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The popular Salkantay trek to Machu picchu was listed among the 25 best Treks in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is a remarkable ancient footpath located in the proximity of the Classic Inca Trail. Where massive snow-capped mountain collide with lush subtropical cloud forest.
This amazing Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, allows you to experience some of the most exquisite views as you trek through high mountain passes and down into the high-jungle on your way to the legendary lost city of the Incas (Machu Picchu). This 5 day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is the most requested trek after the classic Inca Trail. Best time to trek: April to December – sometimes available during the rainy season (January to March) depending on weather conditions.
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu starts with the pick-up from your hotel at 5:00 a.m. in the morning in a private vehicle. You will drive for three hours to arrive in the town of Mollepata. Where travelers can buy breakfast and purchase last minute supplies. We will travel by bus for half of an hour until we will reach Markjuk’asa, our beginning point of the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu.
This is not the classic route and is mostly used by the local people. We will continue Hiking for 3 hours and 30 minutes. We will have a beautiful view as we break for lunch. After lunch, we will walk for two and a half hours to arrive in Soraypampa. On the way, we will see views of the mountain peak of Huamantay and Salkantay.
We will continue our Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu after a delicious breakfast, we will climbing 3 hours on zig zagging switchback uphill to the mountain; we will arrive at a glacial moraine where we can observe Vizcachas (Andean chinchilla) approximately one hour later, we finally reach the Salkantay pass which is the highest point of the whole Salkantay trek (4,650 meters/13451 feet). You will find yourself in the middle of two great mountains – Salkantay (6271m) and Humantay (5850m).
Salkantay is the second tallest mountain in the Cusco region and at the Pass, the mountain itself looks very close to you. There is also a great view of some of the other mountains like: Humantay and Pumasillo (5850m) opposite you, a mountain that can be seen from a different angle when you are at Machu Picchu. We then descend to Huayracmachay for lunch (approximately 2.5 hours from the pass). In the afternoon we will descend to the beautiful campsite at Chaullay (Approximately 4 hours) and we will travel through the cloud forest.
After breakfast, we will descend for one more hour to the Collpapampa village. You will enjoy the beautiful landscapes the trail lead us back into the cloud forest, following the left hand side of the River “Alto Salkantay”. We will be able to observe some species of palms, orchids, bromeliads and typical vegetation of the cloud forest. In comparison to the previous days of the Salkantay trek, this is easier walking as we descend slowly along the Valley to La Playa (2050m). This area is sub-tropical so is very common to see some citrus fruit trees, avocados, bananas, and coffee plants. (6 hours hike)
Camping options: Remember that Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is a popular route that suffers from degradation and over use and is currently un-regulated. The third night´s camping offers a number of options, which you should talk to your guide about. These options are linked to the group´s wishes, and for those that want to get away from the crowds you should talk to your guide about camping at Santa Theresa is also not a remote campsite and people can have parties, but is a good location depending on your activities for the next day.
You have two options today, depending on your interest and fitness. Each option should be discussed with your guide. You should also be aware that Salkantay trek is the second most touristic route in the Cusco region and inevitably this means you will encounter other people (it’s not a “wilderness” experience).
In the morning after breakfast at the hotel, our guide will pick you up and you will board the bus that will take you to the citadel of Machu Picchu. A guided tour is provided visiting the Main Plaza, the Sun Temple, the Sacred Sun Dial (Intihuatana), and the Royal Palace, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Temple, Sacred Roca, warehouses and the large central square. It will be an unforgettable experience at this mysterious and charming place, considered one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore the zone on your own or you can take the hiking options:
In the afternoon at the scheduled time, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, and then take the Train back to Cusco. The journey by train takes approximately 3.4 hours.
In the evening, upon arrival to the Train station of Cusco, you will be received and transported to the hotel.
**** Airfare is not included. You need to arrange your own flights to arrive in Cusco.
We will book your Machu Picchu entrance ticket using the names & passport numbers, nationality, date of birth, and sex; which you send us with your trek departure date.
You must bring the same passports with you to Cusco and take them on the Salkantay trek. If the name or number in your passport is different from the name and number on the ticket, the government authorities will not allow you to enter in Machu Picchu and you will not be entitled to a refund. If you plan to renew your passport between making the trek booking and actually starting the trek please contact us for more details.
You can hire some additional things with us – please contact your Travel Consultant / or our booking forms for the current rates.
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Accommodations:
The accommodations are our suggestions; Standard class and superior class are the best hotels in their category per destination. For your safety and comfort, we only suggest hotels that have been visited and inspected by our staff.
Salkantay trek booking