Salkantay Trek to Machu picchu 5D/4N

Cusco, Perú

Overview

Embark on the awe-inspiring Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days with Qoricancha Expeditions, a journey through rugged terrain, high mountain passes, and diverse ecosystems. This challenging adventure offers unparalleled natural beauty, authentic cultural encounters, and the ultimate reward: an unforgettable visit to the iconic Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.

FREQUENCY: This tour is run from March to december, we only need 2 people to open a group on any date.(January . february we do not operate groups due to rainy season)
Type of Srvice: English speaking group tour with a max of 12 people.
Availability: everyday ( check at booking time the Machu picchu permits availability)
Difficulty: Moderate - Challenge.

The Salkantay Trek is an excellent choice for those seeking an adventurous and diverse journey to Machu Picchu, and it offers a unique perspective on the Peruvian Andes and its cultural heritage. Hiking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a popular choice for travelers for several compelling reasons:

Scenic Diversity: The Salkantay Trek offers a wide range of stunning landscapes, from high-altitude mountain passes and pristine alpine lakes to lush cloud forests. You'll experience a diverse range of ecosystems and natural beauty along the way.
Less Crowded: While the Inca Trail can get crowded, the Salkantay Trek is generally less crowded, providing a more peaceful and serene hiking experience. You'll have a chance to connect with nature and the environment without the crowds.
Challenging Adventure: If you enjoy a physical challenge, the Salkantay Trek is a more strenuous alternative to the Inca Trail. The hike takes you over the Salkantay Pass at nearly 15,200 feet (4,600 meters), providing a sense of accomplishment for trekkers.
Authentic Cultural Encounters: The Salkantay Trek passes through remote villages where you can interact with local communities and learn about their way of life. This adds an authentic cultural dimension to your trek.
Diverse Wildlife: The region through which the Salkantay Trek passes is rich in biodiversity. You might encounter native flora and fauna along the way, adding to the trek's natural beauty.
Alternative to Permits: If you were unable to secure permits for the Inca Trail due to high demand or lack of availability, the Salkantay Trek offers a reliable alternative to reach Machu Picchu.
Stunning Views of Salkantay Mountain: The trek provides exceptional views of the majestic Salkantay Mountain, known as the "Savage Mountain," which is the second-highest peak in the Cusco region.

Weather: Peru is a year-round destination for travellers, but the dry/winter season – between May and October – is generally the most popular time to do visit the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. This is when the nights are cooler and there are often wildflowers in bloom along the trail, its usually full sunny days which allows you to enjoy much the Salkantay Trek, November and december are the beggining of wet season and from January to March are the the middle o rainy season, it usually rains a lot, make sure to bring Good rain gear.

Huayna Picchu ticket. There is a popular mountain at the citadel, the famous Young mountain = Huayna Picchu mountain, hiking Inca Trail we can do only the 10am time, for that its important you can let us know in advance, so we can guaranteed the ticket, only 50 spots are available. It cost $75 each tciket. This is Optional.

What ou need to take for this tour:

Original Passport.
Small day pack.
Insect repellent (Machu picchu is located at cloud forest area)
Sun hat. sun screen.
Rain gear just in case for any month of the year.
Camara.
Wáter
Snack.
Trekking cloth
Hiking shoes.

Why Travel with Qoricancha Expeditions?

Expertise and Excellence: Qoricancha Expeditions is renowned for its commitment to excellence in guiding and customer service. With their experienced team, you're in the hands of professionals who will ensure a memorable and hassle-free experience.
Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Peru. Qoricancha Expeditions provides expert guides who will share their deep knowledge of the region, offering insights into the ancient Inca civilization and local traditions.
Small Group Advantage: Smaller tour group sizes allow for a more intimate experience, increased interaction with guides, and the opportunity to form connections with fellow travelers.
Memories for a Lifetime: Traveling with Qoricancha Expeditions guarantees not only an unforgettable adventure but also memories that will stay with you forever. It's a journey that promises to leave you with a profound appreciation for the wonders of Peru.

Included

Briefing the night before of the tour at 6pm
Experienced english speaking tour guide
Transporation to Trail head
Expeditions tourist class train
Meals, it includes from the first day breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner everyday, except the last day lunch.
We take care any of your food restrictions, just le tus know at booking time.
Bus ticket Machu picchu up & down.
Salkantay trek and Machu picchu entry fee
Fully guided tour.
Oxigen tang and first aid kid
Private transportation to trailhead and back to Cusco on the last day.
Extra porter included, for that we provide you a duffle bag at briefing time.
Taxes.

Excluded

Hotel before and after the tour.
Gratitudes: for the chef, porters and guide
Insurance: Advisible but not mandatory.
Rentals: for the Inca Trail you need sleeping bag (mandatory), airt matts and trekking poles (optional)

Itinerary

Day 1: Start the Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu picchu.

Your trekking adventure begins with an early pick-up from your hotel at 4:00 AM. From there, it's approximately a 3-hour drive to the starting point at Soraypampa, which sits at an elevation of 3,450 meters. Upon arrival, our talented chef will prepare a delicious breakfast to fuel you for the day ahead.

After enjoying your breakfast, it's time to prepare for the hike. Make sure you have sunscreen, a sun hat, and sufficient water. The first destination on your trek will be Humantay Lagoon, which is about a 2-hour uphill walk. The lagoon is situated at an elevation of 4,300 meters and is surrounded by stunning glacier peaks. During the winter season, you can expect breathtaking views of the area.

Our guide will provide you with informative insights about the region. Once you've taken in the beauty of Humantay Lagoon, you'll hike back for about 1 hour to the lunch spot, where our chef will be waiting to serve you a delicious meal.

