This Salkantay short trek is one of the greatest alternative hikes to the Inca Trail reaching Machu Picchu.
About this activity
Duration 4 days
Printed or mobile voucher accepted
Instant confirmation
Live guide
Spanish, English
Pick-up service
Your Cusco hotel
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Experience
Highlights
Walk through the Vilcabamba range
Get in touch with nature and see local villages
Hike past the Salkantay Mountain and rural area of Peru
Full description
Meet your guide for an in-depth briefing to ask questions before leaving Cusco.
Day 1: Cusco, Mollepata, Challacancha, Soraypampa
After driving to Mollepata take a short stop to use the restrooms and drive to the trailhead to start the Salkantay trek. Hike around 9 kilometers to Soraypampa for lunch. Have time after lunch to rest before your hike to Humantay Lake. It’s a tough hike with an altitude of around 4200 meters, but the view of this glacier-fed lake is worth the effort!
Tonight will be the coldest night along the trail, so you may want to wear a few layers to keep warm!
Day 2: Soraypampa, Salkantay Pass, Chaullay
Wake early for the hardest day of your Salkantay trek! After breakfast, hike up to the Salkantay Pass at 4650 meters in about 3 hours. Arrive at Huayracmachay for lunch and rest shortly. Hike another 3 hours through warmer climates to Chaullay, about 2900 meters in altitude, where your campsite will be set.
Day 3: Chaullay, La Playa, Aguas Calientes
Start your hike from Chaullay to La Playa around 6:00 AM. Hike through warmer climates for about 6 hours, enjoying the green vegetation. Stop at La Playa for lunch and a rest before taking the local transportation to Hidroelectrica. Walk along the tracks for about 3 hours before you arrive in Aguas Calientes. Reenergize in a hotel before your trip to Machu Picchu the following day!
Day 4: Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Cusco
Hike up to Machu Picchu or choose to take a bus. Take a 2-hour guided tour, then have time to explore on your own until it’s time to go back to Aguas Calientes to catch your train. From Aguas Calientes, take the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
Includes
Pre-departure briefing
Sleeping bag
Inflatable mattress
Hotel pick-up and drop off
Personal tents
English speaking guide
Chef and cooking equipment
Saddled horse in case of emergencies
1 6-kilogram capacity bag or duffle bag
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 afternoon snacks and 4 dinners
Daily morning snack and tea service
Train tickets to Aguas Calientes
1 night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Roundtrip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Bio-degradable personal hand soaps
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Machu Picchu entrance fee
Ollantaytambo to Cusco train transfer
1 blanket per person
1 pillow
What’s Not Included
Lunch on the last day
Entrance to the Hot Springs in Cocalmayo and Aguas Calientes
Optional night in Aguas Calientes
Alcoholic drinks
Gratuities
Entrance to Huayna Picchu
When you get there
Know before you go
• During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at the office or at your hotel, both free of
charge
• If you are vegetarian, please advise at time of booking
• Please arrange suitable travel insurance before your trip
• The itinerary is an example; hiking times are an average and will vary depending on the group
• Lunch and camp sites may change to meet the needs of the group and conditions
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