Salkantay Trekking

General Information:

The Salkantay trek is a hiking route that takes the visitor to the Inca City of Machu Picchu. The total trekking distance is approximately 70 kilometers (5 days trek), the Incas created other beautiful trails and there are more ways to get to Machu Picchu. One of them is the Salkantay Trek. If you decide for the Salkantay trek you will discover a little known side of Peru, but the Salkantay route is not for cowards. For the Salkantay trek you need to have that adventurous spirit running through your veins.

DAY 1: Cusco – Mollepata (Challacancha) – Soraypampa

At 5:30 am you will be picked up from your hotel (previous coordination), and when the group is complete you will be taken to the town of Mollepata; in this place you will have breakfast (not included), then we will go to Callacancha (starting point of the trek), it is located at an altitude of 3400 meters above sea level. In this place the guide will introduce us to the muleteers and all the equipment that will accompany us in this adventure. Then we will start the winding hike with views of the amazing valley surrounded by different ecological floors and snow-capped peaks such as Huantay (5217 masl) and Salkantay (6271 masl). In the afternoon we will arrive to Soraypampa, where we will have a delicious lunch prepared by our chef. Then we will visit the Humantay lagoon (4200 masl), located 2 hours of ascending walk, the return to our first picturesque camp (Soraypampa) will take an hour. Here you will enjoy a buffet dinner prepared by our chef.

DAY 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay

After the fortifying breakfast, we will begin with the hike towards the snowy Salkantay, on the way you can see stone mounds known as Apacheta (offering made by local people), arriving at Salkantay (6271 meters above sea level) we will take a break and from this point we can appreciate breathtaking views. Continuing with the hike you will notice the change of flora and fauna, the more you descend towards the jungle brow we will find more abundance of vegetation and colorful birds, native of the place; we will arrive Wayracmachay where we will have lunch and then continue the hike for approximately 3 hours to reach our second camp (Chaullay 3000masl) You can appreciate the beautiful sunset typical of the tropical zone, and at night you will enjoy dinner.

DAY 3: Chaullay – Wiñay Poco – La Playa

After breakfast we will start the day with a downhill hike to Colcapampa, a place characterized by its thick cloud forest and abundant flora, such as orchids, bromeliads and waterfalls along the way. Then we will arrive to an isolated valley full of extensive plantations of coffee, cocoa and fruits. Continuing with the hike, we will arrive at a farming village Wiñay Poco (2650m) where we will have a comforting lunch, prepared by our chef. At the end of the day we will be arriving to our third campsite Sahuayaco known as «the beach».

Day 4: La Playa – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

After breakfast we will continue with an ascending path to visit the archaeological site of Llactapata (2700 masl); from this place we will have the impressive view of the mountain of Machu Picchu which is surrounded by lush vegetation. After the visit to this place, we will start descending towards the hydroelectric, continuing with the hike to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) (At the hydroelectric station you can take the train to Machu Picchu for an additional cost). Upon arrival at the town of Aguas Calientes the guide will drop you off at your respective hotel and give you some time to rest and then you will have dinner with the group and coordinate the next day’s ascent to the city of Machu Picchu.

DAY 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

This day after breakfast you will leave with your guide to go to the bus station and board to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu (2,400masl – the trip lasts 25 min. approx.). Arriving at the citadel the guide will start with the tour of approximately 2 hours by this incredible Lost City of the Incas, with the explanation of the history of Machu Picchu and the culture of the ancient Quechuas. After the tour we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and from there to take the train back to Ollantaytambo – Cusco.  Upon arrival in Cusco (Poroy station), the transfer will be waiting for you to take you to your respective hotels at approximately 5:00pm.

INCLUDED

• Briefing prior to departure (Briefing):
• Tourist Transportation.
• Bilingual guide
• Medical kit (First Aid).
• Camping equipment (tents, insulators, tables, chairs, etc.).
• Snacks for the hike.
• Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Bus up and down to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu

NOT INCLUDED

• Travel insurance.
• First breakfast
• Last lunch

Recommendations

• Bring waterproof clothing/rain poncho.
• Warm clothes
• Do not forget your documents (ID or PASSPORT).
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, sunglasses.
• Don’t forget your medications and personal items indispensable for you.
• Wool jacket for warmth, hat and gloves.
• T-shirts or T-shirts for trekking
• Comfortable pants
• Insect repellent for the Salkantay trek
• Bring some snacks such as chocolates or dried fruit.
• Extra money