Classic Salkantay Trek 5D/4N
Hike through the stunning Vilcabamba Mountain Range and explore all different types of micro-climates from tropical Cloud Forest to the high Andes on this wonderful Trek to Machu Picchu. Enjoy of this perfect mix of trekking, culture and nature.
Salkantay and Machu Picchu Itinerary:
- Altitude: 3000 – 4600m. / 15092f
- High Season: April – November
- Duration: 5 days/4 nights
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate / Challenge
- Route: Closed in February
- *A minimum of 2 persons is needed for this trek
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa
We will pick you up at your hotel at between 03:20AM to 04:00AM and head towards to Soraypampa, we will pass through the beautiful towns of Izcuchaca and Limatambo, after 3 hours we will get to Mollepata (2,803 m.a.s.l.), where we will have our first breakfast an give the luggage(5 kg maximum) to the horsemen. After breakfast we will take drive for another half an hour until we arrive to Marcoccasa (3.300m.a.s.l.). From this point we will start the hike up to Soraypampa (3,850m.a.s.l.), along the way we will enjoy stunning sceneries of the Andes and its majestic mountains. On the first day we will walk for 5 hours and a half and it is not very challenging. We will arrive to Soraypampa at around 3:00PM where we will have lunch. The campsite will set at the foot of the Nevado Humantay (4,270m.a.s.l.)
Transporting time: 3hrs 30
Climate: moderate and cold during the night
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
Day 2: Soraymampa – Chaullay
We will wake you up with a cup of tea at 5:00AM. At 6:00AM we will have breakfast and then continue our journey towards the Nevado Salkantay, the trek is steep; we will walk for 3 hours until we get to the highest pass from where we will have a wonderful view of Salkantay (4,650m.a.s.l.) and Humantay; after delighting our eyes with the majestic sight, we will descending through the valley of Collpabamba where we will have lunch, after lunch we will start entering , in this area we will appreciate a biodiversity of flora and fauna, that will make this an unforgettable day. We will arrive to Chaullay (2,950msnm) after a long journey. A delicious dinner will be served.
Climate: moderate cold
Hiking time: 9 to 10 hours
Day 3: Chaullay – Playa Sahuayaco – Santa Teresa
We will start our hike after having breakfast and will descend from the 2,950 meters to 1,800 meters. It will be a beautiful journey through the mountains covered with lush vegetation characteristic of the jungle, offering a wide biodiversity of flora and fauna such as ferns, orchids, begonias, coffee plantations, colorful birds and others. After 5 hours of walking we reach a place called La Playa where we will have lunch; after a brief break we will take the bus to Santa Teresa (1,645 m.a.s.l) arriving at around 3.00PM where we will settle. Then we will head to the hot springs of Cocalmayo (S/5 soles entrance ticket). The hot springs are located at 4.5 km approx. from Santa Teresa. After a relaxing bath we will enjoy dinner and spend the night in the town.
Climate: warm
Hiking time: 5 to 6 Hours
Day 4: Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast we will begin hiking, this will take 3 hours. Along the way we will see some fruit plantations until we arrive to Hidroelectrica town where we will have lunch, after a brief rest restart walking along the railway line, there are many birds, orchids and some waterfalls in Mandor until we get to Aguas Calientes (2040m.a.s.l.) After all of these days of adventure will spend the night in Aguas Calientes. In the evening we will have the last dinner in group and coordinate the details of the visit to Machu Picchu the next morning.
Climate: Warm with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
Day 5: Machupicchu – Cusco
This is without doubt the most important day, because after a long journey we will finally visit Machu Picchu. After a very early breakfast we will begin the trek to Machu Picchu at 4:30AM, the walk is one hour and a half. Once in Machu Picchu the guide will explain the history of Machu Picchu, the tour includes the visit to the most important places of the archeological complex; you will have time to take photos. After the two hours a half guided tour, you will have plenty of time to explore the citadel on your own. Depending on the time the train departs, you have to be at the train station half hour before. The train goes to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo one of our representatives will be waiting for you to take you back to Cusco by bus.
Climate: Warm with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 2 hours
.
