Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS
This alternative Inca Trek takes you through the Andes on a journey with spectacular scenery where you reach Salkantay (Nevado Salkantay), the highest peak of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, part of the Peruvian Andes. It is located in the Cusco Region, about 60 km (40 mi) west-northwest of the city of Cusco.
Salkantay is a large, steep peak, "the most spectacular peak of the region with great vertical relief, particularly above the low valleys to the north, which are tributaries of the Amazon River." The name Salkantay is from sallqa, a Quechua word meaning wild, uncivilized, savage, or invincible, and was recorded as early as 1583. The name is thus often translated as "Savage Mountain." Directly to the north of Salkantay lies Machu Picchu, which is at the end of a ridge that extends down from this mountain. Viewed from Machu Picchu's main sundial, the Southern Cross is above Salkantay's summit when at its highest point in the sky during the rainy season. The Incas associated this alignment with concepts of rain and fertility and considered Salkantay to be one of the principal deities controlling weather and fertility in the region west of Cusco.
After your trek, you will visit Machu Picchu at sunrise and also do a special visit to a Quechua community where you learn about the local life directly from the men and women of this region. During your visit to the mountain village of Huilloc Alto, you will meet porters who have worked on the Inca Trail and their wives who are weavers. This a great way to support the local community directly.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrive in Cusco. Stay overnight in a hotel in Cusco
DAY 2
Cusco City Tour
DAY 3
Sacred Valley Tour
DAY 4
Day 1 of Salkanty Trek. Cusco (3,350m) - Mollepata (2,900m) - Markocasa - Soraypampa (3,850m)
An early rise at around 5am! We drive from Cusco by bus for approximately 4 hours to Mollepata – we can stop here for a short while and have breakfast in a restaurant if you desire (not included in cost). We drive a further 30 minutes to Markocasa from where our trek begins. Here we meet up with our wranglers and their horses. We commence walking for approximately 1 hour before reaching Cruzpata, from where we get our first view of the magnificent snow mountain of Humantay (5,917m). We pass many rivers continuing on our trek for about another 3 hours before reaching the small community and picturesque spot of Checchicancha. We stop here to take a break and have our lunch. In the afternoon we continue walking for about 3-4 hours to reach Soraypampa, which is nestled in-between the snow mountains. We camp here overnight. (L / D)
DAY 5
Day 2 of Salkantay Trek. Walk from Soraypampa – Chaullay (3,050m)
An early start to the day as we have a steep climb ahead of us. Our ascent takes around 3 hours until we reach the high pass at 4,800m near the magnificent glacier peaks of Salkantay (6,271m) and Humantay (6,100m). After admiring the beautiful landscape, we begin our descent to Wayracmachay (3,800m) where we have our lunch and a good rest. After lunch we continue walking for around 3-4 hours until we arrive at our campsite at Chaullay. (B / L / D)
DAY 6
Day 3 of Sakantay Trek. Walk from Chaullay – La Playa (2,200m)
We leave from Chaullay early as well, after our breakfast, and pass through Collcapampa. In this part of the trek we will walk on a narrow trail on the mountainside, finding some species of orchids and other kinds of native plants, and some cornfields and fruit fields. We have the opportunity to see the most beautiful waterfall on the trail. After walking for 5 hours we will reach La Playa. In the evening we have dinner at our campsite and rest up for the night. (B / L / D)
DAY 7
Day 4 of Salkantay Trek. Llactapata - Puente Ruinas - Aguas Caliente
We will have breakfast at 6:30 am and leave our campsite to head for Llactapata (3 hours of steady climbing). Llactapata is an incredible Inca fort from which we will see Machu Picchu! After taking some photos and having a rest we will continue walking downhill for a further 2 hours, passing a variety of crop plantations such as coffee, coca, banana etc. until we reach the hydroelectric station. At about 4 pm, we will go by train to Puentes Ruinas (near Aguas Calientes) where we will spend the night. In Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the hot springs in the town (entrance not included).
Alternative for Day 4 - please discuss with your guide
Early in the morning a taxi will take us to the Cola de Mono zip line. For those who do not want to take on the challenge of the zip line you have the option of taking a forest walk at Cola de Mono. After lunch in Santa Teresa, we will drive to the Hydroelectric Station. Here you have the chance to see a small but interesting Inca ruin before arriving at Aguas Calientes. En route you can look up and see Machu Picchu above you. We will stay the night in Aguas Calientes and enjoy a celebratory dinner in a local restaurant. (B / L / D).
