Salkantay Trek 4 Days: Backpacker's Adventure

We will start our Andean journey waking up early to board the transport that will take us for about four hours from the city of Cusco to the town of Mollepata. A quiet town where we arrive around 7:30, just in time to have a hot breakfast, stretch our legs, and get what is missing before moving on.

Then, we will return to our vehicle for a short trip of one extra hour until reaching Cruzpata, the point where the path of the Salkantay Trek truly begins. From this starting point, the walk to the Soraypampa camp takes about four hours, entering the valley little by little and accompanied by the Apurimac river.

As we move forward, the landscape changes and the Salkantay begins to appear: first among the peaks, then dominating the entire horizon. It is one of those snowy mountains that impose, and the views of that first day are already worth the trip. Likewise, after settling into our camp and enjoying lunch, we will use the afternoon to take a walk to the Humantay lagoon.

Although the climb is a bit hard, getting to the top and seeing that turquoise water surrounded by glaciers is something hard to forget. Good light for photos, and a silence that is not easy to find. Upon finishing this exploration, we will go down again to Soraypampa to have dinner and rest, preparing physically and mentally, since the next day will be the most demanding of our entire expedition.

Very early in the morning, we will prepare to face the most demanding day of our entire expedition. To start, the first hour is walked slowly, without a hurry, letting the body wake up and warm up. The initial destination is Soroycocha, and the slow pace is intentional: what comes next demands it.

Next, the terrain will present its greatest physical challenge: a continuous and steep climb of about three hours toward the highest pass of the entire trail, located at an imposing 4,800 meters of altitude. There is no way to soften it: it is exhausting. But getting to the top and seeing the Salkantay from that height, with its glacier lagoons below and the mountain range spreading in all directions, is one of those moments that justify every difficult step.

After contemplating the mountain range, we will start the descent along the rocky trail to Huayracmachay, located at 3,800 meters above sea level. Once there, we will take a break to enjoy lunch and take a rest before moving on to the final part of the day. Since the last three hours are different: the landscape begins to change, the air becomes warmer and the vegetation thicker. The mountain is left behind and the forest appears. Upon arriving at the Chaullay camp, the day has already given everything it had to give. The only thing left is to have dinner and sleep as you deserve after a day like this.

Today we will wake up early and have a good breakfast before resuming our route. Today's path goes fully into the high jungle, and the change of landscape is noticed right away: suddenly everything is green, humid and warm. Along the trail, coca plantations appear, the leaf that Andean towns have always used, next to coffee and banana plantations that grow without much apparent order; furthermore, in the background is the Urubamba river, which flows down full and loud through the valley.

After contemplating the flora of the trail, we will follow the path until we reach the Sahuayaco Beach sector, the route point where we will take a break to enjoy a good lunch. Afterwards, we will continue our trip by boarding a local bus that will take us quickly until we reach the Hydroelectric area. From this point, we will start the last walking section of the day: about three hours walking calmly next to the train tracks and the river bank.

Finally, this trail will guide us to the town of Aguas Calientes, located at the very base of the sacred mountain. We will conclude our expedition day by settling comfortably in a local hostel, where we will spend the night resting and preparing for the great visit to the Inca citadel.

Our expedition will reach its highest point in the early morning, when we start the march at 4:30 a.m. after breakfast. To start, we will begin an exciting walk up of about two hours through the cloud forest to reach the Sanctuary at 6:00 a.m. Likewise, if you prefer to save your energy for the main walk, you can coordinate with our guide to take the direct shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes.

Next, we will start our visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. After entering the citadel, there will be a guided tour of two and a half hours through the "Lost City of the Incas". To guarantee a great experience and comply with current rules, the tour follows a precise logistical structure:

• Main exploration: At the time of making your reservation, access through Circuit 2 is prioritized, the classic route that allows you to tour the archaeological site in a complete and detailed way.
• Alternative routes: If high demand sells out the main spaces, the visit will be done through Circuit 1 or Circuit 3, which offer excellent views of the complex.

Later, after the guided tour, there is the possibility to go up on your own to the surrounding mountains to get the best panoramic views. However, it is vital to consider that these activities have an extra cost and require an advance reservation:

• Huayna Picchu: Requires the Circuit 3A ticket. It consists of a steep climb of 45 minutes up and the same time down.
• Machu Picchu Mountain: Requires Circuit 1A access. It is a longer walk of about an hour and a half up.

