Embark on an economical yet enriching Salkantay Trek, immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of snowy mountains, diverse ecosystems, and majestic glaciers. Along the way, capture the charm of green landscapes, pristine lagoons, and an array of cherished wildlife.
The journey reaches its pinnacle at an elevation of about 4,550m, where panoramic views await. Behold the Salkantay and Humantay mountains on the Vilcanota mountain range. This off-the-beaten-path experience is adorned with numerous attractions, offering a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.
As a well-deserved reward, culminate your trek at the iconic Machu Picchu. Explore the surroundings, visit local markets for delightful food or acquire handcrafted souvenirs from native artisans. Conclude your adventure with a climb to the main attraction—the ruins of the Mountain. Enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the monuments, or venture to explore the mountain at your own pace.
For the ultimate photo opportunities, consider ascending Huayna Picchu mountain. From its summit, the landscapes surrounding the citadel and ruins unfold in a truly majestic panorama.
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: 8+ / 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, trekking chef 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.
Day 01: Cusco - Cruzpata - 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
The train return to Cusco is not included in the Salkantay Trek Backpacking package. You have the option to secure the train ticket yourself or let us assist you. Two train companies operate from Machu Picchu to Cusco—Perurail and IncaRail. Various schedules are available for the return service to Ollantaytambo, Poroy, or Cusco.
We recommend selecting the train returning between 02:30 PM or 07:00 PM. If you opt for the 02:30 PM train, you'll arrive in Cusco by 06:00 PM. Alternatively, choosing the 07:00 PM train will have you in Cusco by 10:00 PM.
For a more budget-friendly return to Cusco, you have two choices:
Train from Machu Picchu to Hidroelectrica: You can take the train for U$ 30. From there, catch the bus to Cusco.
Scenic Walk to Hidroelectrica: Alternatively, you can embark on a 3-hour walk to Hidroelectrica. From there, catch a tourist bus to Cusco, which takes approximately 8 hours for the return journey. This option typically costs U$ 20 per person.
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 Cruzpata.
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 3 hours 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 3 hours of hiking we'll arrive to the campsite in Chaullay.
On this day, we will get up early to enjoy a hearty breakfast. Then we will begin our hike, appreciating the variety of coca plants - considered the sacred leaf of our ancestors - currently cultivated in this tropical zone. Along the way, you will also observe coffee and bananas plants and enjoy views of the Urubamba River that flows through the valley. Arrival to the Playa Sahuyaco and have a lunch.
After the lunch, we will continue by local bus to the Hidroelectrica. Conitnue the hike 3-hour from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in a hostel.
Early morning trek to Machu Picchu
Early in the morning, at 4:30 a.m., our guide will meet you to start the trek after breakfast to the lost citadel of the Incas - "Machu Picchu". The trek involves a climb of approximately 2 hours to reach the Machu Picchu Sanctuary at 6:00 am. If you prefer to take a shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu instead of trekking, please coordinate with your guide to arrange the departure time of the bus.
The guided tour of Machu Picchu lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the tour you book. The guide will take you to the most important and fascinating sites of this archaeological wonder.
After the tour you can choose to climb either the Wayna Picchu mountain or the Machu Picchu mountain (both are optional and must be booked in advance at an additional cost).
In the afternoon we will return to the city of Aguas Calientes. From there you can take the train or bus back to Cusco. Please see the information below for transportation options.
This trek to Machu Picchu does not include train tickets or transportation from Aguas Calientes to Cusco. If you would like to add a train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and a tourist transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, please choose from our additional services such as the Expedition or Vistadome Train options.
If you prefer to return by bus, you will walk from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica, which takes a couple of hours. From there, you can take a tourist bus back to Cusco, which takes about 8 hours. This option is more affordable for those on a budget during the Salkantay backpacking trip.
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.
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.
