Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - 5 Days
Day 1: Cusco | Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa (Humantay Lake)
Day 1: Cusco | Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa (Humantay Lake)
- Pick-up from your hotel and a 4-hour drive to Challacancha, passing through Anta and Mollepata (optional stop for a light breakfast).
- Begin the trek with the support team towards Soraypampa (3850 masl) – 7 km in 3 hours.
- Lunch at the Salkantay base camp.
- Hike to Humantay Lake (4200 masl), return to camp, and rest.
Day 2: Soraypampa | Salkantay Pass - Wayracpunku - Chaullay
Day 2: Soraypampa | Salkantay Pass - Wayracpunku - Chaullay
- Early breakfast and hike to the Salkantay Pass (4650 masl) – 7 km ascent in 3 hours.
- Descend 5 km to Huayracmachay for lunch.
- Trek 10 km in 3 hours through the Amazon jungle to Chaullay Village (2900 masl), the jungle base camp.
Day 3: Chaullay | Collpapampa - La Playa - Lucmabamba
Day 3: Chaullay | Collpapampa - La Playa - Lucmabamba
- Trek through the Santa Teresa Valley to La Playa, passing through Colpapampa (“cloud forest edge”).
- Spot waterfalls, birds, hot springs, and tropical flora.
- Lunch at La Playa and a 1-hour hike to the Lucmabamba base camp (2400 masl).
Day 4: Lucmabamba | Llactapata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Lucmabamba | Llactapata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
- Steep 2-hour ascent to the Llactapata Inca site with stunning views of the Santa Teresa Valley and Machu Picchu.
- 2-hour descent to the Hidroelectrica train station for lunch and a visit to Intiwatana (an ancient sun clock).
- Follow the train tracks to Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
- Early morning exploration of Machu Picchu with a 2-hour guided tour.
- Optional activities: climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, hike to the Sun Gate or Inca Bridge.
- Free time to enjoy the archaeological site for over 7 hours.
Note: Trekking altitude ranges from 1950 m to 4600 m. Best season: April to November.
Included:
- Briefing: Pre-tour briefing the evening before departure. You must confirm the time and location.
- Transportation: Pick-up from your hotel in the morning and private transport to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek.
- Igloo or Tents: Accommodation for two people per igloo or tent for increased comfort (subject to availability).
- Sleeping Mats: Each participant receives a 2.5-inch-thick mat.
- Camping Equipment: Includes kitchen and dining tents, with tables and chairs.
- Professional Bilingual Guide: English-Spanish speaking guide.
- Hotel Stay in Aguas Calientes: Basic accommodation on Day 4.
- Private Campsite Accommodation: Personal camping facilities during the trek.
- Cook and Assistant: To prepare meals during the trek.
- Horses and Mules: Carry up to 7 kg of personal belongings per person from Day 1 to Day 2. Afterward, belongings are transported by vehicle to Aguas Calientes (Day 4).
Not Included:
- Day 1 Breakfast: Not provided.
- Day 5 Meals: Lunch and dinner are not included.
- Sleeping Bag: Available for rent from the agency for $20 for the full trek.
- Trekking Poles: Not included.
- Train Tickets: From Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes ($31 USD).
- Bus Tickets: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (one-way $12 USD).
- Extra Night in Aguas Calientes: Additional costs apply for an extra stay on Day 5.
What you need to bring:
- Backpack: With rain cover.
- Sleeping Bag: Suitable for varying weather conditions.
- Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket and pants for both cold and warm weather.
- Footwear: Trekking shoes, sandals (for showers or hot springs).
- Clothing: Wool or synthetic socks, sweater, short and long-sleeve shirts, rain poncho, hat, swimsuit (for Aguas Calientes hot springs).
- Essentials: Sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, water bottle with purification tablets, toiletries, and toilet paper.
- Electronics: Camera (in a waterproof bag), flashlight with batteries.
- Snacks: Chocolate bars, dried fruits, and nuts.
- Identification: Original passport, ISIC student card (if applicable), and extra money in Peruvian soles.