The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

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Overview

Departing from Cusco, we drive north across the stunning Antapampa, the breadbasket of Cusco, to the official starting point of the Salkantay Trail in the small mountain village of Mollepata. Over the next five days we will cross the impressive Cordillera Vilcabamba, passing humbly beneath the towering peaks of Mt. Humantay, Mt. Yanantay and of course, Mt. Salkantay. We’ll hike over a pass as high as 4636 m (15,210 ft) and traverse river valleys and the lush cloud forest until we reach Llactapata Pass for a great view and unique perspective of Machu Picchu before we explore the ruins on a guided tour the following day.

Location

Cusco

Duration

5 Days / 4 Nights

Season

April – December

Group Departures

Every Sunday 

Minimum

2 passengers

Private Departure

On request

Difficulty

1-2-3-4-5

Itinerary

Day 1Cusco – Salkantaypampa

The journey begins with a beautiful and scenic drive across the plateau of Anta, considered the breadbasket of Cusco. From Limatambo Pass we will catch our first views of the towering visage that is the trail’s namesake, the majestic Mt. Salkantay, as well as its neighboring behemoth Mt. Humantay to the left in the distance. Continuing on, we’ll make our first stop at the ruins of Tarawasi, famous for its 100-meter long asymmetric temple wall of perfectly carved octagonal shaped stones and mortar less joints. We’ll then follow the zigzagging road to the tiny mountain town of Mollepata (2900 m / 9454 ft) and onward to Soraypampa (3900 m / 12,815 ft) where our trek officially begins. Through small settlements of cattle herders, we’ll hike up the pampa to our campsite at Salkantaypampa (4154 m / 13,599 ft), finally resting our heads in the shadows of Mt. Salkantay. If time and weather permits, we’ll take an alternative route to our campsite from Soraypampa via the cerulean-colored Lake Humantay (4219 m / 13,845 ft), a stunningly picturesque lake fed by the glacial runoff of Mt. Humantay.
(L / D)

Driving distance: 153 km (95 mi) – Time: 4 hours
Trekking distance: 3.3 km (2 mi) – Time: 2 hours

Day 2Salkantaypampa – Collpapampa

Saying goodbye to our campsite for what will be a full day of trekking, we continue towards the terminal moraine. From here the trail begins to climb past boulders until we reach a scree slope, we must traverse to reach the Salkantay Pass (4636 m / 15,210 ft), the highest point of our trek. Here you can spot the other pass at Incachiriaska and a small lake below Mt. Salkantay’s ice flute. Take in the vastness of this large moraine as we continue to follow the trail, winding our way downhill through the rugged landscape towards a large pampa called Wayracmachay (3919 m / 12,858 ft). Here, we begin our descent of ever-changing vistas through cloud forest and river valley all the way to our campsite at Collpapampa (2950 m / 9678 ft).
(B / L / D)

Trekking distance: 17.5 km (10.9 mi) – Time: 8 hours

Day 3Collpapampa – Lucmabamba

A lighter day of trekking ahead of us, we set off from our campsite for Lucmabamba through the beautiful and lush Santa Teresa river valley. With every step, the surroundings grow evermore green as we head into the very heart of the cloud forest along the left side of the valley. Eventually, we arrive at Playa Sahuayaco for a brief rest. From there, we continue our trek to Lucmabamba and our campsite (2048 m / 6719 ft).
(B / L / D)

Trekking distance: 17.3 km (10.8 mi) – Time: 6-7 hours

Day 4Lucmabamba – Machu Picchu Village

The day begins with an uphill climb to Q’elloqasa Pass (2875 m / 9430 ft). To the sounds of the chattering birds flitting around in the dense cloud forest that surrounds, we pass by Llactapata and get a first glimpse of the southern face of Machu Picchu. Continuing our descent to the junction of the Aobamba and Urubamba valleys, we arrive at the hydroelectric station where we board a train for a short ride to Machu Picchu Village where we will spend the night. Hotel and dinner are on your own.
(B / L)

Trekking distance: 10.5 km (6.5 mi) – Time: 6 hours
Train ride: 11.3 km (7 mi) – Time: 30 minutes

