Salkantay has become one of the most important hiking routes to Machu Picchu after the Inca Trail, which makes it so interesting to this route is the combination of all kinds of attractions: Natural, cultural, local history and adventure, combined all in a single program, also the change of scenery is impressive because you can descend in a single day from cold mountains near the snowy to fertile valleys where you can appreciate coffee, bananas and all kinds of tropical fruits. In addition, we are one of the very few agencies that camp in front of Machu Picchu with a unique and privileged view of the hydroelectric valley. See Machu Picchu from the comfort of your tent is something you cannot have even on the Inca Trail.
DAY 01: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay – Salkantay Pampa – Soyro Ccocha
We will pick you up from the hotel at 04:00 a.m. to start our expedition to Machu Picchu. After a 2-hour trip with the guide, cook and porter we will arrive at the place of our breakfast Mollepata, after that we will continue our trip for one more hour until our starting point called Soraypampa. If the weather allows, the views from this area are impressive. You will see two great mountains, called Humantay (5,900 meters above sea level) and Salkantay (6,230 meters above sea level).
Your guide will introduce the team, he will take a group photo and around 08:00 am, we start walking to our first attraction that will be Humantay lagoon located just 1 hour walk from the starting point. During the walk, you will enjoy the Andes with amazing views all the time.
After 3 and a half hours of walking you will arrive at Salkantay Pampa, located at 4,000 meters, in this place we will enjoy the exquisite lunch prepared by our chef. We will also be able to appreciate some beautiful views of the Salkantay glacier and the Salkantay River.
After this incredible lunch we will prepare again to continue our expedition towards the Salkantay Pass 4,630 meters above sea level, the highest point of the trek. Of course, along the way we will see spectacular views of the road, the valley and the colorful mountains (if the weather allows) this will take about 2 hours.
Once we get to our camp (Soyro Ccocha) our team will be waiting for us with a delicious hot tea, we will be on time to enjoy the sunset over this magical location, and see the condors flying overhead if we are lucky. Our trekking team will have your tents and with your duffle bags ready in. They will provide you with hot water to wash your hands. We will have a happy hour with hot chocolate, coffee and popcorn, followed by dinner. If weather allows, you can enjoy the blue sky, and your guide will show you the Inca constellations.
What’s Included:
- Professional Guide – We have the best selection of guides, all graduated from the national university of Cusco and grown up in this region with a deep love and passion for teaching our culture.
- Tourist transport – We use clean and new vehicles for all our services, with professional drivers that will guarantee you a safe trip.
- Pick up from the hotel – Our service includes pick up from your hotel to start the tour.
- Snacks – We provide snacks every morning along with cloth snack bags.
- Train Tickets – The train ticket included is the Inca Rail Voyager service.
- Bus tickets – Transportation between town and Machu Picchu.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu – We provide your entrance ticket.
- Porters – Personal porter for carrying your travel bag with personal items.
- Hotel – 3-star hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo based on shared room.
- Camping equipment – High-quality tents and dining equipment.
- Food – 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners prepared by our chef.
- Water – Provided from first lunch until last breakfast.
- First aid – Trained guides with first aid kits and oxygen.
- Extras – Pillow, mat, backpack covers, rain poncho, and waterproof bags.
- Private transfer – From Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Permanent Assistance – Personal assistant during your trip.
Not Included:
- Sleeping bag: $20 USD per person (rental)
- Air Mattress: $20 USD per person (rental)
- Walking sticks (pair): $15 USD per person
- Headlamps – Recommended to bring your own
- Huayna Picchu: $35 USD per person (if available)
- Flights – To and from Cusco
- Tips – For guides and staff
- Travel insurance – Highly recommended
Briefing (Previous Information)
All information sessions are held in our office at 06:00 PM the night before your trek. If you cannot assist to this talk please contact our office staff to serve you better.
Duffle Bags
You will receive your duffle bag at the information session. These bags are to put your belongings inside it, these will be carried by the porters and will be returned to you each evening at the campsite.
Each duffle bag must have a maximum weight of 7kg. 4kg will be for your clothes and other personal items, the other 3kg will be for our logistics.
Arrive in Cusco
The best way to get to Cusco is by air with several airline options available. Expect possible flight delays due to weather conditions. Bus travel is also available from nearby cities.
Pick Up from The Hotels
We pick up all our clients from hotels in Cusco center. Pick-up times may vary between 20 and 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions and hotel locations.
Leaving Machu Picchu
Return transportation includes:
• 25-minute bus from Machu Picchu to town
• 2-hour train to Ollantaytambo or 3.5-hour train to Poroy
• 2-hour van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco or 30 minutes from Poroy
Entrance fees to Machu Picchu
Morning turn: 6AM – 12PM
Afternoon turn: 12PM – 5:30 PM
NOTE: Additional time until 2:30 PM if you have Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets.
Health & Altitude Concerns
Be honest with your guide about any health problems. Prepare for altitude sickness symptoms and consult your doctor before traveling.
Weather
The climate in Cusco and Machu Picchu is unpredictable. Prepare for all weather conditions with layered clothing.
Community
At Peru Private Tours we are proud of the work we do for our community. We support local villages, children’s education, and work directly with farmers and local markets.
by booking this tour your are planting 1 tree at an indiginous community of Cusco