One of the most impressive hikes in the Andes: snow-capped peaks, turquoise lagoons and arrival at Machu Picchu
We begin the day picking you up from your hotel starting at 4:30 am, then we will go in a tourist bus passing through the towns of Izcuchaca and Limatambo, arriving at Mollepata (2900 m) where we will be approximately at 7:30 am. We will have our first breakfast and we can leave our 5 kg for our horsemen, then we will take transportation that will take us to Challacancha for 1 hour (3380 m).
From that point our hike will begin, approximately 3 hours arriving at Soraypampa (3900 m) where we will arrive at 1:30 pm. There we will have our first lunch and first campsite. After lunch we will go to the beautiful Humantay Lagoon.
Humantay Lagoon: 1 hour 30 minute ascent where we will reach the impressive lagoon (4220 m) to appreciate the turquoise color of the lagoon and the Apu Humantay snow-capped mountain. 40 minute descent to our Soraypampa campsite for tea time (6:00 pm) and then our delicious dinner prepared by our chef.
Distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles – 5 hours
Accommodation: Rustic cabins in Soraypampa with 13cm sleeping mats.
At 5:00 am we will have a nutritious breakfast and then continue our hike. We start from Soraypampa to the highest point Salkantay Pass (3 hours) where we can appreciate the imposing snow-capped mountains of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay and Pumasillo (4650 m), passing through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha where we will appreciate a small lagoon.
Then we will begin the descent to Huayracmachay (3 hours) (3800 m) where we will have our lunch. We will continue the hike where you will notice a dramatic change in the landscape; this hike is truly impressive. We continue descending to Colpapampa (3 hours) (2900 m) which will be our second campsite.
Distance: 22 km – 10 hours
Accommodation: Domes in Colpapampa with 13cm sleeping mats.
We will have breakfast at 6:00 am, then hike for 5.5 hours through our cloud forest with flat ascents and descents. Along this route we will see coffee plantations, orchids, begonias, bromeliads and many natural plants used for natural medicine.
We will arrive at our lunch point Playa Sahuayaco where we will have a buffet lunch and stay to rest at that point, a warm place in contact with nature. At 6:00 pm we will have tea and dinner.
Distance: 12 km – 5 hours
Accommodation: Domes in Lucmabamba with 13cm sleeping mats.
Sunrise will be within a tropical zone; we will have our breakfast ready to enjoy. We will continue our journey heading towards Lucmabamba and Llactapata for 3 hours to the ruins. If we have a sunny and clear day, we can see from a distance part of the majestic Machu Picchu.
We will descend to Hydroelectric for 2 hours where we will have lunch at the restaurant. Then we will continue with our hike through the tropical zone to the town of Aguas Calientes for another 3 hours. We will settle into the hotel and wait for our dinner at a restaurant.
Distance: 20 km – 9 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom, hot shower and WiFi.
We will wake up very early to visit Machu Picchu, where we will have a guided tour of the citadel to visit temples, terraces, palaces and agricultural terraces. Then you will have time to take photos. Afterwards, you will return to Aguas Calientes town to wait for your train at 14:55 or 21:50.
Note: If you wish to hike Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu, the entrance would be in the first time slot from 6 am – 8 am. Please note that you will not have the guided tour of Machu Picchu due to time constraints. These mountains are not included in the package.
Return: Expedition train 14:55 or 21:50 to Ollantaytambo + transfer to Cusco (Regocijo Square).
Includes: CONSETUR bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu (one way).
Note: You can leave 5kg of luggage for the horses during the first 3 days.
$550.00 USD
* Price per person in shared group (max. 17 people)
** Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: +$65.00 USD (subject to availability)
*** Horses carry 5kg of personal luggage for the first 3 days
Everything you need to know before experiencing this incredible 5-day adventure through the Andes
The main difference is the hiking pace and the additional experience included in the 5-day tour.
Salkantay Trek 4D/3N:
Salkantay Trek 5D/4N:
Recommendation: If you have the time and budget, the 5-day trek is more comfortable and allows you to better enjoy the experience, especially the hot springs after days of hiking.
The Colcalmayo hot springs are one of the highlights of the 5-day trek. They are located in Santa Teresa, in the heart of the cloud forest.
Features:
When are they visited?
Recommendations:
The Salkantay Trek has a MODERATE TO CHALLENGING difficulty level, although the more relaxed pace of the 5-day tour makes it more accessible.
Key trek facts:
Daily breakdown:
Who can do it?
Essential documents:
Clothing and equipment (for 5 days):
Equipment and accessories:
Items you can rent (inquire):
Important note: You can leave up to 5 kg of luggage for the horses to transport during the first 3 days.
The return is included in the tour and has several stages:
Day 5 - Return:
Train options:
Estimated arrival time in Cusco:
Informative briefing: One day before the trek, you will have an informative meeting at our office (5-7 pm) where we will give you all the final details, review your luggage and answer questions.
