salkantay trek to machu picchu salkantay trek salkantay machu picchu
Trip Style:select what fits you better
Destination A-Z:from northern to southern Peru
Our Treks:the best treks in peru
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Salkantay - Machu Picchu Trek 8 Days

Trek among glaciers and alpine lakes, as well as to local villages and lesser known Inca sites placed into the slopes. Take in views of stunning 20,000-footers such as Salkantay, the highest summit in the range and one of the most sacred peaks in Inca mythology. Experience the diverse ecosystems of the Andes, from ice-clad, high-alpine slopes to lush cloud forests and tropical plantations. Then venture deep into the mysteries of the Inca as we explore the breathtaking sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas on this full-day monumental tour.

Day 1: Lima – Cusco
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour (Full Day)
Day 3: Cusco - Soraypampa
Day 4: Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Chaullay
Day 5: Chaullay - La Playa
Day 6: La Playa - Aguas Calientes
Day 7: Machu Picchu - Cusco
Day 8: Cusco – Lima

Note: Walking and journey times are approximate
Day 1: Lima – Cusco
Arrive in Lima in the early morning and connect to your flight to Cusco, where our trip leader will meet you for the transfer to our hotel. After lunch on your own, head out on a Guided Walking Tour through this ancient city, once the capital of the vast Inca Empire. Visit the famous ‘Koricancha’ or Temple of the Sun, including nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Q’enko. See the local market and stroll the central square where artisans display fine Quechuan handicrafts, and soak up the charm of hidden courtyards and cobbled streets. Later, meet up with your fellow hikers for the SALKANTAY TREK pre-departure briefing. Depending on your arrival time, there may be time for shopping or more sightseeing in the afternoon. (B)

  • Overnight in Cusco.

Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour (Full Day)
Between 8:45 and 9:00 am, we will pick you up from your hotel to begin our journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit to the colorful market and the archaeological site of Pisac then continue our journey to Ollantaytambo, an Inca city that was religious, political and agricultural. Then return to Cusco through Chinchero, a farming Town dedicated to grow potatoes and on the way you will enjoy a wonderful view of the Andes range (B).

  • Overnight in Cusco.

Day 3: Start of the Trek: Cusco - Soraypampa
Early in the morning) we pick you up from your hotel and then we drive to Mollepata (2900 masl). A 3 hour walk will take us to Cruzpata where we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120m/13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft) – just the start! Later in the in the afternoon we will arrive to our campsite Soraypamapa, our first campsite (3800 m/11750ft; the highest and coldest campsite of the trip) (B, L, D)

  •  (10 miles hiking, 7 - 8 hours) –camping   

Day 4: Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Chaullay
Today we’ll rise early to set out on our 2nd day of the trek to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. Follow the Río Blanco valley, hiking the girth of Humantay, a snowy peak across from Salkantay. We’ll reach the highest point of our trip at (4650m/15200 ft.) and pause a moment to admire a vista of snowcapped peaks. From here, descend to our lunch spot. From here the hike takes us out of the stark high-alpine region and into increasingly lush vegetation, as we head down into the Collpapampa Valley. Our 2nd campsite Chawllay (3000m/9800ft) (B, L, D)

  • (12 miles hiking, 9 - 11 hours) – camping  

 Day 5: Chaullay - La Playa
Continue downhill through the Santa Teresa River Valley, a verdant area that is home to local farms and villages. Hike past coffee plantations and tropical fruit plantations as well as dazzling wildflowers of all colors. The surrounding cloud forest harbors wild orchids and butterflies as well as remarkable birdlife. (B, L, D)

  • (10 miles hiking, 5 - 6 hours) – camping  

Day 6: La Playa - Aguas Calientes
The final day of our trek kicks off early with a hearty breakfast. The trail winds uphill toward Llactapata Pass at 8,974 feet, where we’ll catch our first glimpse of Machu Picchu far in the distance. Explore the ruins of Llactapata, a sacred site for the Inca that has been recently restored. After lunch at an observation point overlooking Machu Picchu, follow the path down to the Urubamba River, hiking through thick bamboo stands, orchards, and coffee plantations. Later in the afternoon the hike takes us to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, there is an optional short, scenic train ride to get to Aguas Calientes. (B, L, D)

  •  (10 miles hiking, 7 - 9 hours). Overnight in Aguas Calientes – Hotel

Day 7: Machu Picchu - Cusco
Today, you will be able to choose between walking up to Machu Picchu or taking a bus to Machu Picchu. Once you get there you will have a guided tour after that you are free to explore city on your own, take pictures, or take any of the extra hikes, e.g. Huaynapicchu (depending on availability)
The 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, stacked up a hillside in terraces amid soaring Andean peaks. We spend an entire day with our guide exploring its breathtaking temples, sanctuaries, and homes. Learn about the Inca’s sophisticated culture and technology, and discovering the secrets of this royal city lost to the wider world for some 500 years.  Later in the afternoon we’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo station and a bus to Cusco. (B)

  • Overnight in Cusco – Hotel    

Day 8: Cusco – Lima
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima or to continue with an extension program. We can arrange a later flight date out of Cusco or additional post tour accommodation in Cusco or Lima upon client request. (B) 

End our services
Add on the Amazon Rainforest, Titicaca Lake, Colca Canyon, and other extension tours or treks. Let us know.

What’s Included

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • All accommodations as per itinerary
  • All land transport along the route (bus, van or train)
  • Guide service throughout as per itinerary
  • All entrance fees for included excursions (Sacred Valley, Machupicchu, etc.)
  • All the camping equipment (two man tents, camp gear; dining and kitchen tents; kitchen crew)
  • Horses to carry all the equipment
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast /BL: Boxed Lunch / L: Lunch / D: Dinner)
  • Drinking water and snacks for the hiking days
  • Chef and crew on the Trail
  • First aid kit.

What’s Not Included

  • Domestic and International Flights
  • Visa and passport fees
  • Insurance
  • Meals (see above)
  • Alcohol, Drinks
  • Sleeping bags
  • Optional activities/day-tours/excursions
  • Tips
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