Salkantay snow is really exceptional, located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cuzco in south central Peru. Salkantay is the highest mountain of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Because of its proximity to the city, Salkantay Trek is easily accessible and is climbed frequently. Join us on this incredible Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu. Book early.
The Salkantay Trek is a famous trekking in Cusco and is a great alternative to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You going this hike, you will see some of the most beautiful places in Cusco and see the snow-covered mountain. The altitude of Salkantay mountain is 20,574 feet (6,271 m). You will have the opportunity to see beautiful landscapes with a variety of flora and fauna, and camping overnight in the middle of the sacred mountain of Salkantay. Connecting the town of Mollepata, Cusco with Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek is an ancient and remote footpath located in the same region as the Inca Trail where massive snowcapped mountains collide with lush tropical rain forests.
| Experience: | Salkantay Trek Inca Trail to Machupicchu |
| Duration (days): | 05 Days including Machupicchu |
| Duration (nights): | 03 nights in our exclusive “Lodge del Cielo” Sky Lodge along the Salkantay route “Included in final price” + 01 night in Aguas Calientes “Last night hotel can vary according your request” |
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Language: |
English & Spanish “Other Languages as a request” |
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Close Airport: |
Cusco /Perú |
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The attraction: |
This trek, was nominee as the 25 best Trek in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. Salkantay has some outstanding views and the altitude will descend till 1,000 meters above sea level, the lands cape is gorgeous and not too steep. Although the total distance is only about 45 miles (74km). |
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Travel Style: |
Active, trekking, adventures made for outdoor tour lovers. |
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Trip Type: |
Small Group: Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 12 “have in mind small group size means more authentic experience”. |
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Age requirement: |
12+ All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. |
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Physical Rating/ Grading: |
1 2 3 4 5 |
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4 - Demanding |
Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible for most healthy travelers. The Distance: The In difficulty starts with the distance. It’s 74 km (45 miles) in total, covered over 4 days and 3 nights; 5th day is Machupicchu. The hike is generally broken down into:STRENUOUS: Full-day hikes (6-12 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many hikes. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 14,500 feet are in this category.
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| Price: | Prices will vary according to service level and inclusions. |
| Classic Services: | Salkantay trek Sky Lodge “Lodge del Cielo” with Expedition Train "Backpacker" |
| Activity: | Trekking, Adventure |
| Country: | Perú |
| City: | Cusco |
| Acclimatization: |
Please keep in mind that you will need at least 1 or 2 days in Cusco before your hike to Machupicchu. |
| Highlights: |
Overnight in our “Lodge del Cielo” Salkantay trek Sky Lodge, Humantay lake / Salkantay mountain, Royal Inca Trail by Llactapata, and Machupicchu royal city. |
| Limited Spaces: |
YES. To protect the historical trail of the Incas, the number of people allowed to hike the Inca Trail each day is limited to 500. That´s why we suggest to make your reservations in advance as soon as possible Spaces can be booked three to six months in advance. Spaces are booked more faster in the high touristic season, from May to September. |
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More about the experience: |
The ancient trail laid by the Incas from the Sacred Salkantay Mountain to Machu Picchu winds its way up and down and around the mountains, snaking over two high Andean passes in the route, which have collectively led to the route being dubbed ‘the Salkantay Inca Trail.’ The views of snowy mountain peaks, distant rivers and ranges, and cloud forests flush with orchids are stupendous – and walking from one cliff-hugging pre-Columbian ruin to the next is a mystical and unforgettable experience. |
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You Book, You Go… Don’t Worry… We Won’t Cancel: |
While other tour companies generally cancel their trips due to low participation of travelers or pass their travelers to other big groups tour operators, we guarantee that we will never cancel a trip because of low signing-up or participation for the departure date neither get our travelers to other tour operators! This makes to our travelers the assurance and peace of mind to know their travel plans are insured and guaranteed. |
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Request a Quote: |
We can customize this private trek just for you. Any detail can be tailored – activities, length, hotels and other destinations |
Highlights: Humantay Lake trek and Tarawasi Inca Temple
“Smooth trekking day” Acclimatization day.
Overnight at Soraypampa Lodge del Cielo “Sky Lodge” at 3,869 masl/12,690 ft. About Our Lodge del Cielo base in Soraypampa: Our camp is located at 10 minutes walking from the village of Soraypampa, this gives us a huge advantage to have a 360 panoramic view of the Humantay lake glaciar, also it is a perfect place, away from the crowd and where we can appreciate the beautiful scenery of the Andean Valley and enjoy the company of our pretty Alpacas.
