Cusco,Soraypampa,Paucarcancha,Ollantaytambo,Machupicchu
- Time 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Tour Type Hike
- Altitude 3850 m.a.s.l.
- Place Cusco
- Difficulty Moderate
Trip Description
If you are looking for a different option to the traditional Inca Trail and want to avoid the crowded and congested routes, the SALKANTAY is an excellent alternative. During this impressive expedition, you will hike the trails located under the majesty of the snow-capped Salkantay, enjoying a dry and cold climate in the first part of the trek, while in the second part you will experience a warmer and more humid climate. It is important to keep in mind that this trek can present a moderate to demanding challenge, so it is recommended to be in good physical shape and to arrive in Cusco at least two days before the start of the tour to properly adapt to the altitude.
Short itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Challacancha – Cruz Pata – Soraypampa:
The itinerary begins with pick up from your hotel, followed by a bus ride from Cusco to Mollepata. After arrival, the trek will begin, with lunch in Soraypampa and a visit to the beautiful Humantay Lagoon. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner and spend the night in a campsite after having hiked 13 km.
Day 02: Soraypampa – Wayrapata – Chaullay
After breakfast, we will walk through the ‘Abra Salkantay’ and have lunch in Pacaymayu. Then, we will have dinner and spend the night at Chaullay camp, after having walked 22 km.
Day 03: Chaullay – La Playa – Santa Teresa
Breakfast, walk to the beach where we will take our transportation to Santa Teresa where we will spend the night.
Day 04: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
After an early breakfast, we will hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a lodge.
Day 5: Full Day Machupicchu Sanctuary – Cusco
We will start the day with breakfast and then take a bus to Machu Picchu. We will enjoy a guided tour in Machu Picchu and then walk back to Aguas Calientes. Finally, we will return to the city of Cusco by train.
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | |
| Departure point | Cusco | Soraypampa | Chaullay | Santa Teresa | Machu Picchu |
| Arrival point | Soraypampa | Chaullay | Santa Teresa | Aguas Calientes (Hotel) | Cusco |
| Activities | Transfer Cusco – Mollepata, Hike | Hike | Hike | Visit Machu Picchu and return to Cuzco | |
| Distance / duration | 16 Km. / 7-8 h. | 19 Km. / 8-9 h. | 16 km. / 6-7 h. | 16 Km. / 6-7 h. | |
| Breakfast | |||||
| Lunch | |||||
| Dinner |
Complete Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Challacancha – Cruz Pata – Soraypampa
Cusco (3,400 masl): Around 4:30 am, we will pick you up at your hotel and head to the charming village of Mollepata in a tourist bus. This beautiful village will be the starting point of our trek, and before starting the trek, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast that will be waiting for us.
Cruz Pata (3,600 masl): After breakfast, we will begin our trek. Our first destination will be Cruz Pata, where we will make a brief stop to enjoy lunch with a spectacular view of the Limatambo Valley. Then we will continue our hike to Soraypampa, where we will set up our first camp.
Soraypampa (3,900 masl): After the exciting hike and enjoying a breathtaking view, we arrive at our first campsite in Soraypampa around 16:30 pm. From this point, we can contemplate the majesty of the snow-capped Salkantay.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Distance: 16 km (7 to 8 hours Approx.)
- Max Altitude: Camping altitude 3900 masl.
- Considered: Strongest day
- Weather: Cold, Windy
- Campsite: Soraypampa
Day 02: Soraypampa – Wayrapata – Chaullay
Soraypampa (3, 900 masl): We will begin our trek with a comforting breakfast around 5:30 in the morning.
Abra Salkantay (4, 630 masl): We will head towards the highest pass of this trek. This pass is located between two majestic mountains: Salkantay on the right, with an altitude of 6,271 meters (20,575 feet), and Humantay on the left, with an altitude of 4,120 meters (13,500 feet). From this point, the views of the snow-capped mountains are simply amazing. There is also the possibility of finding snow in this area. Here we will perform a small ceremony known as “Pago a la Tierra” or “Pacha mama”. In this ceremony, we will leave some coca leaves on the rocks of Mother Earth, asking for permission to continue our journey and have an incredible and memorable experience.
Huayrac Pata (4,000 masl): We will continue our hike downhill, crossing a beautiful cloud forest, until we reach Huayracpunku, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch.
Chaullay (2,700 masl): After lunch, we resume our hike into the jungle until we reach our second campsite, Chaullay. At this camp, we will enjoy a warm and pleasant climate. Another option for camping would be at Collpa Pampa, following the course of the Salkantay River. At this point, we will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful Andean landscape while setting up camp (at an altitude of approximately 2700 meters).
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Distance: 19 km (8 to 9 hours Approx.)
- Max Altitude: Camping altitude 4630 masl.
