salkantay trek 4 days
salkantay trek 4 days
4 Days Short Hike
salkantay trek 4 days Overview
Trip Details:
Trip details:
- Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
- Walking distance: 50 km – 31 miles
- Departure: Cusco
- Difficulty level: medium-difficult
- Season: April to December
- Destination: Machu Picchu
- Typology: Adventure – Camping – Hotel
Awesome:
- Book securely and flexibly
- Visit Humantay Lake and camp near Salkantay Mountain.
- Authentic camping experience with tents and hot showers.
- Visit organic coffee farms and make a pachamanca.
- Return with the exclusive panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360 °).
- Support our social projects and empower local women
Itinerary salkantay trek 4 days
DAY 1: CUSCO - MOLLEPATA - SORAYPAMPA - HUMANTAY LAKE
Today your Machu Picchu trekking adventure finally begins! Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 AM. With the group we will go to Mollepata (about 3 hours), where we will have a hearty breakfast. Then we drive another hour to Challacancha (3,380 meters / 11,090 feet), the starting point of our trek, passing through the Hornada viewpoint . Pata , where the valley is divided in two (Valle de Mollepata and Challacancha). The beginning of the path takes us through beautiful valleys. After a three hour hike , we arrive at our campsite in Soraypampa (3,900 meters / 12,800 feet) around 1:30 pm. We will have time to relax and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our chef.
Later, we finally visit the famous Humantay lagoon! After an hour and a half of hiking, we reach the lagoon (4,220 meters / 13,850 feet) with incredible blue-green water and the Humantay mountain behind, making it one of the most impressive places in the Andes. We take some time to take in the impressive views and then descend to our camp in Soraypampa. We arrive around 6pm, have tea and dinner and spend the night in our beautiful glass huts.
Walking distance: 12 km
DAY 2: SORAYMAPA - SALKANTAY PASS - LUCMABAMBA
At 5:00 am we enjoy a hearty breakfast to get all the energy needed for today’s walk. We start our trek from Soraypampa and climb for 4 hours to the highest point of the Salkantay Pass (4,650 meters / 15,250 feet) from where we enjoy impressive views of the high snow capped Andes of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay and Pumasillo . We visit two important historical points (Salkantay-Pampa and Soyroq’ocha ). Here we will make a ceremonial offering of coca leaves, which is a beautiful Andean tradition to show gratitude to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Apus (mountains). In addition, we will learn a lot about the history and beliefs of the Inca culture.
the high Andes, discover a beautiful lagoon and then begin our 2 hour and 30 minute descent towards Huayrac- Pampa (3,800 meters). There we will have lunch and continue our descent for another 3 hours until we reach our camp (2,900 meters). We will have tea and a delicious dinner prepared by our chef. Tonight we will sleep in our comfortable camping domes.
Excursion Distance : 22 km / 13.47 miles
DAY 3: LUCMABAMBA - SAHUAYACO BEACH - HYDROELECTRIC - AGUAS CALIENTES
After a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast, we begin the third day of our Salkantay trip to Machu Picchu with a delicious breakfast. We begin our 5.5 hour journey through the Peruvian jungle, going through many ups and downs. This part of the walk marks the tropical forest where we will discover different plantations of coffee, bananas and avocados, orchids and many natural plants used for medicine.
We arrive at noon to rest a little and shortly after we take our means of transport for the hydroelectric . We will hike to Aguas Calientes for about 3 hours. Arriving in Aguas Calientes, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in the city at the foot of the magnificent wonder of the world. We’ll be staying at the hotel tonight.
Walking distance: 16 km / 10 miles. After lunch: 11 km.
Day 4: HOT WATERS - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
We will get up very early this morning to visit the famous Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. This complex is considered a jewel of Inca architecture. It is a complete city with several neighborhoods, squares, streets, buildings, astronomical observatories and terraces. The city was rediscovered on July 24, 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. We will take a guided tour to see and learn more about the Machu Picchu site, a wonder of the world. After the guided tour, you will have free time to take photos and discover this magical place for yourself.
For those who have already decided to climb Mount Huayna Picchu or Mount Machu Picchu, do so at the indicated time (1st group: 6:00 to 8:00, 2nd group: 9:00 to 20:00 11 : 00:00).
In the afternoon we return to Machu Picchu Pueblo. We have some time for lunch (not included) which is the perfect opportunity to explore the local restaurants. Then we take the train to Ollantaytambo, leaving at 14:55. On the way back, we can enjoy the incredible landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at the train station, our transfer staff will pick us up and drop us off at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.
