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Caminata a Salkantay - Trek

Discover the Unparalleled Beauty of Salkantay: A Unique Trek in Cusco with Rap Travel Peru

Salkantay Trekking

4 days and 3 nights Tour: Hiking and Adventure Min: 2 persons

DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION:

With the “Salkantay to Machupicchu tour”, you will enjoy an excellent option to escape from the congested routes like the traditional Inca Trail. This impressive excursion passes under the snowy Salkantay, the climate of the first part of the trail is dry and cold, the second part is warmer and more humid. This hike has a difficulty of moderate to strong, it is recommended to have good physical preparation, it is advisable to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before starting the tour for acclimatization.

SALKANTAY, is a Peruvian snow-capped mountain located in the Cordillera Vilcabamba in Cusco. The snowy Salkantay is an alternative route to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu, this route runs along the Cordillera de Vilcabamba, this is an ancient and remote alternative path to the Inca Trail, has much more spectacular views, crystal clear and turquoise lagoons, impressive snow-capped mountains like the Apu Salkantay and Humantay, rivers and subtropical areas of abundant vegetation and fauna.

The Salkantay Trek is an alternative route to the traditional Inca Trail for the Machu Picchu tour. The trek crosses the Salkantay Pass at 4600m.a.s.l., descends into the cloud forest. The trail starts in Mollepata / Markocasa or Soraypampa, a couple of hours from Cusco and ends in the town of Aguas Calientes. The Salkantay trek was nominated among the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine.

Salkantay has exceptional views and at the same time, the diversity of ecological floors makes this trek an absolutely interesting journey with temperatures dropping to 1,000 meters above sea level, it is an incredible experience and the trail is not too steep.

The purpose of the Inca Trail from Salkantay to Machupicchu was religious and ceremonial which included rituals to honor the snow-capped peaks along the route, such as Salkantay as well as the Humantay Lake. Active travel style, unique trekking experience with lots of adventure for outdoor activities lovers. The required age is from 12 years old and those travelers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

SALKANTAY is an excellent option for those who wish to escape the crowded trails and for those who are looking for an alternative to the traditional Inca Trail. This impressive excursion passes under the snowy Salkantay, the climate of the first part of the trail is dry and cold, the second part is warmer and more humid. This hike has a moderate to hard difficulty, it is recommended to have good physical preparation, arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before starting the tour for acclimatization.

MAIN POINTS OF VISIT

  • Cusco (3,399 masl)
  • Mollepata (2,976 masl / 9,976 fasl)
  • Soraypampa (3,912 masl / 11,912 fasl)
  • Humantay Lagoon (4,200 masl)
  • Ausangate (6,271 masl)
  • Chaullay (2,350 masl)
  • Llactapata (1,550 masl)
  • Santa Teresa (1,550 masl)
  • Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl)
  • Machupicchu (2,430 masl)

TOUR SUMMARY:

  • Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake: 13 Km – Moderate Day.
  • Day 2: Soraypampa – Collpapampa: 26 km – Challenging day.
  • Day 3: Collpapampa – La Playa – Aguas Calientes: 16 km – Moderate day.
  • Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu: 4 km – Easy day.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Pick up from Hotel – Mollepata – Cruzpata- Sayllapata Soraypampa – Laguna Humantay (16 Km).

  • 06.00 – 06.30 hrs, the guide will pick you up at the hotel. We will pass through the town of Mollepata by the Cusco – Abancay road where we will arrive in approximately 2 h 30 min.
  • Here we will make a brief rest stop before ascending to Soraypampa.
  • We will arrive to Cruzpata – Beautiful viewpoint where we will be able to appreciate the snowy Humantay.
  • Later we will arrive to Sayllapata, another natural viewpoint where we can appreciate the valley of Limatambo. And finally to Soraypampa, the icy wind of the area forces us to wrap up warm.
  • Here our first camp will be “Lodge del Cielo”. After lunch, our hike will take us to Humantay Lake, fed by glaciers high up on the slopes of the impressive mountain.
  • The hike will take 4 hours to reach the lake, but the view is beautiful and the brave can swim. Our local tour guide will tell us about the fauna, flora and traditions inherent to this beautiful lake, in view of the imposing mountain. Salkantay, will top off this unique experience.
  • Return to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Camping – SORAYPAMPA

Breakfast – Hotel / Lunch and dinner – Agency

Day 2: Soraypampa – El Paso – Collpapampa (22 Km).

