Salkantay + Inca Trail + MachuPicchu 6 Days

We will pick you up at the hotel and leave Cusco at 5:45. After passing the city of Mollepata (3,000m.s.n.m.), we will go to Cruz Pata (3,400mm.s.n.m.), Where we will meet the rest of the group.

From Cruz Pata, we begin the tour through a magnificent valley surrounded by impressive snow-capped mountains such as Humantay (5,217m.s.n.m.) and Salkantay (6,264m.s.n.m). Our camp will be in Salkantay Pampa (3,900 m.s.m.).

The climate is moderate during the day and cold at night. The transportation time will be for a trip of 4:00 Hrs.

The walking time will be approximately 06:00 hours.

After breakfast, we will continue our trip in the middle of the morning and we will go to the highest mountain pass in the Machu Picchu Park: the Salkantay Pass (5,200 m.a.s.l.).

From there, we will have an exceptional view of snow-capped Salkantay (6,264 m.s.m.). From then on, we will descend to the next camp, called Sisay Pampa (3,700 m.s.m.).

The climate is moderate during the day and cold at night.b The walking time will be approximately 07:00 hours.

At dawn, our journey takes us to the Valley of the Incas. We will pass through small archaeological sites. Our last place will be Wayllabamba (3,000 m.s.m.), our camp for tonight and also the starting point for the classic Inca trail the next morning. The climate is moderate during the day and cold at night.

The walking time will be approximately 05:00 hours.

On this day we will start very early, we will enjoy, we will know the warm and mystical atmosphere. Our journey takes us to the valleys of Yuncachimpa (3,300 m.n.m.) and Lulluchapampa (3,850 m.s.n.m.) and finally takes us to the Warmiwañusca pass (4,200 m.s.n.m.), which offers an impressive view of the Verónica snow peak.

After a brief moment of rest at the summit, we will continue walking to our camp called Pacaymayu (3,500 m.a.s.l.).

The walking time will be approximately 07:00 hours.

We start this day, which will be the most beautiful of the trip, with energy after a delicious breakfast. The first place of arrival is the archaeological site of Runkurakay (3,050 m.s.m.). which is on top of a rocky outcrop, this place, as it was supposed to, was a drum.

We continue the ascent to a step, at an altitude of 3,950 meters, before reaching the ruins of Sayacmarca (3,600 m.s.m.), a quiet town with a labyrinth of narrow streets, spaces, houses, terraces, fountains, etc. We continue along the silent road and pass through an Inca tunnel and then pass several places in a forest before the last pass is reached, at an altitude of 3,700 meters.

Under the archaeological remains of Phuyupatamarca: «The city above the clouds», some Inca remains will be revealed, impressed by their circular walls and their ingenious system of aqueducts that still supply the toilets.

We enjoy a magnificent view over the snowy peaks and the Urubamba valley. The slope on the other side is made under a thick bamboo canopy.

Above the heights, the extraordinary archaeological remains of Wiñaywayna (2,650 m.s.m.) appear, in a rocky spodia in the heart of the forest and passing over the Urubamba valley.

Dominated by a huge series of Inca terraces, the urban complex is divided in two by a magnificent staircase that leads to a ceremonial area. This is where we will spend the night. The climate is moderate, warm with mosquitoes.

The walking time will be approximately 07:00 hours.

After breakfast around 5 in the morning we will equip our lanterns to the sun gate (Inti Punku) to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Around 08:00 we will visit the citadel of Machu Picchu (2,400 m.a.s.l.) and we will enjoy its spiritual charm during a guided trip at approximately 2:00 am.

Thereafter, you will have enough time to explore the archaeological site on your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon towards Ollantaytambo station and then we will return to the city of Cusco.  peru hikers

Each day on the Salkantay Trail is a new adventure, whether it’s revealing an amazing view or resting your muscles on the superb hot springs. While some experiences will stick out above the rest, here are a few stops that can’t be missed along the Salkantay Trail. Salkantay Trek

HUMANTAY LAGOON:

The Humantay Lagoon is formed as a product of the snowmelt of the Nevado Humantay, which in turn is part of a chain of mountains called the Vilcabamba mountain range.

