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TOUR SALKANTAY TREK - 5 DAYS

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One of the most thrilling sights of the Andean skyline is snowy Salkantay peak, which reaches a height of 6,372m. In the time of the Inca Empire, the mountain was sacred, a deity in itself. Some of the trails along Salkantay are original Inca trails. From the scenic town of Mollepata, we´ll hike along trails affording you impressive views of the surrounding glacial walls and snow-covered mountaintops. We´ll cross to the other side of the mountain, passing through the tropical Vilcanota River Valley before ending our trip at Peru´s most famous landmark and one of The New 7 Wonders of the World, the mysterious Lost City of Machu Picchu.

DAY 1: CUSCO - MOLLEPATA - SORAYPAMPA

At 5:00am we depart for our hike´s starting point, Mollepata, about an hour´s drive through the Apurimac River Valley along paved and unpaved road. On the first day we´ll journey about 5 hours through the Rio Blanco Valley, whose icy water falls from the thawed glacial peaks of Salkantay and Humantay.
We´ll set up camp in Soraypampa and have a well-earned night´s sleep.
Low Point: 2,985m (Mollepata)
High Point: 4,200m (Soraypampa)
Hike Duration: 5 hours

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA - PASO HUMANTAY - CHALLHUAY

From Soraypampa to our high-point, Humantay Pass, we´ll ascend mountain following the trail, which climbs ever higher while winding back and forth. From here we´ll have a superb view of Santa Teresa, lakes, and snowy mountain peaks. Afterwards, there´s a 45 minute walk downward through the valley to our next campsite, Challhuay.
Low Point: 3,900m (Challhuay)
High Point: 4,800m (Humantay Pass)
Hike Duration: Approx. 7-8 hours

DAY 3: CHALLHUAY - SANTA TERESA

On this day we continue our descent through the valley, en route to the village of Santa Teresa alongside the banks of the Vilcanota River. You´ll notice a distinct shift- our descent has taken us into a tropical zone. Nearby orchards flourish with brighten the scene with oranges, plantains, and other tropical fruits. This night we will camp in Santa Teresa.
Low Point: 1,600m (Santa Teresa)
High Point: 3,900m (Challhuay)
Hike Duration: 4-6 hours

DAY 4: SANTA TERESA- AGUAS CALIENTES

The trip from the Vilcanota River Valley to the hydroelectric plant is about a 2 hour walk along flat ground. From the Hydroelectric Plant we´ll trek for four hours until we reach Aguas Calientes. In the evening you´ll have free time which you can use to visit the natural hot springs for which Aguas Calientes is named. This night we´ll stay in a local 2-star hotel, basic but clean and comfortable so that you can enjoy a night´s rest.
Low Point: 1,600m (Santa Teresa)
High Point: (Aguas Calientes)
Hike Duration: 6 hours

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES - CUSCO

We´ll wake early on this final day to beat the crowds. It´s approximately a 1 hr hike to the Lost City of Machu Picchu. There´ll be a two hour guided tour of the famous Citadel. Afterwards, you´ll have free time to explore Machu Picchu and take photos. Later you´ll return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train to Ollantaytambo, from where you´ll take a bus back to Cusco. (The bus will leave you in Plaza Regocijos, the small plaza right next to the larger Plaza de Armas, Cusco´s main square).

Our Service includes

  • Transport from Hotel to Bus Terminal
  • Professional Trekking Guide
  • Cook & Cooking Equipment
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
    *NOTE: Please advise if you require vegetarian options.
  • Animals (to carry camping equipment and luggage)
  • Cooking, Dining, & Bathroom Tents
  • First-Aid Kit (complete with mini oxygen tank)
  • Two-person Tents & Foam Mattress Pads
  • Return Train Ticket (Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo)

Our Service do not include

  • Breakfast on Day 1
  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes on Final Day
  • Optional Bus Tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
  • Entrance to Salkantay

We recommend you to bring

  • Water*
  • Flashlight
  • Thermal Underwear
  • Raingear
  • Sun block
  • Mosquito Repellent
  • Personal Medications
  • Sleeping Bag**
    * You can ask the cook to boil water in the mornings to refill your bottles.
    ** This can be rented in Cusco if necessary

 

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