Peru is a mega diverse country, we also have a variety of mountainous terrain and the Andes, and a complex system of roads that were built by the Incas, Salkantay trek, is an ancient road, through the Andes towards the city of Machu Picchu. . Many of these trails rise from the coast, through snow-capped mountains into the dense Amazon jungle. The traditional Inca trail is the most valued and visited by people and currently it is necessary to book well in advance.
The Salkantay Trek is now the best hiking option to reach the Inca city of Machu Picchu. On this trail you will be able to observe a variety of landscapes and microclimates, typical of the place. Don’t miss this adventure! Come and enjoy this trail to the wonder of the world Machu Picchu and the Wild Mountain of Salkantay! (Wild Mountain). salkantay trek, offers a variety of impressive landscapes, turquoise lagoons, cloud forests, tropical valleys, where you can see coffee plantations, coca, and a wide variety of tropical fruits. Enjoy the Salkantay Trek.
Overview
The Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular hiking routes in Peru, offering an alternative to the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Here is an overview:
Location and Background
- Location: The Salkantay Trek is located in the Cusco region of Peru, winding through the Vilcabamba mountain range.
- Salkantay Mountain: The trek is named after Mount Salkantay, which stands at 6,271 meters (20,574 feet) and is one of the highest peaks in the Peruvian Andes.
Trek Details
- Distance: The trek typically covers around 60-75 kilometers (37-46 miles), depending on the specific route taken.
- Duration: The trek usually takes 4 to 6 days to complete.
- Difficulty: It is considered a challenging trek due to high altitudes and steep terrain, suitable for experienced hikers in good physical condition.
- Highest Point: The highest point on the trek is the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters (15,255 feet).
Highlights
- Scenery: The trek offers diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains and glaciers to lush cloud forests and tropical jungles.
- Flora and Fauna: Hikers can encounter a variety of wildlife and plant species, including orchids, hummingbirds, and Andean condors.
- Campsites: The route includes scenic campsites, such as Soraypampa, where trekkers can acclimatize and enjoy views of Humantay Lake.
- Machu Picchu: The trek concludes with a visit to the iconic Incan citadel of Machu Picchu.
Practical Information
- Best Time to Go: The best time to trek Salkantay is during the dry season, from late April to early October.
- Permits: Unlike the Inca Trail, no special permits are required for the Salkantay Trek, making it more accessible.
The Salkantay Trek offers a unique and rewarding way to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Peru, culminating in the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
DAY 01: MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA.
Salkantay Trek 05 Days. We pick you up from your hotel and will travel by bus about 03 hours to Mollepata (2.700.msnm) where we have a technique for breakfast and to use the toilets and do the last shopping this place where we will continue to Challacanca begin our walk, about 3 hours by a beautiful path that will lead us to Soraypampa (3.800.msnm camp).
Here we have our lunch, with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120 m and Salkantay; 6271.msnm) in the afternoon we will visit the lagoon Humantay closed to camp. Overnight.
- Meals: Lunch – tea – dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum altitude: 2700 m
- Maximum altitude: 3850 m
- Distance: 11km / 9miles
- Time: 5h approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 02: SALKANTAY MOUNTAIN – CHAULLAY
This wake up very early as it is the most difficult day of this trip will be our breakfast at 5.30 am and start our hike at 06.00. Am, about 3 hours walk uphill to reach the pass of Salkantay (4650 m / 15,200 ft) located halfway between two huge mountains; Salkantay Tucarhuay right and left. From the pass, they are amazing views of the snow capped mountains. Snow is possible here.
After a break, we will continue our walk (downhill) through the mountains of rock to Huayracpampa (4.000msnm) for lunch. After lunch we continue to walk through cloud forest area with diverse flora and fauna, where the guide will explain it to reach our second camp, Chaullay (3000m / 9800 ft)
- Meals: Breakfast – lunch – tea – dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum altitude: 2920 m
- Maximum altitude: 4650 m
- Distance: 21km / 13.5 miles
- Time: 9h about
- Difficult: challenge
DAY 03: CHAULLAY – CLOUD FOREST – PLAYA
After breakfast, at 6.30am, we will begin the walk and along the way we will be able to observe thick vegetation typical of the jungle, the Santa Teresa River, which has many tributaries such as the Lluskamayo River and a great variety of streams, and be able to reach the beach. , and have our lunch and camp. From this point in the afternoon we continue through valleys that have tropical fruits and typical plants, with a warm climate. To the town of Santa Teresa, to enjoy the thermal baths and enjoy a wonderful experience. At night I return to the camp.
