Salkantay Trek Adventure 4 Days
The Salkantay Trek Adventure is a vast natural amphitheater surrounded by the highest peaks of Cusco region; The trek takes you through a landscape of mountains, tropical forests, mountain villages, Inca ruins and river valleys, to the INCA Sanctuary of Machu Picchu!…
Because the Salkantay Trek Adventure is one of the world’s best treks, and it is one of our most popular trips to MACHUPICCHU, set amongst the breathtaking high mountain sceneries. Magnificent landscapes, imposing and prestigious peaks, tapering ridges, and colorful villages contribute to turning this trek into an unforgettable experience. Salkantay Trek Adventure is an ancient and remote footpath located in the same region as the Classic Inca Trail where massive snowcapped mountains collide with lush tropical cloud forests.
The Trail wind through a land untouched by the hand of time; past the highest Salknatay pass (4,600m / 15091ft); descent into the cloud forest and finishes in the Inca santuary of Machu Picchu; a XV century Inca build. This 4-day Adventure Trekking to Machupicchu in Peru is a mix of magical landscape, culture, and spiritual heritage. It is land untouched by modernity and greatly endowed with natural and cultural beauty.
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This Trekking route to Machu Picchu is the best alternative after the classic Inca Trail. In this trek we roam around the massive snow pick of Salkantay (6,271m / 20574ft) with beautiful sceneries of naked White Mountains. This trek is getting popular Day by Day with the new travelers because they can get to trek as well as experience the culture and see the glorious view of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. It’s Completely suitable for all the age group and with any fitness level.
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Difficulty: Adventurous
Timing: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Grade: Moderate to challenge
Activities: Trekking
Destinations: Machu Picchu – Peru
Max Alt: 4,600m / 15091ft
Beginning and Ending Points: The city of Cusco
DESCRIPTION
The Salkantay Trek Adventure is an alternative trekking route to the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This magnificent trail is perfect for adventurers who wish to become personally integrated in changing ecosystems from one day to the next. The trip involves three days trekking for about 6 – 9 hours per day and one day explores the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Our program begins in the zone of Soraypampa at 3,800m / 12467ft which is the first campsite for the 5-day trekking groups. We arrive here by private car in four hours from the city of Cusco. You will walk through far-reaching, magical landscapes of a snowy mountain paradise to a tropical jungle where you will find a wide range of animals, medicinal plants and great diversity of flowers.
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In this Trekking to Machupicchu you’ll use two nights camping tents; which is transported by horses and one night you’ll use 3-stars category hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes; this town is located near the Inca santuary of Machu Picchu; more exactly to 25 minutes by bus. The last day you’ll explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu very early; and in the afternoon you’ll return to Cusco by train.
In this tour you’ll walk with a small bag pack where you’ll carry your water, camera, snacks, sunblock and jacket; because the rest of your thing will carry the horses in a duffel bag that we’ll provide you one day before the trek.
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS
- A wonderful bus journey from Cusco to Mollepata village; and then to Soraypampa
- Guided Salkantay Trail
- Expore The Inca sites along the trail
- Many photo opportunities
- Machu Picchu Tour (optional climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain)
- Free time within Machu Picchu for further exploration
WHY SALKANTAY TREK ADVENTURE?
- The Salkantay Trek Adventure is listed as one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.
- Salkantay Trek Adventure is definitely one of the very best trekking adventures that you will find in Peru; After the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu this Trek is the 2nd most popular trek (and a lot less crowded).
- Trekking alongside the magnificent and famous Salkantay and Umantay Mountains and arriving at the Inca Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, This is one of the best experiences known to mankind.
- Explorers can see natural bridges, snowcapped mountains, colorful valleys, waterfalls, wildlife, unique plants, and cloud forest.
WHO CAN GO TO SALKANTAY TREK ADVENTURE?
- Anyone above the age of 10 with sporting abilities.
- First timer can apply should have some interest in trekking and mountaineering.
