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Salkantay 4D/3N

Salkantay Trek
4 Days / 3 Nights
Starting from US$960 per person

LOCATION

Cusco

MAXIMUM HEIGHT

6,271 m

DIFFICULTY

Challenging / Demanding

Overview

Embark on an extraordinary adventure with our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, a 4-day, 3-night journey through some of the most stunning landscapes and ancient ruins of the Andes. This trek is not just a hike – it’s an immersive experience that will take you off the beaten path and into the heart of Peru’s cultural and natural beauty.

As we trek through the Salkantay Mountain Range, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and diverse ecosystems teeming with life. Along the way, we’ll encounter ancient Inca ruins nestled amidst the mountains, offering a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of this remarkable civilization.

But the highlight of the trek is undoubtedly the final destination – Machu Picchu. As we make our way to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the modern wonder, anticipation builds, and excitement fills the air. And when we finally arrive at Machu Picchu, we’ll be rewarded with an early morning visit to the archaeological site, where we’ll witness the sun rise over the ancient citadel and embark on a guided tour of the ruins.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the Andes with National Peru Travel and experience the magic of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. From breathtaking landscapes to ancient ruins, this expedition has it all. Book your adventure today and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Route

  • Mollepata
  • Soraypampa
  • Abra Salkantay
  • Llactapata Archaeological Zone
  • Hidroeléctrica
  • Aguas Calientes
  • Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

Photo Gallery

Itinerary

Customize this itinerary by adding additional days to any location. Contact one of our expert travel advisors for advice.

DAY 1: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – WAYRACMACHAY – LOS ANDENES

Early morning pick up from your hotel and transfer by private bus to breakfast at Mollepata (2700m). After another short bus ride, we arrive at Soraypampa (trailhead) (3,800mt). We start a gentle ascent at the head of the valley, and then the trail goes steep uphill and comes to a series of zigzags. All around, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of Salkantay (6,271mt) (guardian spirit of the Jungle). Reaching the highest pass (4,630m), you will get an outstanding scenic and beautiful view of the sacred mountains in the Peruvian Andes, Humantay and Salkantay, that will compensate the great effort in reaching the top which is marked by several piles of stones spread out that grow daily as each traveler adds his pebble to thank the Apus (mountain spirits) for a safe trip and good luck. From this point, we start descending towards a tropical climate and into the so-called cloud forest. Along the route, we can observe the remains of an ancient Inca path, which is approximately 6 meters wide. A long though easy descent brings us late afternoon to our first campsite at Andenes (3,400m/11150ft).

Meals: B, L, D

Total distance: 18 km (11, 25 miles)

Estimated hiking time: 8-9 hours

Maximum altitude point: 4,600 m (15,088 ft)

Campsite altitude: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)

DAY 2: LOS ANDENES – WAYRACPUNKU – LA PLAYA

Following an early breakfast, we will leave the beautiful pyramid shaped peak of Salkantay behind us. From now, the fauna and flora change as we enter the tropical cloud forest and discover its lush vegetation of wild orchids, bromeliads and beautiful birds. Continuing our descent through the groves of bamboos; going across some amazing untouched path where strawberries grow at your feet and passion fruit are above your head in a decor of begonias and purple orchids! After 5 hours hike we arrive at the hamlet of Wayracpunku for lunch, then we set out to La Playa (campsite) passing the Hamlet of Saint Ignatious where we see banana and avocado trees, as well as coffee plantations.

Total distance: 20 km (12, 50 miles)

Estimated walking time: 8-9 hours

Maximum altitude point: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)

Campsite altitude: 2,100 m (6,888 ft)

DAY 3: LA PLAYA – HYDROELECTRIC – MACHUPICCHU TOWN

Another early start gives us some amazing views over the valley. After 3 hours journey, we will arrive to an Incan remain named Llactapata which overlooks Machu Picchu. It is a magical view given to us that a majority of tourists will never see! A 2 hour downhill trail easily leads the hikers into a forest of increasingly thick vegetation to the hydroelectric power station lunch spot. Finally, we follow the railway heading up the Urubamba valley to our last destination at Aguas Calientes and stay overnight in a hotel.

Total distance:12 km (7, 50 miles)

Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours

Maximum altitude point: 2,650 m (8,692 ft)

Aguas Calientes altitude: 2,000 m (6,560 ft)

DAY 4: MACHUPICCHU

Early start to Machu Picchu, means entering for the best photo opportunities. Following the guided tour, take the time to explore and wander around Machu Picchu by yourself. Make your way back down to Aguas Calientes for a well-deserved rest and lunch. Finally, get the train to Ollantaytambo and bus back to Cusco.

Route Map

Important Information

  • Pre departure briefing.
  • Early morning private transfer to trailhead
  • Meals: 3 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 3 dinners /3 afternoon hot drinks and snacks
  • Day 2 and 3 drinking water
  • Two man Tents: (for a personal tent request, there is a surcharge of $30), and inflatable sleeping mat.
  • Cooking and dining tent, folding tables, and stools.
  • Cutlery and crockery.
  • Machupicchu round trip bus tickets
  • Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
  • Mules, carrying heavy gear such as: food, tents, gas bottle, etc.
  • A Chef and an assistant.
  • English and Spanish speaking professional tour guide. (For groups larger than 9 persons, two tour guides).
  • Train ticket from the hydroelectric power plant to Machupicchu Town (day 3) depending on tickets availability or train running.
  • Train service to Ollantaytambo upon request: Expedition train, Vistadome train, Hiram Bingham (Luxury Orient Express), and we change for a bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
  • First day breakfast and drinking water
  • Last day lunch (recommended in Machupicchu town)
  • Left luggage at Machu Picchu (4 soles per bag).
  • Sleeping bag (25USD for the whole trek)
  • Huaynapicchu entrance ticket.
  •  Tipping your trek staff is optional but is customary.

What do I need to bring?

  • A rucksack with your personal belongings for the whole period of the trek which is to be carried by you including sleeping bag and mattress, when you do not hire a personal porter.
  • A big rucksack to be provided to a personal porter, and a small rucksack to be carried by you with the essentials for the day (this is when you hire a personal porter) Rain gear (annorax and rain trousers if available) and rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco).
  • Strong and waterproof trekking boots recommended
  • Sandals or flip-flops for a higher comfort while at camp
  • Warm clothes (thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping)
  • Sleeping bag (please inform our Reservations Department if you wish to book this extra service at the moment of your booking)
  • Foamy mattress: will be provided by us but is to be carried by you
  • Head torch and batteries
  • Camera, batteries and memory card (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
  • Wide brim hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
  • Sun block
  • After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
  • Insect repellent – minimum recommended 80% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
  • Handkerchiefs
  • Toilet paper
  • Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
  • A canteen or camel back, plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into the Inca Trail.
  • Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you take river or stream water along the route.
  • Toiletries
  • Swimsuit (for showering or bathing chances)
  • Cash in soles and/or US$ (small change)
  • Original passport
  • Original International Student Identity Card ISIC (in case you have applied for a student discount)
  • Original passport, original ISIC student card (In case you are student) and extra money (Soles and dollars cash.

Reservations

Starting from US$960 per person

Contact us and plan your visit, we offer you the most flexible booking conditions!

Whatsapp

(+51) 977980527

Correo

info@nationaperutravel.com

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