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Salkantay y Machupicchu
Salkantay y Machupicchu

SALKANTAY TREK + MACHUPICCHU 4D/3N

Trip Overview

DESCRIPTION

It is an old and remote alternative path to the Inca Trail, it has much more spectacular views and with different ecological levels, we will walk between lagoons, impressive snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay and Humantay, crossing rivers and subtropical areas of abundant vegetation and fauna. This path is an excellent option for those who want to escape the most congested routes in a faster way, or for those who are looking for an alternative when the spaces of the traditional Inca Trail are busy.
This impressive excursion passes under the magnificent Salkantay mountain (6,710 masl / 22,014 ft.), One of the highest and most impressive in the Peruvian Andes. Your first two days will be dominated by the impressive snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Humantay, as you travel through the high Andean landscape. On the third day, you will descend to the warm cloud forest, to reach Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. The impressive sacred citadel of the Incas Machupicchu is visited during the last day of the program. This excursion is an interesting alternative for those who have not found space on the Inca Trail route to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay excursion was recently named by National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine among the top 25.

OVERVIEW

SALKANTAY TREK + MACHUPICCHU

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CRUZ PATA – SAYLLAPATA – SORAYPAMPA

The Tour Salkantay Trek + Machupicchu, 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.

Afterward, we continue riding for 20 minutes until arriving at Cruz Pata. This is a trailhead of the Salkantay Trek + Machupicchu 4D/3N. 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 color. Consequently, we can take lots of fantastic pictures there.

At around 5 pm, we reach a place of our first campsite – 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 have a short rest, before having dinner. In the end, we overnight in our special highland tents and warm sleeping bags.

Maximum altitude: metres/ 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 PASS – CHAULLAY

We are served breakfast early in the morning before we leave our campsite in order to continue 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 + Machupicchu 4D/3N. 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.

Afterward, we start descending for approximately 2 hours until we get close to Wayramachay, a place for our lunch. The last section expects us then so we keep trekking for around 3 hours until Chaullay (2,800 m/9,186 ft), where we built a campsite and have dinner and overnight.

Maximum altitude: 4,630 metres/15,190 feet
Minimum altitude: 2,800 metres/9,186 feet 
Duration of the bike: 8 hours
Trekking distance: 13 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Weather:  Temperate to cold

DAY 3: CHAULLAY – SAWAYACO – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

After breakfast at 6 am, we leave the campsite (at around 7 am) to continue our walk towards Collpa Pampa (2,750 m/9,022 ft). 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. Also, we can enjoy many waterfalls on the way as well as observe a variety of birds. If we are lucky, we can watch even the national bird of Peru “Cock of the Rock”. After 5 hours of walk, we finally reach Sawayaco, called “La Playa”.

There, we are given lunch and a brief break. After that, we get on a private vehicle bringing us to “Hidroelectrica” (Hydroelectric Plant) – a railway station. From there, we begin trekking 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 Salkantay Trek 4D/3N).

When in Aguas Calientes (2,040 m/6,693 ft), we settle in a hotel, and you are given some free time. For that reason, we can explore this town on our own, relax in the hotel or visit the local thermal baths (entrance fee not included in the trek´s price). At 7 pm, we have dinner at a local restaurant. At the end of the day, we go back to the hotel to sleep.

Maximum altitude: 2,800 metres / 9,186 feet 
Minimum altitude: 2,040 metres / 6,693 feet
Duration of the bike:  8 hours
Trekking distance: 11 km
Difficulty: Easy
Weather:  Humid-warm

DAY 4 SALKANTAY TREK + MACHUPICCHU: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO

5:30 am. At 6:30 am, I pick you up to transfer you to the bus stop. It takes you uphill following a zigzag path until you reach the door of the Sanctuary of Machupicchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft). You have to go through a checkpoint first (don’t forget your passport or you won’t be allowed to enter!). Second, you are offered a 4-hour private guided tour.

Third, it shows the architectural ensembles of greatest interest found in the so-called “Royal Tomb”. Also, explore the Temple of the Sun (around the structured tower), the Temple of the Three Windows, the Central Temple, the Priests’ Mansion, the sunken place. You can see that there are many springs formed in water channels and many stairs. Everything is completely made of stone.

