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Home » Trekkings to Machu picchu » Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Type
Duration 5 Days
Difficulty Moderate
Altitude

Do you like trekking and maybe your idea was to get to Machu Picchu doing the Inca Trail in 4 days, but you couldn’t find entrance tickets available? Don’t worry, Salkantay is the right alternative for those people who could not find a space on the Inca Trail. It is a spectacular 5-day trek that also go to Machu Picchu. Salkantay, a Quechua word that means Wild Mountain, is the second highest snow-capped peak in Cusco, located in the Andes mountain range called Vilcabamba. It is a sacred mountain from ancient times to the present, where the people of the Andes make offerings to Pachamama.

Itinerary

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. to go by tourist bus to the Mollepata town (2,900 masl), where we will arrive at approximately 9:00 a.m. for breakfast. This day we will make a beautiful and scenic drive to Limatambo, during which we will have panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay mountain. We will also see a chain of impressive snow-capped mountains and the valley of the Apurimac River. We will meet our organization staff and load the equipment on the mules to start our trek to Cruz Pata (3 200 masl). The hike of approximately 3 hours will take us through Andean and traditional communities such as Cruz Pata and Challacancha, where we will stop for lunch at approx. 12:00 hrs. After a short rest, we will continue walking through the villages of Soraypampa (3 850 masl), arriving at approximately 17:00 hrs. Our dinner and first night of camping.

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – CHAULLAY

After an early breakfast, we will start the most difficult trek of the trip. We will leave at 7:00 a.m. and we will hike through the site called Pampa Salkantay and then we will go to the left side of the snowy Humantay, located next to the snowy Salkantay. At 12:00 hrs. we will be at the highest point (Abra de Salkantay, 4 600 masl). We will appreciate spectacular views of the mountain and the imposing snowy Salkantay (6 264 masl), the second highest peak in the region of Cusco, as well as the mountains of Humantay and Huayanay. After 1 hour of rest we will have lunch for the day in the area called Huayracmachay (3 700 masl) and continue walking for about 3 hours to the camp of Rayanniyoc or to the camp of Chaullay (2 920 masl). Here we will have our second night of camping.

DAY 3: CHAULLAY – LA PLAYA – SANTA TERESA

After breakfast we will resume our hike at 7.00 am. We will walk for 5 hours, observing the village called Collpabamba (3100 m.a.s.l.), immersed in the cloud forest or jungle. On the way we will see waterfalls, fruit trees, a variety of flora, coca and birds, here we can observe the banana harvest and the waterfall. If we are lucky we will be able to see the famous “Cock of the Rock”. Then we will have lunch in Wiñaypoqo and enjoy an hour of free time to rest and continue the walk of approximately 3 hours to reach the area called La Playa (2250 m.a.s.l.), appreciating the great variety of orchids along the way. We will continue our hike to the village of Santa Teresa (1990 m.a.s.l.), arriving approximately at 16:30 hrs. Optional: Local transportation from La Playa to Santa Teresa and visit to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo (10 minutes from the village of Santa Teresa). Dinner and camping in Santa Teresa.

DAY 4: SANTA TERESA – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES

After breakfast at 7.30 a.m. we will start our 2.5 hour hike to the hydroelectric plant (1,870 masl), observing along the way fruit plantations such as banana, passion fruit, coffee, etc.. We will also have the opportunity to observe from far away the lost city of the Incas: the majestic Machu Picchu. After lunch at Hidroeléctrica with all the staff, we will leave for the town of Aguas Calientes. This section can be done on foot in approximately 2.5 hours or also boarding the train that leaves at 16:30 hrs and that will take us in 45 minutes to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,050 meters above sea level). In Aguas Calientes we will have the option to go to the thermal baths, which are at a distance of 2 kilometers from the town. We will then return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Early in the morning, we will hike up or take the first bus to Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise in this magical place, before the arrival of other tourists from the Cusco city. We will enjoy the tranquility of the lost city of the Incas in a guided tour (Approx. 2 ½ hours), by the most important places of this great city of the Incas, note that during the tour there are established routes for your visit. In the afternoon we will go down by bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo (before Aguas Calientes town), we will board our train to Ollantaytambo, and then take our transportation that will take us to the city of Cusco.

