This Salkantay trek offers a spectacular experience that links us directly to Machu Picchu. The views are breathtaking, with the presence of glaciers, majestic mountains and the serenity of the Humantay lagoon, surrounded by abundant vegetation, making the hike one of the most beautiful.
Inka Trail Expeditions Peru offers an experimental trip that represents an authentic connection between adventure and nature. The objective is to depart from conventional tourist routes, avoiding superficial activities, and immerse yourself in an immersive cultural environment.
Enjoy the comfort of our services, the innovative cuisine and the hospitality of our staff. This trek represents a once-in-a-lifetime physical, cultural and spiritual experience, taking you along the magnificent Salkantay Sacred Trail to the legendary Machu Picchu.
During the trek, we will cross the highest snow-capped peak of the Vilcabamba mountain range, finally arriving at Llactapata, located behind the Machu Picchu mountain. This route will lead us to Aguas Calientes, located at the foot of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
In this way, we will culminate this unique adventure that gives us the opportunity to connect with nature, culture and the rich history of the region.
Pick up from the hotel is scheduled for approximately 4:30 a.m. Afterwards, we will embark on a journey in our private vehicle that will take about 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach Soraypampa,the starting point of our Salkantay trek. Here, we will enjoy a light lunch before starting the trek.After the lunch break, we will begin the hike to the snow-capped peak of Salkantay, located at 4,650 meters above sea level. From this point, we will contemplate the imposing beauty of the region, with its mountain range, glaciers and gorges, immersing ourselves in the magical atmosphere of the Andes. After a short and refreshing rest, we will start the descent to Huayracmachay, where we will enjoy lunch and a well-deserved rest period.
We will continue descending and enter the jungle, where we will enjoy unparalleled views of the surroundings. Then, we will continue hiking until we reach our first camp in the Collpa area, where we will have dinner and spend the night.
Regarding our Lodge del Cielo in Collpapampa: Our camp is located just 10 minutes walk from the village of Chaullay. Although Chaullay is a very crowded camping area, our camp in Collpapampa offers us a great advantage by providing us with a 360 degree panoramic view of the Salkantay Valley. It is also a perfect place, away from the crowds, where we can get to know the local families better.
This day will remain etched in your memory. After enjoying breakfast, we will continue our journey through the eyebrow of the jungle, where we can admire the rich flora and fauna characteristic of this region. The coffee and tea plantations and various trees stand out. The climate in this area is temperate and humid, which has led to the formation of a microclimate conducive to the flowering of orchids. These, for their diversity and colors, have been recognized by experts as the most beautiful in the world. We will continue our hike until we reach the Hydroelectric station, where we will enjoy lunch.
After a rest period, we will continue our hike towards the town of Aguas Calientes, located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. As an additional option, those interested can visit the thermal baths, located 1.2 kilometers from the village. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner and settle in at the hotel (with the option of participating in a coffee tour).
It is important to note that those who prefer not to take the excursion from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes have the alternative of taking the train, which will take approximately 40 minutes (the cost of the train is not included). These participants will meet the rest of the group at the Aguas Calientes train station, and their preferences will be confirmed by the guide the night before.
As for our stay in Machu Picchu town, the hotel in Aguas Calientes will be selected according to individual requests and expectations.
Meals: lunch and dinner. Walking distance: 27 km / 16.78 miles . Difficulty: Defiant . Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes . Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same sex). Walking Time: 7 to 8 hours approx. Starting elevation: 2900 m / 9,514 ft. Maximum elevation: 2900 m / 9,514 ft.
Early in the morning, after enjoying breakfast at our accommodation, we will transfer by bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu in an uphill journey that will take about half an hour. We will arrive at the access point and entrance control of Machu Picchu, where we will begin a guided tour of the urban and agricultural area, exploring the towers, ceremonial squares, sacred fountain, the Intihuatana or sundial, as well as the terraces from where the domain of the Inca is contemplated. After a guided tour of approximately 2 hours, we will have free time to take pictures and, in coordination with the guide, we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes.
We will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where the transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. Finally, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Important 1: According to Machu Picchu regulations, once we access the Sacred City, it is not allowed to go back along the same routes. There are clear signs indicating the route to follow, and it will only be allowed to make stops at specific places or return by the same route in particular cases. Therefore, it is advisable to make the most of every moment in the different Inca sites.
Important 2: According to Machu Picchu regulations, entrance tickets are only valid for a single use. This means that once you leave the Inca city, you will not be able to return unless you purchase a new entrance ticket.
Meals:Breakfast. Difficulty: Easy . Starting elevation: 2000 m / 6562 ft. Elevation at Machu Picchu: 2400 m / 7872 ft. Elevation at Huayna Picchu: 2720m / 8924 ft. Elevation at Machu Picchu Mountain: 3000 m / 9843 ft. Climate: It can be hot and rainy.
In this video we show a brief description about the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu in 3 days, you will appreciate the highlights of this trek in this 2 minutes longer video. There is a short description about the attractions that you will see below.