Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 5 Days
Cusco, Peru
Trip Type: Hiking & Camping
Duration: 5 days
Enjoy a breathtaking 5-day trek which takes you through diverse landscapes and altitudes as you hike around the skirts of Mount Salkantay and camp within sight of the snowcapped peaks. You end the trek ends with a magnificent visit to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
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Enjoy a breathtaking 5-day trek which takes you through diverse landscapes and altitudes as you hike around the skirts of Mount Salkantay and camp within sight of the snowcapped peaks. You end the trek ends with a magnificent visit to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa
After hotel pickup, you will travel by bus to Mollepata. From there, you'll hike for 3 hours to Cruzpata, where you have lunch with panoramic views of the beautiful snow-capped mountains of Humantay (4,120m/13500feet) and Salkantay (6,271m/20,575feet). Then continue heading towards the first campsite Soraypampa, admiring the views on the way.
Day 2: Salkantay
After breakfast, begin hiking to the highest pass of the trek. It is located at 4,650 meters (15,200 feet) and halfway between two huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From here, take in views of the two snow-capped mountains. Then, continue downhill through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, also known as Huayracmachay. Have lunch and then hike for about 3 hours towards the jungle to reach the second campsite, Colcapampa (3,000meters/9,800feet).
Day 3: Cloud Forest - Hot Springs
After breakfast, start hiking through the upper jungle and cross the Lluskamayo River through small brooks and creeks. Set up camp in the warm climate of La Playa (2,500meters/8,202feet). Rest and then head to the hot springs to enjoy a well-deserved bath in soothing waters.
Day 4: Llactapata - Puente Ruinas
After breakfast, hike up for 3 hours to Llactapata. Take photos and rest and continue for 2 hours downhill passing coca and banana plantations. Reach the Hydroelectric dam for lunch and hike for 2 hours more to reach Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night. Optional: In Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the hot springs in the town.
Day 5: Machu Picchu
Enjoy breakfast and then take a bus to Machu Picchu at approximately 5:30am. See the magnificent city as the sun rises. Then, enjoy a 2-hour guided, walking tour and spend time exploring the city on your own. If you wish, you can climb Huayna Picchu mountain which takes 45 minutes to reach the top. This is an extra walk; so please talk to your guide for arrangements to climb this mountain. Afterwards, meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (which can be reached by bus or on foot) to have lunch and get your train tickets back to Cusco. Train included is the Expedition Train (to Ollantaytambo or Poroy).The earliest train from Aguas Calientes you can take is the 1pm and latest is the 9:20pm. Then, you will take a bus or vehicle to Cusco.
After hotel pickup, you will travel by bus to Mollepata. From there, you'll hike for 3 hours to Cruzpata, where you have lunch with panoramic views of the beautiful snow-capped mountains of Humantay (4,120m/13500feet) and Salkantay (6,271m/20,575feet). Then continue heading towards the first campsite Soraypampa, admiring the views on the way.
Day 2: Salkantay
After breakfast, begin hiking to the highest pass of the trek. It is located at 4,650 meters (15,200 feet) and halfway between two huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From here, take in views of the two snow-capped mountains. Then, continue downhill through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, also known as Huayracmachay. Have lunch and then hike for about 3 hours towards the jungle to reach the second campsite, Colcapampa (3,000meters/9,800feet).
Day 3: Cloud Forest - Hot Springs
After breakfast, start hiking through the upper jungle and cross the Lluskamayo River through small brooks and creeks. Set up camp in the warm climate of La Playa (2,500meters/8,202feet). Rest and then head to the hot springs to enjoy a well-deserved bath in soothing waters.
Day 4: Llactapata - Puente Ruinas
After breakfast, hike up for 3 hours to Llactapata. Take photos and rest and continue for 2 hours downhill passing coca and banana plantations. Reach the Hydroelectric dam for lunch and hike for 2 hours more to reach Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night. Optional: In Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the hot springs in the town.
Day 5: Machu Picchu
Enjoy breakfast and then take a bus to Machu Picchu at approximately 5:30am. See the magnificent city as the sun rises. Then, enjoy a 2-hour guided, walking tour and spend time exploring the city on your own. If you wish, you can climb Huayna Picchu mountain which takes 45 minutes to reach the top. This is an extra walk; so please talk to your guide for arrangements to climb this mountain. Afterwards, meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (which can be reached by bus or on foot) to have lunch and get your train tickets back to Cusco. Train included is the Expedition Train (to Ollantaytambo or Poroy).The earliest train from Aguas Calientes you can take is the 1pm and latest is the 9:20pm. Then, you will take a bus or vehicle to Cusco.
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