Salkantay to Machu Picchu Trek
5 days
Duration of this tour package
moderate
Difficulty level of this tour package
Description of the Tour
An intriguing and elective course from Machu Picchu to the conventional, well-known, and swarmed IncaTrail is to attempt a climb along an antiquated path where the tall Apu Salkantay (6261 meters, moment most elevated mountain within the Cusco region) could be an exceptionally amazing highlight.
This elective is saved for darlings of experience challenges and real nature. The trip starts in Cusco, passing by Mollepata, where you have got a brief halt. Drive to Challacancha and meet with our donkey drivers and creatures. A short journey to Soraypampa, the beginning point for a marvelous trip over the Cordillera Vilcabamba. This extent of soak mountains and snow-secured crests extends over around 100 kilometers between Cusco and Apurimac, showing a great illustration of south Peru’s Andean biodiversity. At the conclusion of the four-day journey, there’s Aguas Calientes, the closest door to Machu Picchu.
CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA
Our private car will pick us up between 04:30 a.m. to 05:00 a.m. in Cusco, and after that, we’ll travel to Mollepata, which is southwest of Cusco (3 and 1/2 hours drive). We’ll arrive in Mollepata (2690 mts. over ocean level) for a brief breakfast (not included). At that point, we proceed to drive to Challacancha, our trekking beginning point, and stroll to Soraypampa, where we’ll have our lunch. After a brief break. Time to do a 2 hours journey to appreciate the see of the Humantay profound blue water. Return to Soraypampa to our campsite. Supper. (L.D)
SORAYPAMPA – CHAULLAY
Early in the morning (at 7 a.m.), we’ll start to walk to Salkantaypampa. To Soyrococha (with radiant sees of gigantic Salkantay and its icy masses, as well as Umantay and Tucarway mountains adjacent) and to El Paso del Salkantay, which is around 2 hours ahead (a 4600 meters tall pass), at that point we’ll journey head down to Huayracpampa, for lunch. The journey proceeds to Chaullay (at 2900 meters), as of now within the cloud timberland vegetation. Campsite, supper. (B, L, D).
CHAULLAY – LA PLAYA OR LUCMABAMBA
At 7 a.m., we’ll start to walk, passing the waterfalls of Tinajayoc. After these, we’ll proceed trekking along the Santa Teresa waterway down to La Playa (at 2500 meters), where the temperature is very agreeable. Lunch, Campsite in La Playa or Lucmabamba, on the way to Santa Teresa (1550 meters elevation). (B, L, D).
MACHUPICCHU
Early in the morning, after the inn Breakfast, you will be taken by your direct to the transport station to drive to the door of the ruin and have a two-and-a-half guided private visit to fabulous Machupicchu. At that point, drive back to Aguas Calientes for and discretionary lunch. Within the early evening you’ll take your prepare back to Ollantaytambo and proceed to your inn in Cusco.
✓ Quality service and safety.
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
- Professional English/Spanish speaking tour guide
- Private transport to and from Soraypampa
- Food : 1 Breakfast and 1 Lunch
- Entrance ticket to the Humantay Lagoon
- Trekking poles – 2 per person.
️× What is not included?
- Emergency horses to carry you up the trail
- Tips for the tour guide and driver (optional)
- Snacks and drinks
☝ Recomendations
- Original passport – expiration date no less than 7 months
- Walking shoes or light shoes or tennis shoes
- Canteen water bottle as you should drink plenty of fluid on the tour
- Raincoat or long poncho during the rainy season
- Long sleeve shirts
- Long pants
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Wide-brimmed hat – UPV is strong at altitude
- Sunglasses
- Medicines and / or personal effects
- A light backpack or briefcase
- Camera or phone camera
- Cash/coins – small denominations – soles & dollars
- Face mask and face shield (if preferred
F.A.Q.s of the Tour
The Salkantay Trek is a popular alternative to the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It’s known for its stunning mountain scenery, including glaciers, cloud forests, and high-altitude passes. Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay route doesn’t require a permit and is usually less crowded and more flexible.
The trek is considered moderate to challenging. The highest point is the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet). Altitude can make the hike tougher, so good physical condition and proper acclimatization are important. That said, many people complete it without prior trekking experience.
You don’t need a guide — the trek can be done independently. However, many choose to go with a guided tour for convenience, meals, transport of gear, and extra support, especially at high altitudes. Guided treks also include entrance to Machu Picchu.
The dry season (from May to September) is the best time to go — clear skies and great views. The rainy season (November to March) can bring slippery trails and clouds that obscure the mountains, though the trek is still open year-round.
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