Specialist in alternative treks, this 4 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a unique and specially designed tour to give a different trekking experience. The campsites are isolated away from other trekkers. This trek will take you around the stunning Salkantay Mountain, visits 2 glacial lakes, Humantay and Salkantay, a coffee plantation, to the unforgettable Llactapata Inca ruins. From Llactapata ruins have spectacular views of Machu Picchu and its surrounds. This wonderful experience ends in the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
Highlights: Small group, trekking off the beaten track, glacier lakes, Inca trails, fruit plantation, LLACTAPATA Inca ruins, the greatest view of Machu Picchu from the Llactapata view point, waterfalls and Machu Picchu.
4650 m.s.n.m
Up to 8
Group or private
Trekking, adventure
Challenging
4 days / 3 nights
Pick up from your hotel will be at around 4am. Drive for 3 hours to Soraypampa the start of the trek. On the drive see some villages like Iscuchaca and Limatambo. Pass stunning valleys and snow capped mountains. On arrival to Soraypampa stop for breakfast while enjoying views of Humantay and Salkantay Mountain glaciers.
After breakfast hike up to the Humantay Lake, it will take around 3 hours round-trip. Then we start a gradual climb through the pristine Andean valley landscapes for about 3 hours before arriving at Sorococcha(4,400m/14,517ft) where we will camp and spend the night.
When you are done with your delicious breakfast continue to hike for around an hour to reach the Apacheta Pass. From the pass enjoy views of Salkantay, Humantay and Huayanay with their snowcapped peaks and white glacial lakes. Take a short hike up to the crystal clear Salkantay Lake. Later continue for 2 hours to the spectacular lunch spot of Huayramachay.
Then we descend for 3 hours down toward the rural indigenous community of Chayllay, along the way we enjoy the lush green valleys, and waterfalls. Finally we take the local transportation to Lucmabamba where we will spend the night.
Depending on the hour, tour a coffee plantation close to our campsite. Learn about the types of coffee beans, even have the opportunity to pick the beans. Have the chance to gather some tomatoes and avacados which our chef will prepare for dinner. Later roast and grind the beans. Get to brew and drink your own coffee, this is a truely different experience.
Today is a spectacular and relaxing day on the trek. When you have finished your breakfast walk for 3 hours through the original Inca Trail to the ruins at Llactapata. From here you can take in the magnificent views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and Salkantay. Eat lunch right in front of Machu Picchu a truely unique experience. Later descend for 2 hours to the Hydro Electric station, via a waterfall. From here take the train to Aguas Calientes the town below Machu, here you will spend the night.
We leave our hotel after a very early breakfast to take the 5:30am bus for the journey up to Machu Picchu ruins to enjoy the sunrise. Once inside the citadel, there will be a 2.5 hour guided tour with plenty of free time for further exploring, taking photos and the option to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Then you head back to Aguas Calientes for lunch, and at approximately 14:55h we will take our return train to Ollantaytambo with a van connection to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the evening around 8:30pm.
“Our 4 days Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu may leave on any date that is best suited to you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers”
This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos, we will provide you a duffle bag, you can put your things.
“Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu”
You will be greeted at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to trek´s start. Look out for our representative holding an orange board of SAM Travel Peru at the arrival terminal.
It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm at our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2nd Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
Of course! During the Lares trek Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are for free.
You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check your passport when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change, keep the original of your old passport.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both old and passports, to be abe to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter, Machu Picchu or get on the train. They are very strict about this!
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. BUT you will have many different seasons as you pass through the numerous microclimates and it will depend on your location. We highly recommend that you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15p. Your team of porters will carry your duffle bags for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.
The Salkantay Trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and exercise regularly. In preparation: try walking 15kms in day or go to a fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
It has been highlighted by most of our clients, especially by the female ones who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet!! Incatrailhikesperu toilet facilities have an individual tent and a “camping toilet with a seat.” Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
There are hot water pools to soak in and relax on the 3rd day of your Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu natural hot springs at Cocalmayo.Be sure to bring your bathing suit.
