Tour Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
For trekkers whishing to get off the beaten trek but still like to join onto the original Inca Trail this trek is the ideal opportunity. You will hike through beautiful green valleys and camp next to turquoise glacial lakes. This wonderful trek will take you from the watershed of the Apurimac river to the Urubamba. You will come across many archeological Inca sites and enjoy a wide variety of flora, fauna and wildlife.
This lovely and varied hike (about 50km) is the custom-designed alternative to the traditional Inca Trail. Our classic Salkantay Trek is off the beaten path, this is a cutting edge experience for adventure travelers looking for a little more privacy and authenticity
The trek on the second day from Soray goes steeply uphill to a pass at 4,750m (15,580frt) for half an hour then comes to a series of zig zags, Siete Culebras is the local name of this stretch. At the top of the seventh switchback the terrain levels out under Salkantay lateral moraine and drops gently down to the small Laguna Soirococha. The pass you see above is a false one; the main pass is a little further on, but the view of Salkantay looming above you does more than compensates for the effort. The real pass at 4,750m is reached after 3-4 hours from the moraine and is marked by a pile of stones, well known as “Apacheta” by the locals, which grows daily as each traveler adds his pebble to thank the APUS for a safe trip.
Then the trail descends to the left hand side of the valley, becoming indistinct in swampy areas. Then comes a place named Huayrajmachay “eye of the wind” from here we will have a great chance to see the beautiful Pyramid-shape of Humantay. As you drop below the tree line, known as La Ceja de Selva (“Eyebrow of the Jungle”) you walk through groves of bamboo with many orchids and other flowers and you will see lots of hummingbirds and spectacular waterfalls. Collpapampa a small hot spring, is the right place to lock out for the parakeets which are living in this area. After a well deserved rest we go to take a local bus in order to go to Santa Teresa. Here we will enjoy a dip in the hot springs which is just 45 minutes away. In the afternoon we can enjoy a first view of Machu Picchu and Hayna Pichu mountains and then the last day will see finally the Incan city of Machu Picchu.Itinerary
We pick you up 4:30 am from your hotel and go to the bus station, where we take the bus and drive for about 3 hours to Mollepata. At arrival in Mollepata we will have breakfast and meet our cook and the horseman. They will prepare all the camping equipment and cooking stuff on the horses. Finally we start hiking for about 3 hours uphill to get to Cruzpata, from where we get our first view of the magnificent snow mountain of Humantay 5,917m (15,000ft) and Salkantay 6,271m (20,575ft).Here we will have lunch with enjoying the panoramic views of the beautiful snow-capped mountains and that’s just the start! We carry on our trek towards Soraypampa our first campsite (3800 m/11750ft) which is also the highest and coldest campsite of the trip. We will be very close to the second highest snow capped Mount Salkantay (6,271m/20,575ft).
After breakfast we start walking at around 05:30 am, this day will be the longest day of our hike. The first 4 hours we walk uphill to get to highest point of the trail (4,650m/15,200ft) 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. Due to the altitude it is possible that we walk through snow fields. After a well deserved rest, we continue our walk downhill through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, where we have a delicious lunch. Afterwards we walk for around 3-4 hours in the direction of the start of the jungle until we reach our second campsite, Chaullay or Colcapampa (3,000m/9,800ft).
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. Today we walk about 6 hours and pass through valleyswhere we can find some species of orchids and different kinds of plants.We have the opportunity to see the most beautyfull waterfall on the trail and we find tropical fruits, plants and as soon as we are at La Playa horses will go back to Mollepata and we say good bye to our horse men. We take a local bus and drive one hour to get to Santa Teresa where we will camp (1,500m/4,905ft) in a warm climate. In the afternoon after enjoying lunch and a rest and we can go to the hot springs and have a dip in the well-deserved soothing water!
We will have breakfast at 08am and leave our campsite in Santa Teresa. First we cross the Santa Teresa Bridge and follow the upward route of the river. We continue walking, passing a variety of crop plantations, coca and banana until we reach the hydroelectric station. Here we enjoy a nutricious Lunch before we continue walking for about two and half hours along the train treks till reaching Aguas Calientes. Tonight spend the night in a hostel and can enjoy a hot shower. In Aguas Calientes you can take advantage of the thermal springs in the town (entrance 10 soles), a real treat after finishing the trek!
Today it is an early start at around 4:30am to have breakfast and walk up to Machu Picchu (which takes one and half hours) in order to arrive when the sun rises over the sanctuary. You also have the option to take the first bus at 05:30am up to Machu Picchu (25-minutes drive) in order to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun is rising.
A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your experienced Guide who will explain everything about the main attractions within the site. After the guided tour you will have enough time to explore the mysterious city on your own. If you still have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2,720m/8,890ft). It takes about 50 minutes to reach the top. You need to notify us at the time of your booking if you are interested in the climb as we need to obtain a permit for you!
After your visit of Machu Picchu you will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (you can walk down or take the bus) to be given your train tickets back to Ollantaytambo. The train usually leaves at 18:45pm and you will arrive back in Cusco at about 21:30pm.
If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes town can be arranged. (Please let us know whether you would like to stay an extra night when booking your tour with us).
Includes
- Professional English speaking Guide and Assistant Guide (for groups of 10)
- Collection from your hotel the first day, around 4:00 to 4:30 am
- Bus to Mollepata (trailhead)
- Tourist train back to Ollantaytambo or Cusco
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 afternoon snacks (hot drinks, biscuits and popcorn) and 4 dinners
- Cook
- We have 4 people tents for 2-people sharing, so there will be plenty of space
- Camping equipment (tent, cooking and eating tent, chairs and tables)
- Sleeping mattresses (if you like you can hire some comfortable air mattress from us)
- Horseman, mules or porters (to carry cooking stuff and camping equipment)
- 1 night accommodation in a hostel Aguas Calientes
- Oxygen balloon for any emergency
- First Aid kit
- Vegetarian/special diet options available
Not Included
- Entrance fee to Salkantay National Park (30 soles or 10 dolars)
- Breakfast on first day and lunch on last day in Aguas Calientes
- Entrances to the hot springs Santa Teresa (5 soles), Aguas Calientes (10 soles)
- Sleeping bag with thermal fleece bag for the first night (coldest and highest camping spot). If you want to hire a sleeping bag from us, we don’t ask for any deposit.
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (optional) US$ 6-one way, US$12 round trip
- Extra horse to ride or for any extra backpack
Recommendations
- Acclimatize properly.
- Stay hydrated.
- Wear appropriate gear for varying weather conditions.
- Travel light and pack only essentials.
- Prepare for altitude and challenging terrain.
- Train in advance for high-altitude trekking.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
The package includes transportation from Cusco, professional guides, all meals during the trek, camping equipment (tents and sleeping mats), entrance fees to Machu Picchu, and train tickets back to Cusco. Mule support for carrying equipment is also included. Personal expenses, tips, and sleeping bags are not included.
The trek is moderately to highly challenging due to steep ascents and descents, high altitudes (up to 4,650 meters or 15,255 feet), and long hiking days. Proper acclimatization and a good level of fitness are recommended.
Highlights include the stunning views of Mount Salkantay, trekking through diverse ecosystems, visiting the Inca site of Llactapata, and reaching the iconic Machu Picchu. This trek offers an off-the-beaten-path experience with breathtaking natural scenery.
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Max Altitude: 4,200 msnm
Transport: Train and bus
Dificult: Moderate
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