Trek Salkantay 5 days
One of the most extraordinary treks between the Andes and the Amazon jungle is located in Cusco and is called Salkantay Trek. Where you can observe in all its magnitude the different landscapes that surround this majestic glacier located on the 4.630 m.a.s.l. and it is the highest of the mountain range of Vilcabamba.
Considered one of the 25 best hikes in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine. It is the second most important after the traditional Inca Trail. Where you can appreciate the beauty of the different landscapes that Mother Nature gives us and you will have the opportunity to walk through valleys, you can observe the glaciers and mountain ranges that adorn this natural attraction. Lagoons, rivers and waterfalls will be the perfect company in this adventure while you walk in the middle of the Andes and the great vegetation of the Amazon accompanied by different fruit trees that will accompany us throughout this super experience until we reach the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
Dare to be part of this adventure and enjoy a truly unique experience in the mountains on this INCA trail that is already one of the favorite ones for foreign visitors from all over the world known as…
SALKANTAY, THE PROTECTOR OF THE ANDES.
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Day 1
Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa – Soyroqocha
Comenzamos la aventura muy temprano y viajaremos en carro hasta Soraypampa u visitaremos la Laguna de Humantay y luego nos dirigiremos a nuestro primer campamento cerca del glaciar de Salkantay.
Day 2
Soyroqocha – Salkantay Pass – Huayraqmachay – Chaullay – Qolpapampa
Subiremos al punto más alto de la caminata, el Paso de Salkantay. Llegaremos antes que los otros grupos para admirar en todo su esplendor esta maravilla natural. Sienta la naturaleza y la energía que transmite este mágico lugar
Day 3
Qolpapampa – Wiñaypoqo – Loreta – Sahuayaco Beach – Lucmabamba
Caminaremos en medio de un hermoso valle y veras el gran cambio en la naturaleza y admira la gran diversidad de flora y fauna del lugar. Vera gran diversidad de frutales y visitaremos los baños termales de Qoqalmayo.
Day 4
Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Subiremos al paso de Llactapata desde donde podrás ver a la distancia la ciudad Inca de Machu Picchu. Ubicada sobre las imponentes montañas que rodean esta maravilla arquitectónica. Luego continuaremos hasta Aguas Calientes.
Day 5
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Visitaremos la imponente Ciudad Inca de Machu Picchu y podrá caminar en medio de esta mágica ciudad y aprenda sobre la historia de este lugar mientras disfruta de un tour inolvidable y después bajaremos a Aguas Calientes para luego retornar a Cusco.
HIGHLIGTS
– Enjoy one of the most famous and beautiful mountain hikes in the world.
– Admire nature in all its splendor and admire a great diversity of flora and fauna.
– The valleys and mountains will be your company in this incredible adventure.
– Walk close of Salkantay Glacier and enjoy the view of the magical Humantay Lake and admire the incredible landscapes.
– Walk to Machu Picchu through the Andes and tropical valleysand enjoy this magical place.
– Visit and admire this imposing city surrounded by majestic mountains and walk through its streets and stairways.
One of the most extraordinary treks between the Andes and the Amazon jungle is located in Cusco and is called Salkantay Trek. Where you can observe in all its magnitude the different landscapes that surround this majestic glacier located on the 4.630 m.a.s.l. and it is the highest of the mountain range of Vilcabamba.
Considered one of the 25 best hikes in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine. It is the second most important after the traditional Inca Trail. Where you can appreciate the beauty of the different landscapes that Mother Nature gives us and you will have the opportunity to walk through valleys, you can observe the glaciers and mountain ranges that adorn this natural attraction. Lagoons, rivers and waterfalls will be the perfect company in this adventure while you walk in the middle of the Andes and the great vegetation of the Amazon accompanied by different fruit trees that will accompany us throughout this super experience until we reach the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
Dare to be part of this adventure and enjoy a truly unique experience in the mountains on this INCA trail that is already one of the favorite ones for foreign visitors from all over the world known as…
SALKANTAY, THE PROTECTOR OF THE ANDES.
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa – Soyroqocha
We will start the day at 4:30 in the morning and we will pick you up at your hotel in our private transportation and then we will go to the town of Mollepata, the trip will last 2 hours and 15 minutes and during the course you can see the different towns that are along the route or you can simply rest and sleep before starting the adventure in the Andes.
