OVERVIEW
SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU 6D/5N
DAY 1 SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CRUZ PATA – SORAYPAMPA
To start with the Salkantay Trek and Machupicchu tour, first, we pick you up from your hotel to take you by private vehicle to Mollepata (2,900 m/9,514 ft). We arrive there after 2 and half an hour. This village is known for its very friendly inhabitants a temperate climate. When arriving at the town we will eat breakfast (not included). At “La Casa Salkantay” restaurant, we are served an American breakfast.
Afterwards, we continue riding for 20 minutes until arriving at Cruz Pata. This is a trailhead of the Salkantay Trek 5D/4N. So, we begin hiking. After 2 to 3 hours, we get to Sayllapata (3,400 m/11,154 ft) where we have lunch and a short break to be able to rest. Then we keep hiking for 3 hours towards Soraypampa. On the way, we discover the natural beauty of the snowy Humantay Mountain (5,473 m/ 17,956 ft) and the Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m/13,780 ft) reflecting all shades of turquoise colour. Consequently, we can take lots of fantastic pictures there.
At around 5 pm, we reach a place of our first overnight – Soraypampa (3,850 m/12,631 ft) where our Cook awaits us with hot tea. There, we accommodate ourselves in so-called “Sky Domes” (a new lodge consisting of glass domes). We are given dinner, before going to sleep.
Maximum altitude: 4,200 metres/ 13,780 feet
Minimum altitude: 2,900 metres/9,514 feet
Duration of the bike: 5-6 hours
Trekking distance: 8 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Weather: Temperate to cold
DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – CHAULLAY – COLLPAPAMPA
At 4:30 am – we are served breakfast since we need to start hiking towards the Salkantay Pass. During the hike, we can admire the natural beauty of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m/20,574 ft). After 3 hours, we reach the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m/15,190 ft) – the highest point of the Salkantay Trek + Machu Picchu 6D/5N. There, we have a short rest to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. We can find several mounds of stones called “Apacheta” (offering of stones to have a safe trip) around.
Afterwards, we start descending for approximately 2 hours until we get close to Wayramachay, a place of our lunch. The last section expects us then so we keep trekking for 3.5 hours passing Chaullay (2,800 m/9,186 ft) and from there descending till Collpa Pampa (2,750 m/9,022 ft). We built a campsite there. Before or after dinner, we might enjoy a dip in the warm water from the nearby local thermal baths (hot springs). Finally, we overnight in our special highland tents and warm feather sleeping bags.
Maximum altitude: 4,630 metres/15,190 feet
Minimum altitude: 2,750 metres/9,022 feet
Duration of the bike: 8.5 hours
Trekking distance: 15 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Weather: Cold to warm
DAY 3: COLLPA PAMPA – SAWAYACO – LUCMABAMBA
After breakfast at 7:30 am, we leave the campsite to continue descending towards Sawayaco. This day is usually unforgettable because we can witness how the climate changes from cold to warm. We pass through narrow paths amidst abundant flora such as different types of orchids and ferns. Also, we can enjoy many waterfalls on the way as well as we observe a variety of colourful birds. If we are lucky, we can watch even the national bird of Peru “Cock of the Rock”. After approx. 4.5 hours of walk, we finally reach Sawayaco, called “La Playa” (2,064 m/6,771 ft).
There, we are given lunch and a brief break. After that, we keep hiking for one and half an hour till we arrive at Lucmabamba (2,000 m/6,562 ft). There, we build a campsite and settle in it. Later on, our Cook serves us dinner and then we go to sleep amidst this warm subtropical environment.
Maximum altitude: 2,750 metres/9,022 feet
Minimum altitude: 2,000 m/6,562 ft
Duration of the bike: 6 hours
Trekking distance: 14 km
Difficulty: Easy
Weather: Humid-warm
DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES
At 7 am, we have breakfast to gain energy to visit the highlight of this day: Llactapata (2,650 m/8,694 ft). After a 2-hour climb, we reach this less accessible and extensive Inca complex of structures and features that used to be related and connected with Machu Picchu. There, we will be given a guided tour as well as we appreciate a unique and astonishing view of the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Afterwards, we begin descending for 2 hours until “Hidroelectrica” (Hydroelectric Plant) – a railway station. From there, we walk along the tracks for 3 hours until Aguas Calientes appreciating the rich vegetation of the cloud forest. (Optional: if you are too tired, you can go by train – not included in the price of the trek).
When we arrive at Aguas Calientes (2,040 m/6,693 ft), we settle in a hotel and we are given some free time. For that reason, we may explore by ourselves this town below Machu Picchu. We also might visit the thermal baths that have given a name to it (Aguas Calientes in Spanish means hot waters or hot springs). Later on, we have dinner at a local restaurant. At the end of the day, we go back to the hotel to sleep.
