Salkantay Trek 4 Days
Descripción:
The Salkantay trekking 4d/3n is one of the most spectacular hikes that can be done in Cuzco. In it, you will enjoy diverse landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, Andean landscapes, tropical forests, and even dense jungle. If you are thinking of hiking to Machu Picchu and want to be away from it all, close to nature, and appreciate diversity, Salkantay is the ideal route.
Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa
We begin with pick-up at 4:30 a.m. from your hotel, departing from Cusco and heading towards the town of Mollepata, located approximately 2.30 hours from Cusco. We will make a brief stop for breakfast. Then, we will continue for another hour to the area known as Challacancha, the starting point of the hike. We will hike for 3 hours before reaching Soraypampa (3,900 m), where we will stop and enjoy lunch at the campsite. After lunch, we will hike up to the beautiful Humantay Lake to admire this impressive location (4,200 m) and the snow-capped Humantay Mountain (5,900 m). Later, we will return to the campsite for dinner and spend the night in the camping tents.
Day 2: Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Chaullay
The day starts early at 5:00 a.m. After a hearty breakfast, we will prepare ourselves for the most challenging hike of the trek. We will organize our gear and begin our hike for 1 hour and 30 minutes to the site called Salkantaypampa (4,100 m), where we will take a short break. We will then continue ascending for 1 hour until we reach Soyrococha (4,400 m), a perfect spot to rest, rehydrate, and enjoy a snack. The trail continues for another hour to the highest point of the hike, the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), located between the impressive snow-capped mountains of Humantay (5,917 m) and Salkantay (6,271 m) – “The Savage Mountain”. Here, we will admire the Salkantay snow-capped peaks, the magnificent view of the mountain range, and an original Inca trail that has withstood the test of time. Afterward, we will descend to Wayracpampa (2 hours), where our team will be waiting for us with lunch. We will then continue our descent through the cloud forest, experiencing a change in climate and vegetation, until we reach Chaullay, where we will set up our camp. The day will involve approximately 8 hours of hiking. Distance: 21 km from Soraypampa to Chaullay. Maximum altitude: 4,650 m (Salkantay Pass).
Day 3: Chaullay - Aguas Calientes
We will have breakfast at the campsite before embarking on a approximately 5-hour hike through the high jungle until we reach Sahuayaco-Playa (2,000 m), where we will stop for lunch. Be prepared for a hot and humid hike, characteristic of the high jungle. However, it will be beautiful with views of coffee plantations and a variety of tropical plants. After lunch, we will continue the journey in a local transportation to Hidroeléctrica. From there, we will resume our hike to Aguas Calientes (2,100 m), where we will have dinner and spend the night in accommodation.
Day 4: Machu Picchu - Cusco
included
- Briefing one night before departure at the offices (18:00 pm).
- Hotel pick-up in Cusco in the morning and transfer to Challacancha.
- 1 night at Salkantay Sky Lodge (double accommodation).
- 1 night in the Andean huts (double accommodation).
- 1 night at the hotel in Aguas Calientes (double accommodation).
- 2.5-inch thick sleeping mat or mattress per person.
- Kitchen tents, dining area with table and chairs.
- Professional guide in Spanish and English.
- Guided visits throughout the trip.
- Cook and kitchen assistant.
- Mules to carry the tents, food, and kitchen equipment.
- Mules to carry up to a maximum of 7 kg of personal belongings per person.
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners (vegetarian menus, special diets, and allergies are available at no additional cost).
- Snacks on days 1, 2, and 3.
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
- Entrance fees to all visited sites.
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
- Tourist train return ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (18:20 pm).
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Boiled water provided every morning (1 liter per person).
not included
- Entrance fees to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($25 USD each).
- Breakfast on Day 1, lunch on Day 4, and dinner on Day 4.
- Sleeping bag ($15 USD each).
- Bus tickets for the ascent and descent of Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu ($12 USD one way).
- Walking sticks ($10 USD each).
- Hidroeléctricas to Aguas Calientes train ticket ($31 USD).