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Sallkantay
Are you looking for the best alternative to the Inca Trail? The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days is one of the best trekking routes in Peru, combining high mountain passes, turquoise lagoons, cloud forests, and the jewel: Machu Picchu. Considered one of the 25 best hikes in the world by National Geographic, you will walk alongside the snow-capped Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), visit the Humantay lagoon, and discover the archeological site of Llactapata, from where you will have your first view of Machu Picchu. The journey concludes with a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, where history, culture, and nature converge.
If you have only a few days but don't want to miss the magic of the Salkantay Trail, the 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is for you. Book today and experience the most epic adventure in South America!
It starts with the pickup at your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 and 4:45 a.m. We will pick you up at a meeting point and transfer you to the starting point of the trail in 3.5 hours, where you will enjoy the first breakfast prepared by our chef. Next, we will embark on a 3-hour hike to Soraypampa, following an ancient canal still used by lowland farmers. Arriving at Soraypampa, our chef will be waiting for you with lunch. Then, we will begin the 2-hour hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft).
Along the way, you will be able to appreciate diverse flora and fauna, such as Andean geese, deer, and vizcachas (animals similar to rabbits). Then, we will continue climbing for another 2 hours to the base camp of Salkantay Pampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). There we will set up the tents, have tea, and dinner. Before sleeping, you will be able to contemplate the starry and clear nite sky.
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Estimated Time: 7-8 hours
Camp Altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
Highest Point: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
Includes: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
In the morning, you will wake up with the first rays of the sun and be able to appreciate Apu Salkantay while enjoying an energizing coca tea. Afterward, you will have a nutritious breakfast before starting the 7 km hike, approximately 3 hours, to the highest point of the route: Abra Salkantay (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). The ascent is demanding and follows the well-known "7 serpents road," named for its curves.
At the summit, you will be greeted with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the imposing Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), the second highest mountain in Cusco and considered an Apu or Inca deity. You will also be able to spot other impressive mountains such as Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. After the view and rest, you will descend (7 km / 4.35 miles) to the lunch spot: Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). This stretch is rocky and steep, but with good views of the valley.
After lunch, you will immerse yourself in the entrance of the tropical forest, called "cloud forest." This route is 9.5 km / 5.9 miles and takes about 3.5 hours. Along the way, you will traverse the tropical forest and witness how the landscape transforms from the Andes to the Amazon. You will delight in landscapes full of color, local flora and fauna, and feel the temperature rise. After a long and demanding day, you will be happy to reach Collpapampa, where you will spend the nite.
Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
Time: 9 hours
Camp Altitude: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
Highest Point: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, and dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Day 3. Collpapampa La Playa - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes
Today we will wake you up at 6:00 am for a nutritious breakfast. Then, we will embark on a 5-hour hike thru the beautiful Santa Teresa valley to La Playa. On the way, admire the lively landscape, rivers, wild orchids, and vast plantations of coffee, bananas, and avocados. You will also be able to try local fruits such as granadilla and passion fruit.
The hike continues on the other side of the valley, thru a tropical forest with waterfalls, exotic birds, fruit trees, and lush flora and fauna.
To La Playa, lunch prepared by our chefs and a demonstration of the coffee process. After a brief rest, we will board private transportation to the train station in Hidroeléctrica. From there, we will walk along the tracks surrounded by vegetation and the Urubamba River; if you get tired, you can take the train to Aguascalientes.
On the way, in this tropical paradise, you will be able to observe beautiful plantations and birds such as the Cock of the Rock, the national bird of Peru. After a 3-hour hike, we will arrive in Aguas Calientes, where you will be taken to your hotel in comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, hot showers, WiFi, and breakfast the next morning. Additionally, you will have luggage storage available so you can leave your things while you enjoy the area's hot springs. In the evening, we will have dinner at a renowned restaurant and return to the hotel to rest. Tomorrow we have to get up early because we're off to our last adventure: Machu Picchu.
Walking Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
Time: 6 hours
Camp Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
Highest Altitude: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Today is the day you have been waiting for since you started your journey. You will be able to visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will wake up early to avoid the crowds and admire the morning light on the stones of the citadel. The entrance opens at 6:00 am, and we plan to arrive early to be among the first to enter.
