4 DAYS SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

PACKAGE DETAILS | SALKANTAY TREK

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – MARCOCCASA- SORAYPAMPA

We leave from Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 am and take a scenic morning bus-ride to our trek starting point at Marcoccasa.

Along the four-hour drive, we will pass through the city of Limatambo (2100 masl/6888 ft), an important point of access to the city of Cusco, where the Tarawasi ruins are located. The road continues up a beaten track along the right shore of the Apurimac River and crossing the city of Mollepata (2800 masl/9184 ft) and the small community of Cruzpata (2750 masl/9020 ft), where is the starting point of the trek and where we meet our wranglers and horses. After a short introduction, we’ll start the hike up through the vegetation in the dark hills.

The beginning of the trail is slopping with some flat stretches, appropriately called the “training section” of the trek. Go at your own pace, this day is more flexible.

If you arrive early enough, you have the option to hike up to the small lake at the bottom of the Humantay Mountain to come back to the campsite called Soraypampa. (3,500 masl/11480 ft).

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – CHAULLAY

We will wake up to a beautiful morning in the mountains, have breakfast, and start the hike to the summit of the trail.

During the ascent we will have our first view of the Salkantay Mountain and we will start our hike towards the base of the white peaks of Salkantay (6271m/20569ft), cross Salkantaypampa.

Then we have a 2 hr steep ascent to Soyroccocha, just next to the impressive glacier views from the Salkantay pass (4600m/15088ft), the highest pass in the program where, besides enjoying stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range, we may also observe chinchillas and condors in their natural habitat.

We will take a break for a mid-trail lunch and from this point, we start descending towards a more tropical climate, into the cloud forest. Along the route, we can see the remains of an ancient Inca path, which is approximately 6 meters wide.

As we continue, we will experience the increasingly lush vegetation, passing by waterfalls, passion fruit and coffee plantations. After the last 3 hour hike we arrive at the settlement of Chaullay, the base camp (2,900 masl – 9,514 ft).

DAY 3: CHAULLAY – LA PLAYA – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES

Our early morning starts with a walk towards La Playa, crossing the small village called Collpapampa.

Here, the Salkantay River becomes the Santa Teresa River.

After a rest, we continue our descent to the banks of the Totora River, passing the waterfalls at Coripacchi, to the settlement at Wiñaypoko where there are passion fruit, mango, banana, avocado, and coffee.

At midday, we’ll get to the energetic small city of La Playa and take a break for lunch, and continue the journey in a small bus (1 hour and 30 minutes) until the Hydroelectric.

There you have two options: you can continue by foot for 3 hours or you can catch the 1 hr train (USD 37.00) to finally arrive at Aguas Calientes where we will meet up for an early dinner. We will spend the night in a hostel.

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES / MACHU PICCHU TO CUSCO

We wake up early and take a bus to Machu Picchu where we begin a complete 2 hour guided tour in the Inca citadel.

You will then have free time to walk around or climb up the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, where you can observe spectacular views of Machu Picchu from a different angle, the valleys and mountains that surround it (please note that there are only 400 visitors allowed per day for Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain, USD 75.00,   you must reserve it in advance). You may also visit the Temple of the Moon, Sun Gate or the impressive Inca Bridge.

In the afternoon, we will head back down to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Ollantaytambo and a 2 hr bus back to Cusco. Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary park restrictions, campsite availability, weather, road closures, guest ability/injury, and natural events like fires and flooding.

IT IS INCLUDED:

• Pre-departure briefing at Willka Travel Office or at your hotel in Cusco.
• Entrance for the Salkantay
• Pick-up from your hotel in the morning and transfer to Mollepata by bus/van (starting point of the trek)
• Personal tents: 2 people in a 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe storage of the backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, highly maintained to ensure an excellent accommodation as requested.
• Dining tent with tables and chairs and kitchen tent
• English-speaking, professional, and official tourist guide (The standard group size is 13 and 1 guide, with a maximum of 16 customers and 2 guides) (During pandemic times this number can be reduced).
• 1-night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
• Chef and cooking equipment
• Pack animals (to carry tents, food, and cooking equipment) – days 1 to 4
• Pack animals to carry personal gear up to a maximum of 7 kg per person (including sleeping pad and sleeping bag) – days 1 to 3
• Accommodation for our staff
• Meals (3B, 3L, 3D + daily morning snack + daily tea service, except for the last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost – please, request it in advance.
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
• Machu Picchu entrance fee
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Touristic Service)
• Transfer to  your hotel in Cusco at the end of the last day
• 24 hr customer service: Please ask for the emergency number available during your time of visit

