Did you miss out on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? Don't miss a moment of adventure and immerse yourself in the Salkantay route, which offers unique perspectives of valleys, meadows, glaciers, cloud forests, and jungles.
You will encounter stunning turquoise lagoons encircled by majestic mountains and snow-capped peaks, and you can unwind in marvelous hot springs at the conclusion of your journey.
Renowned as one of the world's top treks, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a must for every adventure enthusiast. What could be more rewarding than ending your trek with a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World?
Tour Description
Day 1: CUSCO - MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA
Begin your adventure by departing from your hotel in Cusco. A 3-hour bus ride will take you to the charming town of Mollepata, situated at an elevation of 2,803 meters. After a brief rest, embark on a challenging uphill trek lasting approximately 3 hours, leading you to Soraypampa, our first campsite.
Enjoy a delightful lunch with sweeping views of the majestic snow-capped peaks of Humantay (4,120m/13,500 ft) and Salkantay (6,271m/20,575 ft). This campsite is unique, featuring glass-roofed igloos that offer a mesmerizing view of the night sky.
After setting up camp, we will embark on a trek to Humantay Lagoon. The path is an uphill journey and takes about 4 hours round trip. The lagoon offers breathtaking views with its pristine waters reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
Located at 4,200 meters, Humantay Lagoon is an idyllic spot nestled in the Andes. We will return to Soroypampa for a delightful dinner and an overnight stay.
Distance covered: 13 Kilometers.
Day 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – COLPAPAMPA
Following breakfast, we set off on a 1.5-hour trek to Salkantay Pampa at 4,620 meters, where you can take in the panoramic vistas of the Vilcanota mountain range. The name Salkantay translates to "Wild Mountain" in Quechua.
The journey continues with a 2.5-hour climb to reach the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass, situated at 4,650 meters (15,200 feet) between the towering Salkantay and Tucarhuay mountains.
Keep an eye out for the majestic Andean condors soaring above. This spot offers breathtaking views of mountains and crystal-clear lagoons, showcasing nature at its finest.
Descend through a stunning cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, also known as Huayracmachay. After lunch, a 3-hour trek through the jungle will lead us to the second campsite, Colpapampa (2,700 meters/9,800 feet).
This site features igloo-shaped cabins with transparent roofs, perfect for stargazing. Dinner and overnight stay included.
Distance covered: 26 Kilometers.
Day 3: COLPAPAMPA – LUCMABAMBA
After breakfast, we'll journey through the upper rainforest, crossing the Lluskamayo River via small streams and entering the cloud forest. The trail descends through more populated rural areas.
Continue along the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu through the lush Santa Teresa River Valley. Pass through fields of bananas, avocados, and passion fruit, and witness coffee plantations producing some of the finest organic coffee worldwide. Upon reaching the Llactapata Inca Trail, we will bid farewell to our horses and equestrian team.
After lunch, we arrive at the next campsite in Lucmabamba at 2,062 meters. Today's hike will take approximately 5 hours. The campsite offers igloos with transparent roofs, allowing you to gaze at the stars and enjoy an unforgettable experience. Dinner and overnight stay included.
Distance covered: 14 kilometers
Day 4: LUCMABAMBA – HYDROELECTRIC PLANT – AGUAS CALIENTES
Begin the day with breakfast, followed by a 3-hour ascent to the Llactapata Pass, located at 2,736 meters. Here, you will catch your first glimpse of the southeastern side of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Take a short visit to the Llactapata archaeological site for a brief rest.
The journey to Machu Picchu continues with a 2-hour descent through coca and banana plantations. We reach the hydroelectric dam for lunch and then proceed with a 3-hour walk along the railway tracks to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night.
Check into your hotel and join us for our final group dinner with the guide. We will discuss the Machu Picchu excursion planned for the following day.
Distance covered: 15 kilometers
Day 5: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Begin your day with breakfast, then take an early bus to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise over this magnificent city. Accompanied by your guide, head to the "Guardhouse" area for a half-hour exploration of the citadel.
Enjoy a 1-hour guided tour, then continue exploring with your guide for an additional hour. You have the option to climb Huayna Picchu (optional) or venture to the Sun Gate, the endpoint of the Inca Trail, and explore the rest of the site independently. You have complete freedom to explore this wonder of the world as you wish.
In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes by bus to collect your train tickets back to Cusco. After a 1.5-hour journey, you'll arrive at the train station in Ollantaytambo, where our transportation will take you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.
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Salkantay Hike To Machu Picchu