Ultimate Machu Picchu Trek the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu

Ultimate Machu Picchu Trek the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu

ULTIMATE MACHU PICCHU
Trek into the Andes on this less-crowded alternative to reach Machu Picchu. Visit local markets, temples, and a coffee farm while marveling at the beautiful scenery.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Hike up and over Salkantay Pass for breathtaking views of the valley below, Stay overnight with a family in Lucmabamba to learn about their local coffee farm, Explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the stunning archaeological site at Machu Picchu

Itinerary

Day 1: CUSCO

Stop At: Cusco, Cusco, Cusco Region
A OneSeed staff member will greet you at the airport in Cusco and take you to our partner lodge in the charming historic district of San Blas. The lodge is centrally located and only a few minutes’ walk from the Plaza de Armas, the beautiful and bustling town center. Meet your expedition group at 5:00 pm for an orientation talk to review your itinerary, packing list, and what to expect on the trail.
Peak Altitude: 11,155 ft (3400 m
Inclusions: Airport transfer; hotel accommodations
Duration: 1 day

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 3 star boutique hotel accommodations

Day 2: CUSCO

Stop At: Sacred Valley, Sacred Valley, Cusco Region
Head to the Sacred Valley to acclimate to the altitude. Visit the village of Pisac to stop by a traditional market and see the Citadel of Pisac on a guided tour. Explore the Ollantaytambo ruins known for the enormous blocks of rock that were carved and polished to fit together seamlessly. Arrive in Cusco around 6:30-7:00pm.
Peak Altitude: 11,155 ft (3400 m)
Inclusions: breakfast; lunch; hotel accommodations
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: 3 star boutique hotel accommodations

Day 3: CUSCO TO SALKANTAY PAMPA

Stop At: Salkantay Trail, Peru
In the morning, take the 3-hour trip to Mollepata, a small village located at the edge of the cloud forest. Enjoy our first views of Salkantay, which reaches 20,691 ft! Continue on to Challa’cancha, the trek departure point. In Challa’cancha, meet the assistant guides and began the 2-hour hike to Soraypampa, where you will break for lunch. From there, hike another 3½ hours to Salkantay Pampa to camp for the night.
Peak Altitude: 13,451 ft (4100 m)
Total Hiking: approximately 7.5 miles (12 km) / 5-6 hours of trekking
Inclusions: breakfast; lunch; dinner; tent camping accommodations
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tent Camping accommodations

Day 4: SALKANTAY PAMPA TO COLCAPAMPA

Stop At: Salkantay Trail, Peru
Today is the hardest trekking day! Eat an early breakfast before beginning the hike to the Salkantay Pass (15,246 ft). Slowly make your way up the pass and be prepared for rocky uneven trails on the way up and down. Take a break at the pass to enjoy the breathtaking views before continuing downhill to the lunch spot, Huayrac Machay. After lunch, continue the descent to your campsite for the night at Colcapampa.
Peak Altitude: 15,246 ft (4646 m)
Total Hiking: approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) / 8-10 hours trekking
Inclusions: breakfast; lunch; dinner; tent camping accommodations
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tent Camping accommodations

Day 5: COLCAPAMPA TO LUCMABAMBA

Stop At: Salkantay Trail, Peru
Continue descending into the high jungle and hike along clear streams and rivers and visit impressive waterfalls. Observe the change in your surrounding environment as it becomes increasingly lush. Pass small coffee and fruit farms before stopping in the small town of Lucmabamba where you will spend the night in a homestay with a local family. Learn about the coffee roasting process and explore the family’s coffee farm.
Peak Altitude: 9,240 ft (2816 m)
Total Hiking: approximately 9.5 miles (15.3 km) / 6-8 hours trekking
Inclusions: Inclusions: breakfast; lunch; dinner; basic lodge accommodations
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Basic lodge accommodations

Day 6: LUCMABAMBA TO AGUAS CALIENTES

Stop At: Aguas Calientes, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco Region
After breakfast, drive for two hours toward the Hydroelectric station. From there, hike for three hours to the town of Aguas Calientes, stopping half way on the trail for some lunch. Check into your room for a shower and some rest before a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant.
Peak Altitude: 6,693 ft (2040 m)
Total Hiking: approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km) / 2-3 hours trekking
Inclusions: breakfast; lunch; dinner; hotel accommodations
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3 star boutique hotel accommodations

Day 7: AGUAS CALIENTES TO MACHU PICCHU TO CUSCO

Stop At: Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco Region
After a very early breakfast, depart for Machu Picchu on a short 20 minutes bus ride. Arrive as early as possible to avoid the crowds and to enjoy the beauty, mystery, and magic of Machu Picchu. Receive a guided tour for about 2½ hours to explore the archeological site. Meet in Aguas Calientes in the afternoon to board a train to Ollantaytambo (2 hours) and then a bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (2 hours), arriving by 9:30 pm.
Peak Altitude: 11,155 ft (3400 m)
Total Hiking: approximately 5 miles (8 km) / Optional 2-3 hours trekking up Machu Picchu Mountain
Inclusions: breakfast; hotel accommodations
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 3 star boutique hotel accommodations

Day 8: CUSCO

Stop At: Cusco, Cusco, Cusco Region
International flights depart.
Peak Altitude: 11,155 ft (3400 m)
Inclusions: breakfast; airport shuttle
Duration: 1 day

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