IT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Clothes, rain gear, and footwear
• Sunscreen, toiletries, and personal items
• Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
• Lunch and dinner on the last day after the guided tour at Machu Picchu
• Walking sticks
• Sleeping bags (you can rent from our company at our agency)
• Guide gratuity/tips (recommendation is 10-15% of trip cost).

WHAT TO BRING

• Backpack with rain shelter.
• Sleeping bag.
• Clothing for warm and cold climate – waterproof jacket.
• Rain pants and lightweight pants.
• Rain poncho
• Sun and winter hat.
• Trekking shoes.
• Slippers or sandals (for showers and the hot springs).
• Warm socks and a sweater.
• Long- and short-sleeved T-Shirts.
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
• Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag), a flashlight and batteries.
• Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit.
• Original passport, original ISIC student card
• Extra money insoles (s/ 300.00 soles) emergency case and tips.
• Since the weather can be very cold and damp, your clothes will not dry overnight so make sure to bring enough spare ones.

What Clothes To Bring

• Please refer to the trip packet for a recommended clothing list (we will email you a detailed trip packet when you inquire and when you register). All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or
  hiking boots (reliable brands include Montrail, Lowa, Merrell, Vasque, and Salomon), rain gear, and non-cotton and cotton clothing layers. A minimum of three pairs of wool or synthetic.
  Hiking socks are also required, and we recommend Neoprene socks and waterproof shoes for this trip.

 NOTE: See the Packing Lists page for more detailed information on what clothes and gear to bring on your hiking tour. When you book the tour you will receive an email with a more accurate clothing and gear list for the tour you’re taking.

What is the total distance traveled and maximum altitude reached on the trek?

The total distance traveled in the 4 days is about 37 mi and the maximum point reached during this hike is 15190ft above sea level. 

Do I have to carry all my luggage during the hike?

No. Our team of experienced porters will be in charge of carrying the backpacks and all the bulky luggage during the trek. Travelers will carry only their small backpack with personal items during the hike. 

Can I do the hike without previous experience and good physical condition?

As it is a demanding hike at high altitude, we recommend that you be in good physical condition and have experience with long hikes before taking on this challenge. For those who are inexperienced or not in good physical condition, we recommend the short, 2-day Inca Trail

What is the best season for this trek?

The best months to do the Inca Trail are between May and October, thus avoiding the rainy season in Cusco that goes from November to April. The months of December, January and February are the least indicated for this activity due to the high volume of rain. 

Are there toilets and hot water during the trek?

Toilets are available at all campsites, but on the first night only cold showers are available. On the third and fourth nights, hot shower is available (10 soles per person) and on the fourth night it will be in a hotel with private bathroom. 

As many of the toilets during the first 3 days are provided by the communities we pass through, a contribution is always requested for the use of the toilets and showers.

Flexible cancellation/ change

• Cancel your tour at least 30 days in advance and it will be charged only 40% of the total amount to cover up administration expenses. Passed the 30 days it will be charged the full amount.
• The policy to reschedule or to make any amendment allows the update to be made no more than 15 days prior to the date of your tour and it is valid until December 31st , 2022. (To reschedule Machu Picchu it will be charged USD 25 per person to cover up administration expenses.
• The itinerary may be subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances, beyond the control of the operator, changes without prior notice.
• In order to protect your investment, we kindly recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
• If for any reason your tour gets cancelled during the pandemic we highly recommend you to consider postponing your tour to 2022 or 2023. It will only be charged the amount of USD 25 for changing the date on the Machu Picchu entrance ticket.