After lunch and a short break, you'll continue along the Salkantay path for approximately 2.5 hours until you reach Salkantay Pampa, where you'll spend the night at an elevation of 3,800 meters. Our team will set up the tents, and you'll have some time to relax and take in the magnificent views of Salkantay Glacier. Happy hour will be followed by dinner at 7:00 PM. The night may be cold, so be sure to pack warm clothing for your comfort.

Acomodation: Camping with *****
Meals_ B-L-D
Ticket: all included.
Walking distance: 12km

Day 2: Salkantay Pass, Huayracmachay, Ccolpampa.

Your day begins with a wake-up call at 4:45 AM, and you'll be greeted with a hot cup of coca tea delivered to your tent. This early start allows you to be among the first to reach the Salkantay Pass (4,600 meters). After sipping your tea, you'll enjoy a hearty breakfast, and we'll provide you with water for your containers and snacks.

Then, it's time to hit the trail. The hike to Salkantay Pass will take approximately 2.5 hours, and it offers some of the most stunning views of the Salkantay Glacier and the surrounding landscapes. Take your time to soak in the beauty and capture some incredible photographs.

After enjoying the pass, you'll continue on the trail, which now leads downhill, eventually leading you into the cloud forest. This downhill section will take about 2 hours, and you'll arrive at Huayracmachay. Here, our chef will be ready to serve you a delicious lunch along with refreshing drinks. Following lunch, you'll have another 3 hours of hiking until you reach your second campsite, Colpapampa (2,450 meters). This campsite is located in a small jungle community and is at a lower elevation, characterized by a humid and hot climate, as well as the presence of mosquitoes.

Acomodation: Camping in tent
Meals_ B-L-D
Ticket: all included.
Walking distance: 15km

Day 3: Start our trekking on cloud forest área (Sahuayaku – santa teresa).

The next day of your expedition begins with another early wake-up call. After breakfast, you'll start your hike, which will last approximately 4 hours as you follow the valley. This part of the trail often goes along the car road, and along the way, you may have the chance to see orchids, various bird species, and agricultural areas. Local people in this region cultivate fruits and, most notably, coffee, which is known for being one of the best in Cusco.

After walking for about 4 hours, you'll reunite with your chef, who will prepare a delicious lunch for you. Following lunch, you'll have the opportunity to visit a coffee farm area, where a local family will teach you about the coffee production process that results in some of the finest coffee in Cusco. If you're interested, you can purchase a small pack of their coffee, typically priced between 30 to 50 soles.

In the afternoon, you'll visit the famous Cocalmayo hot springs in the region. You'll take a minivan from your campsite, which is approximately a 1-hour drive. Here, you can relax and enjoy the soothing hot springs. Afterward, you'll return to the campsite for dinner and a restful night's sleep.

Acomodation: Camping in tent
Meals_ B-L-D
Ticket: all included.
Walking distance: 13km

Day 4: Llactapata – Hidroelectrica- Aguas Calietes.

On this day, you will embark on an important part of the journey as you walk along the famous Inca Trail that connects Machu Picchu to the jungle. The hike will be a gradual ascent lasting approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading you to the Llactapata Inca site. This site is located in front of Machu Picchu and offers breathtaking, unique views of the area.

Following your visit to Llactapata, you'll continue for about 2 hours downhill until you reach the hydroelectric station. Here, your chef will be waiting to prepare lunch. This meal will mark your last lunch with the trekking team, so it's a moment to say goodbye and express your gratitude for their hard work.

After lunch, you'll bid farewell to the chef and porters and embark on the final leg of your journey. It will take approximately 3 hours to walk along the railway tracks until you arrive in Aguas Calientes. Along this section of the trail, you'll have the opportunity to see beautiful orchids, the Mandor waterfall, various bird species, and experience the rich flora and fauna belonging to Machu Picchu National Park.

Finally, you will reach Aguas Calientes town, situated at an elevation of 2000 meters. Your guide will accompany you to your hotel, where you can take a well-deserved shower and rest.

Acomodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes ***
Meals_ B-L-D
Ticket: all included.
Walking distance: 14km

Day 05: Machu picchu Citadel- back to Cusco.

This is the most anticipated day of your journey. After an early breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up and accompany you to the bus station. From there, you'll take one of the early buses up to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, your guide will lead you to the upper part of the Inca site, where you will have the opportunity to witness the sunrise (depending on the season you visit) and capture the most breathtaking photographs of Machu Picchu. You will have ample time to explore and fully appreciate the magic and grandeur of this new wonder of the world.

Following the sunrise and photographic session, you'll embark on a comprehensive walking tour led by your guide. This tour will take you to the most important sectors and palaces within Machu Picchu, lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Your guide will provide detailed information about the historical and cultural significance of the site.

If you have obtained a ticket to climb Huayna Picchu, one of the famous mountains overlooking Machu Picchu, you can proceed with the hike. The climb typically takes about 2 hours, including the ascent and descent. Please note that there is a limited number of daily tickets for Huayna Picchu, so it's essential to book in advance.

After completing your visit to Machu Picchu, you'll bid farewell to this extraordinary archaeological site and take a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. There, you will enjoy your final lunch with the group (please note that lunch is not included). In the afternoon, you will board the train for the return journey to Ollantaytambo. Our driver will be waiting for you at the Ollantaytambo train station to transport you back to your hotel in Cusco. The estimated time of your return is around 8:00 PM.

Acomodation: book on your own.
Meals: only breakfast at hotel.
Ticket: all included.