Salkantay Trail Peru to Machu Picchu – Challenge Hike 4 Days

Salkantay Trail – Itinerary

Day 01: Cusco – Soraypampa – Andenes.

Salkantay trail Peru starts with an early pick-up from the hotels in Cusco and then the drive straight to the trail-head of Salkantay trail Peru at Soraypampa. Where you will meet the muleteers and the rest of the staff for this adventure trip. The Salkantay trek begins approx. 09:00hrs in the morning, slowly we ascend  trough the Peruvian highland. On the way up to the highest point, we will observe constant views of Salkantay Mountain. A stunning snow capped mountain (6,272 m) the second highest peak in Cusco region. Its the reason why the trail is called Salkantay Trail Peru,  at the same time will be visible the other Mountain called Humantay.

After approx. 4 hours of uphill hike, we will reach out the highest point of Salkantay trail Peru 4650 m. Is just a very unique moment to be so high up, on the top of the world. Enjoying all the wonderful views  from the summit, our Salkantay trail lead us all the way down  to Huayracmachay for lunch. We then walk 02 more hours downhill  to the campsite at Andenes, a nice area in the cloud forest.

• Overnight at camping.
• Meals: lunch and dinner.

Day 02: Andenes – Colpa pampa – la playa. 

After breakfast we will continue hiking on Salkantay  Trail to Machu Picchu, descending for 02 more hours to Collpapampa, enjoying the beautiful cloud-forest. We cross the river and follow the left hand side of the River “Alto Salkantay” to the ‘eyebrow of the jungle’ where you can see orchids, bromeliads, typical vegetation of the area and also the different types of birds, insects and butterflies. In comparison to the earlier day of the Salkantay Trail Peru, this is easier walking as we descend slowly for 6 hours to La Playa (2050m). As we lose altitude we will see some tropical plantations like: citrus fruit trees, avocados, bananas, and coffee plants.

Camping options: Remember that Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu  is a popular route that suffers from degradation and over use and is currently un-regulated. The second night´s camping offers a number of options, which you should talk to your guide about. These options are linked to the group´s wishes, and also what you plan to do the next day. : La Playa is NOT a remote campsite – for those that want to get away from the crowds you should talk to your guide about camping at Santa Theresa is also not a remote campsite and can have parties. But is a good location depending on your activities for the next day.

• Overnight at camping.
• Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 03: La Playa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes.

Be aware that Salkantay to machu Picchu Trek is the second most touristic route in the Cusco region and inevitably this means you will encounter other people (it’s not a “wilderness” experience).

The following options are decided by “group majority” – if you are joining a “trekkers wanted” group then the decisions will be made by the group at your briefing or on the trail.

1. Relax option. After breakfast you will take a local transport to the impressive Machu Picchu Hydroelectric place (not included in the price) where we will have lunch and in a little while we will start an easy walking for 3 more hours along the train tracks to arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes.
2. Adventurer´s option. We leave early and climb for about three hours through the cloud- forest to the top of the mountain, where you find the Inca town (ruins) called Llactapata. This will be one of the hardest sections on the Salkantay Trail. From here we have our first view of Machu Picchu, in the saddle of the opposite mountain. We then descend very steeply for three hours to the impressive Machu Picchu Hydro-power plant for lunch and later we will walk for 3 more hours along the train tracks to make in the town of Aguas Calientes.

• Hotel in Aguas Calientes:
• Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 04: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Early in the morning we take the bus to the Citadel of Machu Picchu. where you will participate in a guided tour for 02 hours. This tour allows you to visit the most essential of the site: Sun temple, Royal palace, Main temple, Sun dial and some other important structures.

If you have booked any of the mountain hikes, you will have plenty of time to do it. You should talk to your guide, So he can show you the trail to the mountains. Generally around noon people take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch and at approx. 16:00hrs. You take our return train to Ollantaytambo with bus connection to Cusco city. End of Salkantay Trail Peru.

• Hotel in Cusco:
• Meals: breakfast.

Included in the Salkantay Trail:

• Transfer from hotel to the start point of the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu.
• A tent per each 02 (4-people-capacity tent).
• Complete meals during the trek, 03 breakfast, 03 lunch and 03dinners.
• English speaking professional tour guide.
• Cook and cooking equipment., Horsemen and horses
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle (safety in Salkantay trekking).
• One night of Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Bus ticket up and down to Machu Picchu.
• Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes- Ollantaytambo
• Transfer back to Cusco.

Not Included in the Salkantay Trail:

• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu (25.00 US additional per person)
• Sleeping bag (the Salkantay trail has one of the coldest campsites).
• Breakfast in the first day and Lunch on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu.
• Optional train from Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu town (29.00USD per person).
• Tips: please beware that our agency staff are paid, so please feel free to tip according to your wish.

You should bring to the Salkantay Trail:

• Original Passport
• Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
• Walking sticks (rubber covers required in order not to damage archaeological sites)
• Change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets
• Swimsuit (if you wish to take a bath in the Hot Springs of Machu Picchu)
• A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
• Rain gear or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $2 in Cusco.
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended.
• Sleeping bag (you can hire it from us)
• Headlamp or Flashlight.
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block and insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET.
• Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
• Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
• Cash in soles for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
• Walking sticks or poles (you can hire it from us).

Accommodations:

The accommodations are our suggestions, Standard class and superior class are the best hotels in their category per destination. For your safety and comfort, we only suggest hotels that have been visited and inspected by our staff.

Optional extras for Salkantay trail

You can hire some additional things from us – please contact your Travel Consultant / or our booking forms for the current rates.

• Extra mule to carry your things(25.00 USD per day)
• Extra riding mule and muleteer to lead it(30.00USD per day)
• Sleeping Bags suitable for – 10deg(30.00USD for the entire trip)
• Walking poles or two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
• Thermarest Inflatable pillow
• Comforting Camping trek upgrade – bigger tents, camp beds, includes sleeping bag, Thermarest, and walking stick.
• Single tent supplement (if you don’t want to share a tent)
• The return train can be upgraded to Vista dome class(50.00USD additional per person)
• The Hostal in Aguas Calientes can be upgraded to the superior class( 40.00USD per person)

HIRE POLICY:

• When calculating costs for hire of walking stick, sleeping bag, calculate using the length of the tour. Even though you won’t use the equipment on the final day it will still be ‘on the road’ and ‘occupied.’
• If you hire equipment and break it – you are responsible for price of replacement /or repair. (please do the right thing!)

AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS for Salkantay trail Peru.

• Students: US$ 25.00 (students require a valid ISIC Card. Please beware that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
• Teenagers: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
• Children: US$ 20.00 (up to 10 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)

Salkantay Trail Peru Reservations