Soraypampa, Salkantay, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
- Time 3 days / 2 nights
- Tour Type Hiking
- Altitude 6270 m.s.n.m.
- Place Cusco
- Difficulty Moderate
Trip Description
Discover the thrilling adventure of the Salkantay Trek, one of the two most incredible treks in Peru in just 3 days and 2 nights! This incredible experience is designed for those who are looking for breathtaking landscapes and great ecological diversity in their journey. On this trek, you will have the opportunity to visit the main attractions, including the majestic snow-capped mountain of Salkantay and the impressive Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Salkantay Trek is a unique alternative to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu. During this trip, you will be able to travel through the Vilcabamba mountain range, enjoying spectacular views, crystal clear turquoise lagoons, majestic snow-capped peaks such as the Apu Salkantay and the Humantay lagoon, rivers and subtropical areas with a large amount of flora and fauna. Embark on the adventure of a lifetime in one of the wonders of the world!
Short itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Soraypampa – Chaullay
The service starts from the hotel pick up which is included in this package. Afterwards, we will take a bus from Cusco to Soraypampa, where we will meet the group to start the exciting hike to Chaullay camp. This first day will be intense, as we will walk a distance of approximately 22 km.
Day 02: Chaullay – La Playa – Santa Teresa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes – Hotel
We will start the day with a delicious breakfast before starting a hike to Sahuayaco beach. After lunch, we will travel by transport to Hidroeléctrica. From there, we will walk to the town of Aguas Calientes where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night in comfortable lodging. In total, we will walk about 16 kilometers that day.
Day 03: Machupicchu
After breakfast at the lodge, you will take a bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site. After the visit, you will walk back to Aguas Calientes and take a train and bus back to the city of Cusco, which marks the end of the tour.
Complete Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Soraypampa – Abra Salkantay – Wayracpunko – Chaullay
Cusco (3,400 masl): The transportation service will pass by the hotel at 2:00 a.m. to take participants to Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek. The drive will take approximately 3 hours. Once in Soraypampa, travelers will meet with the Salkantay group and enjoy breakfast.
Soraypampa (3,900 masl): Around 5:30 in the morning, we will enjoy a hot breakfast before starting the hike to the highest point of the route, which is 4650 meters above sea level (15200 ft) and is located between two imposing mountains.
Abra Salkantay highest point (4,630 masl): During our hike, we will have the opportunity to observe the entire majestic Salkantay mountain, which is impressive and shows the beauty that nature and the creator offer us.
Huayracpunku (4,000 masl): During our hike, we will be able to fully observe the Salkantay and Humantay mountains, both with impressive heights (Salkantay at 6271m / 20575ft and Humantay at 4120m / 13500ft). From the highest point, you will have impressive views of the snow-capped mountains and it is possible that there is snow at this point. After this, we will descend through a beautiful cloud forest until we reach Huayracpunku, where we will enjoy lunch.
Chaullay (2,800 masl): After lunch, we will continue our hike into the jungle until we reach our second campsite. There is also the possibility of camping in Qolqampata, following the course of the Salkantay River. In this place, we will be able to appreciate the beautiful Andean landscape and set up camp at an altitude of approximately 2900m.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Time: 9 Hours Approx.
- Distance: 19 kilometers Approx.
- Climate: Cold, Windy and Warm.
- Maximum Altitude: 4630 meters (20,671 feet) – 4,000 m (13,000 ft).
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Campsite: Chaullay
Day 02: Chaullay – La playa – Santa teresa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas calientes – Hotel
Chaullay (2,800 masl): At 6:00 am we have our breakfast and begin the day’s hike. This day is especially interesting as we can enjoy a great variety of plants and flowers, including medicinal, esoteric and orchids. In addition, we will pass through several villages on our way.
The beach (2,064 masl): We continue moving forward until we reach Collpa Pampa La Playa, a beautiful place where there are thermal baths available to enjoy for an hour. Afterwards, we continue to La Playa to have lunch and rest for about an hour before continuing our trip to Santa Teresa by local transportation.
Hidroeléctrica (1,820 masl): After arriving in Santa Teresa, we take another means of transportation to go to Hidroeléctrica. Once there, we prepare for the last stage of the trip to Aguas Calientes.
Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl): At the hydroelectric plant, we begin a three-hour hike to Aguas Calientes. Afterwards, we will have the opportunity to take a relaxing bath at the hotel, enjoy dinner and stay in a comfortable establishment for the night.
- Time: 9 hours, walking and by car.
- Distance: 32 kilometers Approx.
- Weather: Warm,
- Maximum Altitude: 2800 masl.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Lodging: Aguas Calientes Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl): We get up at 4:30 am and later, at 5:00 am, we have breakfast at the corresponding hotel.
