Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

This amazing trek takes place in the shadow of the sacred Salkantay mountain, one of the highest and most stunning mountains in the Peruvian Andes. Passing through Quechua communities and lesser-known Inca ruins, to finally reach Aguas Calientes, the home of Machu Picchu, on the fourth day.

You will then make a memorable visit to the impressive Sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu on the last day of the program. This trek is an exciting alternative for those wanting to do a different trek to the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.

The Salkantay Trek is listed as one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CHALLACANCHA – SORAYPAMPA

You will have an early departure from Cusco to go Soraypampa (A journey of 3.5 hours). Where you will stop to eat lunch surrounded by amazing scenery. In the afternoon, your journey will carry on until Rayampat, where you will camp and spend the night.

Walking Distance: 12km / 7.45 miles

Starting Elevation: 3350 MASL / 10990 ft.

Highest Elevation: 4600 MASL / 15091 ft.

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS –  CHAULLAY – CAFE LORETA LA PLAYA CAMP

After breakfast, the trek to the highest point of the Salkantay Trek will start at 6 am. This will be an unforgettable day where you will have the opportunity to see the surrounding flora and fauna, such as different kinds of orchids and waterfalls.

Our next stop, will be Huayracpunku forest, where we will eat lunch.  After this, we will walk to Chaullay until we reach La Playa Loreta camp. The next day, we will walk up until we reach one of the most beaituful Inca paths known as Llactapata.  You can also see Machu Picchu from this point.

Walking Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles

Starting Elevation: 3800 MASL / 12467 ft.

Campsite Elevation: 2750 MASL / 9022 ft.

Maximum Altitude: 4650 MASL / 15255 ft.

Difficulty: Challenging

DAY 3: CLORETA LA PLAYA – LLACTAPATA – HIDROELÉCTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

We will have breakfast at 6:00 am. After this, we will walk through the original Inca path until we arrive at Llactapata, where you will be able to see Machupicchu from one of the furthest viewpoints.  We will then walk to central hidroeléctrica where we will eat lunch. After this, we will walk for another two and a half hours until we arrive at Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night.

*If you do not wish to walk during this day, you can choose to take a bus from Santa Teresa and canopy and then travel by car until you get to Hidroelectrica station. This will cost an additional $45 US Dollars
Walking Distance – 26km / 16.1 Miles

Starting Elevation – 2750 meters ASL / 9022 feet ASL

Campsite Elevation – 1600 meters ASL / 5249 feet ASL

Difficulty: Easy

DAY 4: THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY – MACHU PICCHU!

The focus of this day will be to visit Machu Picchu, one of the Wonders of the World, where you will have a professionally guided tour. You will then have free time to explore the incredible citadel at your own pace and take pictures. In the afternoon, you will have time to enjoy the town of Aguas Calientes and then take the train back to the city of Cusco where you will spend the night.

• 24 hour support provided by Into Peru
• Hotel pick-up and drop off
• 3 nights of accommodation:
• Sky camp: Transparent domes in Soraypampa.
  Andean huts: Comfortable installations in Chaullay.
  Hostel: In the town of Aguas Calientes: On the last night of
  the trek the passengers will pass the night in a shared room
  with a private bathroom, hot water, wifi, a boxed breakfast,
  and luggage deposit.
• During the trek: A cook and camping equipment
• The following meals: 3 Breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners during the Salkantay trek excursion
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
• Transportation to all attractions
• Professional and certified tour guides
• On the day of your visit to Machu Picchu, the following is included: Professional tour guides and entrance to Machu Picchu
• Train tickets: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  (Expedition service of Peru Rail and Voyager of Inca Rail, from
  2:30 pm – 4:22 pm, subject to availability.)

What’s not included:

• Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
• Salkantay trail entrance ticket (PEN 10 per person).
• Lunch and dinner on day 4.
• Meals not mentioned, tips and other personal expenses.
• Bus tickets Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu-Aguas
  Calientes.
• Other services not mentioned in the program