Soraypampa, Salkantay, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
- Time 5 days / 4 nights
- Tour Type Hiking
- Altitude 6270 m.s.n.m.
- Place Cusco
- Difficulty Moderate
Trip Description
If you are looking for an adventure different from the traditional Inca Trail and want to avoid the crowded tourist routes, we present you the exciting SALKANTAY experience! In this impressive expedition, you will hike under the majestic snow-capped mountain Salkantay, enjoying a dry and cold climate at first and then a warmer and more humid climate.
It is important to keep in mind that the hike can present a level of difficulty ranging from moderate to challenging. For this reason, we recommend that you prepare yourself physically in advance and that you arrive in Cusco at least two days before the start of the tour to acclimatize properly. Join us for an adventure you will remember forever!
Short itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Challacancha – Cruz Pata – Soraypampa:
This day’s itinerary includes pick-up from your hotel, followed by a bus ride from Cusco to Mollepata. Afterwards, you will go on a hike where you will enjoy beautiful landscapes. After the hike, you will have a delicious lunch in Soraypampa. You will also visit the beautiful lagoon of Humantay, and then enjoy dinner at the campsite where you will spend the night, after having walked a total of 13 km.
Day 02: Soraypampa – Wayrapata – Chaullay
You will start the day with a delicious breakfast and then continue with a hike through the impressive Abra Salkantay. Afterwards, you will have a delicious lunch in Pacaymayu and continue hiking until you reach the camp in Chaullay, where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night. In total, you will have hiked 22 km on this exciting day.
Day 03: Chaullay – La Playa – Santa Teresa
After enjoying a good breakfast, we will begin a hike that will take us to a beach where we will take our transportation to Santa Teresa, where we will stay for the night.
Day 04: Santa teresa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
We will start the day early with breakfast and prepare for a hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, where we will stay in a lodge for the night.
Day 5: Full Day Santuario Machupicchu – Cusco
After breakfast, we will take a bus to Machu Picchu, where we will have a guided tour. Then, we will walk back to Aguas Calientes and take a train to return to the city of Cusco.
Complete Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Challacancha – Cruz Pata – Soraypampa
Cusco (3,400 masl): Around 4:30 a.m. we will pick you up at your hotel and head in a tourist bus to the village of Mollepata, from where we will begin our trek. Before starting the trek, we will have a delicious breakfast waiting for us.
Cruz Pata (3,600 masl): After breakfast, we will begin our trek with our first destination at Cruz Pata, where we will make a brief stop for lunch and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Limatambo Valley. After this, we will continue hiking to Soraypampa, where we will set up our first camp.
Soraypampa (3,900 masl): After hiking and enjoying the breathtaking view, we will arrive at our first campsite in Soraypampa around 4:30 pm. From this place, we can enjoy an impressive view of the beautiful Salkantay snow-capped mountain.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Distance: 16 km (7 to 8 hours Approx.)
- Max Altitude: Camping altitude 3900 masl.
- Considered: Strongest day
- Weather: Cold, Windy
- Campsite: Soraypampa
Day 02: Soraypampa – Wayrapata – Chaullay
Soraypampa (3, 900 masl): At 5:30 in the morning, we will start our hike after having enjoyed a hot breakfast.
Abra Salkantay (4, 630 masl): On this hike, we will go to the highest pass that is located between two imposing mountains Salkantay on the right and Humantay on the left, with heights of 6271m / 20575ft and 4120m / 13500ft, respectively.
From this point, the views of the snow-capped mountains are impressive and there is a possibility of snow. Here we will perform a small ceremony known as Pago a la Tierra or Pacha Mama, where we will leave some coca leaves on the rocks of Mother Earth to ask permission to continue our journey and have a memorable experience.
Huayrac Pata (4,000 masl): We will continue our trek downhill through a beautiful cloud forest until we reach Huayracpunku, where we will have a break for lunch.
Chaullay (2,700 masl): After lunch, we continue our trek into the jungle and arrive at our second campsite, Chaullay, where the weather was warm and pleasant.
Another option for camping would be at Collpa pampa, following the Salkantay River. In this place, we will be able to enjoy the beautiful Andean landscape and set up camp at an altitude of approximately 2700 meters.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Distance: 19 km (8 to 9 hours Approx.)
- Max Altitude: Camping altitude 4630 meters above sea level.
- Considered: Regular day
- Weather: Cold, Warm
- Campsite: Collpa pampa
Day 03: Chaullay – La Playa – Santa Teresa
Chaullay (2,800 masl): After having our early breakfast at 6:30 a.m., we will continue our trek through several valleys, crossing the Lluskamayo River and several small streams. Along the way, we will enjoy beautiful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits, vibrantly colored birds and diverse native plants.
