OVERVIEW
The Salkantay 5 days and 4 nights experience promises an unparalleled adventure along a magical trail that begins at the base of an imposing snow-capped mountain and culminates in an astonishing encounter with one of the Wonders of the World, offering unparalleled panoramas of beauty along the way.
From the first day, this journey immerses you in a spectacular change of microclimates, full of varied flora and fauna, revealing that nature is a valuable refuge from routine and daily stress, providing you with a range of emotions.
An ancient and remote path located in the same region as the Inca Trail with snowy mountains and lush tropical forests, located northwest of the city of Cusco by the Vilcabamba Mountain Range and rising to 6271 masl.
Salkantay is an outstanding mountain covered by snow turning it into a glacier and is adored for thousands of years by local people, Salkantay is a Quechua word that means (wild mountain). Local Trekkers Peru, offers you the best staff (guides, cooks and porters), and the best camping equipment that will make this experience an unforgettable memory.
Why book this tour?
- Visit the magical Humantay Lagoon.
- Overcome your limits and reach the top of the Salkantay Pass.
- Enjoy the beautiful and relaxing hot springs.
- Explore the beautiful Inca citadel and its surroundings.
- Enjoy the magical train journey in its various classes.
- Capture the best shots from the Guardian’s House.
- Fall in love with Inca culture with its living history.
- Taste and participate in the preparation of foods.
DESCRIPTION OF PLACES TO VISIT
We are going to pick you up from your hotel from 4:30 to 5:00 am in the morning and then we will be travelling in our private transport for about 3 hours aprox. The first breakfast is not included in the price so you can order this breakfast in a local restaurant in Mollepata so in that way you can support loca bussinesses, after that we take again the private transport for 20 minuts more until Challacancha where is going to start our trek. Is in this place where we are going to meet our horseman and his horses, who will be in charge of transporting our food and camping equipment. Then we have to walk for about 4 hours until to get Soraypampa where we will have lunch with a panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120 masl/13500 feet and Salkantay; 6271 masl /20575 feet) it is also in Soraypampa where it is going to be our first campsite (3800 masl/11750 feet; the highest and coldest campsite of the trek) during the night time the temperature can drop down until Minus 5 degrees centigrade (Below Zero). Taking in the beautiful landscape along the way we will walk up toward the beautiful Humantay lake by the afternoon which takes 1 hora 30 min. to go and 1 hour To come back to Soraypampa our first Campsite.
BEAR IN MIND:
- Walking distance: 12 km = 7,4 miles
- Walking hours: 4 hours
- Initial Altitude: Challacancha = 3700 masl = 12139 feet.
- Highest Point: 4200 masl = 13779 feet.
- Campsite Altitude: Soraypampa = 3800 masl = 12467 feet.
- Place to Visit: Humantay Lake.
- Physical Grading: 3/5
- Weather: Cold.
We will have breakfast around 5:30 am. To begin our trek to the highest pass of this hike (4630 masl). Located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left in this step, the views of the 2 snowy mountains are incredible. There is the possibility that we have a snow rain here (during the rainy season between the months of November to February only). Approximately 4 hours are needed. uphill to reach Salkantay Pass, where your guide will perform an Andean ceremony to thank the Pachamama (Mother Earth). Then we will have time to take pictures and rest, Then we will continue our walk (downhill) through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracmachay, where we will have lunch. Then we will continue walking downhill in the direction of the jungle, where we can see a small stream, waterfalls, parrots, parakeets, hummingbirds and orchids until we reach our second camp, chaullay (2900 masl / 9514 feet).
BEAR IN MIND:
- Walking distance: 21km = 13 miles
- Walking hours: 9 to 10 hours
- Initial Altitude: Soraypampa = 3800 masl = 12467 feet.
- Highest Point: Salkantay Pass = 4630 masl = 15190 feet.
- Campsite Altitude: Chaullay = 2900 masl = 9514 feet.
- Place to Visit: Huayracmachay, Rayanniyoc, chaullay.
- Physical Grading: 4/5
- Weather: Cold in the morning, moderate fresh in the campsite.
After breakfast, at 6:30 am, we start trekking down for the day through the upper jungle crossing the Lluskamayo River and a variety of little brooks to reach Playa Sahuayacco walking about 5 to 6 hours where we are going to camp. Today we will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls also we can enjoy of tropical fruits and plants such as palms and orchids and as so on. By the afternoon after having our delicious lunch and after having a well deserved rest, we will take a transport to go to Santa Teresa (Transport is not included in the Price) as we are in Santa Teresa, we will visit the Natural hot spring where you will need to pay an entrance of 10 Soles, we will enjoy this hotspring the rest of the afternoon, then we go back to our campsite where our tea time will be ready to gain time until our delicious dinner is ready too.
