Salkantay Trek – 4 Days

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Amazing off-the-beaten-treks alternative route to the classic Inca Trail
  • Enormous variety of terrains, flora and fauna. Glaciers, snowcapped mountain, and more
  • Camp under thousands of stars and merge yourself with nature

Price from:

$ 479 USD

Book Now

Click here to get in touch with our specialized team to find out more and get personalized advice.

Group

2 to 8 people

Difficulty

Challenging

Max. Altitude

15,367ft / 4,684 m

Start / Finish

Cusco / Cusco

Overview:

Get ready for a life-changing voyage! This adventure offers a perfect mix of trekking, culture and nature. Going through less travelled roads the Salkantay Trek is a more exclusive, not so touristy option that allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of the Andes without any distraction or disturbance. Fill yourself up with the energy of this magnificent route and the wonders along the way.

Detailed Itinerary

IMPORTANT NOTICE: LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS (LESS THAN 4 WEEKS BEFORE THE TOUR DATE):

If you reserve a Machu Picchu tour within 4 weeks of the departure date - there is likely some adjustments we must make to the itinerary so we can help you to secure an entrance to the ruins. We strongly recommended for all travellers to book a Machu Picchu tour well in advance (3+ months) to avoid these requirements.

As Machu Picchu tickets sell out in advance, the authorities are currently releasing a very limited number of entrance tickets at the Aguas Calientes ticket office for the next day. To acquire one of these last minute tickets there is a queue system in Aguas Calientes. We will assist all last minute reservations with this process.

The circuit you can usually expect to do at Machu Picchu is Circuit 1 or 2. However, this is not a guarantee, there is a small risk Circuit 1 & 2 are sold out even at the Machu Picchu ticket office in which case the traveller would need to pay an additional 48 soles to purchase a Circuit 3 or 4 entrance ticket. We have no way of impacting on that in advance and it will depend on the availability and queue on the day.

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Apacheta Pass – Salkantay Lake – Huayracmachay

The day will start with a 4:30 a.m. pickup, and we’ll head towards Soraypampa, which is about a 3.5-hour drive away. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the stunning Salkantay snowcapped mountain, as well as Limatambo and Iscuchaca districts, with their breathtaking valleys.

Upon reaching Soraypampa, we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast with fantastic views of the Humantay (19,356 feet) and Salkantay (20,396 feet) mountain glaciers. This will also be a chance to freshen up, use the facilities, and get organized.

Next, we’ll embark on a 1.5-hour ascent through Salkantay Pampa before continuing to our lunch spot at Soyroccocha, nestled at the base of the towering Salkantay Mountain.

After recharging our energy, we’ll resume our journey for about an hour until we reach Apacheta Pass (4,650m / 15,367ft). This part of the journey offers breathtaking scenery, including snow-capped mountains, impressive rivers, and charming small lakes. A short 35-minute walk will take us to the stunning turquoise Salkantay Lake.

We’ll then continue our uphill hike, zigzagging our way to our first campsite at Huayracmachay (3800m/11750ft). As you relax and wait for dinner, you’ll be served a delightful hot beverage.

Day 2: Huayracmachay – Chaullay – Lucmabamba

We will enjoy an early, invigorating breakfast and then commence a 3-hour descent towards the Chaullay community for lunch. Along the way, we will admire the lush valleys and waterfalls in the area. After lunch, we will continue our journey with about 5 more hours of walking to reach Lucmabamba. During this leg of the trip, we will have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of birds, as well as coffee and cocoa plantations, along with a diverse range of fruit trees. We will learn about the coffee production process, the different types of coffee seeds and beans, and actively participate by picking our own coffee beans, roasting them, and grinding them to make our own natural coffee. This will be a truly unique experience. Additionally, you will have the chance to visit other plantations, aside from coffee, and gather fresh vegetables for our dinner. We will spend the night in Lucmabamba (2,050m).