In this place we will stop to enjoy an energizing breakfast and you can make last minute purchases such as cookies, water, candy, etc.. Then we will continue in our mobility for 1 hour and 30 minutes more until we reach the end of our journey in our transport.
From there we will begin a short hike of 30 minutes to Soraypampa (3,900 m.a.s.l. / 12,795 ft.). Where we will begin to climb for 1 hour and 15 minutes to the Humantay lagoon (4,200 m.a.s.l. / 13,779 ft.). There you will be able to walk and explore around this natural wonder located at the foot of this great glacier. Then we will share with you information about this place and the importance it had for our ancestors and that today has become a tourist attraction visited daily by hundreds of domestic and foreign visitors.
After admiring and taking pictures, we will begin the descent for 1 hour to Soraypampa where we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch prepared by our mountain chef and you can taste the best Cusquenian and Peruvian food accompanied by a refreshing drink. Then you will have time to rest before continuing with our adventure.
After replenishing our energies we will start to climb the mountain little by little and after 1 hour and 15 minutes we will arrive to Salkantaypampa where we will have another break to drink water, take pictures and then we will walk for about 15 minutes in a flat area and after climbing for 10 minutes we will arrive to the first challenge of our trek, the ascent of the 7 culebras. This part of the hike is a steep ascent and is a good place to challenge your limitations and feel that you can complete all your challenges.
We will follow the road and after a short descent we will continue climbing until we reach Soyroqocha (4,490 m.a.s.l. / 14,730 ft.). This place is very exclusive for camping because of the environment, the proximity to the mountains and the panoramic view that we will have of the SALKANTAY GLACIER. It will be our first camp and our camping equipment will be waiting for us there. Our mountain tents were designed exclusively to withstand the different climates and temperatures experienced in the mountains. Then enjoy the happy hour (hot drinks, milk, chocolate, coffee with snacks and popcorn) and to finish the day enjoy a delicious buffet dinner prepared exclusively for you. Remember that from our camp you will have the opportunity to admire the stars and constellations that adorn the Andean sky.
Meals: lunch and dinner
Distance: 10 km / 6.213 mi.
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Starting elevation: 3,850 m.a.s.l. / 12,631 ft.
Highest Elevation: 4,490 m.a.s.l. / 14,730 ft.
Camp elevation: 4,490 m.a.s.l. / 14,730 ft.
Difficulty: moderate
Day 2
Soyroqocha – Salkantay Pass – Huayraqmachay – Chaullay – Qolpapampa
We will start the day at 6:00 a.m. (this time may change depending on how you are feeling) and wake you up with a hot coca tea and then you will have time to pack your backpack and the things you need for the day. We will then enjoy a nutritious breakfast before continuing our adventure.
When you leave your tent you will be able to appreciate in all its magnitude the beautiful view of the Salkantay Glacier, which will be adorning the entire landscape surrounding our camp and will give you the motivation to continue with the adventure. Once ready, we will begin the hike to the highest part of our journey, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m.a.s.l./15,1902 ft.). Where you will be able to admire face to face the MAGESTIC SALKANTAY GLACIER.
Feel the energy of the Andes and of this imposing glacier that was revered by our ancestors and that today is considered THE PROTECTOR OF THE ANDES. We will share with you part of our history and traditions making a small ceremony where we will leave an offering made with coca leaves. Then you will have time to take the classic photos in this wonderful place from where you can touch the sky.
Then we will begin to descend for 3 hours to the place where we will have lunch, Huayraqmachay (3,850 m.a.s.l. / 12,631 ft.). There our chef will be waiting for us with a nutritious buffet lunch for you to enjoy the great taste of Andean food in the middle of the mountains.
After a rest we will continue descending in the middle of a cloud forest where we will observe how little by little we leave the Andes and we get into the green vegetation of the place. We will arrive to the town of Chaullay (2.900 m.a.s.l. /9.514 ft.). After a rest we will continue until we reach Qolpapampa (2,800 m.a.s.l. / 9,186 ft.). This place will be our campsite today. Once there you will be able to settle into your tent. Then enjoy a happy hour (hot drinks, milk, chocolate, coffee with snacks and popcorn) and to end the day enjoy a delicious buffet dinner with the best food for the delight of your palate.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Distance: 16 km / 9,941 mi.
Hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
Starting elevation: 4,490 m.a.s.l. / 14,632 ft.
Highest Elevation: 4,630 m.a.s.l. / 15,190 ft.
Camp elevation: 2,800 m.a.s.l. / 9,186 ft.
Difficulty: challenging
Day 3
Qolpapampa – Wiñaypoqo – Loreta – Sahuayaco Beach – Lucmabamba
We will wake you up with a hot coca tea in your tent and after preparing your backpack we will have an energizing breakfast and then start another day full of adventures and you will enjoy great views, landscapes and lots of nature.
After leaving our camp we will begin a short descent of 30 minutes to reach the base of the valleys of Qolpapampa and Salkantay. We will cross to the left side from where we will begin our hike through a large tropical forest. Accompanied by large plantations of fruits such as passion fruit, papaya, peaches and more. In addition to the great flora and fauna of the place you will appreciate beautiful landscapes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, flowers and orchids.
You will be able to stop in many places to appreciate the magic of nature and rest while you take pictures. After 5 hours of hiking we will arrive at Sahuayaco Beach (2,060 m.a.s.l. / 6,758 ft.). There we will take our last rest before continuing our hike. After 30 minutes we will arrive at our campsite in Lucmabamba (2,000 m.a.s.l. / 6,561 ft.). Here we will have lunch and a demonstration of the coffee process. Then you will have the afternoon free to explore the place visiting some fruit plantations or if you wish you can go down to the village of Santa Teresa to enjoy the thermal baths of Qoqalmayo (1,600 m.a.s.l. / 5,249 ft.). You will be able to enjoy the warm posas with their crystalline waters and relax your body after 3 days of trekking in the mountains.
To end the day enjoy the happy hour and then delight your palate with the buffet dinner so you can regain your strength and then rest to continue with the next day’s adventure.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Distance: 18 km / 11,184 mi.
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Starting elevation: 2,800 m.a.s.l. / 9,186 ft.
Highest Elevation: 2,800 m.a.s.l. / 9,186 ft.
Camp Elevation: 2,000 m.a.s.l. / 6,561 ft.
Difficulty: moderate to Challenging
Day 4
Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
After waking up with a hot drink and enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will start our hike ascending by a traditional Inca Trail for 3 hours through a subtropical forest to the top of the mountain and then descend for 15 minutes to reach the archaeological center of Llactapata (2,700 m.a.s.l. / 8,858 ft.). From here you can enjoy the view of the great Urubamba valley and over the mountains the great Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Admire the magic of the jungle and wrap yourself in the middle of nature appreciating the Urubamba mountain range and the great green mountains that surround this magical city built by our ancestors in the middle of such a beautiful place.
After the panoramic views, photos and information of this place we will begin to descend until we reach the Ahobamba valley (1,900 m.a.s.l. / 6,233 ft.). After crossing the hanging bridge we will walk for 45 minutes on a flat trail until we reach Hidrohelectrica (1,800 m.a.s.l. / 5,905 ft.). Here we will have lunch and then continue hiking through the beautiful Urubamba Valley. In this place you can admire the beauty of the rainforest with abundant vegetation, large trees, fruit trees such as passion fruit, bananas, avocado, lemon and coffee plantations, flowers, orchids and you will have the opportunity to see the national bird of Peru, the cock of the rock. You will be able to appreciate the great variety of flora and fauna and you will always be accompanied by the imposing Urubamba River. Throughout the hike you will see large terraces, walls and roads built by our ancestors and you can also admire from different places the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu over the mountains. This hike is in a flat place and lasts approximately 3 hours. In case you are tired you have the option of taking the train service (you can coordinate it with us or with the guide, depending on your physical condition). This tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.
When we arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes (2,000 m.a.s.l. / 6,561 ft.), we will take you to your hotel so you can settle in, take a hot shower and in the evening you will have dinner in a tourist restaurant and then you can rest to enjoy the last day of our adventure.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Distance: 24 km / 14.912 mi.
Hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
Starting elevation: 2,000 m.a.s.l. / 6,561 ft.
Highest Elevation: 2,850 m.a.s.l. / 9,350 ft.
Lodging Elevation: 2,000 m.a.s.l. / 6,561 ft.
