The amazing Salkantay trek to Machupicchu is one of the famous treks in Cusco and the best alternative route to get to Machu Picchu. It is takes you through different types of landscapes from the typical Andean landscape up to the snowcapped mountains and down to the tropical forests and finally gets you into the jungle, Salkantay trek named among the 25 best Treks in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco from 5: 00 am to 5:30 am to go by bus to Mollepata. Begin a spectacular scenic drive through the Anta plains with beautiful and panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay and other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River. After two and a half hours drive we stop in Mollepata to have breakfast for last minute supplies, leg-stretching or to use the bathrooms, before continuing to Marcocasa. There we will meet with our support staff. They will load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 9:30 a.m. we will star our trek toward Soraypampa (3900 meters above sea level) if we keep a regular pace we will take 4 hours approximately to reach to Soraypampa the first camp site where will have lunch after lunch in the afternoon we have an option to go up to Umantay lake (4200masl) which takes 3 hours hike back and forth from the camp to see the glacier lake of Umantay. But if we keep slow pace; we will have lunch at halfway between Soraypampa and Marco Casa maybe after 3 hours of hiking. And after that we hike two a half hours more to Soraypampa. Anyway our camp is going be at Soraypampa. Sleeping tents will be ready and we will have a warm delicious dinner in the evening.
Today early in the morning we will wake you up with the coca tea. Around 6:00 we will have a nutritious breakfast around 7:00 am we will start the hardest day of the whole Salkantay trek; we will be walking up to the highest point of the trek. After 6 kilometers uphill through the magnificent scenery of Rocky Mountains and enjoying the view of Salkantay mount. We reach the top of the trek. We will appreciate spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay (6264 meters above sea level) which is known as the second highest mountain of the Cusco region. After 2 hours downhill around 1:00 p.m. we will have our delicious Peruvian lunch, in the area called Huayracmachay. Then we continue our hike to Chaullay approximately 3 hours of downhill we will get to our camp in Chaullay = 2900 masl Where we will have the sleeping tents ready. Around 7: 00 pm we will have dinner to recover energy from the trek.
Around 7:30 am; we will start our trek to La Playa through the Santa Teresa valley. We will hike 6 hours approximately during the hike will see: water fall, orchids, coffee, banana, avocado plantations and we will taste the famous passion fruit or granadilla and also we will see a village call Colpapampa also call the “forest cloudy brow” where waterfalls, thermal hot springs, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. If we are lucky, we will be able to see the famous bird called “the Cock of the Rocks”. After lunch at La playa, we will catch a local transportation to Santa Teresa. Where will have aur overnight ,In the afternoon we may go to Santa Teresa´s hot spring to enjoy it. Then back at the campsite for happy hours and dinner.
After of our delicious breakfast we are going to walk approximately 7 hours. Around 8:30 a.m. we start our trek to Colpani village we will have the opportunity to see coca farms, mandarin, orange and yucca. And a lovely view of the Santa Teresa Valley. We follow along the riverside of Vilcanota River until arrive to the Oroya (cable bridge) then we keep going to Hidroelectrica where will have our lunch. After lunch we going to walk along the train track but on the base of Machupicchu and Waynapicchu Mountain from the way we will see Machupicchu. After two a half hours hike we will be at Aguas Calientes town: base town of Machupicchu for overnight in the hotel and dinner at the local restaurant.
Today early in the morning after breakfast at the hotel you will be able to choose between. Walk up to Machupicchu. Or take bus up to Machupicchu. Any way we will be the first ones into Machupicchu to enjoy the sunrise and you will have two a half hours guided tour. Then you will have the free time to explore Machupicchu by yourselves or if you desire, ascent toward the Huaynapicchu Mountain. Or climb to Machupicchu montaña. After Machupicchu you are going back to Aguas Calientes to take a train to Ollantaytambo and from there by bus back to Cusco.
The bus drops you off at your hotel in Cusco.
Profesional bilingual tour guide
First day andean ceremony, offering to the mother earth
Maximum number of paxs 10 paxs
Colection from your hotel (we pick you up from where you are staying)
Private transport to Mollepata Markocasa ( trailhead)
Tourist train back to ollantaytambo ( expedition service can be at ,14:55 pm or 15:20 pm leaving from Aguas calientes).
Private transport back from Ollamtaytambo to Cusco
Entrance fee Machu Picchu
Food: *3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4afternoon snacks (hot drinks, biscuits and popcorn) and 3 dinners
Cook service (vegetarian food on request
3-people tents capacity jus for two paxs only to have more space to store your luggage ( 4season tent)
Camping equipment (tent, cooking and eating tent. Chairs and tables)
Thermarest(air mat) sleeping mat
Horseman , mules or porters (they just carry cooking stuff and camping equipment)
7 kilos of your personal belongins to be carry by the horses
1 night accommodation in a hostal Aguas Calientes(private room,cable tv, wi fi)
First Aid kit
Breakfast on the first day
Lunch and dinner on the last day
Entrance to the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes
Sleeping bag $20 usd the all Trek
Walking poles. $ 20 usd
Huaynapicchu. $ 60
Your Original passport
Student card ISIC (if applicable.)
You only need to carry a small day pack
Water to drink ( 2 liters)
Camera, binoculars
Rain jacket in rainy season -Dec to Jan
Change of weather gear in rainy season -Dec to Jan
Basic toiletries
Hat or cap for the sun, essential
Sunscream with sun protection
Insect repellent for mosquitoes(Malaria or Yellow fever have not been reported)
Comfortable hiking boots, sneakers or sturdy shoes
Money in soles or dollars. ATM´s or cash machines in Aguas Calientes are more expensive to change.