From Aguas Calientes, we will board a bus that will take us to the Inca citadel, where you will marvel at its architecture. Inside the complex, you will take a guided tour of approximately 2 hours, during which you will learn about its main attractions, such as the houses, temples, agricultural terraces, etc. You will be amazed by the intelligence and capabilities of the Incas.
The Incas did not have iron or steel tools. But they built a great city, not only beautiful but also practical, on the side of a mountain, with channels that carried water throughout the city. When Hiram Bingham arrived here, guided by a local inhabitant, Machu Picchu was covered in vegetation and in ruins. Since then, it has been restored and preserved as a world treasure.
After the guided tour, you can hike further to the Huayna Picchu mountain (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) or Machu Picchu (3,000 m / 9,843 ft), as long as you have booked your tickets in advance. From either of them, you will have a privileged view of the citadel, one of the best in the world.
Then we will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and take the train back to Ollantaytambo (the schedules will depend on availability). From there, a private transport will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco.
Tour Duration: 2-3 hours at Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Includes: Breakfast (at the hotel)
Difficulty Level: Low
The Salkantay Trek is a remarkable route to Machu Picchu, spanning high-altitude regions to tropical rainforest with significant variations in terrain and weather. Due to unpredictable weather, be prepared for rain at any time. Pack only the essentials for the trek and leave the rest in Cusco. You will be provided with a duffel bag with an 8 kg (17 lb) capacity, including your sleeping bag and inflatable mattress. Additionally, you should bring a daypack with necessary items, with a recommended weight of 5-6 kg (11-13 lb) for efficiency and comfort.
It's very important to be well-acclimated to the altitude before undertaking a trek. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before your trek starts to help you acclimate and avoid potential altitude sickness issues during the hike. If you have already been in another high-altitude area in Peru before arriving in Cusco, we still recommend spending a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your trip, and enjoy the sights.
Cusco's airport currently operates only domestic flights. All international passengers arriving by air must land in Lima and go through customs. Due to Cusco's high altitude, flights may experience delays or cancellations. Also, any weather changes can disrupt air traffic. If you prefer a land alternative, buses are a viable option, although the journey can be long, especially from Lima. Buses from Lima can take about 20 hours to arrive.
Ausangate Adventure can pick you up from your hotel, provided it is located in the Historic Center of Cusco. During the briefing, your guide will coordinate the meeting time, but please be aware that waiting time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to local traffic. Cusco has narrow and cobblestone streets, which can make accessing some hotels and Airbnbs difficult. Some locations may be in areas with no vehicle access or on steep inclines, complicating luggage transport. It is advisable to book accommodation with easy access to facilitate transportation.
You can leave any extra luggage securely in Cusco, either at your hotel or with us at Ausangate Adventure while you undertake your trek. We will store your luggage in the morning before your trek starts and return it to you once you return to Cusco. Be sure to clearly label your bags for easy identification.
Altitude sickness occurs when there is less oxygen available in the air at high altitudes. It can affect travelers regardless of age, gender, or physical condition. Common symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. While some people may experience symptoms for a short time, others may have persistent symptoms for several days if not properly addressed. We recommend following these suggestions to reduce the likelihood and severity of altitude sickness:
The climate at Nevado Salkantay varies significantly due to its altitude and location in the Andes. At high altitudes, such as the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), temperatures can be cold, especially at night, with lows potentially dropping below 0°C (32°F). During the day, temperatures can range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). During the dry season (May to September), the weather is more stable with less rain, while the rainy season (November to March) is wetter, with frequent rains and possible storms.
The weather is unpredictable, and sudden changes from sunny to cold or even snow are common in higher areas.
Each guide from Ausangate Adventure is trained in first aid. They will carry a first aid kit and oxygen for basic medical situations. They will take good care of you. If something unexpected happens and you feel unable to complete the trek, they will determine the safest and quickest way to remove you from the trail and take you to a clinic in Cusco.
