Overview
The Salkantay Trek is a beautiful alternative to the conventional Inca Trail. It is longer and tougher but less crowded and more authentic, taking you from barren mountains to lush tropical forests.
- Day 1: Drive to Mollepata and trek to Soraypampa (3800 m) with views of Humantay and Salkantay.
- Day 2: Longest day, climbing to the highest point (4650 m) and descending into the cloud forest to Chaullay.
- Day 3: Hike through the high jungle to Sahuayaco Beach, then travel to Aguas Calientes via Hydroelectric.
- Day 4: Early visit to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, guided tour, and return to Cusco by train.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Sayllapata – Soraypampa
Our tour starts in the morning when we pick you up to take you to the bus station and get in a bus towards Mollepata. The trip lasts approximately 3 hours and we will have breakfast on arrival to Mollepata. Once we are ready to start the excursion we will start the first 3 hours climbing till we get to Cruzpata. Here we will stop and have lunch surrounded with a beautiful view of the Andean Mountains (Humantay 4120 m.a.s.l. and Salkantay 6271 m.a.s.l.). Then we will continue our trek towards Soraypampa which is the highest and coldest place in the trek and it is near the second highest Salkantay snow peak (3800 m.a.s.l./11750 feet). Here we will set our first camping.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Huayracmachay – Chaullay
After breakfast at about 6:00 am, we will start the trek. This is the longest day of hiking. We will climb up the first 4 or 5 hours until we get to the highest point of the journey (4650 m.a.s.l.) located between to high mountains, Salkantay to the right and Tucarhuay to the left. The view of the mountains from this pass is impressive and we will probably see some snow. After some time to rest, we will continue the trek going down through the foggy forest towards Huayracmachay where we will have lunch. After that we will continue by the jungle forest border until we get to our second camping, Chaullay Colcapampa (3000 m.a.s.l.).
Day 3: Chaullay – Collpapampa – Sahuayaco Beach – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast at about 4:30 am, we will start hiking by the jungle crossing the Lliskamayo River and some small streams of water. We will arrive to Sahuayaco beach after 6 hours. On this day we will go through valleys with beautiful views of the waterfalls, tropical fruits and plants. We will take a local bus to the Hydroelectric, from this point we will travel to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu town. We will arrive approximately at 5:00 pm so you will have some time to relax, have a delicious dinner and enjoy the thermal waters.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will begin the day very early in the morning. We will have breakfast at 4:30 am. The plan is to visit the Sanctuary while we have sunlight so we have the most of the time to visit it. In order to get to the Sanctuary we will have to walk 1.5 hours or take a bus that leaves at 5.30 am (25 minutes journey). After walking with our guide approximately 2 hours, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu by your own. If you still feel with enough energy you can climb the Huayna Picchu (2720 m.a.s.l.). It takes 45 minutes to get to the top. (Note: Huayna Picchu requires prior reservation). Finally we will go down to Aguas Calientes by bus or walking depending on your choice and we will board the train to Ollantaytambo and from here we will take you to Cusco.
Inclusions & Exclusions
The tour includes:
- Professional tour guide.
- Transportation Cusco – Mollepata (Hiking start point).
- Meals (According to itinerary).
- Camping and cooking equipment.
- Horsemen and horses to carry the equipment and foods.
- Professional Chef.
- Oxygen and First Aid Kit.
- One night lodge at Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Train Ticket Aguas Calientes – Cusco.
The tour does not include:
- First breakfast and last lunch.
- Last day dinner.
- Sleeping bag (optional, can be rented).
- Entrance Ticket to the Thermal Waters in Aguas Calientes (approx. US$ 4.00).
- Huayna Picchu entrance fee.
- Flights to/from Cusco.
Recommendations
We suggest you to take:
- Maximum 6 kilos of personal objects.
- Light clothes for the day and warm clothes for the night.
- Hiking Shoes and hiking pants.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses.
- A hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Insect repellent.
- Flashlight (small and light).
- Walking canes.
- Camera, extra batteries.
General Info
Highest Point: 4,650 meters above sea level (Salkantay Pass).
Climate: Varies from cold Andean weather to warm tropical jungle brow.
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights.
Difficulty: Moderate to high.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How difficult is the Salkantay Trek?
It is considered tougher than the traditional Inca Trail because it reaches a higher altitude (4650m) and the distances are longer.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu?
Yes, but it takes about 45 minutes to get to the top and you must reserve a ticket in advance.
Are there thermal baths on the way?
Yes, you can visit the thermal waters in Aguas Calientes on the evening of the third day.