The Salkantay is a mountain of Peru 6271 meters high. It is the highest peak of Cordillera Vilcabamba, about 60 km northwest of Cusco. This beautiful trek will take you to the slopes of this glacier to end with the lost citadel of Machu Picchu. A truly unforgettable tour for mountain lovers, walks and breathtaking landscapes.
Group tours> departures every day of the year
Altitude: 1950 – 4600 m.
Difficulty level: moderate / difficult (3.5 out of 5)
We will leave Cusco at 5:30am and head towards Marcoccasa (3400m/11154f), passing the village of Mollepata (3000m/9843f). In Marcoccasa we will meet the horsemen and the rest of the group and start our trek. We start hiking in the high part of the magnificent Soraypampa valley, surrounded by the most important snow-capped mountains such as Humantay (5217m/17116f) and Salkantay (6264m/20551f). In the afternoon we hike to “Laguna de Humantay” (a beautiful lake at the foothill of Humatay snowy peak). The walk to Humantay takes about 3 hours (return). Our campsite will be in Soraypampa (3900m/12795f).
Climate: cold
Transport time: 3hrs 30 hours
Hiking time: 6 hours
After breakfast we will set off towards the Salkantay Pass (4600m/15092f) that offers an exceptional view of the snow-capped mountain (6264m). Thereafter we will descend in the Wayraqmachay Valley and enjoy the increasing vegetation of the ecosystem. Our campsite will be in Collpa Pampa (3000m/9842ft), amidst high tropical forest.
Climate: warm with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 8-9 hours
The 3rd day is dedicated to the flora and the fauna. We descend through a wood to enjoy the diversity of orchids, bromeliads and other species. Then we cross coffee, cocoa and fruit plantations. Moreover we visit some local families from Wiñaypoco (2650m), La Playa (2100m) and Lucmabamba (2000m). Our campsite will be in Lucmabamba where we can learn about the coffee harvesting and processing. Depending on the variety, it takes from 3 to 4 years so that the coffee tree is Reddy to produce. We are shown the entire process, from the tree to the coffee cup.
Climate: warm with mosquitoes during the day
Hiking duration: 6 hours
Note: Turing the afternoon it is possible to change the itinerary to visit the hot Springs of Santa Teresa (1830m) at an extra cost.
After breakfast, we will hike up on the Inca trail to the archaeological site of Llactapata at 2650m/8694f (Beautiful scenery for discovering flora and evidence of Inca culture). From here we will have an outstanding view over Machu Picchu Mountain and Vilcanota Canyon). Afterwards we will continue down to Hydroelectrica train station (1950m/6398f), where you are able to take the train to Machu Picchu town (2050m/6726f). Overnight in Machu Picchu town.
Climate: warm with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 6 hours
We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30am and head for Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00am. After a guided tour around the archaeological site, including information about life and culture of the Incas, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu. For the more adventurous there is also the possibility to climb to the top of Huayna Picchu or visit the Machu Picchu Mountain or the Huchuy Picchu. After our free time, we will get back to leave Aguas Calientes and leave to Ollantaytambo by train. Fom ollantaytambo we continue to Cusco by train.
Climate: warm with mosquitoes
PeruEtico does not organize this trek; We work with a serious and professional local agency that respects workers’ salary conditions and the environment.
A briefing with the guide is scheduled the evening before the start of the trek at 6pm.
Campsites during the trek are subject to change due to weather conditions and / or at the discretion of the guide.
Group tour with guide in English/Spanish.
Remember to bring your original passport
This trek is considered level 3,5 (on a scale of 1 to 5); Suitable for fit people.
The train departs from Aguas Calientes at 4.43pm and your arrival time in Cusco is around 8.30pm. It is possible to take an earlier train (2.55 pm, with arrival time in Cusco around 6.30 pm). It has an additional cost of 25 USD per person.
