Cusco, Soraypampa, Laguna Humantay, 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
Welcome to the experience of a lifetime! Are you looking for an unforgettable adventure that will take you through some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth? If so, look no further. Our version of the iconic Salkantay trek and the short Inca Trail that connects to Machu Picchu is just what you need.
During this thrilling adventure, you will be immersed in the beauty of glaciers, mountains and lush flora that will leave you speechless – it is without a doubt one of the most spectacular treks you will ever take!
During our tour, we will cross the majestic Cordillera Vilcabamba, passing under the impressive snow-capped mountain of Salkantay. Not only that, but you will also experience a change of climate from dry and cold in the first part of the trail, to humidity and heat in the second part of the trek.
Please note that the difficulty of this hike is moderate to high, as the terrain can be challenging in some parts! But don’t worry, we will be with you every step of the way to make sure you have the best possible experience.
Salkantay Mountain is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful mountains in Peru, located in the Cordillera Vilcabamba in the Cusco region. This hike offers a remote and ancient alternative to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu, and we guarantee you will have breathtaking views and experience abundant flora and fauna that you won’t find on the traditional Inca Trail!
Don’t waste any more time and join us for this unique and unforgettable adventure!
Short itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Soraypampa – Laguna Humantay – Salkantay Pampa – Pampa Japonesa
We will pick you up at your hotel to begin an exciting excursion to Soraypampa by bus from Cusco. During the hike, you will enjoy breathtaking views and see crystal clear lagoons of a beautiful turquoise color. In addition, you will also be able to contemplate majestic snow-capped peaks such as the Apu Salkantay and the Humantay lagoon. In the evening, we will stay at Pampa Japonesa.
Day 02: Pampa Japonesa – Paso Del Condor – Canal Inca – Paucarcancha
We will start the day with a delicious breakfast before starting our three-hour hike to the Inca Pass. Once there, we will continue on our way to Paucarcancha.
Day 03: Paucarcancha – Llaqtapata – Km 82 – Ollantaytambo
We will start the day with a delicious breakfast and then begin a hike to Llaqtapata, where we will enjoy lunch. Afterwards, we will walk for about 2 hours until we reach km82, where we will be picked up by a transport to take us to Ollantaytambo.
Day 04: Ollantaytambo – Puerta del Sol – Machu Picchu
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will take a train that will take us to km 104, where we will start our hike. Once we arrive at the Puerta del Sol, we will spend the night in Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Machupicchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
We will start the day with breakfast at our hotel and then we will take a bus that will take us to Machu Picchu, where we will have a tour guide who will accompany us on the visit. After this, we will walk back to Aguas Calientes and then take the train and bus back to the city of Cusco, which will mark the end of our tour.
Complete Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Soraypampa – Laguna Humantay – Salkantay Pampa – Pampa Japonesa
Cusco (3,400 m.a.s.l.): You will be picked up at the hotel at 4:00 a.m. to go to the town of Mollepata. Afterwards, we will transfer to Soraypampa, where we will take a private transportation that will take us for 3 hours until we reach the trailhead in Soraypampa, located at an altitude of 3,800 masl (12,467 ft).
Soraypampa (3,900 masl): Once we have arrived at Soraypampa, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a hot breakfast prepared by our chef. Afterwards, we will deliver our duffel bags to the muleteers, who will carry them during the trek. After this, we will begin our adventure and head towards the Humantay Lagoon.
Humantay Lagoon (4,200 masl): We will take you on a hike of about 1 hour and a half to the base of the impressive Humantay mountain, where you will be able to admire the beautiful lagoon of crystal clear blue waters. After enjoying this wonderful natural scenery, we will start our way back to the starting point, where you can enjoy a delicious hot lunch. The return trek will take approximately 2 hours and will take you through Salkantaypampa, which is located at the base of the Salkantay glacier mountain and at an altitude of 3,900 m.a.s.l. or 12,795 feet. Once you have finished lunch, you will begin to climb gradually for about 3 hours until you reach the Pampa Japonesa camp.
Pampa Japonesa (4,250 m.a.s.l. / 13,943 ft.). In this place, you will have the opportunity to spend the night under the night sky and observe the stars, while you are located at the base of the impressive Salkantay mountain.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Time: 9 Hours Approx.
- Distance: 14 kilometers Approx.
- Weather: Cold and windy
- Maximum Altitude: 4,400 m.a.s.l. / 14,435 ft.
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Campsite: Pampa Japonesa
Day 02: Pampa Japonesa – Paso Del Condor – Canal Inca – Paucarcancha
Pampa Japonesa (4,250 m.a.s.l. / 13,943 ft.: On the second day of the expedition, you will start the day with an early breakfast before starting the trek from Pampa Japonesa. Over the next three hours, you will ascend gradually until you reach the Inca Chiriaska Pass.
Chiriaska Inca Pass (5,100 m.a.s.l. / 16,732 ft.): The place known as Chiriaska, which means “to get cold” in Quechua, is a very cold place during most of the year. Nevertheless, it offers some of the most impressive views of the glaciated peaks of Salkantay. After taking some time to admire the scenery, you can enjoy a hot drink before continuing walking to the next stop, the Sisaypata Pass, where you will have lunch. The next hike will take about 3.5 hours and will be downhill to the campsite for the night in Paucarcancha.
Paucarcancha (3,770 m.a.s.l.): This place will be the place where we will camp to start our activity the next day.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Time: 9 Hours Approx.
