
Salkantay Trek 5 Days
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Salkantay Trek 5 Days
from $ USD 100.00
The Salkantay Trek is the most famous hike in Peru after the Inca Trail and culminates in a visit to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek has become popular with tourists from many different countries due to the opportunities it provides to visit a variety of environments at different altitudes: colorful lakes, impressive glaciers like Salkantay and Humantay, small rivers flowing out of the glaciers, and subtropical forests replete with flora and wildlife. All of these elements make the Salkantay Trek is one of the best alternative routes to Machu Picchu.
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Overview
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Itinerary
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Travel Guide
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Trip Details
- Tour type: Hiking, camping, adventure, history, and culture.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Starting Altitude: 3200m / 9515ft
- Maximum Altitude: 4630m / 15,200ft
- Distance Traveled: 52 km / 32 miles
- Longest day: Day 2, approx. 22 km / 11 miles
- Departures: daily
- Important:
- Remember there is a student discount available for entrance tickets to Machu Picchu (ask us about this option)
Cusco - Soraypampa - Lake Humantay – Quiswarniyoc private camp
We begin this incredible adventure very early by picking you up from your hotel between 5 and 5:30 am, at which point we will travel for 2 hours in our private transport to Mollepata. This is a scenic route through the area of Limatambo where you can appreciate the beauty of the Apurímac valley. We will arrive at Mollepata at approx. 08:00 am. Here we will have breakfast and pay an entry fee of 10 soles to the local municipality. After breakfast we drive for 1 more hour to the town of Soraypampa where we will meet our porters, cooks, and horses which will carry up to 7kg of each person’s personal belongings (we will provide you with a bag to carry these items). We will begin our 2 hour hike up towards Lake Humantay (if you are not feeling well you will have the option of renting a horse). Upon arrival at the lake you will have time to explore and take photos while the guide gives you information about the lake. We will then begin our descent to our private camp where a warm lunch will be waiting for us. After lunch you will have free time to explore the area and, if you like trekking, you can make your way to the Salkantay Lookout to enjoy a panoramic view of the whole area. Or you can choose to stay at camp and rest.
Note: For the early morning pickup, you will need to book a hotel in the historical city center, as most AirBnB’s don’t have a name and/or lack addresses that can be found easily, and many of them are located far away from the city center. Otherwise we can arrange a specific meeting point.
Soraypamapa –Salkantay Pass - Chaullay
The second day of the hike will be the most difficult because we will walk approx. 20km and reach the highest point of the trek (4630m / 15,200 ft). Our cooks will wake you around 05:00 am with a cup of hot coca tea, and then you will have time to pack up and be ready for a very nutritious breakfast at 06:00 am. After breakfast it will be time to begin walking towards the highest point of the Salkantay trail. This part of the hike will take between 3 and 4 hours of walking at a consistent pace. Once at the pass we will have impressive views of the Vilcabamba range’s glaciers as well as the high Amazon jungle. Your guide will explain the significance of the mountain gods and, if conditions allow, you can witness a small Andean ritual for the gods of the mountains, the Apus (elective) **. At this point we will begin our 2 hours descent towards Wayracpunku, where we will take a short lunch break.
** si tienes clientes desde los EEUU u otros paises que sean cristianos, es muy probable que no van a querer algo así y proponerlo podría hacer que busquen otra empresa.
After lunch we will continue descending into the high jungle (approx. 3 hours of walking), where you will encounter tropical vegetation and a large variety of trees, before arriving at our next camp site: Chaullay, located at 2900m /9500 ft.
Chaullay – Playa Sahuayaco - Santa Teresa – Hot springs
After a hearty breakfast (07:00 am) we will continue our descent into the high jungle. Here we will be able to see different types of wild vegetation, including: orchids, begonias, bromolas, timber trees as well as cultivated plants: coffee, bananas, orange, coca, passion fruit, avocados and more. This is one of the most enjoyable sections of the hike.
After 5 hours of walking we will reach the town of Playa Sahuayaco, from where we will take local public transportation to the town of Santa Teresa (our third campsite). A delicious lunch will be ready for us there. After lunch, those who want to can visit the hot springs at Cocalmayo, just a 15 minute drive away by local transport. It is an excellent open air space to relax after a long hike.
In the evening we will provide tea and a hot dinner. If you want you can also join us for a bonfire, or simply get an early night and rest up for the next day.
Santa Teresa - Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes
We will wake up very early (05:00 am) to have breakfast and start walking towards the town of Hidroeléctrica (approx. 3 hours), where we will stop for a nutritious lunch and a short break. ** After lunch we will start the last part of our hike towards Machu Picchu town, known more commonly as Aguas Calientes. For approx. 3 hours we will walk through this tropical area, following the train tracks, passing the Hidroelectric plant, and stopping at various locations to take in the spectacular scenery. We will also be able to catch glimpses of the great Inca citadel of Machu Picchu on the way. In total it will take us about 6 hours to reach Aguas Calientes.