Photo Showcase
Prices in Private Service
| Number of persons | Price per person |
Book now
To book the Classic Salkantay Trek it is necessary to make an initial payment of USD 200.00 per person, the balance can be paid online, in installments or in Cusco with any credit card without booking fees.
Student discount:
All travelers under the age of 17 receive $ 40. If you are 25 or younger, you can use your student ID to get the $ 40 discount. Email us to provide you with a discount code.
Frequently Asked Questions Salkantay Trek 4 days
What is the difference between 5 days and 4 days Salkantay Trek?
During the 4-day trek from Salkantay to Machu Picchu, we will cross almost the same beautiful and picturesque landscapes as the 5-day trek. The difference is that on day 3 we do not stay at the Playa Sahuayaco campsite, but we go directly to Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes. This means that day 3 is more difficult because on this day we add the 3 hour walk from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes. On day 4 you already visit the Machu Picchu site.
During the 5 days of the Salkantay Trek, we have more time to relax and slow down . We arrive at Playa Sahuayaca then we relax at the camp. You can also visit the Cocalmayo thermal baths (not included). On day 4 we will visit the extraordinary archaeological site of Llactapata and walk part of the original Inca Trail. We will not do this part of the 4 day trek. Then we drive towards Hidroelectrica and Aguas Calientes and visit the Machu Picchu site on the 5th day.
Prices in Group Service
Included
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes
- Permitted weight: 5 kl per person (must be carried by horses)
- Transportation: Hotel pick-up in the morning and private transportation to the starting point of the trek.
- Professional English / Spanish speaking guide.
- / massager
- Personal Tents – Two people in each four person tent to allow for added comfort and secure storage of backpacks
- chef and kitchen utensils
- Horses (for transporting tents, mats, kitchen utensils and 5 kg of hiking effects )
- Two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Vegetarian cuisine available on request at no additional cost
- First-aid kit
No Included
- Sleeping bags
- Breakfast on the first morning.
- incoming water
- Train ticket from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
- Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu PicchuPicchu
- Luggage transfer from hydro to Aguas Calientes ( 10 soles)
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the last day
- Entrance to the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes (10 soles)
- Tips for guides, cooks and cowboys
- Drinks (cola, mineral water or beer) during dinner in Aguas Calientes on day 3
- Tips for guide, cook and cowboy.
- 4th day breakfast
What To Bring
- original passport
- Sleeping bags
- Mountain shoes
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- a warm jacket
- hat and gloves
- 2-4 shirts
- 2 pants (1 for hiking, 1 for camping)
- Long underwear for sleeping.
- hydroalcoholic gel
- comfortable pants
- sun hat or cap
- sunscreen
- Insecticide
- water and / or water purification tablets
- We highly recommend that you bring your camel and a bottle of water, as the Peruvian government no longer allows single-use plastic bottles on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- toiletries
- personal dressing
- camera and batteries
- flashlight or reflector
- Cash in Peruvian nuevos soles ( about 300 soles )
Travel Guide
Also known as Salkantay, the snowy peak of Peru located in the department of Cuzco; It constitutes one of the main elevations of the Vilcabamba mountain range, an extension of the eastern mountain range, a mountainous branch of the Peruvian Andes. It reaches an altitude of 6,271 meters. It comprises two snowy peaks, known as China Salkantay and Salkantay Hembra, separated by a pass that flows into the Santa Ana Valley in the province of Urubamba. The mountain pass and the course of the river that starts from it are called Salkantay. This river empties its waters into the Urubamba on its left bank.
Our travel agency has the Salkantay Trek, a trek that will take you to Machu Picchu
Where does the name Nevado Salkantay come from?
The name of this mountain is a contraction coming from Salga = sullen or wild and Antay to produce celaggi or allusions. It is usually preceded by the name of Apu, which in the Quechua language means lord, which is why it is defined as the great mountains that mean something sacred above the valleys. For example Apu Salkantay in the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Salkantay snow cover ( 6,271) Source : Puits Jesus Ma Rodriguez (San Sebastián – Guipúzcoa)
The great white lord. A bit of history between ropes and crampons:
The Salkantay is one of the highest mountains in the Qosco region ( Cusco ), the highest mountain is the Gran Agusánate with 65 meters more in the Vilcanota mountain range located further south. However, without hesitation , it is the largest due to its splendid isolation and the greatness of its two-headed mass, as well as being one of the mountains in this magnificent Andean region that presents major technical problems on all sides. The six routes opened to date through the different facets of this white giant attest to this.
