9 Day EcoCamp Salkantay to Machu Picchu

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The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu was selected by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine as one of the world’s 25 best treks. Hike the remote and ancient trails with Andean panoramas of snowcapped mountains giving way to lavish forests of tropical fruits and unique orchids. EcoCamp Salkantay to Machu Picchu

This trip promises glamping at its finest and a trek from the Mollepata Valley, around Mount Salkantay witnessing spectacular scenery, wildlife on route to one of the world’s most enchanting and mysterious archaeological sites, Machu Picchu – ruins of an ancient Incan empire at the peak of its power and an engineering marvel. EcoCamp Salkantay to Machu Picchu

The EcoCamps visited during this journey offer an opportunity to experience the pristine Andes from the comfort of luxurious geodesic domes. EcoCamp Salkantay to 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 snow clad 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 will be at EcoCamp sites, unless otherwise noted.

EcoCamp Salkantay to Machu Picchu

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 9 Day EcoCamp Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu hike awaits you.

9 Day EcoCamp Map

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 - Pincopata Camp

You will be picked up from your hotel at 8 am and driven to the Condor Viewing Point at Chonta, with a stop along the way to explore one of two archaeological sites: Quillarumiyoc or Tarawasi. These sites were important ceremonial sites to the Inca. Quillarumiyoc was dedicated to warship of the moon, and Tarahuasi was a ceremonial and rest stop on the road to Chinchaysuyo. You will enjoy vistas of the Limatambo valley dotted with small farming communities. Once in Chonta, you will hike for approximately one hour through the Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest in Peru. After enjoying a boxed lunch at the condor viewing point we continue to Pincopata EcoCamp – luxurious glamping at its finest. You will be welcomed with a freshly prepared fruit juice and tempted with an optional massage or if you are feeling active you can embark on an optional horseback or mountain biking tour. The day ends with a tasty three-course Peruvian meal. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3
Soyray EcoCamp

After breakfast, we drive 15 minutes to Marcoccasa, where the trail begins follows an aqueduct overlooking the spectacular Rio Blanco Valley and surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Humantay and Salkantay Mountains. We arrive at Soray Ecocamp in time for a lunch, during the afternoon you can hike to Lake Humantay (about an hour and a half hike) a breathtaking glacially fed lake nestled between glacial moraines, remnants of once larger glaciers that covered the area near the base of the southern face of the mountain. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4
Humantay EcoCamp

Today you will hike the Salkantay Pass (4,664m / 15,300ft) and experience views of one of the most iconic mountains of the Cusco region. Visible from the ruins Machu Picchu, the Incas considered Salkantay to be one of the principal deities controlling weather in the region. After breakfast, you will begin trekking from the bottom of the valley and gradually start ascending while crossing several grasslands. During the challenging final climb to pass you will be rewarded with views of Salkantay's snowy and rugged south face. Upon reaching the pass, we will celebrate and enjoy the panoramic views from a high-elevation Andean ecosystem as you witness the second most topographically prominent peak in Preru attributed to the deeply incised surrounding terrain. At the pass you will enjoy a picnic lunch before descending into Salkantay Valley. Your day will finish at the highest and most remote Ecocamp in located on a flat grassland and overlooked by Mount Humantay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5
Milpo EcoCamp

The days hike continues into a high altitude grassy plain as far as Abra Pass, from here you can see the impressive northwest face of Mount Humantay and experience the mountain from a different perspective. Lunch will be served with an offering of impressive views of the Salkantay and Manchayhuayco valleys. Following lunch, you will trek down to the Humantay River Valley, to the Milpo Ecocamp, located in the cloud forest region and host to endemic orchid species. The domes of the camp face the valley across the river offering a peaceful and tranquil environment.

DAY 6
EcoQuechua Lodge

After breakfast, you will trek down the valley to Totor, witnessing unique birds and orchid species along the way. Upon arrival at Wiñaypocco, our transport will be waiting to drive you to EcoQuechua Lodge where you will enjoy lunch. In the afternoon you will visit one of the local coffee plantations where a guide will show how highland coffee beans are picked, processed and roasted. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 7
Aguas Calientes

You will have several options to choose from for the morning´s activities depending on your interests (options include for hike, zip lining or hot springs). In the afternoon you will board the train for the scenic ride to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Here you can relax at the hotel for the night or explore the village. For an additional fee, you can take advantage of the hot springs in the town. (Breakfast)

DAY 8
Cusco

You will travel with our local guide by bus to the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. Here you will discover the mysteries and magnificence of the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Options during this visit include climbing Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain. These climbs are physically challenging, but the outstanding views from the peak of both mountains make the effort worthwhile. Lunch will be served at Sanctuary Lodge where you will take the bus to collect your luggage and then onto the train to Ollantaytambo from where you will transfer by road to Cusco.

DAY 9
Depart

After breakfast you will be safely transferred to Cusco airport for your departures.(Breakfast)

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