This amazing journey is the perfect alternative hike for those who were unable to book the Inca Trail. The adventure trail traverses a high Andean plateau, crossing one pass as high as 4600m/15092ft for an up-close view of the Sacred Inca peak, Salkantay (6280m/20598ft).
We will take a more scenic and enjoyable route to Lucmabama passing by farms of bananas, coffee, cacao and more. The following day enjoy a tour of the Llactapata Inca Ruins with the first views of the back of the Machu Picchu ruins at a far distance.
On the fourth day you will walk to Machu Picchu village to spend the night in a beautiful hotel. On the last day you will visit Machu Picchu the “Lost City of the Incas”. See the intricate stonework of these enigmatic Sacred City of the Inkas which is one of the finest examples of Inca masonry.
Note: Most travel agencies go to Santa Teresa for the night which has hot springs but there is too much noise and partying so we no longer do this route.
Salkantay Pass: Traverse the stunning Salkantay Pass at 4,600 meters (15,092 feet), offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain and the surrounding Andes.
Humantay Lake: Visit the beautiful Humantay Lake, nestled at 4,050 meters (13,287 feet), surrounded by lush greenery and majestic peaks.
Lush Cloud Forest: Trek through the lush cloud forest, rich with diverse flora and fauna, including orchids, bromeliads, and various bird species.
Waqay Wayna Pass: Cross the Waqay Wayna Pass, providing panoramic views of the Vilcabamba mountain range and the Urubamba River valley.
Machu Picchu: Complete your trek with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment after the challenging hike.
At 5:30am you will be picked up from your hotel in private transport to take you to the beginning of your alternative Inca Trail trek. You will pass the village of Mollepata (3,000m/9,842ft) before heading towards Marcoccasa (3,400m/11,154ft) where we will meet your private guides and porters before heading off on the trek. From here our trek begins winding through an amazing valley while surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of Humantay (5,217m/17,116ft) and Salkantay (6,264m/20,551ft). In the afternoon we will reach your luxury campsite at the scenic site of Soraypampa (3,700m/12,139ft). Here you will enjoy a buffet dinner prepared by high class chefs in a spacious dining tent. Enjoy your first night sleeping under the tranquility of the Andes’ sky in your cozy, homey tents.
After an early breakfast featuring hot tea and coffee you will begin your second day of trekking towards Machu Picchu. This is a challenging day as you will hike towards the Salkantay Pass (4,600m/15,092ft). All day you will have spectacular views of the towering snow covered peak of Salkantay (6,264m/20,551ft). As we continue on the trail you will notice an increasing abundance and diversity in lush, colorful vegetation endemic of the area. By the time we get to our campsite at Challway (3,000m/9,842ft) you will be enjoying the warm climate of the tropical forest. Tonight you will enjoy a gourmet dinner, amongst rich greenery, colorful flowers, and unfortunately a good amount of mosquitos, so don’t forget your repellent!
Following an early, nourishing breakfast, you will begin the most beautiful day of the trek where you will see the region’s magnificent flora and sprawling plantations. Our trek descends into a thick cloud forest that will surround you with orchids, bromelains, and other amazing local flora. After exiting the thick forest, we will come upon a secluded valley filled with expansive coffee, cacao and fruit plantations. Our path takes us through the farming villages of Wiñaypoco (2,650m/8,694ft) and La Playa (2,100m/6,890ft) where you will encounter local families and get a chance to speak to them and learn about their lifestyle. Tonight we will camp in the warm village of Lay Playa where you will enjoy your last gourmet dinner, massages, and hot showers is optional.
In the morning after breakfast we will follow an uphill trail towards the ruins of Llactapata (2,650m/8,694ft). From this site you will have a great view of the distant Machu Picchu Mountain and will be surrounded by lush greenery and bright flora. After enjoying the ruins and the vast view, we will head down to the hydroelectric station (1,950m/6,397ft) where you will enjoy your lunch and time to say good bye to the chef and cook assistant. Here is where the train to Aguas Calientes stops. At the train stop you have the option of taking the train the rest of the way (for an added cost) or finishing the trek to Agaus Calientes (2,050m/6,725ft). Upon arrival in Agaus Calientes in the late afternoon you will be escorted to your hotel where you will sleep soundly tonight.
Today you will leave your hotel early in order to beat to large crowds of tourists that arrive later in the morning. You will meet your guide at your hotel and they will lead you to the bus up to the ruins of Machu Picchu (2,400m/7,874ft). Upon arriving at the ruins you will get an approximately 2 hour private tour of this amazing Lost City of the Incas. Your informative guide will tell you all about the theories of the purpose of Machu Picchu, the history of the buildings, and about the culture of the ancient Incas. Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel After the tour you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to catch your Vistadome train back to Cusco. Upon arrival back in Cusco you will be picked up at the train station and transferred back to your hotel for the night.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu organized by this tour company was truly unforgettable. From the scenic drive to the luxury campsite at Soraypampa on Day 1 to the expertly guided tour of Machu Picchu on the final day, every aspect of the journey was meticulously planned. Highlights included the challenging yet rewarding trek to the Salkantay Pass on Day 2, the descent into the cloud forest on Day 3, and the visit to the ruins of Llactapata on Day 4. The option to take the train or continue trekking to Aguas Calientes provided flexibility, and the comfortable hotel accommodations were much appreciated. Overall, the professionalism of the guides, the quality of the accommodations, and the stunning beauty of the Andean landscape made for an incredible adventure. Highly recommended!