All meals and snacks will be provided throughout the trek, up to the last lunch on the trek. We understand you might be concerned about the quality of our food. Every meal is prepared by a chef in a small tent on a small stove. Our clients are satisfied with the excellence of our dishes. Each chef is professionally trained to prepare the best breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. At the end of each trekking day, you will enjoy a delicious dinner cooked in the heart of the Andes, which will surely exceed your expectations about the food on the Salkantay trek.
We use fresh ingredients purchased from Cusco's market and transported by mules led by the muleteers. These ingredients are then prepared by our chefs to ensure each dish is fresh, healthy, and delicious.
Do you have special dietary needs? Don’t worry, we are prepared to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and individuals with food allergies.
Ausangate Adventure will ensure that water is available at every meal. The water will be boiled, purified, and cooled before being served to our clients, ensuring its safety for drinking. However, for the first morning of the trek, you must provide your own water due to the preparation process. It is advisable to start the trek with 2-3 liters of water, so make sure to have a sufficiently large bottle or a camelback to carry it.
At Ausangate Adventure, we use biodegradable soap and ensure that all our waste is taken back to Cusco. Our muleteers are trained to keep the trails clean and collect trash. We are committed to preserving and conserving our environment by managing waste responsibly. We adopt practices that minimize our environmental impact.
Protests and strikes are common in Peru and may affect our travel plans. Roads may be blocked, and trains may stop. However, we will do our best to maintain your original itinerary, even if it means departing a night earlier. In some cases, travel may be canceled. If changes occur, our operations team will communicate with you. Your safety is our top priority, and we will take the best measures to protect you in any unforeseen situation.
Please take special care of your belongings and make sure to collect everything when leaving our vehicles, campsites, or restaurants. You are responsible for your personal items throughout the trek.
Shared service Trek.
Price: 500 USD per person.
This group or shared service means that you will do the tour with other people, the standard service is in a group of 10 to 16 people, guarantyd departures, if there are only 1 or 2 people they can join one of our groups.
Trek in private service.
This private and exclusive service with daily departures is a way to undertake this journey where the service is much more personalized. The prices vary according to the number of travelers: one, two, three, four, or more travelers. If you would like a private service, please request information at info@ausangateadventure.com or through our WhatsApp +51 914201334
The Salkantay Trek is a 4-day hiking route that offers a spectacular alternative to reach Machu Picchu, traversing various landscapes from snow-capped mountains to tropical rainforests. The trek includes crossing the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) and provides breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and diverse ecosystems. It is known for its scenic beauty and the opportunity to experience Andean culture.
The Salkantay Trek is of moderate to challenging difficulty. It involves long hikes and significant altitude changes, with terrain ranging from high mountain passes to cloud forests. Good physical condition and proper preparation are required due to the climatic variations and physical demands of the trek. While you don’t need to be an expert hiker, being fit and having some endurance is crucial to tackle the challenge.
The Salkantay Trek is accessible with a moderate level of physical fitness. Advanced hiking skills are not required, but maintaining an active lifestyle is ideal. If you are not in shape, it is advisable to prepare before the trip to avoid any issues.
You don’t need to train for months, but occasional hikes of one to two hours and increasing intensity as you approach the start of the trek can be beneficial. It may also help to do gym exercises like jogging.
The Salkantay Trek can be quite cold, especially at higher altitudes. During the first day, daytime temperatures reach up to 18°C (64°F), but can drop below 0°C (32°F) at night. At the Salkantay Pass, the cold is more intense and can drop below freezing if it rains. Wear appropriate clothing for extreme temperatures and changing weather conditions.
The Salkantay Trek reaches significant altitudes along its route:
The trek presents a notable elevation range, from high mountain heights to lower rainforest regions.
The weather on the Salkantay Trek varies significantly. During the day, it can be warm in the tropical rainforest, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F). At higher altitudes, the weather is cold and dry, with temperatures dropping close to 0°C (32°F) at night. Rain is common and can occur at any time, especially during the rainy season.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of hiking experience. Here are some recommendations to minimize the risk:
Daily hiking times vary, with approximate durations ranging from 6 to 9 hours depending on the terrain and group pace.
The optimal time to undertake the Salkantay Trek and explore Machu Picchu is from April to November, during the dry season. April and November are considered “transitional” months with variable weather that may experience changes.
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