4 Days
Daily Tour
8 people
English
A 6,272m peak, Salkantay Nevado, is one of the most beautiful mountains in the Andes and one of Peru’s best and well-known treks. Right in the heart of the Andes surrounding the Cusco region, this trek is within easy reach of Cusco itself.
Over the course of four days, you’ll pass by a beautiful glacial lake; up and over the Salkantay Trek pass (4,650m), and descend down into the dense vegetation of the Peruvian cloud forest. Directly to the north of Salkantay lies Machu Picchu, which is at the end of a ridge that extends down from this mountain.
Fast Facts
Maximum Elevation – 4,650m
Start/Finish – Cusco/Cusco
Trek Style – Camping
Best Season – May to October
Reaching the citadel from the back entrance of the valley site is a stunning way to arrive and appreciate the citadel from a different perspective. The Salkantay Nevada Trek proximity to Machu Picchu makes trekking around it an excellent alternative to the oversubscribed Inca Trail.
Relatively early in the morning you’ll be picked up from your hotel, in private transport, travelling for around 4 hours. Upon reaching Mollepata, you’ll meet up with our arrieros and mules that carry all of the equipment. In this zone it’s possible to see the beautiful snow-capped nevada of Salkantay. Afterwards you’ll trek for roughly 4 hours ascending the mountain Sayllapata where it’s time to have lunch. Afterwards you’ll continue on the trail until reaching campsite at Soraypampa, where dinner will be served.
Walking Distance – 12km / 7.45 miles
Starting Elevation – 3,350 m
Highest Elevation – 4,600 m
Campsite Elevation – 3,920 m
Meals: Lunch and Dinner (incl. snacks)
Accommodation: Camp
Overnight: Soraypampa
Early in the morning you’ll have breakfast and then starting a 3 hours trek until reaching the highest point of our expedition, The Salkantay Pass (4,600m). From there, tracking down towards Wayracpunku, to have the next meal & pitstop. Afterwards, the journey will continue going into the high jungle. The trekking will last around 5 hours to reach campsite in Chaullay where you’ll take dinner and rest.
Walking Distance – 22 km / 13.7 miles
Starting Elevation – 3,800 m
Campsite Elevation – 2,750 m
Maximum Altitude: 4,650 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (incl. snacks)
Accommodation: Camping
The following morning, after a good breakfast you’ll continue trekking through La Playa & Sta. Teresa bringing us to the Hidroélectric train station. Taking lunch here, you’ll continue walking along the train track that leads you through vibrant jungle climate to the final destination of Aguas Calientes. Trekking for about 3 hours and along the way you’ll encounter beautiful waterfalls, different Eco-farms and wildlife, finally arriving into Aguas Calientes. Here you’ll spend the night in a hostel before your exploration of Machu Picchu tomorrow.
Walking Distance – 26km / 16.1 Miles
Starting Elevation – 2,750 m
Campsite Elevation – 1,600 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (incl. snacks)
Accommodation: Hostel
Overnight: Aguas Calientes
If you’re up bright and early, you’ll get to see the sun lighten up Machu Picchu. Follow a hiking trail up to the sanctuary for an early view and to avoid the crowds. You’ll have a fully guided tour, and for those who have requested it, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain is on the list. Enjoy your time here. Explore the ruins, have a snack, take some photos, or take a nap on the terraces. At the end of your time exploring, you can take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and wait for your return train to Cusco or Ollantaytambo where transport will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
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