Overview
Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu – Overview
- First day: Cusco –Mollepata – Soraypampa-Soyrococha
- Second day: Soyrococha – Qollpapampa
- Third day: Qollpapampa –Lucmapampa-Santa Teresa
- Fourth day: Santa Teresa – Zipline – Hydroelectric -Aguas Calientes
- Fifth day: Machu Picchu – Cusco:
Useful Information
- Starting Altitude: 3,800m / 12,467 ft
- Highest altitude: 4650 m / 15,252 ft
- Walking Distance: 48 km / 30 miles
- Overall Trek Difficulty: Challenging.
Itinerary
Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu – Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Soyrococha
We will pick you up at 4:30 a.m in private transport from you hotel in Cusco. Then, we make our way through the beautiful mountains for approximately 4 hours until we reach the trailhead at Sorapampa (3,800m/12,467ft). Here, we will share breakfast and get to know one another while our trekking team packs our gear. The views from here are breaktaking as you we will be surrounded by the tall and powerful mountains of Turkaway(5,900m/19,357ft)and Salkantay(6,271 m /20,575 ft).
After introductions, we will begin our journey, first starting with a small detour to the high altitude lake Turkaway. It is set just below the Turakway mountain and in actuality, it could be called Turquoise Lake, as it is an incredibly vibrant turquoise color. We will take time to explore and take photos.
After, we head back to the beginning of the trail at Soraypampa and continue for a gentle 2 hour ascent to Salkantaypampa. Here, we will rest and enjoy lunch surrounded by 360 degree views of mountains and the valley below.
After lunch, we have another 2 hours until we arrive at our first campsite at Soyrococha. Once we are settled here, we will enjoy a nourishing dinner prepared by our trekking chef and rest for the next day’s adventure.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Afternoon Snacks/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 4,400 m /14,332 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,800 m/ 2,467 ft
- Walking Distance: 8 km /5 miles
- Approximate walking time: 7-8 hours
Day 2: Soyrococha – Salkantay Pass – Qollpapampa
After an early breakfast and a hot cup of coca tea, we begin our hike with a moderate pace for 1 hour to the Summit (4,650m/15,252ft). From here, we can enjoy the spectacular views of snowcapped mountains such as: Salkantay (6,271m) Humantay, Huayanay, rivers, and small lakes. At the Summit, you can leave a piece of rock or coca leaves, carried from the bottom, as an offering and to show thanks to the Apu Salkantay (Mountain God or Spirit). During Inca times, upon travel, they would leave clothes, jewels or simply a piece of rock as an offering, an act of reciprocity, thanking the Apu and all that has been provided along their journey.
Then, we continue for 3 more hours downhill to have lunch at Rayanniyoc. After we enjoy lunch, will have another 3 hour descent until we reach our second campsite at Collpapamapa (2,877m). Collpamapa is a beautiful and tranquil site where we will enjoy dinner and relax surrounded by the incredible mountains.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Afternoon Snacks/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 4,650 m / 15,252 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
- Walking Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
- Approximate walking time: 8-9 hours
Day 3: Colpapampa – Lucmabamba – Santa Teresa
After a challenging day the day before, we can enjoy a more leisurely hike today. After breakfast, we will continue on for approximately 5-6 hours on a gentle, yet variant terrain. We will begin our venture through the rainforest, following the powerful Santa Teresa River. Throughout our hike today, we will experience a variety of flora and fauna and have the opportunity to see multiple coffee and banana plantations and fields of passion fruit. Around noon, we will reach our lunch spot at Lucmabamba, we will relax here taking in our jungle surroundings.
After lunch, we have the unique opportunity to partake in a coffee tour. We will learn of the procedures of growing, harvesting, roasting, and brewing. Throughout, we will also learn of the cultural significance of coffee production and of the incredibly variant types of beans, each producing a different taste and aroma. In order to have a deeper understanding in the entire process, we will pick, roast, and grind our own beans. Then, of course, we get to brew and drink our own coffee.
Then, we move onward for just another hour to Santa Teresa, where we will camp for the night. Santa Teresa is known for it’s gorgeous natural hot springs, which will take the afternoon to enjoy. After, we will have dinner and rest for an invigorating day of ziplinning tomorrow!