- Meals: Breakfast – lunch – tea – dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum altitude: 1500 m
- Maximum altitude: 3000m
- Distance: 16km / 10 miles
- Time: 7h about
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 04: LLACTAPATA – AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN
This day we got up at 5.0.0.am because we have many options, which your guide will explain the night before we leave our camp and start walking across the bridge of the river Santa Teresa and follow the road for about 03 hours on a path dry and arid to reach Machu Picchu hydroelectric. In this place have 2 options to continue to Aguas Calientes (train service $ 38 optional) and walking, we recommend walking this stretch because it is very beautiful and you can see the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in the top of the mountain. In warm waters have included the hostel accommodation is made according to the book (as suggested by the company).
- Meals: Breakfast – lunch – tea – dinner
- Lodging: Hotel
- Minimum altitude: 1500 m
- Maximum altitude: 2040 m
- Distance: 18km / 12 miles
- Time: about 7h
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 05: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
We will have breakfast at the hotel and then go to the bus station and can board the first bus in the direction of the city, approximately 25 minutes by a zigzag path to reach the Inca citadel Machu Picchu.
The guide will offer a visit (about 2 hours) and after that, you have free time to explore the city and if you still have energy, you can also climb Huayna Picchu mountain (2720m). It takes 45 minutes to reach the top. To return to Aguas Calientes have 2 options, walking or bus (optional) where you will meet your guide back for lunch and receive his train ticket to return to the city of Cusco.
The train service that includes all the tours (the Expedition to Ollanta) and bus to Cusco. * If you want to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes you have to tell us in advance to arrange your hotel and change the return train service,
- Meals: Breakfast
- Maximum height: 2, 440m
- Difficulty: Easy.
CONDITIONS FOR THE MOUNTAIN MACHUPICCHU AND WAYNAPICCHU.
Inclusions
OUR SERVICE INCLUDES:
- Professional guide, bilingual
- Collection hotel
- Return transportation (bus to the start of the route and tourist train to Ollanta)
- Entrance to Machu Picchu – Wayna Picchu / Machu Picchu (optional U$: 60)
- * 4 snacks (hot drinks, biscuits and popcorn), 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners (breakfast on day 1 and dinner and lunch in Aguas Calientes are not included)
- Dining tent with tables and chairs.
- Cook.
- Huts for 2 people.
- Sleeping mats
- Horsemen and mules (they carry cooking and camping equipment and up to 07 kilos of belongings of the tourists)
- 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Oxygen bottle.
- First aid box
- Vegetarian diet available.
** Train included in all tours is (Expedition Ollanta service) will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. The earlier train you could take is the 14: 55.pm and being the last train at 18: 20.Pacha Expeditions, arrange transportation to Cusco (by taxi or bus).
Should Bring
WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE:
- Original passport and student card
- Insurance card is essential
- Sleeping bag.
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Coat
- Hat and gloves comfortable pants shirts
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen factor 70
- Insect repellent
- Water
- Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended)
- Personal Medication
- Camera and battery.
- Flashlight with extra batteries
OPTIONAL TO TAKE:
- Shorts
- Cane
- Plasters and bandages
- Flips flops
- Extra money
- Swimsuit for hot springs in Santa Teresa / Aguas Calientes – not included in price.
OPTIONAL SERVICES (NOT INCLUDED)
- Poles (U$.15)
- Small day backpack (U$.40)
- Single tent. (U$.25)
Acomodation
Our camp with an impressive view of the Salkantay mountain, here you can connect your mind with nature, in this camp you can enjoy all the comfort that nature offers you
- Meals: Lunch – tea – dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Maximum altitude: 3850 m
- Time Hike: 5h approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
our second camp, located on the side of the bridle path, very close to the local community, here we will have many amenities, we will also be able to enjoy the local community.
- Meals: Breakfast – lunch – Tea – dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum altitude: 2920 m
- Time: 9h about
- Difficult: challenge
In the heart of the jungle, our camp immersed in nature, where you can enjoy a unique experience very close to the original Inca trail, here you can enjoy nature
- Meals: Breakfast – lunch – tea – dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Minimum altitude: 1500m
- Time: 5h about
- Difficulty: Moderate
the most touristic town in Peru, Aguas Calientes, the closest place to the wonder of the world, here we will have our accommodation with all the basic needs to spend a pleasant night.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Maximum height: 2, 440m
- Difficulty: Easy.
Price
IMPORTANT: Prices depend on the service you hire and the number of people. You have to be flexible with your travel dates (giving alternatives of 1 or 2 days on either side of the preferred date). Availability for specific dates can change quickly, due to the availability of spaces which are sold in advance.
Prices: Season: 2024
Group Service.
- U$. 450. Per Person
Private Service
- U$. 570 per Person (Private Service 02 People Mínimum )
Discounts
- Student Discount (only with active card): US$.20
- Under 18 years Discount: US$.20
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