Salkantay Trek 6D/5N
TRIP REVIEW
Day 1: Afternoon Before Trek - Transfer to the Glass Cabins in Soraypampa (No Walking Today)
Day 2: (Hiking Begins) Soraypampa - Humantay Lagoon – Salkantay Pass - Wayracpunko
Day 3: Wayracmachay - Chaullay - Ccollpapampa - Loreta (Hobbit Houses)
Day 4: Loreta - Playa Sahuayaku - Lucmabamba Coffee Farm - Llactapata (Camp in front of Machu Picchu)
Day 5: Llactapata Lookout - Waterfalls At Hidroelectrica - Mandor Hiram Bingham Farm - Aguas Calientes
Day 6: Machu Picchu - Return To Cusco
TOURS INCLUDED
- Salkantay Trek 5D/5N
- Machu Picchu
DAY 1: AFTERNOON BEFORE TREK - TRANSFER TO THE GLASS CABINS IN SORAYPAMPA (NO WALKING TODAY)
We will begin this excursion along the Salkantay route towards Machu Picchu. Your guide will pick you up at 3 p.m. From your respective hotel, where you will meet the group of hikers, from here, we will go in our private transport for a 3.5 hour trip to the Glass Cabins in Soraypampa, located at 3,800 meters. We will arrive just in time to take pictures of the sunset over the glacier peaks.
In the glass cabins, your guide will lead you to your rooms before enjoying your dinner accompanied with some hot drinks and also on this night you will have a privileged view of the stars in the night sky.
NO WALKING TODAY!
Elevation: 3,800 Meters
Weather: Cold, windy, rainy in the wet season
Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner
DAY 2: (HIKING BEGINS) SORAYPAMPA - HUMANTAY LAGOON – SALKANTAY PASS - WAYRACPUNKO
After a good night’s rest, you’ll wake up early to enjoy your breakfast before your trek.
Following the introduction, you’ll give your duffel bag to the muleteers to carry to the next campsite. The day’s hike will begin with a 1.5 hours steady uphill hike to the renowned Humantay Lagoon. The serene views of the crystalline-blue water of Humantay Lagoon are absolutely incredible. If the skies are clear you’ll see the first sun rays peeking through the snow-covered peaks. And!… If you’re brave, you’ll have the chance to touch the almost frozen water that locals believe can help you stay young forever! The advantage of visiting Humantay Lagoon in the early morning hours is the quiet surroundings with no other Salkantay trekkers besides those in your group. Due to the popularity of this location, this isn’t something everyone can enjoy!
After breathing it all in you’ll begin your way back to the starting point to continue to the lunch spot in Soyroccocha. This portion of the Salkantay hike will be approximately 3 hours on gradually ascending terrain. On your way, you’ll pass breathtaking places such as Salkantay Pampa, which means outstanding views of the surrounding snow-covered mountains. These views are what make the journey the destination.
After lunch, and well-deserved rest, you’ll continue with the next leg of your Salkantay hike. This next portion continues for about 1 hour until you arrive at Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters/12,255 feet above sea level. This is the highest point of the trek. The group will rest there and you’ll be served hot drinks while you enjoy the views. From Salkantay Pass, you’ll be on the last stretch of the hike for the day, which is a 3 hours downhill trek to the evening’s campsite, Wayracmachay. Your tents and belongings will be set up and ready upon arrival.
The day would not be finished without a proper happy hour! You will be delighted with delicious hot chocolate and coffee followed by dinner. If the weather allows, you’ll get to enjoy the unbroken views of the sky along with a brief introduction to the visible Inca constellations.
Walking Distance: 18 km
Weather: Cold, windy, rainy in the wet season
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Tents
DAY 3: WAYRACMACHAY - CHAULLAY - CCOLLPAPAMPA LORETA (HOBBIT HOUSES)
You will wake up to a hot cup of coca tea. Hopefully, as you open your tent, you’ll be welcomed by the sunrise over majestic glacier peaks and clouds lifting from the green cloud forest. You’ll have time to pack up and enjoy a nice breakfast prepared by your hiking chef.
