This scenic trek was named after the sacred snow-topped mountain Salkantay(savage mountains) (6271mt/20,574ft), considered by the natives a god mountain called Apu (guardian spirit of the jungle). It is still believed that in the mountains the holy spirits reside. The scenic and mountainous Salkantay trek are considered one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. It is filled with stunning scenery, varied nature, traditional culture, etc. It is located near the snowy peaks of the Salkantay range. Being at pass Salkantay(4,600mt/ 15,091ft) offers a vantage point of the snowy Mt Salkantay and rugged mountainous terrain. As you ascend to a higher altitude, the views of the imposing Salkantay Mountain become larger. Enjoy striking mountain scenery as you climb from 2,800mt to 4,600mt(alpine ecosystem), then descend to 2,000mt (tropical cloud forest with high degree biodiversity) and finally the long-awaited arrival to the Inca Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
The scenic Salkantay trek awaits you!!!!!
Day 01: Cusco (3,360mt/11021ft) - Soraypampa (3,869mt/12,690ft) - Salkanypampa
Day 02: Salkantaypampa - Chaullay (2,870mt/9414ft)
Day 03: Chaullay - Playa Sauyaco(2067mt/ 6781ft) - Santa Teresa (1550mt/5085ft)
Day 04: Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes (2,000mt/6561ft)
Day 05: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu(2,400mt/ 7874ft- Cusco
Our Luxury Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is all-inclusive at an Incredible Price, It means that you will get more for your money with Salkantay Trek Machu
There are two different Salkantay trek routes, the traditional Salkantay route starts out in Challacancha and ascends to pass Salkantay, then the trail descends all the way to La Playa town passing through different ecosystems and then goes to Hydroelectric settlement and finally arrives to Machupicchu village. The second Salkantay trek route leads to Soraypampa, gently ascends to Salkantay pampa, and slopes steeply up to Ichupata and Inca Chiriaska and then the trail slopes steeply down to Inca canal of pampacahuana, and then the trail joins Huayllabamba located on the traditional Inca trail and then the trail continues up to Machu Pichu.
Early pickup from your hotel and then transfer to trailhead (Challacancha, 3,675mt/12,057ft), passing the agricultural plains of Anta, fertile valley of Limatambo, and you will stop at the cultivated town of Mollepata (2,803mt/9196ft) for breakfast. Rejoining the bus ride, you will head to Challacancha, the starting point of the hike. After meeting the rest of the crew, you will start off to Soraypampa. The trail gently ascends to a vantage point and descends long way to Soraypampa, as you go through the trail, you will enjoy amazing views of the snow-topped Mt Humantay and Salkantay. Upon arriving at Soraypampa(3,850mt/12,631ft), you will rest and enjoy lunch admiring the natural beauty of alpine ecosystem. Afterwards, you will climb to glacial lake Humantay(4,200mt/13,780ft). This afternoon hike offers great views of the local scenery and sunset. Back at the campsite, you will chill at the campsite and then have dinner under starry sky.
You will wake up to the call of hote tea served in your tent. After a nutritious and hearty breakfast, you will head to pass Salkantay(4,650mt/15255ft). During the ascend do not miss the views of the imposing Mt Salkantay, second highest snowy peak in Cusco region. Upon arriving at the pass, have a break as you get a second wind and admire the alpine scenery. Learn about chewing coca leaves and giving them as offering to Mt Salkantay. Then the trail descends all the way to Huayracmachay, as you go down, you will see chinchillas, alpine birds like, andean goose, andean gull, andean flicker, and if lucky andean condor, etc. Upon arriving at Huayracmachay (3,850mt/12,631ft)m, you will enjoy lunch and rest. Afterwards, the trail descends to Challway(2,900mt/9514ft). The scenery along the trail is very diverse with rising temperatures. Campsite at Challway
Today the walk is leisurely with natural beauty that includes forested hills, colorful flowers, agricultural hamlets, river crossings, waterfalls,etc. Passion fruit growing above your head, bamboo forest, begonias, orchids, avocado trees, banana trees, etc. As you near La Playa, you will see avocado trees, and coffee plantations so you will have the chance to sample coffee. After lunch, you will bus to the town of Santa Teresa, the bus journey offers amazing views of coffee plantations, pineapple trees, waterfalls, etc. In the afternoon, you can wander about the town or go to the hotsprings(optional)
After breakfast, you will walk to hydroelectric town following a dirt road with views of river Urubamba, lush green mountainous area, hydroelectric plant, etc.Brief stop in town for more supplies, and then the walk carries on to the town of Aguas Calientes. The trail goes alongside the railway with outstanding views of river Urubamba, tall trees with birds like parkeets, fly catchers, etc sitting on the tree with melodious voices cheering up your passing and outstanding views of Machupicchu structures perched on top of the mountain. On arriving in Aguas Calientes town, you will bus up to Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. Dinner at a restaurant and return to the hotel.