Collpa pampa (2,700 masl): The route is less demanding and the weather is usually warm. We will stop for lunch along the way and will be able to enjoy even more of the vibrant valleys along the way.
La Playa (2,064 masl): After a short hike, we will arrive at the village called “La Playa” where we will take a short break and board a vehicle to head towards Santa Teresa, where we will spend the night.
Santa Teresa (1,600 masl): Our next camp will be in Santa Teresa. After a rest and some snacks to recover energy, we will have the option to visit the hot springs and relax. Personally, we recommend this activity as the baths are a real treat after walking all day.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
- Distance: 16 km (6 hours Aprox.)
- Max Altitude: Camping altitude 2 800 masl.
- Considered: Regular and relaxed day
- Weather: Warm
- Campsite: Santa Teresa
Day 04: Santa teresa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Santa Teresa (1, 800 masl): After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will continue our route walking for 3 hours until we reach the Hidroelectrica.
Hidroeléctrica (1, 820 masl): The hike begins at the old coffee plantation of Mando Pampa, where we will take the trail that will take us through the cloud forest and follow the sacred river for about an hour and a half until we reach the waterfalls of Hidroeléctrica. These falls are about twelve meters high and are fed by the crystal clear melt waters of the sacred Yanantin Mountain. From the falls, the trail continues towards the ridge and enters the increasingly dense vegetation. During the hike, we can enjoy a beautiful fertile landscape, where coffee, banana and avocado plantations carved into the jungle can be appreciated, as well as pristine areas that serve as natural habitat for animals such as the spectacled bear, as well as hundreds of species of birds and butterflies, some of them exclusive to the region. In addition, the forest is covered with bromeliads and a variety of orchids, some of which have recently been discovered by biologists.
Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl): At the end of our hike, we will arrive at Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), where we can spend the night in our comfortable hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner.
- Optional: If you wish, you also have the option to make a night visit to the Aguas Calientes Hot Springs village, where the entrance fee is US$ 4.
Day 5: Full Day Santuario Machupicchu – Cusco
Aguas Calientes: After breakfast, we will head out to take the bus to Machu Picchu at 6:00 am.
Machu Picchu Sanctuary: Your guide will take you on a walking tour of about 2 hours, after which you can explore the mysterious city on your own. At 10 am, you will have the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu (2720m / 8890ft), which will take about 45 minutes to reach the top.
Then, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon on the expedition and a bus to Cusco. We estimate to arrive in Cusco around 22:30 hours.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Optional: The Sacred Mountain of Huayna Picchu has a daily access restriction of 400 people, so it is highly recommended that you make a reservation in advance. If you still have energy after your visit to Machu Picchu, you may consider also climbing the Sacred Mountain of Huayna Picchu, which takes about 45 minutes to reach the top and has an additional cost of US $ 15.00 for the entrance fee.
NOTE:
The itinerary is subject to change depending on the time of reservation and availability of camping spaces at the time of arrival. Also, campsites may vary depending on the weather and the health condition of the travelers.
For all excursions, the train included is the Expedition Service to Ollantaytambo, and train schedules will be confirmed close to the time of the trek. If you join a group at the end of the day, it cannot be guaranteed that you will travel on the same train as the rest of the group. Train schedules are subject to change according to Peru Rail’s schedule and availability.
Including
What is included:
- Transfers In/ Out
- First breakfast
- Transportation Cusco -Mollepata.
- Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish).
- Pack horses and muleteer.
- 04D-04A – 04 S -04C
- Professional cook
- Camping Equipment “Triple waterproof tents for each 02 people and personal Matras” – Tents for each person
- Personal Matras” – 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 Consettur -Machupicchu Inka City -Aguas Calientes.
Recommendations
What to bring
- 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
Extra
- Bag rental US $ 25.00 for the entire trip
- Metal walking sticks US $ 15.00 for the whole trip
- Extra horses to carry your personal equipment US $ 80.00 for 04 days.
- Supplementary single tent for camping nights US $ 35.00.
- Vistadome class tourist train (a “first class train, with panoramic windows to enjoy the view of Machu Picchu Valley”) is an additional US $ 50.00 per person.
It is possible to make hotel reservations in Cusco and other cities in Peru according to room type preferences, whether standard, economy, first class or deluxe. We offer confidential rates for each hotel in Cusco to get the best deals.
Prices
SHARED SERVICE TOURSalkantay Trek + Inca Trail 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.
