This 5-day Salkantay trek will take you to hike along the Andes until reach the world wonder of Machu Picchu
Highlights
* 5-day adventure Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
* Learn about the Salkantay trail and Machu Picchu with a professional guide
* Get to know one of the 7 world wonders
* Hike along the Andes and admire the Salkantay peak
Itinerary
After picking you up from the hotel located in the city of Cusco, you will travel for 3 hours by bus towards the town of Mollepata, located at 2,803 meters above sea level. We are going to have time to rest and from there, you`ll hike uphill for 3 hours to Soraypampa, where the first campsite is located.
You will have lunch with panoramic views of the beautiful snow-capped mountains of Humantay (4,120m / 13500feet) and Salkantay (6,271m / 20,575feet). Also, this campsite is very special, because it has igloos with skylight in the ceiling to admire the starry sky during the night.
Later, we are going to start an uphill hike towards Lake Humantay. This trekking takes 4-hour total. This is a magical place with unique views of snow-capped mountains that are reflected in its crystal clear waters.
The Humantay Lake is located at 4,200 meters above sea level, and is a perfect natural place to explore in the middle of the Andes. Back to Soroypampa we are going to enjoy a delicious dinner, and spend the night.
Walking distance: 8.08 miles
After breakfast, begin hiking for one hour and a half until reach Salkantay Pampa located at 4,620 meters, a place that offers panoramic views to the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Salkantay is a quechua word that means “Wild Mountain”.
You will keep going uphill for 2 hours and a half to the highest point of the trek known as Salkantay Pass. It is located at 4,650 meters (15,200 feet) and halfway between two huge mountains; Salkantay Mountain on the right and Tucarhuay on the left.
In this place you have to be on the ball to spot the amazing Andean Condor flying around. The views from this point are awesome, a spectacle that nature offers between mountains and crystal clear lagoons.
Then, continue downhill through an incredible cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, also known as Huayracmachay. Have lunch and then hike for about 3 hours towards the jungle to reach the second campsite, Colpapampa (2,700 meters).
This campsite has a strategic location and it has igloos with skylight in the ceiling to admire the starry sky during the night. Dinner and overnight.
Walking distance: 16.16 miles
After breakfast, start hiking through the upper jungle and cross the Lluskamayo River through small brooks and creeks. The downhill path is in rural areas with more population.
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu continues hiking towards the valley of Santa Teresa. The vegetation is around us. You will pass through farmlands of banana, avocado and passion fruit. Also, you will see coffee plantations with the best organic coffee of the world. Arriving at the Inca Trail Llactapata we will say goodbye to the horses and the equestrian staff.
After lunch we will reach the next campsite located in Lucmabamba at 2,062 meters. This day you are going to hike like 5 hours. The campsite has igloos with skylight in the ceiling, so you can watch the starry sky during the night. Dinner and overnight.
Walking distance: 9.94 miles
After breakfast, hike up for 3 hours to Llactapata pass located at 2,736 meters above sea level. Here, the first panoramic views of Machu Picchu start to appear in front of us. A well-deserved rest in the archaeological site of Llactapata will comfort you.
The trail to Machu Picchu in the Sacred Valley continues for 2 more hours downhill passing coca and banana plantations. Reach the Hydroelectric dam for lunch and hike for 3 more hours to reach the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night.
After the check in at the hotel, we are going to enjoy the last dinner together as a small group, with our professional guide. We will talk about the tour to Machu Picchu on the last day.
Optional: In Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the hot springs in the town.
Walking distance: 11.81 miles
Early morning enjoy breakfast and then take the bus to Machu Picchu. See the magnificent city as the sun rises. Our professional guide will take you to the Guardian’s House to explore the citadel for 30 minutes.
The guided tour will take 1 hour, and later, you can continue the walking tour with the guide for one more hour with the chance to climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain (optional), or you can go to the Sun Gate on your own, the arrival point of Inca Trail, and explore the rest of this place. You have the freedom to choose how to discover this wonder of the world.
In the afternoon, you will back to Aguas Calientes by bus and get your train tickets back to Cusco. After one hour and a half of journey, you will arrive to the train station of Ollantaytambo, and our transport will take you to the city of Cusco and drop you off at the hotel.
included with
* Briefing one day before starting the tour
* Professional Bilingual Guide.
* Private bus from Cusco to the starting point of the treeking
* Horses and cowboys
* Cook
* Camping equipment (mattresses, tables and seats, cooking tent and eating tent).
* Round trip bus ticket to the entrance of Machu Picchu
* Entrance fee to Salkantay, Lake Humantay and Machu Picchu
* Train Expedition from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
* Train Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
excluded by
* Meals at Aguas Calientes the last day
* Hot springs pool visit and ticket entrance
* Tips to the crew (guides and porters)
* Sleeping bag
* Extra horse with horseman
* Ticket entrance to the Mountain Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu
* Travel insurance
Essential
Information
Non Refundable Tour
* All traveler passport details are needed for the Machu Picchu day trip (full name, number, nationality and birthdate). Please provide all traveler passport details in the additional request box, otherwise the tour is not confirmed
* Trains schedule could vary because of the season and availability
* Trains allow one small bag no more than 5 kilos on board
* There are food options for vegetarians, with prior coordination
* The train service from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes has an extra cost
What to bring:
* Backpack day
* -5ºC sleeping bag
* Hiking boots (runners shoes are not recommended)
* Walking poles
* Warm clothes; layers for variable temperatures specially al night
* Flash light
* Camera and extra film & batteries
* Sun protection; sun cream, sun hat, sunglasses
* Thermals, wools socks and woolen hat for cold nights
* Insect repellent
* Rain poncho, good rain jacket
* Toiletries; toilet paper, small towel
* Bathing clothes for the hot springs
* Gloves, scarf, trekking pants or similar
* Water bottle; water purifying tablets
* Personal medical kit
* Original passport and original isic student card if applicable
* Extra money for souvenirs, drink, etc.
Restrictions
* This activity is not recommended for children 12 and younger
* Good physical condition is required
