Salkantay to Machupicchu treks
Cusco- Transfers In/ Out
- Professional bilingual guide
- Camping Equipment
- Oxygen Balloon
Immerse yourself in an epic adventure through the majestic Peruvian Andes with our tours. These treks are perfect for nature and history lovers, combining breathtaking mountain scenery, lush rainforest and the cultural richness of ancient archaeological sites. The Salkantay route offers a fascinating experience, taking you through off-the-beaten-path trails to reach the world wonder of Machu Picchu.
Get ready to challenge your limits and be amazed by the beauty of the Andean landscapes as you follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas to one of the most emblematic destinations in the world. Don't miss the opportunity to live this once in a lifetime experience! Book your Salkantay to Machu Picchu tour now and secure your place on this unforgettable journey.
Below you will find all the details of each day of the itinerary, we are waiting for you!
If you are planning a visit to Cusco and would like to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and venture into the breathtaking landscapes of the mountains, we have the perfect option for you!
We invite you to enjoy an incredible two-day adventure trekking to the Humantay Lagoon and the Abra Salkantay. This tour will allow you to visit two of the most impressive sites in the Cusco region of Peru: the Humantay Lagoon and the majestic Salkantay Mountain. In addition, you will have the opportunity to spend the night in our exclusive Sky Camp under the starry Andean sky, where you can learn all about the constellations that were of great importance in the Inca culture. Join other travelers looking to experience the same as you on this epic two-day trip full of adventure and natural beauty – don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience and explore some of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes!
We will start early in the morning with your exciting 2-day adventure in Cusco. Our tour guide and private transportation will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco. The first stop will be in Mollepata to enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast. Then, we will continue the trek to Challa cancha for a short rest. From there, we will begin the hike to Soraypampa, where our campsite is located. This first stretch is of moderate difficulty and will allow you to gradually adapt to the altitude. Along the way, you will enjoy the beautiful Andean scenery and continue along a small Inca canal. We will arrive at our exclusive Sky Camp located in front of the majestic and snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Humantay.
There, our chef will be waiting for you with an exquisite lunch. Afterwards, you will have time to rest in your igloo or stroll around the site before preparing for our afternoon hike. Then, you will ascend to the impressive Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the lagoon that sparkles like a jewel amidst the white background of the snow-capped mountain. Your guide will be available to provide you with information about the area and will suggest how to best enjoy this fascinating place. You will return to our Sky Camp to enjoy a delicious dinner and gaze at the stars. Your guide will teach you all about Inca astronomy and you will be able to admire the constellations from the roof of your igloo before going to sleep.
The next day, you will wake up to a delicious breakfast and prepare for the hike back to Soraypampa. From there, we will take our private transportation back to Cusco. We will conclude our trip with the feeling of having lived an unforgettable adventure in the midst of Peru’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Join us on this exciting day as we continue our two-day adventure in the Cusco region. We will begin the day with a full and nutritious breakfast before gradually ascending to Salkantaypampa. From here, we will enter the Path of the 7 Serpents, a challenging but impressive trail that will take us up to the Abra de Salkantay (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). Here, you will have time to take unforgettable photos and admire the breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains. Afterwards, we will descend through a unique rocky landscape and arrive at our lunch spot at Soyrococha. Once we have recharged our batteries, we will continue descending towards Soraypampa, where our transportation will be waiting for us.
On the way back to Cusco, you will have many opportunities to take excellent photos of the Andean landscapes, including valleys, mountains, rivers and farmland. Finally, we will arrive in Cusco and drop you off at your accommodation so that you can enjoy a well-deserved rest after this day full of adventure and breathtaking scenery.
Group Tour
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Discover the adventure of one of the 2 most exciting treks in Peru, Salkantay Trek in only 3 days and 2 nights! This impressive trip is designed for those who are looking for an incredible experience with amazing landscapes and great ecological diversity. You will visit the main attractions such as the majestic snow-capped mountain of Salkantay and the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Salkantay is an alternative route to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu, through the Vilcabamba mountain range, with spectacular views, crystal clear turquoise lagoons, impressive snow-capped mountains like the Apu Salkantay and the Humantay lagoon, rivers and subtropical areas of abundant vegetation and fauna. Live the adventure of your life in one of the wonders of the world!