At around 7 a.m. you’ll hike for approximately 4 hours downhill until reaching the lunch spot at Ccollpapampa (2,700 meters/ 8,858 feet). During this part of the Salkantay hike, you’ll begin to notice the micro-climate as well as fauna and flora changes. You’ll go from cold glacier views to warm green jungle surroundings. There’ll be many different species of orchids to see as well as ferns, begonia flowers, and even hummingbirds.
After lunch, you’ll continue your trek to the next private campsite called La Loreta (2,400 meters / 7,874 feet). This hike will be approximately 4 hours on gradually downhill terrain. Along the way, you’ll be able to explore beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and more new flora and fauna. You’ll be able to experience another tropical forest micro-climate where local people farm coffee, passion fruit, papayas, oranges, and avocados. Once at the campsite, you will have time to enjoy a nice hot shower, hot Jacuzzi and perhaps even swim in our swimming pool. There’ll also be plenty of time to walk around our ecological garden to see some of the local coffee, avocado, chilies, tomatoes, and pineapples.
Dinner tonight will be on our own campsite with views of the Salkantay River.
Walking Distance: 18 km
Weather: Warm and hot
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Accommodation: Hobbit Houses
DAY 4: LORETA - PLAYA SAHUAYAKU - LUCMABAMBA COFFEE FARM - LLACTAPATA (CAMP IN FRONT OF MACHU PICCHU)
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll start the shortest but most exciting day of your Salkantay adventure. Today you’ll experience the most beautiful sights along your Salkantay trekking route to Machu Picchu.
Today you will explore the tropical forest and will visit a local organic coffee farm where you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the orange and avocado plantations and taste some freshly brewed coffee. During your visit to the coffee farm, you’ll get a brief informational introduction to the region’s coffee history as well as its importance to the area.
The hike will continue to Llactapata by hiking along a section of the Inca trail for approximately 2.5 hours. On your way to the Llactapata Inca site, you’ll see amazing views of the Santa Teresa valley. The views you’ll be seeing along your hike today are impossible to put into words.
At Llactapata you’ll get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. This includes the main archaeological sites Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu Mountain. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the Llactapata Inca site and take unforgettable photographs. From here you’ll enjoy the last leg of your day’s hike with a 15-minute downhill walk to your lunch and campsite area. This campsite is owned by a local family that only our group has permission to stay at so you’ll enjoy more privacy than other Salkantay trekkers could.
After lunch, you’ll have some free time to enjoy the views and relax from hiking. Before your local chef serves you dinner, you’ll enjoy another lovely happy hour with tea and coffee. Once the sun has set then prepare yourself for another evening of unforgettable stargazing. You’ll see the Milky Way as well as the Inca constellations much in the same way as the Incan astronomers did to predict the weather.
Walking Distance: 12 km
Weather: Hot and humid during the day, chilly at night
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Accommodation: Tents
DAY 5: LLACTAPATA LOOKOUT - WATERFALLS AT HIDROELECTRICA - MANDOR HIRAM BINGHAM FARM - AGUAS CALIENTES
Today will mark the last day of hiking along the Salkantay trail. You will begin your day with a hot cup of coca tea.
The day’s hike will begin with a 2 hour downhill path with unbeatable views of Machu Picchu until the Hydroelectrical Station that was built to harness the natural 300-meter high waterfall, which generates electricity for the region of Cusco. This waterfall is one of the most impressive features of this area.
From the Hydroelectrical Station, you’ll continue to the famous Intiwatana (sundial rock). According to history, this Inca stone once worked with the legendary sundial rock in Machu Picchu to signal the winter solstice, which meant the beginning of a new farming season for the Incas.
