An important medical advice is keep in movement your body for a healthy life and enjoy traveling and hiking because you only live ones, Salkantay trek to Machupicchu is the second best option and popular trek, which take you through around stunning view of snowy peaks such as: Salkantay, Humantay, Pumasillo, Lasunayoc, Panta. Salkantay is the second tallest snow mountain in the Cusco region (6271m / 20.573ft.). You will pass through gorgeous scenic spots such as: turquoise glacial lake, several biological ecosystems, waterfalls, Peruvian cloud forest and do not miss the opportunity to taste the fresh coffee and fruits grown there such as: bananas, avocados, oranges, passion fruit, and much more. And be able to see on the last day of the trip one of the wonders of the new world: Machu Picchu. In Salkantay 5D the adventure is guaranteed! Is one of the 25 best TREKS in the world described by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.
SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU OVERVIEW
Pick up from your hotel at 5:00 am, our private vehicle will take you to Challacancha (3550m / 11.646ft), the starting point of our trek. There we meet our support staff, the muleteer that will join us during the hike.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Today is a day of adventure to conquer the Salkantay Pass at (4600m / 15.09ft.), with impressive view of Apu Salkantay (6271 m/ 20.573ft).
HIGHLIGHTS:
Today is an adventure walking in Yunga or high jungle, where we will see vast of flora and fauna, especially fruit, coffee, passion fruit, orange, banana, avocado, golden cherry, tea, and bamboo plantations.
HIGHLIGHTS:
The expedition of this day is walking along the sacred valley of the Incas, passing many areas of tropical crops plantations.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Today dreams come true enjoying one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and returns to Cusco with full of magic.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Our Itinerary is as follows:
ONE DAY BEFORE THE TREK:
Briefing/ smoothllamaperu Cusco office.
It will be in our office which is located at Street Lizandro Montero Ñ – 4
All travelers are required to visit the Cuzco office for a mandatory briefing on your trek one day prior to departure at 6:00 pm. At this meeting you will receive detailed information on the route, a list of what to bring, confirm your pick-up for the morning of the trek and be able to ask questions. However, if you wish to receive all the information in your hotel, let us know and our guide will kindly approach your hotel for the informative meeting.
We start our adventure picking you up from your hotel at 5:00 am where ever it’s located, and drive for 3 hours to reach to Challacancha (3550m / 11.646ft), the starting point of our trek. There we meet our support staff, the muleteer that will join us during the hike. Already at Mollepata small town (2800m / 9.186ft.) we will stop quickly to take advantage of the toilet facilities, breakfast (not included), and time for stretching our legs, After 1 more hour driving by stunning valleys surrounded by majestic mountains we will arrive to Challacancha, the starting point of our trek.
The first section of the path takes us over a few deep valleys along the side of a mountain. After we will walk Andean undulate flat, along old aqueduct which still supplies water to farmers in the lower valleys for the agriculture and animals, the view of the “Pacha Mama” (Mother Earth) is unseeing with huge snow peaks, green valleys, native vegetation, and much more, We will travel 7 km (4.35 miles) in 3 hours to Soraypampa Camp, where we will have our lunch at the base camp of Salkantay.
After lunch and a short rest, we hike up to the unforgettable Humantay Lake (4200m /13.779ft.). This is a 3 km (1.9 miles) round-trip which we will walk in a total of 2 hours. This place one of the most beautiful sights in all the Andes with unbelievable blue-green, turquoise glacial water reflecting the mountain glaciers of Apu Humantay. It seems like something out of a dream or fairy tale!, Back at our camp, the background of the valley at sunset creates the most peaceful scene with an energy that can only be felt and not described, Because Soraypampa (our camp) (3890m / 12.762ft.) is located in the middle of the glacier valleys, the sky is so immensely clear at night that you can truly appreciate the stars, constellations, and even comets shooting, Once we reach to the camp, we enjoy our afternoon tea time, coffee, or hot chocolate.
Take a moment this night to re-center your spirit and consider all the deep things of life in the profound silence and tranquility of Soraypampa! Have dinner and go to sleep early.
