Departure City
Cusco
Guide
Professional guide
Maximum Altitude
4620 msnm
Transportation
Bus, Train
Walking Hours
6-7 hours
Minimum Age
18
Maximum Age
50
Destinations
Hiking & Trekking, Machu Picchu
Activities
Hiking & Trekking Activities
Trip Type
Hiking and Trekking Packages, Machu Picchu Travel Packages
Difficulty
Medium

Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu

Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu is an exciting journey that will take you through breathtaking landscapes, connecting the majestic Salkantay mountain range with the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.

This alternative route, known for its unspoiled and less traveled nature, offers you the opportunity to live an authentic experience while traveling through lush valleys, snowy mountains and crystal clear rivers.

Along the way, you will enter various ecosystems, from the glaciers of the Salkantay to the lush tropical rainforest.

With five days of demanding but rewarding hiking, you will pass through elevations of up to 4,650 meters above sea level at the imposing Salkantay rek Machu Picchu pass, enjoying panoramic views of the Peruvian Andes.

As you descend, you will experience the change of climate towards warmer and greener areas, full of

The tour culminates with the unforgettable arrival at Machu Picchu, a wonder of the world that awaits at the end of your adventure.

This experience combines nature, history and adventure, making the Salkantay Trek one of the best alternatives for those looking for a deep connection with the landscapes.

What to wear

Bring a small backpack for the trip to the Salkantay trek – Machu Picchu Flashlight for the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu Thermal clothing, waterproof, sunscreen. Mosquito repellent, lipstick. Water bottle Jacket or Poncho Camera, external battery, photo memory

Day 1 :

CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA

Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu, will begin our long-awaited trip by picking up our travelers from their hotels at 6:30 am. We will travel by private car to Quillabamba (a 4.5 hour trip).

The trip will continue to “Challabamba” at 3,675 meters above sea level, you will rest and prepare your trekking equipment to begin the excursion.

We will walk for 3 hours along flat and rocky trails surrounded by ichu (straw) to the first camp in “Soraypampa”, a very characteristic Andean valley at 3,850 meters above sea level. You will enjoy a traditional lunch prepared with local ingredients.

Continuing an uphill walk (1 hour and a half) until you reach the popular Humantay Lagoon, a treasure of nature at 4,200 meters above sea level, you will witness the beauty and magical turquoise tones.

We will return to the Soraypampa camp to enjoy a pleasant dinner and rest until the next morning.

Day 2 :

SORAYPAMPA

Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu, At 5:00 am, you will begin to enjoy a comforting breakfast to counteract the cold climate of the area.

We will begin the most difficult section of the hike through risky trails that lead to Salkantaypampa, a rest area 4,100 meters above sea level (1 hour).

The route continues uphill through “Soyrococha”, another rest area at 4,400 meters above sea level and ends at Abra Salkantay, a pass at 4,632 meters above sea level between the snow-capped mountains “Humantay and Salkantay” (2 hours).

At the highest point, you will discover a charming panorama made up of a mountain range and part of the traditional Inca Trail, in this place you can build apachetas (stone towers) for fortune and protection during your trip.

We will descend for 1 hour and a half to “Wayracpampa” to enjoy a traditional local lunch and a well-deserved rest.

The trip continues through forests with abundant vegetation until we reach “Chaullay”, our second camp at 2,920 meters above sea level, where you will enjoy a delicious dinner and rest until the next day.

Day 3 :

CHAULLAY – SAHUAYACO – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES

Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu start your day with a hot breakfast that will keep you going at 100%.

We will walk for 40 minutes through Andean fields to “Collpa” at 2,850 meters above sea level, a town inhabited by charismatic people where we can rest.

The excursion will continue for 2 and a half hours through trails that show waterfalls, natural formations, hot springs and fruit trees. We will visit “Wiñaypoco” a community dedicated to the cultivation of tropical products.

Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu, will arrive at “Sahuayaco” at 2,200 meters above sea level, the place is known as “the Beach” due to its similarity to the coast and being close to the Salkantay basin.

You will board our private transportation that will take you to Hidroeléctrica (2160 meters above sea level) to enjoy a delicious traditional lunch.

After a rest, a 3-hour walk will begin to Aguas Calientes, along the way you will be able to see abundant vegetation and train tracks accompanying part of the way.

In Aguas Calientes you will have dinner and spend the night at your hotel. The guide will give us an informative talk about the expedition in Machu Picchu the next morning.

Day 4 :

AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO

Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu, At dawn at 4:00 am we will have breakfast and begin a 2-hour walk to the archaeological complex.

We will begin the tour with the guide for 2 hours inside Machu Picchu, visiting platforms, temples, streets, squares, mansions and other architectural vestiges of the Inca culture.

At the end of the tour, you can hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (book in advance) or use your free time to continue exploring the Machu Picchu citadel.

Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu, At noon, we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes, you can do some activities such as visiting the hot springs, visiting the market or the museum (remember that these activities can be done up to half an hour before the departure of your train).

Our return to Ollantaytambo is 1 hour and 40 minutes. When you get off the train, our private transportation awaits you to take you back to the city.

We will end our services by leaving our travelers at their hotels or near the Plaza de Armas.