Finally, in the afternoon, we go down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where there will be free time before boarding the return train to the Ollantaytambo (or Poroy) station. In this way, the expedition service ends with the ground transfer to the city of Cusco, arriving at night. Additionally, as an exclusive variant of our Salkantay backpacker route, those who prefer a cheaper option can do the walk to Hidroelectrica and board from there the direct panoramic bus to the Inca capital.

• Breakfast on the day 1 and lunch on the last day;
• Travel insurance;
• Entrance fee to Salkantay (U$ 8);
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu (U$80);
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (U$ 68)
• Transportation from Playa Sahuyaco - Hidrolectrica (U$ 20)
• A shuttle bus up and down to Machu Picchu (U$15 - one way - U$ 30 round trip);
• Water every day (you can buy on the trail, there are small local markert);
• Inflatable mattress (Term-a-Rest Mattress) U$ 25; 
• A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C) U$ 20;
• Emergency Horse (U$ 100)
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory);
• Other extras not mentioned.

Pre-Trek Briefing:
Our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek for a briefing and will provide a duffel bag for your personal belongings.

Note: It's crucial to inform us about your accommodation in Cusco.

Professional Guides:
Experienced bilingual Tour Guides who grew up in the region and have a passion for teaching others about their heritage will ensure your safety and happiness.

Note: A group of up to 8 participants has 1 Tour Guide, while groups over 8 participants receive 2 Tour Guides.

Accommodation:
Camping (3 Nights) and a Hostel in Machu Picchu (1 Night).

Entrance:
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Circuit 1 or 2.

Professional Cook + Meals:
3x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner, 2x afternoon hot beverages. Our Salkantay Trek chefs prepare delicious meals, and if you're vegetarian or have dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance. The vegetarian meal option is at no extra cost.

Muleteer + Horses:
Our horses will carry all camping equipment for your trek and 7 kg for your personal belongings + Sleeping bag.

Cooking Equipment:
Tables and chairs, cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents, and bottled gas.

Tourist Transportation:
Early morning transfer by private bus to Cruzpata, the initial point of the trek. The train service concludes at Ollantaytambo Train Station, where our driver will be waiting to take you to Cusco.

First Aid Kit including Emergency Oxygen Bottle:
Our guide, trained in first aid by a physician, will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen.

Luggage and backpacker for you Trekking

Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. The horses carry your luggage from Soraypampa (1st day) to Playa camping (3th day). 3 day hike, our chef takes your luggage by bus to Hidrolectrica. From there to Aguas Calientes, you are expected to carry your own luggage (max 3 hrs), in case, the local train running, our chef take your luggage to the town. We recommend keeping the weight under 7 kg/15lb. You will need to carry clothes.

If very important your take best cover backpacker, because the weather in Salkantay trek is change every date, we can’t predict it raining or no. If you don’t have, we recommended to put your clothes, sleeping bag and other personal equipment inside the plastic bag.

What do you take to the Salkantay?

• Original passport ,
• Original ISIC (an international student card if applicable)
• Pocket money in Nuevos Soles,
• A backpack
• A small rucksack,
• Rain gear (a rain-jacket and a waterproof trousers or a rain poncho - this can be purchased in Cusco),
• Resistible footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended,
• Sandals (for a higher comfort while at a campsite),
• Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights during camping),
• Hat or a cap (to protect you against the Sun, rain as well as cold),
• Sun cream or sun block,
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body,
• Insect repellent – recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria cases have been reported during this trip!),
• Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions),
• Flashlight/headlamp + batteries,
• Handkerchiefs and toilet paper,
• Small towel and toiletries,
• Sufficient reserve of underwear,
• Swimsuit (to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes),
• Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.)
  Please note: we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taken own snack applies only for customers who like a specific snack that might not be in our menu.
• Bottled water for the first morning and a water bottle to be refill.
• Optional: walking sticks; you can also rent it from us,
• Please note: we provide with filtered boiled water during the entire trek, but if you like to use water from streams along the trail, you need to take some water-purifying tablets with you.