Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

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Tour Details Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Embark on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Machu Picchu Eco Travel. This revered path offers a captivating alternative to the traditional Inca Trail. Weave through the majestic Andes Mountains, where the Salkantay Pass awaits at a breathtaking 4,630 meters (15,190 feet). Feel the essence of adventure as you traverse the Salkantay Trail, a route etched with Inca sites and panoramic vistas.

Your journey to the ancient city will include a stop at the charming town of Aguas Calientes. Here, a hot shower and comfortable sleeping bags promise a restful night. Experience the local culture with a warm cup of coca tea, a traditional remedy for altitude. The classic Salkantay Trek is a multi-day hike that englobes the beauty of the rugged peaks surrounding it.

Machu Picchu Eco Travel ensures each day of hiking brings you closer to the cloud-shrouded mystery of the Incas. The trail to Machu Picchu is alive with nature’s symphony. The hot springs of Santa Teresa offer a soothing respite for weary trekkers.
As you hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu, the serenity of the rainforest will envelop you. This happens especially during the rainy season, when life in these highlands bursts forth.

Journeying Through the Salkantay: A Path Less Traveled

Preparation is key; we will book your trek a month in advance to secure your spot on this sought-after excursion. This foresight guarantees your place in a group ready to hike to Machu Picchu. This is where the past and present of the Inca civilization converge.
The Salkantay Trek is not just a hike; it’s a pilgrimage through the heart of ancient Inca heritage. This trek ends with the unrivaled wonder of Machu Picchu.

Ready your spirit for a transformative trek to Machu Picchu with Machu Picchu Eco Travel. We promise a journey filled with awe, comfort, and the indelible spirit of the Incas. Let the Salkantay Peru be your gateway to the past, a trail walked by pilgrims, warriors, and now, by you.

Departure & Return Location

Cusco Hotel Transfer

Departure Time

04:30

Price Includes

  • Transportation
  • Meals and Dietary Needs
  • Cultural insights and historical briefings related to the Salkantay Trail and Machu Picchu.
  • Eco-conscious trekking practices with respect to the local environment and communities.
  • A support crew including cook and porters for camping equipment.

Price Excludes

  • Personal Gear
  • Additional Nights
  • Huayna Picchu Extensions
  • Tickets for Huayna Picchu require separate entrance fees.
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Snacks and Extra Food

Recommended to Carry

  • Backpack
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Hiking Boots
  • Lightweight Clothing
  • Rain Gear
  • Photography Equipment.
Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa via Mollepata with Lago Humantay

We begin with an early morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cusco. Our drive takes us through the winding roads, offering the first glimpses of rural Andean life. Arriving in Mollepata, we’ll savor a local breakfast to fuel our ascent.

We set off on foot, breathing in the crisp mountain air. Our path winds to the magnificent Humantay Mountain, a snow-capped giant. Time here allows for reflection and photo opportunities. The day ends at Soraypampa, where we’ll dine and rest amidst the shadows of towering peaks.

Day 2: Soraypampa to Colpapampa via the Salkantay Pass

With the dawn, we prepare for one of the most challenging yet rewarding legs of our trek. The climb to the Salkantay Pass will test our endurance, taking us to the highest point of the trek. Here, you might feel the full force of the Andean elements, a true testament to nature’s power.

As we cross the pass, we’ll hold a small ceremony to honor the Apus, the mountain spirits. Descending, we enter a more temperate climate zone, watching as the landscape transforms around us. By evening, we arrive at Colpapampa, where we’ll listen to the sound of nearby streams as we drift to sleep.

Day 3: Colpapampa to Lucmabamba via Playa Sahuayaco

The trek now takes a gentler pace as we descend through the lush ecosystems of the cloud forest. This biodiversity hotspot teems with flora and fauna, providing ample opportunities for wildlife spotting. We’ll pass by local coffee plantations and might even enjoy a fresh cup of locally grown coffee.

Reaching Playa Sahuayaco, we’ll lunch amidst the sounds of the river before continuing to Lucmabamba. This area is dotted with archaeological sites, offering a prelude to the wonders of Machu Picchu.

Day 4:Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes via Hidroelectrica

Our journey today follows a portion of an original Inca path, a direct connection to the past. We’ll ascend to Llactapata Pass, where, on a clear day, Machu Picchu first comes into view from a distance. At Hidroelectrica we will continue our trip to Aguas Calientes. This path goes along the train tracks, paralleling the river to the town below Machu Picchu.

Aguas Calientes offers a contrast to our days in the mountains, with the chance to visit local markets or unwind in the hot springs. We’ll enjoy a final group dinner here, anticipating the climax of our trek.

Day 5: Machu Picchu Exploration and Return to Cusco

Our final day starts before sunrise, with the option to hike or bus up to Machu Picchu. We’ll arrive early to marvel at the city in the soft morning light, often with fewer visitors. We will spend several hours touring the main site. This includes the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, and the Room of the Three Windows.

The afternoon sees us returning to Aguas Calientes and then back to Cusco. We’ll reflect on the journey through the heart of the ancient Inca world. This was a trek that has changed us with each step on the Salkantay Trail.

Join Machu Picchu Eco Travel and venture beyond the ordinary embarking on the Salkantay Trek. This journey intertwines the beauty of the Andean wilderness with the enigmatic allure of Inca history.

Statistics of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Salkantay Peru:

The trek covers approximately 74 kilometers (46 miles).

Highest altitude at Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet).

Lowest altitude at Aguas Calientes at around 2,040 meters (6,690 feet).

Rated as a challenging trek, it requires a good level of fitness.

FAQ's

What is the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek is an alternative hiking route to Machu Picchu. It takes you through diverse landscapes including the Andes mountains, cloud forests, and the edge of the jungle. It culminates at the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu.

How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?

The trek is challenging, primarily because of its high altitude, long distance, and some steep climbs. The tours operators recommended for those with a reasonable level of fitness.

How long is the Salkantay Trek?

The classic Salkantay Trek is approximately 74 kilometers (46 miles) long. Is typically over in 5 days and 4 nights.

What is the highest point on the Salkantay Trek?

The highest point is the Salkantay Pass, which reaches an elevation of about 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) above sea level.

When is the best time to hike the Salkantay Trek?

The best time to hike is during the dry season, from April to October. June to September offers the clearest skies, but it’s also the coldest period, especially at night.

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1 Review
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Alex

Group Traveller

From the soaring peaks of the Andes to Aguas Calientes, the Salkantay Trek was a life-changing experience. Machu Picchu Eco Travel ensured every detail was perfect – from the knowledgeable guides to the hearty meals. Encouragement and support fueled the conquering of the Salkantay Pass, enhancing the rewarding view from the top. This trek was the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. A must-do!

June 4, 2023