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The Salkantay Trekking 5-day tour to the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu goes through the Salkantay Valley. It is a 73-kilometer trek that is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail as it does not require booking months in advance and offers breathtaking vistas as you traverse diverse landscapes and climates.
Listed by National Geographic as one of the top 25 treks in the world, our tour allows travelers to enjoy stunning views of the snowy Salkantay, visit lagoons including Humantay Lake, reach the highest point of the trek at 4,600 meters above sea level, pass through various plantations and forests, and finish at the lost city of the Incas, with sunrise views and a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
It is recommended to take some time to acclimatize before starting the tour, as the trek is demanding.
Participants are collected from their respective accommodation at 5:00 am and take private transport to Mollepata where we will enjoy breakfast and then, we will continue by car to Challacancha where the trail begins. Around 9:00 am, we will start the walk to reach Soraypampa.
On our way to our first camp site, we will be able to appreciate impressive viewpoints of Umantay mountain and the water aqueduct that supplies water to Mollepata town. After a walk of 7 km, we will arrive to Soraypampa, where we will have lunch and set up camp. After lunch, we will complete the 1-hour trek to Humantay Lake, situated at the base of Humantay mountain. Here we have the opportunity relax, explore and enjoy the spectacular view before returning to the campsite for dinner.
Walking distance: 12 km
Walking time: 7 hours
Altitud minimum: 2,850 m
Altitud maximum: 3,850 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Snacks)
Accommodation: Camp
Begin the second day of the Salkantay Trekking with a refreshing cup of coca tea, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. After breakfast, embark on a scenic 3-hour hike or horseback ride to reach the summit of the Salkantay Pass at 4600 meters (15,091 feet). Descend towards Wayrac Machaq for a delightful lunch amidst stunning natural surroundings.
Continue your journey through the verdant high jungle, where towering trees stretch over babbling streams adorned with vibrant bromeliads and orchids. Arrive at our carefully chosen second campsite, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Andean landscape.
Walking distance: 22 km
Walking time: 9 hours
Altitud minimum: 2,900 m
Altitud maximum: 4,650 m
Difficulty: Dificult / Moderate
Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Snacks)
Accommodation: Camp
Rise early and enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on a 3-hour hike through the enchanting cloud forest. As you trek, you’ll be treated to breathtaking scenery, including cascading rivers and picturesque waterfalls. After a well-deserved lunch, continue your journey for another 3 hours until you reach the Lucmabamba campsite.
At Lucmabamba, you have the option to add an exhilarating ziplining adventure or unwind in soothing hot springs (both activities are optional and require advance notice; transportation and fees are not included). Once back at the Salkantay Trekking campsite, immerse yourself in the local culture by participating in activities related to coffee plantations, learning about the intricate process from bean to cup. This day offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.
Walking distance: 16 km
Walking time: 6 hours
Minimum height: 1,600 m
Maximum height: 2,900 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner (hot drinks)
Accommodation: Camp
This day, we will be able to leave a little more late in the morning and to enjoy our hot breakfast. In the morning, you can go try the zipline (for those who reserved ahead).
After the activity, we will walk for about 2 hours toward Hidroeléctrica, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch. Then, we will continue for about 3 hours to reach the town of Aguas Calientes. The view on this road is unique and beautiful
In Hidroeléctrica, participants have 2 options: walk the 3 hours left to Aguas Calientes or take the train for an additionnal fee of about $ 28 USD.
We will spend our last night in an hotel in Aguas Calientes at he foot of Machu Picchu.
Walking distance: 19 km
Walking time: 7 hours
Minimum height: 1,600 m
Maximum height: 2,050 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Food: Breakfast, lunch, dinner (hot drinks)
Accommodation: Hotel
Following breakfast, we proceed towards the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu for an immersive guided exploration of its diverse sectors. You will need to wait in line for a bus ticket that morning and the drive up will take approximately 25 min. But if you prefer to walk, we will begin our climb at 4:15 am to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in order to witness the sunrise at the summit. before ascending the stairs for approximately 1 hour in order to arrive at the main entrance of Machu Picchu.
Our knowledgeable guide leads a comprehensive tour lasting approximately 2 hours, unveiling the historical significance and architectural marvels nestled within this UNESCO World Heritage site.
After which we will be free to explore the site independently. Those travellers who previously booked tickets to Wayna Picchu or Montaña Vieja will be able to access these attractions. These sites are where some of the most iconic images of Machu Picchu are taken and where we will be able to take our own photographs and view the ruins from an aerial perspective.
In the afternoon, we will descend to the village of Aguas Calientes where we have the opportunity to rest and pick up any crafts and souvenirs before our return train around 4:00 pm to Ollantaytambo. The Salkantay Trekking tour finishes by transporting you from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco.
Food: Breakfast
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking time: 2-5 hours exploring Machu Picchu
Optional walking: 2-3 hours for the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montain
Additional details of the 5 days Salkantay tour are as follows:
Cusco
7:00 am