- Considered: Regular day
- Weather: Cold, Warm
- Campsite: Collpa pampa
Day 03: Chaullay – La Playa – Santa Teresa
Chaullay (2,800 masl): After our breakfast at 6:30 a.m., we will enter various valleys, crossing the Lluskamayo River and several small streams. Along the way, we will enjoy incredible views of waterfalls, tropical fruits, colorful birds and a variety of native plants.
Collpa pampa (2,700 m.a.s.l.): The trek becomes less demanding, as we encounter a generally warm climate. Along the way, we will stop for lunch and enjoy even more of the vibrant valleys that surround us.
La Playa (2,064 masl): Once we reach the village known as La Playa, we will take a short break to rest and board a vehicle to head to Santa Teresa, where we will spend the night.
Santa Teresa (1,600 masl): Our next destination will be Santa Teresa, where we will set up our next camp. After taking a break and enjoying some refreshments to recover energy, you will have the option to visit the hot springs and relax. These baths are a real treat after walking all day, and we highly recommend them. It is a perfect opportunity to rest and revitalize yourself.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Distance: 16 km (6 hours Approx.)
- Max Altitude: Camping altitude 2 800 masl.
- Considered: Regular and relaxed day
- Weather: Warm
- Campsite: Santa Teresa
Day 04: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
Santa Teresa (1, 800 masl): After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will continue our trekking for approximately 3 hours until we reach the hydroelectric plant.
Hidroeléctrica (1,820 masl): Our trail will take us through the cuttings of the old coffee plantation of Mando Pampa and into the cloud forest, following the course of the sacred river for about an hour and a half until the impressive waterfalls of Hidroeléctrica appear before our eyes. These waterfalls, with a height of about twelve meters, are fed by the crystalline waters coming from the sacred Yanantin Mountain.
As we advance, the trail continues to ascend until it reaches the ridge, before plunging into increasingly dense vegetation. Here we will encounter a beautiful fertile landscape, where coffee, banana and avocado plantations are intertwined in the middle of the jungle. In addition, we will be able to appreciate pristine areas that serve as natural habitat for diverse species, such as the spectacled bear, hundreds of bird species and butterflies, some of them endemic to the region. The forest is adorned with bromeliads and a great variety of orchids, many of which have been recently identified by specialized biologists.
Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl): Finally, we will arrive at Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes), where we will enjoy a night in our cozy and comfortable hotel.
Optional: You will have the option to make a night visit to the town of Aguas Calientes and enjoy the Hot Springs, whose entrance fee is US $4.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner.
Day 5: Full Day Machupicchu Sanctuary – Cusco.
Aguas Calientes: After enjoying breakfast, we will head to the bus (at 6 am) that will take us to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Sanctuary: We will take a walking tour of approximately 2 hours, guided by our tour guide. After this, you will have free time to explore the mysterious city at your own pace. At 10 am, there will be an opportunity to ascend Huayna Picchu (2720m / 8890ft). The ascent to the top takes about 45 minutes.
In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo in the Expedition category, and from there, we will transfer by bus back to Cusco. We estimate to arrive in Cusco around 22:30 hours.
- Meals: Breakfast
OPTIONAL: The Sacred Mountain of Huayna Picchu has a limited capacity of 400 seats per day, so we recommend making a reservation in advance. If you still have energy, you can also choose to climb to the top of Huayna Picchu. The ascent will take approximately 45 minutes, and there is an additional cost of $15.00 USD to access this mountain.
NOTE:
The itinerary may be subject to change depending on the availability of reservations and spaces in the camps at the time of arrival.
Campsites may vary depending on weather and health of travelers. The train service included in all excursions is the Expedition Service to Ollantaytambo, and train schedules will be confirmed close to the start of the trek. In case you join a group at the end of the day, we cannot guarantee that you will travel on the same train as the rest of the group.
Train schedules are subject to change according to Peru Rail’s schedule and availability.
What's included
The Service Includes:
- Transfers In/ Out
- First breakfast
- Transportation Cusco -Mollepata.
- Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish).
- Pack horses and muleteer.
- 04D-04A – 04 S -04C
- Professional cook
- Camping Equipment “Triple waterproof tents for each 02 people and personal Matras” – Dining Tents and Kitchen.
- Camping Equipment for Guides, Cooks and Porters.
- 01 night Hotel with private bathroom and hot water in Machupicchu.
- First Aid Kit
- Oxygen Balloon.
- Entrance tickets to Machupicchu
- Return train tickets (expedition) to Cusco.
- 01 bus Consettur -Machupicchu Inka City -Aguas Calientes.
Recommendations
Recommendations:
- Original passport
- CIIU (student discount card), in case you have it.
- Small backpack
- Rain poncho
- Good hiking pants, hiking boots, sun, hat and sunglasses
- Camera batteries and extra
- 2 liters of water
- Extra money
- Insect repellent
- Trekking poles
- Snacks
Extras:
- Bag rental US $ 25.00 for the entire trip
- Metal poles US $ 15.00 for the whole trip
- Extra horses to carry your personal equipment US $ 80.00 for 04 days.