Cusco (3,400 masl): Pick up from the hotel at 2:00 am, and then head to Soraypampa. It will be about 3 hours by car to Soraypampa, which is the place where the hike begins. Once in Soraypampa, you will join the Salkantay group for breakfast.
Soraypampa (3,900 masl): We will have a hot breakfast around 5:30 in the morning and begin our trek to the highest pass on this trek (4650m / 15200ft) situated between two large mountains.
Abra Salkantay highest point (4, 630 masl): Our hike we will be able to appreciate in all its fullness the Salkantay mountain, it is impressive what nature and divine creation shows us.
Huayracpunku (4, 000 masl): Salkantay and Humantay (Salkantay at 6271m / 20575ft and Humantay at 4120m / 13500ft). From the pass, the views of both mountains covered with, there will also be a possibility of snow here. We will continue our hike downhill through a beautiful cloud forest and arrive at Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch.
Chaullay (2, 800 masl): After lunch another hike begins, in the direction of the jungle until we reach our second campsite.
Another possible campsite would be in Qolqampata, following the course of the Salkantay River.
At this point we will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Andean landscape in the same place we set up camp (2900m approx.).
Chaullay (2, 800 masl): Very early (6:00 am) we have breakfast and then we start our hike, this day is very attractive because we can appreciate a diversity of flora, medicinal plants, esoteric, orchids, and then pass through the following villages.
The beach (2, 064 masl): We continue advancing and we arrive to Collpa Pampa La Playa, in this beautiful place there are some thermal baths, where we can enter and enjoy these baths for a period of one hour, then continue to the beach to enjoy a delicious lunch, we will rest about 1 hour and continue our journey towards Santa Teresa, this section will be done in a transport of the area.
Hydroelectric (1, 820 masl): After arriving Santa Teresa we board another transport to go to Hidroeléctrica, once there we will be ready for our last stretch to get to Aguas Calientes.
Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl): In hydroelectric, we start walking for 3 hours, until we arrive to Aguas Calientes, take a good bath in the hotel, then we will have dinner and stay in a comfortable hotel.
Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl): We wake up at 4:30 in the morning and then breakfast is at 5:00 am at your respective hotel.
Machu Picchu (2, 430 masl): Then you will line up to take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu (which are first come, first serve – as a shuttle service). The bus takes 25 to 30 minutes to get to the citadel of Machu Picchu (which opens at 6:00 am).
Please be sure to bring your original passport – the same one you used to book your trip. The same one you used to book your trip because the park rangers will ask for it (you can get a Machu Picchu stamp in your passport if you like it too).
Your guide will help you find the perfect places to appreciate the Machu Picchu Sanctuary (which will immediately become your Facebook profile picture!).
We present our Machupicchu tickets, Passport and enter to start the tour.
Our guide will be waiting for you to start our tour to the sanctuary of Machupicchu and make a guided tour of 2 hours and 30 minutes approx.
We will visit the different archaeological sites of the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, such as Agricultural Zone, Urban Zone, Temple of the Sun, Royal Residence, Sacred Plaza, Inti Huatana, Sacred Rock and many more points in which you will be amazed.
14:30 p.m. or 16:12 p.m. or 19:00 p.m. We will board our train heading to Ollantaytambo or Poroy.
Optional:
Huayna Picchu: If you want to add Huayna Picchu, with its spectacular views, to your adventure, this has to be booked in advance and is an additional $35 per person. It takes 45 minutes to reach the top and is quite a challenge.
Machu Picchu Mountain: Another option is to climb Machu Picchu Mountain, which is 90 minutes up, very challenging and an additional $25 per person. This is probably the most beautiful and spectacular of all the views, you can get spectacular views.
Group Tour
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Welcome to the breathtaking Tour «Trek to Salkantay in 4 days», an experience of adventure and culture that will take you to explore some of the most impressive landscapes of Peru. Throughout the excursion, you will have the opportunity to cross the majestic Salkantay snow-capped mountain, while admiring panoramic views and visiting the most exciting archaeological sites.
