This express version of the Salkantay adventure is suitable for anyone with limited vacation time. The hardest part is on day two due to our ascending at 4600 m / 15090 ft to the Salkantay Pass. You will arrive to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) on day three and have a guided tour on day four.
This breathtaking adventure in the heart of the Vilcabamba Mountain range will take you through amazing landscapes dominated by snow-capped peaks, crossed by mighty rivers, and populated by ancient traditional villages, until you reach the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu itself.
The 4-day/3-night Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is challenging yet rewarding and ranks high among Peru and the world’s most spectacular trekking routes.
We depart Cusco at around 5:00 a.m. After a three hours bus ride we arrive to the andean town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level) where we will have breakfast, have the chance to get last minute supplies (e.g. toilet paper, snacks), some leg-stretching and use the restrooms before continuing to our trek starting point at Soraypampa (3850 meters above sea level). At this point we will meet our support staff and load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 9:00 a.m., we will begin our hike toward Humantay Lake. On the way we will have a beautiful view of the majestic Salkantay, other snow-covered peaks and Apurimac Valley. A relatively moderate hike will take us to our base camp Quiswarniyoc at 4000 meters where we will have a traditional Peruvian lunch. Later, we will have a walk to the Salkantay lookup point to watch an incredible sunset. Then back to base for snacks and dinner. Buenas Noches Amigos.
Today, nature will change drastically from dry sceneries to snowy peaks and tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, the most difficult part of the trek awaits. We begin today's hike at around 6:30 in the morning. We will hike for about three hours, gradually ascending, until reaching the highest point (4630 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. On our way down we will visit the amazing 'intense blue' Salkantay Lake. 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 7:00 p.m., we will recuperate from the trek and eat dinner.
Around 7:30a.m., we will start our trek and we will enjoy the beautiful sunrise. We will walk for about 5 hours toward Playa Sahuayaco and during this period; we will observe a town called Collpabamba, also called the "Forest Cloudy Brow" where waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. If we are lucky, we will be able to observe the famous bird called the "Rooster of the Rocks". Once at Playa Sahuayaco, we will take a local bus to drive us to Santa Teresa where we will have our lunch at around 1:30p.m. After lunch, we will drive you to the Hydroelectric where we will start a three hours walk to reach Machu Picchu Town - Aguas Calientes (2040 meters above sea level). We will have dinner at around 7:00p.m.
Today, you will start early at around 4:30a.m. to take the bus to Machu Picchu. In Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour for about two hours. You will be free to explore the Citadel and take more pictures after the guided tour, if you desire, walk up to the Sun Gate or ascent toward Huayna Picchu Mountain (you will need a reservation to access Huayna Picchu). At your convenience walk back down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) and catch the train to Ollantaytambo later on (Normally at 6:20 pm. unless you request a different one). From there, a bus will drive you to Cusco.
USD 639.00
Price per adult
From an extra USD 99.00
Discount for Students :USD 30.00 offTo qualify for Student Discount, you must submit a scanned copy or digital photo of a valid Student ID card
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