Swiss consortium made up of Bronimann and Marx.
This first ascent, like so many others in the history of mountaineering, is surrounded by various contradictions, since a few days later it was reopened by a Franco-American expedition that included the well-known and relevant mountaineer of the time, Claude Kogan. . .
Modern statistics attribute the merit of being the first woman to the summit to the Italian Consuelo Bonaldi who, on August 4, 1978, climbed the East Crest accompanied by G.Marconi , A.Mangononi , F.Nodari , S.Castellani , Augusto Zanotti and Mr. Four-Year- Olds is obviously wrong, as was Claude Kogan 26 years earlier.
The Salkantay peak has two peaks, the East and the West, in ancient times the West, more slender and attractive than the East, was a little higher as it was crowned by a serac . After the passing of the years and the collapse of this serac, as the prestigious Pyrenean Louis Audoubert points out , the height is practically identical in the two summits.
What happened during these two consecutive «first ascents» has led to controversy over the actual first.
The Swiss climbed in the middle of the fog to the East peak (the lowest at that time), the Americans climbed rather to the West, which was a little higher with what the statistics, always implacable, want to deny Bronimman and Marx his very first ascent.
To crown its well-deserved fame as a difficult summit, in 1953 it was climbed for the third time by the prestigious mountain guide Lionel Terray , who together with the Dutchman T.de Booy and Swiss Raymond Jenny reached the top by following a path along the North Spur, now known as the Terray Spur .
German expedition attempted the summit by following the dangerous NE ridge which, with its ledges, is not conducive to transit…a relevant ridge made up of Tony Mazenauer and Fritz Kasparrek (the last conqueror of the Eiger North Face ) disappears on this ridge and the expedition must withdraw.
Today there is a plaque commemorating this unfortunate event under the Col de Palcay (normal base camp for the mountain) and on a visible block of rock.
August 23, 1975, it was the turn of the long and jagged SE Ridge led by an Australian-New Zealand expedition composed of Peter Jennings, Wayne Barton and Michael Andrews. This climb was the ninth to the summit.
Note: There is, in my opinion, some controversy about the authorship of the first ascent of this SE ridge, since there is the previous action of a powerful group of Japanese who achieved the ascent by this route. Unfortunately, the only reference found on this Japanese ascent dates back to an Iwa to Yuki magazine, obviously written in Japanese , so without a translation of the text there is no concrete data.
The western ridge of Salkantay is a route that has remained intact over the years due to the complexity of its route and the distance from traditional boarding points, which requires additional transportation pulling a backpack.
According to the prestigious Pyrenean Louis Audoubert , who climbed to the summit on the northern slope in 1977, the western ridge is feasible, but it will undoubtedly be a good problem to solve at the Andean level.
This peak was attempted in 1975 by a group of Catalan mountaineers from Mataró composed of Manuel Punsola y Mitjans, Miquel Sala y Roy, Xavier Varela y Pinart , Ramón Armengol y Carbó, Antoni Sors y Farre , Antoni Rosa y Olivera and Vicente Aris and Julta. _
August 5 , 1975, three members of this expedition approached the hill through another buttress on the north side that had been previously recognized. They climb most of the day until they reach a point with two possibilities that seem impossible to them. The logic was to tackle the ice ridge, which was impossible due to lack of material means. The other option would be to follow the slopes of the hill to find the passage between the two Salkantay peaks.
At a certain point of this great detour, which they believe will take a whole day, they decide to abandon it due to the large number of avalanches that come off the ridge and that obviously constitute a first-order objective danger. Catalan mountaineers believe that the difficulties so far have not been great or dangerous, but deviating from the obvious path of the ridge, which would require greater human and material equipment, markedly increases the risk.
Coming from Mollepata, the first view we will have of Salkantay is on its overwhelming south face a huge wall that closes the bottom of the valley with its vertical seracs hanging from huge rocky spurs, this wall could not fail to attract the attention of those who try to complicate life a little for pure personal satisfaction, that is why in 1970 a powerful group of Germans from the DAV in Munich formed by Walter Welsh , J. Vogt , H. Koebrich , H. Haver and Mr. Olzowy made a meritorious Attempt on the left side of the wall that rises quite high on the descending edge of Salkantay’s western peak.