During the tour, you will have the option to spend a night in the exclusive DOMOS or Sky Camps that offer a unique and unparalleled lodging experience. These glass rooms offer unparalleled views of the mountains and the Cusco sky, allowing you to enjoy an intimate connection with nature. The DOMOS are the perfect complement to an adventure tourism experience, as they allow you to rest comfortably while enjoying the beauty of nature. In summary, the Salkantay Tour is an ideal option for travelers seeking adventure and culture in one of the most beautiful regions of Peru. With its breathtaking landscapes, archaeological sites and the possibility of spending a night in the DOMOS, this excursion will be an unforgettable experience that you will remember forever. Join us on this exciting adventure!
Cusco (3,400 masl): Pick up from the hotel at 4:00 am, and then head to the town of Mollepata where we arrive in approximately 2:30 hours approx. after a delicious breakfast we start our trek,
Challa cancha (3,600 masl): We will continue our hike for 1 hour, during this short tour we will observe the impressive valleys of Mollepata. In Challa cancha we will meet our Salkantay team (cook, muleteers, mules or pack horses). They will give us a warm welcome, then prepare us for our adventure in the mountains, a brief explanation will be given before the hike. We will walk for 3 hours during, we will observe the Nevado de Humantay (5,917masl) the place to walk is flat Andean to acclimatize better for the rest of the way.
Soraypampa (3,900 masl): later we continue to Soraypampa, arriving at our domes «Salkantay Sky Domes» we will observe the impressive mountain of Salkantay, in the camp will be waiting for our team and then taste our Andean lunch, then a rest of 30 minutes.
Humantay Lagoon (4,200 masl): After our lunch and rest, we start our hike to the beautiful Humantay Lagoon for 1 hour and a half. We will have time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lagoon and the glaciers in the mountain, then descend to our camp, we will arrive at tea time where we can talk with the group. Afterwards we will enjoy dinner and finally rest.
Soraypampa (3, 900 masl): We will have a hot breakfast around 5:30 in the morning and begin our hike to the highest pass on this trek (4650m / 15200ft) located between two large mountains.
Abra Salkantay highest point (4, 630 masl): Our hike we will be able to appreciate in all its fullness the Salkantay mountain, it is impressive what nature and divine creation shows us.
Huayracpunku (4, 000 masl): Salkantay and Humantay (Salkantay at 6271m / 20575ft and Humantay at 4120m / 13500ft). From the pass, the views of both mountains covered with, there will also be a possibility of snow here. We will continue our hike downhill through a beautiful cloud forest and arrive at Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch.
Chaullay (2, 800 masl): After lunch another hike begins, in the direction of the jungle until we reach our second campsite. Here we will have our dinner.
At this point we will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Andean landscape in the same place we set up camp (2900m approx.).
Chaullay (2, 800 masl): Very early (6:00 am) we have breakfast and then we start our hike, this day is very attractive because we can appreciate a diversity of flora, medicinal plants, esoteric, orchids, and then pass through the following villages.
The beach (2, 064 masl): We continue advancing and we arrive to Collpa Pampa La Playa, in this beautiful place there are some thermal baths, where we can enter and enjoy these baths for a period of one hour, then continue to the beach to enjoy a delicious lunch, we will rest about 1 hour and continue our journey towards Santa Teresa, this section will be done in a transport of the area.
Hydroelectric (1, 820 masl): After arriving Santa Teresa we board another transport to go to Hidroeléctrica, once there we will be ready for our last stretch to get to Aguas Calientes.
Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl): In hydroelectric, we start walking for 3 hours, until we arrive to Aguas Calientes, take a good bath in the hotel, then we will have dinner and stay in a comfortable hotel.
Optional:
Group Tour
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If you want a different alternative to the classic Inca Trail and escape the crowded and congested routes, SALKANTAY is an excellent option. On this impressive expedition, you will traverse beneath the majestic snow-capped mountain of the same name Salkantay, experiencing a dry and cold climate on the first part of the trail and a warmer and more humid climate on the second part. Be aware that the trek can be moderately difficult to challenging, so it is advisable to be physically prepared and arrive in Cusco at least two days before the start of the tour to acclimatize properly.
Cusco (3,400 masl): Approx. 4:30 am We will pick you up from your hotel and head to the town of Mollepata in a tourist bus, this beautiful town will be the beginning of our trek, a delicious breakfast will be waiting for us before starting the trek.