After breakfast, you will enter the historic inca site of Machupicchu and check in the site by showing your original passport and machupicchu pass,then you will start exploring Machupicchu conducted by your tour guide for approximately 2h:30min. After the tour, you can stay by yourself to keep exploring the site or hike Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (both are optional and must be booked in advance!).Afterwards, you will bus down to Aguas calientes for a well-deserved rest and lunch. After completion of the Salkantay Trek 4 Days, you will take the train to Ollantaytambo and change for a bus back to your hotel in Cusco
Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "Single room" option for this trek, you receive your own single tent for all nights.
Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek's price!
There are two main seasons in the Peruvian subtropical Andes: The first is the dry season, which runs from late April to early October and the second is the rainy season, which begins in mid-to-late October and ends in April.
However, when it comes to the question of “When is the best time of year to do the Salkantay Trek?” While the hike to Machu Picchu can be done at any time of year, the busiest and most ideal time for trekking is during the dry season, which falls between May and September. So, the best time of year to do the Salkantay Trek is from the beginning of the wet months of March-April to the beginning of the dry months of October-November.
Temperatures throughout the year follow an identical pattern. Since the days are warm, they are above 20°C (between 70 to 80°F), and the nights or early mornings are cold; Furthermore, temperature fluctuations further characterize the microclimate that dominates during ascents and descents in altitude.
But, if you are still worried about how cold the Salkantay hike is, then you should keep in mind that the key to staying comfortable throughout the hike is to wear layers; that is, wearing thin but warm clothes over each other.
The Salkantay Trek is a hiking route that takes its participant to the Inca city of Machu Picchu and the distance of this extensive route is approximately 74 km, therefore, this route is carried out in excursions of 4 or 5 days, in which is traveled an average of 12 kilometers per day.
For the average tourist, Salkantay is considered a challenging hike but certainly not impossible, so in terms of difficulty this trek depends a lot on the health and physical condition of the person.
Likewise, the most challenging section of the trail is the altitude of the Salkantay Pass, which reaches an elevation of approximately 4,650 meters above sea level. So too, these challenges are the result of several factors: the challenge of climbing hills, extremely cold winds, generally low temperatures, and the fact that you are hiking at low oxygen altitudes.
Therefore, some hikers may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, which will disappear as soon as they begin to descend. In general, the Salkantay Trek is considered a little more difficult than the traditional Inca Trail, but it is easier than other alternative treks such as Choquequirao.
The minimum altitude is 2,200 meters above sea level. in the last camp in Sahuayaco and the maximum altitude of the Salkantay Trek is just over 4,600 meters above sea level. At this altitude, the available oxygen is almost 45% less than at sea level, which causes a series of physiological effects.
Cusco is located at 3,300 meters above sea level, which can be a problem for some people, so we recommend staying in Cusco at least 48 hours before the hike, during which you should drink plenty of fluids, avoid completely alcohol and relax.
When you decide to book this hike, this question arises. Therefore, you should know that you can book the hike once in Cusco, but we recommend you book it in advance and not wait until your arrival in Cusco. Why do we advise you that? As the hike always includes Machu Picchu at the end of the route. Since visiting Machu Picchu involves pre-booked tickets, and hiking companies typically need time to secure them, booking the Salkantay Trek in advance is highly recommended.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is gaining popularity alongside the Inca Trail. To avoid complications like sold-out Machu Picchu tickets and train rides, which happen frequently due to high demand, we recommend booking your Salkantay Trek 2-3 months in advance.
The Salkantay Trek offers diverse landscapes with different climates so it is necessary that you go prepared for sunny days, rain, snow and humidity. We recommend you bring:
You must keep your legs and feet protected during the crossing. We recommend the following items in your travel backpack:
It is very important that your backpack has your original passport and your original identity document to be able to identify you at the checkpoints. In case of being a student, the ISIC card will be useful for some discounts in the price of the tour and in some establishments in the city of Cusco.
Small items that will be very useful in your backpack to travel to Salkantay:
