Salcantay to Machu Picchu in 5 days

5D / 4N

From$590.00USD

per person

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Group Size: Up to 12 peole

Transportation: Van, Bus, Train

Max Altitude: 6070m

Difficulty: High average

Service: Group

Duration: 5D / 4N

A true Andean odyssey, this 4-day trek through the dramatic Cordillera Vilcabamba offers a wonderful alternative for those who want to take a less-traveled and exceptionally beautiful route to Machu Picchu. Crossing a pass between the peaks of Salcantay (6270m.) and Humantay (6070m.) with spectacular glacial vistas, we descend through a stunning progression of ecological zones ranging from sparsely vegetated alpine meadows to lush sub-tropical valleys. Arriving to the “Ceja de Selva,” or the “Eyebrow of the Jungle,” we encounter numerous tropical fruit and coffee plantations as well as an abundance of flower and bird species. From the valley, we take an original Inca trail up through a cloud forest of Quehuna trees, orchids, and moss. On day four, we follow an original Inca trail over a low-jungle pass. At the top, we enjoy a spectacular and uncommon view of the Machu Picchu ruins. From here we walk down to the hydroelectric plant and take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in a comfortable hostel. Our last day is spent with the guide visiting the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.

Detailed Itinerary - Salcantay to Machu Picchu in 5 days

Day 1:

Cusco – Mollepata - Soraypampa - Salcantay Pampa (L, D)

5.00 a.m. Pick up from your hotel to drive on our private transport to the town of Mollepata (2,900 m.), picturesque inter-Andean village surrounded by beautiful landscapes. In this place, we can have breakfast (not included), then continue on our transport to Soraypampa (3,850 m.), where we will meet with our staff and prepare the equipment in the mules. Our hike this first day is 5 hours inside a Puna landscape. The first 2 hours we reach a progressive ascent (3,850 m.) and then with a steep rise of approximately 400 meters of altitude reaching the site called Pampa Salcantay, place where we will camp. We will sleep between the majestic snow-capped "Salcantay (6,271 m.) and snowy Umantay (5,473 m.), wear good coat. Total distance: 8 km. Trek time: 5 to 6 hours. Maximum altitude: 4,150 m. Minimum altitude: 3,850 m.

Day 2:

Salcantay Pampa – Huayrac Machay – Chaullay (B, L, D)

After a good breakfast, early (5 a.m.), we will embark on the most difficult hike, as we will cross the Salcantay crossing (4,600 m.) after an arduous climb, dazzled by the spectacular landscapes, we will arrive at Abra Salkantay at approximately 10.00 a.m. Accompanied at all times by the imposing snowfall of Salcantay (6,264 m.), the second highest peak in Cusco, as the mountains of Umantay and Huayanay. Crossing the open is a descent of 2 hours, we will have a restful lunch in the hamlet called Huayrac Machay, after lunch we get 3 hours more descent with a landscape of great vegetation and warm to the village of Chaullay (2,920 m.) Where we will camp. Total distance: 15 km. Trek time: 7 to 8 hours. Maximum altitude: 4,600 m. Minimum altitude: 2,920 m.

Day 3:

Chaullay – Playa – Santa Teresa (B, L, D)

After a restful breakfast, we continue descending for 6 hours until Colcamayo Hot Springs, where we will have lunch and camping. On the way, we can appreciate a variety of crops of granadilla, banana, we can also see coca crops, considered the sacred leaf of our ancestors, which is currently cultivated in tropical areas. Total distance: 18 km. Trek time: 5 hours. Maximum altitude: 4,600 m. Minimum altitude: 2,085 m.

Day 4:

Santa Teresa - Lucmabamba – Llactapata - Aguas Calientes (B, L, D)

Very early we will travel by car to Lucmabamba (2,085 m.), community that will explain to us about the cultivation of organic coffee. We will have an ascent of 3.5 hours crossing coffee plantations and plantations of tropical fruits arriving at the archeological zone of Llactapata (2,590 m.). From this point, we can observe Machu Picchu from an exceptional angle. Then we descend for 2 hours by a route of flowers and orchids to the river Acobamba and cross a metal bridge near the central hydroelectric place where we will have lunch. Here we can continue the trip walking to Aguas Calientes for 2.5 hours or taking the train departing at 3.30 p.m. (+ 35 USD per person). On the way, you can see waterfalls with impressive falls that come from the glaciers. In the afternoon, we arrive at Aguas Calientes, to rest in a comfortable hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant and if you wish you can go to the Thermal Baths (cost S /. 10 per person). Hotel in Aguas Calientes Total distance: 18 km. Trek time: 8 hours. Maximum altitude: 2,590 m. Minimum altitude: 2,085 m.