Difficulty: Challenging
Day 5
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
The most awaited day has arrived. We will wake up early and after breakfast we will board the bus that will take us to the top of the mountain to start the visit and the guided tour inside the park.
Congratulations. After walking through the Andes, valleys, rivers and part of the Amazon, you finally arrived at the majestic Inca city of Machu Picchu. Known as one of the new 7 wonders of the world and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, feel fortunate to have completed this wonderful challenge that many dream of doing. We will begin to take the first pictures, we will be located in a strategic place to start with the most important information of this archaeological center. The Inca History will be revealed and we will share with you the most important events about its discovery, importance and the most relevant about this stone city built on the mountains.
Then we will continue the tour walking through its streets and houses, reaching the quarry and the central square and then continue visiting the most important points. We will talk about each of these places that were used by our ancestors as work centers, homes and ceremonial centers. Always taking pictures of the memory. You will enjoy the tour and feel the strength that only this great Inca city can share with the people who are there. Feel the connection with Mother Nature and be enveloped by the magic of this place located on the great mountains accompanied by a great flora and fauna that complete its great energy and survive through hundreds of years away from the outside world. (You will have the opportunity to climb the mountain of Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu mountain prior reservation of the entrance ticket in advance).
At the end of the tour in this magical city we will go to the exit to take the bus that will take us to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will have our last lunch and after sharing the experiences lived through the mountains for 4 days it will be time to go to the train station and head to Ollantaytambo where our private transportation will be waiting for us to take us to the city of Cusco and then directly to your hotel.
We are sure that after this experience catalogued as one of the 25 best treks in the world you will be very happy to have experienced the sensation of having lived the adventure of your life in the middle of valleys, mountains, glaciers, tropical areas of the Amazon and finally meet the imposing Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Meals: breakfast
Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
Starting elevation: 2,000 m.a.s.l. / 6,561 ft.
Highest elevation: 2,430 m.a.s.l. / 7,972 ft.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
HIGH QUALITY AND SAFETY SERVICE
• Briefing:
One day before your trip you will meet with your guide to learn more about the itinerary you will take on this adventure. In addition to learning the most important information about the day to day of the entire trip. We will give you your duffel bag where you can put the extra things you will need during the trip. Remember that in this meeting you can talk about the different dietary options or restrictions you may have.
• Professional high mountain guides:
All our guides are graduates of the most important universities and institutes in Cusco. They are chosen for their great experience, responsibility, professionalism and above all for the great passion and pride they have for our history and culture. They will be proud to share with you everything related to our ancestors. They will make sure that your trip is unforgettable. Your safety is guaranteed from the moment we pick you up in Cusco until we drop you off at your hotel at the end of the trip.
• First aid kit:
Our guides are specialists in first aid, rescue and evacuation in case it is necessary. Because they have specialized training and have a certification from the international red cross. They are highly trained and will always have a first aid kit and oxygen for any emergency. Your safety is guaranteed with us.
• Camping equipment:
We have the best logistical equipment for our trips such as high mountain tents Eureka and The North Face (3 and 4 seasons). Made especially to withstand the most intense climates of the mountains. We also have dining tents, kitchen tent, kitchenware and utensils. So that you can spend comfortable moments at mealtimes.
Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners.
Our high mountain chef is trained to cook and please you with the most delicious Peruvian and Cusco food. As well as the most delicious drinks, snacks and desserts that will leave you satisfactorily happy. Food options such as vegan, vegetarian or any restriction are not a problem for our cooks and will not have an additional cost.
• Snack:
Every morning before the walk you will be provided with a snack, fruits, cookies, chocolates, candies, so you can enjoy them during the walk.
• Water:
We have a water filter especially for use in the mountains. Every morning we will provide you with cold boiled purified water so you can fill your bottle or camel. You will have the option to refill more water at lunch and dinner time as you require.
Wake-up Tea.
Every morning you will be woken up with a hot drink of your choice, tea, coffee or coca. Our guide will bring this drink to your tent to start the day warm and then you will have time to list the things you will use during the walk.
Happy Hour.
In the afternoons after arriving at our camp we will have happy hour (hot drinks, tea, coffee, milk, chocolate), and some snacks (cookies, crackers, popcorn). At which time we can talk about the day and look forward to a delicious dinner before resting.
