Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

DAY 1: CUSCO THROUGH MOLLEPATA TO SORAYPAMPA (16 KM)

The first day begins early in the morning starting our hike at the small village of Mollepata above the Rio Blanco Valley. We will hike our way up the valley which will be approximately 16km /10 miles and gain an elevation of 1200m /3937ft. Along the path will be a lot of birds and animals and at the end of the day we’ll see the snow-capped peaks of Humantay Mountain and Salkantay Mountain (Savage Mountain). The first night will be spent at Soraypampa (4000m / 12750ft.). We will move slower on the first day to avoid altitude sickness.

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA TO CHAUYAY (19 KM)

The second day is the longest and hardest day of hiking but also the most beautiful. The beautiful scenery changes a lot throughout the day. We will start from the high Puna covered in Ichu grass and then make our way over the Salkantay Pass (4635m/15,200ft) where everything is rock and ice and then descend into the warm and lush cloud forest below. At the Salkantay Pass, you will see Salkantay Mountain which stands at 6264m/20,551ft high; it earns its name as Savage. Along the way we’ll see a variety of wildlife from small finches, to hummingbirds and toucans in the cloud forest, there is also a chance to see Andean Fox, White-Tailed Deer, and Viscacha (rabbit-like Chinchillas). Our campsite for tonight is located at Chauyay (2900m / 9514ft).

DAY 3: CHAUYAY TO LUCMABAMBA (12 KM)

Today we will trek to the village of La Playa about 12km down the valley from Colpapampa. Our route takes us along the Lluskamayo River through an area that has various coffee and fruit plantations. The tropical forest that we pass through has many birds such as toucans and beautiful waterfalls.

We will stay in the village of La Playa (2400m / 7874ft.). You may even get the opportunity to roast coffee beans or enjoy the hot springs. You may even get to eat guinea pig (cuy) tonight!

DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA THROUGH HIDROELECTRICA TO AGUAS CALIENTES (15 KM)

Today is the last day of the hike before we reach Aguas Calientes from Santa Teresa seated at the foot of the Machu Picchu citadel. Today we will visit the Inca site of Llactapata on the mountainside. We will arrive in Llactapata by early to mid-morning and can enjoy the fantastic views of Machu Picchu. After a tour of Llactapata, we’ll learn about the Inca people and their culture. We then head back down the mountain to Hydroelectric Station on our way to our hotel in Aguas Calientes.

DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU

Today is Machu Picchu! We will wake up early and take the bus up Machu Picchu. There will be a 2 hour guided tour of the site during which you’ll learn about the Inca and visit all the most important areas of the citadel, such as the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, the main plaza, and Intitawana. After your tour, you will have approximately 2 hours of free time to explore the site by yourself or climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. In the afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then bus back to your hotel in Cusco.

Included in Salkantay Trek Package:

• English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance to historical Machu Picchu site
• Expedition Train Ticket
• Chef
• Horses (carries personal gear)
• Personal transportation to and from hotel
• Dining Tent
• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 snacks, and 4 dinners. (We are able to accommodate most diets variations)
• Hot coffee/Hot tea
• Nightly pisco drinks
• Clean water
• 4 person tent per 2 people
• Clean private pop-up toilet (no one likes going to the bathroom in a gross outhouse)
• First Aid Kit

Not included in Salkantay Trek Package:

• Sleeping bag – $40
• Trekking poles – $20
• Therm-a-Rest Comfort Sleeping Pad – $30
• Panoramic Vistadome Train – $90
• Horse to help carry personal gear – $100
• Single Person Tent – $75
• Single Person Hotel at Aguas Calientes – $100
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain – $85
• Hot Spring Entrance on Day 3 – $20
• Personal items
• Breakfast on the first day and lunch/dinner on last day
• Porter/Guide tips