Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu – 4D/3N

Duration:
4 Days
Max People:
10
Min Age:
10+
Machu Picchu, Salkantay
English
Overview

This trekking is a shorter version, only 4 days to visit various destinations such us Humantay lake, Salkantay snowy and Machu Picchu.

Attractions You’ll See

Machu Picchu

Salkantay

Whats Included

Transportation

  • All Transfer services
  • Train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
  • Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Meels

  • Food as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Vegetarian options available.

Entrance Fees

  • Entrance ticket to Mollepata- Salkantay route
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
Does not include
  • Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu ($24 USD)
  • Personal care items.
  • Tips for the guide and the horsemen.
  • Breakfast on the first day, lunch and dinner on the last day.
  • Sleeping Bag

Packing List

Trekking Accessories

Strong walking shoes for trekking.
Lightweight backpack of 20 liters
Some cash in small bills.

Clothing

Hat or cap.
Long sleeve shirt.
Long and short pants.
Rain coat.
Sweater and thick jacket.

Biodegradable Plastics

Plastic bags.
Optional plastic raincoat (poncho)

Personal Care

Eco-friendly Tomatodo (canteen).
Lantern
Sunglasses
Camera with extra batteries and memory.
Toilet paper.

First Aid Kit

Insect repellent
Sunblock with a 40 UV factor of at least
Medical or personal items.
Itinerary
Day 1 Cusco - Humantay lake - Salkantay pampa (16km approx 7hrs)

Early pick up in your hotel, enjoy a breakfast in Mollepata then start your trek in Soraypampa (3900 m.a.s.l.), where we will meet our horsemen and horses, who will carry all the camping equipment and begin our hike to the Humantay lake (4200 m.a.s.l.).
After the visit to the Humantay lake we will return to Soraypampa where our cook will be waiting for us with lunch, then you’ll go to our basecamp Salkantaypampa from where we can enjoy the beautiful views of the snowy peak of Salkantay, and enjoy an afternoon tea and a delicious dinner.
 

Day 2 Salknatay pampa - Chaullay (17 km 8 hrs)

Wake up with a cup of coca tea and enjoy breakfast with fantastic views of the mountains, then reach the highest point Salkantay pass at 4600 m.a.s.l in 3 hours. From there, we will walk towards Wayrac Machaq, to have our lunch. Then, we will continue into the high jungle where we will observe large trees with their arms extended over the streams, all full of bromeliads and orchids. and downhill until the 2nd campsite.

Day 3 Chaullay - Mandor - Hidroeléctric - Aguas Calientes (17 km 8 hrs )

Early wake up and have breakfast; we start hiking along the cloud forest for 3 hours. Observe the fantastic landscape of rivers, and waterfalls; walk downhill to Hydroelectric for lunch and continue hiking another 3-hrs to Aguas Calientes. On the way you’ll have the opportunity to visit the botanical garden of Mandor. Tonight you’ll spend in a Hotel. 

Day 4 Machu Picchu - Cusco

After breakfast, we take the early buses up to Machu Picchu for the sunrise. Explore the best of Machu Picchu with your private tour guide. Once you finish, you will take the  train and bus back to Cusco.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Salkantay trek?

Salkantay trek is another way of Inca trails that leads to Machupicchu and also other wonders such as Choquequirao and Vilcabamba discovered approximately 20 years ago.

What's on the Salkantay trek?

On Salkantay trek we find adventure activities, local people who are dedicated to agriculture that works coffee, coca among other products of the area, we also find medicinal, exotic plants and wildlife.

Why Salkantay trek is an alternative Inca trail?

It’s called ALTERNATIVE ROAD because it’s another way to get Machu Picchu in addition to the already famous Inca Trail, which is in great demand and must be booked 8 months in advance.
Salkantay trek is an alternative route specialized in adventure for different activities.

What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is an archeological center that preserves the remains of an Inca city, built in a green environment of mountains and rivers, a mystical and mysterious place; in addition, it is a patrimony of humanity and one of the most desired destinations in the world.

It is located at 2,400 m. a. s. l. in a cloud forest between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest of Peru.

How to get to Machu Picchu from Lima?

To get from Lima to Machu Picchu you must travel to the city of Cusco by plane or bus.

When to go to Machu Picchu?

It is possible to go all the year, the minimum temperatures vary between 8 ºC and the maximum around 20 ºC.
There are 2 seasons in Machu Picchu: the dry season and the rainy season. The first one takes place between April and October, it is characterized by little rain and a sunny climate. The rainy season runs from November to March and is characterized by constant rains.
 

How much luggage can I take on the train?

On trains to Machu Picchu you can only take hand luggage that should not exceed 5 kilos (11 pounds).

Could Machu Picchu be visited by people of any age?

Yes, it can be visited by people of all ages. However, in order to ascend Huayna Picchu mountain, it can only be visited by people older than 12 years old.

From what time can I enter Machu Picchu?

Public access is from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What to see in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is home to almost 150 amazing constructions, these are some of the places that stand out:

• The Temple of the Sun.
• The Intihuatana.
• The Temple of the 3 Windows.
• The Temple of the Condor.
• The Mirrors of water.
• The Ladder of the Fountains.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• The Temple of the Moon.
• The Door of the Sun (Intipunku).
• The Main Square.
• The Royal Tomb.
• The Sacred Rock.