Inca Trail Salkantay – Machupicchu 5 Days / 4 Nights

The Salkantay trek or Trail is one of the best alternatives adventure which lets you get to Machu Picchu in 5 days and 4 nights in 2017. Keep in mind you that you have to have a decent level fitness since the route is relatively longer and you could even say that the road is somewhat bumpy with rise and fall of terrain.

However, there are several positive points which makes this Salkantay Trail tour in 5 days and 4 nights one of the favorites for travelers: this tour is definitely a real adventure which lets you explore the remote road and you will go up by one of the highest points of Nevada Salkantay in this region, descending through the nearby cloud forest to the jungle region; another advantage of this tour is that you will not find many people who go to this tour compared to other alternatives that also reach Machu Picchu; this as you will travel with a small group of about 8 people maximum.

In conclusion, the Salkantay trek of 5 days and 4 nights is a great adventure that will allow you to appreciate Luna (Moon Style) Mountains also lush green mountains, streams, rivers and hot springs that will help you relax your body after the physically taxing walk; you can also feel the temperature change along the hiking mountain paths of the tour of Salkantay; you can also enjoy some snow in one of the highest points of the road, 4,650 mts/15, 200 feet above sea level. Finally, the last day (the fifth) you will enjoy the Grand tour of Machu Picchu.

Note: for travelers who don’t have too many days to hike, or for those who doesn’t feel fit enough to hike the Salkantay trek for 5 days, we have a great alternative trek – Short Inca Trail which takes 2 days and 1 night only, but includes most visiting spots on Inca Trail and brings you to the same main destination- Machu Picchu. Tour in Peru team has prepared a Short Inca Trail Availability which is updated weekly for your comfort. So far there is no live Short Inca Availability online, our team cares about your comfort and saves your time! Check now and contact us for any further information.

Day 01: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa

We will leave Cusco at 04:30 by bus, and drive to Mollepata. By approximately 2 hours and a half hours drive. After breakfast we will start the ascent on foot towards Cruzpata (3100 m.s.n.m.) along a slight climb where we will appreciate various plants, native birds, the Apurimac river canyon (which is one of the deepest in Peru), and a communitarian irrigation canal. In Cruzpata we will have our lunch, we will depart at around 1:30 p.m. in the direction of Soraypampa along a climbing trail with many level variations and along which we will see little groups of houses, flora, small wild birds and spectacular views of the Humantay snow peak (5902 m.s.n.m.). After approximately 4 hours of walking, we will arrive at our campsite in Soraypampa (3900 m.s.n.m.). From here we can appreciate the majestic Apu Salkantay (6271 m.s.n.m.).

Day 02: Soraypampa – Challay.

After an early breakfast we start trekking from Soraypampa approx. 6:30 a.m. we continue our hiking the Peruvian highland. From this point we can appreciate the spectacular views of the Mountain Salkantay, a stunning snowcapped mountain (6,264 m) the second highest peak in Cusco’s region, and also the mountains Humantay and Huayanay, white river, small lakes and moraines. At our lunch spot after a five-hour walk, pass downhill to lunch in Huayracmachay, and then a further 2-3 hours’ downhill walk to Camp at Chaullay 2,920 m. (B+L+D). 20 Km. approximately.

Day 03: Chaullay – Winaypoco – La Playa.

Wake up with a lovely mountain scenery and a good morning tea. We will start the trek 07:00 AM. 3 hours easy, where we will be introduced to a high Jungle niche called “Ceja de Selva”, we will see different kind of plants, fruits, flowers, birds etc. here banana trees coffee and others can be observed, take amazing pictures, at the end of the day we will see passion fruit fields.

On the way you will have a pleasant experience meeting the local families living and inhabited in this area.

The hike will last approximately 9 hours; the campsite is located at the community named “La Playa “(2400 m.s.n.m.) where you will settle for the night.

(B+L+D). Walking distance approximately 15 Km.

Day 04: La Playa – Aguas Calientes.

After of our delicious breakfast we are going to walk for approximately around 8:30 a.m. we begin our trek, we follow this rising trail, from which we will see plantations of coffee, banana, passion fruit and a lovely view of the Santa Teresa Valley. We follow along the riverside of Vilcanota River until arrive to the Oroya (canopy bridge). From Sahuayaco you will get a first glimpse of Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu mountains. From the central of Hydroelectric we are about to take the train to reach final point of the day Aguas Calientes, the town of Machu Picchu where after the dinner you going to stay overnight in a hostel or optional in a hotel. (B+L+D). Walking distance approximately 10 Km.

Day 05: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu.

We are going up to the Archaeological site of Machupicchu and we will explore the city and enjoy the ancient place in the tranquil morning hours, where we begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here (Aguas Calientes or MachuPicchu town) we take the train back to Ollantaytambo (from 18:45 to 20:15 hrs) and then connect with the transfer back to the city of Cusco (from 20:25 to 22:30 hrs). (B).

The Tour of Salkantay MachuPicchu Includes:

• Transfer from your hotel to the bus station (bus from Cusco to Mollepata).
• English speaking professional guide Cook and cooking equipment
• Horsemen and horses (to carry camping gear, food, cooking equipment, etc) for days 1 to 3.
• Accommodation for our guides, cook, porters and horsemen
• Meals (4B, 4L, 4D + wake up tea)
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition Service).
• Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• 3-night camping along the route (2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent).
• 1-night hostel in Aguas Calientes.
• Entrance ticket to Salkantay Park and Machu Picchu.
• First Aid Kit and Oxygen

The Tour of Salkantay does NOT included:

• Sleeping bags.
• Lunch and dinner on the last day after the guided tour of MachuPicchu, you have some free time to go on exploring MachuPicchu, have lunch either in MachuPicchu or in Aguas Calientes, etc.
• Train from Hydroelectric to MachuPicchu town (tourist usually hike this part).
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to MachuPicchu and vice versa (tourists usually hike this part).
• Entrance to the HuaynaPicchu Mountain.

Things you should Carry in your day pack for this tour (Maximum recommended weight 6 Kg)

• Sleeping bag
• Lantern light-handed.
• Repellent
• Sunscreen
• Toilet paper
• Plastic bags (to protect cameras and littering)
• Water purifying tablets
• Rain Jacket
• 4 t-shirts
• long walking trousers
• Shorts
• Several pairs of socks
• Underwear
• Rain coat
• Slippers or sandals to rest your feet at camp
• A cap or hat
• Personal medication

What you should wear to start this tour:

• Short sleeve t-shirt.
• Long sleeve t-shirt
• Warm jacket.
• Long pants (better if it can get shorter)
•  Thick socks.
• A good pair of mountaineer shoes
• a light Backpack or bag with camera, documents, water bottle, etc.
• Money in small denomination (soles).