Cruz Pata (3,600 masl): After our breakfast we start our trek, our first point of arrival will be Cruz Pata, we will make a small stop for lunch with a spectacular view of the Limatambo Valley, and then continue our hike to Soraypampa where our first camp will be.
Soraypampa (3,900 masl): After the hike and an impressive view we arrive at our first camp Soraypampa Approx. 16:30 pm. from this place we can appreciate the beautiful snowy Salkantay.
Soraypampa (3, 900 masl): We will have a hot breakfast around 5:30 in the morning to start our trek.
Abra Salkantay (4, 630 masl): We will head towards the highest pass on this trek which is situated between two large mountains, Salkantay on the right and Humantay on the left (Salkantay at 6271m / 20575ft and Humantay at 4120m / 13500ft).
From the pass, the views of both snow-capped mountains are incredible. There will also be a chance of snow here. At this point we will have a small ceremony.
This ceremony is known as Pago a la Tierra or Pacha Mama, in which we leave a few coca leaves on the rocks of Mother Earth asking for permission to continue and have an amazing and memorable trek.
Huayrac Pata (4,000 masl): We will continue our hike downhill through a beautiful cloud forest and arrive at Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch.
Chaullay (2,700 masl): We hike again after lunch in the direction of the jungle until we reach our second campsite, Chaullay the climate at this campsite is warm and very pleasant.
Another possible campsite would be in Collpa pampa, following the course of the Salkantay river, at this point we will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Andean landscape in the same place we set up camp (2700m approx.).
Chaullay (2, 800 masl): After our breakfast at 6:30 in the morning, we will pass through several valleys, crossing the Lluskamayo river and a variety of small streams, appreciating some wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits, colorful birds and diverse native plants.
Collpa pampa (2,700 masl): The trail is less demanding with a generally warm climate. We have lunch on the way and, during the trip, we will enjoy more of the vibrant valleys.
La Playa (2,064 masl): We arrive at the town known as La Playa for a short rest and board a vehicle to go to Santa Teresa and be able to spend the night.
Santa Teresa (1,600 masl): Finally we arrive at Santa Teresa which is our next campsite.
After a rest and a couple of snacks to help regain our strength, we have the option to visit the hot springs and relax, these baths are a real pleasure after walking all day we recommend it.
Santa Teresa (1, 800 masl): After a good breakfast, we will continue our journey by walking 3 hours to reach Hidroeléctrica.
Hidroelectrica (1, 820 masl): The trail cuts into the old Mando pampa coffee plantation and enters the cloud forest, following the sacred river for about an hour and a half until we see the Hidroelectrica waterfalls.
These falls are about twelve meters high and are fed by the crystal clear melt waters of the sacred Yanantin Mountain.
From the falls the trail continues up to the ridge, before getting lost in the increasingly dense vegetation, this is a beautiful, fertile landscape, with coffee, banana and avocado plantations carved into the jungle, and pristine areas that are the natural habitat of mammals such as the spectacled bear and hundreds of species of birds and butterflies, some of them endemic to the region. The forest is covered with bromeliads and many varieties of orchids, some of which have recently been identified by biologists.
Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl): Finally we will arrive at Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) to have a night in our comfortable hotel.
Optional: You can go on an early evening visit to the Aguas Calientes Hot Springs village, where the entrance fee is US $ 4.
Aguas Calientes: We will have breakfast and then take the bus (6 am) to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Sanctuary: A walking tour of approximately 2 hours is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city at your leisure. At 10 am there will be time to climb Huayna Picchu (2720m / 8890ft). It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top.
We will take the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo on the expedition and a bus to Cusco. We will be in Cusco at approximately 22:30 hours.
OPTIONAL: Huayna Picchu Sacred Mountain. It has a limitation of 400 seats per day, so we strongly recommend that you book in advance. If you still have some energy you can also climb the Huayna Picchu Sacred Mountain, It takes 45 minutes to get to the top, the entrance fee is in additional cost US $ 15.00.
Group Tour
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This version of the iconic Salkantay hike and the short Inca Trail that connects to Machu Picchu is an exceptional and unforgettable adventure. Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains and lush flora, making it one of the most spectacular treks you will ever do. We will hike through the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, passing under the majestic Salkantay snow-capped mountain. The climate of the first part of the trail is dry and cold, while the second part is warmer and more humid.