Maximum altitude: 2,650 metres / 8,694 feet
Minimum altitude: 2,000 m/6,562 ft
Duration of the bike: 7 hours
Trekking distance: 8 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Weather: Humid-warm
DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES
We have breakfast at the hotel, followed by a free morning. At 12:30 pm, we meet our tour guide before hopping on a shuttle bus. It takes us uphill following a zigzag path until we reach the door of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary (2,430 m / 7,972 ft). First of all, we have to go through a checkpoint (don’t forget your passport or you won’t be allowed to enter!). Second, we are offered a private guided tour while the Guide explains every known detail of its history.
Third, it shows us the architectural ensembles of greatest interest found in the so-called “Royal Tomb”. Also, we explored the Temple of the Sun (around the structured tower), the Temple of the Three Windows, the Central Temple, the Priests’ Mansion, the sunken place. We can see its many springs formed in water channels and many stairs.
In addition, there are rocks that are used for high ritual purposes. The most important of which is “Inti Watana” or the Solar Clock. We can also visit the Inca Bridge or the Temple of the Moon if we climb the Wayna Picchu or take some panoramic photos of the Machu Picchu mountain (see the Optional). When we decide, we use a bus ticket (which the Guide has previously given us) to descend back to Aguas Calientes and have dinner (not included). We will spend the night in the warm subtropical waters of Aguas Calientes.
Maximum altitude: 2,430 metres / 7,972 feet
Minimum altitude: 2,040 metres / 6,693 feet
Duration of the trek: N/A
Trekking distance: N/A
Difficulty: Easy
Weather: Humid-warm
DAY 6 SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU: AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO
This is just a relaxing day dedicated to the return way to Cusco City. First off, we are provided breakfast in the hotel. Later, we board a train terminating at Ollantaytambo (2 hours). There, we change for a private vehicle bringing us back to Cusco (1 hour). At the end of the Salkantay Trek + Machu Picchu 6D/5N, we are taken back to our hotel.
ITINERARY
SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU 6D/5N
DAY 1 SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CRUZ PATA – SORAYPAMPA
- 5 am – a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
- 5:30 – departure towards Mollepata appreciating several Andean towns during the way.
- Around 8 am – arrival to the village of Mollepata.
- American breakfast at the restaurant “La Casa Salkantay”.
- A 20-minute ride to Cruz Pata (also known as Tres Cruces) – a trailhead of the Salkantay Trek + Machu Picchu 6D/5N.
- Hike till Sayllapata for 2-3 hours.
- Lunch at Sayllapata and a 30-minute rest.
- Continuation of trekking for 3 hours (stops including) towards Soraypampa.
- Accommodation in so-called “Sky Domes” (a lodge of glass domes) at Soraypampa.
- Dinner and overnight.
DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – CHAULLAY – COLLPAPAMPA
- 4:30 am – breakfast at the campsite.
- 5:30 am – start of hiking (3 hours) until the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m/15,190 ft) – the highest point of the whole route.
- 20-minute break and rest to enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay and Pumasillo.
- Descend hike for about 2 hours.
- Lunch and a short rest close to Wayramachay.
- Continuation of the trek for 3.5 hours passing through Chaullay (2,800 m/9,186 ft) and keep descending till Collpa Pampa (2,750 m/9,022 ft).
- Building a campsite at Collpa Pampa.
- Warm dinner and sleep.
DAY 3: COLLPA PAMPA – SAWAYACO – LUCMABAMBA
- 7:30 am – breakfast.
- Start the trek towards Sawayaco for an approximate time of 4.5 hours observing the famous bird Cock of the Rock on the way.
- Arrival at Sawayaco (also known as “La Playa”).
- Lunch and a break there.
- 1.5-hour trek to Lucmabamba.
- Camping in Lucmabamba.
- Dinner and sleep.
DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES
- 7 am – breakfast.
- Start hiking towards Llactapata (2 hours).
- Guided visit of this recently discovered extensive Inca complex.
- Descend hike for 2 hours until the Hidroelectrica railway station.
- 3-hour hike along the tracks from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes – a small town below Machu Picchu (You can take a train if you are tired – see the Optional section.).
- Accommodation at a hotel in Aguas Calientes (2,040 m/6,693 ft) – a small town below Machu Picchu.
- Free time that can be used for a rest in the hotel, visit the town and/or the local thermal baths (not included in the trek´s price).
- Dinner at a local restaurant.
- Overnight in the hotel.
DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Free morning time: exploration and/or shopping of Aguas Calientes, lunch (not included).