In 1986, a British group led by J. Lowe opened a new route on this side by attacking the rocky base to the right of the German attempt in 1970. Having gained the snow zone, they continued slightly diagonally to the right until they reached the part East. top. of the mountain.
Although it was a little visited mountain in 1978, it was visited by five expeditions in the short period of two months. On June 15, 1978, a powerful Slovenian expedition from Planinska Zveza , composed by Libor Anderle , Zoran Breslin, Marjan Brisar, Edi Torkar , Jure Zvan and Jure Ulcar , accompanied by Doctor Borut Pirc and Matjaz Derzaj as coordinator opened in a week of exploration and climbing an intelligent route on the east face of the mountain, the Slovenian route, which without giving up difficulty is the most feasible option to try to reach the summit successfully.
The second ascent of this route was made by the Mexican Roberto Morales Puebla and his companion on June 17, 1978 and the third was made by Los Bascos de San Sebastián, Íñigo and Jesús Ma Barandiaran José Antonio Fernández de Aranguiz on July 3 of the same year. .
The Salkantay has been visited by mountaineers from all over the world, French, Swiss, North Americans, New Zealanders, Poles, Austrians, Germans, Mexicans, Slovenians, Spanish (Asturians, Basques, Andalusians, Catalans)… who have always crossed its steep slopes … some lived in the light of the reward of the summit … others, the vast majority, had to withdraw because the possibility of success already eluded the protruding ledges.
Location of the snowy Salkantay:
The Salkantay route, also known as the «New Inca Trail», is located north of the city of Cusco, following the Cusco – Limatambo – Abancay – Lima highway, deviating through Limatambo to Mollepata.
Salkantay snowy weather:
It is very sunny during the day, but very cold at night. The temperature drops below 0°C at night during the months of June to September. In the season from December to March it rains a lot, so it is not highly recommended to go on these dates.
The best time for the weather to do this walk is during the months of March to September.
Height of the trek to the snowy Salkantay
This walk reaches a height of 4,600 meters above sea level at its highest point, this on the slopes of the Salkantay mountain itself. Meeting point at the 5D Nevado Ausangate Walk to do this walk .
How to get to the snowy Salkantay
The buses from Cusco to Mollepata leave very early between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. and pass through Limatambo, from Mollepata the trek begins towards the snowy Salkantay, after climbing a high pass you can have an impressive pyramidal view of the Salkantay, one of the most beautiful snow-capped mountains in Cusco.
From Mollepata itself, it takes two days to descend to Huayllabamba and connect with the second day of the Inca Trail .
To get to the snowy Salkantay it is recommended to use the services of our KUSKANDES TREK travel agency since we have the necessary capacity to carry out your vacation.
What will you see on the way?
Along the way you can see herds of cattle and sheep, orchids , spectacled bears, medicinal plants from the Inca era, a small variety of birds, fruit trees such as oranges, papayas, bananas, etc.
Note: It takes a bit of luck to see the eye of the glasses.
Recommendations:
It is very important for the traveler. Take your original passport with you for the respective controls.
RECOMMENDED MONTHS TO TRAVEL
- March: (a little rain)
- April to October: (an optimal trip )
- October to November: (a little rain)
- December to February: (a lot of rain)
Frequently Asked Questions salkantay trek 4 days
Frequently Asked Questions Salkantay Trek 4 days
What is the difference between 5 days and 4 days Salkantay Trek?
During the 4-day trek from Salkantay to Machu Picchu, we will cross almost the same beautiful and picturesque landscapes as the 5-day trek. The difference is that on day 3 we do not stay at the Playa Sahuayaco campsite, but we go directly to Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes. This means that day 3 is more difficult because on this day we add the 3 hour walk from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes. On day 4 you already visit the Machu Picchu site.
During the 5 days of the Salkantay Trek, we have more time to relax and slow down . We arrive at Playa Sahuayaca then we relax at the camp. You can also visit the Cocalmayo thermal baths (not included). On day 4 we will visit the extraordinary archaeological site of Llactapata and walk part of the original Inca Trail. We will not do this part of the 4 day trek. Then we drive towards Hidroelectrica and Aguas Calientes and visit the Machu Picchu site on the 5th day.
What should I pack for the Salkantay Trek?
