Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu 5D/4N

Day 1: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE – QUISWARNIYOC PRIVATE CAMP

Commencing our journey at 5:45 am, we depart Cusco for a scenic 2-hour drive to Mollepata. After a delightful breakfast and a 20 soles entrance fee payment, we proceed by car to Soraypampa for an additional hour. Here, our muleteers and horses join us for the trek to Humantay Lake, a captivating uphill hike taking about 2 hours.

Upon reaching the lake, you’ll have ample time for exploration and guided insights into its significance. Following a 2-hour downhill hike, we enjoy lunch at our exclusive Quiswarniyoc camp at 4,000 meters. You can then opt for an optional hike to the Mirador of Salkantay or relax in Mountain Sky Huts or glass igloos, offering a unique nighttime experience with glass doors, pillows, and a sleeping pad. Quiswarniyoc provides an exclusive retreat with short hikes, mountain viewpoints, and waterfalls for a truly immersive experience.

Day 2: QUISWARNIYOC – SALKANTAY PASS – CHAULLAY PRIVATE CAMP

The challenging second day spans 20 kilometers, reaching the trek’s highest point at 4630 meters above sea level. Awakened by a cup of hot coca tea at 5:00 am, you’ll enjoy a nutritious breakfast around 5:45 am before embarking on a 3 to 4-hour uphill hike to the summit. Revel in mountain vistas, cultural insights, and a traditional Andean ritual for the Apus mountain god.

After descending for 2 hours and savoring lunch, continue with 3 more hours of downhill hiking to the second camp, Chaullay, situated at 2,900 meters, signaling the onset of the Peruvian Amazon. Here, camping equipment, hot tea, and dinner await, and an optional 10 soles hot shower is available. Additionally, you can purchase beverages like beer, soda, and water.

Day 3: CHAULLAY – PLAYA SAHUAYACO – SANTA TERESA – HOT SPRINGS

On the third day, awakening in the warm jungle, you’ll be greeted with coca tea at 6:00 am. Commencing at 7:00 am, embark on a 5-hour hike along the Santa Teresa Valley, rich with Salkantay River formations. Witness diverse plantations en route, from coffee and bananas to avocados and passion fruit, concluding the trek at La Playa Sahuayaco.

From La Playa Sahuayaco, a one-hour drive takes us to the third campsite, Santa Teresa. After a delightful lunch, opt for an optional visit to the Colcampayo hot springs, a 15-minute car ride from camp. Spend a relaxing few hours in the natural, clean waters before returning to camp for tea, a warm dinner, and an optional group bonfire. All activities are voluntary, allowing you to choose between relaxation at camp or engaging in the offered experiences.

DAY 4: SANTA TERESA – LLACTAPATA TREK – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

On the fourth day, venture to the Inca ruins of Llactapata along the Salkantay trail, offering a unique perspective of Machu Picchu. Beginning with an early breakfast at 5:30 am, a 45-minute local transport takes us to Lucmabamba.

Embark on a 3-hour uphill trek along the original Inca trail, reaching Llactapata for panoramic views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu Mountain, and, weather permitting, Salkantay Mountain. Descend for 2 hours to Hidroelectrical for lunch and a well-deserved break. Conclude the day with a 3-hour hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. After checking into your hotel, freshen up before a 7:00 pm final supper at a local restaurant, anticipating the ultimate reward: Machu Picchu on the next and final day.

DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Commence the day at 4:00 am for the remarkable visit to Machu Picchu. After a packed breakfast, embark on a 30-minute walk to the Puente Ruinas checkpoint. Present your passport, Machu Picchu ticket, and student ID if applicable. Climbing stairs for an hour, reach Machu Picchu’s main gate by 6:00 am.

Following a 2.5-hour guided tour, explore Machu Picchu at your pace. Depending on your return mode (train or car) and any additional hikes, such as Montaña Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu (booked in advance), allocate your time accordingly.

Options for returning to Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu:

1. Return by Train (7-8 hours): Depart Aguas Calientes on the 6:20 pm train to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours), then switch to a car for the final 2 hours, arriving in Cusco around 10:00 pm.
2. Return by Car (6 hours): A more budget-friendly option with less time for exploration. Leave Machu Picchu by 12:00 pm, walk 3 hours to Hidroelectrica, and meet the car at 3:00 pm. This option is ideal for those without plans to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, but consider staying an extra night in Aguas Calientes for a more leisurely return on the 6th day.

What is Included:

• Briefing: Virtual or in-person pre-trek session.
• Duffle Bag Service: 7 kg luggage transport.
• Experienced Guides: Bilingual, licensed guides.
• Cooking Team: Expert chefs for nutritious meals.
• Muleteer and Horse Team: Luggage transport.
• Hotel Pick-Up: Direct pick-up in Cusco.
• Private Group Transportation: To Soraypampa.
• Meals and Refreshments: Comprehensive dining.
• Accommodations: Cabins, domes, hostel in Aguas Calientes.
• Machu Picchu Tickets: Entrance included.
• Guided Tour: 2.5-hour tour of Machu Picchu.
• Return Trip Options: Train or car return.

What is not Included:

• Entrance to Humantay Lagoon
• Sleeping Bag Rental
• Trekking Poles Rental
• Bottled Water
• Santa Teresa Hot Springs
• Internet
• Showers and Toilets
• Tips
• Travel Insurance

We recommend that you bring:

• Backpack & Daypack :(if you hire a personal porter, Puma Path will provide a duffel bag).
• Insect repellent.
• Hiking boots.
• Trekking Poles.
• Clothes– layers for variable temperatures, especially at night.
• T-shirts and trekking pants, zipoff pants for a comfortable day walks.
• Flash light/head torch.
• Camera and extra batteries.
• Sunscreen / hat and sunglasses.
• Personal medical kit.
• Rain Gear: poncho/a good rain jacket for wet season.
• Toiletries / toilet paper / small towel.
• 2 liter water bottle, water purifying tablets optional.
• Copy of your passport.
• Extra money for drinks, tips, souvenirs etc (soles or dollars).
• Emergency money (at least 200 extra soles).

Prices 2023 – 2024

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Optional Extras per Trip

• Sleeping Bag $ 25.
• Walking Pole $25.
• Inflatable Mattress $20.
• Single Tent Supplement $75.
• Extra Mule 7kg of personal items $75.
• Extra Mule 14kg of personal items $150.

HIRE POLICY:

• When calculating costs for hire of walking stick, sleeping bag, calculate using the length of the tour. Even though you won’t use the equipment on the final day it will still be ‘on the road’ and ‘occupied.’
• If you hire equipment and break it – you are responsible for price of replacement /or repair. (please do the right thing!)

AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS (these discounts are not cumulative)

• Students: US$ 30.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card. Please beware that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
• Teenagers: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
• Children: US$ 45.00 (up to 10 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
• Check Availability Here