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Quinoa Expeditions offers a unique and personalized trekking experience, away from the crowds, with private campsites and stunning views throughout the journey. Our expert team of guides, porters, horsemen, and chefs ensures top-quality service, delicious meals, and an unforgettable adventure to Machu Picchu.
At Quinoa Expeditions, we design each journey to be a truly unique and unforgettable experience. This adventure offers breathtaking beauty at every step, and thanks to our exclusive itinerary, you'll enjoy stunning views without the crowds. Our private, custom-built campsites ensure comfort and privacy throughout the trek.
With a highly qualified team of guides, porters, horsemen, and chefs, you’ll receive personalized care and enjoy exceptional meals along the way. And of course, the journey ends with incredible views of the iconic Machu Picchu.
5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa
The adventure begins with a scenic drive to Mollepata for breakfast, followed by a hike to the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake. After lunch in Soraypampa, you’ll continue uphill to the campsite at Salkantaypampa (4200m), nestled at the base of Salkantay Mountain.
Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Wayracmachay – Colpapampa
An early start leads you to the Salkantay Pass (4650m), the trek’s highest point. A special ceremony to Pachamama and Salkantay is offered for protection. Afterward, descend through the cloud forest, with waterfalls, orchids, and possible wildlife sightings, to your private campsite in Colpapampa.
Day 3: Colpapampa – La Playa – Lucmabamba
Today’s trail descends into the lush jungle, ending in Lucmabamba. Optional visit to the Santa Teresa Hot Springs for relaxation. You'll also enjoy a tour of a local coffee plantation, from bean picking to tasting fresh coffee.
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes
Climb a section of the original Inca Trail to Llactapata for your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. After lunch, descend to the train tracks at Hidroelectrica and continue on foot to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy dinner, a farewell ceremony, and a restful night at your hotel.
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Wake early to catch the sunrise at Machu Picchu with a guided tour of the Incan citadel. Optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (with pre-purchased tickets). Return to Aguas Calientes, take the train to Ollantaytambo, and transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
What's Included:
- Hotel pick-up in Cusco
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Assistant guide (for groups of 9+)
- Experienced chef
- All meals during the trek: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 afternoon snacks, and 4 dinners
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- 4-person tent shared by 2 people
- Mules to carry equipment and 7kg of personal items
- Sleeping mattress
- Oxygen bottle and first aid kit
- Private transport: Cusco to Mollepata
- 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Day 4): private room, hot shower, Wi-Fi, luggage storage
- Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
Return train to Ollantaytambo + van back to your hotel in Cusco
Not Included:
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Inflatable sleeping pad
- Trekking poles
- Day 1 breakfast, Day 5 lunch & dinner
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Travel insurance
Tips for staff
What to Bring:
- Original passport (and ISIC card if student)
- Day pack
- Sleeping bag (can be rented)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof & warm jackets
- Thermal clothing, wool hat, gloves, and socks
- Comfortable trekking trousers & T-shirts
- Sun hat, sunscreen (SPF 35+), insect repellent
- Toiletries: toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, hand sanitizer
- Personal medication kit
- Flashlight/headlamp with extra batteries
- Water bottle or CamelBak
- Camera
- Extra cash (at least 300 soles in cash for tips, drinks, souvenirs)
- Swimsuit (for optional hot springs visit in Aguas Calientes)
Absolute Essentials (Required to Join the Trek):
- Original valid passport (copies not accepted)
- Valid student card (if booked with student discount)
- Comfortable, broken-in trekking boots
- Daypack (max 25L – required for Machu Picchu entry)
- Water storage for at least 2L (bottle or camelback)
What to Pack in Your Daypack (Carried Daily):
- Hat and sunglasses
- Rain gear
- Warm layers (e.g., fleece or long sleeves)
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer and toilet paper
- Personal medication, band-aids, moleskin
- Headlamp or torch
- Snacks (power bars, chocolate, etc.)
- Extra money (small bills for toilets, tips, and souvenirs)
- Camera and batteries
Duffel Bag Items (Carried by Porters – Max 7kg):
- Includes sleeping bag and mattress if rented (~3kg combined)
- Sleeping bag and air mattress (rentable)
- Light shoes for camp
- Warm jacket, hat, and gloves
- 2–3 wicking t-shirts, 1–2 hiking pants
- 4 sets of underwear and hiking socks
- Fleece and warm down jacket
- Quick-dry towel and soap
- Wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, face moisturizer
- Power bank / charger
- Plastic bags (for separating dirty/wet clothes)
Group Service Price
Price per person US$620.00
Private Service Prices
2 people US$ 680per person
3 people US$ 660 per person
4 people US$ 640 per person
5 +people US$ 620 per person
Discounts:
Student Discount: US$30 (Requires ISIC Card to qualify)
Under 18’s Discount: US$30
Important: Prices Include mules to carry up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings.
Equipment Rental:
Walking Pole US$20(pair)
Sleeping Bag US$30
Inflatable Mattress US$30
Single Tent Supplement US$30
Optional Extras/Not Included (Need to book in Advance):
Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
Vistadome Train Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo: USD50.00 (Need to book in advance).