Machu Picchu (2, 430 masl): Afterwards, you will line up to take one of the first buses that go to Machu Picchu, as they operate on a first come, first served basis (i.e. first come, first served). The bus ride takes between 25 and 30 minutes to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu, which opens its doors at 6:00 am.
It is important to bring the original passport that was used to book the trip, as the park rangers may request it and, if desired, a Machu Picchu stamp can be obtained on it.
The guide will be available to show the best places to appreciate and photograph the Machu Picchu Sanctuary (which will be perfect for your Facebook profile).
After presenting the corresponding income, the tour of 2 hours and 30 minutes approximately will begin with the visit to different archaeological sites of Machu Picchu, such as the Agricultural Zone, the Urban Zone, the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Residence, the Sacred Plaza, the Inti Huatana, the Sacred Rock, among others.
Finally, at 2:30 p.m., 4:12 p.m. or 7:00 p.m., you will board the train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy.
Optional:
- Huayna Picchu: If you wish to include the thrilling adventure of climbing Huayna Picchu and enjoying its breathtaking views, it is necessary to book in advance and has an additional cost of $35 per person. The climb to the top takes 45 minutes and represents a challenge.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: It is also possible to climb Machu Picchu Mountain, which involves a 90-minute climb and is quite difficult. This tour has an additional cost of $25 per person. However, this is considered to be the most impressive and beautiful view of all, as you can get spectacular views.
- Buffet Lunch: Our recommendation is the restaurant “El MAPI” which has an additional cost of $25.00.
Including
Including:
- Transfers In/ Out
- Transportation Cusco -Mollepata.
- Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish).
- Pack horses and muleteer.
- 03 breakfasts – 02 lunches – 02 dinners.
- Professional cook
- Camping Equipment “Triple waterproof tents for each 02
- people and personal flasks” – dining room and kitchen stores
- Personal Flasks” – Dining Tents and Kitchen
- Camping Equipment for Guides, Cooks and Porters.
- 01 night Hotel with private bathroom and hot water in Machupicchu.
- First Aid Kit
- Oxygen Balloon.
- Entrance tickets to Machupicchu
- Return train tickets (Expedition) to Cusco.
- 01 bus up and down
- Transfer Ollantaytambo – Cusco – Hotel.
- Shower in Soraypampa camp (no access).
- Access to shower in Chaullay camp (S/. 10 per person).
- Access to shower in Santa Teresa camp (S/. 5 per person).
- Extra weight of luggage.
- Breakfast on the first day (S/. 15 per person), last lunch and dinner.
- Boiled water at base camps.
- Entrance ticket to Cocalmayo hot springs (optional activity, S/. 25 per person).
- Zipline ticket (optional activity, 30.00 USD per person).
- Train Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes (optional, 40.00 USD per person).
- Ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain (25.00 USD per person).
- Ascent to Huayna Picchu Mountain (25.00 USD per person).
- Tips or personal appreciation, optional 10% of the cost of your package.
- Travel and medical insurance.
Recommendations
What to bring
- Sunscreen
- Original passport
- CIIU (student discount card), in case you have one
- Small backpack
- Rain poncho
- Good hiking pants, hiking boots, sun, hat and sunglasses
- Camera batteries and extra
- 2 liters of water
- Extra money
- Insect repellent
- Trekking poles
- Snacks
Prices
SHARED SERVICE TOURTrek Salkantay + Machu Picchu PRICE PER PERSON Minimum 02 people | |
Tour Summary
What is included in the Tour
TYPE OF TOURIST TRAIN
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Important note:
The train service THE VOYAGER – Inca Rail or EXPEDITION Train – Peru Rail, if you prefer to add the service in VISTADOME Train the additional is US$ 45.00 per person round trip.
Differential prices for students, children, infants.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions from Travelers
What is the best time to travel to Cusco?
The best time to travel to Cusco is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this period, the weather is generally dry and sunny, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18°C to 22°C. Nights can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to around 5°C, especially in June and July
The rainy season in Cusco runs from November to March, and during this period you can expect regular rains, especially in January and February. Rainfall can be heavy and can cause disruptions to transportation and tourist activities.
Keep in mind that, although the dry season is the best time to visit Cusco in terms of weather, it is also the busiest time in terms of tourism.
What is the weather like in Cusco?
The climate in Cusco varies according to the time of the year.
- The dry season (April to October): During this time, the weather in Cusco is generally dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 20°C. Nights can be cold, with temperatures dropping as low as 5°C. This is the best time to visit Cusco, as weather conditions are ideal for exploring the city and outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking.
