SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU 5D/4N

SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CRUZ PATA – SAYLLAPATA – SORAYPAMPA

Salkantay Trek and Machupicchu, we pick you up from your hotel to take you by private vehicle to Mollepata (2,900 m/9,514 ft). We arrive there after 2 and half an hour. This village is known for its very friendly inhabitants a temperate climate. When arriving at the town we will eat breakfast (not included). At “La Casa Salkantay” restaurant, we are served an American breakfast.

Afterwards, we continue riding for 20 minutes until arriving at Cruz Pata. This is a trailhead of the Salkantay Trek + Machu Picchu. So, we begin hiking. After 2 to 3 hours, we get to Sayllapata (3,400 m/11,154 ft) where we have lunch and a short break to be able to rest. Then we keep hiking for 3 hours towards Soraypampa. On the way, we discover the natural beauty of the snowy Humantay Mountain (5,473 m/ 17,956 ft) and the Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m/13,780 ft) reflecting all shades of turquoise colour. Consequently, we can take lots of fantastic pictures there.

At around 5 pm, we reach a place of our first overnight – Soraypampa (3,850 m/12,631 ft) where our Cook awaits us with hot tea. There, we accommodate ourselves in so-called “Sky Domes” (a new lodge consisting of glass domes). We are given dinner, before going to sleep.

Maximum altitude: 4,200 metres/ 13,780 feet
Minimum altitude: 2,900 metres/9,514 feet
Duration of the bike: 5-6 hours
Trekking distance: 8 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Weather:  Temperate to cold

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – CHAULLAY

We are served breakfast early in the morning before we leave our campsite in order to continue hiking towards the Salkantay Pass. During the hike, we can admire the natural beauty of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m/20,574 ft). After 3 hours, we reach the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m/15,190 ft) – the highest point of the Salkantay Trek + Machu Picchu 5D/4N. There, we have a short rest to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. We can find several mounds of stones called “apacheta” (offering of stones to have a safe trip) around.

Afterwards, we start descending for approximately 2 hours until we get close to Wayramachay, a place for our lunch. The last section expects us then so we keep trekking for around 3 hours until Chaullay (2,800 m/9,186 ft), where we built a campsite and have dinner and overnight.

Maximum altitude: 4,630 metres/15,190 feet
Minimum altitude: 2,800 metres/9,186 feet 
Duration of the bike: 8 hours
Trekking distance: 13 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Weather:  Temperate to cold

DAY 3 SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU: CHAULLAY – SAWAYACO – SANTA TERESA

After breakfast at 6 am, we leave the campsite (at around 7 am) to continue our walk towards Collpa Pampa (2,750 m/9,022 ft). This day is usually unforgettable because we can witness how the climate changes from cold to warm. We pass through narrow paths amidst of abundant flora such as different types of orchids. Also, we can enjoy many waterfalls on the way as well as observe a variety of birds. If we are lucky, we can watch even the national bird of Peru “Cock of the Rock”. After 5 hours of walk, we finally reach Sawayaco, called “La Playa” (2,064 m/6,771 ft).

There, we are given lunch and a brief break. After that, we get on a private vehicle bringing us after a 45-minute ride to the small town called Santa Teresa (1,550 m/5,085 ft). There, we build a campsite and settle in it. Later on, we walk for 30 minutes to one of the best thermal baths in Peru: Cocalmayo! There, we rest and swim in its medicinal waters. Eventually, we return to the campsite where our Cook serves us dinner and then we go to sleep.

Maximum altitude: 2,800 metres / 9,186 feet 
Minimum altitude: 1,550 metres / 5,085 feet
Duration of the bike: 6 hours
Trekking distance:  12 km
Difficulty: Easy
Weather:  Humid-warm

DAY 4: SANTA TERESA – LLACTAPATA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

At 7 am, we have breakfast to gain energy to visit the highlight of this day: Llactapata (2,650 m/8,694 ft). After 3 hours of trekking, we reach this less accessible and extensive Inca complex of structures and features that used to be related and connected with Machu Picchu. There, we will be given a guided tour as well as we appreciate a unique and astonishing view of the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Afterwards, we begin descending for 2 hours until “Hidroelectrica” (Hydroelectric Plant) – a railway station. From there, we walk along the tracks for 3 hours until Aguas Calientes appreciating the rich vegetation of the cloud forest. Optional: if you are too tired, you can go by train – not included in the price of the Salkantay Trek + Machu Picchu.

