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Hike one of National Geographic’s 25 “World’s Best Treks” A great Alternative Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu by Hiking and glamping in Sky Lodge EcoDome
National Geographic Adventure Magazine rated the Salkantay trek as one of the 25 Best Treks in the World.
Mount Salkantay (or Nevado Salkantay / Salcantay) is one of the most iconic mountains in the Cusco region and the highest mountain in the Vilcabamba Mountain range.
9 Days 8 Nights
60.5 km / 37.5 miles.
Easy
4650 msnm
Trekking Nature & Culture
02 Min - 08 Max
Hikers on the Salkantay trail spend a day approaching the mountain from the south and then another day in close proximity to the mountain as they scale the Salkantay Pass, which at 4,600m provides amazing views into the valley below. The Salkantay trek of 4 days and 3 nights is a great adventure that will allow you to appreciate Andean and lush green mountains (Cloud forest), streams, rivers, and hot springs that will help you relax your body after the physically taxing walk. You can also feel the temperature change along the hiking mountain paths of the tour of Salkantay. You can also enjoy some snow in one of the highest points of the road, 4,630 mts/15, 228 feet above sea level. Finally, on the last day (the fifth day) you will enjoy the Grand tour of Machu Picchu City.
Day 01: Arrive at Lima & Lima City Tour (Overnight at Hotel Lima).
Day 02: Arrive at Cusco & Cusco City Tour (Overnight at Sky Lodge Dome in Cusco).
Day 03: Sacred Valley of the Incas (Pisaq, Ollantaytambo Moray & Salt Flats of Maras (Overnight at Hotel in Cusco)
Day 04: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Day 05: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay – La Playa Loreta
Day 06: La Playa Loreta – Lucmabamba – Llactapata incan site – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Day 07: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Day 08: Cusco – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
Day 09: Flight Back to Lima (End of the Service)
Please, Note: We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You are Going !!! To Confirm and Secure the Inca Trail Permits. Send us the filled-out booking form as well as a deposit of 30% and you are ready to go…
Please Note: For travelers who don’t have many days to hike, or for those who don’t feel fit enough to hike the Salkantay for 4 days. We have a great alternative salkantay trek and Humantay lake of 3 days conecting to machupicchu by train from ollantaytambo to aguas calientes. or Salkantay and Humantay lake for 2 days sleeping in our domes.(Click here to see more info)
Arrive in Lima and transfer to your hotel. If arriving during the day, your hotel will be in the neighborhood of Miraflores, with good shopping and restaurants, and you’ll have an included city tour in the afternoon. If arriving late at night, you’ll be close to the airport for a bit more to sleep before your next day’s flight.
Upon arrival at Cusco Airport. Reception and transportation to the Hotel where you will receive an aromatic coca tea to stimulate for the height will have a free morning to rest also we suggest you have a light lunch in either your hotel or in one of the surrounded; in the afternoon we will depart on a City tour (entrance to the archaeological centers and museums including) we will visit the Main Square, Cathedral, the Koricancha (temple of the sun) and in addition we will make a route bordering archaeological centers like Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Q’enko, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, the tour finishes 6:30 pm approximately at the main square in order you can take dinner in one of the exquisite restaurants in the area, then overnight. (No meals included)
Breakfast. You will be picked up at 8:15 am. Full-day excursion to the Urubamba Valley visiting: the colorful Indian market in Pisac where a mixture of color and tradition will be able appreciated besides will have a good opportunity to try our bargain skills in their free time to interact with the local craftsmen to purchase their hand-made souvenirs. The Valley has a distance of 31 km (19 miles) from Cusco, and an altitude of 2,970 ms (9,700 p), Pisac is located at the entrance of the Sacred Valley and is followed by Ollantaytambo, the older town continuously occupied by the American continent. The narrow streets of Ollantaytambo, along with their channels that have not varied from the time Inca, evoke their ancestral inheritance, lunch in a typical restaurant and after we explore Ollantaytambo we continue to Chincheros and after exploring this site we return to Cusco
We pick you up from your hotel Between 4:30 a.m. to 5:00 am to drive for about 2 hours to Mollepata where we stop to have breakfast. Then we keep driving 1 hour to Challacancha where start our Salkantay trek. As soon as we are at Challacancha while you get ready to walk. The cook and the horseman will pack all the camping equipment and cooking stuff and we start hiking the first 3 hours will be a little bit uphill to get to Soraypampa where we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120m/13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft) – just the start! After Lunch, We will begin our Hike up to Humantay Lake, and then back to Soraypampa our first Salkantay Trek camping spot (3800 m/11750ft; the highest and coldest campsite of the trip) we will be very close to the second highest Salkantay snow-capped – mountain of Cusco.
1ST DAY: Total distance: 15 km (approx.)
