The Budget Salkantay Trek offers an excellent opportunity for budget-conscious travelers to explore the stunning landscapes of the Salkantay mountain region near Cusco. This 4-5 day trek provides a comprehensive experience, including professional guides, comfortable accommodations, and all necessary meals and transportation. While not suitable for those with mobility issues or pregnant women, the trek caters to adventurous souls seeking to enjoy the natural wonders of the Andes without breaking the bank. With its strategic route and array of inclusions, the Budget Salkantay Trek presents a compelling option for those wishing to discover the region’s captivating highlights.
Key Points
- The budget-friendly Salkantay trek covers scenic highlights like Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay mountain, with a 4-5 day itinerary starting at $660 per person.
- The trek includes professional guides, accommodations, meals, transportation, and mules to carry equipment, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
- The 4-day option includes ascent to Humantay Lagoon, crossing Salkantay Pass, and reaching Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu.
- The 5-day option provides additional time to explore the region, including a visit to Cocalmayo hot springs in Santa Teresa.
- The trek is not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, but offers optional less strenuous activities.
Overview of the Trek
This budget-friendly version of the Salkantay trek allows adventurers to experience one of the most beautiful hiking routes to Machu Picchu while keeping costs down.
The trek lasts 4-5 days, with prices starting at $660 per person. It covers scenic highlights like the turquoise Humantay Lagoon and the towering Salkantay mountain, before descending to the lush cloud forests and ending at the iconic Machu Picchu site.
The itinerary includes professional guides, accommodation, meals, and transportation. While the trek isn’t recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, there are optional add-ons for less strenuous activities.
Travelers can also expect high season to impact availability of Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
You can also read our reviews of more hiking tours in Cusco
Itinerary: 4-Day Option
The 4-day Salkantay trek itinerary begins with a transfer from Cusco to Mollepata, where hikers will commence their journey at Challacancha.
From there, they’ll ascend to the stunning Laguna Humantay before reaching the camp in Soraypampa.
The following day, the trail continues through Soyrococha and over the Salkantay Pass, the trek’s highest point at 4,600 meters. After descending to Huayracmachay, hikers will arrive at Chaullay for the night.
On the final day, they’ll reach Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu, where they’ll spend the night before exploring the iconic Inca citadel the next morning.
Itinerary: 5-Day Option
For travelers seeking a more leisurely pace, the 5-day Salkantay trek itinerary offers an additional day to explore the region.
On the third day, hikers commence their descent from Chaullay, passing through Playa Sahuayaco before reaching the town of Lucmabamba. From there, they’ll continue on to Santa Teresa, where they can unwind at the Cocalmayo hot springs (optional).
The following day, the trail leads to the Hydroelectric station, the final stop before reaching Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
This extended itinerary provides:
- More time to acclimate and enjoy the stunning landscapes.
- The opportunity to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs in Santa Teresa.
- A more gradual descent to Aguas Calientes, reducing the physical strain.
Included in the Package
The Salkantay trek package covers a range of essential services to ensure a comfortable and well-organized journey. It includes the services of a professional bilingual guide who’ll lead the group and provide valuable insights throughout the trek. Travelers will also receive an entry ticket to Machu Picchu, allowing them to explore the iconic Inca citadel. Accommodations in camps and hostels, along with meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), are all part of the package. Plus, mules will carry the camping equipment and personal baggage, and transfers between locations are provided. The package also includes a sleeping bag, ensuring a cozy night’s rest after a day of trekking.
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| Professional Guide | Humantay Lagoon Entrance |
| Machu Picchu Ticket | Cocalmayo Hot Springs |
| Accommodation & Meals | Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain |
| Mules & Transfers | Zipline |
| Sleeping Bag | Bus to/from Machu Picchu |
Excluded From the Package
While the Salkantay trek package covers a comprehensive set of services, there are a few optional experiences and activities that travelers must pay for separately.
