Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu 5 Days

Salkantay Trek second famous trail after the Inca Trail

Itinerary:

• Day1 - Salkantay Trek: Cusco to Humantay Lake – Soray Pampa

  

  The first day will be the relaxing easy day, pick up from your hotel at 07:00am and travel by our personal transport to Soraypampa (3850m/12631ft) an amazing 4-hours long journey through Izcuchaca and Limatambo, with an amazing view of the “Mountain of Salkantay” in the Cordillera of Vilcanota, along the way we can see magnificent views of the chains of snowcapped Vilcabamba, the colorful village of Mollepata and the lush Apurimac River Valley. We arrive at Soraypampa, here you will begin our hike to Humantay Lake; you begin an ascent up the slopes that border the plateau. 1 hour and 30 minutes later, after making your way over the final hill, you will be stunned to see the turquoise water of the lake, made even more spectacular by the sight of the Humantay glacier looming behind it. Here you will have a chance to relax, enjoy a snack and meditate in the tranquility of this magical spot. After we will descent back to Soraypampa where we will enjoy our lunch, the rest of the afternoon free to relax and acclimatize on this high elevation, after dinner, we spend the night in this base camp situated at (3850m/12631ft).

  • Overnight: In Soraypampa campside
  • Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

• Day2 - Salkantay Trek: Soraypampa to Collpapampa

  

  Early morning you have breakfast and then hit the Salkantay Trek, a moderate climb for around 4 hours and a half to reach the Abra Salkantay (4600m/15088ft). Here you can catch a glimpse of Cusco's second-highest peak, the dazzling snowcapped Mount Salkantay (6264m/20546ft) and also the snowcapped mountains Humantay and Huayanay, white river, small lakes, and moraines. In the Abra Salkantay, you can follow the tradition of leaving a rock that you carried from the bottom as a present from you to the Abra Salkantay. (In ancient Inca times the hikers used to leave their shoes at the top along with clothes, jewels or simply a piece of rock as an offering). We proceed further and hike for 3 hours downhill to get lunch in Huayracmachay (3850m/12628ft). From here, we trek downhill towards a supposed cloud forest where the climate is more tropical. A lengthy but pleasant descent along the banks of the Salkantay River leads us to our next campsite located at Collpapampa (2890m/9479ft), in the afternoon, where we stay for the night. Here we will feast upon a well-prepared dinner and rest after this tiring day.

  • Overnight: In Collpapampa campside
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day3 - Salkantay Trek: Collpapampa to Lucmabamba

  

  Day 3 of our trip is a little easier but it too offers breathtaking views as the rest with endless chances to appreciate the fascinating wildlife inhabiting the region. You will begin your trek after breakfast, alongside the mesmerizing Santa Teresa Riverbanks. Along the path, we see plantations of avocado, coffee, and banana, and lively local flora. Bask in the beauty of the vegetation which becomes increasingly lusher and greener as you proceed. On this day we proceed with our Salkantay Trek completing a pleasant trek along the river of Santa Teresa - you will also get enough time to take a shower in the waterfalls, take beautiful pictures, and if lucky, you will be able to see the famous ”Gallito de las Rocas”, a Peruvian National Bird. You will arrive at Lucmabamba campsite (2400m/7874ft), a tiny village is situated here and has a shop and electricity, where you can use the shower and toilet facilities.

  • Overnight: In Lucmabamba campsite
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day4 - Salkantay Trek: from Lucmabamba towards Aguas Calientes

  

  On the last day, you depart the valley to begin climbing upwards on the trail through lovely forestland till you arrive at the splendid archeological site of Llactapata, which was only recently discovered. From that point, you will be able to appreciate the spectacular views of both, the grandiose Mount Salkantay and Machu Picchu. To reach the Llactapata Inca site, we climb up for about 2 hours with an amazing view of Santa Teresa Valley. We can have an outstanding spectacle of the Incas’ Lost City from here as well as of the infamous Machu Picchu with a distinct angle. We get to see a dazzling view of nature at Llaqtapata’s lookout point (2650m/8692ft). This will be the first archaeological site we will see during the Salkantay Trek, here your guide will explain to you about the importance of this Inca site. From here we will be able to see not only the ruins of Machu Picchu from this spot but also Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain. After we will continue 2 hours downhill to Hidroelectrica train station, where we will have lunch. After Lunch, you have two options to choose from. 1) If you are exhausted, you may take the train to Aguas Calientes ($31.00 extra per person). 2) If you are still eager to hike, you may walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes for about 3 hours along the train track.

  • Hotel: In Aguas Calientes - Flowers House or similar
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day5 - Tour to Machu Picchu and Back to Cusco

  

  Excursion to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, short ride (25 minutes) up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, and you will participate in a guided tour, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the most important preserved Intihuatana, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows. Optional climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain; from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more, amazing being high and distant (not included in the price): In the afternoon you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for the train ride to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival assistance at the station and transport to your Cusco hotel.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast in the hotel

Whats included

• Excursions

  Humantay Lake Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu guided Tour

• Tickets and Transportations

  Entrance ticket to Salkantay Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu Bus ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes (round trip) One way Train ticket from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo Comfortable bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco Comfortable bus from Cusco to Soraypampa hiking start point.

• Camping Equipment

  Overnight in 4 season tents including comfortable inflatable sleeping pads, cooking equipment, kitchen and dining tent including tables and chairs Horses to carry camping equipment, food, and your Extra belongings

• Others

  Meals according to mentioned in the itinerary Local top quality English-speaking mountain guide 24-hour support by our local staff Pre-departure briefing, one day before trek departure First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

Not included

• Additional tickets

  Ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain Ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain

• Insurance and Others

  No cover Travel Insurance during this tour Personal items, pre & post-tour accommodation, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips, and any extras Sleeping bag Walking poles First Breakfast Last Lunch