Included

INCLUDES:

  • Transportation aboard tourist bus from the hotel to the starting point of the trek (Challacancha).
  • Return train ticket from from Aguas Calientes to Cusco, using the “Expedition” tourist service or similar.
  • Transportation from the Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.
  • Professional tourist guide on all tours (Spanish-English).
  • Food: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners.
  • Camping equipment (tent, stove, chairs, tables, sleeping mats).
  • First aid kit.
  • Emergency oxygen tank.
  • Chef, in charge of making the food for the expedition party.
  • Carriers and horses, in charge of the transportation of camping equipment.
  • Accomodation for guides, chefs, and carriers.
  • 01 night at a hotel/hostal of your choosing (see list below) in Aguas Calientes.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • Entrance ticket to Salkantay (Free until further notice).
  • Round trip bus tickets from the town of Machu Picchu to the citadel of Machu Picchu and vice versa (US $24.00).
  • Breakfast for the first day (hotels normally offer breakfast).
  • Lunch and dinner for the last day (After visiting Machu Picchu, you will have some free time to explore the Inca remains. You may choose to have lunch in either Machu Picchu or the town of Aguas Calientes).
  • Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Hot Springs. The ticket is US $4.00. Towels and bathing suits can be rented in Aguas Calientes.
  • Tips for the guides, chefs, and porters.

optional

  • Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain US $15.00 (If you choose to add this to your experience, please confirm this entry during reservation to check for availability).
  • Extra horse to carry personal luggage throughout the trek. If your luggage weighs over 5 kilos, you can hire an extra carrier for transportation of personal equipment (US $80) weighing up to 25 kilos.
  • First class train ride from the town of Machu Picchu, with the “VISTADOME Tourist Service”. This represents an additional cost of US $35.00 per person.
  • Extra services, such as tips.
  • Sleeping bag for the duration of the trek. Available in synthetic (US $15.00) and feather (US $25.00) options. Sleeping bags are available for rent at our office.

Recommendations

WE RECOMMEND TO BRING:

  • A backpack.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Original passport.
  • 01 full change of clothes.
  • Warm clothes.
  • Hiking shoes.
  • Raincoat.
  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Camera and batteries.
  • Insect repellent, sunscreen, and hat.
  • Flashlight.
  • Toilet paper.
  • Bottle of water with purification tablets.

Map

MAP:

