Cusco

Peru

This 4-day trek takes you through a variety of landscapes. You'll have the best chance to see the typical Andean landscape, from snow-capped mountains to tropical forests, and even venture into the dense jungle. Our group size is limited to 8 participants.

Day 1

We leave from Cusco between 4:30 and take a scenic morning bus-ride to our trek starting point at challacancha Along the 3-hour drive, we will pass through the town of Limatambo (2100m/6888ft), an important point of access to the city of Cusco, where the Tarawasi ruins are located. The road continues up a beaten track along the right shore of the Apurimac River and crosses the town of Mollepata (2800m/9184ft) and the small community of challacancha (2750m/9020ft), the starting point of the trek, where we meet our wranglers and horses. After a short introduction, we’ll start the hike up through the vegetation between the dark hills. The beginning of the trail is slopping up with some flat stretches, appropriately called the “training section” of the trek. 

Mollepata

Go at your own pace, this day is flexible. If you arrive early enough, you have the option to hike up to the small lagoon at the bottom of Humantay Mountain to come back to the campsite called Soraypampa. (3,500m/11480ft).

Humantay Lake

Day 2

We will wake up to beautiful morning light in the mountains, have breakfast, and start the hike to the summit of the trail. During the ascent we will have our first view of Salkantay Mountain and we will start our hike towards the base of the white peaks of Salkantay (6271m/20569ft), cross Salkantaypampa. Then we have a 2 hr steep ascent to Soyroccocha, just next to the impressive glacier views from Salkantay pass (4600m/15088ft), the highest pass in the program where, besides enjoying stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range, we may also observe chinchillas and condors in their natural habitat. We break for lunch mid-trail and from this point, we start descending towards a more tropical climate, into the cloud forest. Along the route, we can see the remains of an ancient Inca path, which is approximately 6 meters wide. As we continue, we will experience the increasingly lush vegetation, passing waterfalls, passion fruit and coffee plantations. After the last 3 hr hike we arrive at the settlement of Chaullay, the base camp (2,900 masl – 9,514 ft).

Salkantay Trail

Day 3

Our early morning starts towards La Playa, crossing the small village called Collpapampa. Here, the Salkantay River becomes the Santa Teresa River. After a rest, we continue our descent to the banks of the Totora River, passing the waterfalls at Coripacchi, to the settlement at Wiñaypoko where there are passion fruit, mango, banana, avocado, and coffee. At midday, we’ll get to the bustling small town of La Playa, break for lunch, and continue the journey via a small bus (1 hour and 30 minutes) until the Hydroelectric. There you have two options: you can continue by foot 3 hrs or catch the 1 hr train (US$ 26.00) to finally arrived in Aguas Calientes where we will meet for an early dinner and stay in a hostel.

Day 4

We wake up early and board a bus to Machu Picchu where we begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately 2 or 3 hrs. You will then have free time to walk around or climb up the Huayna Picchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it. You may also visit the Temple of the Moon, Sun Gate or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, back down to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Ollantaytambo and a 2 hr bus back to Cusco. Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary park restrictions, campsite availability, weather, road closures, guest ability/injury, and natural events like fires and flooding.

Book this 4 months in advance.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 Days (Small Group)

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 Days (Small Group)

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