Salkantay Plus Trek to Machu Picchu
Description
Cusco - Mollepata - Salkantay - Hidroeléctrica - Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Plus Trek is the upgraded version of the Salkantay Backpacker Trek that follows the ancient and remote footpath to the Inca Citadel Machu Picchu. If the backpacker Salkantay trail is too "back to basics’" for you, and you're looking for a nice alternative to the Classic Inca Trail with a bit more comfort the Salkantay Plus Trek might be your ideal choice!.
Instead of spending the night in a normal tent, our campsites are very comfortable. After the first day of hiking, you’ll find beautiful igloos with a glass roof to stargaze from your bed at our first campsite, while the second night you will sleep in a tent protected by an Andean hut. The third night you will sleep in a beautiful jungle dome. The last night you will stay in a hostel in Aguas Calientes.
On the Salkantay Trail, we explore the same region of the Inca Trail, with spectacular views of the snowcapped "Apu" Salkantay. The Salkantay Trek is the most popular alternative for adventurers who wish to escape the more crowded train- and bus routes and to enjoy some beautiful and relaxing nights under the stars. The route crosses the breathtaking Andes mountain area and then descends to the high jungle.
You will be surrounded with magnificent scenery while we witness the changes in ecological zones from one day to the next. You will be able to observe a wide range of animals as well as plant- and flower varieties. The visit to Machu Picchu on day five is your reward after having trekked across wild terrain. An experience you will never forget!.
The Salkantay Hike is known to be more difficult than the Inca Trail. Horses can be used to carry food and equipment.
Other options:You can choose the more budget Salkantay Backpacker Trek, or, experience the stunning landscape of Salkantay in the one Day Tour to the beautiful Humantay Lake.
Itinerary Salkantay trek
Day 1
The first day starts early with a pick-up from your hotel around 4 am. We will drive about two hours to Mollepata, where we will make a short stop for breakfast. Then, we drive another two hours to Challacancha where we start the hike. After three hours, we stop for lunch. After lunch, you can choose to hike to the amazing Humantay Lake. At Soraypamapa (3500m) we will have dinner and camp our first night in the amazing igloos of the Sky Camp.
Day 2
Today we will be climbing from 3,800m up to a pass at 4,600m close to Nevado Salkantay - the highest part of the trek. Today is also known as the hardest day of the trek, but it is also a day with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the Salkantay snow peak! After taking a nice group picture, we descend into the upper cloud forest where the climate changes towards semi-tropical, and we stop for lunch. Our second camp is in Chaullay (2,900m) where we arrive after having walked for about 7 hours in total. Our two-person tents enter in individual huts.
Day 3
We will walk along rivers, waterfalls, wild orchids and coffee plantations, and then stop for lunch in La Playa. In La Playa, we can find some small shops to buy snacks. In this area, we can see coffee and banana plantations. If time allows we might even visit an organic coffee farm. Optional today is a visit to the hot springs of Ccocalmayo for a small extra cost. Our base camp today is in Lucmabamba.
Day 4
On the fourth day, we will climb for two hours until the Santa Teresa Valley. We will even see the Llaqtapata Inca Ruins (subject to change in rainy season)! We will continue the trek for two more hours until we reach Hidroelectrica where we will have lunch. Afterward, we continue to Aguas Calientes. You can choose to do the last two hours on foot, or take the train (train ticket not included). Once we arrive in Aguas Calientes, we enjoy a group dinner and spend the night in a hostel.
Day 5
On this last day, we wake up very early in the morning to take the bus or to walk up to Machu Picchu (breakfast in the hotel before departure). We will have a guided tour of about 2.5 hours in Machu Picchu, and you have the rest of the morning off to explore the ruins by yourself. In the evening, we take the train back to the Sacred Valley. A private bus brings you to your hotel to rest after this amazing experience.
Photos
Practical Information Salkantay trek
Length: 5 days / 4 nights
Price: contact us
Others: Please note that all itineraries are subject to change and that there is a limited number of spots available on the Salkantay Plus Trail.
More: find more details on our blog post about Tips for Surviving the Salkantay Trek in Peru
Bring With You
- Hiking Shoes
- Backpack
- Warm and Light clothes (dress in layers)
- Camera, batteries
- Sun Block and Insect Repellent
- Hat to protect you from the cold and the sun
- Flash Light
- Toilet Paper
- Swimsuit (if you plan to go to the Hot Springs)
- Sleeping Bag
- Water and Snacks
- Water Purifying tablets
- Original passport (photocopies are not accepted)
Included
- Professional bilingual guide (English - Spanish)
- Cook and porters
- Horses to carry your personal belongings, food and camping equipment
- Pre-departure orientation meeting
- Transport from the center in Cusco to the start of the trekking
- Double occupancy tents with mattresses
- Camping Equipment
- All meals, snacks and coffee/tea breaks
- First aid kit + oxygen
- Radios for communication in case of emergencies
- One night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes (double rooms)
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Train back to Cusco (standard Backpacker Service, if you would like to make a change to the service, or request a specific departure time, please let us know)
- Transfer from the train station back to the center in Cusco.
Not Included
- Sleeping Bag (can be rented with Dos Manos)
- Train from Hydroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (optional)
- Bus ticket back from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast on day 01
- Lunch and dinner on day 05
- Entrance fee to the Salkantay Trail
- Entrance fee and transport to visit the hot springs
- Tips for guides, cooks, and porters
Additional Options
- Duffle bags (not rainproof) for your personal stuff in (such as your sleeping bag and clothes); the bag of max. 5 kg per person will then be carried by the horsemen.
- Horse rental (to carry more personal stuff than 5 kilo); contact us for more information.
- Regarding the train services, specific and earlier departure times are available upon request for an extra cost. Make sure to check availability at the moment of booking.
- If you would like to climb Huayna Picchu, please let us know as far in advance as possible, because there is a daily limit of people permitted.
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