SALKANTAY & MACHUPICCHU 6 DAYS 5 NIGHT Pool Service

Short Itinerary: Salkantay & Machu Picchu (6 Days)

Day 1: Cusco | Quillarumiyoc & Soraypampa

Begin your journey with a visit to the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site. Later, hike from Marcocasa through unspoiled Andean countryside to the Soraypampa Lodge, enjoying views of Mt. Humantay and Salkantay.

Day 2: Soraypampa | Humantay Lake & Shaman Ceremony

A more relaxed day featuring a hike to the turquoise Humantay Lake. Participate in a traditional Andean offering with a local shaman to thank the mountain protectors. Enjoy a free afternoon to recover energy at the lodge.

Day 3: Soraypampa | Crossing the Salkantay Pass

Face the most challenging day by climbing the Salkantay Pass (4,640m / 15,200ft). After a picnic lunch amidst glacial vistas, descend into the «cloud forest» to reach your Rayanpata Bell Tents.

Day 4: Rayanpata | Cloud Forest & Organic Coffee

Hike along the Salkantay River through lush scenery, waterfalls, and passionfruit plantations. After a stop at Wiñaypoco, a short drive brings you to the Lucmabamba Domes. Optional organic coffee tasting in the afternoon.

Day 5: Lucmabamba | Llactapata & Aguas Calientes

Ascend an original Inca Trail to the Llactapata Pass for a unique, distant view of Machu Picchu. Descend to the Hydroelectric station for a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes for a comfortable night at the hotel.

Day 6: Machu Picchu | The Sacred Citadel

Experience the magic of Machu Picchu with a comprehensive guided tour of its temples and plazas. In the afternoon, travel back to Cusco via train to Ollantaytambo and private transport.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 ON THE WAY TO SORAYPAMPA

This morning’s journey takes you to explore the Quillarumiyoc arqueological site on the way to the town of Mollepata. In Marcocasa we will meet our horsemen to start hiking and admire tiny villages on an unspoiled countryside of Andean hills and farmlands sloping in the vast valleys surrounded by impressive snow-capped mountains, such Humantay and Salkantay.

OPTIONAL: Guests may opt out of the trek and continue by transport to Salkantay Lodge
Chayllacancha / Picnic lunch

• Meals Provided: L, D
• Walking distance approximately: 12km 7.45ml (4-5 hours)
• Active hike: 4-5 hours.
• Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging
• Route: Marcocasa – Soraypampa
• Overnight: Soraypampa Lodge (12,690’ / 3,869 m)

DAY 2 HALF DAY HIKE TO LAKE HUMANTAY

Enjoy this morning a round hike to the turquoise waters of Lake Humantay. Upon arrival, you will have a chance to relax, enjoy a snack, meditate in the tranquility of this magical spot, nearby the lake you will have the opportunity to meet with Andean shaman or healer and witness a real offering & the sacred mountains protectors to thank them for this trip.

In the afternoon:

Lunch at Soraypampa Lodge and enjoy this afternoon at leisure in the lodge or explore some places around. This afternoon will have time to relax and recover energy for the following hardest day

• Meals Provided: B, L, D
• Walking distance approximately: 5km 3.10ml (4 hours)
• Active hike: 4 hours.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Route: Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
• Overnight: Soraypampa Lodge (12,690’ / 3,869 m)

DAY 3 CROSSOVER THE SALKANTAY PASS

Early in the morning on a long hike today. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you hike through the Salkantay river valley and the Andes mountain range as you climb Following a series of switchbacks known as Siete Culebras, or “Seven Snakes”, our path leads up the side of a mountain and levels out again in the shadows of the grandiose Mount Salkantay. With Mount Salkantay looming above, we come to a summit marked by small piles of stones, or apachetas, left by locals and travelers to honor the mountain gods. The distance is a (7km 4.34 miles) of difficult ascent in 5 hours between the rocky valley base and the magnificent Salkantay pass. . From this high pass (15,200’/4,640m) flanked by Mount Salkantay and Mount Huamantay,when we reach the summit, The journey continues with a dramatic descent through fields of large boulders and natural stone formations often shrouded in fog, followed by a very welcome hot picnic lunch. After this climax of today’s up way trek, there is a 5 km (3.1 mile) downhill walk to the site for picnic lunch.