The difficulty of this hike is moderate to high, as the terrain can be challenging in some parts. Salkantay is one of the most beautiful snow-capped mountains in Peru, located in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, in the Cusco region. This mountain offers an alternative to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu, which runs along the Cordillera Vilcabamba. It is an ancient and remote route that offers breathtaking views, abundant flora and fauna that you will not find in the traditional Inca Trail. We invite you to live this unique and unforgettable adventure.
Cusco (3,400 masl): Pick up from hotel 4:00 am, heading to the town of Mollepata, then to go to Soraypampa where we will have a 3 hour trip in our private transportation to reach the trailhead in Soraypampa (3,800 m.a.s.l. / 12,467 ft.).
Soraypampa (3,900 m.a.s.l. / 12,467 ft.): When we arrive at Soraypampa, you will enjoy a hot breakfast prepared by our chef. After breakfast, you will hand your duffel bags to our muleteers to carry them along the way. We begin our adventure and head to the Humantay Lagoon.
Humantay Lagoon (4,200 masl): This hike lasts approximately 1 hour and a half. We will take you to the base of the Humantay mountain, where you can enjoy the beautiful crystal clear blue waters of the Humantay Lagoon. After a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature, we will start walking back to the starting point, where you will enjoy a hot lunch. This return hike lasts approximately 2 hours as you descend towards Salkantaypampa (3,900 m.a.s.l. / 12,795 ft.) arriving at approximately 13:00 p.m. Salkantaypampa is located at the base of the Salkantay glacier mountain. After lunch, you will climb gradually for approximately 3 hours to the Pampa Japonesa camp.
Pampa Japonesa (4,250 m.a.s.l. / 13,943 ft.). There, you will sleep under the star-filled night sky at the base of the majestic Salkantay Mountain.
Pampa Japonesa (4,250 m.a.s.l. / 13,943 ft.: On your second day early in the morning, you will enjoy your breakfast and then we will prepare for the trek from Pampa Japonesa, we will ascend slowly for the next 3 hours until we reach the Chiriaska Inca Pass.
Chiriaska Inca Pass (5,100 m.a.s.l. / 16,732 ft.): Chiriaska which in Quechua means to get cold, this place is truly cold at most times of the year, but has some of the best views of the glaciated peaks of Salkantay. After taking some time to admire the breathtaking scenery, you will enjoy a hot drink before continuing your hike to the next stop at Sisaypata Pass, here we will have lunch, and after about 3.5 hours, this hike will be downhill to the campsite for the night in Paucarcancha.
Paucarcancha (3,770 m.a.s.l.): This will be our camp to leave the next day.
Paucarcancha (3,770 m.a.s.l.): Very early (6:00 am) we have breakfast and then we start our trek, this day we will reach a part of the Classic Inca Trail. While trekking, you will be captivated by the breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, you will also visit the famous Inca archaeological site of Llaqtapata.
Llaqtapata (2,840 m.a.s.l.): This site is known to have been an Inca village characterized by its houses, water channels and many agricultural terraces that gently border the mountain. From Llaqtapata, we will hike for approximately 1 hour and then stop for lunch.
Finishing our lunch, we will hike for approximately 2 more hours until we reach Km. 82.
KM 82 (2,709 m.a.s.l.): At this place you will meet our private transportation and will be transferred to the town of Ollantaytambo.
Ollantaytambo (2,792 m.a.s.l.): In this town you will spend the night in the chosen hotel, you will enjoy dinner in this place, before starting the Inca Trail the next morning.
Ollantaytambo Station (2,870 masl): At this point we will take the Expedition train to our starting point which is called KM 104 «Chacha bamba».
Km 104 Chacha bamba (2,100 masl): At the starting point you have to show your Inca Trail permit, your original passport, and your ISIC card if you have one. It is here where the Inca Trail begins and we will start walking for 3.5 to 4 hours to Wiñayhuayna, where we will enjoy a good snack. The hike to Wiñayhuayna is a beautiful walk, where we can enjoy the amazing flora and scenery that surrounds us.
Inti Punku (2,700 masl): After lunch we will hike an additional two hours to Intipunku «Sun Gate», from where we will have excellent views of Machu Picchu and all the surrounding mountains. Here we will have about 20 minutes to rest and contemplate the beautiful scenery.