- Rainy season (November to March): During this season, Cusco experiences frequent rainfall and cooler temperatures, with an average temperature of 16°C. Nights can be cooler, with temperatures dropping as low as 3°C. Rainfall can be quite intense and prolonged, which can make outdoor activities difficult.
It is important to keep in mind that the weather in Cusco can be unpredictable, even during the dry season. It is advisable to wear appropriate clothing for the weather and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and rain.
What to see in Machu Picchu
- The Intihuatana, The Temple of the Sun: a large ceremonial building, probably dedicated to the god Inti, the sun god in Inca mythology.
- The Main Temple: A large structure with an impressive panoramic view of the nearby mountains.
- The Main Street: The main road that runs through the center of the city and connects the main areas of Machu Picchu.
- The Sun Gate: The main entrance to Machu Picchu and one of the most iconic points of the city.
- The thermal baths: Inca system of thermal baths.
- The Huayna Picchu mountain: an optional hike that offers even more impressive panoramic views of the ruins of Machu Picchu, the hike lasts 1 hour uphill to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain.
What to bring on my trip to Cusco?
If you are planning a trip to Cusco, there are some important items you should take with you to make sure you are comfortable and prepared for any situation. Some of the items you might consider bringing are:
- Appropriate clothing: Due to the variability of the climate in Cusco, it is important that you bring clothing suitable for different weather conditions. Include warm clothes for cold nights, comfortable clothes for walking, and comfortable, sturdy shoes for exploring the ruins and trails.
- Sunscreen: Cusco’s altitude means that the sun can be very strong during the day, so it is important to bring sunscreen to protect your skin.
- Water bottle: The altitude can also cause dehydration, so it is important to stay hydrated.
- Medications: If you take any medications regularly, make sure you bring enough for your trip. It is also a good idea to bring some basic medications for headaches, upset stomachs and colds.
- Cash: Although most places in Cusco accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash in Peruvian soles for shopping in local markets, paying for cabs and tipping.
- Plug adapter: If you are coming from another country, you may need a plug adapter for electrical outlets in Peru.
- Camera: Cusco is a beautiful place with many interesting landscapes and tourist attractions, so you will want to capture many memories in photos or videos.
Where is Huayna Picchu located?
Huayna Picchu is a mountain located in Machu Picchu. It is located north of the archaeological site of Machu Picchu and is one of the most iconic mountains in the area.
The climb to the top of Huayna Picchu is a popular activity for visitors to Machu Picchu, as it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the archaeological site and the surrounding area. However, the ascent is quite steep and can be challenging for some visitors, so it is recommended to be in good physical condition and take the necessary precautions to enjoy the experience safely.
What is Aguas Calientes like?
Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is a small town located in the Urubamba River valley, near Machu Picchu. It is the starting point for most visitors who want to visit Machu Picchu, as it is where the train stations and access to the buses that take visitors to the entrance of Machu Picchu are located.
Aguas Calientes has a vibrant tourist atmosphere and is a fairly small town. There are a variety of hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, souvenir stores and travel agencies to cater to visitors. Due to its location in a mountainous area, the city has many stairs and steep streets, but also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area.
In addition to serving as a base for visitors to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes has some tourist attractions of its own, such as the hot springs that give the town its name, a small historic church and some nearby Inca ruins.
Where is Inti Punku?
Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate, is an archaeological site located on the route of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is located at an altitude of 2,720 meters above sea level, and is the traditional entry point to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
It is a stone structure located on top of a mountain with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Urubamba River valley.
The hike to Inti Punku is the final section of the Inca Trail route. Hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and nature before reaching the ceremonial gate and getting their first view of the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Which camps will you visit during the trek?
- Wayllabamba Camp: Wayllabamba camp is where hikers spend their first night on the Inca Trail after walking a steep and demanding section of the route. The camp has basic facilities such as tents, portable toilets and a common area for hikers to relax and socialize.
- Runkuraqay Camp: Runkuraqay camp is the second camp on the Inca Trail route after Wayllabamba camp. Hikers spend their second night at this camp after hiking up a steep section of the trail and passing through the Warmiwañusca Pass (known as the Dead Woman’s Pass) at an altitude of 4,000 meters. The Runkuraqay camp has basic facilities such as tents, portable toilets and a common area for hikers to rest. The area around the camp is rocky and sparsely vegetated, but offers stunning views of the nearby mountains.
- Wiñayhuayn Camp: Wiñay Wayna camp is the third and last camp on the Inca Trail route before reaching the citadel of Machu Picchu the following day. The camp is surrounded by vegetation and close to the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna. The Wiñay Wayna camp has basic facilities such as tents, portable toilets and a common area for hikers to rest. The area around the camp has a lot of tropical plants and flowers, making it an ideal place to enjoy nature.
