SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS Pool Service

Short Itinerary: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (4 Days / 3 Nights)

Day 1: Cusco | Humantay Lake – Soraypampa

Travel from Cusco to Mollepata and on to Chayllacancha. Begin a gentle hike into the Vilcabamba Range. In the afternoon, tackle a steep 2.5-hour ascent to the turquoise Humantay Lake (4,200m) for a traditional Shamanic offering to the mountain protectors.

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles).
• Overnight: Soraypampa Lodge (3,869m).

Day 2: The Salkantay Pass | From Andes to Amazon

The most challenging day. Climb the «Seven Snakes» switchbacks to reach the Salkantay Pass (4,640m), flanked by towering glacial peaks. After reaching the summit, descend through a dramatic landscape of boulders into the lush «Cloud Forest.»

• Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles).
• Overnight: Rayanpata Camp (Bell Tents).

Day 3: Llactapata | A Rare View of Machu Picchu

Descend further into the verdant jungle, passing coffee and orchid plantations. Hike a segment of the original Inca Trail to the Llactapata Pass (2,736m) for a unique, southeast view of Machu Picchu across the valley. Descend to the Hydroelectric station for a scenic train ride to town.

• Distance: 18 km (11.1 miles).
• Overnight: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes.

Day 4: Machu Picchu Sanctuary | The Lost City – Cusco

Early morning bus ride to the Machu Picchu Citadel. Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of the Sun Temple, the Sacred Plaza, and the Intihuatana. In the afternoon, take the train back to Ollantaytambo and a private van to your hotel in Cusco

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake

Leaving Cusco early in the morning, After the first two hours of driving, we will stop in a small town called Mollepata for a quick snack and coffee break . Then we will take 1½ hours ride along a scenic route to the small village of Chayllacancha, located high above the Apurimac River. Here, we meet up with the mules, horses, and arrieros (wranglers) that will carry our gear during the trek.

Morning activity

Around 10:00 AM, We begin our gentle hike into the green river valley beneath the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, hiking steadily upwards for 40 minutes to the Inca Channel. Afterwards our hike will be easy in a undulated terrain for two hours Along the way, we get our first incredible view of Mount Huamantay As we approach our Lodge at Soraypampa, the enormous Salkantay peak will be towering over us, making for some beautiful views. Mount Salkantay has the highest point in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range.

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

Afternoon activity

After lunch at the lodge, Enjoy this afternoon a round hike to the turquoise waters of Lake Humantay. the trail leads steeply uphill for 2½ hours 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 afterwards 1½ downhill to the lodge.

At night:

Dinner at Soraypampa Lodge and enjoy this evening you will have time to relax and recover energy for the following hardest day

• Meals Provided: L, D
• Walking distance approximately: 10km 6.2ml (7-6 hours)
• Active hike: 7-6 hours.
• Moderate – Challenging
• Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
• Overnight: Soraypampa Lodge (12,690’ / 3,869 m)

DAY 2 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.
• Challenging * Soraypampa – Rayanpata

DAY 3 DESCENDING INTO THE CLOUD FOREST – FIRST VIEW OF MACHUPICCHU

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 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 Hidroelectrica Train station. With full energy we´ll be ready to climb up (5km / 3 ml) to the top of the world on a 2 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 sites 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: 18km 11.1ml (7-6 hours)
• Active hike: 7-6 hours.
• Challenging – Moderate * Rayanpata – Aguas Calientes
• Overnight: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel (6,693’/2,040m)

DAY 4 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

Aguas Calientes – Cusco * Overnight: Cusco Hotel (10,95’/3,340m)

Inclusions & Exclusions: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (4 Days)

What is Included:

• Professional Guidance: Led by a private, expert, English-speaking guide for the entire duration of the trek.
• Pre-trek Orientation: A 40-minute briefing session at the Cusco office (2 blocks from Plaza de Armas) held at 6:30 PM the night before departure.
• Duffel Bag: Provided during your briefing for your personal belongings.
• Unique Accommodations: * 1 night at the eco-friendly Soraypampa Lodge (featuring solar power).
  • 1 night in luxury bell tents/domes (featuring solar power).
  • 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (shared double room; upgrades available).
• Camping Equipment: All necessary camping gear is provided.
• Meals & Drinks: 7 high-quality meals (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners) plus snacks and hot/cold drinks at the lodges and camps.
• Logistics & Support: * All transportation along the standard itinerary.
  • Support Team: Mules, horses, and arrieros (wranglers) to carry equipment and up to 8 kg (17 lb) of your personal luggage.
  • Train tickets and bus tickets to/from Machu Picchu.
• Entry Fees: All permits and entrance fees for archaeological sites and the Machu Picchu sanctuary.
• Lodge Staff Gratuities: Tips for the lodge staff are already included.

What is Not Included:

• Specific Meals: Dinner on Day 3 and Lunch on Day 4 in Aguas Calientes.
• Staff Tips: Gratuities for your guides, cooks, and muleteers (at your discretion).
• Rentals: Sleeping bags ($25) and walking sticks ($20 per pair).
• Beverages: Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages at the lodges and hotels.
• Insurance: Personal travel and medical insurance.
• Extra Weight: Any weight exceeding the 8 kg limit requires hiring an additional horse

FAQs: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (4 Days / 3 Nights)

How difficult is the Salkantay Pass?

Day 2 is the most challenging part of the trek. You will climb a series of switchbacks known as the «Seven Snakes» to reach the summit at 4,640m (15,200 ft). It is a steep, 5-hour ascent through rocky terrain. We recommend being in good physical condition and spending at least two days in Cusco prior to the trek to acclimate to the altitude.

What makes the view from Llactapata so special?

Unlike most treks that arrive at Machu Picchu from the valley floor, our route takes you along an original segment of the Inca Trail to Llactapata. From this mountain lookout, you get a rare, southeast «eagle-eye» view of the Machu Picchu citadel across the Aobamba Valley—a perspective that very few travelers ever get to see.

How does the luggage transport work?

During your Day 0 briefing, we provide a duffel bag for your gear. Our team of mules and horses will carry up to 8 kg (17 lb) of your personal belongings, including your sleeping bag. You only need to carry a small daypack with your essentials (water, camera, rain jacket, and sunblock) for the day’s hike.

What are the «Bell Tents» and Lodges like?

We balance adventure with comfort. Our accommodations at Soraypampa Lodge and the Rayanpata Bell Tents are eco-friendly and equipped with solar panels to minimize our environmental footprint. You’ll enjoy the rugged beauty of the Andes while sleeping in a comfortable, protected environment before finishing your last night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Is there a cultural component to this trek?

Absolutely. On Day 1, at the turquoise shores of Humantay Lake, you will participate in a traditional Andean ceremony. We invite a local Shaman (healer) to perform an offering to the Apus (mountain protectors) and Mother Earth, allowing you to connect with the local spirituality and thank the mountains for a safe journey