Machu Picchu (2,430 masl): Afterwards we will transfer to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl): Later we take a bus to Aguas Calientes and transfer to the hotel.
We will arrive there between 16:00 to 17:00 in the afternoon approximately, where we will head to our hotel for a short rest after which you can enjoy a delicious dinner at one of our suggested restaurants.
Machu Picchu: On this last day we will have breakfast at 5:00 a.m. at the hotel and then head to our bus that will take us to Machu Picchu Citadel.
To enter you will also have to show your passport, entrance ticket and ISIC card, if you have one. Afterwards you will have a guided tour for about 2 hours visiting the different ruins and temples. After the visit you will have free time to explore the city, and take as many pictures as you wish.
After having enjoyed the magnificent city of the Incas you will use the bus ticket to go down to Aguas Calientes and then take the train back to Cusco via Ollantaytambo. The «Expedition Train» leaves at 6:30 pm and arrives in Ollantaytambo after 2 hours. In Ollantaytambo there will be a bus waiting to take you back to Cusco. Here your trip will end around 10:30 in the evening.
Group Tour
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Can’t decide between the Salkantay trek and the Inca Trail? Well, worry no more. Our 7-day Salkantay and Inca Trail trek combines the two routes to Machu Picchu into one breathtaking journey. Both treks are considered among the top 25 treks in the world by National Geographic and together they form one of the most epic treks of all.
Not surprisingly, this combination will challenge you to the max and test your limits. However, once at the top, you’ll realize that all your efforts have been worth it, when it all comes to a head at the stunning Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. You will feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as you walk through the ancient Inca citadel and contemplate the beautiful panorama of the dense Peruvian jungle.
The Salkantay and Inca Trail tour starts once we pick you up at your hotel (which must be located in Cusco) at 4:30 am. Together with the guide, chef and porters you will be transported for two and a half hours to the trailhead, Marcoccasa (3,300 meters). You will meet your muleteer and horses, you will also have time to prepare for the day and enjoy a delicious breakfast. You will experience views of the Andes, lush green valleys and beautiful waterfalls. The hike will be of moderate difficulty, with a gradual uphill climb lasting approximately three and a half hours until lunchtime. After that, the hike will be less steep and more relaxed. The views along the way change as you progress. The beginning of the trail is all green, charming valleys, but by the afternoon, you will be right at the foot of the snow-capped Humantay Mountain. You will also experience a change in temperature from warm to cold. So make sure you have warm clothes and gloves for the cold afternoon. After arriving at Soraypampa camp (3,800 meters), the team will welcome you with a toast of hot drinks and a delicious dinner.
On day 2 of the tour, we will wake you up with hot drinks and breakfast. Then you will have to get ready for the day, we will show you the alpine microclimate and the breathtaking views from the high mountains of the glaciers. Many Andean people consider them as the highest mountains around Cusco and the father of the other mountains (Apus means God). Then you will begin a two-hour climb up to the most beautiful blue lagoon, located at the foot of the Humantay glacier mountain. It is believed that the Incas used to hold ceremonies celebrating the God of water and the Apus, which surround this tranquil place. Then you will start the return to the main trail and continue to the lunch spot at Salkantay Pampa. It will be time to depart from Humantay mountain and enjoy the views of a higher mountain, Salkantay mountain (6,215 m). You will arrive there after 1 hour of walking, to enjoy a good lunch. After lunch, we will have an elevated climb of two hours to reach our second camp, at Ichupata or Pampa Japonesa at (4,200 m). At this site it will be a cooler hike, so make sure you have a jacket, hat, sunglasses and gloves. At the camp, porters will welcome you to enjoy hot drinks and dinners. Tonight is the perfect night to see the constellations and views of Salkantay Mountain. This site is the closest camp to Salkantay, so it is possible to hear some avalanches. However, don’t let this scare you, as they will not be near us.
After a good tea and breakfast, it will be time to embark on the most challenging and rewarding hike so far in this adventure. Your guide will take you over the Inca Chiriasca pass (5,000 meters above sea level), at a steady pace to see the wonderful views of the glacier mountains. Once you have reached the top, there will be hot coca tea, views of the valley and lakes, and even wildlife such as condors and hawks. You will then begin to descend, or you can take an optional hike to a glacier, which only takes 30 minutes. Then, we will continue walking to the lunch spot, where the porters will be waiting for you with traditional hot tea and a delicious lunch. For the rest of the day, you will hike downhill through lush green valleys and winding streams before arriving at camp in a small village with 10 families.