Estimated walking time: 7- 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (approx.)
Campsite altitude: 3,800 m (approx.)
After having our Salkantay Trek early breakfast we start walking at about 6:00 am because this day will be the longest day the first 4 hours is uphill to get the highest point of the Salkantay Trek (4650m/15200ft) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible. There is a possibility of snow here. After a rest, we will continue our walk (downhill) through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch. We hike again after lunch in the direction of the start of the jungle until we reach Chaullay Where we take our Local transportation for 1 hour to Get to our La Playa Loreta Coffe Campsite. The reason we stay at this campsite is that the next day we will climb up to a mountain where you will find one of the most beautiful Inca trail sites which is known as Llactapata. You will also see Machu Picchu City from this point.
2ND DAY: Total distance: 19 km (approx.)
Estimated walking time: 8 – 9 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,650 m (approx.)
Campsite altitude: 2,750 m (approx.)
We will have breakfast at 6:00 am and leave our camping spot of La Playa Loreta. We walk upon the original Inca Trail to the Llactapata site where you will get a chance to see Machupicchu far away (one of the most beautiful places to see Machupicchu) then We continue walking, passing a variety of crop plantations, coca, banana, etc. until we reach the hydroelectric station for Lunch. And after lunch we keep walking for about two and half hours till reaching Aguas Calientes town where we will spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the thermal springs in the town (entrance 10 soles) a real treat after finishing the Salkantay Trek.
Please note: (For those who dont want to hike via this trail. There is a chance to take a bus to Santa Teresa and do an adventure sport of zip lining and Canopy and then transfer to the hydroelectric station for Lunch and meet the group.) This has an extra Price of US$40 per person.
3RD DAY: Total distance: 15 km (approx.)
Estimated walking time: 7 – 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 1,600 m (approx.)
Hotel (aguas calientes) altitude: 1,900 m (aprox.)
Salkantay trek important day! We wake up early morning about 4 am then until 4:30 to have breakfast and Start to walk up to Machupicchu which takes 1 and a half hours up to Machupicchu. But there is another option to catch the first bus which leaves at 5:30 am to Machupicchu. (it takes 25-minutes long) in order to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun is rising. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your Guide and after this, you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have the energy you can also climb Huaynapicchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top. and after enjoying Machupicchu you have to go down to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then the bus back Cusco.
4TH DAY: Total distance: 6 km approx.)
Estimated walking time: 1- 2 to
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (hours.)
We will pick you up early from your Cusco hotel and set out on a drive through the South Valley. The drive to the trailhead at Quesiuno (4,326 m / 14,189 ft) is 3 hours long. Once we reach the Inkintuyoc bridge, we will have a fueling continental breakfast.
We then start off on our hike, following a lovely stream. You will be immediately surprised by literally herds of alpacas and llamas. We will have consistent views of the Ausangate Mountain. We will hike through villages and interact with the local residents. We will stop for a deluxe box lunch along the trail.
Back on the trail, we encounter more of the traditional elements of this trek. This includes potato fields and unique fauna. We have the prospect of seeing chinchillas and vicunas. Vicunas are the only non-domesticated animal of the llama family in Peru. Many red mountains are also a highlight of this portion of the hike.
After a total hike of approximately 5 hours, we finally reach our destination, what we came to see….the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). After getting over the shock of their beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You will have time to take pictures and soak in the environment. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top.
At this point, it is time to go back down. We hike downhill the way we came. The hike will take 4 to 5 hours. Our private van will be waiting for us when we return.
We will embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel. The approximate arrival time is between 5 and 6 PM.
Meals: Continental Breakfast / Box lunch
Lowest Elevation: 4,326 m / 14,189 ft
Highest Elevation: 5,020 m / 16,466 ft
Distance to walk: 15 km / 9 ¼ miles
Approximate walking time: 5 to 6 hours up; 4 to 5 hours down
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Breakfast and according to time, transportation will be provided to go to the airport
Add on the Nazca Lines, the Amazon Rainforest, Colca Canyon, and other extension tours or treks. Let us know.
Domestic Airfares
Hotel Nights & Sky Lodges Domes ( breakfast included ) (Lodging)
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Includes:
– CUSCO: 06 nights of Sky Lodge Domes accommodation
– AGUAS CALIENTES: 01 night Hotel
– LIMA: 01-night Hotel
– Lima Tours: / City Tour
Lima Tour: Includes Tourist bus & English Guide
– Cusco Tours: / City Tour & Sacred Valley
City Tour: Includes Tourist bus & English Guide (Tourist Attractions to see: Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara, Tambomachay)
Sacred Valley of the Incas (Awanacancha, Pisaq, Ollantaytambo & Chincheros)
– Rainbow Mountain Tour: Includes Tourist bus, English Guide, Meals, Sky Lodge and Hike to Rainbow Mountain & Humantay Lake
– Transfers:
Private Lima & Cuzco Airport Transfers
All Transfers Hotel Terminal/Airport Transfers
Availability: Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You are Going, We won’t cancel your Trip !!!
