Salkantay Trek 4D / 3N - Tour Express Perú

This incredible journey is travelled below the sacred mountain of Salcantay (20569ft), one of the mayor and more impressive of the Peruvian Andes, passing by the quechua communities and less known Inca ruins to finally arrive to Aguas Calientes on the third day.

The impressive sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu is visited on the last day of the program. This itinerary is an interesting alternative for those who do not know sites that may be found in the ride from the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Itinerary

4
DAYS
/ 3 NIGHTS
Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Sayllapata - Salkantaypampa- Andenes

Lunch – Dinner

We will depart from Cusco at 04 a.m. in our private transport and will start with a picturesque morning until we arrive to Soraypampa, starting point of our hike. Throughout the four-hour journey we will head towards the village of Limatambo (2100m / 6888ft), an important access point to the city of Cusco during the Inca Empire and where the archeological remains of Tarawasi are found.

The road continues by the right bank of the Apurimac River and crosses the town of Mollepata (2800m / 9184ft) and the small community of Cruzpata (2750m / 9020ft), to finally reach Soraypampa (3800m / 12464ft), the starting point of our hike where we will find with our muleteers and horses.

After a brief introduction and a quick breakfast, we will start our walk towards the base of Mount Salkantay (6271m / 20569ft), crossing Salkantaypampa, from that point we will begin our 2-hour steep hike until we reach Soyroccocha, right next to impressive Salkantay glacier (4200m / 13776ft). Continuing uphill, we will arrive to the Huayracmachay Cove (4600m / 15088ft), the highest mountain pass in the program, in where we will enjoy the impressive views of the glaciers around us and the snow-covered peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range, with the Salcantay’s right face rising over us.

We may also observe chinchillas and condors in their natural habitats. From that point, we will start descending towards a tropical climate called the foggy forest. Alongside the route, we will see the remains of an old Inca trail, 6 meters wide approximately. In the afternoon, a long and easy descent will take us to our first camp in Andenes (3.500m / 11480ft).

  • Distance covered: 18 km (11,25 miles).
  • Estimated walking time: 8-9 hours.
  • Maximum altitude: 4.600 m (15.088 feet).
  • Camping altitude: 3.500 m (11.480 feet).
  • Salkantay – Trip to Machu Picchu.
Day 2: Andenes - Chaullay - La Playa- Lucmabamba

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner

Today we will continue our walk downhill with an easy pace alongside the Salkantay River, enjoying the vegetation each time getting more exuberant, passing by cascades, fruit trees and coffee plantations. The highlands arid landscape starts to transform itself in a foggy full of trees and bromelias.

After 1:30 Chaullay, and then we will continue for about 45 minutes until we arrive to the small village of Collpapampa. From there the Salkantay River becomes the Santa. River. After a break, we will continue our descent to the riverbanks of the Totora River.

Afterwards we will pass by the Coripacchi cascades, settlement of Wiñaypoko, the bustling small city of La Playa and finally, our second camp in La Playa, (2.100 m/6888ft).

Down the road, we will be able to see banana plantations, coffee and avocado as well as the exuberant local flora. We will enter the territory of the spectacled bear and probably will be accompanied by a flock of parrots while descending. At dinner, we may enjoy a glass of wine by the light of the bonfire.

  • Distance covered: 20 km (12,50 miles).
  • Estimated waking time: 8-9 hours.
  • Maximum altitude point: 3.500 m (11.480 feet).
  • Camping altitude: 2.100 m (6.888 feet).
  • Salkantay – Machu Picchu.
Day 3: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric Plant - Aguas Calientes

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner

After breakfast, we will start climbing for 2-3 hours towards El Mirador or Q’elloqasa Cove (2860m/9381ft), from where we will have an exceptional view of the Lost City of the Incas, the legendary Machu Picchu, seen from a different angle.

We will enjoy our last lunch in the open in the Llaqtapata viewpoint (2650m/8692ft) from where one can see both Machu Picchu and the Salkantay Mountain. We will take a break while enjoying the value added Llactapata ruins, recently restored.

A two-hour descent towards the Aobamba River, crossing lush bambu woods and more gardens and coffee plantations that will take us to the Machu Picchu hydroelectric power station, where we will board a train that will take us to Aguas Calientes (a short, scenic 40-minute train ride). Lodging at selected hotel.

  • Distance covered: 12 km (7,50 miles).
  • Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours.
  • Máximum altitude point: 2.650 m (8.692 feet).
  • Camping altitude:2.000 m (6.560 feet).
  • Salkantay – trip to Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Breakfast

We will get up very early to take a bus to Machupicchu, where we will begin a complete two-hour guided tour of the Inca citadel.

