Have a great time hiking the electrifying Salkantay Trek combined with the renowned Inca Trail relishing in nature's wonders while walking the path of the Incas. The Salkantay Mountain (6,264m/20,551ft) known as one of the Sacred Apus surrounding Abancay & Cusco is the most remarkable peak in the region. You will be thrilled to feel the challenge of climbing up to the high pass at 4,600m breathing in the thin fresh air. Catch magnificent vistas of the changing scenery from white snowcapped mountains to the refreshing cloud forest with cool to warm temperatures. Then, connecting into the glorious Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Along the way, pass archaeological sites and catch splendid vistas of
flora and fauna, mountains and more. Spend a night in Aguas Calientes to relax after an exhausting hike, and finally, visit the long awaited trophy, Machu Picchu to re-live the history of the Incas in these wondrous, mysterious ruins.
Salkantay Trek itinerary:
1st Day: Cusco – Mollepata (Cruzpata) – Soraypampa – Salkantaypampa
Your journey begins as you depart from Cusco at 5:45AM in private transport to Mollepata (3,000m/9,843ft), continue to Cruzpata (3,400m/11,155ft) where we meet the horsemen to start the adventure. From Cruzpata, we will hike into a magnificent valley surrounded by impressive white snowcapped mountains, such as the mighty Humantay (5,217m/17,116ft) and the Salkantay (6,264m/20,551ft). Our campsite will be at Salkantaypampa (3,900m/12,795ft) surrounded by the pristine nature.
Transport time: 4 hours.
Climate: moderate; cold during the night.
Hiking time: 6 hours.
2nd Day: Salkantaypampa – Salkantay Pass – Sisaypampa
After a hearty breakfast, our expedition continues by walking up to the highest mountain pass in the Machu Picchu National Park: the Salkantay Pass (5,200m/17,060ft). After catching your breath, take in the surreal vistas of the gorgeous snowcapped Salkantay Mountain (6,264m/20,551ft) and the marvelous landscape. Finally, we will descend to the next campsite of Sisaypampa (3,700m/12,139ft) to relax after a challenging day.
Climate: moderate; cold during the night.
Hiking time: 7 hours.
3rd Day: Sisaypampa – Inca Canal – Wayllabamba
At dawn our trek leads us to the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas surrounded by fantastic panoramic views of the robust mountains. We will stroll by creeks and visit several small archaeological sites. Our hike then continues to Wayllabamba (3,300m/9,843ft), our campsite and the starting point for the Classic Inca Trail the next morning.
Climate: moderate; cold during the night.
Hiking time: 5 hours.
4th Day: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayu
Our hike begins early in the morning to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and gorgeous panoramic views at the same time feeling the warm energetic atmosphere. Our trek takes us to the pristine valleys of Yuncachimpa (3,300m/10,827ft) and Llulluchapampa (3,850/12,631ft) which leads us up to the Warmiwañusca Pass (4,200m/13,780ft). Catch your breath and fix your eyes on the stunning vista of the hypnotic snowwhite-covered Verónica Mountain. After an invigorating experience at the summit, we start our descent to our campsite of Pacaymayu (3,500m/11,483ft) to take it easy and relax, sleeping under the glistening stars.
Climate: cold.
Hiking time: 7 hours.
5th Day: Pacaymayu – Runturakay – Chaquicocha – Wiñay Huayna
On the 5th day, enjoy nature's constant changes of ecosystem! Delight in visiting the several archaeological sites such as Runturakay (3,900m/12,795ft), Sayacmarca (3,600m/11,811ft), Phuyupatamarca (3,580m/11,745ft) and Wiñayhuayna (2,650m/8,694ft) our last campsite of this sensational hike.
Climate: moderately cold; warm with mosquitoes.
Hiking time: 7 hours.
6th Day: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes - Cusco
After breakfast around 5:00AM, we will walk (equipped with our flashlights) up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to watch the resplandent sunrise over Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Then around 8:00AM we will visit the impressive citadel of Machu Picchu (2,400m/7,874ft) to be wooed by its spiritual charm while listening to our guide retell the history of this massive Inca site hidden away from the rest of the world. Following your guided tour you will have time to further explore this grand sanctuary on your own. Lastly, we will meet in Aguas Calientes in the afternoon to board our train back to Cusco.
Climate: warm with mosquitoes.
Hiking time: 02 hours.
Salkantay Trek Overview:
- Duration: 6 days/5 nights.
- Starting point: Cusco/Mollepata.
- Ending point: Machu Picchu/Cusco.
- Physical Demand Rating: Moderate.
- Age Restriction: 12-years old and over.
- Tour Type: Trekking, Cultural, Adventure, Nature.
- Accommodations: Camping/Hotel.
- Service Level: Standard - Deluxe.
- Guarantee: Satisfaction and Safety guaranteed.
- Style: Personalized.
- Carbon Emissions: 330 CO2-E.
- Group Size: 2 Minimum, 10 Maximum.
- Transport: Train, walk, Mini-Van.
- Price from: US $ - Contact us.
Services include:
- Private transport from the hotel to Cruzpata.
- Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco/to Ollantaytambo & bus to Cusco.
- Entrance to the Salkantay National Park.
- Entrance to the Inca Trail & Machu Picchu.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish & English).
- Camping equipment (Pro 2-person tents: Doite Cima 4, extralight-4kg/Doite Kailas 3, extralight-4,5kg & Doite Himalaya, extralight-4,5kg; sleeping mats, dining tent equipped with a table & chairs, a sanitary tent).
- Meals during the excursion (breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks/optional vegetarian at no extra cost).
- Cook and assistant.
- Horseman, mules and porters.
- Emergency horse during the hike from Salkantay to Wayllabamba.
- First-aid kit, Oxygen bottle and safety rope.
Services NOT included:
- Sleeping bag (if you do not have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility of renting/buying one).
- Breakfast, the first day.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the last day.
- Lodging in Cusco.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu.
- Travel insurance.
- Gratuities.
Notes:
* From the 1st to the 3rd day (from Cruzpata to Wayllabamba) we are accompanied by horsemen and mules carrying all camping equipment and your personal luggage (up to 7 kg). From the 4th to the 6th day (from Wayllabamba to Aguas Calientes) all equipment including the customer's personal luggage (extra charge per person up to 7 kg) will be carried by porters.
Important: The combination of the Salkantay trek and the Classic Inca Trail needs to be booked far in advance, especially in the months of May, June, July, August & September. This is due to the limit of 500 people permitted per day to start the Inca Trail, including guides, cooks & porters.
Lodging & Prices: Our team of travel consultants have carefully selected the Hotels based on their excellent value and high standards. (Lower Prices + Top Service = Best Value). We can book any hotel for you at competitive rates, but published prices are based on the Qeros Tours Peru Top Hotel Picks.
Occupancy Hotel Category
Double/triple Tourist 2-star Superior 3-star Deluxe 4/5-star
Prices may vary according to the season, availability and client preferences. Certain transport costs may not be included. Please contact one of our expert Travel Consultants for prices as well as more information.