Unique Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu 4 Days

Itinerary:

• Day1 - Salkantay Trek: from 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 to Soraypampa, here you will begin our hike to Humantay Lake; you begin an ascent up the slopes that border the plateau. An hour and half 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 at the campsite: Soraypampa
  • Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

• Day2 - Salkantay Trek: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass - Collpapampa - Lucmabamba

  

  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 climate is more tropical. A lengthy but pleasant descent along the banks of the Salkantay River leads us to Collpapampa village, here a private transportation will be waiting for us and, transport us to Lucmabamba village our next campsite, where we stay for the night. Here we will feast upon a well prepared dinner and rest after this tiring day.

  • Overnight at the campsite: Lucmabamba Village
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day3 - Salkantay Trek: From Lucmabamba – llactapata - 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 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 our first archaeological site we will see during the Salkantay Trek, here your guide will explane 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, here we will have lunch.  After Lunch you have two options to choose. 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.

  • Overnight in Aguas Calientes Hotel: Flowers House or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day4 - 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

Whats included

• • Accommodation: 2 night(s) camping, 1 night in hotel Aguas Calientes
  • Camping equipment: Overnight in 4 season tents including comfortable inflatable sleeping pads, cooking equipment, kitchen and dining tent including tables and chairs
  • Excursions: Salkantay trek and Machu Picchu guided tour
  • Entrance fees to parks and cultural sights: Salkantay and Machu Picchu Citadel
  • Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off, all transfers are assisted by English-speaking staff.
  • Transport: All land transport involved in the itinerary (bus, minivan, train, hiking)
  • Train ticket: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Expedition Class)
  • Meals: According mentioned in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food)
  • Pack animals: To carry camping equipment and food, horse to carry your personal gear up to a maximum of 7kg per person (including sleeping)
  • Support Staff: Cook and Wranglers
  • An experienced local English speaking guide throughout the 5-day trek
  • First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
  • Pre-departure briefing, one day before trek departure
  • 24-hour support by our local staff

Not included

• • Entrance Ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
  • Train Ticket from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
  • International airfare, domestic airfare within Peru, Tips, travel insurance, personal items
  • Pre & post tour accommodation
  • Spending money to cover some snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
  • Sleeping bag