After, you will have time for a stroll; climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain from where you may experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and the mountains that surround it. (Please bear in mind that only 400 visitors are permitted daily), or visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge.

In the afternoon, we will meet at the town of Aguas Calientes, where if so desired, you may visit and relax in its thermal waters. From there we will catch our train back to the city of Cusco, arriving after dusk.

Notes:

  • The departure and arrival hours are approximated times.
  • The camps are subject to changes according to the guide’s discretion and the group’s progress.

Included in the program

  • Informative briefing prior to the walks departure (one or two days before the tour).
  • Transfer in private bus from your hotel to Soraypampa (Walks starting point).
  • English spoken profesional guide.
  • Guide assistant for more than nine passengers.
  • Entrance fee to Machupicchu.
  • High mountain 4 station three persons tents (The North Face), model VE- 25, with high-class material, to be occupied by two people allowing more comfort and sufficient space for guests backpacks.
  • Luxury self-inflated mat (THERMA-REST).
  • One pillow per person.
  • One personal bedsheet for sleeping. It is washed after every use, with a total lifespan of up to 30 trips.
  • Kitchen tent.
  • Dining room tent.
  • Chairs with backrests and elbow pads.
  • Complete kitchenware in hotel chinaware plus crystal glasses.
  • Mules (for transporting the tents, food, kitchen equipment and guest’s personal equipment up to a maximum of 5kg per person (including the sleeping bag and mats).
  • Duffle bags for passengers personal things.
  • A spare horse for every five passengers.
  • Trained cook to prepare nutritious and delicious meals including Andean produce.
  • Possibility of vegan food at no extra cost.
  • Meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners plus a snack every morning).
  • One bag of appetizers in textile bags per person, to avoid the use of plastic bags that contaminate the environment.
  • Hot water for our morning wash.
  • Boiled or purified water to fill up your bottles again, after breakfast.
  • Biodegradable soaps.
  • Chemical Bath.
  • A personal hand towel.
  • First aid kit including oxygen bottles.
  • Radio Communicator.
  • All the camp wastes are returned to the city of Cusco.
  • Third dinner in Aguas Calientes – 3th day.
  • One round trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – 4th day.
  • Train from the hydroelectric power plant to Aguas Calientes-3rd day.
  • Train service (Expedition Class) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo – 4th day.
  • Transfer from the train station to your Hotel.
  • Type of service (Personalized).

Our Services Do Not Include

  • One night stay at Hotel in Aguas Calientes – 3th day.
  • Extra mules to ride.
  • Last lunch at Aguas Calientes – 4th day.
  • Sleeping bag.
  • Entrance ticket to the Huayna Picchu Mountain.
  • Meals not mentioned in the program.
  • Canes.
  • Entrance to the thermal waters in Aguas Calientes.
  • Alcoholic beverages.
  • Laundry services.
  • Mountain food ware and personal items.
  • Additional tours.
  • Optional tips for the guide, cook and bearers.
  • Additional expenses not mentioned in the program.
  • Rain ponchos.

We Recommend To Bring

  • Original Passport.
  • Student card ISIC (if applicable).
  • Back pack.
  • Rain jacket or poncho.
  • Walking shoes.
  • Two liters water bottle. Disposable plastic water bottles are not permitted in the Machu Picchu site.
  • Optional tablets which with to purify water since we will providing boiled water.
  • Warm clothing (jacket , ideal  for hikes).
  • Flashlight and batteries.
  • Camera, binoculars and two batteries.
  • Hat or cap for sun, rain or cold  protection.
  • Sun block or insect repellant.
  • Towel and toilet paper.
  • Snacks: cookies, energetic bars, chocolate, etc.
  • Cash money (no ITM machines during the hike).
  • Bathing suit if you are planning to visit the thermal waters in Aguas Calientes after the hike.
  • If you do not have rain, walking canes, water bottles, back pack, etc. you may rent/purchase them two days before the trips departure.

Photo gallery

Salkantay 1
Going up to Salkantay
Salkantay2
Salkantay Trek
Salkantay4
Salkantay Trek
Salkantay5
Settlers
Salkantay7
Salkantay Trek
Request information

Recommended experiences

Subscribe to
our newsletter

    agencia de viajes y turismo registrada - operador de turismo
    apotur peru
    turismo emprende
    dmcmarket
    amazon forever
    Prom Perú
    tripadvisor
    Menu
    COVID-19