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you off at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you off there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will also pick you up from there !
For sure you may upgrade to Vistadome train which has slightly nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered some snacks and a dance show will take place on board. The price is US$67 per person which includes the transfer from Poroy train station to your hotel in Cusco. It is 2 hours by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then another 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Cusco by bus. If you upgrade to Vistadome, all the way back to Poroy (Cusco), the trip lasts 3.5 hours, then 25mins by taxi to your hotel. Usually our clients are back at the hotel by 8pm. If you plan to take the bus to Puno on the same night, that is totally possible.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Incatrailhikeperu destinations. Of course you are free to tip according to your budget, depending on your perception on the quality of service and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
As a professional direct local tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
The hike starts in the city of Cusco, from where you will be transferred to Soraypampa. The starting point for the hike to the Humantay Lake. Here you will camp and have something to eat while you rest and review the photos you took along the way.
On this first day of hiking you will have walked about 10 miles.
Second day of hiking. You will start the trek after having a good breakfast to regane your strength and prepare yourself for the great effort your body is going to make. In this part of the trek, you will advance a total of 13.7 miles (22 k). In the first part you will climb for 3 hours to the highest point of the trek at the Abra Salkantay at 15091 feet of altitude (4600mt). Then you will start the descent to Chaullay for about 4 to 5 hours or so, while you see how the landscape changes and becomes green, full of orchids and other beautiful flowers.
Day 3; This is the most gentle day hike. You will start descending to Lucmabamba. After walking 10 miles (16 k) you can relax at the Cocalmayo Hot Springs and enjoy the magnificent view, while getting the rest you deserve.
On this fourth day of trekking, you will reach Machu Picchu Town also known as Aguas Calientes , visit the hydroelectric plant and then walk along the Vilcanota River. This hike also has an extension of 10 miles (16 k).
On the last day of the trip you will climb up Machu Picchu to enjoy the guiding tour and thelandscape of breathtaking beauty. You will be filled with the energy and magic of the land of the Incas and then return to Cusco by train and bus
This is an extreme type of hike, so it is important to be very well prepared and choose the right time to do it. So, we do recommend you to plan your adventure during the dry season, between April and October.
Why?
Because the weather will be good to take picture without rain and cloud.
The Salkantay Trek covers roughly a distance of 65 kilometers or 39 miles and depending on your level of fitness, the estimated trekking time per day is around 7 to 9 hours
It is possible to modify the total distance of the Salkantay trek by covering the part from Sahuayaco to Santa Teresa by car and from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes by train.
Each day on the Salkantay Trail is a new adventure, whether it’s revealing an amazing view or resting your muscles on the superb natural hot springs. While some experiences will stick out above the rest, here are a few stops that can’t be missed along the Salkantay Trek.
Humantay Lake: The unbelievable turquoise water lagoon surrounded by the impressive Humantay and Salkantay Peaks offers one of the most gorgeous views in Peru.
Abra Salkantay Pass: You will be face to face with the sacred Salkantay mountain upon reaching this point at 4630 meters or 15190 feet above sea level. A jaw dropping vista as Salkantay elevation reaches 6271 meters or 20574 feet above sea level.
Llactapata Inca Ruins (Great view point to Machu Picchu): Some would say that no Inca ruins are visited during the Salkantay Trek, but we visit these archaeological remains discovered by Hiram Bingham himself. An amazing view of Machu Picchu is enjoyed from this point.
Cocalmayo Hot Springs: With important healing properties and reaching 45 ºC, these natural thermal baths are ideal to relax and recover your sore muscles after a long hiking day.
Machu Picchu: The Inca citadel is the perfect ending for your adventure. A detailed tour is offered on the last day and free time is available for you to explore the World Heritage site by yourself.
Cusco
Cusco