BEAR IN MIND:
- Walking distance: 14km = 8,7 miles
- Walking hours: 5 to 6 hours
- Initial Altitude: Chaullay = 2900 masl = 9514 feet.
- Highest Point: Chaullay = 2900 masl = 9514 feet.
- Campsite Altitude: Playa Sahuayaco
- = 2064 masl = 6771 feet.
- Place to Visit: Natural Hot spring of Santa Teresa.
- Physical Grading: 3/5
- Weather: Warm and Humid.
This day we will have breakfast around 6:30 am. and we will leave our campsules campsite, this day you will have the opportunity to enjoy a small part of a famous and an original Inca Trail called Llactapata, After hiking up for about 2 hours with amazing views of the Santa Teresa valley we will arrive at the Llactapata Inca site right in front of Machu Picchu fom where we can have an amazing view of this Citadel. This will be the first archaeological site we will see of the mysterious Lost City of the Incas! It is a very special place to enjoy together and spend time learning a bit more about this land’s roots and history. We will be able to see not only the ruins of Machu Picchu from this spot, but also Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain. We will explore this Inca site with the guide, and he will continue telling the history of the Incas who used and worshipped this land. Of course, you will have plenty of time to take as many photos as you want to capture these memories and share with your friends back home! After the Llactapata ruins, we will continue our trek with a 2-hour downhill hike. On this part of the trail, you are always able to view Machu Picchu until we arrive at the Hidroelectrica train where we Will have lunch. Then we will continue walking, passing a variety of crop plantations, coca, banana, we will walk approximately two and a half hours along the train rail until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night in a hotel. In Aguas Calientes we will have dinner at a local restaurant, where you will have an informative meeting with your guide about the visit to Machu Picchu the next morning.
BEAR IN MIND:
- Walking distance: 18km = 11,18 miles
- Walking hours: 6 to 7 hours
- Initial Altitude: Santa Sahuayaco = 2064 masl = 6771 feet.
- Highest Point: Llactapata = 2760 masl = 8858 feet.
- Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2050 masl = 6725 feet.
- Place to Visit: Lactapata, Aguas Calientes Town.
- Physical Grading: 3/5
- Weather: Humid and Hot.
We wake up early morning about 4:00 to 4:30 am to have breakfast and start walking up to Machu Picchu which takes one and half hours up to Machu Picchu but there is another option to catch the first bus which leaves 5:30 am to Machu Picchu (25-minutes long) (this is not included in the price it cost 12 dollars bus up and 12 dollars bus down so in both cases you will arrive at 6 am in the morning to Machu Picchu , Machu Picchu gets open at 6 am so you will get in and you will have the opportunity of experience the Sun Rise in Machu Picchu, a Guided tour (approximately 2 hours and 30 Minutes) is given by your Guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720 masl/8890 feet). It takes 45 minutes to reach the top. Also if for Huaynapicchu there are not available spaces you can also climb the Mountain Machu Picchu which takes 1h 30 minuts to get to the top (you need to le tus know in advance if you want to clim up one of those Mountains). After experiencing the grandeur of Machu Picchu you need to go back to Aguas Calientes to take lunch (optional) then you need to go to the station train to go back to Ollantaytambo then to Cusco. About the train, we will provide you the touristic class train, the train departure times can be in between 2:55 pm to 9:50 pm. it depends of the availability of the spaces. Once at Ollantaytambo station our driver will be waiting for you with your names on a sheet of paper, this person will take you back to Cusco. Departure times of the trains will be provided according to the availability of spaces. Note: If you have a tight budget, do not worry you can get this trek at a more comfortable price for your pocket, but in this case you will return to Cusco from Hydroelectrica by bus Instead of the train.
BEAR IN MIND:
- Machupicchu Altitude: 2050 masl = 6725 feet.
- Highest Point: 2430 masl = 7972 feet.
- Place to Visit: Machu Picchu, Huaynapicchu, Mountain Machu Picchu which takes 1h 15 minuts to get to the top (you need to le tus know in advance if you want to clim up one of those Mountains).
- Physical Grading: 2/5
- Weather: Humid and Hot.