Day 3: Lucmabamba – Llactapata– Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

After a delicious breakfast and a warm beverage, we will continue our journey along the traditional Inca Trail for approximately 3 hours until we reach the Puncuyoc Pass (2700m/8,858ft). Along the way, we will savor the stunning views of the surrounding valleys. Eventually, we will arrive at the Inca site of Llactapata, which is situated just opposite Machu Picchu. After taking in the breathtaking scenery, we will descend for two hours to the Hydroelectric Power Station, where we will have lunch. From there, we will walk alongside the train tracks to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) for a couple more hours (it is also possible to take the train), all the while enjoying the awe-inspiring presence of the Machu Picchu citadel and its surrounding walls.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

The long-awaited day has arrived! We’ll rise early in the morning, enjoy breakfast, and head to the bus station to catch a shuttle to the citadel. Upon arrival at the entrance, you’ll meet your guide for a 2-hour guided tour of this astonishing and enigmatic place, brimming with energy and history. Our experience expert will lead you to the most significant viewpoints, including the Guardian’s House, and provide you with vital insights into our Inca culture and the significance of what you’re witnessing. You’ll visit landmarks like the Temple of Three Windows, the Sun Dial, the Temple of the Sun, among others.

Later on, you’ll have some free time for further exploration and optional additional photography, and if you requested in advance, the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu mountain. Finally, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch, and in the afternoon, we’ll board the train to return to Ollantaytambo. We’ll then transfer to a private van for the journey back to Cusco.

What’s Included

  • Professional, experienced, bilingual tour guide
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket
  • 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Hotel/hostel pick-up
  • Drop-off in Plaza San Francisco - center of Cusco
  • Transportation by private mini-van to the start point of the trek
  • Transportation by train and mini-van back to Cusco
  • 2 nights of campsite accommodation
  • 1 night basic hostel accommodation at Aguas Calientes
  • Porters to carry all equipment
  • Professional cook
  • Briefing at our office (this will be done the night before your trek)

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

  • First day’s breakfast and last day’s lunch & dinner
  • Tips (gratuity)
  • Travel insurance

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

  • Bus tickets up and down from Aguas Calientes village to the Machu Picchu site entrance - $24 USD
  • Huayna Picchu ticket - $60 USD (request in advance)
  • Machu Picchu Mountain - $60 USD (request in advance)
  • Private tent upgrade - $30 USD (request in advance)
  • Rented sleeping bag - $20 USD
  • Rented air mattress - $20 USD
  • Rented walking sticks - $15 USD

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have problems with altitude sickness on this tour?

Altitude sickness can catch many travelers a little bit off guard. It’s impossible to know who will get affected by it. Some don’t even feel it at all! For most, it’s nothing more than a headache and a dizzy sensation that goes away over a short period of time.

If you want to limit your chances of getting sick, there are a few things you can do. The most important thing to do is acclimatize in Cusco. Take it easy on the first day or two, eat small meals, get plenty of rest and drink water. Other alternatives are Soroche (Diamox) pills and coca leaves.

It’s also important to speak to your physician to make sure you don’t have any underlying conditions.

What is the group size?

Our tour departs with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 8 people.

If looking to book a private group tour or solo tour, contact us and we’ll organize one for you.

Do you arrange trips for solo travelers?

There’s nothing like that feeling of discovering a new place all by yourself and we can help you with that. Whether looking to travel alone part of a journey or the whole trip, simply contact us and we’ll create the perfect plan.

Can I book a private group tour?

We take the stress out of booking a group trip of 4 or more people to Machu Picchu, plus the added bonus of including great benefits! Contact our team through our email: info@yapaexplorers.com or by sending a Whatsapp to our number: +51 956 723 295 (09:00am to 6:00pm – Peruvian time) for more information.

What is the food like?

An experienced cook accompanies every group on the trail. The cook provides us with delicious food made of local ingredients that will have you asking for more! Vegeterian, vegan and other special dietary requests can be accommodated as well with sufficient notice.

How far in advance should I book the Salkantay Trek?

There is no limit on the amount of people the can hike through Salkantay so availability doesn’t tend to be a problem. We still suggest to book a few months in advance to start getting everything ready. 2 to 3 months is suggested.

What To Bring

  • We strongly recommend a small backpack, 40 to 50L max
  • Original passport (the same you used to book)
  • Valid Student ID (if you booked as a student)
  • Hiking boots
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Sunscreen
  • Aluminum/reusable water bottle
  • Personal medication
NEED ADVICE?

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have a question of this trip.

Contact us here

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Amazing off-the-beaten-treks alternative route to the classic Inca Trail
  • Enormous variety of terrains, flora and fauna. Glaciers, snowcapped mountain, and more
  • Camp under thousands of stars and merge yourself with nature

Price from:

$ 479 USD

Book Now

Click here to get in touch with our specialized team to find out more and get personalized advice.