SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU IN 4 DAYS

ITINERARY

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CHALLACANCHA – SORAYPAMPA – LAGUNA HUMANTAY - LODGE DEL CIELO

Pick up from the hotel is scheduled for around 4:00 a.m. Afterwards, we will embark on a journey of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes in our private vehicle to Mollepata. After enjoying a light breakfast, we will continue by car to Challacancha, where we will meet our muleteer and horses. Then, we will start the trek to our Lodge del Cielo in Soraypampa.

In the afternoon, after lunch, we will ascend to visit the beautiful Humantay Lake. After the visit, we will descend again to Soraypampa, where we will spend the first night under a starry sky in our Lodge del Cielo.

As for our base in Soraypampa, the camp is a 10-minute walk from the village of Soraypampa, which gives us a unique advantage by offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Humantay Lagoon. It is also a perfect place, away from the crowds, where we can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Andean valley and share the company of our lovely alpacas.

It is important to note that the afternoon before this day, a briefing will be held with your guide in Cusco. The following day, after an early breakfast, pick-up will begin at 6:00 a.m. from your location in Cusco.  

Meals: lunch and dinner.
Walking distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles.
Difficulty: moderate to Defiant.
Overnight: Lodge Del Cielo in Soraypampa.
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same gender).
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours approx.
Starting elevation: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft.
Maximum elevation: 4,200 m /13,780 ft.
Altitude of our campsite: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft.
Climate: It can be quite cold and wintry or rainy at Abra Salkantay.

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – PASO SALKANTAY – WAYRACMACHAY-COLLPAPAMPA – LODGE DEL CIELO

After the first lunch of the day, we will embark on the most challenging phase of our trek, exploring the region known as Pampa Salkantay and advancing along the left flank of the Salkantay Glacier. Around noon, we will reach the summit of the imposing Salkantay snow-capped peak, located at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) above sea level. From this high point, we will enjoy a panoramic view that will reveal the grandeur of the surroundings, highlighting the mountain range, glaciers and ravines. We will experience the mystique of the Andes before resuming our journey by descending calmly to Wayracmachay, where lunch and a well-deserved rest period awaits us.

We will continue our descent, entering the jungle, where we will be offered impressive views of the surroundings. Afterwards, we will head to our second lodge in Collpapampa, the Lodge del Cielo. Upon arrival, we will enjoy dinner and spend the second night in this picturesque place.

Route and Terrain

: Mainly through steep trails and some exposed slopes.

About our Lodge del Cielo in Collpapampa

: Our campsite is a short 10-minute hike from the town of Chaullay. Although Chaullay is a busy camping area, our camp site at Collpapampa provides us with a remarkable advantage by offering a full 360 degree panoramic view of the Salkantay Valley. It is also an ideal location, away from the crowds, where we can experience a more authentic encounter with the local communities.

Meals: lunch and dinner.
Difficulty: Defiant .
Overnight: Lodge Del Cielo in Colpapampa.
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same gender).
Walking distance: 22 km / 13.67 miles.
Walking Time: 9-10 hours approx.
Starting elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft.
Maximum elevation: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.
Altitude of our campsite: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft.
Climate: It can be quite cold and wintry or rainy at Abra Salkantay.

DAY 3: COLLPAPAMPA – LA PLAYA - SANTA TERESA – HIDROELÉCTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will begin our hike at 06:00 a.m. along the Inca Trail Network. This will be a memorable day, continuing through the jungle, where we will be able to admire the diverse flora and fauna characteristic of the area, including coffee, tea and passion fruit plantations. The region has a temperate and humid climate, conducive to the formation of a microclimate that favors the production of orchids, cataloged by experts as the most beautiful in the world due to its variety of colors.

On the way, we will tackle the challenge of the tracks at the crossing of granadillas, in addition to contemplating a walk of approximately 5 hours to reach Sahuayaco beach. We will then continue to the hydroelectric station, where we will enjoy lunch and continue to Sahuayaco beach after a short rest. From this point, we will take a vehicle from Sahuayaco to Aguas Calientes,completing the day with a walk along the railway until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes. Finally, dinner and overnight at the hotel awaits us.

As for our night in Machu Picchu town, the hotel in Aguas Calientes will adapt to your specific preferences and requirements.

Meals:Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Difficulty: Defiant.
Overnight: Hosting.
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same gender).
Starting elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft.
Maximum elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft.
Lodging Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft.
Walking distance: 27 km / 16.78 miles.
Walking Time: 7 to 8 hours.
Climate: Can be hot or rainy in the jungle.

DAY 4: THE GREAT DAY! MACHU PICCHU WONDER

Early in the morning, after enjoying breakfast at the lodge, we will travel by bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu, ascending for about half an hour to reach the access point and entrance control, where we will take a guided tour of the urban and agricultural area. You will explore the towers, ceremonial plazas, sacred fountain, the Intihuatana (sundial) and terraces that offer panoramic views of the Inca's domain. After approximately two hours of guiding, we will have free time to take pictures and, in coordination with the guide, we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes.