What differentiates the Humantay Lagoon from other lagoons, is the natural color that it has, since it does not have much marine flora in its waters,

it has an indescribable color in words, but understandable to the eyes, forming a unique landscape, when travelers seek to capture the ideal moment with their cameras, they capture a wonderful and magical landscape at the same time. All this and more makes the Humantay Lagoon a very visited place by all the tourists who visit Cusco.

ABRA SALKANTAY:

You will be face to face with the sacred Salkantay mountain upon reaching this point at 4630 meters or 15190 feet above sea level. A jaw-dropping vista as Salkantay elevation reaches 6271 meters or 20574 feet above sea level.

LLACTAPATA:

Some would say that no Inca ruins are visited during the Salkantay Trek, but we visit these archaeological remains discovered by Hiram Bingham himself. An amazing view of Machu Picchu is enjoyed from this point.

COCALMAYO:

Taking a bath in the Cocalmayo Thermal Baths is a great experience. It is situated between a huge river and a small mountain. In Cocalmayo, bathers can enjoy outdoor pools fed by natural hot springs, built between a small mountain full of vegetation and the Urubamba river.

You will find 3 pools of different sizes and depths. The water temperature varies between 38 and 44 ºC and unlike most hot springs in Peru, it has clear waters. Very close to the pools there are cold showers, the water comes from the Uripata lagoons and is very refreshing; the mixture of waters will give you a very comforting sensation. trails of the sky

MACHU PICCHU:

This ancient Inca city is one of the most precious treasures in Peru. It was built in the middle of the 15th century and it is believed that it was one of the residences of the ninth Inca of Tahuantinsuyo, Pachacútec, although it also contains the remains of a sanctuary.

Its name means old mountain, and refers to the place where it is located, at about 2453 meters above sea level, in a rocky premonitory between Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. peru machu pichu tours

Cusco rises up to 3,400 meters above sea level, which can be a problem for some people, we recommend that you be in Cusco at least 48 hours before starting the road, during which you should drink a lot of liquids, avoid alcohol and rest.

The maximum Salkantay Trek Height is 4,600 m.a.s.l. which is the beautiful Salkantay pass and the minimum Salkantay Trek Height is 2,200 m.a.s.l. in the last camp of Lucmabamba.

The altitude of snowy Salkantay is 6,271 meters above sea level (m.s.n.m.). The highest altitude point is in the ‘Abra Salkantay’, at 4,650 meters above sea level. From there you can see the peak of the snowy mountain.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS:

Mild altitude sickness symptoms include headache, possibly increasing to mild dizziness, moderate symptoms escalate to nausea, and loss of appetite.

Coca leaves, widely used throughout Peru to cure practically everything, are known to provide significant relief from the symptoms of altitude sickness by improving oxygen absorption, reducing fatigue and providing many vitamins and minerals, the leaves of Coca can be bought in any Peruvian market.

This is the reason why those interested in the Salkantay trek are advised to spend at least one day in Cusco. The ideal is to spend two days because, believe it or not, there is much to do. tours treks

The weather in Salkantay Trek is highly varied, as it winds through very different terrain at different altitudes. The only place where weather is of serious concern is the Salkantay Pass and nearby areas. Temperatures here and in nearby Soraypampa camp can drop below freezing. The other campgrounds are much warmer, due to their proximity to the cloud forest. macchu pichu trail

From October to March the rainy season occurs. During those months, the days are sunny (19 ℃) and the nights are not so cold (4 ℃) but the frequency of rains increases considerably.

April to September is the dry season. During those months, the days in Salkantay have a stable climate (18 ℃), but the nights have their lowest temperatures in the year (-10 ℃).

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is in the dry season (from April to October). During those months, there is less chance of rain so the roads are in better condition.

