Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – 4Days / 3Nights
This trek is ideal for travellers wishing to get off the beaten track but still take in the breathtaking ruins of Machupicchu. It is a wonderful trek and voted by National Geographic as one of the Worlds Most Beautiful Treks! We traverse through beautiful green valleys and cross right through the snow-capped mountain of Salkantay. You will enjoy a wide variety of flora, fauna and wildlife.
The most important factor is acclimatising to the altitude. We suggest that you spend at least 2 days in Cusco before attempting to walk the trail. During this time you can explore the wonders of Cusco which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overview
- We do not require permits for this alternative trek
- 4 Day trek to Machu Picchu – You will appreciate Snow Mountains, flora and fauna of Peru.
- Hot springs
- Professional English speaking guides
Places that are visited
Day 1 Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Chaullay
Day 2 Chaullay – Santa Teresa
Day 3 Santa Teresa Aguas Calientes
Day 4 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco (3,350m) – Mollepata (2,909m) – Soraypampa (4,000m) – Colcapampa (3,200m)
An early rise at around 4.30am! We drive from Cusco by private bus for approximately 2.5 hours to Mollepata and then continue driving up to Soraypampa (1.5hrs) from where our trek begins. Here we meet up with our wranglers and their horses that will carry our equipment during the trek.
We start our climb ascending the mountains until we reach the high pass at 4,800m near the magnificent glacier peaks of Salkantay (6,271m) and Humantay (6,100m) the second highest peak in the Cusco area. After admiring the beautiful landscape, we begin our descent to Wayracmachay (3,800m) – approx. 5hrs walking – where we have our lunch and a good rest. After lunch we continue walking another 3.5hrs until our campsite at Colcapampa – along the way we find some species of orchids and different kinds of plants, and some cornfields and fruit fields. (Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Colcapampa – La Playa (2,050m)
An early rise, we take our breakfast and continue on our way! Today we head for Lluscamayu where we will take our lunch – approx. 5-6hrs walking. Today we will see a variety of fauna and flora (orchids, bromeliads, typical vegetation) upon entering into a micro-climate zone. We will also see many different kinds of birds, insects and butterflies. We descend to the small town of La Playa, a small village, with a very hot and humid climate where you can visit the local hot springs later in the evening if you wish. We camp nearby. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Playa – Santa Teresa (2,200m) – Aguas Calientes (1,900m)
We have breakfast and after a take a journey by bus (1 hour) to Hydro-Electric Station. From here we start walking following the train line towards the town of Aguas Calientes for approximately 3 hours (10km). Enroute we stop and have a box lunch. On arrival in the town your guide will take you to your hotel. We include dinner tonight in a restaurant. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Cusco
It is an early start to Machupicchu to see the sunrise over this magnificent ancient city! We take the first bus up to the ruins of Machupicchu and have a fully guided tour of around 2 hours. After the tour you have plenty of time to explore the citadel on your own, and maybe even climb Huaynapicchu or Inca Bridge. Afterwards you can come back down to the town for lunch. Your extra time in the citadel is dependent on your return train time. In the afternoon we take the train back to Ollantaytambo where our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco in Private Transportation leaving you in your hotel. (Breakfast)
What's included?
Included
- Professional English speaking Mountain Guide
- Pre – Briefing at our office
- Collection from hotel to start of the trek
- Transportation to start of Trek and return
- Entrance into Machu Picchu
- Roundtrip Bus up to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes
- All meals except Breakfast 1st Day and Lunch/Dinner last day ( Buffet Style Peruvian Cuisine). We also cater for vegetarians and various dietary requirements
- Boiled water to fill in your bottles each morning
- 7kg Personal luggage allowance to put on the horses – ié extra clothes, sleeping bag (you just need to carry a small daypack with everything you will need during the day)
- Personal Duffle Bags for your extra luggage to put on the horses
- Spacious tents / Inflatable Sleeping mats / all camping equipment
- Horses to carry the group equipment (food, tents, tables, etc)
- Emergency Oxygen Bottle and first aid Kit
- Inca Rail or Expedition train ticket for group services
- 2 Star Hotel on the 3rd night of the trek – we can upgrade if you prefer at additional cost
Not Included
- Breakfast on the first day
- Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
- Single Room Supplement if required – $ 40 per room
- Sleeping bag $ 28 per bag for the entire trek
- Saddle Horses – If you are unsure about walking the entire way we recommend you hiring a horse – $ 90 per horse for entire trek
- Thermal baths in Santa Teresa (5 soles) – Taxi cost separate
- Thermal baths in Aguas Calientes (10 soles)
- Climb up Huayna Picchu Mountain – $ 15 payable in advance for permit
- Gratuities
Optional
- Sleeping Bag
- Walking poles
- Inflatable mattresses
- Inflatable pillows
- Saddle Horses – If you are unsure about walking the entire way we recommend you hiring a horse – $ 90 per horse for entire trek ( including horseman)
- Thermal baths in Aguas Calientes (1o Soles – price subject to change without notice)
- Thermal baths in Santa Teresa ( 5 soles – price subject to change without notice) – taxi cost separate
- Single Tents ( for persons not happy to share) – $ 55 per tent
- Upgrade train service to Vistadome. The cost is $ 50 per person ( Trains subject to availability)
Interested in climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain?
Please note that you need to reserve permits for Huayna Picchu Mountain in advance as they are subject to availability. There are 400 permits available per day and the cost to add on Huayna Picchu to your program is $ 16 per person.