7 Day Salkantay to Machu Picchu

Salkantay to Machu PicchuDESCRIPTION

Salkantay Trek takes you through the Salkantay Pass via a remote route and the views of the Peruvian Andes are spectacular. This 7 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu trip will reveal the regions jaw-dropping beauty with its towering peaks and incredible glaciers as it approaches Machu Picchu from the back. Our skilled porters and guides will exceed your expectations on this Inca adventure as you trek, back-in-time and discover the hidden treasures of Peru and Machu Picchu.

The trip begins and ends in vibrant Cusco, Peru where you can enjoy the intriguing bled of Spanish and Inca culture. The Salkantay route is an ancient, remote trail where snowcapped mountains collide with lush tropical rain forests with its highest point at 15,200 feet above sea level, located at Salkantay Pass. Once in Aguas Calientes a bus ride gets you to Machu Picchu; the 15th-century citadel sits high, stacked on a hillside in terraces amongst rising Andean peaks. Accommodations along the way will be at campsites, unless otherwise noted.

Our hand-picked guides are certified multilingual and offer expertise of Machu Picchu’s highlights and will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable hike. In addition, Peru is home to some of the happiest people, the most dramatic landscape on the planet and a variety of cultural traditions that are rich in ancient history. Ready. Set. Escape! The 7 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu hike awaits you.

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ITINERARY

DAY 1
Arrive Cusco

Arrive Cusco with a transfer to your hotel; a welcome meeting will be organized by your guide for a quick briefing of the tour. The rest of the day can be spent exploring Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, set in the Andes Mountains. Discover Spanish churches and mansions that sit alongside Inca remains and enjoy the vibrant nightlife or sampling Peruvian restaurants.

DAY 2
Cusco - Mollepata – Soraypampa

An early morning bus transfer (around 5am) gets us to Mollepata where we will be begin our 3 hour hike to Cruzpata.  During the hike we will have panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay, snow-covered mountains and the Valley of Apurimac River.  After lunch we continue our trek towards Soraypamapa, our first campsite.  This will be the highest camp on the trail at 12,750 feet and the coldest too. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3
Soraypamapa - Salkantay Pass - Colcapampa

We begin the most difficult section of the trek, after an early breakfast (around 5:30am). The Salkantay Pass, is the highest pass on the hike and the second highest point in the Cusco region that stands at 15,200 ft.  We will enjoy the spectacular views of the mountainscape and imposing snowy peaks as we continue our descend through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracmachay.  After lunch we will continue to hike for another 3 hours towards the jungle until we reach our second campsite, Colcapampa (9,800 ft).  *Depending on the groups abilities we may reach further campsites (Challway or Andenes). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4
Colcapampa - La Playa

As we depart from the Collpapampa campsite the trail ascends slightly before descending for the rest of the day towards La Playa (8,202 ft).  The trail crosses the Lluskamayo River and a series of small creeks, along the way we will enjoy beautiful waterfalls, tropical fruits and plants. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5
La Playa - Llactapata - Aguas Calientes

Today is the final stretch of the trek before we reach the base of Machu Picchu.  En route we visit Llactapata an Inca site, set high on a mountainside that provides stunning views of Machu Picchu.  After our tour we continue to the Hydroelectric Station, where we will enjoy lunch and catch the train to Aguas Calientes.  Once in Aguas Calientes, we will relax at our hotel for the night. For an additional fee, you can take advantage of the hot springs in town. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 6
Machu Picchu

After an early morning breakfast served at the hotel, your guide will pick you up around 5:30am to catch the bus to Machu Picchu. As the sun begins to rise, the dramatic views of Machu Picchu are revealed. We will spend some time here taking photos and will enjoy a guided tour (approximately 2 hours). After the tour you are free to explore the mysterious city by yourselves.

You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and given your train tickets that will take you to Ollantaytambo and a final bus transfer will take you to Cusco. It is important to be at the train station 30 minutes before departure train times will be given to you by your guide. (Breakfast)

DAY 7
Depart

After breakfast you are transferred to Cusco Airport for departures. (Breakfast)

END OF SERVICES

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INCLUDED

  • Airport transfers
  • Ground transportation
  • Accommodations
  • Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
  • Entrance fee to Salkantay
  • Water (boiled)
  • Meals 4 each breakfasts, lunch, snack and 3 dinner
  • 4 person tent, double occupancy
  • Foam sleeping pad
  • Oxygen bottle and first aid kit
  • Expert guides, assistant guides, cook, porters, horses and horsemen

EXCLUDED

  • Sleeping bags
  • Inflatable mattress
  • Trekking/hiking poles
  • Salkantay/Inca trek last Lunch & Dinner not included
  • Meals not described in the itinerary
  • Waynapicchu Mountain hike
  • Hot Springs
  • Extra horse
  • Tips

Peru Trips