SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
The spirit of Salkantay and Machu Picchu!
4,630 m / 15,190 Feet
Daily Departures
Dificult
3 Star Hotels
2 persons to 15
Hike and adventure
TRAVEL DESCRIPTION
The 4-day, 3-night Salkantay Trek from Illa Kuntur Travel is perfect for nature lovers who enjoy beautiful Andean and jungle landscapes, from the tropical jungle to the imposing snow-capped mountains. Along the route, we will pass through sacred mountains and the subtropical jungle that surrounds Machu Picchu. On the first day, marvel at the impressive Humantay Lagoon and its brilliant turquoise color. Don’t miss this unique opportunity! With fewer restrictions than the Inca Trail, this route is ideal for entering Machu Picchu through the back door. Book your adventure today!
THE MOST HIGHLIGHTS
- Camping off the beaten path with fewer people allows you to be in control of your trip and have the best views of these incredible mountains.
- You will walk on the bases of the great snow-capped Salkantay and arrive at the expected Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
- Visit the Humantay Lagoon and the amazing Sacred Valley.
- Accompanied by professional bilingual guides (Spanish/English)
- Hikers can see snow-capped mountains, colorful valleys, waterfalls, streams, wildlife, unique plants, and cloud forests.
- Hike alongside the magnificent Salkantay glacier and arrive at the majestic Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
PROGRAM SUMMARY
DAY 01: CUSCO | MOLLEPATA | SORAYPAMPA | HUMANTAY LAGOON
The first day we will visit the beautiful Humantay lagoon, cataloged as one of the most beautiful lakes in Peru. We will also have the first views of the great snow-capped Salkantay.
DAY 02: SALKANTAYPAMPA | SALKANTAY PASS | WAYRACMACHAY | CHAULLAY
This day we will walk at the feet of the Apu guardian of the Salkantay jungle where we will have the opportunity to make a small thank you offering.
DAY 03: CHAULLAY | COLPAPAMPA | THE BEACH | HYDROELECTRIC | HOT WATERS
This day we will have a gentle walk through the thickness of the jungle with spectacular views of the Sacred River.
DAY 04: HOT WATERS | MACHU PICCHU | OLLANTAYTAMBO | CUSCO
Visit Machu Picchu with your expert guide that will make you live a unique experience in the hidden city of the Incas. In the afternoon we return to Cusco.
TRAVEL ITINERARY
Day 01: Cusco | Mollepata | Soraypampa | Humantay Lagoon
- The tour begins with pickup from your Cusco hotel around 5:00 a.m. Then, we will head towards Mollepata on a trip of approximately 3 hours. In Mollepata, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast before continuing for another hour in our transportation until we reach Soraypampa, our starting point.
- In Soraypampa, we will enjoy a delicious lunch and then we will begin the ascent to Laguna Humantay, known as the jewel of the place, on a hike through the mountain of approximately two hours (or less, depending on your pace).
- Once at the lagoon, you will have free time to explore it, take souvenir photos and admire its incomparable beauty. Then, following the guide’s instructions, we will return to our camp in Soraypampa to enjoy a delicious dinner.
- You will spend the night at the Sky Lodge, a unique accommodation with a spectacular view of the imposing Salkantay snow-capped mountain. If the weather permits, you can enjoy a starry night, a unique and unforgettable experience.
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- WALKING DISTANCE: (6 kilometers / 3.72 Miles) – (6 to 7 hours)
- ELEVATION: (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) – (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)
- ACCOMMODATION: Sky Lodge in Soraypampa.
Day 02: Salkantaypampa | Salkantay Pass | Wayracmachay | Chaullay
- On the second day, we will wake up early for a strengthener before starting the hike towards the snow-capped Salkantay, the highest point of our adventure at 4,620 m / 15,255 feet above sea level. Today’s route is 7 km, which we hope to complete in about 4 hours, surrounded by the impressive Salkantay, Humantay and Pumasillo mountains.