- 12:30 pm – transport by shuttle bus to Machu Picchu.
- Passing through a checkpoint of Machu Picchu.
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Time off enabling you to enjoy Machu Picchu on your own, visit the Inca Bridge and/or hike to Wayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain to take some panoramic photos of this New Wonder of the World (please see the section Optional).
- When you feel ready, use a shuttle bus ticket to bring you back down to Aguas Calientes.
- Dinner up to your choice (not included in the tour).
- Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 6 SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU: AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Train ride to Ollantaytambo (2 hours).
- Transport back to the city of Cusco (approx. an hour).
- Transfer to your hotel.
- End of service of the Salkantay Trek + Machu Picchu 6D/5N.
OPTIONAL
SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU 6D/5N
OPTIONAL:
- Climb to the Machu Picchu Mountain, a mountain situated above the Inca citadel accessible by a 1.5-hour climb. Here you are able to take those postcard-like photos of Machu Picchu. It costs USD 15 extra. Please note that the booking needs to be done at least 1 month in advance due to a limited number of tickets!
- Wayna Picchu – a mountain situated above the Inca citadel accessible by the 45-minute climb. It serves to take some panoramic photos of Machu Picchu. It is an extra USD 25. Please note that the booking needs to be done at least 3 months in advance due to a limited number of entrances!
- Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (45-minute ride) – additional USD 31.
INCLUDED / NOT INCLUDED
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU TOUR?
- Pre-trek briefing.
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Private transport to the trailhead at Mollepata.
- A professional English-speaking Tour Guide.
- Guide Assistant (for groups of over 10 participants).
- Mules to carry camping and kitchen equipment.
- Muleteer.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- 1 night in so-called “Sky Domes” – a lodge of glass domes – the 1st night.
- 2 nights in campsites – the 2nd and 3rd night.
- 2 nights in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (below Machu Picchu) – the 3rd and 4th night.
- Camping and kitchen equipment (a dining tent, a kitchen tent, kitchen utensils, tables, seats, a toilet tent).
- Personal tents (a quad tent for two persons).
- Blankets.
- Pillows.
- Mattresses.
- Walking sticks.
- Duffel bags.
- First aid kit and a bottle of oxygen.
- Two-way radio.
- A personal biodegradable toilet soap.
- Boiled water every morning and afternoon for washing and to fill your water bottle.
- Meals: 5x breakfast, 4x lunch, 4x dinner, hot beverages during main meals, snacks – a vegetarian option available upon request.
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- 2 tickets for a shuttle bus between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
- Return train to Ollantaytambo.
- Private transport between Ollantaytambo and Cusco.
- Drop off at your hotel in Cusco.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU TOUR?
- Sleeping bag (you can rent it from X Travel Peru for USD 40/per trek).
- Lunch on days 5 and 6 (in Aguas Calientes).
- Dinner on day 5 (in Aguas Calientes).
- Beverages (apart of the main meals).
- Extra mule (to carry up to 20 kg of your belongings – extra USD 28/day).
- Climb to Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (see the Optional section please).
- Entrance fee to the thermal baths at Collpa Pampa (5 Soles).
- Entrance to the thermal baths at Aguas Calientes (10 Soles).
- Tips to local staff.
- Pocket money.
- Accommodation in Cusco.
- Any flight.
- Travel insurance.
WHAT TO BRING
WHAT TO TAKE TO THE TOUR SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU TOUR?
- Original passport!!! (Please note: It will be checked at the gateway! If you fail to bring it, you will not be allowed to enter!)
- Necessary stuff for a 6-day trek (We recommend you to take up to 7 kg of your belongings which might be carried by an extra mule.);
- Sleeping bag (you can rent it from us if you do not have any);
- Personal medicines (if applicable);
- Backpack (35-litre capacity);
- Warm clothes such as a jacket, a sweater, long trousers (particularly for the cold nights);
- Light clothes such as shorts and a T-shirt (for sunny and warm days);
- Sufficient number of socks and underwear;
- Rainy coat or poncho (especially, from November to April);
- Trekking shoes;
- Sandals;
- Camera;
- Extra batteries and/or power bank;
- Binocular (if you like);
- Flashlight;
- A peak/hat;
- Sunglasses;
- Sun protection cream;
- Insect repellent;
- Toiletries;
- Towel;
- Toilet paper;
- Swimsuit (in case you like to visit the thermal baths);
- Bottled water;
- Canteen;
- Matches;
- Knife;
- Water purification tablets (optional);
- Pocket money (to buy some souvenirs or refreshment).
PRICE
The price depends on the number of participants, accommodation availability, travel dates and other preferencies. Please inquire about a personalized price.