Inca Trail Salkantay 4D/3N

Itinerary

1. DAY 01: SORAYPAMPA - HUMANTAY LAKE

   We depart early from the city of Cusco at 5:00 a.m., arriving in the town of Mollepata around 8:30 a.m., where you can have breakfast. Afterwards, we continue by bus to the starting point of the hike. After organizing the group, we begin walking for an average of 3 hours and stop for lunch. We reach the campsite around 1:00 p.m. In the afternoon, we hike to Humantay Lake for approximately 2 hours and then descend back for afternoon tea and dinner. The campsite is located at 3950 meters above sea level in the Páramo puna region, with a view of the Humantay and Salkantay snow-capped mountains. (The first night can be cold, so warm clothing is recommended).

2. DAY 02: SALKANTAY PAMPA - SALKANTAY PASS - CHAULLAY

   We wake up early to hike to the highest point of the trek, which takes about 3 hours, reaching an altitude of 4,650 meters above sea level. From there, we can appreciate the magnificent Salkantay snow-capped mountain (6,271 meters above sea level), the second most impressive attraction after Machu Picchu. After reaching the high pass, we descend for the rest of the day, approximately 4.5 hours, passing through Huayracmachay where we stop for lunch. After a break, we continue descending through a mix of microclimates similar to the traditional Inca Trail. Dinner will be served in the village of Chaullay where we spend the night. (The climate is pleasant in Chaullay).

3. DAY 03: LA PLAYA LUCMABAMBA - HYDROELECTRIC - MACHUPICCHU

   After breakfast, we say goodbye to the horsemen and horses as they return to their place of origin. We carry the camping equipment with us and begin a steep portion of the hike, where we can observe streams, flora, and wildlife. We descend to an average altitude of 1,750 meters above sea level, experiencing a warm and humid climate for approximately 7 hours. We have lunch at a place called La Playa and then continue by local transport to Hydroelectric. Here, you can buy cold drinks and fruits, etc. In the afternoon, we walk along the train tracks for about 3 hours, having lunch on the way, until we reach the town of Machupicchu. From the point called Hydroelectric, each passenger is responsible for their own duffle bag. We will stay in a hotel in Machupicchu. Dinner will be served in the evening. (The climate is warm in Machupicchu).

4. DAY 04: GUIDED VISIT TO MACHUPICCHU CITADEL

   After breakfast, we take the bus to Machu Picchu according to the scheduled entrance time. We will have a guided tour of the site for 2 hours, where you will learn about the Inca culture and visit the designated areas. It is recommended to choose routes 1, 2, or 3 (subject to availability) and if you intend to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain, advance reservation is required (subject to availability and regulated by the government). After the guided tour and free time to explore Machu Picchu, we take the bus back down (Consettur) and have lunch in Machupicchu town (on your own). In the afternoon, we board the train for the return journey to Ollantaytambo.

   A transfer will be waiting for us in Ollantaytambo to take us back to Cusco by bus.