Salkantay trek, the old and remote alternative path to the famous Inca Trail, has much more spectacular views and different ecological levels you will walk among lagoons, impressive snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay and Humantay, crossing rivers and subtropical areas of abundant vegetation and fauna. This road is an excellent option for those who want to escape from the most congested routes and in a faster way, or for those who are looking for an alternative when the spaces of the traditional Inca Trail are occupied. This impressive excursion passes under the magnificent mountain Salkantay (6,710 m / 22,014 ft), one of Peruvian Andes's highest and most impressive.
Its first two days will be dominated by the impressive snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Humantay, also you will enjoy the beauty of the Humantay Lagoon, as it travels through the high Andean landscape. On the third day will descend to the warm cloud forest, to reach Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. The impressive sacred citadel of the Incas Machu Picchu is visited during the last day of the program. This excursion is an interesting alternative for those who have not found space on the route from the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The excursion to Salkantay was recently named by the National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine among the 25 best excursions in the world.
DAY 1: CUSCO- MOLLEPATA - MARKOKASA - SORAYPAMPA: 4:30 in the morning Pick up from the Hotel, you will start our way by Tourist bus passing through high Andean towns, at approximately 9 a.m. You will arrive at Mollepata where you will have a delicious breakfast. From this point you will start your trek until reach Tres Cruces, where you will have lunch with a spectacular view of the Limatambo Valley, then continue the walk to Markokasa. Choquekiclla from this point you can see the Apus Salkantay and Humantay, at approximately 16:30 p.m. You will arrive at Soraypampa, (3500 masl or 20.671feet), where you will camp.
DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA- SALKANTAY PAMPA- PASO SALKANTAY -COLLPAMPA: This day you will pass at the foot of the Apu Salkantay, you will see the lovely geography right below you. In the place called Salkantay Pass you will have an Inca Ceremony, through which you will request the Permission to pass and have a fabulous and unforgettable trip. This Ceremony is known as Pachamama Pay (Jaywarikuy), then you will have lunch at the point called Huayrac, you will start descending towards Challhuay Pampa, following the course of the Salkantay River, at this point you will have the opportunity to see the more beautiful Andean landscapes, in this place you will camp. (2900 masl approx.)
DAY 3: COLLPAMPA - LA PLAYA-LUCMABAMBA -SANTA TERESA: The road is more stable, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the landscape that hides this part, the Andean High Jungle makes your trip more unforgettable, you can appreciate many species of flowers, between orchids and ferns, birds of different colors, you will have the opportunity to taste some fruits such as Granadilla, Orange, banana among others, After Lunch in the Sector called the Beach, you will go to Santa Teresa, place where you will camp.
DAY 4: SANTA TERESA - HYDROELECTRIC - MACHUPICCHU TOWN: You will start the journey going through a beautiful waterfall, thus arriving at Hidroelèctrica. Lunch, then continue to Machupicchu town through Mandor and its waterfall, also known for its botanical gardens showing beautiful and colorful flowers, arrival at Machu Picchu Town where you will spend the night in a comfortable hotel. Optional night visit to the thermal springs of the town "payment by admission fee $ 4 dollars in the entrance"
DAY 05: MACHU PICCHU - FULL DAY: After breakfast you take the bus that will take you to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, in this way you can be one of the first groups within the Inca city which will allow you to enjoy a beautiful sunrise , then you will have approximately 2 hours a visit to the most important venues with your guide, then you can explore the mysterious city at your own pace. If you were able to confirm your entry to the sacred mountain of Huayna Picchu, you will have time to climb it, Huayna Picchu (2720m / 8923ft)! It takes 45 minutes to get to the top, this walk is additional and optional. At a certain time you take the return bus to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). Finally returning to the imperial city of Cusco.
You can hike Salkantay with agency or by your account. Although, many travelers avoid the agencies to the fullest. In this case, We recommend an agency. Imagine getting tired, having to set up camp, cooking, not to mention having to carry all the luggage during the walk, which is difficult in itself without anything on it. In addition, the changing mountain climate, which from one minute to another can radically turn around. Or if the height takes its toll on the mountain and you can not continue. In those cases, it is necessary to have people who know what you are doing. Without wanting to be drastic, some inhabitants tell that "don't play with the mountain" , and that, can be the difference between telling the story or tell your story. There are some agencies that offer the option of 6 days and 5 nights as we. It's the same, only at a lower rate. So you really have to be prepared for the adventure.