- The trekker must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 3 km of distance in 45 minutes without a stress.
- The trekkers should be able to carry a 3 kg backpack.
- Heart problem, high blood pressure, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this mission. The trekkers must not have the conditions mentioned above.
BRIEF ITINERARY FOR SALKANTAY TREK ADVENTURE
Day 1: Huayrocmachay:
Early pick-up from your hotel and travel 4 hours to the zone Soraypampa; and then trek 4 – 5 hours up to Salkantay Pass and 2 hours down to Huayrocmachay camp.
Day 2: Lucmabamba:
Today will be a wonderful day; we will trek through the cloud forest with the presence of dense vegetation, flowers, birds and hummingbirds.
Day 3: Aguas Calientes:
6 – 7 hour-trek, observing plantations of coffee, bananas, papayas, etc. Today we’ll arrive to the town of Aguas Calientes – Hotel accommodation
Day 4: Machu Picchu:
Very early, we’ll take the bus up to Machu Picchu and explore before the crowd arrives from Cusco at midday. In the afternoon, you will return to Cusco by train.
ITINERARY
THE SALKANTAY TREK ADVENTURE ITINERARY IN DETAIL
1st DAY: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA – HUAYROCMACHAY
Highlights:
- Walk from Soraypampa to Huayrocmachay with very few tourists and splendid views.
- Walk along the winding Salkantay path with the mountain’s tallest peak in front of your eyes ; Challenge yourself as we make our way up some steep slopes while looking out on the valley far below until we reach the base of Salkantay Mountain.
- Take in your first views of the enigmatic Apu Salkantay.
- Spend the nights in exclusive Camp sites
Description
The Four-day Adventure begins at 05:00 a.m once we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and transfer you to the zone of Soraypampa by bus; the bus journey will be four hours approximately. Along the trip, we’ll pass picturesque towns like: Izcuchaca, Limatambo and Mollepata; In Mollepata, we will stop for 30 minutes to have breakfast and for last minute supplies then we continue to Soraypampa. At Soraypampa, we’ll meet our trek crew: “Arrieros” (horsemen) and trekking staff (Chef and his Assistants).
We start trekking with a gradual climb until Salkantaypampa and then the trail continues zigzag up to Salkantay Pass (4,600 masl/15,091ft) the highest pass where in addition, you’ll be enjoying stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and the snow-capped peaks of Vilcabamba mountain range with the south face of Salkantay towering above you. You probably will see also some chinchillas and condors in their natural habitat. From this point, we’ll descend two hours to Huarocmachay camp. Today we will trek for 6 – 8 hours appxoximately.
- Included Meals: L-D
- Accommodation: Camping Tents
- Maximum Altitude: 4,600 masl
- Minimum Altitude: 3,800 masl
- Distance Travelled: 14km approx
- Approximate Walking Time: 6 – 8 hours
2th DAY: HUAYROCMACHAY – LUCMABAMBA
Highlights:
- Hike along the Santa Teresa Valley with the pristine forest
- Enjoy a wonderful waterfall where one can take a refresh shower
- Enjoy a warm campinste
- Visit the coffee factory; place where this product is processed
Description
After breakfast at 6:30 Am we’ll start trekking downwards through the Andean forest for two hours approximately until the community of Ccollapapampa; at this zone the trail turns to the right and continues through the River/valley of Santa Teresa with presence of great biodiversity (flora and fauna). The trail will pass by picturesque farms and waterfalls one of the waterfalls is very high and it’s great place where you can take a refreshing shower.
From Ccollpapampa we’ll walk four hours approximately to the community of Playa Sahuayaco; during the hike you will see rivers, waterfalls, wild orchids, and plantations of coffee, banana, and avocado. You can taste the famous passion fruit and granadilla fruit along the way! In the afternoon you’ll visit the organic coffee farm where you can taste this extraordinary drink.
The coffee is the main thing that people farm in this region; they export this product to different parts of the world like: United States, several countries of Europe and Asia.
The Camp site is located near one hour from the Community of Ccollpapampa, in the zone of Lucmabmab, a very nice a warm area in addition you can take showers.
Trekking Facts
- Meals: B-L-D
- Accommodation: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 3,850 masl
- Minimum Altitude: 3,300 masl
- Distance Travelled: 16 kms
- Approximate Walking Time: Total walking time: 8-9 hours
DAY 3: LUCMABAMBA – AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN
Highlights:
- Walk through the Urubamba canyon
- Explore the Inca ruins of Llactapata
- Get the first views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains
- Enjoy great biodiversity of the zone
After breakfast at 7:00am in the dining room tent we’ll begin the hike for two hours zigzag up to the second pass called LLactapata where you’ll find an Inca ruins; here you’ll have plenty of time to rest and take pictures; you also will be guided through the Inca site. From this point you’ll have the option to see the mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu!
After we finish exploring the ruins of Llactapata, we will continue trekking for two hours a downhill hike. On this part of the trail, you are always able to view Machu Picchu until we arrive at the Hidroelectrica train station where the lunch will be served. After lunch we continue trekking for 10 minutes and we’ll arrive to “Intiwatana”; a famous ancient rock used as a sundial in the time of the Incas. According to history, Intiwatana worked together with the famous sundial stone in the Machu Picchu site. The people used these two stones to measure and read the winter solstice, which was the beginning of the new farming season.
From here we continue walking through the railway for 3 hours until the town of Aguas Calientes. Wher you’ll have accommodation in the hotel.
If you are exhausted, you can take the train for half hour to the town of Aguas Calientes ($31.00 extra).
Trekking facts
- Included Meals: B-L-D
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Maximum Altitude: 2,700 masl
- Minimum Altitude: 2,000 masl
- Distance Travelled: 12km approx
- Approximate Walking Time: Total of walking time: 5-6 hours
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Highlights:
- Early explore of Machu Picchu which allows the tranquility
- 2 -3 hours Guided tour within Machu Picchu
- Free time for further exploration of Machu Picchu
At 4.00 am will be the wakeup call in the hotel and get you breakfast at 4:30 am in order to be ready at 5:00am. After you leave your duffle bags in the reception of the hotel we walk for 5 minutes to the bus station; we’ll take the bus for 25 minutes up to the entrance of Machu Picchu and with your ticket and you passport you’ll pass the control point; then you’ll receive 2 -3 hours of tour within Machu Picchu.
During the tour you’ll visit the most important places like: temples, the Inca palace, the sundial, the storehouses, the stone quarry and the agricultural terraces; after the tour you’ll take the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes for your lunch in one of the restaurants. After that you can walk around the town and in the afternoon you’ll take the train at 2:55PM from the town of Aguas Calientes to the train station of Ollanta from where you’ll be transferred buy car to your hotel in Cusco; where you’ll arrive at 7:15pm approximately.
Included Meals: B – in the hotel
PRICE INFO
THE PRICE INFO FOR SALKANTAY TREK ADVENTURE
Daily Departure
Group serveice and private service
| TYPE OF TRAIN | PRICE PER PERSON |
| Expedition class | US$ |
| Vistadome class | US$ |
| Hiram Bimgham class |
Discounts for Salkantay Trek Adventure
Student Discount: US$20 (Requires ISIC Card to qualify)
Under 18’s Discount: US$20
Optional Extras:
Sleeping Bag US$25
Walking Pole US$12
Single Tent Supplement US$45
Huaynapicchu permit US$
Private Service Prices
2 people US$650 per person
3 people US$585 per person
4 people US$545 per person
5 people US$515 per person
6 people US$480 per person
7+ people US$450 per person
Discounts for private service:
Under 18’s Discount: US$20
Optional Extras:
Sleeping Bag US$30
Walking Pole US$12
Single Tent Supplement US$45
Extra 7kg of personal items US$70
LOCATION
SALKANTAY TREK ADVENTURE LOCATION
GALLERY
SALKANTAY TREK ADVENTURE GALLERY
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BASIC FAQ's
BASIC FAQ’s
When is the best time for Salkantay Trek Adventure?