- Salkantay is the second highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the most important Inca deities, known as “Apu Salkantay”. The climb to the top will be the most challenging part. After this, we will descend along a winding path for 3 hours until we reach Huayracmachay, where our cooks will wait for us with a lunch in the middle of the mountain.
- In the afternoon, we will cross the cloud forest in approximately 3 more hours (9 km) until we reach Challway (2900 m – 9514 ft), our second base camp. As night falls, we will enjoy a delicious dinner before resting for the next day of our adventure.
- MEALS: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate, Challenging
- WALKING DISTANCE: 21 kilometers / 13.04 miles) – (8 to 9 hours)
- ELEVATION: (3,900 m / 12,795 ft) – (4,630 m / 15,190 ft)
- ACCOMMODATION: Camp.
Day 03: Chaullay | Colpapampa | The Beach | Hydroelectric | Hot Waters
- After a comforting night and a pleasant sharing with the group and the guide, we will start our day at 5:30 am with a delicious breakfast. Then, we will embark on a walk to “La Playa” through a tropical path that borders the Salkantay River. Along the way, we will make brief stops to taste fresh fruits and vegetables from the region, such as passion fruit, banana, coffee, avocado, mango, orange and papaya.
- We will travel a distance of 16 km in approximately 7 hours until we reach Lucmabamba, a picturesque coffee growing town where we will find basic services and enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
- In the afternoon, we will embark on a transportation trip to Hidroeléctrica. We will continue our adventure walking for 3 more hours following the train route, until finally arriving in Aguas Calientes. In this cozy town, we will have time to rest and relax before the exciting visit to the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu, that awaits us the next day.
- MEALS: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate.
- WALKING DISTANCE: (25 kilometers / 16.77 miles) (8 to 9 hours)
- ELEVATION: (2000 m / 6562 ft) – (2,040 / 6,693ft)
- ACCOMMODATION: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 04: Hot Waters | Machu Picchu | Ollantaytambo | Cusco
- This day will be quite special, without a doubt, it was worth the effort of these last 4 days. Early in the morning, after enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will head with our guide to the bus station to begin the ascent to the Llaqta of Machu Picchu. There, we will have a 2-hour guided tour, exploring and getting to know each of its sectors in depth.
- At the end of the guided tour in Machu Picchu, those who have entrance tickets will be able to ascend the Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. The visit time will be approximately 3 hours, during which you will enjoy the incredible panoramic views of Machu Picchu from different angles.
- After marveling at the majesty of Machu Picchu and having captured the iconic photographs, we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes to enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we will board our return train to Ollantaytambo and then retorn to Cusco.
- MEALS: Breakfast
- DIFFICULTY: Easy
- WALKING DISTANCE: (02 kilometers / 1.60 Miles) – (2 to 3 hours)
- ELEVATION: (2,648 m / 8,694 ft) – (2,720 m / 8,922 ft)
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TRAVEL?
- Accommodation in campsites
- A duffel bag to carry your personal things and your sleeping bag.
- Matra and blankets.
- Covers to protect your backpack
- 01 night in hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 3 Dinners
- Hygiene products.
- All transfers (Guaranteed).
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Cusco.
- Transport from La Playa to Hidroeléctrica.
- Bus ticket up and down Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (Day 4).
- Train ticket (Expedition or Voyager class) from Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Day 4).
- Team of porters.
- Team of muleteers
- Horses to carry a duffel bag (we will provide you with a duffel bag for your things).
- Entrance ticket to Salkantay Trek.
- Entrance ticket to the Humantay Lagoon.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Quality and safety service.
- Pre-departure briefing.
- First Aid Kit.
- Camping equipment.
- 24/7 customer service.
- Sleeping bag: You can rent one from our company or in rental shops in Cusco, if you do not have your own. US$20.00 per person
- Inflatable mattress Canes: You can rent a set from our company or in rental shops in Cusco if you wish. US$20.00 per person
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain. US$60.00 per person
- Hydroelectric Train to Aguas Calientes (Day 3).