  • 04.00 hrs Very early in the morning we will wake up with a very hot tea, after a good breakfast.
  • 05.00 hrs We will start our hike to reach the Salkantay pass, we will take the opportunity to walk early in the morning and before the sun rises.
  • We will continue our journey to Machu Picchu, walking through the valley of the Blanco River and around the Humantay peak through the Salkantay peak. The highest point of the trip is the Salkantay Pass at 4,638 masl.
  • At the pass we stop for a beautiful view of the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba in all directions, with the south face of Salkantay towering above us. We will be on the lookout for Andean condors, often visible in this area.
  • From the pass we descend to Wayracmachay (the cave where the wind lives), here we will enjoy a delicious lunch. Then we will continue walking for 03 hours downhill until we reach our camp in Colpapampa; dinner and overnight at the Sky Lodge.
  • Our Sky Camp has a 360 degree panoramic view of the Salkantay Valley, it is also a perfect place, away from the crowds and where we can get to know a little more of the local families.
  • Approximately this day we will hike 10 hours at a gentle walking style, enjoy the scenery and talk with our tour guide.
  • A local man can do this trail in only 3 hours. But we will do it in 10 hours, including lunch, because mostly the trails are steep and some open slopes.

Camping – COLLPAPAPAMPA

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner – Agency

Day 3: Collpapampa – La Playa – Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes (32 Km).

  • 05.00 hrs Very early we have breakfast and then walk through the Santa Teresa river valley on narrow trails for about 5 hours through more populated rural areas. We will pass by banana trees, passion fruit, avocado orchards and coffee plantations. The coffee from this region is considered the best organic coffee in the world.
  • Then we will board a car from “La Playa Village” to the hydroelectric village train station, we will continue our walk along the side of the railway road until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes, it will take about 3 hours.
  • Upon arrival, we check into the hotel for a celebratory dinner with our tour guide and a final briefing for our Machupicchu tour experience. We retire to our hotel and spend the night in the town of Aguas Calientes.
  • NOTE: Those who prefer not to walk from the Hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes can take the 40 minute train ride experience, the price is not included. You will meet the rest of the group at the Aguas Calientes train station.

Hotel – AGUAS CALIENTES

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner – Agency

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Cusco

Machu Picchu, ancient Andean Inca village, located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, in the Andes mountain range at 2,430 meters above sea level, is located in the Cusco region, province of Urubamba, district of Machupicchu. Machu Picchu would have been one of the resting places of the Inca Pachacutec, ninth Inca of the Tahuantinsuyo between 1438 and 1470.

Machu Picchu is considered, at the same time, a masterpiece of architecture and engineering. Its peculiar architectural and landscape characteristics and the veil of mystery that has been woven around it in much of the literature published about the site, have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet, as well as one of the 7th wonders of the modern world.

  • Tour to Machu Picchu: 05.00 hrs After a very early breakfast at the hotel, we go to the bus station to go up to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (30 minutes).
  • Our guide will give an introductory guided tour of the Inca city. Machupicchu guided tour: The Inca city of Machupicchu opens at 06.00 hrs.
  • We will be between 06.00 and 07.00 hrs. after showing our entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, we will go up to the best view point to take a picture of the guardian’s house, after 30 minutes of free time our guide will give us a detailed and extensive information about the city of the Incas for about 1 hour. After the guided explanation of the guardian’s house, you will have 02 options:
  • Climb to the Sun Gate. a one hour hike, an excellent option to get the best panoramic images of the entire Andes. Those arriving from the Inca Trail to Machupicchu arrive through the Sun Gate; later you can return to the Inca city and visit on your own and at your own discretion the Inca city.
  • Or we will continue to the Inca city for another hour, passing the middle square, the temple of the 3 windows and much more, once we arrive to the Sacred Rock very close to the entrance gate to the Sacred Mountain Huaynapicchu, The guide will give you some free time to explore the Inca city on your own.
  • After the visit, you will descend to Aguas Calientes and then board the Expedition train at 16.22 hrs to arrive at Ollantaytambo train station, where you will meet our transportation and we will transfer you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 20.30 hrs.

VERY IMPORTANT

  • To climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain (not included in the price, spaces are limited, you must book minimum 6 months).
  • According to the regulation of Machupicchu, once we enter the Sacred City is not allowed to return by the same roads “there are many signs about which route we must follow, we can only stop in some places or simply our return by the place where we were before”, so we advise you to enjoy every minute you can be in each Inca place.
  • According to Machupicchu regulation, the entrance tickets can be used only once, it means that once you leave the Inca town, you will not be able to return, unless you get a new ticket.