Entrance fees to the Humantay Lagoon ($10 per person) and the Cocalmayo hot springs in Santa Teresa aren’t included in the package.
Plus, the cost of hiking to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, as well as the zipline, are add-on options that require additional payment.
Lastly, the package doesn’t cover the bus transportation to and from Machu Picchu, which can be booked separately if desired.
The excluded items include:
- Entrance to Humantay Lagoon ($10 per person)
- Entrance to Cocalmayo hot springs in Santa Teresa
- Hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, and zipline
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Important Considerations
Certain traveler profiles aren’t well-suited for this Salkantay trek, as it demands a moderate level of physical fitness and mobility. Pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, and wheelchair users may find the trek challenging and are advised to consider less demanding alternatives.
Fortunately, the tour operator offers optional add-ons for less strenuous activities, such as hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, visits to the Cocalmayo hot springs, and a zipline experience.
Travelers should also be aware that the high season may impact the availability of first-shift Machu Picchu tickets, so early booking is recommended.
Accommodation and Meals
Trekkers can expect comfortable accommodations and satisfying meals throughout the Salkantay trek. Participants will stay in camps and hostels during the 4-5 day journey, with mules carrying the camping equipment and personal baggage.
Hikers will enjoy a variety of nutritious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options prepared by the tour’s culinary team.
The included meals during the trek provide:
- A balanced diet to sustain hikers’ energy levels and support their physical activity.
- Opportunities to sample traditional Peruvian cuisine, including local ingredients and dishes.
- Accommodation for dietary restrictions or preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.
This all-inclusive package ensures trekkers can focus on the stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences, rather than worrying about their basic needs during the adventure.
Transportation and Transfers
The trek package includes all necessary transfers between the various locations along the route, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for participants.
Travelers will be transported from Cusco to the starting point in Mollepata, and then transported back to Cusco from Aguas Calientes (the town below Machu Picchu) at the end of the trek.
Along the way, mules will carry the camping equipment and personal baggage, allowing hikers to focus on enjoying the stunning landscapes without the burden of heavy loads.
The transportation services provided as part of the package make this budget-friendly Salkantay trek an excellent choice for those seeking a comfortable and convenient way to explore the beautiful Andes Mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option to Extend the Trek Beyond 5 Days?
Yes, the trek can be extended beyond 5 days. The itinerary provides a 4-5 day option, allowing travelers to choose a longer route if desired. This can accommodate those seeking a more immersive hiking experience along the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu.
Can the Trek Be Done Individually or Only as a Group?
The Salkantay Trek can be done both individually and as part of a group. Many tour operators offer this trek with flexible group sizes, allowing travelers to join existing groups or arrange a private trek if preferred.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Trek?
The maximum group size for this trek is typically 8-12 people. Larger groups can be accommodated, but this allows for a more personalized and manageable experience. The exact group size may vary depending on the tour operator.
Can I Bring My Own Gear or Is It Provided?
Participants can bring their own gear, but it’s also provided. The trek includes a sleeping bag, and mules carry the camping equipment and personal baggage, so travelers don’t have to lug it all themselves.
Is There an Option to Upgrade the Accommodations Along the Trek?
Yes, there’s an option to upgrade accommodations on the trek. Travelers can choose to stay in hostels instead of camping, or upgrade to private rooms with en-suite bathrooms for an additional fee. These upgrades provide more comfort during the multi-day hike.
From Cusco: Budget Salkantay Trek With Return by Car
Recap
The Budget Salkantay Trek offers a cost-effective alternative to the classic route, providing a comprehensive 4-5 day experience that showcases the region’s natural beauty.
With professional guides, comfortable accommodations, and seamless transportation, this trek caters to budget-conscious travelers seeking to explore Salkantay Mountain and Humantay Lagoon without compromising on safety and comfort.
It’s an ideal choice for those looking to discover the Cusco region’s stunning landscapes without breaking the bank.
