Overview
The Salkantay Trek is the second best option for walkers wanting to reach Machu Picchu. This expedition takes you through less visited places, allowing a deeper contact with the Andean world, ancient traditions, and majestic natural sceneries.
- Day 1: Journey from Cusco to Mollepata and hike through various ecological zones to Soraypampa.
- Day 2: Climb to the Salkantay Pass (4600 m.a.s.l.) and descend into the beginning of the jungle (Challway).
- Day 3: Trek through the jungle along the Santa Teresa River, discovering waterfalls and orchids.
- Day 4: Visit coffee plantations and climb to Llactapata for a unique view of Machu Picchu before arriving at Aguas Calientes.
- Day 5: Comprehensive guided tour of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and return to Cusco.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa
We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and will head to Mollepata. Here we will meet our group of horsemen and we will prepare our camping equipment. On the route we will have fantastic views of the Salkantay. We will appreciate a variety of ecological zones, valleys, abundant fauna and vegetation, and breathtaking views of snowed peaks like Salkantay, Soray, Tucarway, and Umatay. We will go across small villages like Cruzpata and Silkacancha to reach Soraypampa for our first camping.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Challway
After breakfast we restart the trek to Salkantay Pampa and continue the route up to the Salkantay pass – Umatay (4600 m.a.s.l.) where we can see the snowed peaks in all their magnificence. There is a possibility to see snow avalanches. Next, we go down towards the beginning of the jungle, Challway. This part offers spectacular fauna and vegetation. If we arrive early, we may visit the thermal baths in Colpapampa.
Day 3: Challway – Sawayaku
A spectacular day of adventure. After breakfast, we go deeper into the jungle along the Santa Teresa River. We will come across beautiful waterfalls, thermal waters, and “oroyas” used to cross the river. We will see various species of orchids and places to have a swim. Finally, we arrive at Sawayaku beach to set our camping.
Day 4: Sawayaku – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we continue the journey seeing fruit trees, coca and coffee plantations. We will climb to Llactapata where we will have beautiful views of Machu Picchu and its surroundings. Then we descend towards the hydroelectric station to board the train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a lodge with basic accommodations.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
At about 5:20 am, we go up to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu for a 2.5-hour guided tour. We will visit The Main Square, The Intihuatana (Solar Clock), the Mortars room, The Three Windows Temple, The Temple of the Condor, and more. Afterward, you will have free time to explore, climb Huayna Picchu (optional), or relax in the thermal waters of the town before boarding the train back to Cusco.
Inclusions & Exclusions
The tour includes:
- Transfers: Cusco – Mollepata (Trek starting point).
- Professional tour guide (English and Spanish).
- Meals (According to itinerary).
- Camping and cooking equipment.
- Horsemen and horses to carry food and camping equipment.
- Professional Chef.
- Oxygen and first aid kit.
- One night lodging in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu – Cusco Train Ticket.
The tour does not include:
- Sleeping bag (optional renting).
- First breakfast and last lunch.
- Last day dinner.
- Entrance Ticket to the thermal waters (approx. US$ 4.00).
- Flights to/from Cusco.
Recommended to take
- Trekking shoes and trekking pants.
- Light clothes for the day and warm clothes for the night.
- Maximum 6 kilos of personal belongings.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses.
- Insect repellent.
- Flashlight (small and light).
- Walking canes.
- Camera and extra batteries.
- A hat for sun protection.
General Info
Highest Point: 4,600 m.a.s.l. (Salkantay Pass).
Highlights: Salkantay Peak, Llactapata views, Coffee plantations, Machu Picchu.
Environment: Transition from high Andean peaks to tropical jungle brow.
Language: Spanish is the second language in local villages; Andean traditions are still kept.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is Salkantay different from the Classic Inca Trail?
The Salkantay expedition takes you through less visited places with very little tourism, allowing for deeper contact with the Andean world and its people.
Can we visit thermal baths during the trek?
Yes, there is an opportunity to visit thermal baths in Colpapampa on Day 2 (if arriving early) and in Aguas Calientes on Day 5.
What will we see during the Machu Picchu guided tour?
The tour includes the Main Square, the Intihuatana, the Mortars room, the Three Windows Temple, and the Temple of the Condor, among other sites.