After our lunch we continue the way down with absolutely stunning scenery, we will enter the upper jungle which is also called “the cloud forest”. This is a (5 km3.1 mile) hike completed in 2 hours on a wide trail in the thick and magical tropical forest. During this part of the trek, you will notice a dramatic change in landscape and the earth’s energy as we move from Andes to Amazon! Likewise we will be seeing a diversity of birds to finally arrive at the Rayanpata camp with Bell tends.

• Meals Provided: B, L, D
• Walking distance approximately: 17km 10.56ml (10-9 hours)
• Active hike: 10-9 hours.
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Route: Soraypampa – Rayanpata
• Overnight: Rayanpata Bell tend (11,460’ / 3,494 m)

DAY 4 DESCENDING INTO THE CLOUD FOREST

In the morning:

Begin your descent into the cloud forest on the way to Lucmabamba After a leisurely breakfast, you will continue the descent toward the cloud forest along the banks of the Salkantay River through increasingly verdant scenery. The warm air will begin to rise from the edge of the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids. Today you will see more local Andean people as the trail takes you past their simple homes and makeshift fences. At approximately ten in the morning, you will arrive at Colpapampa, located on a high promontory at the confluence of three rivers. From this place will see the beginning of the valley of Santa Teresa. the walk is 3 hours to the village of Wiñaypoco during the walk we will have beautiful views of waterfalls, natural hot spring formations, orchids and strawberries. In Wiñaypoco people harvest fruit passionfruit a tropical fruit area that you can taste. After a hot picnic lunch by the river and some time to relax, the group will continue and met by an ML transport vehicle for the short drive to the bottom of the Llactapata Inca Trail steps that lead to Lucma Domes camp.

Optional afternoon visit to a local Coffee plantation and the opportunity to taste fresh organic Coffee.

• Meals Provided: B, L, D
• Walking distance approximately: 13km 8.07ml (8-7 hours)
• Active hike: 8-7 hours.
• Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging
• Route: Rayanpata – Lucmabamba
• Overnight: Lucmabamba Dome Camp (7,003’/2,135m)

DAY 5 FIRST VIEWS OF MACHU PICCHU

After a great breakfast with full energy we´ll be ready to climb up (5km / 3 ml)to the top of the world on a 2-3 hours. The path up by Llactapata is actually on a segment of an old Inca trail. It leads first through some old villages of coffee and coca plantations, and citrus tree orchards before reaching some beautiful high altitude grasslands and then entering into an old forest near the top. The scenery on the way up to the top of the peak, the last one before you descend to the Aobamba River Valley that connects you to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the Llactapata Pass (8,974’ft/ 2,736m), you will delight in a southeast view of Machu Picchu, a sight few travelers get the chance to admire. After 15 minutes a walk down you will have a short tour in Llactapata arqueological site and a splendid view across the valley, we see Machupicchu. After exploring Llactapata, the Inca site enjoy a picnic lunch at a mountain lookout point with panoramic views of Machupicchu and the Aobamba valley . The final descent along a trail that zigzags down to the Aobamba River, will take you to the Hydroelectric Station, 913 meters (2995 ft) in 1 hour in this point we can enjoy a cold beer or cold water while we wait our train that will take us in a scenic one-hour train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes, on the banks of the Urubamba River at the base of Machu Picchu.

• Meals Provided: B, L, D
• Walking distance approximately: 12km 7ml (7-6 hours)
• Active hike: 7-6 hours.
• Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging
• Route: Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes
• Overnight: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel (6,693’/2,040m)

DAY 6 THE CITADEL OF MACHU PICCHU

After an early morning rise and a healthy breakfast, we take the 30 minute bus ride up to the Machu Picchu complex, where we will tour the amazing site with its spectacular architecture and mysterious temples, which were left behind by the Incas. Machupicchu (The Lost City of the Incas) designated by Unesco as one of the New Wonders of the World. See the highlights of the site including the imposing Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the intricately carved rock likely used as a sundial by the ancient Incas. The images of this significant arqueological site will be a long-lasting memory.

