D1 Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa (Lake Humantay)
Humantay Lake - We depart early in the morning towards Mollepata, where we’ll have breakfast. We then continue to our starting point in Challacancha. After a two-hour leisurely walk, we reach our first campsite for the night, Soraypampa, from where we have the option to hike up to Humantay Lake.
D2 Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayracpunku – Chaullay
Salkantay - After breakfast, we head towards the Salkantay Pass (4600m), which offers an exceptional view of the snow-capped Salkantay peak (6264m). This morning will be the most challenging part of the trek but is well worth the effort. We can stop at the top if the weather permits. The hike then continues downhill, transitioning from high mountain terrain to lush vegetation. Upon reaching Chaullay (2950m), we will have dinner and spend our second night at this camp.
D3 Chaullay – Colpapampa – La Playa
Banos Termales de Cocalmayo - The third day is dedicated to observing the region’s flora and plantations. We first descend into a humid forest, marveling at the incredible diversity of orchids, bromeliads, and other plants. We then pass through coffee and fruit plantations. Along the way, we will meet local peasant families, especially in Wiñaypoco (2650m) and La Playa (2100m). We arrive at our camp in La Playa in time for lunch, and this will be our overnight camp, giving you the afternoon to relax and experience local life.
D4 La Playa – Hidrohelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes - After breakfast, we cross a pass at 2950 meters, offering a breathtaking view of the Machu Picchu citadel and the surrounding peaks on a clear day. We then descend to the archaeological remains of Llactapata for a visit. After a break at the site, we continue our descent for about two hours to the hydroelectric power station (Hidroelectrica). From there, we take a train to the village of Aguas Calientes in the afternoon.
D5 Machu Picchu – Cusco
Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu - At dawn, to enjoy Machu Picchu before the crowds, we take a shuttle or collective bus to the site entrance for a complete tour of the lost city of the Incas, including its agricultural and urban sectors and its incredible mountainside constructions. In the afternoon, we descend to Aguas Calientes to catch the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer to Cusco.
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Additional activities on site: (not included in the package and must be reserved in advance)
There is an option to add the ascent of Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu, depending on availability. (These mountains are part of the Machupicchu Citadel landscape and have different entry times and durations for climbing and visiting).
- Private transportation
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Tea and coffee
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Bottled water
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is an alternative to the Inca Trail and is considered by many travelers as the best alternative (and perhaps even better!). This beautiful trail is perfect for adventurers who want to integrate themselves day by day in changing ecosystems. You will walk through magical and scenic landscapes from a snowy mountain paradise to a tropical jungle, where we can find medicinal plants and varieties of flowers. See with your own eyes a living culture, but old, in remote villages hardly seen foreigners!
WHY TREK SALKANTAY?
The Trek of Salkantay is among the 25 best treks in the world according to National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine.
After the Inca Trail, the Salkantay trek is the second most popular trek in Machu Picchu (and much less crowded).
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
