Salkantay trekking to Machu Picchu in Cusco

Itinerary

Cusco, Soraypampa, Laguna Humantay, Salkantaypampa (Day 01):

On the first day, we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the town of Mollepata, a 2-hour journey, where you will have breakfast at this first stop. Afterward, you will continue for approximately one more hour with your guide and group until you reach Soraypampa, where you will meet the entire team that will accompany you during these first 5 days and 4 nights.

The initial hike of the day will take you towards Humantay and its stunning lake located at the foot of the mountain, approximately a 2-hour walk surrounded by impressive landscapes.

Upon returning to Soraypampa, the team will have lunch ready for you to enjoy with your guide and group. After lunch, you will begin a 3-hour hike to reach Salkantaypampa, a plateau located at the foot of the impressive Salkantay Mountain, where you will have dinner and set up the first camp.

Salkantaypampa, Abra Salkantay, Wayraq Machay, Chaullay (Day 02):

On the second day, your activities will start around 8:00 AM. After breakfast, you will continue your journey to reach the Salkantay Pass, located at 5,400 meters (17,716 feet) above sea level. From here, you will begin a 3-hour descent to the Wayraq Machay area, where lunch is scheduled. Afterward, you will continue descending to the town of Chaullay, where you will arrive approximately two hours later to set up the second camp and have dinner before resting.

Chaullay, Santa Teresa, Cocalmayo (Day 03):

On the third day, after breakfast, you will walk through the warm and lush areas of the cloud forest, filled with abundant vegetation such as bromeliads and orchids in various shapes. The stop for the day’s lunch will be at a place known as Playa Sahuayaco, where you will also have the opportunity to see the coffee processing in Cusco, considered one of the best in the world today.

In the afternoon, you will take a local vehicle to the town of Santa Teresa, arriving approximately one hour later. The camp for the third night will be set up in Santa Teresa, and you will have the option to visit the nearby Cocalmayo Hot Springs. Dinner will also be served at this location.

Santa Teresa, Hydroelectric Plant, Aguas Calientes (Day 04):

On the fourth day, you will say goodbye to the cooks and muleteers who have accompanied you so far with a special breakfast before heading towards the Hydroelectric Plant, a 2-hour journey by local transport. From this point, you will begin the 4-hour walk to Aguas Calientes, crossing the Machu Picchu Canyon along the way.

Once you arrive at Aguas Calientes, you can check in to the hotel of your choice, have lunch, and enjoy the afternoon at leisure to rest and prepare for the visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Cusco (Day 05):

On the fifth day, as instructed by your guide the day before, you will start the visit to Machu Picchu. First, head to the main street of Aguas Calientes, where you will take the buses that connect to the Sanctuary’s Control Point. Once you have completed the necessary checks, you will enjoy a 2.5-hour visit to Machu Picchu, depending on the assigned circuit.

After finishing the visit and receiving the necessary instructions, you will return to Aguas Calientes. From there, you will take the scheduled train back to Ollantaytambo, where you will be picked up and transferred back to Cusco, a 2-hour journey.

General Information

General Information:

Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation partially negotiable for this service.

Duration:
Duration of 05D/04N.

Available Guide Languages:
Service provided in Spanish/English.
Private guided services available in: Portuguese, Italian, German, Japanese. Services subject to availability.

Included Services:

Group pick-up from hotels in the historic center for all described services.
Group transportation service: Cusco – Soraypampa – Ollantaytambo – Cusco / Cusco Airport – Hotel Cusco.
Expedition Trains: Hydroelectric Plant – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
Buses: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
Entrance to Machu Picchu: Subject to calendar availability at the time of booking.
Professional group guide for all described services: Spanish/English.
Assistance: Monitoring service and contact prior to the day of the service.
Meals: 05 breakfasts, 05 lunches, 04 dinners along the trekking route.
Camping Equipment: Dining tents, kitchen tents, personal tents.

Non-Included Services:

Additional entrances: No additional entrance fees except for Machu Picchu.
Service fee does not include accommodation. Please inquire about additional options available for this package.
Does not include mattresses or sleeping bags.

Important:
The final transfer of services will conclude at a consensus point near the main square of the historic center.

Recommendations

Recommendations:

Make your reservation for the “Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu from Cusco” package as early as possible to secure your entry to Machu Picchu. Spaces are limited on the classic route, which is the most popular.
Remember to bring trekking shoes and waterproof clothing for the route.
Don’t forget to check the predominant weather conditions for the time of year you’re visiting. This will help you pack accordingly and enjoy your trip to the fullest. Check out our blog for all the information you need.
Carry a small additional backpack to pack only the essentials for your stay at Machu Picchu. Trains, regardless of the category you choose, limit passengers’ luggage to 8 kilograms per person.
Bring local currency in cash for any additional expenses along the route, as using credit cards will be nearly impossible in these towns.