Amazing Salkantay Machupicchu 5D/4N

Itinerary

1. DAY 01: SORAYPAMPA - HUMANTAY LAKE

   We depart early from the city of Cusco at 5:00 a.m. and arrive in the town of Mollepata around 8:30 a.m., where you can have breakfast. We then continue by bus to the starting point of the hike. After organizing the group, we begin the approximately 3-hour hike, with a lunch break along the way. We arrive at the campsite around 1:00 p.m. In the afternoon, we hike for 2 hours to Humantay Lake, and then descend back to the campsite for afternoon tea and dinner. The campsite is located at 3,950 meters above sea level, in the Puna region. (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 this trek, approximately 3 hours to the highest pass at 4,650 meters above sea level, where we can observe the majestic Salkantay Mountain at its best (the mountain reaches 6,271 meters above sea level and is a marvel). After crossing the pass, we will 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 and observe the changing nature of the surroundings, resembling the traditional Inca Trail. Dinner will be provided in the evening. (The climate is pleasant in the town of Chaullay, where we spend the night).

3. DAY 03: LA PLAYA LUCMABAMBA - SANTA TERESA - HOT SPRINGS

   After breakfast, we bid farewell to the horsemen and horses, who will return to their place of origin, and carry the camping equipment ourselves. We start the hike in a steeper section of vegetation, 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 the campsite in Santa Teresa. If anyone wishes to visit the hot springs, they can coordinate it with the guide (not included in the program). Each person is responsible for carrying their belongings. Dinner will be provided in the evening. (The climate is warm).

4. DAY 04: HYDROELECTRIC - MANDORPAMPA - MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO

   We hike along the road for approximately 4 hours, with the option to take local transportation for about an hour with an approximate cost of 10 soles. During this day, we observe flora and fauna similar to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, entering the beginning of the jungle and encountering some mosquitoes. We have lunch at a restaurant along the way. In the afternoon, we can continue walking along the train tracks until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes around 4:00 p.m. We spend the night in a hotel, and there is the possibility to visit the hot springs on your own in the afternoon or evening. Dinner will be provided at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes. The guide will coordinate with the visitors regarding the variety of services available before the visit to the Machu Picchu citadel. There is also the possibility to take the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. The departure time depends on Peru Rail, currently leaving at 3:30 p.m., the journey takes 45 minutes, and the price is $36.00. Generally, people who are tired or have difficulty opt for this train.

5. DAY 05: VISIT TO THE MACHU PICCHU CITADEL

   This is the exclusive visit to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. We wake up early and take a bus to Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 30 minutes. After arrival, we have a guided tour. In the afternoon, we return by train to the city of Cusco. The train departs from Aguas Calientes, and the journey to Cusco takes approximately 4 hours. You should bring warm clothing, a jacket, windbreaker, woolen sweater, tracking pants, trekking shoes, flashlight, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a sleeping bag rated for -5°C. If you don’t have one, you can rent it from the office in Cusco.