Description:
An alternative way to reach Machu Picchu, the Salkantay route to Machu Picchu, is considered one of the best by NatGeo, and its level of difficulty is similar to that of the Classic Inca Trail. This will be an exciting adventure for those who enjoy experiencing nature at its finest and hiking surrounded by beautiful landscapes. We are direct operators in Cusco; we will not pass you on to any other agency.
Starting point: Cusco
Ending point: Cusco
Activity: Archaeological, Cultural, Camping, Ecological, Hiking
(B) = breakfast / (L) = lunch / (D) = dinner
DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA (A) (C):
Hotel pick-up (around 5:00 a.m.). We board the vehicle and head toward the town of Mollepata (approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, we will have breakfast (not included), then continue by vehicle to CHALLACANCHA, where we will begin our hike (approximately 2 to 3 hours) ALONG AN INCA TRAIL AND CANAL, until reaching SORAYPAMPA, where we will have lunch.
In the afternoon, there will be an opportunity to visit Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). The hike takes about 2 hours uphill and 1 hour downhill back to the Soraypampa campsite (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), where we will spend the night after dinner.
DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – CHAULLAY (D) (A) (C):
Very early in the morning, we will depart from our campsite. After a hearty breakfast, we will head toward the Salkantay snow-capped mountain (4,620 m / 15,157 ft), which is the highest point of the entire route. We will ascend for approximately 4 hours to reach this first pass, where we will take a short break to enjoy the impressive views from this point.
Along the way, we will encounter several piles of stones known as Apachetas. We will then descend for about 2 hours to Wayracmachay, where we will have lunch, and afterward continue walking for approximately 3 more hours until we reach Chaullay, where our second campsite is located. Dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 3: CHAULLAY – LA PLAYA (Sawayaco) – SANTA TERESA (D) (A) (C):
After breakfast, we will depart from Chaullay at approximately 7:00 a.m. to continue our hike toward Collcapampa. Along the way, we will pass through narrow trails surrounded by abundant local flora, including different types of orchids and waterfalls that can be seen throughout the journey. After about 5 hours of hiking, we will finally arrive at Sawayaco, also known as “La Playa,” where we will have lunch.
Afterward, we will take a vehicle to Santa Teresa, a town located at 1,645 m / 5,397 ft, for approximately 45 minutes. We will arrive in Santa Teresa at around 3:00 p.m., where…
DAY 4: SANTA TERESA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES (D) (A) (C):
At approximately 8:00 a.m., after breakfast, we will travel by vehicle for about 30 minutes until we reach Hidroeléctrica. From there, we will continue walking for approximately 3 hours until we arrive in Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we will have lunch, check into our accommodation, and coordinate the ascent to the city of Machu Picchu for the following day.
DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO ( D ) :
Very early in the morning (5:30 a.m.), we will have breakfast (included at the hotel) and take the first bus, which will take us to the Machu Picchu sanctuary in approximately 30 minutes.
Then, we will have a guided tour for about 2 hours, during which the guide will take us through the most important sites of the citadel. After the tour, we will have free time to take photos and explore Machu Picchu on our own (the available time depends largely on your train schedule, as you must be at the station 30 minutes before departure).
Another option is to hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (not included) to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the entire citadel.
Finally, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, then go to the train station and wait for our train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus ride to Cusco, where we will arrive at approximately 10:30 p.m.
End of our service.
THE TOUR INCLUDES:
- Hotel pick-up.
- Transportation Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha.
- Muleteers and mules (for camping and cooking equipment only).
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping pads, tables, chairs, etc.).
- Horse carrying service for your belongings (maximum 6 kg per person).
- Professional tour guide.
- First aid kit and oxygen tank.
- 4 breakfasts – 4 lunches – 4 dinners.
- Cook.
- 1 night in Aguas Calientes town (hotel).
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Tourist Expedition train (return) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Transfer by vehicle from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
NOT INCLUDED:
- First breakfast.
- Bus up and down between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Last lunch.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Sleeping bag.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND YOU SHOULD TO BRING:
- A light back pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature.
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho.
- Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots are recommended.
- Extra socks are a must.
- Sandals are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings.
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf.
- Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- Sleeping bag (we can rent this to you if you like).
- Torch/Flashlight and spare batteries.
- Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume quicker under cold conditions).
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold.
- Sun block + After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body.
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although NO malaria risk has been reported.
- Toilet paper in plastic bag.
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
- Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
- We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
- Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, plasters for blisters etc.
- Small towel or sarong.
- Swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in the hot springs).
- Cash – sufficient for snacks, tips and souvenirs.
- Original passport & International university card if you have one.
- Walking sticks or poles (we can rent these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day).
- Binoculars (if you have them).