In the dry season, however, the days are sunnier and the nights colder. According to mountaineering experts, June, July and August; It is the best time to do the Salkantay trek. macchu picchu trekking

The total distance of the Salkantay Trek is 65 km / 40.4 miles

• Cusco – Mollepata – 100km/62mi., bus
• Mollepata – Soraypampa – 22km/13,6mi., long ascend, +1000m
• Soraypampa – Chaullay – 21km/13mi., first long ascend to Apacheta pass, +750m; then long descend to the campsite, -1500m
• Chaullay – Lucmabamba – 18km/11mi., descend, – 800m
• Lucmabamba – Llactapata – 7km/4,3mi., steep ascend to the ruins, +900m
• Llactapata – Aguas Calientes – 13km/8mi., long descend, – 1000m.

Difficulty of the Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay trek has a medium-moderate difficulty. In the opinion of some tourists, this adventure is more demanding than the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

What to bring?

• Sleeping bags.
• Cap or hat.
• Trekking shoes.
• Trekking backpack.
• Waterproof jacket.
• Trekking pants.
• Poncho for the rain.
• Canteen with water.
• Water purifying tablets.
• Sunscreen.
• Personal hygiene items.
• Snacks.
• Cash.

Tips for the Salkantay trek

• Acclimate one or two days in the city of Cusco before doing the Salkantay trek.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages or foods with a lot of fat. Altitude sickness or soroche in Salkantay and Machu Picchu is one of the greatest difficulties.
• Do a little exercise before the Salkantay trek. You don’t need to be in excellent physical shape, but a little exercise will help.
• No matter what time of the year, wear warm clothes during the Salkantay trek. The nights are especially cold in the first two days.
• Plan even in the smallest detail the Salkantay trek on your own.

Inca Trail:

The fact of traveling this ancient path will make you have one of the most impressive experiences in your life. Due to its beauty, this walk is the preferred one for travelers, having to be requested 5 to 6 months in advance (a permit is required that has limited spaces per day).

The Inca Trail runs through 42 kilometers of jungle and mountains, reaching a maximum height of 4200 meters above sea level and visiting some archaeological complexes such as Patallacta, the Wiñay Wayna ruins and, of course, the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu. manchu picchu trek

Advantages of the Inca Trail:

• It arrives directly to Machu Picchu by the Camino Real de los Incas something that no other trek does.
• An impressive amount of ancient and spectacular ruins can be seen every day.
• You reach Inti Punku, the famous gate of the sun with an impressive view over Machu Picchu at sunrise.
• We observe amazing landscapes: from high snow-capped mountains to a fertile cloud forest and a magnificent jungle.
• There are good facilities and services in the camps.
• The satisfaction of having made such a famous walk.

Disadvantages of the Inca Trail:

• You must make your reservation approximately 6 months in advance and you must do the trek on the date of your reservation, due to the great reception of hikers, date changes are not allowed. If someone cancels their permission it will not be used. But if you do not reach it, you can take an alternative walk.
• The campgrounds are overcrowded, the facilities packed, and it’s not exactly a good adventure camping experience.
• We find many people around us so it seems like a human highway.

Salkantay:

The Salkantay Walk runs through 70 kilometers of mountains and beautiful landscapes, reaching a maximum height of 4600 meters above sea level and spectacular panoramic views of the mountain range, especially the Salkantay pass or Salkantay pass, we can also observe a geothermal lagoon called Humantay, the imposing snow-capped mountain range of Salkantay, the hot springs of Cocalmayo and finally we arrive at Machu Picchu.

Advantages of the Salkantay Trek:

• You take a natural walk almost to Aguas Calientes.
• Geographically, the Salkantay trek is closer to the traditional Inca Trail.
• Because it is an alternate walk we find small groups of people.
• You do not need to make a reservation in advance, since this walk can be done at any time you want.
• A true wilderness and adventure camp is held.
• You need a much cheaper budget, that is, it is not expensive.

Disadvantages of the Salkantay Trek:

• You will need to spend the night before your visit to Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes, we recommend that you take the bus to the citadel in the morning of the day of your visit.
• Although archaeological ruins are not seen on this tour, it is possible to connect with nature in a deeper way.
• You need to acclimatize before doing the walk, it could give you cold or altitude sickness.