DAY 1 : Cusco to Quiswarniyoc Private Camp: Soraypampa, Humantay Lake Exploration
The adventure begins at 4:00 am, which is the time when we will pick you up at the hotel to go to the town of Mollepata to have breakfast.
Next, we will continue the journey by car for one hour until we reach Soraypampa where we will collect the necessary equipment to walk for two hours until we reach Lake Humantay.
Upon returning from the lagoon you will be able to explore the surroundings, have lunch, dinner and rest in comfortable glass igloos to replenish energy for day 2 of this journey through the Salkantay mountain.
Day 01 trekking Details:
- Walking Distance: 8 km, approximately 5 hours of hiking
- Campsite Altitude: 4,100 meters above sea level
- Difficulty: Moderate day (acclimatizing to the Salkantay Trail)
- Weather: Warm and windy during the day, with very cold nights
- Accommodations: Mountain Sky Huts or Crystal Domes
- Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner
DAY 2 : Salkantay Pass Hike from Camp to Chaullay Private Camp
This day is the most challenging of the tour; Well, we leave at 5:00 am to prepare breakfast and the necessary implements for the 20 km walk, planned to reach the highest point of the mountain which is located at 4630 meters above sea level.
The walk lasts 3 to 4 hours and during it, you will be able to appreciate the mountains, learn about the history of the Andean gods and the rituals that were performed, take pictures, and disconnect from everyday life because this panorama will give you meaning. of peace and inexplicable connection.
After this incredible experience in the Salkantay peaks, we will descend for 2 hours to have lunch and rest. Then, we will go to the Chaullay camp where you can have dinner, have some tea, receive the equipment for the camp and buy other drinks or food that the locals sell.
There is also the chance to shower and they also have Wi-Fi, both services cost 10 soles each, this money goes directly to the residents since tourism is the most important activity to support their families
Day 02 trekking Details:
- Walking Distance:22 km, approximately 9 hours of hiking
- Campsite Altitude: 2,900 meters above sea level
- Difficulty: Challenging day (conquering the highest point at 4,650 meters above sea level)
- Weather: Warm and windy during the day, with cold nights
- Accommodations: Andean Huts
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner
DAY 3 : Chaullay to Lucmabamba: Journey through Playa Sahuayaco and Indulge in Hot Springs in Santa Teresa
The journey into the unknown begins at 5:30 am. At this time you will receive a rich and energizing breakfast accompanied by a cup of coca tea that will help you activate for what is to come.
At 6:30 am we will hike to the Santa Teresa Valley for 5 hours and you will be able to appreciate the beautiful Salkantay River. At the end of the tour, we will make a break in Lucmabamba which is a camp where you will have lunch and appreciate its extensive vegetation, cozy climate, and is close to the temple of the moon.
Also, here you can see its plantations composed of banana, passion fruit, coffee, and avocados; and after lunch, you can take a relaxing bath in the hot springs of Colcampayo which are an hour and a half from there.
Finally, after taking a revitalizing bath in its waters, we will return to the camp to have dinner, drink tea, share a campfire with the group, and rest for day 4 of this amazing 5 days and 4 nights trek through Salkantay.
Day 03 trekking Details:
- Walking Distance: 16 km, approximately 5 hours of hiking
- Campsite Altitude: 2,100 meters above sea level
- Difficulty: Easy and relaxing day
- Weather: Warm, hot, and tropical
- Accommodations: Andean Huts
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner
DAY 4: Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes: Llactapata Trek, Hidroelectrica, and Aguas Calientes Adventure
This day, without a doubt, offers a memorable experience; given that, we will continue with your Salkantay trek to the ancient Inca ruins of Llactapata; an archaeological site that in its time was a checkpoint and agricultural center composed of walls and terraces that is maintained in very good condition despite the passage of time.
In Llactapata you will see Huayna Picchu mountain, Machu Picchu, and the Salkantay mountain if the sky is clear. After the tour of the ruins, we will walk for 2 hours down to the hydroelectric plant to recover energy through the wonderful local cuisine served for lunch.
Finally, we will close the day with a 3-hour walk across the train tracks to reach the beautiful and picturesque town of Aguas Calientes, where a cozy hotel will be waiting for you to relax with a shower, enjoy a delicious dinner in a local restaurant and rest for the last day of the excursion.
Day 04 trekking details:
- Walking Distance:22 KM – Approximately 8 hours of hiking
- Lodging Altitude:2,000 meters (high) above sea level
- Difficulty: Challenging and long day
- Weather: Hot, very humid, and tropical
- Accommodations: Overnight stay at a hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
DAY 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Finally, we go to see the impressive Machu Picchu. You’ll wake around 4:00 am to get ready for the hike to Machu Picchu main entrance. Each person will be given a packed breakfast and we will start the 30-minute walk to Puente Ruinas checkpoint where you will have to show your passport, Machu Picchu ticket, and student ID if applicable. After passing the first checkpoint, we will climb the stairs for about one hour to reach Machu Picchu’s main gate by 6:00 am.
Once everybody meets at the gate, we enter Machu Picchu and begin our 2.5-hour guided tour in the famous Inca site, where you will learn everything about The Lost City of The Incas.
After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. The time that you will spend in Machu Picchu will depend on how you are going back to Cusco (train or car) and whether you want to climb the Montaña Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu Mountain, which must be booked in advance the entrance tickets.
- If you booked the extra ticket for HUAYNAPICCHU you will need 2.5 hours for hiking up and down
- If you booked the extra ticket for MACHU PICCHU MONATAÑA you will need 3.5 hours for hiking up and down
After visiting Machu Picchu and its surrounding area is time to return to Cusco.
WE OFFER YOU TWO OPTIONS FOR RETURNING TO CUSCO AFTER VISITING MACHU PICCHU
SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS RETURN BY TRAIN:
The train is a beautiful way to return to Cusco and allows you more time (about 7-8 hours) to visit Machu Picchu. If you are planning to hike Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we strongly advise you to take the train, as these hikes require a minimum of 3 hours to complete. You will need to return to Aguas Calientes in time for your train at 6:20 pm. You may want to give yourself extra time, as some people like to explore the town. You’ll ride the train for about 1.5 hours to Ollantaytambo from Aguas Calientes town, where you will then switch to a car and finish the final 2 hours of the trip, arriving in Cusco around 10:00 pm.
SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS RETURN BY CAR:
Returning to Cusco by car is a more affordable option for those on a tight budget. However, please be aware that with this option, you’ll have less time to explore Machu Picchu, and if you are planning to hike Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will be very tight on time.
The return to Cusco by car is a longer trip (a 6-hour drive in total), as there are no roads leading to Aguas Calientes and the driver must take a longer route back. If you are taking a car back, you will need to leave Machu Picchu by 12:00 am and take the 3-hour walk back to Hidroelectrica, where you will meet the car at 3:00 pm.
Here you’ll see many species of flora and fauna and amazing local birds such as Peru’s national bird (called cock of the rock), Toucans, Oropendolas, and Parrots. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes you’ll relax and enjoy your packed lunch.
If you are considering this option and planning to hike Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we recommend you stay one more night in Aguas Calientes and return to Cusco by car on the 6th day so that you can fully enjoy the experience.