Salkantay trekking to Machu Picchu
Cusco - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Salkantay Pass - Collpapampa - Santa Teresa - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Duration
5 Days
Max. Altitude
15.255 ft - 4.650 m.
Activities
Trekking, Photography, Machu Picchu, Traditions, Alpaca Farm, History.
Difficulty
Challenging
Accommodation
Camps, Hotel.
Transport
Van, Train.
Tour Description
Experience special flora and fauna while traversing the the rocky landscapes around a sacred mountain near Cusco.
From the Andes to the Cloud Forests you will arrive to that wonder of the world, Machu Picchu.
Its first two days will be dominated by the impressive “Apus” of Salkantay and Huamantay, while touring the high puna landscape.
The third day will descend to the warm cloud forest, to reach Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. The impressive Inca sacred city of Machu Picchu is visited during the last day of the program. Salkantay Trek, was recently nominated among the best 25 treks in the world, by the National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine.
Trip Highlights
- Explore around the amazing Humatay Lake.
- Visit traditional andean towns and their customs.
- High altitude and camping in the scenic Andes.
- Outstanding snowcapped mountains, colorful valleys, waterfalls, wildlife, unique plants, and cloud forest.
- Hot springs in Santa Teresa town.
- Guided in Machu Picchu Citadel.
Itinerary
1st Day
2nd Day
3rd Day
4th Day
5th Day
1st Day
Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa
From 11.505 ft to 12.861 ft – (3,500 m. to 3,920 m.)
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco from 5:00 am to 5:30 am to go by bus to Mollepata. Begin a spectacular scenic drive through the Anta plains with beautiful and panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay and other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River.
After two and a half hours drive we stop in Mollepata to have breakfast for last minute supplies, leg-stretching or to use the bathrooms, before continuing to Marcocasa. There we will meet with our support staff. They will load the equipment on horses and mules.
Around 9:30 a.m. we will star our trek toward Soraypampa (3,920 meters above sea level) if we keep a regular pace we will take 4 hours approximately to reach to Soraypampa the first camp site where will have lunch after lunch in the afternoon we have an option to go up to Humantay lake (4,200 masl) which takes 3 hours hike back and forth from the camp to see the glacier lake of Humantay. But if we keep slow pace; we will have lunch at halfway between Soraypampa and Marcoccasa maybe after 3 hours of hiking.
And after that we hike two a half hours more to Soraypampa. Anyway our camp is going be at Soraypampa. Sleeping tents will be ready and we will have a warm delicious dinner in the evening.
2nd Day
Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayracpunku – Chaullay
From 12.861 ft to 15.255 ft – (3,920 m. to 4,650 m.)
Today early in the morning we will wake you up with the coca tea. Around 6:00 we will have a nutritious breakfast around 7:00 am we will start the hardest day of the whole Salkantay trek; we will be walking up to the highest point of the trek. After 6 kilometers uphill through the magnificent scenery of Rocky Mountains and enjoying the view of Salkantay mount.
We reach the top of the trek. We will appreciate spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay (6,264 meters above sea level) which is known as the second highest mountain of the Cusco region. After 2 hours downhill around 1:00 p.m. we will have our delicious Peruvian lunch, in the area called Huayracmachay.
Then we continue our hike to Chaullay approximately 3 hours of downhill we will get to our camp in Chaullay (2900 masl) Where we will have the sleeping tents ready. Around 7:00 pm we will have dinner to recover energy.
3rd Day
Chaullay – Collpapampa – La playa – Santa Teresa
From 9.514 ft to 5.085 ft – (2,900 m. to 1,550 m.)
Around 7:30 am; we will start our trek to La Playa through the Santa Teresa valley. We will hike 6 hours approximately during the hike will see: water fall, orchids, coffee, banana, avocado plantations and we will taste the famous passion fruit or granadilla and also we will see a village call Collpapampa also call the “forest cloudy brow” where waterfalls, thermal hot springs, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. If we are lucky, we will be able to see the famous bird called “the Cock of the Rocks”.
After lunch at La playa, we will catch a local transportation to Santa Teresa. Where will have aur overnight ,In the afternoon we may go to Santa Teresa´s hot spring to enjoy it. Then back at the campsite for happy hours and dinner.
