Salkantay Trek 4 Days 3 Nights

Salkantay
Salkantay 3
Salkantay 4
Salkantay 5
Salkantay 10
Salkantay
Salkantay 3
Salkantay 4
Salkantay 5
Salkantay 10

Salkantay Trek 4 Days 3 Nights

  • Amazing off-the-beaten-treks alternative route to the classic Inca Trail

  • Enormous variety of terrains, flora and fauna. Glaciers, snowcapped mountain, and more

  • Camp under thousands of stars and merge yourself with nature

Get ready for a life-changing voyage! This adventure offers a perfect mix of trekking, culture and nature. Going through less travelled roads the Salkantay Trek is a more exclusive, not so touristy option that allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of the Andes without any distraction or disturbance. Fill yourself up with the energy of this magnificent route and the wonders along the way.

AVAILABILITY

All year round

DURATION

4 days

START LOCATION

Cusco hotel and hostel pickup

END LOCATION

Cusco hotel and hostel drop off

OPERATOR NAME

MACHU PICCHU EXPERIENCES

START TIME

04:30

TOUR TYPE

SHARED TOUR

ONLINE BOOKING NOT AVAILABLE

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

DAY 1: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – APACHETA PASS – SALKANTAY LAKE – HUAYRACMACHAY

Our voyage starts here! Pick up will be at 4:30a.m. and we’ll make our way to Soraypampa, a 3.5hrs ride. On route, you’ll have the chance of admiring the Salkantay snowcapped mountain, Limatambo and Iscuchaca districts, and breathtaking valleys open to the sight.

Upon arrival in Soraypampa, we’ll have an energizing breakfast while enjoying the wonderful vistas of the Humantay (19,356 feet) and Salkantay (20,396 feet) mountain glaciers; and we’ll have time to organize ourselves, use the bathroom, etc.

It’ll be the moment to depart for our 1.5hrs ascension through Salkantay Pampa and continue our journey to our lunch spot at Soyroccocha, at the base of the soaring Salkantay Mountain.

Recharged our energies, we retake our route for about one more hour to reach Apacheta Pass (4,650m / 15,367ft). Breathtaking sceneries will be open to the sight: snowcapped mountains, impressive rivers, and small beautiful lakes. A short 35-minute walk will lead us to the astonishing turquoise Salkantay Lake.

We’ll continue zig-zagging our way up hiking to arrive at our first campsite at Huayracmachay (3800m/11750ft). A delicious hot beverage will be served while you relax waiting for dinner.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Lonche (teatime), and Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Camping
WALKING DISTANCE: 14km/8.7mi (about 7 hours)
MAX. ALTITUDE: 4,650m/15,367ft
DIFFICULTY: 4 – It’s a challenge

DAY 2: HUAYRACMACHAY – CHAULLAY – LUCMABAMBA

We will have our energizing breakfast very early in the morning and then start our descent for about 3 hours towards the community of Chaullay for lunch, along the route we’ll observe the green valleys and waterfalls in the area. After lunch, we will walk for about 5 more hours to Lucmabamba. Along the way we will able to observe an immense diversity of birds, as well as the plantations of coffee, cocoa and a variety of fruit trees. We will learn about the process to obtain coffee, the different types of seeds and coffee beans, we will have the opportunity to take part of the process, picking up our coffee beans, roasting the beans and grinding them to prepare our own coffee, natural, it will be a truly unique experience. Besides, you’ll have the chance to visit other plantations apart from coffee and grab from fresh vegetables for our dinner. We will spend the night in Lucmabamba (2,050m).

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Lonche (teatime), and Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Camping
WALKING DISTANCE: 18km/11mi (about 10 hours)
MAX. ALTITUDE: 3800m/11,750ft
DIFFICULTY: 4 – It’s a challenge

DAY 3: LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES

After a tasty breakfast and a hot drink, we will retake our journey to go along the traditional Inca Trail for about 3 hours until the Puncuyoc Pass (2700m/8,858ft). We will enjoy the great views of these valleys. We will finally reach the Inca site of Llactapata located just in front of Machu Picchu, and after enjoying the magnificent scenery; we walk down for two hours to the Hydroelectric Power Station where we will have lunch and then walk beside the train rails to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) for a couple more hours (possible to take the train) enjoying the spectacular presence of the citadel and the wall that surrounds it.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Basic hostel
WALKING DISTANCE: 15km/9mi (about 8 hours)
MAX. ALTITUDE: 2,700m/8,858 ft
DIFFICULTY: 4 – It’s a challenge

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO

The day you’ve been waiting for! Waking up early in the morning, we’ll have breakfast and go to the bus station to take the shuttle to the citadel. Once at the entrance you’ll meet with your guide for your 2-hours guided tour through this astounding and mysterious place, full of energies and history. Our EXPERIENCES expert will take you to the most important viewing points like the Guardian’s House; will also give you the most important details about our Inca culture and the significance of what you see. You’ll go through places like the Temple of Three Windows, the Sun Dial, the Temple of the Sun, among others.