For Hygiene.
You will be provided with a small towel and soap before each meal for hand hygiene.
Transportation: Private door-to-door service.
Day 1. We will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the starting point of the trek, Soraypampa.
Day 4. Train ticket from Hidrohelectrica to the town of Aguas Calientes (optional) Day 5. We will wait for you at the station in Ollantaytambo and transfer you to the city of Cusco where we will drop you off at the door of your hotel.
Bus ticket. From the town of Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (one way).
Train ticket. From the town of Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (expedition service) Personal belongings.
On days 1 and 2 the horses will carry all the camping equipment including your duffel bag (8 kg. / 17.63 lb.). From the starting point to the campsite.
On days 3 and 4 our camping equipment and your duffel bag will be transported by car and train.
Hotel.
The last night will be spent in a hotel ( 3 stars) in the town of Aguas Calientes with private service, private bathroom, hot shower, wi fi and storage service as you require.
Permits and tickets.
.permit and entrance ticket in Mollepata (district where we pay to enter the hike). Entrance ticket to the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Extras:
We seek the total satisfaction of our passengers and that is why we include small pillows, a foam mattress, a backpack rain cover, a rain poncho and a special bag to put hot water and be able to sleep comfortably inside our comfortable tents in the mountains. We do our best to ensure that you have an unforgettable vacation and take away an experience that you will never forget.
We know that the most important thing in your vacations is your well being and safety and that is why we organize our trips with great care, because the most important thing for us is you.
Our experience offers you security, comfort, good service and the satisfaction of our clients is our letter of introduction. If you have any questions please write to us and we will be glad to help you so that all your doubts are clearly answered.
Passport.
This is the most important document. You must carry with you the original passport, with which you made the tour reservation. This document will be presented as required by the Machu Picchu park staff, especially to enter the Inca city, to board the bus, the train and to check in at the hotel.
On the trail.
Considered one of the 5 best treks in the world by the National Geographic Magazine, the Inca Trail is well known and preferred by travelers seeking to learn more about our culture and to visit archaeological sites built in the mountains, walk through valleys, enjoy the beauty of nature, admire glaciers and snow-capped peaks, reach the summits of these ancient constructions, admire the tropical areas and enjoy the breathtaking scenery that adorn this hike to reach the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The distances are strategically divided so that you can enjoy all the natural attractions of this magical place. Starting from the town of Piscacucho, kilometer 82 (2,700 m.a.s.l. / 8,858 ft.). Until arriving at the highest point, the pass of the dead woman (4,215 m.a.s.l. / 13,828 ft.). And the lowest place, Aguas Calientes village (2,000 m.a.s.l. / 6,561 ft.), in some places the hike will be challenging and we will give you the help and all the necessary recommendations to complete this incredible adventure.
Acclimatization.
Travelers arrive from different parts of the world, from different altitudes and even from sea level for this the recommendation is to arrive 2 or 3 days before to the city of Cusco (3,400 m.a.s.l. / 11,154 ft.). The altitude, the flight time and the time change can affect you especially if it is your first time in our city. No special training is required for this adventure, but acclimatization is recommended before starting the hike. We have alternatives before you travel. Day hikes for better acclimatization, we recommend some of them.
City tour
Sacred Valley
Salt mines of Maras and Moray
Mountain of colors, Vinicunca
Colored mountain, Palcoyo
Waqrapucara
Seven lakes, Ausangate
Queswachaca, Inca Bridge
Important things to bring on the hike.
Very Important.
Original Passport
Student Card (students)
Cash (Souvenirs, Drinks, Snacks and Tips)
Water Bottles or Camelbaks
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Mosquito Repellent
WipesHand sanitizer
Hat
Snacks
CLOTHING
Pantalones de Senderismo (2)
T.Shirt (2-3)
Hiking Underwear and Socks Sets (4)
Warm Jacket
Thermal Fleece
Comfortable Hiking Boots
Waterproof Jacket / Rain Poncho
Wool Hat (Bennie)
Sneakers or Sandals (To wear at the Camp)
Waterproof Gloves
Towel (Quick Dry)
EQUIPAMIENTO
Sleeping Bag
Trekking Backpack
Trekking Poles
Power Bank
Plastic Bags
Head Flashlight