A personal backpack (a backpack of 30 to 50 liters is enough). Before your trip, our office will provide you with extra baggage for your extra clothes and personal effects (maximum 5 kg).
reusable bottle
- Small coins in Peruvian soles (toilets are free on campsites but cost 1 sol along the way. Also keep the change ready for bottled water, snacks and toilet paper).
- Raincoat or rain poncho
- Sturdy footwear (waterproof hiking boots recommended).
- sleeping bag (also for hire)
- Flashlight / projector and batteries
- Sufficient clothing for the duration of the trek (two long-sleeved hiking shirts, two short-sleeved shirts, leggings or hiking pants, shorts, four pairs of underpants, sweatpants for the night, three pairs of socks, hiking jacket trekking, rain poncho, insulated jacket, gloves, hat, visor, hiking shoes, bathing suit and small towel (if you plan to go to the spa) and sandals to rest your feet in the campsites.
- sunscreen
- Insecticide
- Additional snacks (remember we already provide you with a lot of food).
- Original passport (required to enter Machu Picchu.)
How can I prepare for hiking and prevent altitude sickness?
The best way to prepare for this trekking experience is simple: spend at least 2-3 days in a high altitude location like Cusco to get your body used to the altitude. If you have already visited a high altitude destination before arriving in Cusco , we recommend that you spend at least a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your journey, and take in the beautiful views of the city before heading up for fun. .
Plus, good personal hygiene will help you cope with the added pressure of altitude. It is recommended that you eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Chewing coca leaves and drinking coca tea helps relieve altitude-related ailments.
The entrance ticket to the Huayna Picchu mountain or the Machu Picchu mountain are supplements that you can buy together with the visit to Machu Picchu already included in this trek. You can visit one of these mountains after your visit to Machu Picchu to see the Inca Citadel from above.
Please email us and ask for availability. If available, you can choose the mountain you want to climb when booking online. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain has an additional $ 60 fee.
What is the Huayna Picchu mountain?
Mount Huayna Picchu is home to the Temple of the Moon and is the famous mountaintop seen behind the ruins in all classic Machu Picchu photos. An approximately 45-minute climb with multiple ruins at the top, Huayna Picchu offers incredible views of the Machu Picchu ruins. The visit to Huayna Picchu lasts about 2 hours. Huayna Picchu mountain is another 60 USD.
What is Mount Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu mountain is another hike inside Machu Picchu that offers a much higher view of the ruins and dominates the entire valley. Mount Machu Picchu costs another 60 USD.
What are the differences between the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is more active than the Salkantay Trek as it is an original Inca Trail and one of the most famous treks in the world, attracting thousands of hikers every year. It is the only trek that leads directly to Machu Picchu, but it is much more expensive than the Salkantay trek.
During the Salkantay Trek, you will spend the last night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu the next day. During the Inca Trail you will discover ancient Inca ruins, while the Salkantay offers more wildlife and high mountain landscapes. Many hikers find the Salkantay Trek to be slightly more strenuous than the Inca Trail due to the higher overall elevation.
The Salkantay Trek offers the best alternative to the Inca Trail for those who don’t like crowded trails and love different landscapes while hiking.
I made my reservation, now what?
Congratulations, adventure awaits you! We have sent you a confirmation email with more details about your trekking adventure. The day before your departure at 6pm, come to our office in Cusco for a briefing. Our professional guide will tell you all about your trip and answer your last questions.
What’s the weather like on the Salkantay Trek?
In general, Salkantay is known for its unpredictable climate, so be prepared for hot and cold temperatures as well as rainy and dry conditions. We have two main seasons in the Andes , the rainy season (November-March) and the dry season (April-October).
During the rainy and warmer season, average temperatures are 15 ° C during the day and 5 ° C at night. However, due to the high probability of rain and wind at Salkantay Pass, these temperatures may seem much cooler to you.
During the dry season, the weather is sunny and clear, averaging 20 ° C / 70 ° F during the day, but much cooler at night, around -3 ° C / 26 ° F.
Even after the second day, as we descend into the Peruvian Amazon basin, the weather changes to a more humid and warmer climate: these humid temperatures are constant throughout the year.
What kind of food is served during the trek?
We serve a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes including rice, chicken, beef, salad, potatoes, vegetables, delicious soups and fruit. Everything is freshly prepared by our local chef.
We have many vegetarian travelers and our chefs have great options for enjoying meals. We are able to cater for any type of dietary request with proper preparation and clear communication.