When we arrive at Aguas Calientes (2,040 m/6,693 ft), we settle in a hotel and we are given some free time. For that reason, we may explore by ourselves this town below Machu Picchu. We also might visit the thermal baths that have given a name to it (Aguas Calientes in Spanish means hot waters or hot springs). Later on, we have dinner at a local restaurant. At the end of the day, we go back to the hotel to sleep.

Maximum altitude: 2,650 metres / 8,694 feet 
Minimum altitude: 1,550 metres / 5,085 feet
Duration of the bike:  8 hours
Trekking distance:  10 km
Difficulty: Moderate 
Weather:  Humid-warm

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

You have breakfast very early, at 5:30 am. Then the Guide will pick you up to take you to a bus stop where he will board the first bus. He takes it uphill following a zigzag path until he reaches the door of the Machupicchu Sanctuary (2,430 m / 7,972 ft). First of all, he must go through a checkpoint (don’t forget your passport or you won’t be allowed to enter!). Second, you are offered a 4-hour private guided tour while the Guide explains every known detail of his history.

Third, it shows the architectural ensembles of greatest interest found in the so-called “Royal Tomb”. In addition, you explore the Temple of the Sun (around the structured tower), the Temple of the Three Windows, the Central Temple, the Priests’ Mansion, the sunken place. You can see that there are many springs formed in water channels and many stairs. All made entirely of stone.

In addition, there are rocks that are used for high ritual purposes. The most important of which is “Inti Watana” or the Solar Clock. After the guided part, you are given free time to explore the citadel on your own. You can also visit the Inca Bridge or the Temple of the Moon. Finally, you use a bus ticket (which the Guide has previously given you) to descend back to Aguas Calientes and have lunch (not included). Later, you will board a train back to Ollantaytambo and then continue by private vehicle back to Cusco. At the end we take you back to your hotel.

Maximum altitude: 2,430 metres / 7,972 feet
Minimum altitude: 2,040 metres / 6,693 feet
Duration of the trek: N/A
Trekking distance: N/A
Difficulty: Easy
Weather:  Humid-warm

SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CRUZ PATA – SAYLLAPATA – SORAYPAMPA

• 5 am – a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
• 5:30 – departure towards Mollepata appreciating several Andean towns on the way.
• Around 8 am – arrival to the village of Mollepata.
• American breakfast at the restaurant “La Casa Salkantay”.
• The 20-minute ride to Cruz Pata – a trailhead of the Salkantay Trek + Machu Picchu 5D/4N.
• Hike till Sayllapata for 2-3 hours.
• Lunch at Sayllapata and a 30-minute rest.
• Continuation of trekking for 3 hours (stops including) towards Soraypampa.
• Accommodation in so-called “Sky Domes” (a lodge of glass domes) at Soraypampa.
• Dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – CHAULLAY

• Early breakfast at the campsite.
• Start of hiking (3 hours) until the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m/15,190 ft) – the highest point of the whole route.
• 20-minute break and rest to enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay and Pumasillo.
• Descend hike for about 2 hours.
• Lunch and a short rest close to Wayramachay.
• Continuation of the trek for 3 hours until Chaullay.
• Our second campsite at Chaullay.
• Warm dinner and sleep.

DAY 3: CHAULLAY – SAWAYACO – SANTA TERESA

• 6 am – breakfast.
• 7 am – the start hiking to Sawayaco for an approximate time of 5 hours passing by Collpa Pampa observing the famous bird Cock of the Rock on the way.
• Arrival at Sawayaco (also known as “La Playa”).
• Lunch and a break there.
• Transport by private vehicle (45 minutes) towards the town of Santa Teresa.
• Building a campsite near the town.
• 30-minute walk to Cocalmayo – one of the best thermal baths (hot springs) of Peru.
• Relax in the medicinal waters of the thermal baths.
• Return to the campsite.
• Dinner and sleep.

DAY 4: SANTA TERESA – LLACTAPATA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

• 7 am – breakfast.
• Start of hiking towards Llactapata (3 hours).
• Guided visit of this recently discovered extensive Inca complex.
• Descend hike for 2 hours until the Hidroelectrica railway station.
• 3-hour hike along the tracks from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes – a small town below Machu Picchu (You can take a train if you are tired – see the Optional section.).
• Accommodation at a hotel in Aguas Calientes (2,040 m/6,693 ft) – a small town below Machu Picchu.
• Free time that can be used for a rest in the hotel, visit the town and/or the local thermal baths (not included in the trek´s price).
• Dinner at a local restaurant.
• Overnight in the hotel.

