The Cordillera Vilcanota is an impressive range of mountains which include the massive Salkantay snowcapped mountain (6,264 meters) and three others over 6000 meters that you will appreciate while trekking along the Salkantay Trail.
Salkantay is an outstanding snow peak, located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cuzco in south central Peru. It is the highest mountain of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Because of its proximity to the city, it is easily accessible and is climbed frequently. Join us on this incredible Salkantay Trekking Tour to Machu Picchu.
This Peru Trek allows travelers to combine the challenge of a mountain trek with a deep immersion on Inca culture. Discover the best of Peru's Andean landscapes during this rewarding five-day Trek to Machu Picchu that winds through wonderful valleys, charming mountain villages, lush orchards, and dense rainforests. The entire journey is breathtaking, perfectly organized to end at Machu Picchu, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World and Peru's most treasured historic site.
Salkantay Trek Adventure 5 days
We will leave Cusco approximately at 5:00 a.m. A bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level) where we will arrive approximately at 7:30 in the morning, we will stop for last minute supplies, leg-stretching or to use the restrooms at a local restaurant. We will continue our journey to Soraypampa (3850 meters above sea level), our trek starting point. We will meet with our support staff, who will load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 9:00 a.m., we will begin our hike toward Humantay Lake, a marvelous lake in the mountains, (3 hours hike). We will have a panoramic view of the majestic Salkantay, other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River. Around 1:00p.m., we will have a Peruvian lunch in Quiswarniyoc. After lunch, we will walk to the Salkantay lookup point to watch the sunset. Snacks and dinner will be given at the campsite. Overnight at Salkantay domes.Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | 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 6:30 in the morning. We will hike, gradually ascending, until reaching the highest point (4600 meters above sea level) at around 9:30 in the morning. 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 7:00p.m., we will recuperate from the trek and eat dinner. Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Around 7:30a.m., we will start our trek. 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 "Cock of the Rocks". At 12:00 p.m. a local bus will take us to Santa Teresa Hot Springs, where we will have lunch. You will enjoy and relax at the hot pools in the afternoon. Around 7:00p.m., we will have dinner and camping in Santa Teresa. Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
After an early breakfast, we will take a local transportation to Lucmabamba (40 minutes ride) to our start hiking point. Once at the Llactapata entrance, you will start an ascent hike towards the ruins of Llactapata. On the way you will observe coffee plantations, beautiful landscapes as well as diverse flora and fauna. After three hours, you will arrive at Llactapata where you will have an amazing view of Machu Picchu. Here you will have time to rest and enjoy the scenery. A descending trail will take you to the Hydroelectric where you will eat lunch at a local restaurant. The last part of the trek, an approximately 3 hours walk, takes us to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). Upon arrival, you will be accommodated at the hostel or hotel of your choice (included on this package). You will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant at about 7:00p.m. Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
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 and after that you will be free to explore the Citadel and take pictures, if you desire, walk up to the Sun Gate or ascent toward the Huaynapicchu Mountain. At your convenience walk down back to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). At 6:20p.m. (depending on availability), you will be taking a train to Ollantaytambo and from there, a bus will drive you to Cusco. Meals included: Breakfast
Note: Horses will carry the heavy gear (tents, cooking equipment, food, etc). If you are considering bringing some photography equipment or other heavy accessories, or just simply don't want to carry anything, please request an additional horse for an extra USD 95.00 (only to carry up to 30kg), this way you will freely enjoy the hike. (This is highly recommended if you have never hiked over 10000 feet). Cooks handle all the kitchen chores.
NOTE: We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons we may be forced to offer substitutes of same category. We will endeavour to confirm final hotel bookings as soon as possible.USD $485.00
Price per adult
Want your own room and dome/tent?
From an extra USD $45.00
View DatesFrom an extra USD $99.00
Additional Student Discount : USD 30 off of group service price
To qualify for Student Discount, you have to email us a scanned copy or digital photo of a valid Student ID card after booking to info (at) incatrailreservations.com
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