- Meal Included: Breakfast in the Hotel.
What’s included?
INCLUDED:
- Bilingual and certified Tour Guide
- A briefing about the trek with your guide the day before
- Pick up from your accommodation in Cusco
- Private transportation to go to the Trail Head
- Andean ceremony, offering to the mother earth on the Salkantay Pass
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
- Guided Tour in MachuPicchu
- 1st night in our glass igloo camping, 2nd night in our andean huts camping, 3rd night in our skey Capsules and the 4th night in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- A duffel bag where you can put inside 05 kilos from your personal stuff including your sleeping bag (it will be carry by the horses or mules until Hidroelectrica)
- Pick up from Hidroelectrica to back to Cusco, transports leaves in between 14h00 to 14h30 (Returning by bus)
- Train ticket to Ollantaytambo (if you book this trek returning by Train)
- Pick up from Ollantaytambo to back to Cusco (If you book this trek returning by Train)
- Confortable Mattresses in each campsite
- 3 Meals per day during the trek (food served in a buffet style)
- Professional Cook
- Availability of meals to your preference (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, pesquetarian, etc)
- First Aid Kit, with Oxigen ballon.
- A Survivor T – shirt, for each member of the group
NOT INCLUDED:
- Entrances fees to the Natural hot spring of Santa Teresa (10 soles per person)
- Transport to go to the Natural hotspring of Santa Teresa (round trip cost around 40 soles per person)
- Entrance fees to Waynapicchu Mountain or Mountain Machu Picchu. (it has an extra cost of 60 dollars per person) If you want to visit one of these mountain and back to Cusco by bus from Hidroelectrica you have to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes or take the train to back to Cusco the same 5th day. This to have enough time to visit MachuPicchu and one of these mountains.
- Sleeping bags (you can rent from us which cost 20 dollars for a professional one, which can support until -15 degrees celcius or 5 degrees farenheit)
- Walking sticks (you can rent from us which cost 20 dollars for a professional black diamond pair)
- Mineral Water (you can buy bottle of mineral water in every campsite)
- First Breakfast and last lunch and dinner
- Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Pichu (Round trip bus cost 24 dollars but just one way cost 12 dollars)
- Tips for the team (Is not obligatory but if you wish to do it, it will be welcome)
Includes
Hiring a travel agency service is highly recommended to ensure a safe and hassle-free journey. Machu Picchu, being the main destination in Cusco, has restrictions that may be overlooked when traveling independently. A trusted agency like VACATIONS IN PERU provides the necessary guidance and security measures to ensure an unforgettable experience.
The Salkantay tour is considered to be of moderate to high difficulty. Participants should be in good physical condition and accustomed to walking for long periods.
The highest point of the journey is located at 4650 meters above sea level. It is essential, even for those in good physical condition, to spend at least two days in Cuzco before embarking on the route, allowing the body to acclimatize properly to the altitude. This precaution is of great importance.
The temperature along the Salkantay route exhibits considerable variations due to the different altitudes that are traversed. On the first day, temperatures can hover around 17°C, dropping to 0°C and even reaching -5°C during the winter. On the second day, temperatures become significantly warmer, emphasizing the importance of having suitable clothing to cope with a wide range of weather conditions.
Cusco offers a variety of captivating climates at all times. Two seasons stand out:
– Dry season (April – October): Sunny and pleasant days without frequent rains, ideal for enjoying the scenery and a favorite choice of many travelers.
– Rainy season (November – March): Although rains are more common, the nature of the sanctuary and its surroundings take on a more vivid tone. Additionally, being less crowded, spaces are more available for us.
- Original Passport
- A valid student card if you book this trek as student (25 years old as máximum)
- Travel Insurance card (This is just a recommendation)
- Day Pack
- Rain coat or Rain Poncho
- Cold Clothes (For the first and Second day)
- Trekking shirts and trekking pants
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Bottle of Water
- Flash Light
- Toilet Paper
- Sun Block
- Sun Glasses
- Caps or Hats
- Gloves (for the first and second day)
- Insect Repellent (30% DEET Recommended)
- Sleeping Bags
- Walking sticks
- Camera with extra batteries
- Extra money especially in soles to buy thing along the trek
- POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE.
GROUP TOUR STANDARD HOTEL/ VOYAGER TRAIN
- FROM $315.00
*Expedition/voyager class train.
*Standard hotel accommodation (Double or Matrimonial room).