DAY 5 SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

• 5:30 am – early breakfast at the hotel.
• 6:30 am – a pick-up by your Tour Guide from the hotel.
• Transport to Machu Picchu.
• Passing through a checkpoint of Machu Picchu.
• Private guided tour of Machu Picchu.
• Time off enabling you to enjoy Machu Picchu on your own, visit the Inca Bridge and/or hike to Wayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain to take some panoramic photos of this New Wonder of the World (please see the section Optional).
• When you feel ready, use a shuttle bus ticket to bring you back down to Aguas Calientes.
• Lunch (not included in the tour).
• Train ride to Ollantaytambo (2 hours).
• Transport back to the city of Cusco (approx. an hour).
• Transfer to your hotel.
• End of service of the Salkantay Trek  + Machu Picchu 5D/4N.

OPTIONAL:

• Climb to the Machu Picchu Mountain, a mountain situated above the Inca citadal accessible by a 1.5-hour climb. Here you are able to take those postcard-like photos of Machu Picchu. It costs USD 15 extra. Please note that the booking needs to be done at least 1 month in advance due to a limited number of tickets!
• Wayna Picchu – a mountain situated above the Inca citadal accessible by the 45-minute climb. It serves to take some panoramic photos of Machu Picchu. It is an extra USD 25. Please note that the booking needs to be done at least 3 months in advance due to limited number of entrances!
• Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (45-minute ride) – additional USD 31.

SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU INCLUDE:

• Pre-trek briefing.
• Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
• Private transport to the trailhead at Cruz Pata.
• A professional English-speaking Tour Guide.
• Guide Assistant (for groups of over 10 participants).
• Mules to carry camping and kitchen equipment.
• Muleteer.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• Entrance ticket to the thermal baths “Cocalmayo” near Santa Teresa.
• 1 night in so-called “Sky Domes” – a lodge of glass domes – the 1st night.
• 2 nights in campsites – the 2nd and 3rd night.
• 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (below Machu Picchu) –  the 3rd night.
• Camping and kitchen equipment (a dining tent, a kitchen tent, kitchen utensils, tables, seats, a toilet tent).
• Personal tents (a quad tent for two persons).
• Blankets.
• Pillows.
• Mattresses.
• Walking sticks.
• Duffel bags.
• First aid kit and a bottle of oxygen.
• Two-way radio.
• A personal biodegradable toilet soap.
• Boiled water every morning and afternoon for washing and to fill your water bottle.
• Meals: 5x breakfast, 4x lunch, 4x dinner, hot beverages during main meals, snacks – a vegetarian option available upon request.
• Private guided tour of Machu Picchu.
• 2 tickets for a shuttle bus between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
• Return train to Ollantaytambo.
• Private transport between Ollantaytambo and Cusco.
• Drop off at your hotel in Cusco.

SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Sleeping bag (you can rent it from X Travel Peru for USD 30).
• Lunch on day 5 (in Aguas Calientes).
• Beverages (apart from the main meals).
• Extra mule (to carry up to 20 kg of your belongings – extra USD 28/day).
• Climb to Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (see the Optional section please).
• Entrance fee to the thermal baths at Aguas Calientes (10 Soles).
• Tips to local staff.
• Pocket money.
• Accommodation in Cusco.
• Any flight.
• Travel insurance.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU TO THE SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU TOUR?

• Original passport!!! (Please note: It will be checked at the gateway! If you fail to bring it, you will not be allowed to enter!)
• Necessary stuff for a 5-day trek (We recommend you to take  up to 7 kg of your belongings which might be carried by an extra mule.);
• Sleeping bag (you can rent it from us if you do not have any);
• Personal medicines (if applicable);
• Backpack (35-litre capacity);
• Warm cloths such as a jacket, a sweater, long trousers (particularly for the cold nights);
• Light clothes such as shorts and a T-shirt (for sunny and warm days);
• Sufficient number of socks and underwear;
• Rainy coat or poncho (especially, from November to April);
• Trekking shoes;
• Sandals;
• Camera;
• Extra batteries and/or power bank;
• Binocular (if you like);
• Flashlight;
• A peak/hat;
• Sunglasses;
• Sun protection cream;
• Insect repellent;
• Toiletries;
• Towel;
• Toilet paper;
• Swimsuit (in case you like to visit the thermal baths);
• Bottled water;
• Canteen;
• Matches;
• Knife;
• Water purification tablets (optional);
• Pocket money (to buy some souvenirs or refreshments).

 SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU

The price depends on the number of participants, accommodation availability, travel dates and other preferences. Please inquire about a personalized price.

SALKANTAY TREK AND MACHUPICCHU