- Distance: 18 kilometers Approx.
- Weather: Cold and windy
- Maximum Altitude: 5,100 m.a.s.l. / 16,732 ft.
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Campsite: Paucarcancha
Day 03: Paucarcancha – Llaqtapata – Km 82 – Ollantaytambo
Paucarcancha (3,770 m.a.s.l.): We begin the hike early, at 6:00 a.m., after breakfast. During this day, we will reach a section of the Classic Inca Trail and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains as we hike. In addition, we will visit the famous Inca archaeological site of Llaqtapata, which is sure to be captivating.
Llaqtapata (2,840 m.a.s.l.): This place is recognized for having been an Inca village that stood out for its dwellings, water channels and numerous agricultural terraces that are accommodated on the slope of the mountain. Once in Llaqtapata, we will walk for approximately 1 hour before stopping for lunch. After this, we will continue hiking for an additional 2 hours until we reach Km. 82.
KM 82 (2,709 m.a.s.l.): Here you will find our private vehicle that will take you to the town of Ollantaytambo.
Ollantaytambo (2,792 m.a.s.l.): You will spend the night in the hotel of your choice in this town, and enjoy dinner before starting the Inca Trail trek the next morning.
- Time: 7 hours, walking and by car.
- Distance: 15 kilometers Approx.
- Climate: Cold and warm
- Maximum Altitude: 3770 masl.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Lodging: Ollantaytambo
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 04: Ollantaytambo – Puerta del Sol – Machu Picchu
Ollantaytambo Station (2,870 masl): Here we will board the Expedition train to our starting point, known as KM 104 “Chacha bamba”.
Km 104 Chacha bamba (2,100 masl): At the beginning of the Inca Trail, it is necessary to present the corresponding permit, the original passport and, if you have it, the ISIC card. This point marks the beginning of the trail and you will walk for 3.5 to 4 hours until you reach Wiñayhuayna, where you can enjoy a snack. During the hike to Wiñayhuayna, you can appreciate a beautiful landscape and impressive flora.
Inti Punku (2,700 masl): After lunch, you will hike for two more hours until you reach Intipunku, known as the “Sun Gate”, from where you can appreciate a spectacular view of Machu Picchu and the nearby mountains. In this place you will have a rest time of approximately 20 minutes to enjoy the scenery.
Machu Picchu (2,430 masl): Afterwards, we will go to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas.
Aguas Calientes (2,040 masl): Afterwards, we will go by bus to Aguas Calientes and transfer to the hotel. We will arrive around 4 to 5 in the afternoon, at which time we will go to the hotel to rest for a while. Afterwards, you can enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the recommended restaurants.
- Distance: 7 miles / 11 kilometers (6 hours)
- Highest point Altitude: 2,870 meters above sea level (cold weather)
- Rated: Easy
- Zone: High Cloud Forest
- Climate: Warm and very humid
- Overnight: Aguas Calientes Hotel
- Meals included: Lunch (box lunch) and Dinner
Day 05: Aguas Calientes – Santuario de Machu Picchu – Cusco
Machu Picchu: On the last day, we will have breakfast at 5:00 a.m. at the hotel and then we will go by bus to the Machu Picchu Citadel. To enter, you will need to show your passport, entrance ticket and ISIC card, if you have one.For approximately 2 hours, you will take a tour of the different ruins and temples with a guide, then you will have free time to explore the city and take pictures. Then, you will use the bus ticket to go down to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco through Ollantaytambo. The “Expedition” train leaves at 6:30 p.m. and arrives in Ollantaytambo after 2 hours. There, a bus will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, where you will finish the trip around 10:30 p.m.
- Highest point Altitude: 2,650 meters above sea level (cold climate)
- Rated: Easy
- Zone: High Cloud Forest
- Climate: Warm and very humid.
- Meals included: Breakfast
Including
Including:
- Transfers In/ Out
- Transportation Cusco – Soraypampa
- Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish).
- Pack horses and muleteer.
- 04 breakfasts – 04 Lunches – 03 Dinners
- Professional Cook
- Camping Equipment “Triple waterproof tents for each 02 people and personal flasks” – Triple waterproof tents for each 02 people and personal flasks.
- 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 all the places of visit.
- Train tickets to and from Cusco (Expeditions).
- 03 bus up and down to and from Cusco.
- Transfer Ollantaytambo – Cusco – Hotel.
Recommendations
What to bring
- Blocker
- Original passport
- CIIU (student discount card), if 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
Extras for your 2-day Inca Trail
- Walking sticks (10 $ a pair of sticks)
- Extra porter for personal belongings (60 $ for 7 Kilos -. Max 7 Kilos)
- Upgrade to single room in Aguas Calientes (35 $)
- Upgrade to Vistadome train (80 $)
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu (65 $) – There is only limited space at Huayna Picchu (400 people per day), so it is a good idea to book in advance.
- We can help you book hotels (standard and deluxe) if you prefer.
Prices
SHARED SERVICE TOURSalkantay Trek + Short Inca Trail PRICE PER PERSON Minimum 02 people | |
Tour Summary
What is included in the Tour
TYPE OF TOURIST TRAIN
| |
Important note:
The train service THE VOYAGER – Inca Rail or EXPEDITION Train – Peru Rail, if you prefer to add the service in VISTADOME Train the additional is US$ 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.
