Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

We will leave from Cusco approximately between 4:00a.m. A bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level) where we will arrive approximately at 8:00 in the morning; we will stop for last minute supplies, leg-stretching or to use the restrooms. We will continue to our trek starting point, Sayapata. We will meet with our support staff, and they will load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 9:00 a.m., we will begin our walk toward Soraypampa (3850 meters above sea level). During the trip we will have panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay, other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River. About 1:00p.m., we will have a Peruvian lunch. After lunch, we will continue hiking toward Humantay Lake for 3 hours aproximately; this is a beautiful lake in the mountains. We will come back to our camp where the tents will be ready for you as well as your dinner.

Today, nature will change drastically from dry sceneries to snowy peaks and tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, we will start the most difficult part of the trek. We will start the hike around 7:00 in the morning. We will hike to a place called Pampas Salkantay, then go toward the left side of the snowy peaks of Umantay located next to the Apu Salkantay. At midday, we will be on the highest point (4600 meters above sea level). We will appreciate spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay (6264 meters above sea level) which is known as the second highest point of the Cusco region. Around 1:00 p.m., we will have our lunch, in the area called Huayracmachay. After a trek of approximately 3 hours, we will arrive to our camp in Challway (2920 meters above sea level). Around 7:00p.m., we will recuperate from the trek and eat dinner.

We start the trek 07:00am with 3 hours easy hiking from Collpapampa, where we will be introduced to a high Jungle zone called Ceja de Selva. Here we will see different kinds of plants, fruits, flowers, bird's ectetera plus coca and banana crops can be observed. You will have time to shower in a waterfall, take amazing pictures, and with luck we can observe the famous Peruvian National Bird "Gallito de las Rocas". We stop at Lluscamayo 2,400m for lunch and free time to rest before the 3 hour walk to our last campsite in La Playa 2,350 masl. A small village is located here with electricity and a shop. This Camp is located at 2,350 masl Distance of walking aprox. 11Km. 5 Hours. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Approx 07:30 am we begin our trek to the village Lucmabamba where we see the remains of an Inka trail. We follow this rising trail, from which we will see coffee, banana and passion fruit plantations and a lovely view of the Santa Teresa Valley. After climbing for 4 hrs to reach Llaqtapata 2,700 masl we can enjoy some free time to rest and observe the mountain of Machu Picchu (Inca city) and some of this arqueological site from afar.

Then 2 hours downhill to the Hydroelectric Plant at 1,870m where we have the last lunch with all of our staff. The arrieros, horses and donkey herders will prepare their return back to Soraypampa and we head to Aguas Calientes town. At 16:30pm we will take a 45 minute train journey to Aguas Calientes town 2,000 masl where a Special Dinner will be provided finally a comfortable hotel in Aguas calientes. Distance of walking aprox. 12Km. between 6 to 7 Hours. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

This day, is one of the most important and interesting days during your whole trip, you will be picked up from your Hotel very early (BEFORE the BIRDS SING) our guide will meet you at your hotel between 4:30 to 5:00am to aboard the first touristic and shared bus to drop off you at the main door where you have to show your original PASSPORTS and ISIC Cards ( if applicable ) at the check point , and then try to be the first visitors inside of the wonder of the world Machu Picchu and the archaeological sites you will have complete guided tour during 2 to 3 hours of this spectacular mystical place.

The GUIDED tour basically includes walk through the different sections such as: The Urban sector, the agriculture sector, and the religions zone was used by the Inca Culture. After the guided tour in Machu Picchu, you will have free time to explore by yourself, walk at your own space, a lot of selfies and to meet other tourists into the sanctuary. According with the time and to your physical conditions, you can coordinate with the tour guide to climb to HUAYNA PICCHU or Machu Picchu Mountain from where you can have the best panoramic view for photos of all Machu Picchu and of deep green canyon surrounding the sacred Inca Citadel. Do not forget that this entrances, must be booked in advance and pay US$ 25 extra.

Afternoon and depending on your train schedule back to Cusco, you will have to take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Cusco. After the guided tour, our guide will give you all the instructions for your bus down and train back to Cusco. Upon your arrival to Poroy station, you will be meeting again by our staff and then transfer back to your Hotel. (Meals on your own).