4th Day
Santa Teresa – Hidroelectryc – Aguas Calientes
From 5.085 ft to 6.561 ft – (1,550 m. to 2,000 m.)
After of our delicious breakfast we are going to walk approximately 7 hours. Around 8:30 a.m. we start our trek to Colpani village we will have the opportunity to see coca farms, mandarin, orange and yucca. And a lovely view of the Santa Teresa Valley. We follow along the riverside of Vilcanota River until arrive to the Oroya (cable bridge) then we keep going to Hidroelectrica where will have our lunch.
After lunch we going to walk along the train track but on the base of Machupicchu and Waynapicchu Mountain from the way we will see Machupicchu. After two a half hours hike we will be at Aguas Calientes town: base town of Machupicchu for overnight in the hotel and dinner.
5th Day
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
8,202 ft – 2,500 m.
Today early in the morning after breakfast at the hotel you will be able to choose between. Walk up to Machupicchu. Or take bus up to Machupicchu. Any way we will be the first ones into Machupicchu to enjoy the sunrise and you will have two a half hours guided tour.
Then you will have the free time to explore Machupicchu by yourselves or if you desire, ascent toward the Huaynapicchu Mountain. Or climb to Machupicchu montaña. After Machupicchu you are going back to Aguas Calientes to take a train to Ollantaytambo and from there by bus back to Cusco.
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Private transport.
- Cargo Mules (7 kl.)
- Camping Equipment
- 3 meals a day.
- Tea time daily
- Bus ticket (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu)
- Train ticket (Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo)
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport.
- Assistance 24 hrs.
Not included:
- Breakfast (first day and lunch last day).
- Sleeping bag (you can rent).
- Walking Sticks.
- Extra expenses.
- Train ticket from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes town. (If you feel tired after the trek, you have the option to take a train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. (Cost: USD $31.00)
- Tips, Snacks, drinks.
- Original passport to be showed in the check point of Machu Picchu.
- Original and valid International Student Card (ISIC), only if you booked the trek as student.
- Hiking boots (waterproof).
- Long pants or slacks & Warm sleeping bag Minus 20ºC.
- Long-sleeved shirts to prevent you from the sunburn.
- T-shirts and Thermal underwear.
- Warm clothes, layers for variable temperature especially at night.
- Sweaters and a jacket (something warm for the night).
- Gloves or Mittens, scarf, Wool socks, Woolen hat for cold nights.
- Rain wear or poncho for the rainy season December – April, but during the dry season can be raining too.
- Camera with extra batteries and flash light, head torch and extra batteries.
- Bottle of wáter.
- Snack (dried fruits, chocolates, etc).
- Insect repellent to protect you from mosquitoes along the Cloud Forest.
- Hat and sun block to protect you from the sun.
- Personal toilette items and personal medical kit.
- Bathing clothes for the hot springs in Cocalmayo – Santa Teresa.
- Extra money for drinks and tips, souvenirs in Soles.
- First Aid kit (alcohol, aspirin, tablets for stomach troubles, medicines to avoid altitude sickness).
- Day pack is good to bring to carry your camera, water, rain jacket.
Acclimatization
We do recommend that you arrive to Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek starts to help you become acclimatized and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while on the trek.
Weather
Of course weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December – just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves.
Also prepare for four seasons. Many of the treks through the Andes involve many micro-climates and you will need to be prepared for all seasons. Layers are always key as they are easy to adjust to the different temperatures. And evenings will always be cold, so please be prepared with a warm, winter-weight jacket.
Are flights included?
Unfortunately no. Neotropic Peru does not include flights for this trip.
How many people will be part of my tour group?
Our organized itineraries like this 5 Day tour through Cusco region are typically done as individual bookings. While others may join you if interested in the same day, the groups will always be small up to 8 people max. Private groups are very easily accommodated as well.
Can I bring my luggage to the trek?
All larger luggage should stay in Cusco and can be stored either at your hotel or with us at our deposit.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season from April to October is probably the most comfortable period as far as the weather is concerned. Even during these months you can still get a little rain. Ideally the month of May is perfect since there is little rain but the vegetation is still rich and lush. June, July and August are the 3 busy months and the numbers of trekkers has been limited so book well in advance. Although the weather is sunny during these months the temperature at night can drop considerably, falling to below freezing so be prepared. The months of November and December can still be very enjoyable with fewer trekkers.
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