Once you’ve seen the famous Intiwatana, you’ll continue on the path that runs alongside the train tracks for approximately 3 hours. This leads to the town of Aguas Calientes located at the foot of the valley of Machu Picchu. This part of the hike will be interesting as it was the trail used by the American professor Hiram Bingham when rediscovering Machu Picchu.
On his way to discovering Machu Picchu Hiram Bingham met with local farmer Melchor Arteaga who eventually guided him to Machu Picchu. On your trek, you’ll hike past Melchor Arteaga’s farm. Here you’ll see many species of flora and fauna and amazing local birds such as Peru’s national bird (called Cock of the Rock), Toucans, Oropendolas, and Parrots.
Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you will have time to enjoy your packed lunch. You will also be taken to your hotel in town so you can enjoy a hot shower. In the evening you’ll be served your final dinner prepared by your local trekking chef and you’ll have a chance to say goodbye.
Walking Distance: 14 km
Weather: Hot
Meals Included: Breakfast / Packed Lunch / Dinner
Accommodation: Inti Punku Hotel (or similar)
DAY 6: MACHU PICCHU - RETURN TO CUSCO
Your team will wake you up early with your choice of hot drinks. You’ll then have time to prepare your duffel bags, day packs and to enjoy your freshly made breakfast.
The hotel will hold your bags for you while in Machu Picchu. This way you’ll only need to take your backpack with the essentials for your tour.Then we’ll walk to the bus station to be one of the first in line to go up to Machu Picchu (sometimes there is a 20-30 min wait in the line to board the bus), the trip by bus will be take approximately 30 minutes until the buses station at the top of The mountain, where we will begin our tour.
The first buses will depart at 5:30 a.m. and arrive at 6:00 a.m., into Machu Picchu. Again, you need to have your original passport at this checkpoint.
Once in Machu Picchu your guide will take you directly to the best place to watch the sunrise and take the best photographs. Your local guide will then show you around the main sectors of the citadel for 2 hours. During this guided tour you’ll learn more about the history and culture of the Inca Empire.
At the end of the guided tour you’ll have some time to enjoy the ruins freely. That is unless you arranged to hike Huayna Picchu (must be booked in advance, as it sells out and costs $75 per person, it's optional) your guide will show you where to begin this hike. The hike will take no more than 2 hours round-trip.
For your return from Machu Picchu we recommend heading back to Aguas Calientes no later than 2 hours before your train departure. The return train rode from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo will take approximately 2 hours. In Ollantaytambo our staff will be waiting for you right by the station’s exit door. They’ll be ready to bring you back to Cusco by our transportation. The ride will be approximately 2 hours and will have you dropped off at your hotel in Cusco.
Machu Picchu Mountain may be hiked as well instead of Huayna Picchu Mountain. This hike is more challenging and takes three hours minimum round-trip (at an extra cost of USD $75 per person).
Meals Included: Breakfast
US$ 0 Price per person
AVAILABILITY FORM
US$ 0 Price per person
Include:
- 4 Nights in camping and 1 night in hotel in Aguas Calientes, 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners included in Salkantay Trek (Hotel included in Aguas Calientes is based on a double or triple room, but if you want a single room it has an extra cost of US$ 30 dollars)
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu and Expedition class tourist train (If you wish to upgrade to the Vistadome train, a train with larger windows and more comfortable seats, it will have an extra cost per person).
- All transportation for the tours
- Includes round trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Transportation from the train station to your hotel in Cusco.
- Professional guides in Spanish and English
- Briefing the night before your trek
- A duffel bag, it not exceed 7 kg (you must include in this bag 4kg of clothes and 3 kg for your sleeping bag and sleeping mat)
- A personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag
- Trekking Chef and Food
- Water from the first lunch to the last breakfast (Please bring enough water for your first morning on the trail) You need to bring your own water bottles and or camelback
- The best equipment on the market including Eureka Timberline 4 person tents shared by only 2, Single tents are available ($30 US)
- We have large dining tents for clients to enjoy their meals
- All dining equipment including chairs and dishes are provided
- Every client will receive a pillow for sleeping and foam sleeping pad to insulate you from the cold ground
- All our guides are trained first aid and all carry first-aid kits and full oxygen tanks
- Satellite Phones for any emergency
- A day pack cover to protect their things while hiking
- A rain poncho
- We provide hot water bins each day to help our clients clean and feel good at night.