Round the year except monsoon (January and February). During the winter is colder is very important to be prepared months (June, July and august).
How difficult is the Trekking?
It varies moderate to difficult depend of your fitness level and your acclimatization to the altitude; otherwise it is a moderate trek to do.
How cold does it really get on the Trek?
First day temperature can get below cero because the altitude and the proximity to Salkantay Mountain; remember that the highest point for today will be 4,600masl; consider that we start the trek at 3,800masl. The following days will warm because the trek runs through the jungle forest and the altitude is much lower; is important to carry sunblock and insets repellents
How long do we walk each day?
Average walking distance is 16 km an each day and trekkers complete in 6 -7 hrs. First day is difficult, trekkers walk 10-12 km on that day.
Is Diamox is advisable?
NO, but in case you are having so please consult your doctor because there are lots of MYTH about Diamox.
Who will lead and who all will go along with us?
Always trek leads by professional Trek leader who complete Basic and Advance mountaineering course and certified in first-aid course and along with one local guide, cook, helper, porter and other staff.
The Lake of Humantay located in the base of the Salkantay Moutain
WHY SALKANTAY TREK?Best Trekking to Machupicchu TREK DIFFICULTYAvailable for everyone QUESTIONS & ANSWERSKnow before you go
HIGHLIGHTS OF EACH DAY
1ST DAY
The Valley of Soray at 3,800 masl
2TH DAY
Salkantay Mountain 6,271masl
3TH DAY
Santa Teresa’s River/Valley
4TH DAY
Machu Picchu located at 2,400masl; Known as the lost city of the Incas
SO WHAT AM I PAYING FOR?
When it comes to money we would like to explain to you what you are paying for. We are a local company providing world-wide travelers with internationally qualified services. We provide you with the lowest prices possible for fully inclusive trips that have no hidden fees. As one of the leading trekking companies in Cusco – Peru, we guarantee your safety, satisfaction, and long-lasting memories of your experience.
SALKANTAY TREK ADVENTURE INCLUDES
- Transportation: Tourist bus from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek) and tourist train Expeditions class from “Aguas Calientes” to Ollantaytambo; bus up from “Aguas Calientes” to Machu Picchu.
- Camping equipments: We provide four people capacity tent for two persons, brand new four season tents, Therm-a-rest, dining room tent, kitchen tent, toiled tent, seats, tables, tent for Guides and helpers, kitchen gears.
- Accommodations: Rooms based on double occupancy: 01 night hotel accommodation in the town of “Aguas Calientes”.
- Entrance fees: To Machu Picchu.
- Meals: 3 breakfasts; 3 hot lunches; 3 hot dinners and delicious meals prepared by professional chef food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude. Teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn), we offer vegetarian option if you request; we provide available boil water each morning for your water bottles.
- Guides: English-speaking professional guides, 2 guides over 8 people
- Cook: Professional chef and Chef’s Assistants.
- Horses: For camping equipment, food and kitchen gears as well to carry your personal items (6kg per person) in duffel bags that we provide;
- Muleteers.
- Others: First-aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle.
NOT INCLUDED
- Sleeping bag: can be rented in our office for US$ 20 for the entire trek (every sleeping bag is washed prior to each use).
- Breakfast: on the first morning. Some hotels offer early morning breakfast service. If not, we’ll stop at Mollepata for your breakfast and also you can
- buy some items for the trek.
- Meals: in the town of “Aguas Calientes” on the final day, you must consider a bugged of US$ 15 to 20 in average restaurant.
- The Entrance fees: To Wayna Picchu Mountain US$ 35.
- Entrance: to the thermal baths in “Aguas Calientes” (optional) US$ 3.
- Tips: For the staff.
THE MAP
