Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu

• Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Salkantaypampa
• Pick-up from Cusco is at 5:00 AM from your hotel, followed by a bus ride to the Mollepata District, approximately 2 hours, where we will have breakfast. Then, we trek for about 4 hours to Wayracpampa, where we can have lunch with a panoramic view of the beautiful snow-capped Humantay mountains. This is just the start of a great adventure. We then begin our journey to Salkantaypampa, our first campsite, the highest and coldest of the trip.

• Campsite: Salkantaypampa (4,150 m / 13,612 ft.)
• Distance: 15 km / 9.03 miles
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

• Day 2: Mighty Salkantay
• We wake up at 5:00 AM to have breakfast. Then, we start our trek to the highest pass, located midway between two massive mountains, Salkantay to the right and Tucarhuay to the left. From the start, the view of the two snow-covered mountains is incredible. After a rest and contemplation of the stunning panorama, we continue our trek (downhill) through a spectacular cloud forest to Huayracpunku, where we have lunch. We walk again after lunch for about 3 hours toward the jungle to reach our second campsite.

• Campsite: Colpapampa (3,000 m / 9,800 ft.)
• Distance: 13 km / 8.06 miles
• Highest Point: Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,200 ft.)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Day 3: Cloud Forest
• Early at 6:30 AM, we begin walking through the jungle, crossing the Lluscamayo. On this day, we pass through valleys and enjoy wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits, and plants. We will also camp in a warm climate at Sahuayacu Beach.

• Campsite: Sahuayacu Beach (2,500 m / 8,202 ft.)
• Distance: 12 km / 7.44 miles
• Highest Point: Colpapampa 3,000 m / 9,800 ft.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Day 4: Llactapata - Ruins Bridge - Aguas Calientes
• This will be a great day, as we will see the wonder of Machu Picchu! We start at 6:30 AM and head to Llactapata, a steady 3-hour climb. Llactapata is an incredible Inca fort from which we will see Machu Picchu! After taking some photos, we continue walking for about 2 hours through coca and banana plantations until reaching the hydroelectric station. Around 1:00 PM, we enjoy lunch at the station, where we bid farewell to the team that supported us during this journey, and continue walking to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in a hotel.

• Distance: 19 km / 11.78 miles
• Highest Point: Llactapata 2,760 m / 9,052 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

• Day 5: Secrets of Machu Picchu
• The big day has arrived, where we can marvel at the imposing beauty of one of the world’s wonders. We have breakfast at 5:00 AM and then take a short bus ride. Around 5:30 AM, we are at Machu Picchu to appreciate the magnificent city during sunrise. Your guide will lead a 2-hour walking tour, providing information about this wonder. Then, you will have enough time to explore the citadel on your own. After the tour, you will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes, where you can arrive on foot or by bus, to have lunch and receive your return train tickets to Cusco. The train usually departs at 2:55 PM, arriving at Ollantaytambo at 4:40 PM. Then, we take a bus to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 or 8:00 PM, dropping you off at your hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast.

The Tour Includes:

• Briefing where the guide will explain and provide more details about the trek and give you maps.
• Pick-up from your hotel and transfer Cusco - Mollepata.
• Professional, bilingual guide.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu.
• 1 bus ticket to Machu Picchu.
• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 snacks (hot drinks, cookies, and popcorn), and 3 dinners. If you have dietary requests such as vegetarian food, please let us know.
• Dining tent with tables and chairs, and a cook.
• Camping equipment (tents + mattresses).
• Sleeping mattresses.
• Horseman and mules (carrying kitchen and camping equipment).
• 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
• Pick-up from Ollantaytambo station and transfer to Cusco.
• Extra oxygen.
• First aid kit.
• Toilet tent.
• Portable hot shower.

The Tour Does Not Include:

• Breakfast on day 1 and lunch and dinner on day 5.
• Water (for the first 4 hours; after that, our team will provide it).
• Travel insurance: It is strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
• Airfare.
• Food, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic beverages not mentioned in the program.
• Extra expenses and laundry.
• Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.

Optional (we can provide these):

• Huayna Picchu entrance ticket (must be booked in advance).
• Machu Picchu Mountain entrance ticket (must be booked in advance).
• Sleeping bag and trekking poles.

Recommendations:

• Drink coca leaf tea to prevent altitude sickness.
• Stay hydrated during your tours.

Everything you should wear and carry in a lightweight backpack:

• Original passport or documents used for your reservation.
• Sleeping bag (not included but can be rented at our offices).
• Hiking boots.
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
• Wool jacket for warmth, hat, and gloves.
• T-shirts and comfortable long pants.
• Sun hat.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 35 recommended).
• Reusable plastic or metal water container.
• Insect repellent.
• Personal hygiene items.
• Personal medications and/or personal items.
• Binoculars, camera, or video camera.
• Keep small denominations of dollars, euros, or soles on hand.