DAY 8
Day 5 of Salkanty Trek: Aguas Caliente-Machu Picchu-Ollantaytambo
It is an early start to get to Machu Picchu to see the sun rise over this magnificent ancient city! We take the first bus up to the ruins of Machu Picchu and have a fully guided tour of around 2 hours. After the tour you have plenty of time to explore the citadel on your own and climb Huayna Picchu or the Inca Bridge. Afterwards, it is optional as to whether you walk down to the town of Aguas Calientes or take the bus back. In the afternoon, we take the train back to Cusco/Ollantaytambo. In Ollantaytambo we transfer you back to Cusco in private transportation, dropping you at your hotel. (B)
DAY 9
Spend a day in Huilloc Alto where you meet the locals and the women weavers. Drive to Cusco in the evening.
DAY 10
Fly home with lovely memories of Peru.
trek style
This trek is STRENUOUS given the high altitude, the possible low temperatures, and the early start times for each day. You must be physically fit, in good health, and preferably with recent backpacking/hiking experience. Consulting with your doctor prior to joining the trip is recommended. It is highly suggested that you familiarize yourself with the hazards and risks of high altitude trekking.
Important Reminder: Please review the itinerary in full to determine if the acclimatization days are sufficient for your abilities and experience as a hiker. As a willing participant, you will be fully responsible for knowing your ability as a hiker at high altitude. Please note our trekking guides are NOT licensed doctors. They are trained to address wilderness first-aid situations and get you to safety; hence, we encourage honest and clear communication with your guide regarding your health and progress each day to prevent any crisis.
Check out our webinar, HIGH ALTITUDE TREKKING: PREP, SAFETY + TEAMWORK for some tips to prepare you for this trek!
CONTACT US FOR CURRENT PRICING
We limit our group to 8 to ensure comfort and personal attention.
A non-refundable deposit is required to book. Balance is due by 30 days before departure.
For solo hotel stay, a single supplement fee applies.
Private tours with your date of choosing are available upon request. Send us an email via equity@browngaltrekker.com.
Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS and LIABILITY WAIVER before booking.
Click on BOOK NOW to reserve your spot!
INCLUSIONS
Airport pick up and drop-off to and from hotel
Accommodations in Cusco (4 nights), Ollantaytambo (1 night), and Aguas Caliente (1night) (Note: Solo travelers must pay single supplement for hotel accommodations).
Service of a professional bilingual tour guide.
City Tour of Cusco
Sacred Valley Tour
Professional, bilingual Tour Guide
Collection from hotel
Return transportation (bus to start of trail and tourist train back to Ollantaytambo)**
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
Dining tent with tables and chairs
Cook
2-people tents
Sleeping mattresses
Horseman and mules (they carry cooking and camping equipment and up to 8 kilos of tourist’s belongings)
Extra oxygen
First Aid kit
Vegetarian/special diet options available on request
**Train included in all tours is the backpacker train. Times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. We will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus).
EXCLUSIONS
International airfare to and from Cusco, medical & emergency evacuation insurance; meals in Cusco and during Sacred Valley tour; tips; last lunch on the trek, and personal expenses.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
Wayna Picchu entry fee: $90
Single Hotel supplement for 6 nights: $350
Gear Rental:
Sleeping bag: $70
Walking Sticks: $50
Inflatable Mattress: $60
GEAR LIST See gear list here.
COVID-19 TRAVEL CONDITIONS
Peru’s travel restrictions have changed frequently. It is your responsibility to be aware of current COVID-19 travel restrictions. You can check the latest via the U.S. State Department website or the website for your embassy in Peru.
FLIGHTS
International flights are excluded. Clients must book their own flights and send a copy of their flight itinerary by e-mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date.
TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIRED
After making a deposit, you are required to obtain appropriate travel insurance through Global Rescue or other insurance of your choice that should cover at a minimum 100% of the trip cost (land & air), emergency medical and evacuation for high altitude trekking of up to 5000 meters. Proof of travel insurance must be provided via electronic mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date. Failure to obtain travel insurance by the trip balance due date will result in cancellation and no refund of your trip deposit and/or applicable cancellation fees as noted in the Terms & Conditions.
Note: If you opt to buy your insurance from a company other than Global Rescue, please ensure that the insurance you purchase covers high altitude trekking as there are only a select number of companies that provide such type of coverage.
VISA
Please check ahead of time as to the visa requirements for the country of your choosing. You are responsible for securing your own visa, if required.
TRIP NOTES
Upon booking, you will receive trip notes that include the recommended gear list and specific trek information.