On this day of the Salkantay and Inca Trail tour you will see a glimpse of the past as you walk along the mountain slopes, used by traditional Peruvian farmers, who have lived in the same way since the time of the Incas. Then, you will arrive at the famous Inca ruins, where the tour guide will provide you with information about the Incas. After the ruins, the guide will show you new vegetation and other things, as you move into the microclimate of the jungle. Finally, you will arrive at the classic Inca Trail, where the porters will be waiting to serve you a succulent lunch. The afternoon hike will be all uphill until you reach our campsite. Be sure to have your camera ready, with fully charged batteries, as you won’t want to miss the opportunity to capture the magnificent views of the mountains and the lovely natural waterfalls in the cloud forest.
This day will be the longest day of the trek, but at the same time the most impressive, because you will see the Inca ruins, the cloud forest among others. The day will begin with a nutritious breakfast, and then start with a two-hour climb uphill in the rustic area. The Andean Ichu is a dry place with little vegetation, but you can see llamas and alpacas. When we reach the top of the Paso de las Mujeres Muertas (4,200 meters above sea level), you will have time to rest and enjoy the mountains, the glaciers and the spectacular mountains nearby. Afterwards, we will start descending the rocky mountain to our lunch spot. On the way, you will be able to observe orchids and other flowers. Try to walk slowly and be careful with nature. This section is a perfect place to observe hummingbirds. After lunch, we will start climbing uphill for two hours to reach the second peak. Halfway up, you will visit the Inca ruins, called Runcuraccay. It is said that this place functions as a watchtower from its oval shape and its position overlooking the valley. After crossing the second peak (4,000 meters high), we will begin to descend for an hour to the lake called Yanacocha, where the Incas organized ceremonies for the goodness of the water. Then, we will arrive to the famous cloud forest and also to one of the most beautiful Inca ruins called Sayacmarca. Sayacmarca is where you can observe the original Inca houses, water fountains, water channels and the most spectacular views of the valley. After the ruins, it will take you about 30 minutes more to reach our campsite, called Chaquicocha. Once again, you will have the opportunity to see different types of flora and fauna, as you will be in the high jungle.
Today is the most relaxed day of the Salkantay and Inca Trail tour. In the morning, you will enjoy the views of the Andes Mountains and the glacier peaks of Pumassillo Mountain. There will only be about five hours of hiking, where you will be able to see the three Inca ruins on the way to our camp. The first ruins are called Phuyupatamarca (cloud level city) and are two hours from camp. It is impressive to observe the beautiful platform and the houses where the Inca nobles studied astronomy. The second set of ruins is on the hillside between terraces. It may have been an Inca agricultural experiment station. You will also have views of the sacred valley and the Urubamba River. Finally, you will arrive at the last campsite, called Wiñay Wayna (2,600 meters), where you can store your things and walk for five minutes to reach the most beautiful Inca ruins along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This place is close to a village where you can enjoy the beauty of the water channels, terraces and temples, and learn about the religious ceremonies that used to take place there. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to take a hot shower, and then a free afternoon to explore the most beautiful Inca site, Wiñay Wayna. Later in the afternoon will be your final happy hour and dinner, with a short presentation by your porters to say goodbye, and then return to Cusco the next day as you continue your journey to Machu Picchu.
Day 7 is the most important day of the tour, it will be the time to visit Machu Picchu. You will wake up earlier than usual. After breakfast, you will walk for two more hours until you reach Machu Picchu, where you will pass through the Sun Gate and experience spectacular views of the impressive mountains, valleys, rivers and Inca ruins. Once you arrive, your tour guide will brief you on Machu Picchu for two hours. Afterwards, you will have time to explore on your own. Be sure to visit all the sacred sites such as temples, palaces and the famous Inca bridge. When you are ready to return to Aguas Calientes, there will be buses leaving regularly. The bus ride is about 30 minutes.
After spending some time in the town of Aguas Calientes, you should be at the train station 30 minutes early to return to Cusco.
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