TRIPADVISOR

Excellent
Based on 96 reviews
Rilma
Rilma
2023-09-08
Trilha Inca clássica, ótima experiência!! Tivemos uma excelente experiência nestes quatros dias de Trilha Inca clássica. A agência nos deu grande suporte, desde quando ainda estávamos no Brasil, sempre disponíveis e tirando todas as nossas dúvidas. Destaco aqui o Abel, muito cordial e atencioso. Nosso guia, o Carlinhos foi simplesmente excelente. Foi um grande incentivador, muito paciente e solícito. Sensível para cada detalhe do caminho: a história, os animais com os quais cruzávamos, as plantas. Sempre explicando cada detalhe pacientemente. Nos trechos mais difíceis nos ajudou, nos incentivou. Carlinhos foi uma pessoa muito especial nestes quatro dias. Ótimo guia. Destaco também toda a equipe envolvida com o carregamento dos equipamentos e também o nosso Chef, o Juan. Nos alimentamos muito bem nesses quatro dias. Ótima comida. Enfim, tivemos uma ótima experiência. Recomendo a agência “Inca Perú Travel”.
Naiane D
Naiane D
2023-08-28
Incrível, maravilhosa! A empresa nos recepcionou bem do início ao fim! Super atencioso, nos ajudou inclusive com coisas que não faziam parte do pacote, ainda recebemos um mimo no final, que nos deixou imensamente felizes! Recomendo de olhos fechados! Obrigada por todo carinho e atenção!
Daniel Z
Daniel Z
2023-08-21
Una experiencia inolvidable Me siento muy satisfecho con la coordinación brindada por la Agencia Inca Perú Travel en todos los aspectos de mi tours por diferentes ciudades de Perú y Tiahuanaco en Bolivia. Muy profesionales, responsables y sobre todo con una gran amabilidad. Recomiendo ampliamente sus servicios.
My London Tour Guide
My London Tour Guide
2023-08-08
Amazing tourism community project in Urubamba via Inca Peru Travel - not to be missed We booked the most amazing experience with Jhon. A tourism community near to Urubamba. Highly recommended and Jhon was an excellent guide and great company as well. So friendly and so clear in his explanations of the activities. We learned how to make traditional coffee, ground chocolate beans and made some chocolate and even made our local ceramic plates, all with expert local tuition. The whole day was topped off with a delicious lunch made by members of the local community. Highly recommended local experience made perfect by inca peru travel.
Boris
Boris
2023-07-30
Una agencia de turismo con personal excepcional Tomamos el tour para conocer Machu Picchu con Inca Perú Travel. Desde días antes Abel se comunicó con nosotros para realizar las coordinaciones del tour que habíamos contratado. En todo momento nos sentimos acompañados y bien asesorados por él y todo el personal de la agencia. Incluso al presentarse un retraso de más de una hora en el tren de ida a Machu Picchu Pueblo. Asumieron todas nuestras preocupaciones como propias, liberándonos de ellas.
Nathalia B
Nathalia B
2023-07-28
Incrivel Ótima agência, fizemos um pacote com agência do Brasil em parceria com a Inca, foram ótimos, super atenciosos, solícitos, nos auxiliaram em tudo e garantiram que todos os passeios dessem certo e tivéssemos os melhores momentos nesse destino fantástico.
jnsmorigo
jnsmorigo
2023-07-25
Trilha Inca Tradicional....experiência que ficará para sempre na memória Fizemos a trilha Inca Tradicional de 4 dias e 3 noites com a Inca Peru Travel em família (2 adultos e 2 adolescentes de 16 e 12 anos). Desde o inicio do contato nos deram todas as informações e suporte para essa trilha desafiadora mas ao mesmo tempo magnífica. Estávamos em 4 pessoas e a empresa disponibilizou 6 pessoas (carregadores, cozinheiros, montador de barraca, etc) e o excelente guia José Américo que nos deu uma aula sobre a civilização Inca (fala espanhol ou ingles). A trilha é pesada (são 43km com muita subida e descida) mas devagarinho e com a paciência de toda a equipe da Inca Peru Travel tivemos uma experiência que ficará para sempre na memória. As refeições do cozinheiro estavam deliciosas. O único ponto negativo da trilha são os banheiros dos campings que deveriam ser limpos mais vezes ao dia. Mas isso não tem nada haver com a empresa (já que todas as empresas que fazem a trilha ficam nos mesmos acampamentos) e sim um pedido ao governo peruano que administra a trilha. O turismo do Peru é maravilhoso e deve olhar a esses detalhes. Obrigada pela experiencia Inca Peru Travel, Abel e Jose Américo. Amamos
Cesar C
Cesar C
2023-07-21
Excelente tour, recomendado Excelente tour, la pasamos muy bien y logramos realizar todo lo planeado, llegan a tiempo y los guías te explican muy detallado todo, además de colaborarte con la toma de fotos. Muy buena planificación para nuestras vacaciones
Leandro S
Leandro S
2023-06-24
Inca Peru Travel melhor agência do Peru Melhor agência do Peru!!! A Inca Peru Travel foi perfeita em todos os momentos, sempre muito pontual, desde o transfer do aeroporto até os passeios, refeições, hotel! Não nos preocupamos com nada, apenas comprei as passagens aéreas, o restante fui tudo com a Inca Peru Travel. Inclusive ganhamos um mimo deles na despedida. Agradeço muito pela experiência incrível que nos proporcionaram. Recomendo demais!
Elaine R
Elaine R
2023-06-13
Increíble, un sueño hecho realidad!! ¡¡Fue fantástico!! Desde el accesorio en el cierre de los recorridos hasta su realización. Todos los tours se realizaron según lo acordado, con los mejores guías, Inca Peru Travel todo el tiempo brindándome la atención y preocupándome por el bienestar del turista. Muy recomendable, perfecto!!!
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