Extra Night in Aguas Calientes: Depends on the type of Hotel desired (Need to book in advance).
Send us your main Departure date and back up date: By providing us with a main date and a back up date for your trek (classic Inca Trail, Lares, Salkantay, etc) you automatically authorize Quinoa Expeditions to use either of these dates for your reservation. Quinoa Expeditions within the next 24 hours (after you have sent us your booking form and confirm deposit was made) will send you an electronic receipt confirming your trek has been officially booked and also to confirm the exact departure date of your trek.
Send us your Personal Details for Booking: Your passport number and other information must be valid. Please advise if you change your passport number after booking the tour (especially for booking the classic Inca Trail as if we do not make a change in your official details, you may not be permitted to do the trek). Please Note changing passports’ numbers requires an extra fee (we are able to change passports numbers easily on our receipt but its also extremely important that we make the changes with the Inca Trail authorities)
Student rate: In order to obtain this discount you must have a valid ISIC card. It is important you scan and e-mail this to us at the time of booking and that it is valid on the date you are booked on the Inca Trail/alternative trek (you will need to show the real ISIC card upon your arrival here in Cusco and in Machu Picchu).
Payment of deposit: For any of our Adventure treks ending in Machu Picchu.
We request a non-refundable deposit per person along with personal details of each member participating in the trek:
Full name
Passport number,
Gender,
Nationality,
DOB
Payment of deposit amount is:
US$ 200 per person for the Salkantay Trek only Or
US$ 275 per person for the Salkantay Trek + Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu climbing. Please confirm if you want to climb Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu as they need to be booked well in advance too; there are 2 time sessions:
7 – 8am or 10 – 11am – this also needs to be specified although you need to be flexible to either time.
Please note, if you get the permits for the 7am start you will probably have to miss the Machu Picchu guided tour.
Before the Trek
Arrival in Cusco: Airport pickup provided. Share your flight info at least 14 days in advance.
Briefing: Held the day before the trek at 6pm at the your hotel or Quinoia office.
Luggage Storage: Available at the office or your hotel.
Booking & Payment
Fill out the booking form with passport details and pay a $211 USD deposit via PayPal or Visa.
The balance can be paid in cash in Cusco (USD or Soles) or online with a 5.5% fee.
Discounts
Student discounts apply with valid university ID and passport (must meet age requirements).
Children 0–2: free; ages 2–11: $40 off; students 11–17: $30 off.
Important Requirements
Bring your original passport (and old passport if you've renewed it).
You must show the original passport used at booking to enter Machu Picchu and board the train.
Trek Info
Group size: max 8 people (2–6 typical).
1 cook per group; number of horses depends on group size.
Duffel bags (max 7kg) are carried by horses.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. Good fitness and acclimatization (2–3 days in Cusco) recommended.
Facilities & Emergencies
Toilets are available along the route (some with a small fee).
Emergency support and oxygen provided. In serious cases, transport or helicopter evacuation (insurance needed).
Post-Trek
You’ll be dropped off at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Return train usually departs around 14:55–15:20.
Vistadome upgrade available for $67 USD with panoramic views and entertainment.
Tipping & Ethics
Tipping is appreciated but optional, based on service quality.
Quinoa Expeditions is a sustainable operator that supports local communities and promotes environmental respect.
Why Choose Quinoa Expeditions
Quinoa Expeditions is a 100% locally owned Cusqueñian travel agency and tour operator, founded on years of experience and a passion for authentic Andean adventures. Our mission is to offer personalized, small-group treks and tours with a strong focus on quality, responsibility, and sustainability.
Locally Rooted & Responsible
Entirely run by locals with no outside shareholders.
We ensure fair wages and respectful treatment for all our staff our extended family.
Committed to giving back through community service projects and local employment.
Small Group Policy
Max 8 people per group to ensure a more intimate and personalized experience, far from the crowds.
Top Guides
Professional, fun, and fluent in English.
Hold degrees in fields like archaeology, history, tourism, and anthropology.
Passionate about Inca culture and constantly expanding their knowledge.
Well-Cared Pack Animals
Fully supported treks with mules to carry your gear.
We prioritize the health and humane treatment of our pack animals.
BuffetTrekking Cuisine
Delicious and abundant meals crafted by expert cooks using local and international ingredients.
We cater to all dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies, etc.).
High-Quality Equipment
4-season EUREKA or Doite tents (4-person tents used for 2 people) with extra space.
Foam and inflatable mattresses for better comfort (inflatable available for rent).
Complete camping setup: dining tent, chairs, tables, duffel bags, and biochemical toilet.
Extras: hot showers, survivor T-shirts, rain covers, and more.
Community Commitment
We invest in local communities through education, donations, and hiring.
Proud to strengthen ties with highland villages and promote sustainable tourism.
Choose Quinoa Expeditions for a life-changing trekking experience, where every step supports local people, respects nature, and delivers exceptional service and cultural authenticity.