Later, you’ll have some time to do some extra exploring and take extra photos (optional, and if possible, to do Huayna Picchu mountain). Finally, we 'll go back for lunch at Aguas Calientes and we’ll then take the train to return to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon, departing at xx: xx pm and connecting with a private van to take us back to CUSCO, arriving about xx pm when you’ll be dropped off at xx.

MEAL INCLUDED: Only Breakfast
WALKING DISTANCE: Just for the guided visit
MAX. ALTITUDE: 2,400m/7,872 ft
DIFFICULTY: 1- Piece of Cake

TOUR TICKETS (MAY VARY BY DATE)
Ticket Price(USD)
ADULT 300.00 (USD)
INCLUDED

- Briefing at our office. This will be done the night before your trek
- Hotel/hostel pick up
- Transportation as explained in the itinerary
- 2-hours guided tour in Machu Picchu Citadel
- Professional, highly experienced, English-speaking official guides
- Mules and horses for general equipment
- Extra mule/horse for your extra backpack and equipment
- Chef and cooking equipment
- 4-people, large & comfortable tents with foam mattresses and pillow (for every 2 trekkers)
- Meals as per itinerary (vegetarian food options upon request)
- First-aid kit with emergency oxygen tank
- Boiled water to refill your storage
- Hot water for washing purposes
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition class) with connection to CUSCO in our private minibus
- Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Archaeological site
- Toilet tent, with a normal toilet seat
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back (* +24 USD)
- Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
- Train ticket Hydroelectric-Aguas Calientes (* +32 USD)
- Basic accommodation in Aguas Calientes

NOT INCLUDED

- Wayna Picchu Mountain ticket - $20 USD (request in advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain - $20 USD (request in advance)
- First day’s breakfast and last day’s lunch & dinner
- Tips for the EXPERIENCES Team
- Travel Insurance

EXTRAS

- Rented sleeping bag – $20 USD
- Rented Air Mattress – $20 USD
- Walking Sticks – $15 USD
- Upgrade to a Private tent - $30 USD (request in advance)

Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional not-guided treks within Machu Picchu Citadel. The hike is done on your own, but you can hire a private guide for this at an additional cost (request in advance)

Please note that these prices may vary if you decide to take part in any of these extra activities after the tour starts. We recommend booking prior to the departure of your tour to avoid the possibility of paying increased prices for these activities.

RECOMMENDED

ON YOUR DAYPACK

- We strongly recommend a small backpack, 40 to 50L max. Big backpacks are not allowed into the citadel.
- Original Passport (the same you used to book)
- Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Water: 2-3L (We recommend Camelbacks or aluminum bottle). For the first part of day 1.
- Snacks like power bars, chocolate or any dry fruits
- Coca leaves or caramels
- A hat and sunscreen
- Woolen cap
- Rain gear (poncho, etc.)
- A fleece and gloves
- Basic camera
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, beverages and tips (no ATMs until Aguas Calientes)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Small first aid kit: band aids, etc.
- Wet wipes
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Insect repellent
- Any personal medication you might need

EXTRA BACKPACK

- A pair of t-shirts
- A pair of hiking pants at least
- Underwear for every day (including socks)
- Bathing Suit for the Hot Springs
- A pair of Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, we can reach temperatures of 3°C (37°F)
- Waterproof gloves
- Comfortable shoes for resting time
- Quick dry towel
- Liquid soap (recommended eco-friendly option, a small bottle)
- Power bank to charge batteries: No electricity along most of the trek
- Plastic bags
- Sleeping bag (Resistance to at least -15°C)

Following Peruvian legislation and for the welfare of our porters and horses, any extra backpack cannot weight more than 7 kilograms (including your 2-kilograms sleeping bag, 1-kilogram mattress, and 4 kilograms of your belongings). If you need more than this, you’ll have the chance of hiring a private porter or carry the extra weight yourself. We’ll check the weight limit before the start of every adventure.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellation or changes to this tour:

CHANGES: Any changes to the tour date needs to be done before 6:00 pm (Lima time) 30 days before the tour begins and will also receive a 60% administration fee. After this time there is a 100% change fee. Subject to availability.

NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel 30 days prior to the tour before 6:00 pm (Lima time), a 60% administration fee will (+ the card fee). After this time, there is a 100% no-show or cancellation fee.

You must email bookings@findlocaltrips.com (include the name of the tour and the reservation number) to cancel this tour or to make any changes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  1. What is Machu Picchu?

    It’s the most impressive archaeological Inca ruin in South America, named a World Cultural and Natural Heritage by UNESCO in 1983, and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the World. Machu Picchu is a city of stone, built in the middle of the Cordillera de Vilcabamba, without the use or help of wheels or iron tools. Most of the citadel’s structures remain intact today, which is why many consider it the perfect example of the Incas’ brilliant engineering.

  2. Where is Machu Picchu?

    Machu Picchu is located 80 km from the City of CUSCO, Peru in South America. The nearest town is Aguas Calientes which you can get to by train or by walking. From there, it is a 1.5-hour hike up steps or a 20-minutes bus ride to the complex itself.

  3. How to get to Machu Picchu?

    You can get to Machu Picchu by bus, train, or walking. Traveling from Lima to CUSCO by bus is the best way to discover Peru and avoid altitude sickness. Once in CUSCO, you would have to make your way by train or bus to Aguas Calientes Town, where you finally can take a public bus to the Citadel. You can also make your way on the Classic Inca Trail trek, the Inca Jungle Trek, or other famous treks.

  4. How high is Machu Picchu?

    Machu Picchu is 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above sea level. CUSCO, on the other hand, has an elevation of 3,400 meters. If you are coming from Lima, we recommended making your way with Peru Hop buses to progressively acclimatize to the height.

  5. How to get Machu Picchu Tickets?

    Don't worry, the ticket for the Citadel is included in all our activities. We take care of it for you.

  6. What kind of weather can we find in Machu Picchu?

    Machu Picchu is at a lower altitude level than CUSCO. It contains part of the jungle, and the rains are present during all seasons. During the hottest days, the temperature can reach approximately 26° Celsius (79ºF), and during the cool, early mornings, the temperature can drop to -2° C (-36ºF). The best months to visit Machu Picchu are May and June, since they are the mildest ones.

  7. When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

    Consider visiting Machu Picchu from April through May and from September through October. The high-tourist season months are June, July, and August when it doesn’t rain. The site is open daily from 06am – 05pm. February is very rainy.

  8. How physically fit do I need to be?

    Machu Picchu is not too challenging; most people have no problem. This trek is classified as challenging.

  9. When was Machu Picchu discovered?

    Machu Picchu wasn’t exactly ‘discovered’ because local people have always known about its existence. In 1911, the American explorer Hiram Bingham made public his findings and -wrongly- called it ‘The Lost City of the Incas’. Nine years before Bingham had arrived, the Peruvian Agustin Lizárraga had found the ruins and left his signature on one of the walls of the Three Windows Temple in the Citadel.

  10. What is Huayna (Wayna) Picchu?

    Huayna Picchu Mountain is the peak located to the north of Machu Picchu citadel. It is the backdrop to the classic image of Machu Picchu. The peak offers inspiring views of the ruins and 360° views of the area. The climb to the summit takes 45 minutes, it is a challenging trek and is very steep in parts. Limited to 400 a day, tickets must be purchased as a combo ticket at the same time as your entrance to Machu Picchu. Tickets cannot be purchased separately and is always in high demand. Costs an additional $20.

  11. What is Machu Picchu Mountain?

    Machu Picchu Mountain is the peak located to the south-west of Machu Picchu citadel. The trek offers unparalleled views of the ruins and panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. It is a moderate/challenging trek 90 minutes to ascend. Limited to 400 a day, tickets must be purchased as a combo ticket at the same time as your entrance to Machu Picchu. Tickets cannot be purchased separately. Costs an additional $20

  12. How do Machu Picchu tickets work? Do they sell out?

    Machu Picchu tickets are associated with a particular name for a specific date and cannot be transferred or refunded. The tickets provided are as follows: Machu Picchu Citadel (5000 daily) Machu Picchu Mountain (400 per day, split between 2 time slots) Huayna Picchu (400 dailies, divided between 2 time slots) Tickets allow you to enter and exit the site once and you'll need an official guide, which we'll also include. Tickets to the main site rarely sell out. But tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu do sell out several months in advance, in particular the later timeslot.

