salkantay Trek
Step off the beaten path on this 4-day Salkantay trek along traditional Inca trails. Departing from Cusco and the Sacred Valley, we drive north across Antapampa and into the Apurimac watershed. The town of Mollepata is the starting point of our trek across the Cordillera Vilcabamba, past Mt. Humantay and Mt. Salkantay into the headwaters of the Santa Teresa valley. We then leave the high alpine environment and descend into the cloud forest, eventually gaining great views of Machu Picchu from a different perspective. We hike into the Aobamba Valley and will arrive downriver from the Machu Picchu citadel, spending the night in Aguas Calientes. Next morning we explore the Machu Picchu ruins before returning to Cusco.
SUMMARY
DAY 1: Thu, Jul 2 ::: CUSCO ARRIVAL
DAY 2: Fri, Jul 3 ::: CUSCO EXPLORATION
DAY 3: Sat, Jul 4 ::: Cusco Free Day
DAY 4: Sun, Jul 5 ::: Salkantay Trek
DAY 5: Mon, Jul 6 ::: Salkantay Trek
DAY 6: Tue, Jul 7 ::: Salkantay Trek
DAY 7: Wed, Jul 8 ::: Salkantay Trek to MACHU PICCHU
DAY 8: Thu, Jul 9 ::: DEPART Machu Picchu FOR CUSCO
DAY 9: Fri, Jul 10 ::: DEPART CUSCO
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1
Your hotel is located right off the ever vibrant Plaza de Armas.
Overnight: Casa San Blas Boutique
Cusco Arrival
Upon arrival, we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Rest and relaxation are encouraged today as the city sits at an elevation of 11,000' and most of us will be feeling the effects of the altitude. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of Cusco on your own.
Day 2
Over look Cusco from the ancient walls of Sacsayhuaman.
Meals: B
Overnight: Casa San Blas Boutique
City and Ruins Tour in Cusco
After breakfast, we’ll explore the ancient city of Cusco. Our City Tour begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sun at the Korikancha, followed by a walk back to the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) to take in the impressive cathedral at its center. We then travel to the edge of the city where we’ll visit the Inca sites of Q’uenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, as well as the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which is built strategically on a hill overlooking Cusco.
A pleasant walk downhill and back into town delivers an afternoon at your leisure.
DAY 3
The kindness of the locals is ever more vibrant than their attire.
Meals: B
Overnight: Casa San Blas Boutique
Cusco Free Day
Enjoy a free day in Cusco to explore on your own and have more time to acclimatize.
Additional tours available, please inquire.
Day 4
The high altitude mountain views are unparalleled.
Meals: B | L | D
Overnight: Camping
Cusco to Soraypampa
Leaving Cusco, we drive across the plateau of Anta (Antapampa), an area that’s considered the breadbasket of Cusco, important for grains and cattle. We will reach the pass of Limatambo with an amazing view of mountains Salkantay and Humantay and the panorama of the lush agricultural valley below. We visit the ruins of Tarawasi with its long asymmetric Inca stonewall. Continuing on the paved road for a short while before zigzaging uphill and reaching the town of Mollepata (9,454 ft). We continue on a narrower track for another hour passing Cruzpata, Oncopata and Checchicancha getting our first view of Mt. Humantay close up, with a view of Mt. Yanantay. The last part of the track brings us to 12,815 ft at Soraypampa where there are small settlements of cattle herders. We´ll trek up to the pampa below Mt. Salkantay where we will camp at 13,599 ft.
Trekking time: 3 hours
DAY 5
History appears around every corner on this magical trail.
Meals: B | L | D
Overnight: Camping
Salkantay Pass to Collpapampa
Leaving our campsite we head towards the terminal glacial moraine. From here the trail begins to ascend past boulders, reaching a scree slope which we traverse to reach the Apacheta Pass at 15,210 ft, a great opportunity to view the other pass at Incachiriaska, into a small lake below Mt. Salkantay’s ice flute and the huge expanse of the moraine.
The trail winds its way through the landscape downhill towards a large pampa called Wayrahmachay (12,858 ft). We begin our descent all the way to the Santa Teresa River and arrive at our campsite (9,678 ft).
Trekking Distance: 12 kms, trekking time: approximately 8 hours
DAY 6
You’ll be hard pressed to find a more idyllic view that those from the Salkantay Trek. This fully catered trek ensures you sleep well to better enjoy the view.
