The Salkantay Trek runs beneath the sacred Salkantay Mountain, one of the highest and most stunning in the Andes.
The sacred Sallkantay mountain is one of the hightest in the Peruvian Andes. Then you will pass through Quechua communities and lesser-known Inca ruins, to finally reach Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. This trekking is a good alternative to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
The Salkantay Trek is a famous trekking in Cusco and is a great alternative to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Going this hike, you’ll be able to see some of the most beautiful places in Cusco – Peru and see the snow covered Mountain, and also pass through Salkantay Pass, Salkantay altitude is 20,574 ft (6,271 m). You will have the opportunity to see beautiful landscapes with a variety of endemic flora and fauna, and camping at night in the middle of the sacred mountain.
Day 1
Pick up at your hotel in Cusco at 06:00am in private transportation and start of the trail at Challacancha. During the 4 hour (approx.) trip you will pass through Limatambo. This town was an important access point to the Cusco City during the Inca Empire. The next stop is located in Mollepata, then Cruzpata and finally you will meet your wranglers and horses in Challacancha. After lunch in Salkantaypampa begins the sometimes steep 2 hour long ascent to your camp at Soyroccocha, just next to the impressive glacier of the Salkantay (4200m/13776ft). This will be a cold night, so very warm clothes are essential.
Overnight at Campsite.
Day 2
Enjoy the breakfast and continue the trekking walking up 1.5 hours with direction to the Salkantay Mountain. Along the way you will enjoy some snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range with the Salkantay looming majestically above you.
During the trekking you might have the chance to observe some condors and other animals in their habitat. Then you will descend to a more tropical climate into the cloud forest.
A long yet easy descent along the Salkantay River takes you to your second camp in the afternoon, Qollpapampa (2890m/9479ft).
Overnight at Campsite.
Day 3
You will pass the waterfalls at Coripacchi, the settlement at Wiñaypoko, then the town of La Playa and finally arrive to the Lucmabamba campsite. Along the way you will see the diverse variety of flora such as banana, avocado and coffee plantations. Also you can see many parrots that accompany your descend. At dinner you can enjoy a glass of wine by the light of the campfire.
Overnight at Campsite.
Day 4
After having enjoyed your breakfast you will walk uphill for around 2-4 hours and arrive to El Mirador or Q’elloqasa located about 2860m. From this place you can appreciate an overwhelming view of Machu Picchu. Enjoy your last lunch in the nature at the lookout point of Llaqtapata (2650m/8692ft), from where you can view both Machu Picchu and the Salkantay Mountain, and appreciate the Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored. A 2-hour descent towards the Aobamba River crossing lush bamboo forests and more orchard and coffee plantations brings you to the hydroelectric plant of Machu Picchu from where you’ll board a train that will take you to Aguas Calientes (short, scenic 40-minute train ride). Accommodation at the chosen hotel.
Overnight at Aguas Calientes.
Day 5
Breakfast in your hotel early in the morning to then take the bus to Machu Picchu, where you will have a complete guided tour through the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu for around 2 hours. Finishing the tour you have the chance to get on the Huayna Picchu mountain (optional / please note that there are only 400 visitors allowed per day), or to visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon you are back in the town of Aguas Calientes and you may visit and relax in its hot springs (optional). Take the train back to the city of Cusco. Arriving at nightfall.
