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DetailItineraryIncludedReviews

Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu 4 days

0
  • Durations4 Days
  • Max Guests 12 People
  • Difficulty Moderate
  • Activity TypeMulti-day hike
Salkantay Trek 4 Days
GalleryVideo

Tour Description

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: An Unforgettable Adventure

The renowned Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, listed among the “Top 25 Best Treks” in the world by National Geographic, offers a one-of-a-kind experience with no need for permits or limited spaces. This trail connects Cusco with the villages of Mollepata and Machu Picchu, winding through stunning snow-capped mountains and enchanting cloud forests. Following the Inca Trail system along the eastern Andes, the Salkantay Trek merges history and nature into a truly ancient and inspiring landscape.

Located 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of Cusco, this route features the majestic Salkantay, a glacier-capped mountain standing at 6,271 meters (20,574 feet), making it the highest peak in the Vilcabamba range. Salkantay was revered as one of the Apus, or sacred mountain deities, in the Incan worldview and remains deeply respected by the Quechua people of Peru today. In Quechua, “Salqantay” translates to “Savage Mountain,” an apt description for this awe-inspiring peak.

The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a custom-designed alternative to the traditional Inca Trail, ideal for those seeking a more solitary and authentic experience. With breathtaking vistas of the “American Himalayas,” the Salkantay Trek offers the peaceful and reflective journey that a sacred path deserves.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Huayracmachay
Day 2: Huayracmachay – Arrayanniyoc – Challhuay – La Playa – Lucmabamba
Day 3: Lucmabamba – Llactapata Inca Ruins – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Route Details:

  • Total distance: 58 km / 36 miles
  • Starting altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
  • Maximum altitude reached: 4,600 m / 13,451 ft
  • Lowest altitude: 2,050 m / 6,725 ft
  • Difficulty level: Challenging

Itinerary

DAY 1Cusco – Soraypampa – Huayracmachay

We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning to begin a scenic 3-hour drive to Mollepata, where we’ll enjoy breakfast at a local home. Along the way, you’ll catch your first views of the impressive Salkantay and Humantay Mountains, as well as lush fields where local families grow potatoes, quinoa, lima beans, and other crops.

Arriving at Soraypampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), the starting point for the Salkantay Trek, we’ll meet our support team, who will pack and load our equipment onto horses. We’ll start the hike with a gentle 2-hour ascent to Salkantaypampa, walking alongside a stream that flows directly from the Salkantay glacier. This part of the trek provides close-up views of the Apu Salkantay and Humantay glaciers and their moraines.

From Salkantaypampa, we’ll tackle a steep 1.5-hour climb to Soyrococha, where we’ll break for lunch. After resting, we’ll continue with a challenging 2.5- to 3-hour climb up to the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,600 m (13,451 ft), where we’ll make small offerings to the Apus, or mountain spirits, in gratitude and respect.

The day ends with a 2-hour descent to Huayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,464 ft), our campsite for the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodations: Camping
  • Maximum altitude: 4,600 m / 13,451 ft
  • Minimum altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
  • Total distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
  • Walking time: 5–6 hours
  • Difficulty level: Challenging

DAY 2Huayracmachay- Arrayanniyoc – Chaullay – La Playa – Lucmabamba- Coffee tour.

Early in the morning, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and begin a beautiful 3-hour scenic drive to Mollepata. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy breakfast in a local home, where you can start experiencing the Andean way of life. During this drive, we’ll catch the first glimpses of the breathtaking Salkantay and Humantay Mountains and pass by lush landscapes and fields where local families grow potatoes, quinoa, lima beans, and more.

We’ll then reach Soraypampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), the trailhead for the Salkantay Trek, where we’ll meet our support team, who will load all our gear onto horses for the journey. We’ll start the hike with a gentle 2-hour climb to Salkantaypampa, following a small stream sourced from the Salkantay glacier and taking in views of the Apu Salkantay and Humantay glaciers and their rocky moraines.

From Salkantaypampa, we’ll ascend a challenging 1.5-hour climb to Soyrococha, where we’ll stop for lunch. After a well-deserved break, we’ll continue the ascent for 2.5 to 3 hours, reaching the Salkantay Pass—the highest point of the trek at 4,600 m (13,451 ft). Here, we’ll pause to make small offerings to the Apus, the mountain spirits, as a gesture of respect and gratitude.

The day concludes with a 2-hour descent to Huayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,464 ft), where we’ll set up camp for the night.

  • Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Overnight Accommodation: Camping
  • Highest Elevation: 4,600 m / 13,451 ft
  • Lowest Elevation: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
  • Distance Hiked: 16 km / 9.9 miles
  • Approximate Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
  • Trek Difficulty: Challenging

DAY 3Lucmabamba – Llactapata Inca Ruins – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

We’ll start the day with an early breakfast to fuel up for our journey. Today’s hike begins with a moderate 3.5-hour ascent through the lush cloud forest, bringing us to the Llactapata Inca site (2,700 m / 8,856 ft). Here, we’ll take a guided tour of this ancient site, where you’ll also get your first distant view of Machu Picchu—a truly magical moment.