In the afternoon:

Lunch in Aguas Calientes; afternoon train ride and van transport back to Cusco Return by train to Ollantaytambo and from there; a private van will drive you to Cusco.

Important: Waynpicchu tickets just for the first 400 people who could bought the entrance ticket can climb Huayna Picchu, , please let us know at the moment of your reservation.

• Meals Provided: B, L
• Active hike: 7-6 hours.
• Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
• Route: Aguas Calientes – Cusco
• Overnight: Cusco Hotel (10,95’/3,340m)

Inclusions: Salkantay & Machu Picchu Trek (6 Days)

What is Included:

• Pre-departure Briefing: A 40-minute orientation session at the office in Cusco at 6:30 PM the night before your trek (includes a duffel bag for your gear).
• Professional Staff: Expert English-speaking guide and professional support crew (cooks and muleteers).
• Accommodations:
  • 2 nights at Soraypampa Lodge (B/L/D).
  • 1 night at Rayanpata Bell Tents (B/L/D).
  • 1 night at Lucmabamba Domes (B/L/D).
  • 1 night at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (shared double room).
• Meals & Drinks: 13 high-quality meals (4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners). Snacks and all hot/cold drinks are provided at the lodges and camps.
• Transportation:
  • Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead.
  • Scenic train ride from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes.
  • Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu citadel.
  • Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private van back to Cusco.
• Entrance Fees: All entry permits for the Salkantay trek and the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
• Equipment & Luggage:
  • All necessary camping and safety gear.
  • Horses and mules to carry all equipment and your personal luggage (up to 8 kg / 17 lb per person).
• Service Gratuities: Tips for the staff at the lodges are included (excludes guides, cooks, and muleteers).

What is Not Included:

• Final Meals: Dinner on Day 5 and Lunch on Day 6 in Aguas Calientes.
• Gear Rental: Professional sleeping bags ($25) and walking sticks ($20).
• Optional Activities: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance tickets (subject to availability).
• Beverages: Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages at the lodges and hotels.
• Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for all participants.
• Personal Tips: For your guides, cooks, and muleteers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does the 6-day trek differ from the 5-day version?

The 6-day itinerary is designed for a more relaxed pace and superior acclimatization. It includes an initial visit to the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site and an extra night at the Soraypampa Lodge. This allows you a full day to enjoy Lake Humantay and the Shaman ceremony without rushing, ensuring you are well-rested before the challenging Salkantay Pass.

2. What is the maximum altitude and how difficult is the climb?

The highest point is the Salkantay Pass at 4,640 meters (15,200 feet). The climb is considered challenging due to the steep «Seven Snakes» switchbacks and the thin air. However, the 6-day version helps mitigate altitude sickness by providing a full «recovery and adjustment» day at Soraypampa before the ascent.

3. What are the accommodations like on this trek?

You will experience a variety of unique, eco-friendly accommodations: Soraypampa Lodge (2 nights), Rayanpata Bell Tents (1 night), Lucmabamba Domes (1 night), and Aguas Calientes (1 night in a 3-star hotel). All mountain sites utilize solar panels to minimize their environmental footprint.

4. How much luggage can I bring on the trek?

We provide horses and mules to carry your equipment. Your personal luggage is limited to a maximum of 8 kg (17 lb) per person. Durante su sesión informativa previa a la salida en Cusco, le proporcionaremos una bolsa de lona para empacar estos artículos. Cualquier peso superior requiere la contratación de un caballo adicional por adelantado.

5. Can I visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Yes, but these are optional hikes that require a separate permit. Tickets are limited to 400 people per day and often sell out months in advance. If you wish to climb either peak, you must request this at the time of booking so we can secure the specific entrance permits for you.