Embark on a shorter yet equally captivating journey, the ideal choice for adventurers eager to traverse a myriad of landscapes, from lush tropical jungles to towering snow-capped peaks. Along the way, you’ll encounter sacred Inca mountains, delve into the depths of sub-tropical jungles below Machu Picchu, and marvel at the stunning turquoise hues of the Humantay Lake.
Unlike the classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay route offers fewer restrictions, providing a sense of freedom and exclusivity. It’s akin to discovering Machu Picchu through a hidden entrance, allowing you to forge your own path and uncover hidden gems along the way.
We’ll begin your 4-day Salkantay trek with a prompt pick-up from your hotel at 5:00 am. As we depart Cusco, the morning’s soft light unveils the magnificent snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Veronica, painting the landscape with their pristine beauty. Our journey leads us through Anta, and after about 3 hours, we’ll arrive at Mollepata, where a delightful breakfast awaits us.
From Mollepata, our adventure continues towards Soraypampa. Here, you’ll be introduced to our dedicated team, including skilled cooks and horsemen. After a final equipment check, we’ll set off on our trek towards Laguna Humantay (4200m / 13779ft). The initial stretch of the trail is relatively flat, offering a gentle warm-up before ascending towards the lake. Upon arrival, we’ll take about 30 minutes to explore the breathtaking Humantay Lake, absorbing its serene beauty and tranquil surroundings.
Following our exploration, we’ll make our way back to Soraypampa, where a delicious lunch awaits. Take this opportunity to relax and recharge amidst the picturesque landscape. Tonight, we’ll rest in tents, nestled under the vast expanse of the starry sky.
Our skilled cook will gently wake you at 5:00 am with a soothing cup of coca tea delivered right to your tent. After a swift packing session, we’ll gather to enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off on our ascent towards the highest point of the Salkantay trail (4620m/15,255ft). The 7-kilometer journey typically takes about 4 hours to complete.
As we ascend through the rocky valley, the majestic silhouette of Salkantay peak (6217 masl – 20,341 feet) will dominate the horizon, offering a breathtaking backdrop to our hike. Upon reaching the summit, we’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the imposing snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, and Pumasillo.
Renowned as the second highest mountain in the Cusco region and revered as one of the primary Inca deities, “Apu Salkantay” holds significant cultural importance. The challenging ascent to its summit marks one of the most demanding sections of our trek.
The subsequent 3-hour descent leads us along a winding, snake-like trail through rocky terrain to our lunch spot at Huayracmachay. In the afternoon, we’ll transition into the lush beauty of the cloud forest, also known as the “top of the rainforest.” Our trek covers 9 kilometers in approximately 3 hours until we reach Challway (2,900 masl – 9,514 feet), our base camp for the evening.
During the second half of our descent, we’ll be immersed in the dense foliage of the forest, adorned with vibrant orchids and native flora. Throughout most of the year, the weather remains warm and pleasant, enhancing our trekking experience.
At around 5:30 am, you’ll awaken to the invigorating aroma of coca tea, signaling the start of another exciting day. After indulging in a nourishing breakfast, we’ll commence our trek directly towards La Playa, navigating through dense jungle and tracing the meandering path of the Salkantay River. Along the way, we’ll pause at several family-owned farmhouses, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample an array of locally grown fruits and vegetables, including passion fruit, banana, coffee, avocado, mango, orange, and papaya.
The trail spans a distance of 16 km, with an estimated walking time of 7 hours, leading us to Lucmabamba, our base camp for the evening. Nestled amidst coffee trees, Lucmabamba offers basic facilities such as toilets, electricity, and shopping options, serving as an ideal lunch spot.
Following a satisfying lunch, we’ll embark on a scenic one-hour bus ride to Hidroeléctrica. From there, our journey continues on foot along the train tracks, eventually bringing us to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we’ll check into a hotel and gather for a celebratory dinner with our guide, accompanied by a final briefing for the upcoming day’s adventure.
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you’ll rendezvous with your guide to embark on your journey to Machu Picchu. Rising early ensures you beat the crowds and witness the breathtaking sunrise over the ancient citadel. A short walk from your hotel brings you to the bus station, where a 25-minute scenic ride delivers you to the entrance of Machu Picchu, just as the first rays of sunlight cast a golden glow upon the city of the Incas.
Once inside, our knowledgeable guide will lead you on a comprehensive 2-3 hour tour of Machu Picchu, unveiling its fascinating history and significance. You’ll explore all the key landmarks of this UNESCO World Heritage site, gaining insight into its architectural marvels and cultural significance.
After the guided tour concludes, you’ll have ample time to further explore the site at your leisure or embark on a hike up Huayna Picchu, if pre-booked. This additional ascent offers captivating panoramic views of Machu Picchu from atop the Huayna Picchu mountain, providing a unique perspective of the ancient city.
When it’s time to depart, we’ll board the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice before catching the return train. At the designated time on your ticket, you’ll board the train bound for Ollantaytambo.
Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, concluding your unforgettable Machu Picchu adventure.
The 4-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu was an incredible journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, challenging hikes, and unforgettable experiences.
Day 1 started with an early pick-up from Cusco, and as we made our way to Soraypampa, the sight of the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Veronica took our breath away. The trek to Humantay Lake was challenging but rewarding, and the pristine beauty of the lake left us in awe.
Day 2 was the most challenging but also the most rewarding. The ascent to the Salkantay Pass was tough, but the panoramic views from the summit were absolutely breathtaking. Descending through the cloud forest was a magical experience, and reaching Challway at the end of the day felt like a significant accomplishment.
On Day 3, we trekked through the jungle, sampling delicious fruits along the way, and eventually made our way to Aguas Calientes. The scenic bus ride and walk along the train tracks added an extra element of adventure to the journey.
Finally, Day 4 was the culmination of our trek as we explored the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Watching the sunrise over the ruins was a moment I’ll never forget, and our guide’s insights into the history and significance of the site added depth to the experience. Climbing Huayna Picchu provided stunning views of Machu Picchu from above, and as we boarded the train back to Cusco, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to have undertaken such an unforgettable adventure.
Thank you for organizing this incredible trek, and I look forward to more adventures with your company in the future.
