The amazing Salkantay trek to Machupicchu is one of the famous treks in Cusco and the best alternative route to get to Machu Picchu. It is takes you through different types of landscapes from the typical Andean landscape up to the snowcapped mountains and down to the tropical forests and finally gets you into the jungle. If you are thinking to do a hiking trip to Machu picchu and you want to be off of the beaten path and be in touch with the nature; Salkantay trek is the best
DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA
We pick you up from the hotel in Cusco at 5:30 to go by private bus to Mollepata which takes 2.5 hours. We stop in Mollepata to have breakfast in one of the restaurants that there is in Mollepata town. After breakfast we go 1 more hour bye car to the beginning of the hike. Around 9:30 we start our hike to Soraypampa campsite about 3 hours hike to get there. Once at the campsite we have lunch and then we go up to Umantay Lake 3 hours round-trip hiking to get to see the beautiful lake of Umantay. Back at the campsite we have the happy hour which means that we have on the dining table different type of teas, coffee, biscuits, popcorn, etc. this is going be like one hour before to have dinner while we are talking about anything that you would like to talk and then we have dinner. And then the guide will give a small briefing about the next day. Buenas noches amigos.
DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – ABRA SALKANTAY – CHAULLAY
Today we start very early in order to make on time to the second campsite. After a nutritious breakfast we start hiking by 6:30 up to the highest point of the whole Salkantay trek which takes about 3.5 uphill hiking. Once at the top we enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding and the time to take pictures. Afterwards we start the downhill hike to the lunch spot about 2 hours hiking. After lunch we hike 3 more hours downhill to the campsite which is Chaullay.
DAY 3: CHAULLAY – LA PLAYA – SANTA TERESA
Today is the nature day we hike through the Santa Teresa valley. This is a very interesting valley full of local flora and some of fauna and we will taste some of the local fruit that we have in the valley such as passion fruit, bananas, avocado, etc. the hike takes about 5.5 hours towards to la playa where we stop to have our lunch after lunch we catch a local transportation to Santa Teresa campsite. In the afternoon you have the option to go to the beautiful hot spring you can walk 45 minutes or you can go by car to enjoy couple of hours at the hot springs. After the hot springs we go back to the campsite in Santa Teresa to have our tea time and then our delicious dinner.
DAY 4: SANTA TERESA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES.
Today you have different options to do. We can hike from Santa Teresa to Hidroelectrica 2.5 hour or you can do zip line in the morning for about 2 hours and then to go by bus to Hidroelectrica. If you do not want to hike along the car road to Hidroelectrica and you do not like to do zip line we can go by bus to Hidroelectrica. Anyway after lunch in Hidroelectrica we have to hike along the train track from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes town like 3 hours hiking on the flat path. Once in Aguas Calientes we go to the hotel to take shower and relaxing. In the evening we have dinner in the local restaurant in Aguas Calientes town.
DAY 5: MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO
The most important day for most of the hikers after an early breakfast in the hotel you desist to take a bus up to Machu picchu complex or walking up. We recommend you to be in Machu picchu by 6:00 in order to see Machu picchu with fewer tourists. You will have 2.5 hours guided tour in complex after the guided tour you have free time to explore Machu picchu by yourselves or you can climb Huaynapicchu Mountain or Machu picchu Montaña but you have to book the tickets in advance. Afterwards you have to go back to Aguas Calientes town in order to catch the trail to Ollantaytambo town and then transfer by private bus to the hotel in Cusco.
INCLUDED
Pre-departure briefing at our office in Cusco usually one day before you starts your trek.We gather you up from your hotel in Cusco and private transfer to Challacancha (beginning of the trek).
Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow higher comfort.
1 sleeping pad per person.
1 sleeping bag Liner.
1pillow per person.
Dining tent with tables and chairs.
Kitchen tent.
professional English speaking tour guide (The standard group size is 8 guests with 1 guide, 11 guests with 2 guides).
1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
Chef and cooking equipment.
Pack horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) – from day 1 to day 3.
Pack animals to carry personal gear up to a maximum of 7kg per person (including sleeping pad and sleeping bag) – days 1 to 3.
Accommodation for all our personal staff.
Meals (03B, 03L, 03D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost.
Filtered boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards.
hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes.
boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch.
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
One way bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu.
Machu Picchu entrance fee.
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco(Expedition Service 18:35pm).
Transfer train station-hotel in Cusco.
24-h guest service: please ask for the emergency number available during your time of visit.
NOT INCLUDED
Personal trekking gear.trekking Sticks (you may rent from us in our office in Cusco USD 15 per one pair).
Sleeping bag (you may rent from us in our office in Cusco USD 5 per night).
Sunscreen, toiletries, mosquitos repellent and personal items.
Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight.
Breakfast on day 1.
Lunch and dinner on the last day after the guided tour at Machu Picchu.
Tips and gratuity for support staff.
What you need to take
A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trekRain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly 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 – no malaria risk has been reported
Handkerchiefs
Toilet paper
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into Machu Picchu. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
Small towel
Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Cash in soles and/or US$
Original passport
Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)
“This tour is available every day provided we have a minimum of 2 pax”