Note: On the evening before this day there will be a briefing with your guide in Cusco. After an early breakfast at your hotel, our pick up time can vary and will be confirm only on the day of your briefing your Cusco hotel by ITEP guide and vehicle “Pick up time can vary and will be confirmed only on the day of your briefing”.
Tarawasi: In our way we will visit the Tarawasi Archaeological center (approx. 1.5 hrs. from Cusco). The archeological complex of Tarawasi is located in the district of Limatambo, providence of Anta (Cusco region), to the left of the Limatambo river and 2675 MASL.
This name comes from the union of two Quechua words “Inca Language”, which would be: "Tara" that means bush and the second one is "Wasi" that means home. The construction of this complex would may be constructed by Inka Pachacuteq during the epoch of his reign. Due to the structure of the archaeological complex indicated that was a ceremonial center that is located in the beginnings of Chinchaysuyo, also there is a construction of a temple which would be found seated on the Ushnu. A ceremonial altar with a pyramidal shape that was used for important ceremonies and due to its location is indicated that this also served as a resting place en route to the Chinchaysuyo.
After leaving Tarawasi, we pass through the mountain village of Mollepata where we stop for a short break before ascending to Soraypampa.
Here in Soraypampa our first campsite is going to be” Lodge del Cielo”. After Lunch time, our excursion takes us to Humantay Lake, fed by glaciers far above on the slopes of the impressive Mt. Humantay. Our 4-hour walk is necessary in order to reach the lake, but the view is well worthy and those brave enough, can go for a swim! performed by our local Tour Guide, in full view of the awe-inspiring Mt. Salkantay, tops off this unique experience. Return to the Lodge.
Walking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including a picnic lunch in the route)
Walk and Terrain: Walk, on open roads, some steep ascending trails.
Overnight at Collpa pampa cam site Sky Lodge at 2,870 masl/9,414 ft.
Today very early in the morning at 4:00 am we will wake up with a very hot wake up té, at 4:30 am after a nice breakfast and at around 5:00 am we will be starting our trek to climb the Salkantay Pass “we will take advantage to walk in a fresh early morning and before the sun comes out ,the characteristic heat of the Andes.
We continue our journey towards Machu Picchu, walking up the Rio Blanco valley and circling Humantay Peak across Salkantay Peak. The highest point of the ride is the Salkantay Pass at 4,638 masl (15,213 ft). At the pass we stop to take a nice view of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, with the glaciated south face of Salkantay Trek towering above us. We will keep our eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area. From the pass we descend towards the “Wayracmachay”: (‘the cave where the wind lives’) where we going to enjoy a delicious lunch, later on we continue 03 hours trek downhill until we reach our Campsite in the route; dinner and overnight at the Sky Lodge.
The name Salkantay or Salcantay is coming from the Inca´s word Sallqa, a Quechua word meaning wild, uncivilized, savage, or invincible, and was recorded as early as 1583.The name is thus often translated as "Savage Mountain".
Directly to the north of Salkantay Trek lies Machu Picchu, which is at the end of a ridge that extends down from this mountain. Viewed from Machu Picchu's main sundial, the Southern Cross is above Salcantay’s summit when at its highest point in the sky during the rainy season. The Incas associated this alignment with concepts of rain and fertility, and considered Salkantay Trek to be one of the principal deities controlling weather and fertility in the region west of Cuzco.
About Our camp site“Lodge del Cielo”in Collpampampa: Our camp is located at 10 minutes walking from the village of Chaullay, Chaullay is a very crowded campsite lodge. Our Camp site in Collpa pampa gives us a huge advantage to have a 360 panoramic view of the Salkantay Trek Valley, also it is a perfect place, away from the crowd and where we can get to know the local families
Overnight at Lucma bamba Sky Lodge “Lodge del Cielo” at 2,062 masl/6,765 ft
This day we walk along the Santa Teresa river valley, through more populated rural areas. We pass through banana, passion fruit, avocado orchards and coffee plantations. The coffee from this region is considered as the best organic coffees in the world.
Our ride will take us to fascinating place named “Llactapata Inca Trail”, where we say goodbye to our horses and equestrian staff.
A short 30-minute walk through an avocado orchard brings us to our “Sky Lodge” in Lucmabamba. Dinner and overnight at our Sky lodge
Trekking Time: Approximately 5 hours
Walk and Terrain: Walk on narrow trails
About Our Lodge del Cielo base in Lucmabamba: Our camp is located at Lucmabamba, it is a perfect place, away from the crowed groups and where we be in touch with a local family.
At this time their economic activity is based in the Coffee plantations and is our responsibility to help them and also, we can learn a little bit more about the coffee.