In addition, there are rocks that are used for high ritual purposes. The most important of which is “Inti Watana” or the Solar Clock. Afterward, you are given free time to explore the citadel on your own. You can also visit the Inca Bridge or the Temple of the Moon. Finally, you use your bus ticket to descend back to Aguas Calientes and have lunch (not included). Later, you will board a train back to Ollantaytambo and then continue by private vehicle back to Cusco. Finally, we take you back to your hotel.

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

ITINERARY

SALKANTAY TREK + MACHUPICCHU

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CRUZ PATA – SAYLLAPATA – SORAYPAMPA

  • 5 am – a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
  • 5:30 – departure towards Mollepata appreciating several Andean towns on the way.
  • Around 8 am – arrival to the village of Mollepata.
  • American breakfast at the restaurant “La Casa Salkantay”.
  • The 20-minute ride to Cruz Pata – a trailhead of the Salkantay Trek + Machupicchu 4D/3N.
  • 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 PASS – CHAULLAY

  • Early breakfast at the campsite.
  • 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 hours until Chaullay.
  • Our second campsite at Chaullay.
  • Warm dinner and sleep.

DAY 3: CHAULLAY – SAWAYACO – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

  • 6 am – breakfast.
  • 7 am – the start hiking to Sawayaco for an approximate time of 5 hours passing by Collpa Pampa observing the famous bird Cock of the Rock on the way.
  • Arrival at Sawayaco (also known as “La Playa”).
  • Lunch and a break there.
  • Transport by private vehicle to the railway station of Hidroelectrica (Hydroelectric Plant).
  • 3-hour hike along the tracks from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes – a small town below Machupicchu (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 Machupicchu.
  • 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).
  • 7 pm – dinner at a local restaurant.
  • Overnight in the hotel.

DAY 4 SALKANTAY TREK + MACHUPICCHU: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO

  • 5:30 am – early breakfast at the hotel.
  • 6:30 am – a pick-up by your Tour Guide from the hotel.
  • Transport to Machupicchu.
  • Passing through a checkpoint of Machupicchu.
  • Private guided tour of Machupicchu.
  • Time off enabling you to enjoy Machupicchu on your own, visit the Inca Bridge, and/or hike to Wayna Picchu/Machupicchu 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.
  • Lunch (not included in the tour).
  • 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 + Machupicchu.

OPTIONAL

OPTIONAL:

  • Climb to the Machupicchu Mountain, a mountain situated above the Inca citadal accessible by a 1.5-hour climb. Here you are able to take those postcard-like photos of Machupicchu. 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 citadal accessible by 45-minute climb. It serves to take some panoramic photos of Machupicchu. 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

THE SALKANTAY TREK  + MACHUPICCHU INCLUDES:

  • Pre-trek briefing.
  • Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
  • Private transport to the trailhead at Cruz Pata.
  • 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.
  • 1x night in so-called “Sky Domes” – a lodge of glass domes – the 1st night.
  • 1 night in the campsite – the 2nd night.
  • 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (below Machupicchu) –  the 3rd 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).
  • Blanket.
  • Pillow.
  • Mattress.
  • Walking stick.
  • Duffel bag.
  • 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: 4x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner, hot beverages during main meals, snacks – a vegetarian option available upon request.
  • Private guided tour of Machupicchu.
  • 2 tickets for a shuttle bus between Machupicchu and Aguas Calientes.
  • Return train to Ollantaytambo.
  • Private transport between Ollantaytambo and Cusco.
  • Drop off at your hotel in Cusco.

NOT INCLUDED

THE SALKANTAY TREK + MACHUPICCHU DOES NOT INCLUDED:

  • Sleeping bag (you can rent it from X Travel Peru for USD 20).
  • Lunch on day 4 (in Aguas Calientes).
  • Beverages (apart from the main meals).
  • Extra mule (to carry up to 20 kg of your belongings – extra USD 28/day).
  • Climb to Wayna Picchu or Machupicchu Mountain (see the Optional section please).
  • Entrance fee 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 BRING WITH YOU TO THE SALKANTAY TREK + MACHUPICCHU?

  • 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 4-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 refreshments).

PRICE

SALKANTAY TREK + MACHUPICCHU

The price depends on the number of participants, accommodation availability, travel dates and other preferences. Please inquire about a personalized price.

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