A Salkantay Trek alternative but this time more economic and not too expensive, walking and seeing beautiful landscapes from snowy mountains, ecosystems and glaciers. Also on the road we can take pictures of the green vegetation, clean lagoons and a variety of animals that are much estimated there.
The highest point which we’ll have to pass is about 4,550m where the panoramic and beautiful views worth it, from there you can see the Salkantay and Humantay mountains on the mountain range of Vilcanota. This tour is special because has many attractions and is not very toured for other travelers, so is more peaceful and quiet.
At final as a reward for us, we´ll arrive to the lost citadel from Machu Picchu where is possible to explore the area, going to markets for take some food or maybe to purchase reminders made by crafting houses of natives, and for then climb to the main attraction, the ruins from the Mountain. You’ll have a complete guided tour about the monuments and ruins and also you can explore the mountain on your own.
If you want to take the best pictures is recommended climb the Huayna Picchu mountain because from there the landscapes about the citadel and ruins are majestic.
Day 01: Cusco - Challacancha - Soraypampa
Day 02: Soraypampa - Salkantay Mountain - Huayracmachay - Chaullay
Day 03: Chaullay - Playa Sahuayaco - Local Bus to - Hidrolectrica - Aguas Calientes
Day 04: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Departure Point: Cusco - We pick you up from your hotel.
Departure Time: 04:00 - 04:30
Briefing Point: Our guide will visit your hotel 2 or 1 day before the trek
Briefing Time: Between 18:00 - 19:00
Return Point: Cusco - Our driver will drop-off near to the main square - San Fransisco square.
Tour Operator: Local Tour Operator
Service Level: Salkantay Travel Budget and tourist transportation.
Physical Rating: 3 - 4 Demanding - Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers
Age requirement: 12+ / All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tour Operator: Local Tour Operator
Crew: A Representative in Cusco and a professional Tour Guide, Cook and Horseman.
Accommodation: Campsites (2 nights), Hostel (1 night).
Meals: 3x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner, 2x afternoon hot beverage.
Transportation: Tourist transportation to the hear trail, 1x train (Expedition Class).
Wake up very early to go on bus for about 4hours from Cusco to Mollepata village and arriving about 7.30 for purchase some supplies and take a breakfast, then we'll have to drive one hour to reach the trailhead in Challacancha.
From there the hike is begining, we'll hiking in about 4hours to Soraypampa and then arrive to the valley of Apurimac River, during the trail is possible to see the snowy mountains especially the Salkantay mountain which has the best views on the road.
Already in the campsite after the lunch we can climb to the Humantay Lake and take the pictures from the Mountain, finished all latest we'll descend to the campsite again and rest because the next day will be the most challenging of the tour.
Early in the morning we'll have to be ready because the trail is coming strenuous, starting quietly for one hour to reach Soroycocha.
Now we'll have to climb for 3hours more arriving to the highest pass of the trail (4,800m), as a reward you can see and cherish the amazing landscapes of Salkantay Mountain and lagoons.
After see the beauty on the road we'll have to descend to Wayracmachay (3,800m) where we have a lunch and rest to continue until our next campsite.
In about 3hours of hiking we'll arrive to the campsite in Chaullay.
Get up while the sunrising at 5.00 and continue the hike to Play Sahuayaco where we can see the Collpabamba town which it has beautiful waterfalls, a green vegetation and a variety of animals.
Then after cherish the biodiversity we have to take a bus until the hydroelectric train station.
From the train station we'll go to Aguas Calientes where we'll have a dinner and rest becasue tomorrow will be the best day, the visit to the citadel and Machu Picchu mountain, no doubts will be unforgettable and wonderful.
Be ready earlier because is the best day, the visit to Machu Picchu, starting with a good breakfast either of markets or restaurants, exploring the citadel and then climbing to the ruins of the Mountain, already there we can have a guided tour among the Inca ruins while at the same time we'll listening the histories of each monument of the area.
Finally if you want, is possible to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain because from there you can take the best pictures of the tour, the beautiful views of the Inca citadel and also the ruins.
Is necessary to booking with anticipation because many travellers want to climb the mountain to see the landscapes of the Inca side.
Our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek for your briefing. Our guide will provided the duffel bag for your personal belonging,
Note: It is very important let us know, where you will be staying in Cusco;
Experienced bilingual Tour Guide. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional, and will ensure you are safe and happy.
Note: A group up to 8 participants has 1 Tour Guide, a groups over 8 participants receives 2 Tour Guides
Camping (3 Nights) and Hotel in Machu Picchu (1 Night)
Our tents are of the brand Eureka Mountain designated for 4 seasons. We provide with 3 person capacity tents; however, just 2 trek participants use it! In this way, we provide you more space and comfort. In case of a single traveller, we provide with a 2 person capacity tent.
Hotel in Machu Picchu with private bathroom and hot water (Single, Double or matrimonial room)
We provide with inflatable mattresses of the brand Therm-A-Rest. The mattresses are 3 cm heigh that will ensure you a sufficient isolation from the cold earth!
This inflatable mattress for more comfort to sleep in the trail
We use only feather sleeping bags that are suitable up to minus 16°C. This means you do not need to be worry about cold as temparature at night at each trek reaches just up to 0°C (maximum -5°C)!!
Included the Salkantay and Machu Picchu.
3x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner, 2x afternoon´s hot beverages and Snack every morning
The Tierras Vivas chefs cook delicious meals that many previous trekkers have raved about. If you are a vegetarian or have any restrictions, our chef will prepare special food, please advise us in advance. A vegetarian meal option is for NO extra cost. Food is typically served and buffet.
Excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own, Tierras Vivas will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.
Our horses will carry the all camping equipement for your trek and 7 kg for your personal beloging + Sleeping bag;
An emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are a little slower;
Muleteer is responsible to take the horses;
Tierras Vivas DOES NOT permit this exploitation!! We guarantee that our horses carry only an amount given by the Peruvian law!!
From Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo, there are two companies train (Incarail and Perurail),you can choose two time of your train return to Cusco
If you take the train return at 14:55, you will be in Cusco at 18:00
If you take the train return at 19:00, you will be in Cusco at 22:00
On the high season, it is very important let us know in advance, because it is very difficult find spaces available.
Tables and chairs, cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents and bottled gas
A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town
Early morning transfer by private bus to Challacancha - the initial point of the trek;
The train service is finishing in Ollantaytambo Train station, then our driver is waiting for you and he will take to Cusco;
Our guide has received training in first aid from a physician. Your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen.
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.
