Salkantay To Machu Picchu - 5 Days
Considered the most beautiful mountains in the Andes, embark on this adventure to the lofty peak of Salkantay, a 6272 m. peak in the heart of the Cusco region and make your way to the famous Machu Picchu.
What to expect?
Itinerary
Day 1: Humantay Glacial Lake
Leaving your lodgings early on, 3 hrs later arriving into Mollepata where we
disembark for a warm breakfast. After carrying along a road carved aside a
steep hill with scenic views en route to Soray Pampa. After a short rest here,
we grab our day packs and hike up to a deep lagoon blue glacier lake.
Returning to camp tired yet satisfied, ready for a great dinner and a good
night’s rest.
Day 2: The Salkantay Pass
Waking up early at the foot of Salkantay mountain is breathtaking. Trekking
starts early and climbs gradually toward the pass. After a few hours, we
arrive at the pass (4660m). The air is thin and the weather can be
unpredictable at times. The downhill is long and steady, and the views are
just as stunning. It's a beautiful hike through the high Andes, rated highly
as one of the best in the world. After around 9 hours you’ll arrive at a camp
- Chaullay.
Day 3: Cloud Forest to Coffee Plantations
Today we hike along the Salkantay river to La Playa. The hike is between 4 - 5
hrs. After lunch, you’ll get some respite as we go by car to our lodging.
You’ll have a night on a coffee plantation where you can harvest, roast and
taste your own coffee.
Day 4: Llactapata Inca Trail
The trail leads you up and over a pass from where you’ll have spectacular
views of the ruins and the peaks of Huayna Picchu & Machu Picchu. The ruins of
Llactapata are less well known, after the ruins, you'll hike twenty minutes to
a small lodge then descend towards the river and arrive in time for the 3 pm
or 4:35 train. Once in Aguas Calientes, you'll check in to your hotel where a
quick briefing for the day ahead will happen. Tonight, you can rest, relax &
eat well in readiness for the tour of Machu Picchu that lays ahead.
Day 5: Machu Picchu
If you’re up bright and early, you’ll get to see the sun lighten up Machu
Picchu. Follow a hiking trail up to the sanctuary for an early view and to
avoid the crowds. You’ll have a fully guided tour, and for those who have
requested it, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain is on the list. Make the
most of your time - Explore the ruins, have a snack, take some photos, or take
a nap on the terraces.
At the end of your time exploring, you can take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and wait for your return train to Cusco or Ollantaytambo where private transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
We can help design your whole stay, all treks and tours can be fully customized.
What is included?
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- 3 nutritious meals per day (vegetarian options available)
- Snacks
- Driver/guide
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup
- Hotel drop-off
- Transport by private vehicle
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Coffee and/or Tea
What do I need to bring?
- Outdoor clothing including hiking pants and warm upper layers. (Please avoid cotton as it keeps you cold when wet and takes a very long time to dry.)
- Waterproof jacket
- Hiking boots
- Hat and gloves
- Small backpack
- Personal medical kit i.e. band aids, throat lozenges, lip salves, seasickness tablets etc. (Don't forget your personal medication, which you may need ie Asthma inhaler, even if you don’t always need it)
- Sun glasses and sunscreen
- Don't forget your camera!
Is this experience for me?
This tour covers a lot of ground and elevation so you must be physically fit and able.
The minimum age limit is 18 years old, but can be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Additional information
- Voucher: You will receive a secure voucher to either print out or present on your mobile phone.
- Cancellation Policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 1 week in advance of the start date of the experience.
- Quality Assurance: Travelade only works with selected local partners we trust to provide high quality service.
