Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (4 Days)

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (4 Days)

Salkantay at an altitude above 15,000 feet before traversing around the mountains to arrive at Aguas Calientes. The trek is only a little more difficult than the Inca Trail, and horses are used to carry food and equipment.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrayanniyoq

Pass By: Salkantay Trail, Peru
We will pick you up from the hotel early in the morning and we will traverse through Mollepata to Sorayapampa. Once in Sorayapampa, we will start the first part of the experience with a hike to Soyroqocha where we will stop for lunch with the enchanting view of the snow capped mountain, Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft). We will then begin our climb to the highest point of the trek which is at 4 650 m.a.s.l15200 ft. admiring the stunning landscape along the way. Once we get to the top of the pass we go down to the campsite of Arrayanniyoq.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camping in Arrayanniyoq

Day 2: La Playa

Pass By: Salkantay Trail, Peru
After an early breakfast, you’ll descend for 3 hours towards the rural community of Chaullay for lunch. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the lush green valleys and waterfalls. After lunch, you will walk for 5 more hours through the Peruvian cloud forest, enjoying a myriad of flora and fauna, including orchids and birds, as well as coffee, cacao and fruit plantations. Finally, you’ll arrive at Lucmabamba where you’ll spend the second night (2,050m/6,767ft). Depending on the time, you can do the coffee tour at the plantation next to the campsite. You’ll begin by browsing the fields, learning about the different types of beans, and even picking your own beans. There are also several fields of tomatoes and avocados. Here, you’ll gather those vegetables that the chef will use for dinner that night. After picking the coffee beans, you’ll roast and grind them. Finally, you’ll get to brew and drink your own coffee! It’s a truly an unique experience.

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

Day 3: Aguas Calientes

Pass By: Hot Springs (Aguas Calientes), Signposted from main square, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Peru
Today is the most beautiful and a relaxing day on our trek. After the breakfast, you’ll walk for 3 hours uphill through the original Inca trail, towards the ruins of Llactapata, located at 2,700m/8,907ft. This is where you’ll enjoy the first views of the citadel of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains, including Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and Salkantay Mountain. You’ll then head down for 10 minutes, where you’ll have lunch right in front of Machu Picchu. After spending some time here taking in the spectacular landscape, you’ll descend for 2 hours to Hidro electrica. On the way, you’ll get a glimpse of a waterfall. You’ll then take the train to Aguas Calientes, where you will be accommodated in a hotel with an ensuite shower and toilet.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Ensuite hotel in Aguas Calientes

Day 4: Cusco

Stop At: Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Peru
After an early breakfast, you’ll take the bus up to the iconic Incan citadel, Machu Picchu. Once inside the citadel, there’ll be a 2-hour guided tour, with plenty of free time for further exploration. After this, you’ll go back to Aguas Calientes and at approximately 4.22pm you’ll take the return train to Ollantaytambo, with a mini-bus connection to Cusco. Expect to arrive back to your hotel in the evening.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: not included