Optional: If you request a Private Service:
We can have a Local Coffee Experience
RESPONSIBLE TOURIST DEVELOPMENT FOR THE INKA COMMUNITY, “HEIR OF MACHUPICCHU”
Peru is quickly building a global reputation for producing traditionally cultivated, shade grown, high quality coffee beans.
Coffee production came to Peru in the 1700s. After two centuries, the heirloom typical variety still comprises 60 percent of the country's exports. There are more than 110,000 coffee growers in Peru, most of whom are indigenous to these landscapes and speak Spanish as a second language.
The 'Flor de Cafe' (Coffee Flower) Rural Community Tourism Association from Lucmabamba-Bayona, is located in the Inca Trail (Lucmabamba-Llactapata-Ahobamba), with a final destination in Machupicchu, at a height of 2026 m. a.s.l it was a dream of 15 families.
These families found an opportunity to improve their quality of life through touristic activities, sharing their ancient knowledge inviting tourists to live the experience of flavors and knowledge of the Coffee Tour (Ruta del Cafe).
Overnight in Aguas Calientes at 1,900 masl/6,232 ft
After a healthy breakfast, we tackle the last day of our trek. We head uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata Pass (2,736 m.a.s.l/8,974ft), where we come upon a distant but spectacular view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary, from the southeast view, few travelers ever get a chance to admire. The magnificent of the place We take a short break to explore the Llactapata archaeological place, which had been recently restored.
Lunch is served at a scenic viewpoint, looking out to Machu Picchu. After we begin our final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations.
We arrive to Hydroelectric Village “Train station Village”, we continue our walk a side of the rail way until Aguas Calientes also known as Machupicchu Village (approx. 3 hours)
Upon arrival, we check into a hotel for a celebration dinner with our guide and one last briefing for our next day experience!
Note - Those who prefer not to hike from Hydroelectric Village to Aguas Calientes can take the train experience 40 minutes’ trip “price is not included”. They will meet the rest of the group at the train station in Aguas Calientes together. (The guide confirms your preferences the night before.)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate to challenging.
About Our overnight in Machupicchu Village: Hotel in Aguas Calientes will vary according your request and expectations.
A LITTLE OF HISTORY:
Bingham first discovered Llaqtapata in 1912. "We found evidence that some Inca chieftain had built his home here and had included in the plan ten or a dozen buildings. Bingham locates the site "on top of a ridge between the valleys of the Aobamba and the Salcantay, about 5,000 feet above the estate of Huaquina." "Here we discovered a number of ruins and two or three modern huts. The Indians said that the place was called Llactapata." Bingham did not investigate the ruins thoroughly, however, and they were not studied again for another 70 years.
A mid-2003 study of the site conducted by Hugh Thomson and Gary Ziegler concluded that the location of Llaqtapata along the Inca trail suggested that it was an important rest stop and roadside shrine on the journey to Machu Picchu. This and subsequent investigations have revealed an extensive complex of structures and features related to and connected with Machu Picchu by a continuation of the Inca Trail leading onward into the Vilcabamba. Llaqtapata may have been a member of the network of interrelated administrative and ceremonial sites which supported the regional center at Machu Picchu. It probably played an important astronomical function during the solstices and equinoxes.
We catch a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, the buses start running from 5:30-6am. What does this mean? This means that all the people who took the 1st bus are most likely going to get to Macchu Picchu before others and be the first enjoying the Sunrise, also well rested and relaxed and with full of energy for climb Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain if you decide it.
Macchu Picchu is an incredible spectacle of architecture, culture, and history,
Macchu Picchu is special , and watching the sun break the mountains and illuminate the city of stone is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The setting for the ancient city is absolutely stunning, and the feeling of reaching it by foot over 5 days of such intense physical exertion and the swath of rugged terrain that you’ve since left behind makes the entire moment of standing atop Macchu Picchu much more rewarding than had you simply taken a train from Cusco and then a bus to the top.
Overall this journey is highly recommended, just be sure to bring some good rain gear, some really strong bug repellent, and be prepared for an absolute madhouse on the final day of the trek “cause after 10 am thousands of tourist are coming from Cusco in a day trip to Machu Picchu.
Ok, so here’s the deal with Huayna Picchu. Only the first 400 people who got to the entrance fees can climb Huayna Picchu, the famous little mountain that sits inside of Machu Picchu. 200 hundred people at 7:00 am and other 200 hundred at 10:00 am. If you want to do it, please let us know at the moment of your reservation.
At 6:45p.m. (depending on availability), you will be taking a train to Ollantaytambo and from there; a bus will drive you to Cusco.
Arriving approximately at 22:30 pm
End of our Services
