The famous Salkantay Trek To Machupicchu is ranked among the “Top 25 Best Treks” in the world by National Geographic. This trek is open to everybody with no limitation on spaces or permits. The route links the City of Cusco with the villages of Mollepata and Machupicchu. The Salkantay Trek To Machupicchu passes between snowcapped mountains and amazing cloud forests. The route is ancient and rugged and lies where most of the Inka Road System was located: the eastern side of the Andes.
This route is situated 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of the City of Cusco in south-central Peru. Salkantay is an outstanding glacier-capped summit, and at 6,271 m (20,574 ft) is the highest of the Vilcabamba mountain range. The peak was considered one of the most important Apus—“mountain deities”—in Inkan theology and is still revered by the Quechua people of Peru of today. The Quechua spellings of Willkapanpa and Salqantay translate respectively to “Sacred Plain” and “Savage Mountain”.
The classic Salkantay Trek To Machupicchu is a custom-designed alternative to the traditional Inca Trail. Absolutely extraordinary and unforgettable, this is an experience for adventure travelers seeking a little more solitude and exploration than what is offered in classic route. With endless breathtaking vistas of the “American Himalayas”, the Salkantay Trek To Machupicchu offers the peaceful and quiet contemplation that such a sacred path deserves.
Overview:
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
We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and have a beautiful scenic drive of 3 hours duration to Mollepata. At Mollepata we will have breakfast at one of the local houses. During this portion of the drive we will have our first views of the magnificent Salkantay and Humantay Mountains, as well as observe lush vegetation and the fields of local families growing potatoes, quinoa, lima beans, etc.
At this point we will arrive at Soraypampa (3,800 m/12,467 ft), the trailhead for the Salkantay trek, and meet our support staff, who will pack everything for the trek and load the equipment onto horses. We begin the hike with a gentle 2 hour climb to Salkantaypampa. During this portion of the trek we will follow a little stream whose source is the Salkantay glacier. We will also see the moraines and the glaciers of Apu Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
From Salkantaypampa we will hike steeply for 1 ½ hours until we reach Soyrococha, our lunch spot. After reaching this location we continue to climb steeply for 2.5 to 3 hours to the Salkantay pass where we will make small offerings to the Apus (mountain spirits). This is the highest point of the trek (4,600 meters/ 13,451 feet).
Our next task is a 2 hour downhill hike to Huayracmachay (3,800 m/12,464 ft), our camp for the evening.
We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and have a beautiful scenic drive of 3 hours duration to Mollepata. At Mollepata we will have breakfast at one of the local houses. During this portion of the drive we will have our first views of the magnificent Salkantay and Humantay Mountains, as well as observe lush vegetation and the fields of local families growing potatoes, quinoa, lima beans, etc.
At this point we will arrive at Soraypampa (3,800 m/12,467 ft), the trailhead for the Salkantay trek, and meet our support staff, who will pack everything for the trek and load the equipment onto horses. We begin the hike with a gentle 2 hour climb to Salkantaypampa. During this portion of the trek we will follow a little stream whose source is the Salkantay glacier. We will also see the moraines and the glaciers of Apu Salkantay and Humantay mountains.
From Salkantaypampa we will hike steeply for 1 ½ hours until we reach Soyrococha, our lunch spot. After reaching this location we continue to climb steeply for 2.5 to 3 hours to the Salkantay pass where we will make small offerings to the Apus (mountain spirits). This is the highest point of the trek (4,600 meters/ 13,451 feet).
Our next task is a 2 hour downhill hike to Huayracmachay (3,800 m/12,464 ft), our camp for the evening.
We will wake up early and have breakfast. Today´s hike starts with a moderate 3 ½ hour climb through the rain forest until we reach the Llactapata Inca site (2,700 m/8,856 ft), where we will have a thorough tour. This is the location where you will have your first view of Machu Picchu in the far distance.
Leaving Llactapata, we begin a 2 ½ hour descent to Hydroelectric, where we will have lunch. At 3 pm we will board the train for a 40 minute trip to Aguas Calientes.
On arrival at Aguas Calientes you will check into your accommodation. Dinner will be in a restaurant.
You will have breakfast at your hotel before we take a very early bus (5:30am) along the winding road to Machu Picchu to see the magnificent sunrise. Once there you will be given a 2 hour walking tour of the site.
If you have elected to climb Machu Picchu mountain you will begin the hike at 10 AM. The ticket price for Machu Picchu mountain is not included in the price of your trek. If you are not climbing the mountain you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu before you return to Aguas Calientes by bus.
When you arrive in Aguas Calientes you will board the expedition train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo you will travel by private van to Cusco and we will drop you off at your hotel. Arrival time in Cusco depends on the time of your train ticket.
Field Staff:
High Quality Service and Safety
Accommodation
Permits and Entrance Tickets
Camping Equipment
Meals
Transportation
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
REMINDERS: It’s possible that any part of the program might change due to circumstances out of our control such as weather conditions, flight schedules, etc.
What is the minimum age for the Salkantay Trek?
How is the weather on the Salkantay Trek?
What type of accommodation can I expect during the trek? During the first two nights of the journey, you will enjoy accommodations in camps that provide basic facilities, such as cabins and igloos. On the third night, you will experience a higher level of comfort by staying in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you will have access to rooms with private amenities, including exclusive bathrooms.
What meals are provided during the trek?
Is it possible to rent trekking equipment?
Friendly Payment
Get a Question?
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