Do I need hiking experience to do this tour?
Previous hiking experience is recommended, but not required. Our guides are trained to help hikers of all levels of fitness and hiking experience so you never get left behind. The most important thing is to acclimate to the altitude before the trek.
Can i leave extra luggage in your office?
Yes, you can store extra baggage in our office for free.
What are the minimum and maximum group sizes?
The minimum group size is 4 people and the maximum group size is 15 people. There will be a guide assistant for groups over the age of 12.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Please read our terms and conditions and let us know if you have any questions about our cancellation policy.
The best travel time for the Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay trek is one of the most popular treks to Machu Picchu. It is a difficult hike with several high altitude passes, but the views are impressive and the experience is truly unforgettable. The best time to go trekking in Salkantay is from May to September. It is dry season in Peru, so expect good weather and clear skies.
How to prepare for the Salkantay Trek
Provided you have a basic fitness level, there are a few things you can do to further prepare yourself for the Salkantay trek.
If you’re not used to running long distances, start by slowly increasing your mileage. The Salkantay Trek is about 60 kilometers long, so it’s important to be able to walk for several hours at a time.
In addition to building your stamina, focus on exercises that strengthen your legs and core. It will help you stay strong and avoid injuries while trekking.
Finally, make sure you have the proper trekking equipment. This includes comfortable walking shoes, layers for different weather conditions, a backpack, and all the other essentials like sunscreen and bug spray.
The Salkantay Trek is an extraordinary experience that no adventurous traveler should miss. It offers breathtaking scenery, a sense of seclusion, and the chance to see some of the world’s most famous ruins up close. The four day and three night itinerary is the perfect time to finish the trek and see all that Machu Picchu has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions Salkantay Trek 4 days
What is the difference between 5 days and 4 days Salkantay Trek?
During the 4-day trek from Salkantay to Machu Picchu, we will cross almost the same beautiful and picturesque landscapes as the 5-day trek. The difference is that on day 3 we do not stay at the Playa Sahuayaco campsite, but we go directly to Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes. This means that day 3 is more difficult because on this day we add the 3 hour walk from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes. On day 4 you already visit the Machu Picchu site.
During the 5 days of the Salkantay Trek, we have more time to relax and slow down . We arrive at Playa Sahuayaca then we relax at the camp. You can also visit the Cocalmayo thermal baths (not included). On day 4 we will visit the extraordinary archaeological site of Llactapata and walk part of the original Inca Trail. We will not do this part of the 4 day trek. Then we drive towards Hidroelectrica and Aguas Calientes and visit the Machu Picchu site on the 5th day.
What should I pack for the Salkantay Trek?
A personal backpack (a backpack of 30 to 50 liters is enough). Before your trip, our office will provide you with extra baggage for your extra clothes and personal effects (maximum 5 kg).
reusable bottle
- Small coins in Peruvian soles (toilets are free on campsites but cost 1 sol along the way. Also keep the change ready for bottled water, snacks and toilet paper).
- Raincoat or rain poncho
- Sturdy footwear (waterproof hiking boots recommended).
- sleeping bag (also for hire)
- Flashlight / projector and batteries
- Sufficient clothing for the duration of the trek (two long-sleeved hiking shirts, two short-sleeved shirts, leggings or hiking pants, shorts, four pairs of underpants, sweatpants for the night, three pairs of socks, hiking jacket trekking, rain poncho, insulated jacket, gloves, hat, visor, hiking shoes, bathing suit and small towel (if you plan to go to the spa) and sandals to rest your feet in the campsites.
- sunscreen
- Insecticide
- Additional snacks (remember we already provide you with a lot of food).
- Original passport (required to enter Machu Picchu.)
How can I prepare for hiking and prevent altitude sickness?
The best way to prepare for this trekking experience is simple: spend at least 2-3 days in a high altitude location like Cusco to get your body used to the altitude. If you have already visited a high altitude destination before arriving in Cusco , we recommend that you spend at least a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your journey, and take in the beautiful views of the city before heading up for fun. .
Plus, good personal hygiene will help you cope with the added pressure of altitude. It is recommended that you eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Chewing coca leaves and drinking coca tea helps relieve altitude-related ailments.
The entrance ticket to the Huayna Picchu mountain or the Machu Picchu mountain are supplements that you can buy together with the visit to Machu Picchu already included in this trek. You can visit one of these mountains after your visit to Machu Picchu to see the Inca Citadel from above.
