sleep in.
We also help their families by supporting their village schools, bringing doctors and dentists to the families and planting trees in their valleys. We are committed to our social projects and the more than 300 porters on our team appreciate this.
While our porters trek to Machu Picchu dozens of times a year, they never enter our famous citadel. We make four trips a year to take our team inside and spend two days touring the important ruins, allowing them to touch and see the history of their ancestors.
Although the numbers are not yet equal, we look forward to the day when we have 50/50 men and women working in the mountains as part of the Tunqui Expeditions team.
We use local products that are biodegradable and organic wherever possible.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
You can hire one from us if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable, protecting you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-shaped and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after each use and have a maximum use of 30 trips.
Walking sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can hire a set from us if you’d like.
You can climb the famous mountain that you always see in photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s a 45 minute climb and the descent can be scary if you’re afraid of heights. You can do this after your guided tour of Machu Picchu. Permission must be obtained at least two to three months in advance due to high demand. Bear in mind that there may be changes to protect your safety, especially due to weather conditions.
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains surrounding the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket, which we can arrange for you if we have time in advance.
If you feel tired after the trek from Llactapata to Hidroelectrica, you can take the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes.
Tipping is the norm on any trip to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our entire team well, a little extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they put in. Typically, group members collect their tips to share with the drivers and cooks.
Landslides, bad weather, changes in itinerary due to safety concerns, illness, pandemics, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and worry free as possible. In this section you’ll find the answers to all your questions about travelling with Tunqui Expeditions in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions you may have about our services.
Is it for me?
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail trek and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances. The climb to the famous Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) isn’t too strenuous or steep since it’s at the beginning of the trek. However, it requires stamina and some time in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the trek.
Plastic-Free Salkantay Trek
Join us on this journey toward a plastic-free ultimate Salkantay Trek, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by our commitment to environmental stewardship. Together we will pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible adventure through the heart of history.
How many days do I need to acclimatise in Cusco before the Salkantay trek?
It’s very important to be well acclimatised to the altitude before embarking on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the start of the trek to help you acclimatise and avoid any problems with altitude sickness during the trek.
You may have been in another area of Peru at high altitude before arriving in Cusco. If this is the case, we still recommend that you spend a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from the journey and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before starting the trek.
Here are some suggestions for activities to do around Cusco before starting your adventure trek:
Briefing or information meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 17:00 the night before the tour starts. These meetings last between 30 and 45 minutes. If you can’t make it, you will need to arrange another time by email, phone or in person at the Tunqui Expeditions office.
Trek balance payment (in Cusco)
If you have an outstanding balance, you must pay it 2 days before your trek. Otherwise your reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, we would appreciate it if you could pay the balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw money from several ATM’s along the Avenida Sol, which offer both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles.
Alternatively, you can pay by credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank drafts or traveller’s cheques as payment for the balance.
Duffle bag or canvas bag
You’ll be given a duffel bag or canvas bag during your briefing. Our team of porters will carry it with you throughout the trek and hand it to you at each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 6 kg / 13.2 lb is allowed for each duffel, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage in your office?
Of course you can! During the trip your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can arrange this with us on the day of the briefing or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment you don’t need on the trek can be safely stored at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service. Don’t leave anything of value with your luggage; put it in the hotel safe and get a detailed receipt (in the unlikely event of theft, many insurance companies require a copy of the receipt detailing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards in a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Collecting guests
Please note:
Returning to Cusco from Machu Picchu
Returning from Machu Picchu requires some logistics, but don’t worry. It is all included in your tour!
Note: Your tour includes a one way bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a return bus ticket, you’ll have to pay an additional US$ 12.00.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, therefore physical conditions and ages may vary. By agreeing to join a group tour, you accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, everyone will be able to move at their own pace.
There may be occasions when a group wishes to make changes to the tour, but it is up to the guide to decide, in consultation with all participants, whether such changes are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may interrupt some of our tours. Roads may be blocked and railway lines may be occupied. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if this means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Tours may be cancelled in these circumstances. In the event of a change or cancellation, our Operations Department will liaise with you. Your safety is our number one priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost items
Please be careful where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything with you when you leave your transport, accommodation or restaurant. You are responsible for your belongings while you’re on the tour.
BASICS
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
The porters will carry up to 7kg of your personal belongings. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you are bring/renting one). In our case these two items weigh 3.5kg.
RECOMMENDED
“Salkantay Trek 6 Days” is available any day of the week, from March to January. We do not operate this itinerary in February due to the rainy season and route maintenance. In addition, during this month, our Tunqui Expeditions team – guides, cooks, porters and muleteers – receive training and plan the year to ensure that you, our travelers, enjoy the trekking experience with us to the fullest.
Cost
Group Price: US$ 980.00 per person.
Required Pre-payment : US$ 300.00 per person.
Balance (Cusco): US$ 680.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after briefing).
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with just 2 people.
Please note that PayPal charges a 5% fee, which we ask the client to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is only for online deposits so you will pay the rest in cash (on the day of the briefing in Cusco) without charge.
Extensions and Offers
There are several extensions that can be included in your Peru Adventure.
Additional Equipment
There are additional items that you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Add-ons and Upgrades
Complementary services and upgrades that you can include in this trip:
Price guarantee
Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. So, before you book, please make sure you have read all our important information about the tour.
Student Discount
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years of age or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of your passport at the time of booking. It must be current and not expire within the dates of travel. Please send it to info@tunquiexpeditions.com.