Day 5Machu Picchu – Cusco

A short half-hour bus ride brings you to the gates of Machu Picchu for your guided 3-hour tour. Your guide will take you through the different sectors of this iconic hill-top citadel, where you’ll find astonishing views at every turn and learn about some of the traditional aspects of Andean life, making you feel as though you’ve taken a step back to Inca times. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the village where you’ll return by train to Ollantaytambo or Cusco. Hotel and dinner are on your own.
(B / L)

Trekking distance: visit Machu Picchu – Time: 3 hours
Bus ride to Machu Picchu (RT): 12.4 km (7.7 mi) – Time: 1 hour
Train ride: 43 km (27 mi) – Time: 1:45 hours
Driving distance Ollantaytambo to Cusco: 79 km (49 mi) – Time: 2 hours

End of services
B- Breakfast / BL- Box Lunch / L- Lunch / D- Dinner

Gallery
Included
Not Included
What to Take

– Transportation
– Professional bilingual guide
– Hotel in Machu Picchu Village
– Train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Village and from Machu Picchu Village to Cusco
– Bus ticket Machu Picchu – Machu Picchu Village (round trip)
– Double occupancy tents with Thermarest sleeping pads
– Guided tour in Machu Picchu
– Lunch in Machu Picchu Village on day 5
– All meals during trek
– Non-alcoholic drinks
– Kitchen and dining tents
– Cook and field staff
– Horses and drivers
– Entrance tickets
– Solar energy lamps
– Eco toilets
– Adequate garbage disposal
– First aid kit and oxygen tank

– Dinner in Machu Picchu Village on day 4
– Personal travel insurance
– Laundry service
– Airline tickets
– Sleeping bags (rent available)
– Personal gear
– Alcoholic beverages
– Additional services
– Tips
– Extras

– Regular and long wicking first layer for cold weather, like polyester, nylon, or merino wool
– Short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts, breathable fabrics, like nylon and polyester
– Light-colored long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
– QuickDry Pants, trekking pants, and shorts
– Insulated long-sleeve jacket (fleece, synthetic, down, merino wool)
– Liner gloves
– Light cap and beany
– Rain jacket (in the rainy season, bring rain pants)
– Breathable sports socks or hiking socks
– Warm socks for nights
– Multifunctional headwear (e.g. Buff)
– Waterproof and breathable hiking boots
– Comfortable and lightweight shoes for campsite
– Sleeping Bag (0°/32° to -15°/ 5°) (rent available)
– Day Pack (preferably with rain cover)
– Trekking Poles (available to rent)
– Waterproof duffle bag
– Sunglasses
– Headlamp
– Microfiber towel
– Sunblock, lip balm, and insect repellent
– Reusable water bottle or vacuum bottle
– Portable Power Bank (to charge lamps, etc)
– Personal First Aid Kit (recommended)

Personal First-Aid Kit: On each trip we carry a medical kit, but we suggest you bring a small personal First-Aid Kit for bruises and blisters. Knee and ankle braces are sometimes useful especially if you suffer from weak knees or ankles. Include any special medication your doctor might suggest for you.

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Dates
START DATEEND DATEDETAILSSTATUS
05/04/202009/04/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
12/04/202016/04/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
19/04/202023/04/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
26/04/202030/04/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuGuaranteed
03/05/202007/05/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
10/05/202014/05/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
17/05/202021/05/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
24/05/202028/05/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
31/05/202004/06/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
07/06/202011/06/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
14/06/202018/06/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
21/06/202025/06/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
28/06/202002/07/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
05/07/202009/07/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
12/07/202016/07/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
19/07/202023/07/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
26/07/202030/07/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
02/08/202006/08/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
09/08/202013/08/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
16/08/202020/08/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
23/08/202027/08/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
30/08/202003/09/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuGuaranteed
06/09/202010/09/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
13/09/202017/09/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
20/09/202024/09/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
27/09/202001/10/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
04/10/202008/10/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
11/10/202015/10/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
18/10/202022/10/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
25/10/202029/10/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
01/11/202005/11/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
08/11/202012/11/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
15/11/202019/11/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
22/11/202026/11/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
29/11/202003/12/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
06/12/202010/12/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
13/12/202017/12/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
20/12/202024/12/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
27/12/202031/12/2020The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTwo more to open
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