Please email us and ask for availability. If available, you can choose the mountain you want to climb when booking online. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain has an additional $ 60 fee.
What is the Huayna Picchu mountain?
Mount Huayna Picchu is home to the Temple of the Moon and is the famous mountaintop seen behind the ruins in all classic Machu Picchu photos. An approximately 45-minute climb with multiple ruins at the top, Huayna Picchu offers incredible views of the Machu Picchu ruins. The visit to Huayna Picchu lasts about 2 hours. Huayna Picchu mountain is another 60 USD.
What is Mount Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu mountain is another hike inside Machu Picchu that offers a much higher view of the ruins and dominates the entire valley. Mount Machu Picchu costs another 60 USD.
What are the differences between the Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is more active than the Salkantay Trek as it is an original Inca Trail and one of the most famous treks in the world, attracting thousands of hikers every year. It is the only trek that leads directly to Machu Picchu, but it is much more expensive than the Salkantay trek.
During the Salkantay Trek, you will spend the last night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu the next day. During the Inca Trail you will discover ancient Inca ruins, while the Salkantay offers more wildlife and high mountain landscapes. Many hikers find the Salkantay Trek to be slightly more strenuous than the Inca Trail due to the higher overall elevation.
The Salkantay Trek offers the best alternative to the Inca Trail for those who don’t like crowded trails and love different landscapes while hiking.
I made my reservation, now what?
Congratulations, adventure awaits you! We have sent you a confirmation email with more details about your trekking adventure. The day before your departure at 6pm, come to our office in Cusco for a briefing. Our professional guide will tell you all about your trip and answer your last questions.
What’s the weather like on the Salkantay Trek?
In general, Salkantay is known for its unpredictable climate, so be prepared for hot and cold temperatures as well as rainy and dry conditions. We have two main seasons in the Andes , the rainy season (November-March) and the dry season (April-October).
During the rainy and warmer season, average temperatures are 15 ° C during the day and 5 ° C at night. However, due to the high probability of rain and wind at Salkantay Pass, these temperatures may seem much cooler to you.
During the dry season, the weather is sunny and clear, averaging 20 ° C / 70 ° F during the day, but much cooler at night, around -3 ° C / 26 ° F.
Even after the second day, as we descend into the Peruvian Amazon basin, the weather changes to a more humid and warmer climate: these humid temperatures are constant throughout the year.
What kind of food is served during the trek?
We serve a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes including rice, chicken, beef, salad, potatoes, vegetables, delicious soups and fruit. Everything is freshly prepared by our local chef.
We have many vegetarian travelers and our chefs have great options for enjoying meals. We are able to cater for any type of dietary request with proper preparation and clear communication.
Do I need hiking experience to do this tour?
Previous hiking experience is recommended, but not required. Our guides are trained to help hikers of all levels of fitness and hiking experience so you never get left behind. The most important thing is to acclimate to the altitude before the trek.
Can i leave extra luggage in your office?
Yes, you can store extra baggage in our office for free.
What are the minimum and maximum group sizes?
The minimum group size is 4 people and the maximum group size is 15 people. There will be a guide assistant for groups over the age of 12.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Please read our terms and conditions and let us know if you have any questions about our cancellation policy.
The best travel time for the Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay trek is one of the most popular treks to Machu Picchu. It is a difficult hike with several high altitude passes, but the views are impressive and the experience is truly unforgettable. The best time to go trekking in Salkantay is from May to September. It is dry season in Peru, so expect good weather and clear skies.
How to prepare for the Salkantay Trek
Provided you have a basic fitness level, there are a few things you can do to further prepare yourself for the Salkantay trek.
If you’re not used to running long distances, start by slowly increasing your mileage. The Salkantay Trek is about 60 kilometers long, so it’s important to be able to walk for several hours at a time.
In addition to building your stamina, focus on exercises that strengthen your legs and core. It will help you stay strong and avoid injuries while trekking.
Finally, make sure you have the proper trekking equipment. This includes comfortable walking shoes, layers for different weather conditions, a backpack, and all the other essentials like sunscreen and bug spray.
The Salkantay Trek is an extraordinary experience that no adventurous traveler should miss. It offers breathtaking scenery, a sense of seclusion, and the chance to see some of the world’s most famous ruins up close. The four day and three night itinerary is the perfect time to finish the trek and see all that Machu Picchu has to offer.
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