Day 5:

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu - Cusco (B)

Bus up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Guided tour in the Inca City of Machu Picchu for 2.5 hours. Optional:

Only the Huayna Picchu mountain + USD 20 allows them to climb the mountain but not visit Machu Picchu.
Huayna Picchu Mountain + the Inca city of Machu Picchu = USD 75 per foreign person and USD 45 per Peruvian person, this option allows you to climb the mountain and visit the complete citadel of Machu Picchu.
Buffet lunch at Machu Picchu + USD 40 per person. Includes drinks.
Lunch Menu in Aguas Calientes + USD 20 per person.

Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. Lunch at Full House Restaurant in Aguas Calientes. 2.50 p.m. You have to stay at Aguas Calientes train station. 3.20 p.m. – 5.05 p.m. Train Expedition Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo. 5.30 p.m. – 7.30 p.m. Transfer to Cusco. B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner Optional: This walk can be done in 4 days / 3 nights

English/Spanish Professional Guide.
Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to Soraypampa.
Muleteers and mules to carry all the camping luggage.
Mules to carry personal equipment throughout the trekking for a 7 kg. backpack
Cook.
All food on the route (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, lunches and snacks).
Kitchen tent, dining tent with tables and chairs.
Double tents for two people. It is very comfortable and safe for your backpacks. Our tents are 3 seasons and this year.
Matras (insulating sleeping mats).
Accommodation for all our staff.
First aid kit.
1 night accommodation in a double or triple room in a 3-star hostel in Aguas Calientes.
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
Bus to go up and down from Machu Picchu.
Return Expedition train Agua Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
Transfers from the Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.

English/Spanish Professional Guide.
Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to Soraypampa.
Muleteers and mules to carry all the camping luggage.
Mules to carry personal equipment throughout the trekking for a 7 kg. backpack
Cook.
All food on the route (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, lunches and snacks).
Kitchen tent, dining tent with tables and chairs.
Double tents for two people. It is very comfortable and safe for your backpacks. Our tents are 3 seasons and this year.
Matras (insulating sleeping mats).
Accommodation for all our staff.
First aid kit.
1 night accommodation in a double or triple room in a 3-star hostel in Aguas Calientes.
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
Bus to go up and down from Machu Picchu.
Return Expedition train Agua Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
Transfers from the Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.

If you want to ride a horse during the entire long walk, you can rent it by USD 100 per all the trekking (You couldn’t ride in descent). Since 2 or more horse the price is USD 80 per horse.
Student with ISIC card have – USD 20 of discount.
If you want sleeping bag + USD 30 per person.
If you a pair of walking poles + USD 20 per person.
If you want train Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes + USD 35 per person.
If you want to sleep alone in the tent you have to add + USD 30 per person.
Single room in Aguas Calientes Hotel 3 stars + USD 40 per person.
Check the price if you want to lower or raise the category of accommodation.
If you want to upgrade the category of the Restaurant for the dinner the first day in Aguas Calientes, you have to add + USD 25 per person at Indio Feliz Restaurant (price includes: entrance, main course and dessert. No beverages). Or if you prefer discount the last dinner on 4th day – USD 5 per person.
Only the Huayna Picchu mountain + USD 20 allows them to climb the mountain but not visit Machu Picchu.
Huayna Picchu Mountain + the Inca city of Machu Picchu = USD 75 per foreign person and USD 45 per Peruvian person, this option allows you to climb the mountain and visit the complete citadel of Machu Picchu.

Buffet lunch in Aguas Calientes on the 4^th day:
- Full House Restaurant = USD 20 per person.
- Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant = USD 40 per person (in Machu Picchu).

Check the price if you want upgrade the train.

A small backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek.
A big backpack with: Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco).
Swimsuit (if you intend to go to the hot springs in Cocalmayo and Aguas Calientes).
Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended.
Flashlight, camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions).
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold.
Gloves, scarf, handkerchiefs.
Sun block, after-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body.
Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET.
Toilet paper.
Personal first-aid kit.
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far.
Cash in soles and/or US.
Obligatory: Passport original.
Optional: walking sticks or poles.

Types of Trains:

The Voyager o Expedition: Economy service with panoramic windows, upholstered seats and fixed tables. Sale of snacks and drinks on board.

Vistadome: This exclusive service mixes music, gastronomy and dance. Includes panoramic windows, leather seats, large tables, snack on board, drinks, music, dance show and fashion show.

Hiram Bingham: This train is the most luxurious. In the morning a brunch is served while you enjoy the impressive landscape and upon return, appetizers and a gourmet dinner.