Note:
If you wish to take an alternate route through Llactapata (an archaeological site), after breakfast we will take local transport for 45 minutes to Lucmabamba, then hike uphill for 3 hours along original Inca paths to the ruions of Llactapata. You will have time to enjoy views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountain. Then you will walk 2 hours downhill to Hidroeléctrica in time for lunch (note that this option has an additional guide fee).
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
sunrise from the Inca city (this moderate hike take approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes). You can also choose to take the bus ($12 each way – not included) and you must take the first bus to be able to arrive at Machu Picchu by 6 am. Once at Machu Picchu your guide will provide you with a guided tour that lasts approx. 2 hours (remember that the guided tour is for the whole group). During this tour you will have opportunities to explore the main sites (Intihuatana, The Sacred Plaza, The Temple of the Sun, The Temple of the Condor), and learn more about the history of this hidden architectural wonder. At the end of the guided tour you will have a couple more hours to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace and really take in the Inca citadel’s unique atmosphere.
If you were able to purchase an entry to Huayna Picchu of Machu Picchu Mountain you will also have the opportunity to scale one of these mountains (remember that availability is limited by the government and the Ministry of Culture. Climbing Huayna Picchu takes 2 hours, and Machu Picchu Mountain requires 3). The time spent at Machu Picchu depends greatly on whether or not you decide to climb one of these mountains.
Options for returning to Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu:
Train Option:
This gives you more time to visit Machu Picchu and climb one of the mountains, which requires at least 3 hours. After 7 or 8 hours in Machu Picchu you must return to Aguas Calientes in time for the 18:20 train to Ollantaytambo (2 hours), and then continue by car to Cusco (2 hours), arriving in Cusco at around 10:30 pm.
** If you want a specific train time, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Car Option:
You will arrive at Machu Picchu around 06:00 am, have a 2 hour guided tour, and then have some time to explore on your own. If you wish to return by car and are planning on climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, it is possible, but it will be very rushed as you will need to leave Machu Picchu by 11:30 to walk back to Hidroeléctrica (3 hours) in time for the 2:30 pm car back to Cusco (6 hours). We would recommend staying an extra night in Aguas Calientes and returning to Cusco via car on the sixth day.
Included
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Informational talk provided by your guide at your hotel, one night before the hike
- Pickup from your hotel and transportation from Cusco to Soraypampa
- Professional bilingual guide
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Horses and porters to carry up to 7kg for each hiker (personal belongings)
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners (buffet style)
- 3 nights camping
- 1 night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes
- 1 tent for 2 people plus sleeping pads
- Transport from Playa Sahuayaca to Santa Teresa (third day)
- Cooks and cooking equipment
- Vegetarian or Vegan food available upon prior request for no additional charge
- First aid kit and oxygen tank
- Return transportation: via train at 06:20 pm (or earlier) and then car (4 hours total), or via car at 03:00 pm from the Hidroeléctrica (6 hours)
No Included
- Entry to Salkantay (10 soles) charged by the Mollepata municipality, everyone must pay the local government directly.
- Sleeping bag ($15 for the duration of the hike)
- Walking sticks, recommended for this route ($15 to rent a pair)
- Travel insurance
- Hot springs (transport and entry fee, 20 to 25 soles)
- Bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains ($20.00)
- Additional horses
- Breakfast on the first day, lunch and dinner on the last day
- costs and tips (optional)
What to Bring
- Original passport
- Students: student ID if you wish to obtain the discounted entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Light backpack
- Walking sticks: recommended for those with knee or ankle problems or hikers used to using them. If you don’t have one, you can rent a pair from us for $15 for the whole hike.
- Sleeping bag rated to at least -5 celcius. If you do not have own, you can rent one from us for $15 for the duration of the hike.
- Wool hat/beanie
- Scarf
- Hat for the sun
- Gloves
- 3 – 4 shirts (preferably long sleeved)
- 2 – 3 pairs of long trousers (leggings are also appropriate)
- Shorts
- Walking shoes
- 2 – 3 pairs of wool socks
- A rain jacket is important, especially in the rainy season (you can also buy a rain poncho)
- 1 small towel
- Sun glasses
- Sun block
- A water bottle or canteen
- Tooth brush and other personal items
- Toilet paper
- Insect repellent
- Sandals or flip flops
- Bathing suit
- If you have thermal clothing, you can bring it (you would use it at least the first night, when at 4000 m).
- Snacks, such as: chocolate, granola bars, sweets, dried fruits, energy bars, etc.
- Extra cash in soles
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