Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu 4 Days / 3 Nights
Overview
The famous Salkantay Trail ranks among the world’s top 20 treks, according to National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine. This incredible hike remains open to all, with no space or permit limitations, offering a flexible and unforgettable trekking experience. The trail connects to Machu Picchu through snow-capped mountains, lush subtropical forests, and breathtaking cloud forests teeming with diverse wildlife. Located northwest of Cusco, this trail winds through the Vilcabamba mountain range, showcasing stunning landscapes and dramatic altitude changes. Trekkers experience elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,625 meters, providing incredible panoramic views and diverse ecosystems along the journey. This trek is a perfect alternative for those unable to secure Inca Trail permits, offering an equally rewarding adventure. The Salkantay Trail challenges hikers with rugged terrains, high mountain passes, and lush jungle paths, creating a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Arriving at Machu Picchu through this alternative route allows for a unique perspective of the iconic Inca citadel and its surroundings.
Highlights
- Salkantay -Machupicchu Excursion
- Departures: Previous Reservation
- Season: All Year
- Service: Private - Shared
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa.
Pick up from the hotel at 05:00 am and transfer to Mollepata a small town located 2hrs and a half from Cusco where we will have a free time of 30 minutes for breakfast and toilets then we go to the beginning of our hike (challacancha) then we will do a light hike of 2hrs to reach our camp (soraypampa 3 900masl) place of lunch and in the afternoon we will have a small excursion to the lagoon of humantay with a small ascent of 1.30hrs.
Day 02: Sorayapampa – Salkantay Pass – Challhuay.
Breakfast very early in the morning we leave towards the sacred snowy Salkantay (altitude: 4,600 masl), where we can have spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, valleys and mountains accompanied by their respective local flora and fauna that this offers, then we will have a descent to the place of lunch (huayracpampa 3800m) and finally a descent of 4 hours to our camp.
Day 03: Challhuay – Playa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes.
Breakfast. Departure from the campsite to the high jungle where we will appreciate the lush vegetation that presents all accompanied by many species of orchids, begonias, bomareas etc, then arrive to la playa small town which is a small town that offers many facilities for the travelers.
finally twe will ake a minivan o hydroelectric place where we will start with our last our walk to reach our destination (Aguas Calientes).
Day 04: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Early breakfast in the morning and then departure by bus to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu to visit the wonder accompanied by our professional guide and then return by bus to Aguas Calientes, finally by train to cusco .
What is Included
Included
- Private transportation to challacancha (trailhead)
- Professional tour guide
- entrance fee to salkantay trek
- Meals: 3 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 3 dinners.
- first aid kit
- Cook and cooking equipment
- horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
- Hotel at aguas calientes town
- Entrance fee to machupicchu
- Bus ticket to machupicchu
- pick up and drop off at the hotel
Not Included
- Services not specified in the program, extras and tips.
- Lunch and dinner on the last day.
- Entrance and transportation to the hot springs (cost 10 nuevos soles per passenger).
- Bus ticket down to aguas calientes town
- Sleeping bag ( if you don't have yet, you can rent at the office )
What to Bring
- Comfortable backpack for the hike, T-shirts, shorts and warm clothes, it is recommended to carry a maximum of 6 kilos of personal belongings.
- Raincoat or poncho (you can buy plastic ponchos in Cusco).
- Comfortable and resistant shoes.
- Sweater or jacket (warm).
- Flashlight and batteries.
- Camera.
- Hat to protect you from the sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Salkantay Trek is a 4-day hiking adventure that connects Machu Picchu through snow-capped mountains, subtropical jungles, and stunning landscapes. It’s considered one of the top trekking routes in the world.
yes ,the Salkantay Trek requires and entrance fee but worth it for making it an excellent alternative trek .
The Salkantay Trek is moderate to challenging, with varying terrains including high-altitude passes and dense jungle. It’s suitable for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.
Essential items include trekking shoes, a waterproof jacket, warm clothing (it gets cold at high altitudes), sunscreen, a hat, and a good quality camera for the scenic views.
by transportation , 3 hours ride to challacancha located to the northwest of Cusco.
