Salkantay Trek 4days / 3nights

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Salkantaypampa

We pick you up at your hotel at 04:00 am. Drive nearly 4 hours to Anta–Mollepata. During the ride, observe the white snowcapped mountains of Salkantay and Veronica: both considered Holy Gods of the Inca. Spectacular views of the Andes and their lower valleys with colorful landscapes await around every corner.

After 4 hours, stop in Soraypampa town, where there are toilet facilities and we will have a wonderful scenic breakfast. There we will meet with our support staff, organize all the equipment, horses, and mules and we will have an introductory meeting. At approximately 9:30 a.m. we will start our trek to Humantay Lake (4200 m.a.s.l). It takes 3 hours of hiking round trip, a great start to the trek.

Once we reach the lake, be surrounded by the picturesque Andes, see Humantay glacier and the colorful Humantay Lake. We will spend about an hour there and before trekking back to Soraypampa where a wonderful lunch prepared by our cook will be waiting. After our meal, hike to Salkantaypampa where we will spend the night. Salkantaypampa is located in the middle of the glacier so the night will be dark making it a perfect spot to appreciate the constellations in the sky.

• Elevation Gain: 731 m / 2398 ft.
• Elevation Loose: 388 m / 1272 feet.
• Walking Distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles
• Trailhead Elevation: 4300 m / 14,107 ft.
• Highest point: 4200 m/ 13,779 ft.
• Hiking hour: 5 hours roughly.
• Trailhead Elevation: 3,920 meters / 12,860 feet.
• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.
• Campsite Elevation: 4,220 meters / 13,779 feet.

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayramachay – Ccollpampa

Early wakeup at 5:00 am with coca tea brought to your tent. Afterward, enjoy a hearty breakfast before beginning the hike up to the highest point of the Salkantay trail (4620 masl – 15,255 ft). This hike is around 3 km and should completed in 3 hours. During the ascent through the rocky valley, we can observe the magnificent Salkantay peak and may even see chinchillas on the trail (6217 masl – 20,341 ft). Once we reach the top of the trail, we will enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay, Humantay, and Pumasillo.

Salkantay is considered the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the main Inca Gods known as “Apu Salkantay”. Hiking to the top is the most difficult part of the entire trek. In reaching the summit you will feel sense of accomplishment like no other. Take in the views before spending the next 3 hours heading downhill on the serpent trail along gravel and rocky paths to reach Huayracmachay, our lunch spot. In the afternoon arrive at the upper part of the rain forest, also called a “cloud forest”. Cover 9 km in 3 hours until we to get Challway Village (2900 masl – 9,514 ft) our next campsite. During the second half of the day observe the thick forest which is decorated with colorful orchids and native plants. The majority of the year the weather is warm and pleasant in this area.

• Elevation Gain: 562 m / 1843 ft.
• Elevation Loose: 1900 m / 6233 feet.
• Walking Distance: 18 km / 11,185 miles
• Hiking hour: 10 hours roughly.
• Trailhead Elevation: 4,220 meters / 13,779 feet.
• Campsite Elevations: 2900 meters/ 9,514 feet.
• Difficulty: Difficult.
• Highest Point: 4,650 meters / 15,235 feet.
• Accommodation: Tents.

Day 3: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes

Once again you will have to wake up early, coca tea will be served in your tent. Next, we have breakfast and afterward, start hiking to la Playa. Walk through the thick jungle following the bank of the Salkantay River. On route, we stop at several family villages to enjoy the local fruits (passion fruit, banana, coffee, avocado, mango, orange, and papaya). If we are lucky, observe the famous bird called “the Cock of the Rock”.

The trail distance is 16 km and the hiking time is 7 hours until we reach Lucmabamba where we will have our delicious lunch and then try the fresh local coffee. Lucmabamba is a small town surrounded by coffee trees and can provide the basic facilities (toilet, electricity, shopping, and souvenirs) After having lunch, say goodbye to our amazing crew and we will take a local van for an hour to Hydroelectric Station, from there, take the train all the way to Aguas Calientes. Once in town, check into our hotel, later at 7pm go to one of the fabulous restaurants in Aguas Calientes for dinner.

• Elevation Gain: 229 m / 751 ft.
• Elevation Loose: 999 m / 3277 feet.
• Walking Distance: 15 km / 9,32 miles
• Hiking hour: 6 hours roughly.
• Trailhead Elevation: 2,900 meters / 9,514 feet.
• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Accommodation: 3* Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Train from Hidro to Aguas Calientes: 40 minutes.

DAY 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

The most magical day is upon us; we visit Machu Picchu. Wake up early to take on of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the Machu Picchu checkpoint, we will show our Passports at the entrance. Hike straight to the guardhouse which has some of the best views of the Citadel. Take plenty of a pictures of Machu Picchu before starting your tour.

Enter through the main gate and immediately be treated to breathtaking panoramic views. On your tour with your guide visit the Temple of the Sun, an important ceremonial structure, the Royal residences and the Sacred Plaza, insights into elite Inca life, Intihuatana Stone, a ritual stone, the principal temples and the agricultural terraces. Your guide will spend around 2 hours explaining the highlights of Machu Picchu. Learn from your guide the history of the ancient Incas.

Afterward, you can hike Huayna Picchu if you have booked this option. (This is a separate entrance ticket that costs $70 per person). Finally, you will return to Aguas Calientes enjoy a delicious lunch and explore before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo, and then a bus back to Cusco. Once in Cusco, we will transfer you back to your hotel at around 7:30 pm.