(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities): From 04 Persons to 08 Persons (Maximum)
Recommended for Honeymooners, Families with children & Groups of Friends (02 Person Minimum)
If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as GROUP SERVICE). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in Cusco.
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
Traveler2024-02-28Verified Salkantay survivors We did the 5 days-salkantay trek to Machupicchu uin the rain season february, everything was awe-some, food, landscapes, tour services, the amazing guide Fernando, this guys Is actually amazing i recommend to him to every-body Spencer O2024-02-28Verified 5 Day Salkantay Hike to Machu Picchu It was a great time. Really enjoyed the experience with friends, something to cherish for the rest of my life. If you go I highly recommend you ask for Fernando. He was our guide for the entire trip. Extremely knowledgeable and made the experience that much more memorable. He started the trip as a guide and by the end became a friend, the time you spend on the trek, you really want someone who fits with your group and I can't imagine a better person who could fit better in anyone's group. As well, the trek itself was difficult but very enjoyable, something to push yourself to your limits. Every day was extremely rewarding, not to mention the hot springs was well worth it. Ted2024-02-24Verified Best Peru Experience Had an amazing trip. Fernando the tour guide was the highlight, and made our experience fantastic. I would recommend the trip simply for the quality of the guide. Tyrell T2024-01-27Verified Spectacular hike We had the opportunity to do the Inca trail to Machu Picchu with (QUECHUA EXPEDITIONS). Fantastic and absolutely recommended. They offer a very interesting package both for the price and for the service. Our guide Fernando Illapa taught us a lot about Inca history and the Andean way of life. He and our cook were very attentive and cordial throughout the experience. Our food was amazing and the camping equipment in perfect condition. D r2024-01-27Verified an unforgettable experience It was a wonderful experience. From the beginning Wayra gave us all the information, always attentive and answering all our questions. During the trip we had Fernando Illapa as our guide. We must say that he is a great professional, thoroughly knowledgeable about the path and with a great sense of humor and a lot of patience, which made everything easier in the most demanding moments of the Inca trail. The accompanying team is very organized and I must say that the food exceeded our expectations. Dishes that could well be served in a restaurant and extremely abundant. We did the road with my husband and there were very difficult sections of great physical demand, but the impressive landscapes and discovering archaeological sites along the way make it worth it. We were also fortunate to have excellent travel companions. An unforgettable experience with the help of a professional team that paid attention to all the details. Agnieszka Z2024-01-25Verified A must in Peru The whole experience was amazing! The trek can be tough but it’s doable even for not super fit people. The views are breathtaking! Thanks a lot to our super nice guide Jose and amazing chef Armando who made the whole tour even better. T D2024-01-18Verified we would do it again The trip and itinerary that they organized for us was incredible! Very organized, excellent guide named Fernando Illapa, who made us feel at home. Very attentive, smiling and charismatic. Everything was a dream trip. We visited the mountain of seven colors, we did the 4-day Inca trail, we went to the Puerta del Sol, to MachuPicchu, wayna picchu, to the hot springs of Machupicchu town, gampling; Anyway, we did everything and it was an unforgettable trip. Zach S2024-01-18Verified Una muy buena experiencia, gracias Hay muchas opciones de trekking para el Camino Inka, ¡pero no busques más que aquí! Cada persona en la organización es amable, profesional y servicial. ¡Nuestro guía, Fernando, fue fantástico! Fue informativo, paciente y nos guió de manera experta a lo largo del hermoso Camino Inka a Machu Picchu sin un solo problema. ¡Tener un guía que hable perfecto inglés y español es extremadamente necesario y tiene la experiencia para hacer que tu experiencia sea inolvidable! Zach S2024-01-18Verified What an otherworldly experience. We had an amazing experiencies with a great team in the inka trail, in Cusco there are many trekking options for the Inka Trail, but look no further than here! Every person in the organization is friendly, professional and helpful. Our guide, Fernando, was fantastic! He was patient and expertly guided us along the beautiful Inka Trail to Machu Picchu without a single problem. Having a guide who speaks perfect English and Spanish is extremely necessary and has the experience to make your experience unforgettable! Rachel Z2024-01-13Verified INCREDIBLE!! This tour company is truly the best. They took amazing care of us ensuring that we had everything we needed and made sure to help provide what we forgot to bring. The guide - Fernando - was so kind and knowledgeable. If you’re looking to hike to Machu Picchu this is the place to book!!! I can’t recommend them enough we had and amazing time.
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