Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

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Tour Type
Cultural
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
PASSENGER
Max 19 persons
DURATION
4 Days

ike the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most requested treks in Cusco, it is an alternative route after the Inca trail where we will put your physical test.

The walk takes you through different types of landscapes. You will have the best opportunity to see the typical landscape and even the snowy mountains, to the tropical forests and, finally, to venture into the tranquility of the jungle. If you are thinking of taking a trekking trip to Machu Picchu and want to be away from everything, close to communities and things and appreciate the beautiful and diverse nature of Peru, the Salkantay Trek is highly recommended.

Itinerary

DAY 1 –CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA
  • 1ST DAY:Total distance: 15 km (aprox.)
  • Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
  • Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (aprox.)
  • Campsite altitude: 3,800 m (aprox.)We pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. to drive for about 3 hours to Mollepata where we start our Salkantay trek . As soon as we are at mollepata while you have breakfast the cook and the horseman will pack all the camping equipment and cooking stuff and we start hiking the first 3 hours will be a little bit uphill to get Cruzpata where we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120m/13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft) – just the start! We will begin our Salkantay trek towards Soraypampa, our first Salkantay Trek camping spot (3800 m/11750ft; the highest and coldest campsite of the trip) we will be very close to the second highest Salkantay snow capped -mountain of Cusco.
DAY 2 SORAYPAMPA – CHAULLAY OR COLLPAPAMPA (MIGHTY SALKANTAY)
  • 2ND DAY:Total distance: 19 km (aprox.)
  • Estimated walking time: 8 – 9 hours
  • Maximum altitude point: 4,650 m (aprox.)
  • Campsite altitude: 2,750 m (aprox.)

After having our Salkantay Trek breakfast we start walking about 5:30 am ,because this day will be the longest day the first 4 hours is uphill to get the highest point of the Salkantay Trek (4650m/15200ft) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible. There is a possibility of snow here.
After a rest, we will continue our walk (downhill) through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch. We hike again after lunch in the direction of the start of the jungle until we reach our second Salkantay Trek camping spot of chaullay or Colcapampa (3000m/9800ft).

DAY 3 – CHAULLAY – LA PLAYA – SAHUAYACO (CLOUD FOREST)
  • 3RD DAY:Total distance: 16 km (aprox.)
  • Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
  • Maximum altitude point: 2,750 m (aprox.)
  • Campsite altitude: 1,600 m (aprox.) Salkantay trek to Machupicchu

After breakfast, at 6.30am, we start walking through the upper jungle crossing the Lluskamayo River and a variety of little brooks to reach La Playa walking about 6 hours. Today we will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits ,plants and as soon as we are at la playa place horses will go back to Mollepata on taking the same Salkantay Trek and after having lunch we Take a local car to get Hydroelectric station to start walking 2 more hours by taking the railrodad to Aguas Calientes.

DAY 4- AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU
  • 4TH DAY:Total distance: 4 km (aprox.)
  • Estimated walking time: 1- 2 hours
  • Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (aprox.)

Salkantay trek important day, We wake up early morning about 4 am to then to 4:30 to have the breakfast and leave to walk up to Machu Picchu which takes one and half hours up to Machupicchu but there is another option to catch the first bus which leaves 5:30 to Machupicchu (25-minutes long) in order to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun is rising.
Machu Picchu guided tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your Guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huaynapicchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top.and after enjoying Machu Picchu you have to go down to aguas calientes to take the train back to ollantaytambo and then bus back cusco.

Inclusions

WHAT INCLUDES ?

  • Profesional bilingual tour guide
  • First day andean ceremony, offering to the mother earth
  • Maximum number of paxs 17 paxs
  • Colection from your hotel (we pick you up from where you are staying)
  • Private transport to Mollepata Markocasa ( trailhead)
  • Tourist train back to ollantaytambo ( expedition service can be at ,18:35pm or 21:30 pm leaving from Aguas calientes).
  • Private transport back from Ollamtaytambo to Cusco
  • Entrance fee Machu Picchu
  • Food: *3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4afternoon snacks (hot drinks, biscuits and popcorn) and 3 dinners
  • Cook service (vegetarian food on request
  • 3-people tents capacity jus for two paxs only to have more space to store your luggage ( 4season tent)
  • Camping equipment (tent, cooking and eating tent. Chairs and tables)
  • Thermarest(air mat) sleeping mat
  • Horseman , mules or porters (they just carry cooking stuff and camping equipment)
  • 7 kilos of your personal belongins to be carry by the horses
  • 1 night accommodation in a hostal Aguas Calientes(private room,cable tv, wi fi)
  • First Aid kit

Not Include

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Original passport and Student card from your University
  • Insurance card is essential
  • Hiking water proof boots (with ankle protectors )
  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
  • Sleeping bag
  • Warm jack
  • Hat and gloves
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable trousers
  • Rain pants
  • Sun hat, Bathing suit (for hot springs in santa teresa and Aguas Calientes)
  • Sun protection cream ( factor 35 recommended ) sun is strong
  • Insect Repellent 40 % deet ( for mosquitos )
  • Water bottle
  • Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended)
  • Toilet paper
  • Personal medication
  • Camera and films
  • Torch with spare batteries (flashlight)
  • Extra contribution suggested money for tipping porters, cook and guide. and for any emergency (300 soles)
  • Walking poles ( black diamont or leki brand)

Packing List

 PACKING LIST:

  • Passport
  • Valid STUDENT CARD (if booked as a student)
  • Day pack.
  • Sleeping bag.
  • Water bottle.
  • Sun Hat

Faqs

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Tour price
350.00 per person

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    REVIEWS

    OUR TESTIMONIALS

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    Isabel B. 7 months ago

    The best trip of my life. The 4-day Inca Trail with Salka was flawless: food, tents and a guide who knows every stone.

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    Mateo R. 2 months ago

    We booked the one-day Machu Picchu tour and everything went perfectly. Punctual, great service and a guide who really knows Inca history.

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    Camila V. 1 month ago

    The Rainbow Mountain exceeded my expectations. Salka's team provided support horses and coca leaves for the altitude, very attentive the whole way.

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    Diego T. 5 months ago

    Very well organized trip to the Sacred Valley. I'd only recommend leaving a bit earlier to avoid traffic in Pisac, but the guide was excellent.

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    Lucia F. 3 weeks ago

    I traveled solo and felt very safe the whole time. The Salkantay trek was an unforgettable experience, spectacular landscapes and delicious food in camp.

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    Javier P. 8 months ago

    We booked the Humantay tour with Salka and the service was top-notch from the reservation to the return to the hotel. Highly recommended.

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    Natalia S. 4 months ago

    Excellent value for money. We went with our family to the Sacred Valley and the guide adapted to the kids' pace without any problem.

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    Andres G. 6 months ago

    The short 2-day Inca Trail was exactly what I was looking for: less demanding but just as impressive when arriving at the Sun Gate.

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    Valentina C. 2 weeks ago

    They helped us put together a personalized 5-day itinerary combining Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Fast communication via WhatsApp the whole time.

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    Emilio R. 9 months ago

    Second time traveling with Salka Travel Peru, this time to Choquequirao. Professional staff, camping gear in great condition and excellent bilingual guides.

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