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Afternoon Snacks/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 2,800 m / 9,184 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2,050 m / 6,725 ft
- Walking Distance: 14km / 8 miles
- Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours
Day 4: Santa Teresa Zipline – Aguas Calientes
Today we fly along the highest zipline in South America. After breakfast, we will walk 20 minutes uphill until arriving at the the first cable. In it’s entirety the lines run 2,500 meters divided amongst 7 segments. Truly a once in a lifetime experience to move through the trees of the jungle.
After this adrenaline surging experience, we will drive 45 minutes to Hidroelectrica, where we will take a small break before continuing on. We will walk for about 3 hours through the jungle and along the railroad tracks. Once we arrive to Aguas Caliente (Machu Picchu town), we will check into your comfortable hotel accommodations, where you can relax and enjoy a hot shower. Then, we will have lunch at a restaurant near by and you will have the rest of the afternoon to explore. Aguas Calientes offers bustling artisan markets and natural hot springs as well. In the evening, we will share dinner at a lovely restaurant in town.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodations: hotel
- Maximum Altitude: 2,040 m / 10,170 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 1,600 m / 5,905 ft
- Walking Distance: 10km / 6.2 miles
- Aproximate walking time: 5-6 hours
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco!
We will wake up early and have breakfast at the hotel. Then, we will board the first bus taking us up to the ancient citadel, Machu Picchu. We will arrive just as the site opens and as the sun begins to rise. We will take advantage of the incredible photo opportunities of the sunrise and then begin our 2 hour guided tour.
On the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit numerous sites, learn of the rich and fascinating history and culture of the Incas, and get a better idea of the incredible engineering and ingenuity that went into building such a intricately constructed city. Along the tour, you will visit temple, ceremonial sites, and much more.
After the tour, you will have ample time to explore. If you have elected, you are also able to climb Huanya Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. Both locations provide incredible views and breathtaking photo opportunities, with a bird’s eye view of the citadel below.
Then we board the bus taking us back down the mountain and in the afternoon we will take a comfortable and scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo. Along the train ride, we start in the high jungle and make our way through the incredible mountains to the Sacred Valley of the Inca. In the valley you feel as though you are engulfed in mountains, as the valley is quite small and the mountains are massive. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, a representative will be awaiting with private transport and take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,727 ft
- Maximum Altitude: 2,440 m / 8,052 ft
Inclusions
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Includes:
- Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Pre trek briefing 1 or 2 days before your trek
- Transfer upon arrival from airport or bus station in Cusco to your Hotel
- Chef
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment and 7kg of your personal items.
- Pick-up from your hotel
- Transportation by bus to Mollepata/Soraypampa
- Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own)
- 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Afternoon Snacks and 4 Dinners. If you have a dietary such as vegetarian food please let us know,and request with no cost at all.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- a 4-men tent for every 2 trekkers
- Hotel on Day 4
- Sleeping mattress
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Bus Tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu-round trip
Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu Does Not Include:
- Lunch and Dinner on Day 5
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain-US$70
- Tips for the crew
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip
What you need to take for Salkantay Trek.
- Original Passport
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable Trousers
- Sun hat
- Sun cream
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Torch with spare batteries
- Towel
- Swim suit
Price
Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu – Price
- US$680 per person
Discounts:
- Student Discount: US$20 (Requires Valid STUDENT CARD to qualify)
- Under 15 years Discount: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Optional Extras:
- Hiking Poles US$15
- Sleeping Bag US$25
- Single Tent Supplement US$25
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes US$90
- Vistadome Train Upgrade US$60
- Huayna Picchu Mountain US$70
- Machu Picchu Mountain US$70
FAQs
Additional
SPECIAL ADDITIONALS:
- Inflatable Mattress (Included)
- Pillow (Included)
- Blanket (Included)
- Extra 7 kg of personal items (Included). All of our treks include porters, who are responsible for carrying and setting up all equipment. They will also carry your personal duffel, which you will receive at your briefing the night before your trek. This duffel can not exceed 7 kg/14 lbs, and must include your sleeping bag and an air mattress.
