Salcantay to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
This beautiful and varied hike (about 50 km) is the “soft option” of Challacancha, since the pass is lower (although it is still a harsh 4,750 m (15,580 ft) and then it is mostly downhill through wooded valleys, above deep ravines, which end at 1,500 m.
We pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. to drive for about 2 hours to Mollepata, where we will have breakfast at a local restaurant after breakfast, we will drive for another 40 minutes to Challacancha, where we will begin our Salkantay trek. As soon as we are in Challacancha, the cook and the rider will pack all the camping equipment and kitchen utensils, and we will start the walks the first hours will be a little uphill to reach the Inca Chanel, where we will have a panoramic view of the beautiful snow. crowned mountains (Humantay; 4120m / 13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m / 20575ft): just the beginning! We will begin our hike from Salkantay to Soraypampa for another 2 hours, our first Salkantay Trek camp in our new domes, so we will have lunch here and rest a little in the domes. Then, in the afternoon, we will make a walk of approximately 2 hours. head to Lake Humantay (3800 m / 11750 ft, the highest and coldest campsite of the trip) we will be very close to the second highest mountain in Cusco: the top of the snow in Salkantay. And, of course, we will spend one night in our new luxury domes, which feature great comfort, showers with hot water and private bathrooms.
DAY 1: Total distance: 15 km (approx.) Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours. Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (approx.). Altitude of the campsite: 3,800 m (approx.).
After breakfast at the Salkantay Trek, we start walking around 5:30 am, because this day will be the longest day, the first 4 hours will be uphill to get the highest point of the Salkantay Trek (4650m / 15200ft) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible. There is a possibility of snow here. After a break, we will continue our hike (downhill) through a spectacular cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch. We walk again after lunch in the direction of the beginning of the jungle until we reach our second campsite Salkantay Trek de Chaullay or Colcapampa (3000 m / 9800 ft).
DAY 2: Total distance: 19 km (approx.) Estimated walking time: 8 – 9 hours. Maximum altitude: 4,650 m (approx.) Altitude of the campsite: 2,750 m (approx.).
After breakfast, at 6.30 am, we begin to walk through the upper jungle crossing the Lluskamayo river and a variety of small streams to reach the beach walking about 3 hours. Today we will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits, plants and, as soon as we are on the beach, the horses will return to Mollepata to take the same Salkantay Trek and after lunch we will take a local car to get the hydroelectric station to walk 2 more hours taking the railroad to Aguas Calientes.
DAY 3: Total distance: 16 km (approx.) Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours. Maximum altitude: 2,750 m (approx.) Altitude of the camp: 1,600 m (approx.) Salkantay trek to machupicchu Salkantay trek to Machupicchu
Salkantay trek the important day. We got up early in the morning around 4 am until 4:30 am for breakfast and left to walk to Machupicchu, which takes an hour and a half to Machu Picchu, but there is another option to take the first bus that leaves at 5: 30 to Machupicchu (25 minutes) to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun rises. Your guide offers a walking tour (approximately 2 hours) and, after this, you can explore the mysterious city. If you still have energy, you can also climb Huaynapicchu (2720m / 8890ft) !!! It takes 45 minutes to get to the top. Then, you will take the train around 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. or 6:20 p.m. according to the availability of the train, so you will arrive at Ollamtaytamabo after 2 hours of travel, so a private transport will wait for you and will take you back to Cusco to your Hotel. Estimated walking time: 1 to 2 hours. Maximum point of altitude: 2,700 m (approx.)
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Original passport and student card (ISIC) green card. The insurance card is essential. Hiking: waterproof boots (with ankle protectors). Waterproof jacket or rain poncho. Sleeping bag, hat and gloves, shirts, comfortable pants, rain pants, swimsuit (for hot springs in Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes) Sunscreen cream (factor 35 recommended) The sun is strong, insect repellent 40% deet (for mosquitoes) Water bottle, water purification tablets (Micropur recommended). Toilet paper, personal medication, camera. Flashlight with spare batteries, Extra contribution for porters, cook and guide. and for any emergency (300 soles). Walking sticks
BASIC INFORMATION
INCLUDES
-Biligent professional guide Tickets to Salkantay exit.
-Brief time on the Salkantay Trek A day before Liners for your sleeping bags.
-Ceremonia Andean first day, offering to Mother Earth.
-Collected at your hotel (we pick you up from where you stay)
-Private transportation to Soraypampa (path)
– Tourist tour back to Ollantaytambo (the expedition service can be at 2:30 pm, 18:45 pm or 9:30 pm leaving Aguas Calientes).
-Private transportation back from Ollamtaytambo to Cusco.
-Entrada Machu Picchu Food: * 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 snacks (hot drinks, cookies and popcorn) and 3 dinners to cook.
-Capacity of tents for 3 people only for two people, just to have more space to store your luggage (tent for 4 seasons)
-Camping equipment (tent, kitchen and dining tent, chairs and tables)
-Thermarest sleeping mat (air mat)
– Jockey, mules or porters (only carry things to cook and camping equipment) and 7 kilos of your personal belongings. 7 kilos of their personal belongings to be transported by the horses.
-1 night accommodation in our 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes (private room, cable TV, wi fi) First aid kit
* Vegetarian / special diet options available.
Does not Include: Tickets to Waynapicchu (if you take this ticket, you will be charged 30 dollars at the original price).
-Extra horse for riding or for any extra backpack.
-Sleeping bags.
-Tips for the guide and the crew.
Note: if you need to hire something from us, we will do it for you, without any deposit (because most campground tents usually ask for 50 or 60 dollars for whatever you want to take).