Inclusions: Cusco Accommodation Pick-Up, transport Cusco – Challacancha (starting point of trek), 1 Night Camping
Meals: 1 Lunch / 1 Dinner (Plus afternoon tea time)
Trekking: 7 kilometers / 3 – 4 hours
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate – Easy
After a delicious breakfast, the panoramic views are very beautiful, and today is a day of adventure to conquer the Pass at (4600m / 15.09ft.), we will start hiking for around 3 hours and 30 minutes of gradually climbing until the highest point on the trek located halfway between 2 huge snow mountains; the Apu Salkantay (6271m / 20.573ft.) on the right and Apu Humantay (5900m / 19.356ft.) on the left, and also there are more mountains all around with snow, Pumasillo (6000m / 19.684ft.), Panta (5605m / 18.338ft.). We are breathless with the most spectacular views of the Mather Nature, with it mountains, turquoise lake, small rivers, and if we are lucky we will see the famous Andean Condor flying in the sky, (Optional Andean taxi, horse rental available to reach high pass for 100 – 120 soles). From the pass, 2-hours downhill hike to our lunch spot Wayracmachay (3800m / 12.467ft.), after a well-deserved lunch we will continue with the adventure, on the way to the camp you will feel how the weather changes, from a cold climate to a tropical climate, and you have the option to see tropical vegetation such as: flowers, bamboos, some orchids, begonias which adorn the path, after 3 hours of downhill finally we will reach to our campsite at Chaullay (2800m / 9.186ft.), we have afternoon tea or coffee at our campsite, Here is our camp to spend the night.
Inclusions: 1 night camping.
Meals: 1 Breakfast / 1 Lunch / 1 Dinner (Plus snacks and afternoon tea time)
Trekking: 22 kilometers / 9 -10 hours
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Advanced – Easy
After breakfast this is an easier trek through the upper jungle or yunga, where we will see vast of flora and fauna, especially fruit, coffee, passion fruit, orange, banana, avocado, golden cherry, tea, and bamboo plantations. The weather is humid and warm which is characteristic of the semi-tropical area. Along the way we will also see some ancient communities that still practice the Incan traditions and they grow some vegetables such as: squash, pumpkin, cucumbers and much more. On this day we will have the chance to participate in daily activities of these communities such as coffee, avocado and passion fruit harvest. After 5 hours of enjoyable adventure we will have lunch at La Playa (2200m / 7.217ft.), after a delicious lunch we will continue the trip by car around 45 minutes to Santa Teresa town (1500m / 4.921ft.), our camp for the night with a warmer climate. After a rest, we have the option to visit the hot springs in Santa Teresa town (extra cost) and enjoy the well-deserved soothing water, a real treat after 3 hard days of trekking!
In Santa Teresa it is possible to participate in activities such as Zip line, hot springs, etc. All of those services ARE NOT included in the price of the program. If you would like to participate in one of them, you are responsible for the extra expenses. Also the transportation from/to St. Teresa IS NOT included in the program, take your on.
Inclusions: transport from La Playa – Santa Teresa Town, 1 night camping,
Meals: 1 Breakfast / 1 Lunch / 1 Dinner, (Plus snacks and afternoon tea time)
Trekking: 15 kilometers /5 – 6 hours.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Easy
After having a nice breakfast, we are leaving Saint Teresa camp very early in the morning to avoid the humid sun hit for trekking freshly towards hydroelectric; it will take us from Santa Teresa along a relaxing path for 2 hours to reach the hydroelectric station (lunch place). From here to Aguas Calientes town is another 3 hours, we will reach train tracks which lead to the town of Aguas Calientes. Here you will have two options: 1) if you are exhausted, you may take the train to Aguas Calientes ($31.00 extra). 2) If you are still eager to hike, you may walk from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes for about 3 hours along the train track. Next to the tracks, there is a nice path we will through the warm paradise of the cloud forest. This is the same trail used by the American professor Hiram Bingham who rediscovered Machu Picchu after centuries of it being lost to the outside world. After arrive to Aguas Calientes town (2000m / 6.561ft.), we will finally have time to relax, recharge our batteries and get ready for our visit to Machu Picchu. Dinner at a local traditional restaurant.
*Optional bus transfer from Santa Teresa to the Hydroelectric Station is available for an extra cost.
*Optional train transfer from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes is available for an extra cost.
Inclusions: 1 Night hotel
Meals: 1 Breakfast / 1 Lunch / 1 Dinner (in the restaurant), (Plus snacks)
Trekking: 18 kilometers /8 – 9 hours
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Easy
After breakfast we will take the first bus to Machu Picchu one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Machu Picchu entrance check point is open from 06:00 AM until 17:00 PM. so we can get there early enough to see the sunrise in this magical place, a walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide.
After this tour, you are free to climb up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Be sure to book in advance to get tickets for these!). Each mountain takes approximately 3 hours to hike up and down. Another lower-impact option for which you do not need an extra ticket is to trek to the famous Sun Gate, the main entrance from the Inca Trail (this takes about 2 or 2.5 hours round-trip). Another option is walking to see the Incan Bridge. You will be able to stay and enjoy this magical city. Take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes at your own convenience, Return by train to Ollantaytambo train station and take a car to Cuzco.