- Tour tax
Not include:
- Meals not included in itineraries
- Sleeping Bag (obligatory to sleep), Inflatable Air Mattress and Walking Sticks (optional). If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent. Sleeping Bag: US$ 20, Inflatable Air Mattress: US$15 and Walking Sticks (Pair): $15
- Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.
- Tips
Recommendations:
ESSENTIALS - SALKANTAY TREK
-
Passport (if booked with old passport, bring both passports)
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking waterproof boots (lightweight with good soles)
FOR YOUR DUFFEL BAG - SALKANTAY TREK
Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.
- 2-3 wicking t-shirts
- 2-3 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Waterproof Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
- Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
- Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
- Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
TOILETRIES - SALKANTAY TREK
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toiletpaper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS - SALKANTAY TREK
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25L will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside citadel gates. But don´t worry, they have a secure storage facility.
- Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
- Sunhat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (Cell phone)
- Handsanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
Additional information:
BRIEFINGS
Briefings are coordinate with a member of the team, it takes approximately 30 -45 minutes long, and where you will receive your duffel bags.
DUFFEL BAGS
You will receive your duffel bags at your briefing. Your porters will carry them and have them returned to you at each campsite. They measure 66 cm long X 36 cm wide/2ft long X 1ft wide.
Every duffel has a maximum weight of 7 kg. Remember 4kg will be for your clothes and other personal items. The remaining 3 kg will be for your sleeping bag and pad.
RETURNING TO CUSCO
Leaving Machu Picchu requires a lot of logistics, which are all included in your tour.
- From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, you will take a 25-minute bus down to the village. Buses are first come first serve and run all day.
- You will take a train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. Your guide will give you your train tickets with train time. Make sure you get to the platform 30 minutes ahead of time.
* Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is 2 hours
* Train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy is 3.5 hours - Once you arrive to the train station, look for a gentleman wearing green with the Team sign. He will then drive you to San Francisco square, Cusco
* Van ride from Ollantaytambo to nearby San Francisco square is 2 hours
* Van ride from Poroy to nearby San Francisco square is 30 minutes - Once you arrive nearby San Francisco square, you will separate into separate pre-paid taxis and driven back to your hotel.
HUAYNAPICCHU/MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN
Machu Picchu is most beautiful when seen from above, which is why hiking one of the mountains next to the ruins is very popular to do after your tour.
Huaynapicchu is the most popular and must be booked in advance since it sells out very quickly. This hike takes approximately 45 minutes to the top, and another 45 minutes back down. Tickets are sold in time sessions stating when you can start this hike. The first session is from 7-8 AM, and the 2nd session is from 10-11 AM. Again, this refers to the timeframe when you can start your hike. We usually book the second session so you can enjoy your tour with your guide first. You will do this hike on your own, but your guide will show you where to begin.
Machu Picchu Mountain is a bit longer and a bit less popular. It takes 1.5 hours to the top and another 1.5 hours to the bottom. Again there are two time windows – from 7-8 AM and 9-10 AM and we usually purchase the second time window. 4 Day and 7 Day Inca Trail Trekkers CAN NOT do this hike and enjoy a tour of the ruins. Time will not allow for this.
Hiking either mountain will allow you to have some extra time at the ruins once you complete, as listed above.
HEALTH CONCERNS
You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first aid training. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. Our Tour Agency will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.
If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs low.
If you experience issues while hiking and can not continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.
WEATHER
Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.
Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.
It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.
ALTITUDE
As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so if you have more time to acclimate you won´t be bored.
With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office, and we will help you get to a doctor.
Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.
Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.
You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly and drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea. If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. Our guides are trained to help you get through it.
