Salkantay to Machu Picchu Trek 5 Days

The spirit of Salkantay and Machu Picchu

5 Days

TRIP SUMMARY

This Trek Was Recently named among the 25 best Treks in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.

A new different alternative for the conventional Inca trail trekking route, on the south face of the Salkantay Glacier. This trek perfectly combines cultural and natural beauty; we will enjoy the challenge of the ecosystem and the magnificent view of the snow-capped Salkantay (6264m/20551f), considered as the most representative mountain of the mountain range of Vilcabamba. The trek takes us back to the time of the Incas and makes us aware of the spirits of mountains such as the Tucarhuay or the Humantay which peak higher than 5000 meters (16404 feet).

Salkantay to Machu Picchu 5 Days Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata (Marcoccasa) – Salkantay Pampa

We will leave Cusco at 5:00 am and head forwards Marcoccasa (3400m/11154f), passing the village Mollepata (3000m/9843f). In Marcoccasa we will meet the horsemen and the rest of the group and start our trek. From Marcoccasa we start hiking into a magnificent valley surrounded by impressive snow-capped mountains, such as the Humantay (5217m/17116f) and the Salkantay snow-covered (6264m/20551f). Our campsite will be at Salkantay pampa (3900m/12795f).

Bus Ride: 3hrs 30
Weather: moderate and cold during the night
Hiking hours: 6 to 7 hours

Day 2: Salkantay Pampa – Salkantay Pass – Challway

After breakfast, we will set off towards the Salkantay pass (4600m/15092f) which offers an exceptional view of the snow-capped Salkantay (6264m). Thereafter, we will descend again and will have time to enjoy the increasing vegetation of the ecosystem. Our campsite for this day will be in Challway, in the middle of the tropical forest.

Hiking hours: 7 hours
Transport time: 1 hour 30

Optional: The hot springs nearby the Collpapampa community are optional and can be arranged at an extra cost.

Day 3: Challway – Wiñaypoco – La Playa – Lucmabamba

This day is a perfect day to stay in contact with the local flora and its plantations. We will descend further to see the marvelous plantations of coffee, cacao, and fruit. The way to these plantations lies in a beautiful forest, dominated by orchids, bromeliads, and other plants. Here we will also meet the local families, in Wiñaypoco (2650m/8694f) and La Playa (2100m/6890f).

Even more interaction with the local people we will have in Lucmabamba, where we will learn how the local people harvest their crops such as coffee and cacao.

This afternoon you stay in contact with a local rural family from the forest in which you will have the opportunity to witness the cultivation and processing of coffee.

Depending on the variety, it takes approximately 3 to 4 years for newly planted coffee trees to begin to bear fruit. The fruit, called the coffee cherry, turns a bright, deep red when it is ripe and ready to be harvested. Due to the botanical characteristics of the coffee tree and the fact that coffee is often grown in mountainous areas, widespread use of mechanical harvesters is not possible and the ripe coffee cherries are usually picked by hand, a labor-intensive and difficult process. We will show and explain to you the complete process from the tree to the cup of coffee. You will also have the opportunity to ask the locals your questions about the process of cultivation.

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes Town

Early in the morning, we will visit the archaeological complex of Llactapata (2650m/8694f) which is located in a marvelous forest. Here we have the time to enjoy the magnificent view over Machu Picchu and take a lot of pictures. Hereafter we head towards the hydroelectrical station (1950m/6398f) where we will take the train to Aguas Calientes Town. In this town, we will enjoy our lunch and have a good rest because tomorrow we have to get up early.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes Town – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will leave our hotel early in the morning to go to Machu Picchu by tourist bus. In Machu Picchu, we will have a guided visit of approx. 2 hours whereafter you will have the time to visit the site at your own pace, as well as Wayna Picchu (additional). After the visit to Machu Picchu, you can go back to Aguas Calientes, where you can rest in the hot springs (additional cost of s./ 10). From here we have a train at 2 pm and 6 pm to Cusco.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TRIP?

Includes

Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to Mollepata (Marcoccasa).
Transport from Lucmabamba to the hydroelectric station (just for the equipment and everyone’s bag).
Tourist Train from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes.
Tourist Bus from Machu Picchu town to Machu Picchu.
Tourists train from Machu Picchu town to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
Hotel with Private Room and Bathroom in Aguas Calientes town or Machu Picchu town
Entrance fee to the National Park of Salkantay and Machu Picchu.
Professional bilingual guide
High-quality camping equipment (Professional tent for 2 persons) Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).
Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and tea time/Optional vegetarian)
Cook and assistant.
Horseman and mules for up to 5kg of a customer’s equipment.
Emergency horse.
First-aid kit and oxygen bottle.

Doesn't include

Breakfast on day first and lunch on the last day in Machu Picchu town
Tourist Bus from Machu Picchu to Machu Picchu town (After Machu Picchu guiding you can discover more about Machu Picchu park then on the way back to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu town you can do it hiking otherwise you can take a bus at an extra cost US$ 10.00 per person)
Sleeping bag (If you don’t have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility of renting a good quality

Recommendations

Backpack with rain shelter.
Sleeping bag.
Clothing for a warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket.
Rain pants and lightweight pants.
Trekking shoes.
Slippers or sandals (for showers and Hot Springs).
Woolen or synthetic socks and a sweater.
Long- and short-sleeved polo’s/T-Shirts.
Rain poncho and a hat.
Bathing suit (for the Hot Springs in Machu Picchu town).
Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries, and toilet paper.
Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag).
Flashlight and batteries.
Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit.
Original passport, original ISIC student card, and extra money in soles.