Upon arrival to Ollantaytambo, our transfer will be waiting at the train station to take you on our private van to your hotel. End of our adventure!
Inclusions:
Meals: 1 Breakfast
Trekking: 1.5 kilometers / 2 hours
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Easy
Tips for the staff (smoothllamaperu staff receives a fair and decent payment immediately after they end their trip.), Please remember that tipping is 100% optional and depends entirely on the service you received. It is customary to give tips in Latin America, however it is NOT mandatory. If you do wish to give a tip, these are our recommended guidelines.
PRICE: US$555 per person
Personal porter included!
*** This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up (including the sleeping bag: 2kgs), we will provide you a duffle bag to put your belongings in.
***We provide large Eureka 4 man tents for each 2 trekkers.
DISCOUNTS:
EXTRAS:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the trek to “Salkantay trek – Machu Picchu”.
ABOUT THE BRIEFING:
All travelers are required to visit the Cuzco office for a mandatory briefing on your trek one day prior to departure at 6:00 pm. At this meeting you will receive detailed information on the route, a list of what to bring, confirm your pick-up for the morning of the trek and be able to ask questions. However, if you wish to receive all the information in your hotel, let us know and our guide will kindly approach your hotel for the informative meeting.
It will be in our office which is located at Street Lizandro Montero Ñ – 4
WHERE CAN I LEAVE MY LUGGAGE SAFETY?
Of course! During the “Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu”, your large luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, both are for free. Please do not pack anything you will need for your hike.
HOW TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
FIRST, to book your “Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu”, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
To book your “Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu”, we need the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Inca Trail permit without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$300.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the “Lares trek to Machu Picchu”. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.
WHAT ABOUT THE PAYMENT BALANCE?
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 6% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of smoothllamaperu@gmail.com
WHO QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
Those passengers who booked their trip using the discounted price for ISIC Student Holders must bring their original and valid CIIU card (not a copy and not expired). This document must be shown at Machupicchu Control Gate. Unfortunately, if you do not bring your card, you will be denied entry to the Trail as the permits won’t be valid without your card.
SCHOOL STUDENT
With the passport or national ID – original ones, from 8 to 17 years old
UNIVERSITY STUDENT ABOVE 18 YEARS OLD
With the original student ID gives from the university in PVC material and it must have the next requirements: university information, personal student information, student picture, and expiration date valid only for one year, it year must coincide with the year that student visit Machu Picchu, the discount until 25 years old.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE?
Unfortunately the answer is “No”. Once the tickets have been bought for the “Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu”. The government does not allow any changes, Due to the strict regulations of the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu, once your reservation is made, you cannot cancel the reserved space that you have.
*** If you cancel your “Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu”. The deposit is not refundable at all!
IS IT NECESRY MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes of course! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book “Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu” permit. The rangers will check when you enter the trail and Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us your old number to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number…if so, please send the new passport number as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I AVOID THE ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
For those trekkers that come to Cusco directly from places at sea level; we recommend arriving 2-3 days before your trek. Two of the most common health issues among tourists in Cusco are: The Altitude Sickness (Soroche) and stomach pain provoked by slow digestion.
In general if you have regular exercise and spend a couple of days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
WHAT ABOUT THE DUFFEL BAG AND DAILY BACK PACK?
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next five days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. Your team of porters or mules will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the mules will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 liters back pack is sufficient.
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
“Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu” is located in the mountains and in the part of the Andes in Cusco region which make a moderate trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
We offer the Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
WHAT HAPPENS IF SOME ONE IS UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health
reasons, smoothllamaperu will assist you to the
nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek
for any respiratory problems. There are no refunds in the unlikely
situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to
Ollantaytambo and if they recover they continue the journey to Aguas Calientes
(cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original
plan.
WILL THE CAR IS GOING TO DROPP OFF US AT THE HOTEL?
Absolutely! Included in our packages is dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!
WHAT ABOUT TIPPING?
Tips for the staff (smoothllamaperu staff receives a fair and decent payment immediately after they end their trip.
**** (Please remember that tipping is 100% optional and depends entirely on the service you received. It is customary to give tips in Latin America, however it is NOT mandatory. If you do wish to give a tip, these are our recommended guidelines.)
ARE YOU PART OF THE SUSTAINABLE WORK?
Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator in that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism, protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.
THINGS YOU MUST BRING WITH YOU
