Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Cusco, Perú 4 Days

Salkantay Trek – Machu Picchu

An experience that perfectly balances rich history with breathtaking landscapes. The tour offers privileged views of the snow-capped Salkantay (6,264 m.a.s.l.), the most iconic peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range.

A journey that evokes the ancestral past and allows you to connect with the energy of mountains like Tucarhuay and Humantay, which rise to over 5,000 m.a.s.l.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soyroccocha

The day begins at 5:00 am with an approximately 4-hour transfer from Cusco to Challacancha (3400 m.a.s.l.), passing through the town of Mollepata. In Challacancha, we will meet with the muleteers to begin a 2- to 3-hour hike through a valley surrounded by the imposing snow-capped peaks of Humantay and Salkantay.

The first camp will be set up in Soraypampa (3700 m.a.s.l.), where you should be prepared for predominantly cold weather.

Optional Excursion: In the afternoon, we recommend an additional hike to Humantay Lagoon, located at 4220 m.a.s.l. This round-trip hike takes about 3 hours and allows you to enjoy views of the glacier and its turquoise waters.

Day 2: Soyroccocha – Apacheta Pass – Colpapampa

After breakfast, the ascent continues towards the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m.a.s.l.), the highest point of the trek, offering stunning views of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain (6,264 m.a.s.l.). During the descent, the landscape changes dramatically, revealing denser and more abundant vegetation.

The day concludes at Collpapampa (3,000 m.a.s.l.), a camp located in the cloud forest. Conditions: The environment is tropical rainforest, so the climate is warm and mosquitoes are present.

Estimated Time: The total hike for this day takes 9 to 10 hours.

Day 3: Colpapampa – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes

The day begins with a descent through a diverse forest, home to species such as orchids, bromeliads, and bomareas. Along the way, we visit the communities of Wiñaypoco (2650 m.a.s.l.) and Granadilla (2100 m.a.s.l.) to interact with local families. We then travel by vehicle for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from La Playa to the Hidroeléctrica area, where lunch will be served.

From Hidroeléctrica, the journey continues to the town of Aguas Calientes, either by hike or by train (additional cost). The night will be spent in a lodge in Aguas Calientes.

Conditions and Times: The total hike takes 5 to 6 hours in warm weather and with the presence of mosquitoes.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

The day begins at 5:30 am with a bus ride to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise at the archaeological site. A specialized guide will explain the history and lifestyle of the Incas as you visit the most important temples, altars, and residential areas.

After exploring the citadel and having lunch in the town of Aguas Calientes, you will board the afternoon train back to the city of Cusco.

TIME OF PERMANENCE INSIDE MACHU PICCHU:

The time inside Machu Picchu will be a maximum of four (4) hours from the time of the entry until the departure, between 6:00 and 4:00 p.m., according to the respective registration (it closes at 5:30 p.m.). Except for the tickets that combine with alternate routes 1: Waynapicchu Mountain and 2: Machupicchu Mountain, they can spend 6 hours.
The number of tickets to be sold by schedules will be established according to the capacity of Machu Picchu and the use of alternate roads that allow entry.
Re-entry to Machupicchu is not allowed, except for reasons of force majeure.
The breach of the time of permanence (4 hours) generates the additional charge of another extra ticket, otherwise the immediate withdrawal of the tourists and guides, this with the support of the authorities.
For shared services, we do not give bathroom tents, we will only give this service on private tours. On the other hand, for the Inca Trail tours 4 days, in each camp there are bathrooms provided by the INC (National Institute of Culture), these bathrooms are free. In many other places, there are residents’ toilets, which are bathrooms where you have to pay.
We recommend to bring your own toilet paper.

INCLUDED

Transportation
- Specialized shuttle from your lodging to the town of Mollepata (Challacancha).
- Transit from Granadilla to the Hydroelectric plant.
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu site.
- Dedicated traveler’s train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus transfer to Cusco.
Lodging in Aguas Calientes
Admissions for Salkantay National Park and the Machu Picchu site
Licensed bilingual expedition leader (fluent in Spanish and English)
Accommodation: Private camping domes for nights one and two; hotel stay in Aguas Calientes for night three
Premium outdoor trekking gear
Catering throughout the trip (Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea; vegetarian alternatives available)
Culinary staff and kitchen assistants
Muleteers and pack animals
Support animal for emergencies
Medical emergency kit and supplemental oxygen

Not included

Initial morning meal and final midday meal in Aguas Calientes on Day 4
Secondary downhill bus passage
Sleeping equipment (should you lack your own, rental options are available)
Trekking sticks
Railway transfer between the Hydroelectric station and Aguas Calientes

We recommended to bring

Backpack and Bedding: A hiking pack equipped with a rain cover and a sleeping bag.
Climate-Appropriate Apparel: Attire suitable for both hot and cold environments, including a water-resistant jacket.
Legwear: Waterproof pants and light trekking trousers.
Footwear: Hiking boots, plus flip-flops or sandals for the hot springs and showers.
Hosiery: Socks made from wool or synthetic fibers.
Tops: A warm sweater and a variety of short- and long-sleeved t-shirts or polo shirts.
Rain Gear: A waterproof poncho.
Headwear and Swimwear: A hat and a swimsuit for visiting the Aguas Calientes thermal baths.
Skin Protection and Hygiene: Sunblock, bug spray, and hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol.
Hydration: A reusable water container and purification tablets.
Personal Care: Basic bathroom supplies and toilet paper.
Photography and Lighting: A camera (stored in a protective plastic bag), a torch, and extra batteries.
Food: Energy-boosting snacks such as dried fruits and chocolate.
Identification: Your actual passport and a valid ISIC student ID card.
Currency: Additional cash in Peruvian Soles.

Important Reminder: Due to the damp and chilly conditions, wet garments will likely stay damp overnight; please bring enough spare clothing to ensure you have dry items to change into.

NOTES:

Prices Subject To Increases (Peru Rail, Inc)
If you wish a hotel of your preference in Aguas Calientes, can be deducted the amount of $10.00 american dollars.
Horse Load (Ask for more information)
Horse To Ride (Ask for more information)
In our shared services, we will pick-up our clients from your hotel as long as it is located in the downtown.
In our shared services, at the end of the tour, we leave our clients in a place close to the Main Square, because is easier go walking instead the car for the traffic jam. If your hotel is far from the downtown, take some cash with you in order to take a taxi.
Pick-up and drop off times are referential, this will depend on the traffic that can be found in the streets or delay of the other clients, our assistant will be on time but sometimes the transport could delay a few minutes.
Tips for guides are not included nor are they obligatory.
We reserve the trains from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy at certain times based on availability, and then plan the transfers for those times. If the passenger changes their train ticket at last minute, transfers from Ollantaytambo or Poroy to Cusco can no longer be provided as it is a collective service and transfers are scheduled for the hours initially booked.
Campsites can be changed to domes based on availability

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