Meals:
B | L | D
Overnight: Camping
Collpapampa to Lucmabamba
From our campsite we start the descent to Lucmabamba, through the Santa Teresa river valley. In this section of the adventure, vegetation becomes lush as we enter the cloud forest. We will descend through the left side of the valley, in the middle of the forest. After 2 hours walking, we will arrive to Playa Sahuayaco, and from there 2 more hours down to Lucmabamba, where we reach our campsite site at 6,719 ft.
Trekking Distance: 7 kms, trekking time: approximately 4 hours
Day 7
Connection is the root of all travel.
Meals:
B | L
Overnight: El Mapi
Lucmabamba to Machu Picchu Village
Today we begin our ascent to the pass of Q’elloqasa at an attitude of 9,430 ft. Traversing the dense cloud forest with a chance to hear birdcalls, we pass a pre-Inca site. From here we get the first view from the distance of the southern face of Machu Picchu. We continue our descent to the junction of the Aobamba and Urubamba valleys and arrive at the hydroelectric station, from where we will take a short train ride to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night at a local hotel. Dinner on your own.
Trekking Distance: 10 kms, trekking time: 7 hours
DAY 8
Reaching the Citadel of Machu Picchu will leave us awe inspired.
Meals:
B
Overnight: Casa San Blas Boutique
Machu Picchu – Cusco
We ascend up to Machu Picchu citadel by bus and spend the day in both guided and individual exploration, visiting the most fascinating features of this astounding and mysterious Inca settlement. Some will want to take the optional hike to the summit of Wayna Picchu for an amazing overview of the site, while others may want to investigate Machu Picchu’s multitude of hidden nooks and corners. After a full-on experience of this glorious monument of Inca achievement, we return to Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Cusco.
Option to hike Huayna Picchu if permits are available, additional charge.
Day 9
After a week of immersing in the culture, we have to say a bittersweet farewell.
Meals: B
Depart Cusco
Today, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your return flight.
Price: $2295 per person
Double Accommodations
Deposit: 30% due today
Final Balance: due 90 days prior to departure
Payment plan available, please inquire
Sample AcCommodations
Casa San Blas Botique is the premier accommodation in Cusco, situated two blocks from the Plaza de Armas in the heart of the ancient city.
This fully restored, sixteenth century colonial gem blends style, luxury, comfort and an unforgettable experience, with five-star amenities and unrivaled personalized service.
The seventeen rooms and suites are uniquely styled with local antiques and original art works (all available for purchase) offering modern comforts like decadent Jacuzzi bathtubs.
The hotel’s mission is to ensure both guests and employees feel at home, making every moment you spend with us, unforgettable.
Our superior guides and support staff will show you a camping experience like no other. Upon arrival at the trailhead, you feel supported in all areas. Our porters carry your bags to the campsite ahead of you, ensuring your campsite is set and ready for your arrival. Our spacious 3-person tents for 2 people and camping mattresses ensure you have a comfy sleep.
Each evening and morning you will enjoy a basin of hot water outside your tent to clean up and feel refreshed. We great you each morning with your choice of tea or coffee in your tent before you meet us in our dining tent equipped with tables and chairs for a hot breakfast. We also provide a private tent with a transportable toilet ensuring we leave no trace!
Step into the smart, contemporary and cozy confines of El MaPi, amidst the picturesque Machu Picchu Pueblo. Discover an efficient, lively and friendly atmosphere, welcoming guests expecting an unfussy, down-to-earth break. The flowing lobby creates a sense of vitality. Lofty ceilings, panoramic windows and an open café allow natural light to filter between tall dried eucalyptus branches, creating an ambiance of order and well being.
Relax and rest in a pleasant and wholesome ambiance after your unforgettable and enlightening trek along the incredible Inca Trail.
Included:
Tours as detailed
Entrance tickets to sites mentioned
Transportation by vehicle as described
Double occupancy tents
Thermarest sleeping pads
Pack Animals to carry luggage and Equipment
Kitchen crew
Necessary camping gear (No Sleeping Bags)
Meals included as detailed
Bilingual guide
Transfer from Ollantaytambo or Poroy station back to Cusco
First aid kit
Not Include:
Alcoholic beverages
Tips
Huayna Picchu entrance
Travel Insurance
Airline tickets (where applicable)
Personal gear or items