The Salkantay to Machu Picchu Tour is ideal for those who wish to avoid the more touristy routes, such as the Inca Trail. This exciting trek passes through the base of the majestic snow-capped Salkantay, crossing two different climates: the first stage is cold and arid, while the second is warmer and more humid. The hike is moderate to high in difficulty, so being in good physical condition is essential. You should arrive in Cusco at least two days before the tour to acclimate properly.

The snow-capped Salkantay, located in the Cordillera Vilcabamba of Cusco, Peru, is the
center of this alternative route to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you cross a remote mountain range that offers spectacular views, such as turquoise lagoons, the imposing snow-capped Apu Salkantay and Humantay, rivers, and various subtropical areas full of flora and fauna.

TRIP SUMMARY
Day 1: Cusco-Mollepata-Soraypampa-Laguna Humantay-Quiswarniyoc
Day 2: Quiswarniyoc-Nevado Salkantay-Chaullay
Day 3: Chaullay-Lucmabamba
Day 5: Lucmabamba-Hidroeléctrica-Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Aguas Calientes-Machupicchu-Cusco

Departure/return locationHotel

Departure time 4:30 am

INCLUDES

NOT INCLUDED

Briefing one day before the tour
Baggage storage
Hotel pick-up
Transportation
Muleteers
Professional Guides
Cooks
3 nights camping with comfortable equipment
Food with vegan or vegetarian options
Entrance ticket to the Salkantay Trail and Machu Picchu.
CONSETTUR bus ticket
Tourist train from Aguas Calientes-Cusco
First aid kit
Duffel bag to carry your belongings
1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
Camping equipment
All Taxes and Reservation Fees

Sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, or trekking poles (can be rented with us).
Sleeping bag: $ 20
Inflatable mattress: $ 20
Walking poles (1 pair): $ 20
Lunch on the last day after the tour to Machu Picchu
Entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain (optional)
Travel Insurance

RECOMMENDATIONS

Valid passport
Personal medications
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Personal care products
Mountain shoes
Lightweight footwear
Walking socks
Shorts
Neckerchief
Sunglasses
Cap
Waterproof jacket
Thermal pants
Thermal jacket
Long sleeve jacket
Medium backpack for hiking
Waterproof rain poncho
Swimsuit
Towel
Flashlight
Water
Camera
Sleeping bag
Walking poles
Cash for purchases (soles recommendation)
External battery

DAY 1: CUSCO-LAGUNA HUMANTAY-SORAYPAMPA-QUISWARNIYOC

The trekking starts with the pick-up from the hotels in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. and departure to the town of Mollepata, a journey of approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a hearty local breakfast. Afterward, you will continue by van to Soraypampa, a trip of roughly one.

In Soraypampa, you will meet the team of muleteers and horses, marking the beginning of the hike to Salkantay. The equipment and bags will be given to the muleteers before starting the ascent to the Humantay lagoon, at 4,200 meters above sea level. The hike, approximately 2 hours, begins with a gradual ascent of one hour, followed by a steeper climb during the last hour.

Once at the lagoon, you will have time to enjoy the views, take pictures, and receive explanations from the guide. The stay in the lagoon will be approximately 1 hour, weather permitting. Afterward, you will descend to Quiswarniyoc camp, which includes a one-hour walk downhill and 45 minutes of almost flat terrain.

Lunch will be served upon arrival at Soraypampa camp around 2:00 p.m. The guide will then accompany the travelers to their dormitories to rest. The afternoon will be free to explore the Quiswarniyoc area and enjoy panoramic views of Salkantay. At 6:00 p.m., dinner will be served, followed by a brief talk about day 2 of the trek.

DAY 2: QUISWARNIYOC-NEVADO SALKANTAY-CAMPAMENTO CHAWLLAY

The day begins at 5:00 a.m. with a coca tea to help acclimatize to the altitude. After about 30 minutes to get ready, breakfast is served at 6:30 a.m. to begin the hike to the Salkantay Pass then, the highest point of the route, located at 4,700 meters above sea level. The ascent hike lasts between 3 and 3.5 hours, with breaks every hour. Upon reaching the pass, you will have time to enjoy the views and participate in a ritual of gratitude to the Apus, the gods of the mountains. The stay at the top will be 30 to 45 minutes. Then, you will descend to Wayracmachay, where a nutritious lunch will be offered. After a brief rest, you will continue the descent for 2.5 to 3 hours to the camp in Chawllay. The day concludes with a dinner prepared by the cooking team.

DAY 3: CHAWLLAY-LUCMABAMBA CAMP

After breakfast, we will begin our hike to Lucmabamba, enjoying bird watching, orchards, and cocoa and coffee plantations. Upon arrival, we will have enough time to have lunch and relax.
In the afternoon, around 3:00 p.m., we will take a short drive to Cocalmayo, where you can enjoy a bath in the natural hot springs.

DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA-HYDROELECTRIC PLANT-AGUAS CALIENTES

At 7:00 a.m., after breakfast, we will start the hike from Lucmabamba camp to the archaeological site of Llactapata; in the stretch, we will enjoy a spectacular view of Machu Picchu, Waynapicchu, and the nearby mountains. Then, we will descend to Hidroeléctrica, a journey of approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival at Hidroeléctrica, we will have lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we will walk for 3 hours along the railway to Aguas Calientes. Once in Aguas Calientes, the guide will take us to the hotel to rest and prepare for dinner.

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES-LLAQTA DE MACHUPICCHU-CUSCO

After breakfast, we head to the bus station to begin the trip to Machu Picchu. Once inside, you will start a 2-hour guided tour. Afterward, you will have free time to explore and take photos, and if you have booked in advance, you can climb Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or hike to the Sun Gate. When you finish, you will descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch on your own before taking the train to Ollantaytambo, where a tourist transport will take you back to Cusco.