The guided visit to Machu Picchu will take place between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. After presenting our entrance ticket, we ascend to the best vantage point to capture a photograph of "The Guardian's House". After 30 minutes of free time, the guide will provide detailed information about the city of the Incas for approximately one hour.

Crucial point 1

: According to Machu Picchu regulations, when entering the Sacred City it is not allowed to go back along the same paths. "There are numerous indications on the route to follow, we can only make stops in some places or return along the previous route", therefore, we recommend that you make the most of every moment you can spend at each Inca site.

Crucial point 2

: According to Machu Picchu regulations, tickets are only valid for a single use. This means that once you leave the Inca city, you will not be able to return unless you purchase a new ticket.

We will board the train back to Ollantaytambo where the transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco, finally we will drop you off at your hotel.

Meals:Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy.
Starting elevation: 2000 m / 6562 ft.
Maximum elevation: 2400 m / 7872 ft.
Elevation At Machu Picchu: 2720m / 8924 ft.
Elevation At Machu Picchu Mountain: 3000 m / 9843 ft.
Walking Time: 2 hours exploring Machu Picchu
Climate: It can be hot and rainy.

Include:

• Briefing: The day before your excursion, a briefing session will be held at our facilities with your guide and other participants in your group. During this session, you will be provided with a duffel bag. If you are unable to attend in person, a virtual briefing will be arranged.
• Round trip tourist transportation.
• Return tourist train.
• Consettur bus (ascent and descent).
• Professional English and Spanish speaking guide on the Salkantay route.
• Professional English and Spanish speaking guide in Machu Picchu.
• Entrance ticket to the Humantay Lagoon.
• Entrance ticket to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
• Private camping equipment.- We have facilities at our campsites, where all our equipment, including tables, chairs, cooking utensils, etc., is transported by our muleteers.
• Private camping equipment.- We have facilities at our campsites, where all our equipment, including tables, chairs, cooking utensils, etc., is transported by our muleteers.
• Night 1: you will stay at the Lodge del Cielo in the Soraypampa camp, located under the majestic presence of the Apus, the sacred mountains of Humantay and Salkantay. Enjoy the opportunity to contemplate the stars for as many hours as you wish thanks to the elegant glass roof in your accommodation!
• Night 2: Experience our stay at Lodge del Cielo in Collpapampa camp. Rest in a comfortable bed with a quality camping mattress at no additional cost. The camp is nestled among the majestic sacred mountains.
• Night 3: The hotel stay is incorporated and is located in the town of Aguas Calientes, specifically in the Casa de Luz, a lodge that offers amenities such as private bathroom, hot water, Wi-Fi connection and breakfast. Aguas Calientes is known as the town of Machu Picchu, and hotel costs may vary according to individual preferences and budget.
• Note : Normally, there are usually no changes to campsites, cabins or hotels after confirmation. However, this situation could change due to government regulations, authorizations, unfavorable weather conditions or even the physical health of our visitors. Any adjustment in this regard by Inka Trail Expeditions Peru will be communicated in advance and in the shortest possible time.
• Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs and cooking equipment (all carried by our porters and horses).
• 1 duffel bag: You can put your personal luggage, up to (7 kgs / 14.02 lbs). Including your sleeping bag; This bag will be carried by our horses.
• Mule / horse load: We will give you your duffel bag at your briefing the night before; to carry the things you will need. You will not have access to your duffel bag until you arrive at your overnight camp. On day 1, our mules / horses carry all camping equipment and your personal luggage allowance (7 kgs / 14.02 lbs). On day 2, your luggage will be transported by car or train to your destination until we arrive at Machu Picchu.
• Professional trekking chef: A professional chef specialized in cooking on the trail, with an assistant, will prepare all your delicious meals throughout our journey on the trail to replenish your energy every day.
• Meals:3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners.

Not Include:

• Trekking poles.
• Sleeping bags.
• Meals:
  Day 1 - Breakfast in Mollepata
  Day 4 - Lunch and dinner in Cusco.
• Additional income (Huayna Picchu - Machu Picchu Mountain).
• Huayna Picchu trekking time (45 min).
• Hiking time Machu Picchu Mountain (1.5 h).
• 
  Additional Costs or delays beyond our control such as: Natural disasters, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to passenger's health problems (suffering from a disease or health problem), pandemic, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, etc.

RENTAL AND ADDITIONAL COSTS

what to bring?

• Original passport.
• Sleeping bag.
• Trekking shoes.
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
• Jacket, hat and gloves.
• T-shirts or T-shirts.
• Comfortable pants.
• Sun hat and Sunglasses.
• Sunscreen.
• Reusable water bottles.
• Insect repellent.
• Personal hygiene items.
• Personal medications.
• Camera.
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Shorts.
• Trekking poles.
• Bandages and sandals.
• Extra money.
• Bathing suit.

Information Details

Map

Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu in 4 Days

In this video we show a brief description about the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days, you will appreciate the highlights of this trek in this 2 minutes longer video. There is a short description about the attractions that you will see below.