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes (Day 4).
- Water and Snaks.
- Travel insurance
- Tips for our staff
What to Bring
- We recommend that you take only what is necessary to enjoy your tour and leave the rest of your things at the hotel in Cusco.
- The original passport.
- A small backpack of 50 liters that allows you to introduce all the things you will take with you
- A sleeping bag preferably at least 5 to 10 degrees below zero, this can be synthetic or feather, if you do not have one you can rent it from our office.
- Appropriate clothing for walking, waterproof and comfortable shoes for long walks, short and long pants, sports shirts.
- Warm clothes to be used in the camp (We recommend cotton clothes that are very comfortable to sleep in, a hat and gloves for the cold. Socks for walking, sandals to be used when you arrive at the camp, you should also take bags with you plastic so you can separate things in the backpack (clean, wet, dirty clothes and others).
- A canteen with water for the first day of the walk. From the first lunch on day 01 you will be provided with cold filtered boiled water for your canteens.
- The use of a water bottle is mandatory along the Camino, the authorities will not allow the use and/or entry of plastic bottles.
- Personal hygiene items: a small towel, soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, toilet paper, hand sanitizing gel. These last two articles are very important.
- Personal medications, within this list also includes muscle relaxants, pain tablets and blessed for scratches, blisters on the feet that can be generated after several hours of walking.
- Items to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes, a sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or caps for the sun and a mosquito repellent.
- Headlamps with batteries, extra battery for the camera (to be used every night in the camps).
Equipment Rental for Salkantay Trek
All our travelers need a sleeping bag for camping. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable in protecting from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). Also, poles (with rubber tips) are optional but highly recommended. If you don’t have them, don’t worry, you can rent them with us in Cusco.
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Recommendations
- Do hikes with weight
- Walk long distances (spend a whole day in the mountains).
- Walk slowly
- Sleep in height
- Do breathing exercises
- Weigh your gear before you go
- Eat properly (garlic pills, coca tea)
- Train cardio
- Sleep well
- Hydration
TRAVEL PRICES
The “Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights” is available any day of the year. We didn’t do this hike all of February due to heavy rain.
PRICE: US$530 per person
PRE-PAYMENT: US$ 260 per person
BALANCE: US$270 (Commonly paid in Cusco after the informative talk)
Deposit charges
Please note that WeTravel charges a 2.9% fee, which we ask the customer to cover, as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is for online deposits only.
Western Union 5% fee
Pay Pay 10% fee – info@illakunturtravel.com
Price guarantee
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with only two guests.
We like to think that we trek a little differently than our competitors. We live up to our customers and guarantee that we comply 100% with our prices and our departure dates on all our trips.
Extras and updates
Huayna Picchu Mountain:
Huayna Picchu is the mountain that is next to Machu Picchu. It’s a 45-minute walk to the top. Please note that going back down is quite steep. So if you are afraid of heights, this may not be a hike you will enjoy. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu and there is an additional fee. Arrangements should be made at least a month or two in advance due to popularity.
You can access this service for an additional payment of US$60.00 per person.
Vistadome 360° train (panoramic train):
The Vistadome 360° train offers a different way to travel to the citadel. The cars have panoramic windows located in the walls and ceilings of the carriages, which allow you to have a connection with the outside. Likewise, on the return trip you can enjoy a fashion show on board that will show you an exclusive collection of baby alpaca clothing with the latest trends which you can purchase if you wish. The Vistadome 360° train brings the landscapes of the route to Machu Picchu closer in a unique way, making passengers feel part of the nature that surrounds them.
You can access this service for an additional payment of US$ 45.00 per person.
Additional articles
- Sleeping bag: US$ 45.00
- Walking sticks (pair): US$ 45.00
Student discount
US$25.00 discount
- Student discounts apply to anyone under 17 years of age.
- It is available any day of the year. We didn’t do this hike all of February due to heavy rain.
Book now, live a unique experience
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