Private Salkantay Trek to Macchu Picchu

Private Salkantay Trek to Macchu Picchu

A true Andean odyssey, this 4-day trek through the dramatic Cordillera Vilcabamba is a wonderful alternative for those who want to take a less-traveled and exceptionally beautiful route to Machu Picchu. The great thing about this particular trek, that none of the other treks can offer (including the Inca Trail) is that you get to see so many different microclimates in such a short amount of time.

We're pioneers in Cusco's tourism industry with twenty years of experience. Our team is made up of the most knowledgeable and experienced resident guides, tour leaders, and staff. During our trips, we make every effort to minimize the negative impacts and maximize the benefits to the local inhabitants and natural environments. We have developed community projects directly supporting local Andean communities.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Soraypampa

Stop At: Salkantay Trek, Camino Inca Salkantay, 08640, Peru
Distance: 4 Kms

Leaving Cusco early in the morning, we take 6 hour ride along a scenic route to the small village of Marcoccasa, located high above the Apurimac River. This is where we meet up with the mules, horses, and arrieros (wranglers) that will carry our gear during the trek. We will begin with a gentle hike into the green river valley beneath the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, and then we begin hiking steadily upwards to the high plateau. Along the way, we have chance to get our first incredible view of Mount Huamantay (5917 m). As we approach our campsite at Soraypampa, the enormous Salkantay peak (6271m) will have a look around and enjoy some beautiful views. Mount Salcantay has the highest point in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range.

Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Humantay Lake, Cusco 08002 Peru
During the trek we´ll also visit the Laguna Humantay.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Lunch: All meals are nutritous. We also provide vegetarian options and please contact us if you have any intolerances.
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Campsite at Soraypampa

Day 2: Soraypampa - Chaullay

Stop At: Salkantay Trek, Camino Inca Salkantay, 08640, Peru
Distance: 16Kms

Following a series of switchbacks known as `Siete Culebras`, or “Seven Snakes”, our path leads up the side of a mountain and levels out again in the shadows of the grandiose Mount Salkantay. With Mount Salkantay looming above, we come to a summit marked by small piles of stones, or apachetas, left by locals and travelers to honor the mountain gods. From this high pass (4650m) flanked by Mount Salcantay and Mount Huamantay, we make our way towards the valley below to camp for the night in Chaullay.

Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Campsite in Chaullay

Day 3: Chaullay - Playa

Stop At: Salkantay Trail, Peru
Distance: 12Kms

The trail leads us down the eastern slope of the Andes and into a sub-tropical valley, where the temperature is noticeably warmer and we can even see a variety of orchids, wild flowers, and hummingbirds. After a morning of downhill walking, we arrive to the natural hot springs of Colpapampa, where we can take a relaxing dip in the naturally heated waters, if we choose to. Continuing through the “Ceja de Selva,” or “Eyebrow of the Jungle,” we encounter bright flowers, butterflies, parrots, and lush groves of tropical fruit, cocoa, and coffee. At the small village called, la Playa, we set up camp for the night.

Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Campsite in La Playa

Day 4: Playa to Aguas Calientes

Stop At: Salkantay Trail, Peru
Distance: 10Kms

Today we continue through the sub-tropical vegetation on our way to the village of Lucmabamba, where an original Inca trail still remains to this day.
Duration: 5 hours

Stop At: Mirador de Llactapata, Santa Teresa Peru
A gradual uphill climb through lush sub-tropical forest brings us to Llactapata (2700m), where we enjoy a stunning view of the backside of Machu Picchu amongst its neighboring peaks.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Hot Springs (Aguas Calientes), Signposted from main square, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Peru
In the afternoon, we take the hydroelectric train to Aguas Calientes where we spend a comfortable night in a nice, comfortable and clean hostel.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: Packed Lunch
Accommodation included: Comfortable hostel in Aguas Calientes

Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Stop At: Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Peru
We can take the earliest bus up to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes and get in to the site as early as 6:00 am. After participating in an informative 2 hour guided tour of the ancient ruins, you will have some additional time to explore the site on your own. In the late afternoon, you will board a train that will take you back to Cusco.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.