- Supplementary single tent for camping nights US $ 35.00.
- Vistadome class tourist train (a “first class train, with panoramic windows to enjoy the view of Machu Picchu Valley”) is an additional US $ 50.00 per person.
It is possible to make hotel reservations in Cusco and other cities in Peru according to the preferences of each person, either in categories such as Standard, Economy, First Class or Luxury. We have confidential rates for each hotel in Cusco, which allows us to obtain excellent offers and profitable deals.
Prices
SHARED SERVICE TOURClassic Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu Tour PRICE PER PERSON Minimum 02 people |
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Tour summary
What’s Included:
TYPE OF TOURIST TRAIN
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Important note:
The train service THE VOYAGER – Inca Rail or EXPEDITION Train – Peru Rail, if you prefer the service in the VISTADOME Train, the additional cost is US$ 45.00 per person round trip.
We also have different prices for students, children and infants.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions from travelers
What age is the tour not recommended for?
Our hike is suitable for all people in good health. To ensure an optimal experience, we recommend that people over 60 years of age are in good physical condition. In addition, children who wish to participate must be at least 8 years old and enjoy hiking.
Is there food with vegetarian option?
Sure, it is possible to make the request in advance.
Is the Salkantay Trek dangerous?
No, the trek is safe. However, it is advisable to abide by the indications and suggestions of the tour guide, as a precautionary measure.
Is the route possible all year round? When should I not go?
Of course! The Salkantay Trek is feasible all year round. However, it is important to keep in mind that the most challenging months are January, February and March due to heavy rains. The rest of the year, the route is more comfortable, as rainfall is scarce.
Is the visit to Huayna Picchu Mountain included?
The entrance fee included is for “Machupicchu Solo”. If you wish, you can request the entrance fee for “Huayna Picchu” for an additional cost of $20.
Can I go on my own?
Yes it is possible but not recommended. If you decide to go on your own, be sure to bring a backpack with warm clothes, camping gear and enough food for each day. However, most visitors prefer to go on tour, as it is a more organized and comfortable experience.
Is previous hiking experience needed to do the tour?
No previous hiking experience is necessary, but good physical condition is recommended. Challenging terrain, preparation and consult health professional if necessary.
What does Salkantay mean?
“Salkantay” is a word that comes from the Quechua language, spoken by the indigenous communities of the Andean region of Peru. In Quechua, “Salkantay” refers to a snow-capped mountain located in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, near the city of Cusco.
Do I need travel insurance for salkantay trek?
It is highly recommended to obtain travel insurance for the Salkantay Trek and other outdoor adventures. It provides protection in case of injury, illness, cancellations and lost luggage. Check that it covers trekking and high altitudes. Travel insurance gives you peace of mind and helps you deal with unexpected situations during the Salkantay Trek.
What is the difference between the traditional Salkantay and the Salkantay 3D?
- Salkantay Traditional: Classic 4-5 day route, Salkantay pass, panoramic landscapes and arrival at Machu Picchu.
- Salkantay 3D: Shorter 3-day version, highlights Laguna Humantay, Salkantay pass and arrival at Machu Picchu.
- Differences: Duration, highlights and approach, but both reach Machu Picchu and offer beautiful scenery.
What is the best time of the year to do the Salkantay trek?
The ideal season to do the Salkantay Trek is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this period, rains are less frequent and the weather is more stable, allowing for a more comfortable trek and providing breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains and landscapes. However, from November to March, the route features more lush vegetation and the trails are usually less crowded.
What are the main points of interest along the Salkantay trek?
Along the Salkantay Trek, there are several notable points of interest. Some of them include:
- Laguna Humantay: A beautiful turquoise lagoon located at the foot of the snow-capped Humantay. It is an impressive scenic spot and is usually a stop on the first day of the trek.
- Salkantay Pass: The highest point of the trek, located at an altitude of approximately 4,600 meters. It offers panoramic views of the mountains, glaciers and surrounding landscapes.
- Cloud Forest: During the trek, you will cross the cloud forest, an area full of lush vegetation and great biodiversity.
- Santa Teresa Village: A picturesque village where hikers can enjoy natural hot springs to relax after several days of hiking.
- Llactapata Archaeological Zone: An archaeological site that offers panoramic views of Machu Picchu in the distance. It is a fascinating place to learn about the history and culture of the region.
- Machu Picchu: The final destination of the trek, one of the wonders of the modern world. It is an impressive Inca citadel and an iconic place to explore and marvel at.
These are just some of the points of interest along the Salkantay Trek. Each day of the trek offers amazing scenery and unique experiences that make the journey unforgettable.
Are there restrooms along the Salkantay Trek?
Along the Salkantay Trek there are basic restrooms at some points along the route. It is recommended to bring toilet paper and personal hygiene products. Some camps and lodges may have better facilities, but it varies according to the company. It is important to ask before starting the trek.
