Summary
During this hike you will explore the sacred Salkantay Mountain, one of the highest and nicest mountains in the Peruvian Andes.
The sacred Sallkantay mountain is one of the highest 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.
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Overview
Cusco to Soyroccocha (The Impressive Salkantay Peak)
Hiking through unique landscapes and delight yourself the turquoise lagoon!
Soyroccocha to Collpapampa
Enjoy the fabulous and breath-taking beauty of this day’s hike!
Collpapampa to Playa/Lucmabamba
Hike through the lush vegetation, waterfalls, and try the passion fruit!
La Playa/Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes
Appreciate some remains of the highly-acclaimed Inca trail!
Machu Picchu Tour & Train Back to the Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu will take your breath away with its enigmatic and historical atmosphere.
Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Cusco to Soyroccocha (The Impressive Salkantay Peak) (B, S, L, D)
Hiking through unique landscapes and delight yourself the turquoise lagoon!
This morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to start this majestic adventure. During this way, you will pass through Limatambo, this town was one of the main access Cusco City during the Inca Times. Our first stop will be the cozy Mollepata village. After walking a bit more you will get into Cruzpata and finally you will meet your wranglers and horses in Challacancha. After enjoy a savory lunch in Salkantaypampa, you will ascend around two hours to your campsite located at Soyroccocha, it is located just right away to the impressive glacier of the Salkantay (4200m/13776ft). It can be a bit cold, so do not forget to bring very warm clothes for this night.
Overnight at Campsite.
Soyroccocha to Collpapampa (B, S, L, D)
Enjoy the fabulous and breath-taking beauty of this day’s hike!
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and continue the trekking walking up around 1 ½ hours with direction to the impressive Salkantay Mountain. During this hike delight yourself with the gorgeous snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range and with the Salkantay Peak looming majestically above you.
Along the way, you will have the chance to see the characteristic flora and fauna and if you are very lucky you will see some condors flying around. 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.
Collpapampa to Playa/Lucmabamba (B, S, L, D)
Hike through the lush vegetation, waterfalls, and try the passion fruit!
This will be a beautiful day, after the savory breakfast, you will pass the waterfalls at Coripacchi, the settlement at Wiñaypoko, then the town of La Playa and finally you will arrive to the Lucmabamba campsite. During this hike you will admire the variety of fauna and flora such as banana, avocado and the highest coffee plantations of the Region. Delight yourself with the lovely parrots that accompany yours descend. At dinner, you can enjoy a glass of wine by the light of the campfire.
Overnight at Campsite.
La Playa/Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes (B, S, L, D)
Appreciate some remains of the highly-acclaimed Inca trail!
This morning enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then, you will walk uphill for around 2-4 hours to 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 get an unbeatable view of Machu Picchu and the Salkantay Mountain. Also, you can appreciate the Llactapata Ruins, which have been recently 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
Machu Picchu Tour & Train Back to the Sacred Valley (B, L)
Machu Picchu will take your breath away with its enigmatic and historical atmosphere.
Today, your private guide will show you the Machu Picchu Wonder. Watch the mist rise off the mountains and the sunrise illuminate the Ancient Citadel. Truly, this amazing spectacle it is worth it.
There are also short treks you can do in Machu Picchu like the Inti Punku Hike (the Sun Gate Hike) or the Inca Bridge Hike (both 40 minutes). Alternatively, you can climb the spectacular Wayna Picchu Mountain which takes almost 2 hours (you need to book a permit in advance for this).
After finishing your visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.
Then, take the train to Ollantaytambo Train Station, where a friendly face from XXXX will await you, holding a sign with your name to bring you back to your hotel located at the Sacred Valley. Spend a peaceful night rest.
- Day 1 Cusco to Soyroccocha (The Impressive Salkantay Peak)
- Day 2 Soyroccocha to Collpapampa
- Day 3 Collpapampa to Playa/Lucmabamba
- Day 4 La Playa/Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes
- Day 5 Machu Picchu Tour & Train Back to the Sacred Valley
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Toll Free: 1-800-590-5784
Included
What To Expect…
- Explore Perú in a personalized way. Plan with your expert Travel Advisor the best itinerary based on your needs and interests.
- Personalized assistance during your complete stay in the country, we want you to enjoy a hassle-free vacation!
- We listen to you! So, we can adapt your itinerary based on your interests, it is possible to add or to cut the activities of your preference, just let us know.
- We are available 24 hours per day, during the week, our operations area never stops. We are here to assist you whenever you need it.
- We work with the most experienced English-Speaking tour guides around the country, every excursion, visit, activities, will be in short groups or absolutely private.
Included
- Pre-departure briefing
- Transfer from your hotel in Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
- English speaking adventure guide
- Personal tents: 2 people in each 3-people-capacity tent (4 seasons)
- Duffel bag to place your belongings
- One foamy sleeping pad per person
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Expedition Train
- Toilet tent with biodegradable toilet facilities
- Cook and cooking equipment and your belongings
- Pack animals to carry camping equipment
- One emergency horse for every 6 people (days 1 to 4)
- Wranglers (days 1 to 4)
- Meals (3 breakfasts, 1 box lunch, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, daily morning snack, daily tea service except last day) – vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost –
- Transfer train station – hotel in Cusco
- Sales taxes and payment transaction fees
Not Included
- International and national flights
- Visas required to enter Peru
- Airport taxes
- Drinks
- Tips
- Lunch on Day 5
- Dinner on Day 5
- Sleeping bag
- Inflatable sleeping pad
- Walking poles
Pricing
The price is fully customizable and can be tailored and flexible to your personal preferences and style, the price is basically based on final accommodation, travel dates and other custom preferences during the tour.
Feel free to reach us via email at info@auriperu.com
or by calling us directly at 1(800)590-5784