  13. How do I avoid altitude sickness?

    Take Soroche (Diamox) pills. Drink coca tea. Drink lots of water Avoid alcohol it´s a dehydrator). Eat small meals. The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to acclimatize yourself. The recommended approach to acclimatization is to ascend gradually spending at least 24 hours at every 2,000 ft. increase in altitude.

  14. What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?

    Common symptoms of altitude sickness (sometimes called acute mountain sickness) can be similar to a bad hangover and may include headache, nausea, and vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. A severe headache that is not relieved by medication, nausea, vomiting and increasing fatigue or shortness of breath may indicate more serious problems – seek medical attention.

  15. Are there any student discounts?

    Yes, there is a student discount. These discounts are only valid if you have an ISIC card and it matches your passport. They are very strict with this. You must bring your original I.D. to enter Machu Picchu

  16. Where can I leave my bags?

    You can leave your bags at your CUSCO or Aguas Calientes hostel/hotel. Note, if you take the train there are bag restrictions.

  17. Is the bus from Agua Caliente to Machu Picchu worth it?

    The walk up to Machu Picchu can be seen as part of the experience. However, the bus is an option for those who are tired after a long trek or who just want to save their energy for all the walking at the top.

  18. What's the allowed weight to carry?

    Your allowance on weight is up to 7kg/15lbs. A backpack must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs) according to Peruvian legislation. This limit is set to safeguard the porters and animals' health. All backpacks are weighed before they are approved. If you take more than 7 kil private porter. Please count 2 kg for your sleeping bag in this 7 kg, and 1 kg for your sleeping pad (foam or air). For your personal clothes, this leaves you about 4 kilos. Your porter squad, along with the food and camping equipment, will take your backpack for you. It's important to be aware that until the end of each day you won't have access to your items in the backpack, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. You need a large-enough day backpack during the trek to hold your personal belongings, including a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your phone, sunscreen, snacks, water etc. A backpack of 30 to 50 liters is enough.

  19. What happens if I am unable to finish the trek?

    In the situation that you cannot finish the trek for health reasons, we will help you with transportation to the nearest town to get assistance. We will also bring oxygen on the trek for any respiratory issues. In extreme situations, a helicopter pick-up can be arranged at your own expense (make sure you get your travel insurance before). In the rare circumstance you won't be able to complete the trek, there will be no refunds possible. In general, those who have to be helped off the trail will be taken to Ollantaytambo and if you recover quickly you will continue the trip to Aguas Calientes (at your expense) and will visit Machu Picchu according to the itinerary.

  20. What about toilets?

    In the last couple of years toilets have improved a lot and all of the larger campsites have toilet blocks with flush toilets and running water. They 're kept pretty clean, overall. If you really need to go to the bathroom between campsites then poop far away from the water sources and the road; make a hole, or cover your poop with a stone, and take the paper with you in a bag to deposit along the way in one of the many bins.

  21. How is the food on the treks?

    Our food is another huge highlight of our activities. Our passengers have even told us it's the best food they tasted while in Peru. These are some of the options: Breakfast: Toasts, butter, jelly, biscuits, teas, fruit salad, yogurt, coffee, hot chocolate. Snacks: It's usually something like a power bar + fruit or biscuits so you get a snack to eat whilst trekking every day. Lunch: Soup + a main course, served with rice and garlic bread. Lomo Saltado, Causa Rellena, Trout, Spaghetti Bolognesi. Lonche (Teatime): we serve hot chocolate, tea, popcorn, cookies, bread, and jam, etc., every afternoon at about 5 pm. Dinner: See the lunchtime main courses.

  22. How do I get to the citadel from Aguas Calientes?

    There are shuttle buses, run by Consettur, to the citadel. The journey takes about 25 minutes, and buses run from 5.30am to 5.30pm, every 5-15 minutes. From Aguas Calientes you can walk to Machu Picchu but it's a steep uphill climb and though it's only 3.5 km (just over 2miles) the estimated hiking time is 1.5 hours up and a little less downhil

EXTRA INFORMATION FROM FINDLOCALTRIPS.COM

Our Rating:

our comments:

Carry a small package

Share this with your friends