Breakfast – Agency / Lunch & Dinner – Passenger

INCLUDES


INCLUDES:

  • SORAYPAMPA – 1 night Private Campsites Sky Lodge
  • COLLPAPAPAMPA – 1 night Private campsites Lodge del cielo
  • AGUAS CALIENTES – 1 night Hotel Encanto
  • Transfers In/ Out
  • Transportation Cusco/Mollepata
  • Professional bilingual Salkantay guide with adventure experience
  • Professional bilingual cultural guide with Machupicchu experience
  • Entrance ticket to the Salkantay / Humantay Lake
  • Entrance ticket to the Inca site of Machu Picchu
  • 1 duffel bag: personal luggage, up to (5 kgs).
  • Load of mules / horses on days 1, 2 and 3,
  • On day 4, your luggage will be transported by car or train to Aguas Calientes.
  • Dining tents and kitchen
  • Professional trekking chef with an assistant
  • Meals: 4 breakfasts, lunches, 4 dinners (vegetarian, vegan or special menus available at no extra cost)
  • Boiled water: From your first lunch to your last breakfast, you will be able to fill our waters at every meal.
  • Wake up with tea: Every morning at the camp,
  • Tea time every day during the trek: Every evening before dinner, the cooks will provide you with our tea time popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc.
  • Hygiene products: You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to wash your hands and every morning there will also be a bucket of warm water to wash your personal hygiene.
  • Medical kit and oxygen bottle
  • Train tickets: Aguas Calientes/Ollantaytambo
  • Transfer back to Cusco: Private tourist transportation.


NOT INCLUDED:

  • Sleeping bags
  • Consettur bus to the Inca city of Machupicchu
  • Walking sticks
  • First breakfast and last lunch after Machupicchu.
  • Clothes and personal equipment.
  • Travel insurance
  • Please note that our agency staff is well paid, so feel free to tip or not as you wish “Recommendation 6 – 8 USD per day per traveler for all trek staff” – Again it is optional and May vary according to your satisfaction.
  • Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. USD $ 34.00
  • Additional costs or delays beyond the control of the administration (scenery, bad weather, itinerary modification due to a security problem, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.).
  • Visit to the Hot Springs in Machupicchu town S/.10.00
  • Entrance ticket to Machupicchu Mountain or Waynapicchu.


WHAT TO TAKE FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK?

  • Original passport
  • Small backpack
  • Complete rain gear or poncho
  • Gloves (warm)
  • Trekking pants
  • Long sleeve breathable polo shirts
  • Flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun block
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Swimwear
  • Sandals
  • Cold weather jacket
  • Long sleeve sweater
  • Hiking shoes
  • Sun hat and bandana
  • Casual mountain clothing
  • Water purification tablets
  • Personal toiletries
  • Camera and video camera
  • Binoculars
  • Refillable water bottle (Hydration bags are recommended).
  • Snacks: cereal bars, chocolates, cookies, dried fruits.
  • Cash: coins and small bills in soles.

PRICES

GROUP SERVICE TOUR

Salkantay Trek Tour

PRICE PER PERSON

Minimum 02 people

GROUP SERVICE TOUR

Photo Gallery The best of the Tour!

  • Tour Salkantay Trek-02
  • Tour Salkantay Trek-03
  • Tour Salkantay Trek-04
  • Tour Salkantay Trek-05
  • Tour Salkantay Trek-06
  • Tour Salkantay Trek-07
  • Tour Salkantay Trek-08
  • Tour Salkantay Trek-09
  • Tour Salkantay Trek-01

Frequently Asked Questions about the Salkantay to Machu Picchu Tour

The Salkantay Tour is an alternative to the traditional Inca Trail, offering less crowded routes and a greater variety of landscapes, including lakes, snow-capped mountains, and subtropical areas.

The difficulty level of the trek ranges from moderate to strenuous. It is recommended to have good physical preparation for this tour.

The first part of the trek is dry and cold, while the second part is warmer and more humid.

The recommended minimum age is 12 years old, and any traveler under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

You can do the Salkantay Trek even without previous trekking experience. The route offers various difficulty levels, and many people without experience have successfully completed the journey. While some parts can be challenging, it’s important to be in good physical shape and prepare before the tour. Here are some recommendations:

  • Physical preparation: Engage in cardio and strength exercises to improve your endurance. Practicing long walks will help you prepare.
  • Acclimatization: Arrive in Cusco at least two days before the tour to acclimate to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
  • Proper gear: Wear comfortable trekking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, and a lightweight backpack.
  • Steady pace: Walk at a steady pace, rest, and stay hydrated during the trek.
  • Follow the guides: They will provide guidance and support. Feel free to ask them questions.
  • Positive attitude: Enjoy the views and maintain a positive attitude.

If you have concerns, consult with us for further guidance before the adventure.

Tipping on our trekking tours is entirely optional, yet greatly appreciated. If you’re satisfied with the service provided, it’s customary to thank the guide and porters with a tip. A general suggestion is to consider an amount around 10-15% of the total tour price, though this is merely a recommendation, and the final decision is entirely yours. We appreciate any gesture of gratitude you choose to offer to our team.

It is highly recommended to acclimate before the Salkantay to Machu Picchu Tour. Given the high altitudes, such as the Salkantay Pass at 4,638 meters above sea level, it’s essential to allow your body to gradually adapt to minimize the risks of altitude sickness. Spending at least two days in Cusco before the tour, consulting with a doctor, and considering preventive medications if necessary are advised. This helps reduce symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and nausea.

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