Salkantay & Tomacaya Trek- 5 Days
SALKANTAY & TOMACAYA TREK
5-DAYS/4-NIGHTS
The Salkantay & Tomacaya Trek is a remarkable alternative to the traditional Inca Trail, offering a captivating and off-the-beaten-path adventure through the stunning landscapes of Peru heading to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. This 5-day trek takes you through high-altitude mountain passes and showcases breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. One of the highlights of the trek is traveling through the seldom visited Tomacaya route, where you will cross over the Toqto pass (4,900 meters/15,827 feet) with a spectacular view of Salkantay Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the region, standing at an impressive 6,271 meters/20,574 feet. The Salkantay & Tomacaya Trek promises adventure, natural beauty, cultural immersion, and an unforgettable journey through the lesser-explored regions of Peru.
Trip Details
ITINERARY
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
PRICE
ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – LIMATAMBO – TINKOQ
- Early Morning: Depart Cusco in private transport to Limatambo.
- Stop: Explore Tarawasi village (Inca ceremonial center).
- Continue: Drive to Tomacaya community, start uphill trek.
- Trek: 11.1 km / 6.9 miles to Tinkoq campsite.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation: Camping
- Camp Altitude: 4,154 meters / 13,628 feet
DAY 2: TINKOQ – PAMPACAHUANA
- Early Morning: Breakfast and start trek to Toqto pass (4,900 meters / 16,076 feet).
- Hike: 14 km / 8.7 miles with stunning views and potential condor sightings.
- Descent: To Pampacahuana camp via Pampacahuana viewpoint (4,000 meters / 13,120 feet).
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Difficulty: Hard/Challenging
- Accommodation: Camping
- Camp Altitude: 3,902 meters / 12,801 feet
DAY 3: PAMPACAHUANA – CHAMANA
- Early Morning: Breakfast and hike down the valley along an Inca water channel.
- Hike: 16.8 km / 10.43 miles through villages and varied vegetation.
- Lunch: At Paucarcancha (ancient Inca site).
- Continue: Hike to Chamana campsite, explore Llactapata.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
- Accommodation: Camping
- Camp Altitude: 2,585 meters / 8,480 feet
DAY 4: CHAMANA – AGUAS CALIENTES
- Morning: Breakfast and hike to Piscacucho village (Kilometer 82).
- Trail: Along Vilcanota River, cross several Inca sites.
- Transport: Private transport to Ollantaytambo for lunch, then train to Aguas Calientes.
- Hiking Distance: 9 km / 5.59 miles
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
- Difficulty: Easy
- Accommodation: 3*** Hotel
- Bus Travel Distance: 15.6 km / 9.7 miles
- Travel by Train: 43 km / 27 miles
DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU
- Early Morning: Breakfast at hotel, bus to Machu Picchu.
- Tour: Guided tour of Machu Picchu, explore at leisure.
- Optional: Hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (reservations required).
- Return: Bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), train to Ollantaytambo, private transport to Cusco.
- Transportation Time: 4 hours (train and bus)
- Bus: Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu (30 minutes)
INCLUDED
- Private transportation from Cusco to Tomacaya
- Professional bilingual English/Spanish guide
- Assistant guide for 6 people or more
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- 4-men tent for 2 people
- Inflatable air mattress and pillow
- 3*** Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Train tickets Ollantaytambo – Aguas calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Bus ticket Aguas calientes / Machu Picchu (roundtrip)
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco
- All meals during the trek
- Dining tent, tables, and chairs
- Professional private chef
- Horses (for all your camping gear & your duffle bags)
- Horsemen
- First aid kit
- Oxygen tank
NOT INCLUDED
- Dinner on Day 4
- Lunch on Day 5
- Entrance fee for Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional additional hikes)
- Gratuities for drivers, porters, and cook
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
- Waterproof and breathable hiking boots
- Warm socks for nights
- Regular and long wicking first layers for cold weather
- Short-sleeve t-shirts
- Light-colored long-sleeve shirts or t-shirts
- Quick-dry Pants
- Trekking pants
- Insulated long-sleeve jacket
- Light cap, beanie
- Rain jacket (in the rainy season, bring rain pants also)
- Comfortable and lightweight shoes for the campsite
- Sleeping bags (available for rent)
- Walking sticks (available for rent)
- Hiking Backpack 30L
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp
- Microfiber towel
- Sunblock (SPF 35 or higher)
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
- Portable power bank
- Personal First Aid Kit (highly recommended)
On each trip, we supply a medical kit, but we suggest you bring a small personal First-Aid Kit for possible scrapes and/or blisters. Knee and ankle braces are also sometimes useful to have, especially if you suffer from weak knees or ankles.
PRICE
Price per person:
- 2 people 1,050 USD per person
- 3 people 970 USD per person
- 4 people 940 USD per person
- 5 people 900 USD per person
- 6 or more people 870 USD per person