After exploring Llactapata, we’ll descend for 2.5 hours to Hydroelectric, where we’ll enjoy lunch surrounded by the beautiful scenery. Around 3 pm, we’ll board a train for a scenic 40-minute journey to Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we’ll check into your accommodation, and then gather for dinner at a local restaurant to unwind and prepare for the following day’s adventures.

  • Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Distance Hiked: 13 km / 8 miles
  • Approximate Walking Time: 6–7 hours
  • Lowest Elevation: 1,800 m / 5,905 ft
  • Highest Elevation: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
  • Surrounding Landscape: Cloud Forest
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Highlights: Llactapata Inca Ruins, first views of Machu Picchu

DAY 4Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before we embark on an early morning bus ride (5:30 am) along the winding road to Machu Picchu. Arriving at this iconic site, you’ll witness the breathtaking sunrise—a truly magical experience. After taking in the views, you’ll enjoy a guided 2-hour walking tour of Machu Picchu, exploring its fascinating history and architecture.

If you’ve chosen to climb Machu Picchu Mountain, your hike will begin at 10 AM. Please note that the ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain is not included in the trek price. If you’re not climbing the mountain, you’ll have some free time to further explore the site at your leisure before taking the bus back to Aguas Calientes.

Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, you’ll board the expedition train heading to Ollantaytambo. From there, we’ll transport you by private van back to Cusco, where we’ll drop you off at your hotel. Please note that your arrival time in Cusco will depend on the timing of your train ticket.

  • Meals Provided: Breakfast
  • Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft
  • Maximum Altitude: 2,440 m / 8,052 ft

What is included

Price Includes
Extra Service
Price Excludes

Field Staff:

  • Experienced Local English-Speaking Mountain Guide (Ambassador of our country, Peru).
  • Mountain Chef and Assistant Cook will prepare your organic and traditional food, accommodating vegetarian or vegan preferences at no extra cost. We also cater to your allergies.
  • Muleteers (Local Ausangate residents) responsible for managing your personal belongings, camping equipment, and trek meals.

High Quality Service and Safety

  • Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before the trek
  • Duffle bag provided to store your personal belongings during the trek
  • First Aid Kit – Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
  • Private Camping Equipment tailored for your comfort.
  • Pad Mattress for a restful night’s sleep.
  • Costumer Service 24/7

Accommodation

  • Tents 4 capacity for 2 persons in private campsites.

Permits and Entrance Tickets

  • Entrance fee to Ausangate 7 lakes Trail.
  • Entrance fee to Ausangate Trek.
  • Entrance fee to the Rainbow Mountain.
  • Entrance fee to the Red Valley.
  • Entrance to the hotspring

Camping Equipment

  • Tents and Private Camps.
  • Kitchen tent and Utensils.
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs.
  • Portable travel toilet.

Meals

  • 4 breakfast, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners.
  • Vegetarian and vegan options with no extra cost.
  • Daily morning Wake up call with Coffee or Coca tea.
  • Tea time or happy hour every afternoon (pop-corn-cookies, hot drinks).
  • Snacks on the Trail.
  • Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
  • Hot water for washing every day.
  • Hygiene Products.

Transportation

  • Private van to Upis trailhead on day 1 (Pick up time from your Cusco hotel).
  • Private transportation back to your Cusco Hotel on day 4.
  • Muleteers and horses to carry all the equipment (Duffle bag, food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
  • Horse to carry 7 kg / 15.4 Pound of your personal belongings

 

 

Emergency horse in case we need it.

Heaters every night (bags filled with hot water).

Emergency oxygen bottle.

Sleeping Bag.

Trekking Stick

Sleeping bag (can be rented from us $15 USD)

Day 4 lunch in Aguas Calientes

Tips for the crew (muleteers, chef and guide)

Hiking poles (can be rented from us $10 USD)

Ticket for Huayna Picchu mountain and Machupicchu Mountain

 

 

What to Bring for Your Trek
  • Original Passport: If you’ve recently obtained a new passport since your booking, be sure to bring both.
  • Sleeping Bag: A down or synthetic feather sleeping bag is essential for your comfort at night (rentals are available through us).
  • Clothing: Pack trekking boots, a warm fleece jacket, several t-shirts, socks, a sun hat, warm underwear, lightweight long pants, gloves, and a rain jacket.
  • Toiletries: Bring personal hygiene items, including toilet paper, wet wipes, and a personal towel.
  • Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun’s rays during the trek.
  • Headlamp: A headlamp is useful for navigating in the dark.
  • Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from the sun while trekking.
  • Camera: Capture the breathtaking scenery, and don’t forget extra batteries!
  • Trekking Poles: Recommended for steep descents (available for rent from us).
  • Insect Repellent: Keep those pesky bugs at bay.
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