Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

5 Days / 4 nights

Challenging

Age 12+

All year round

The hike to Salkantay is considered the second most popular tourist attraction in Peru, right underneath the Inca Trail. This hike leads you through the many diverse ecosystems of the Peruvian mountains. From the coldest parts of the snowy mountain top to the turquoise lakes and tropical forests at it’s base, the hike of Salkantay is considered a spiritual journey as you emerge up to the sacred Mount Salkantay.

Day 1

In the morning we will leave the city of Cusco in our own transport to the Valley of Avocados also known as Limatambo. From here our transportation will begin to ascend to the town of Mollepata, where we will eat breakfast. Following breakfast, we will continue by car to the area of Challacancha (3600 meters above sea level) and it is here we will begin out trek by foot along an Incan Channel that will take us to camp Soraypampa (3920 meters above sea level). This camp is located at the base of the snowy mountain Humantay.

After eating lunch there will be time to ascend a short, but steep hike to Lake Humantay (4200 meters above sea level). This lake is known for its beautiful turquoise color and for that reason it is the most visited region of Cusco. After returning from the Lake we will spend the night at camp Soraypampa.

Day 2

We will leave early in the morning to begin the longest and hardest day of the trek. After a hot breakfast we will start hiking from Camp Soraypampa towards Salkantay Pass (4600 meters above sea level). From this place we will have the privilege of beholding a wonderful view of the snowy Mount Salkantay, and depending on the weather an opportunity to hike a short ways to see another turquoise lake, Lake Salkantay. The hike that follows is a descent to Camp Chuallay (2900 meters above sea level) and ending the most challenging day of the trek.

Day 3

After a breakfast provided in Camp Chuallay, we will use a path that will take us deeper into the jungle, a tropical place characterized by lush vegetation. In this place we will begin to see some of the first fruit and coffee plantations. The hike will lead us to Camp Lucmabamba where we will have a more free afternoon allowing us to head to the Hot Springs of Cocalmayo. This place is known for its hot waters that relax and rejuvenate the body. Afterwards we will spend the night in Camp Lucmabamba.

Day 4

The hike this day will be challenging as it is a trek that ascends to the top of an archeological Incan site – Llactapata. In this place there is a view of Machu Picchu nestled across the way on a mountain in front of Llatapata. From here we will descend into a valley and continue heading towards the town of Aguas Calientes.

Day 5

This day we finally arrive at Machu Picchu! We will begin our tour at the time indicated by our entrance tickets for Machu Picchu and enjoy a time discovering the ancient past of the Incas. Afterwards, we will return to Aguas Calientes where we will board a train to return to the town we started our journey in and from their take a bus back to Cusco.

Departure

Cusco

Departure Time

At 7:00 AM, according to your schedule

Return Time

At 9:00 PM, according to your schedule

Included

Transportation from Cusco to Challacancha (the starting point of the trek)
Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu
Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Bus Ride from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu Entrance
3 Nights of Camping
Camping Equipment, Sleeping Tents, Kitchen Gear
Cook for the first 4 days of the trek
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Night in Hotel on the 4^th Day
Specialized Cook with us on the route of the trek
Pack Horses to Carry Camping Gear

Not Included

First breakfast upon leaving and last lunch and dinner the 5^th day
Entrance to the Huayna Picchu Mountains or the Old Mountain
Additional drinks for the trek
Sleeping bags (it is possible to rent these at a travel agency)
Hiking Poles (it is possible to rent these at a travel agency)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Dry Season (recommended as the best time to travel): this is the period within the months of April to October. The days are generally sunny with a small chance of rain.
Wet Season (recommended as a good time to travel): this period is within the months of November to May. There is more probability of rain, however, the landscape and countryside are lush and green.
February: for the majority of this month access to the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance, but the archeological site of Machu Picchu remains open with other options to travel to the site.