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Description
Embark on the iconic Salkantay Trek, a challenging yet rewarding 4-day mountain adventure that offers spectacular alpine scenery, diverse ecosystems, and the ultimate destination: Machu Picchu. This trek is perfect for adventurers seeking an alternative to the famous Inca Trail, combining high-altitude mountain trekking with lush cloud forest hiking. Day 1 takes you from Cusco to Mollepata, where you'll visit the stunning turquoise Lake Humantay. Day 2 is the most challenging, crossing the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters, with breathtaking 360-degree views of snow-capped peaks. Day 3 descends through diverse landscapes, passing coffee and orchid plantations. Day 4 culminates with an early morning visit to Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco. All meals prepared by experienced mountain chefs, professional guides with first aid certification, and comfortable camping accommodations are included.
Detailed Itinerary
1
Cusco to Mollepata to Soraypampa - Lake Humantay Acclimatization
Hotel pickup at 4:30 AM from Cusco. Travel 3 hours by tour bus through towns of Izcuchaca and Limatambo, arriving at Mollepata (2,900m). Brief stop for breakfast and to pay entrance fee (S/ 20) for Humantay Lagoon. Take 1-hour shuttle to Challacancha (3,380m). Begin 3-hour hike to Soraypampa (3,900m) with lunch on arrival. Afternoon excursion to stunning Lake Humantay (4,220m) - 1.5 hour ascent through alpine meadows to turquoise glacial lake with views of Humantay Mountain. Return 40 minutes to campsite for tea at 6:00 PM and dinner prepared by camp chef.
Comidas: All Meals
Alojamiento: Rustic cabins at Soraypampa (2 people per cabin, 13cm sleeping mats)
Distancia: 12 km
Dificultad: moderate
Hotel Pickup in Cusco
04:30 AMMollepata Town (2,900m)
07:30 AMChallacancha Shuttle Point (3,380m)
08:30 AMSoraypampa Campsite (3,900m)
01:30 PMLake Humantay (4,220m) - Turquoise Glacial Lake
03:30 PMStunning high-altitude glacial lake with turquoise waters and Humantay Mountain peak
2
Soraypampa to Salkantay Pass to Colpapampa - Alpine Summit Crossing
Early breakfast at 5:00 AM. Depart 5:30 AM for the most challenging day. Hike 3 hours steeply uphill to Abra Salkantay (4,650m) - the trek's highest point with stunning 360-degree views of snow-capped peaks: Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. Brief stop at Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha lakes. Begin descent through changing landscape - from alpine to high forest. Reach Huarachachay (3,800m) after 3 hours for lunch. Continue 3-hour descent to Colpapampa (2,900m) for second campsite. This is the physically most demanding day of the trek.
Comidas: All Meals
Alojamiento: Private domos at Colpapampa (2 people per domo)
Distancia: 12 km
Dificultad: challenging
Soraypampa Campsite Departure
05:30 AMAbra Salkantay Pass (4,650m) - Summit
08:30 AMHighest point of the trek with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks
Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha Lakes
11:30 AMHuarachachay (3,800m) - Lunch Stop
02:30 PMColpapampa Campsite (2,900m)
05:30 PM 3
Colpapampa to Aguas Calientes - Descent Through Cloud Forest
Breakfast at 6:00 AM. Begin 5.5-hour hike through cloud forest with numerous ascents and descents. Trek through diverse ecosystem passing coffee plantations, orchid plantations, and medicinal plants. Arrive at Playa Sahuayaco for lunch. Take bus from Playa Sahuayaco to Hydroelectric Station (not included in tour price). From Hydroelectric, hike approximately 3 hours to Aguas Calientes town (2,000m). Check into basic hostel with hot shower and WiFi. Evening: guide provides briefing about Machu Picchu site for next day's visit. Dinner at local restaurant.
Comidas: All Meals
Alojamiento: Basic hostel in Aguas Calientes with hot shower and WiFi
Distancia: 12 km
Dificultad: moderate
Colpapampa Campsite Departure
06:00 AMPlaya Sahuayaco (Lunch Stop)
11:30 AMTransition point from mountain to cloud forest ecosystem
Hydroelectric Station (Bus Transport)
01:00 PMAguas Calientes Town (2,000m)
04:00 PM 4
Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu to Cusco - The Grand Finale
Very early breakfast before dawn. Early morning bus ride (30 minutes) to Machu Picchu entrance (2,430m). Arrive at sunrise for magical experience at this Wonder of the World. 2-hour expert-guided tour of the citadel exploring temples, terraces, and architectural wonders. Optional: climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (additional USD $20, must book in advance). Return to Aguas Calientes by late morning. Lunch at leisure. Depart 2:55 PM by train (Expedition or Vistadome) to Ollantaytambo (2 hours). Final return bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (1.5 hours). Arrive in Cusco by evening.
Comidas: Breakfast and Lunch
Alojamiento: Return to Cusco
Distancia: 12 km
Dificultad: easy
Aguas Calientes - Early Breakfast
05:30 AMBus to Machu Picchu Entrance
06:00 AMMachu Picchu Sunrise & Guided Tour (2,430m)
07:00 AMWitness sunrise at Machu Picchu, one of the World's Seven Wonders
Train Departure from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
02:55 PMOllantaytambo Train Station
05:00 PMArrival in Cusco
06:30 PMTour Details
Includes
- Private transport from Cusco to Mollepata and return from Aguas Calientes
- Professional mountain guide with minimum 3 years experience
- All meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners (buffet style)
- Coca tea every morning at campsites (for altitude acclimatization)
- Comfortable camping accommodations at Soraypampa and Colpapampa
- Basic hostel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (1 night with hot shower and WiFi)
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Return train ticket Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel
- Certified first aid kit and emergency oxygen
- All dietary restrictions accommodated (vegetarian/vegan at no extra cost)
Not Included
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Last lunch and dinner (in Cusco restaurants)
- Humantay Lagoon entrance fee (S/ 20.00)
- Sleeping bag rental (available for USD $15)
- Trekking poles rental (available for USD $15)
- Transport from Playa Sahuayaco to Hydroelectric Station
- Luggage transport from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
- Optional mountain climbs: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (USD $20)
- Tips for guides and staff (optional but appreciated)
