Salkantay to Inca Trail Trek

The bus to Mollepata departs from Cusco at 5 am, arriving in the village at 7:30 for breakfast (optional and not included) and any last minute supplies, which are also not included. From here, at 2.9 km above sea level, the bus goes uphill for another hour to the trail head, Challacancha. The rocky trail goes up and down through the mountains, with impressive views of snowy mountain peaks including the giant, Salkantay, and the Apurimac Valley and River. The first campsite, Soraypampa, which is at 3850 meters above sea level, is reached by lunchtime, after which there is a 2 hour hike up to the beautiful Humantay Lake, perched high in the mountains. Hikers return in time for afternoon tea, which consists of coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and mate de coca, after which there is free time to rest until dinner.

Day two is the hardest and longest day of the trip and starts with an early, nutritious breakfast. The first one hour of hiking is relatively easy, and then once the trail reaches Soyrochoca, the next three hours are all uphill to reach the high pass, which at 4,800 m.a.s.l. has incredible views of the Salkantay and Humantay peaks, which stand at 6,271 and 6,100 meters high. In addition to the breathtaking views from this site, there are also Apachetas, which are piles of stones of uncertain origin that are commonly seen along this trail and the Inca trail. From this pass, there is a 1 hour hike down to Wayracmachay for lunch and a quick break before another 3 hours of hiking to the final campsite of the day, Collpapampa.

This is another early morning, starting hiking shortly after breakfast along a narrow mountain trail, which passes wild orchids, cornfields, grasses and flowers, and fields of fruit, as well as an incredible waterfall. 5 hours of hiking brings the trip to La Playa, which is a fork in the road of sorts. Travelers can chose to take a 45 minute bus ride to the town of Santa Teresa, where there are hot springs that the hikers can relax in before dinner. Alternatively, there is an option to visit the Llactapata ruins, in which case the hikers travel two hours to set up camp at Aobamba.

Day 4 depends on which route was decided on. The Llactapata ruins route takes a 4 hour hike, after breakfast, up to 2,860 m.a.s.l. to the restored ruins, which also provide an incredible vantage point for seeing Machu Picchu and Salkantay Mountain. After a tour of the ruins, there is a 4 hour decent through bamboo groves, orchards, and coffee plantations to the Aobamba River. This stretch of the trail is good for spotting a wide variety of species of birds. The trail continues along to the Hydroelectric Plant, where the group stops for lunch before continuing onto the final campsite at Puente Ruinas. After breakfast, the Santa Teresa route starts with a short bus ride, then continues with a 2 hour hike along the Urubamba River to the Hydroelectric station for lunch. Another approximate 3 hours of hiking – through the valley and along the train tracks – brings the group to Puente Ruinas to camp for the night by the Vilcanota River.

Another early morning start along the trail soon brings the group to Km 104, and Inca Trail checkpoint. After about two or three hours along the Inca trail, hikers reach the Incan site Chachabamba for lunch and a rest, and then a guided tour of the site. After a few more hours of hiking through cloud forest and cacti, and a quick stop at a beautiful waterfall, a second Incan site, Wiñay Wayna, is reached and toured. Finally, the trail reaches the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to watch the sun set over Machu Picchu. Since it is too late to enter the city, the hike descends to Aguas Calientes to sleep in the comfortable hotel beds, which after 5 days of hiking is a welcome break.

A 2 hour hike up to the city of Machu Picchu in the early morning, after breakfast, brings the group to the city early enough to get sunrise pictures of the city and to miss most of the crowds. There is a guided tour of the Incan city, explaining the rich history of the site, after which hikers have the option of hiking to the peak of either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu, two mountains with incredible views of the city from above, another good photo opportunity. Finally, there is time for individual exploration of the city of Machu Picchu.

At the end of the day, there is a train ride from Aguas Calientes to either Ollantaytambo or Poroy, from where a bus will continue the rest of the way to Cusco. 

Machu Picchu is currently one of the most well-known Incan sites in Peru, but was not mentioned in any documents from the Spanish. At this point in time, archeologists can only speculate on the purposes of the city. Centuries before Hiram Bingham was brought to the site – by a local child, while the American explorer was searching for Vilcambamba – the local Quechuans had known about the city. Mr. Bingham exposed the site to the rest of the world, and since then, much effort has gone into restoring and studying the mysterious city. Despite this, there are still many questions about which historians and archeologists are uncertain. What is known for certain, though, is that the city of Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas”, is a truly magical destination.

Pre - Trek briefing

Our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek for your briefing. Our guide will provided the duffel bag for your personal belonging,

Note: It is very important let us know, where you will be staying in Cusco;

Professional Guides

Experienced bilingual Tour Guide. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional, and will ensure you are safe and happy.

Note: A group up to 8 participants has 1 Tour Guide, a groups over 8 participants receives 2 Tour Guides

Accomodation

Camping (4 Nights) and Hotel in Machu Picchu (1 Night)

Our tents are of the brand Eureka Mountain double  designated for 4 seasons. We provide with 3 person capacity tents; however, just 2 trek participants use it! In this way, we provide you more space and comfort. In case of a single traveller, we provide with a 2 person capacity tent.

Hotel in Machu Picchu: with private bathroom and hot water (Single, Double or matrimonial room)

Sleeping Mattress - Thermarest mattress

We provide with inflatable mattresses of the brand Therm-A-Rest. The mattresses are 3 cm heigh that will ensure you a sufficient isolation from the cold earth!

This inflatable mattress for more comfort to sleep in the trail 

Sleeping Bag

We use only feather sleeping bags that are suitable up to minus 16°C. This means you do not need to be worry about cold as temparature at night at each trek reaches just up to 0°C (maximum -5°C)!!
 

Entrance

Included the Salkantay, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

A professional Cook + Meals

5x breakfast, 5x lunch, 5x dinner, 4x afternoon´s hot beverages and Snack every morning

The Tierras Vivas chefs cook delicious meals that many previous trekkers have raved about. If you are a vegetarian or have any restrictions, our chef will prepare special food, please advise us in advance. A vegetarian meal option is for NO extra cost. Food is typically served and buffet.

Water

Excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own, Tierras Vivas will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.

Muleteer + Horses

Our horses will carry the all camping equipement for your trek and 7 kg for your personal beloging + Sleeping bag; 

An emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are a little slower;

Muleteer is responsible to take the horses;

Tierras Vivas DOES NOT permit this exploitation!! We guarantee that our horses carry only an amount given by the Peruvian law!!

Tourist Train

From Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo, there are two companies train (Incarail and Perurail),you can choose two time of your train return to Cusco

If you take the train return at 14:55, you will be in Cusco at 18:00

If you take the train return at 19:00, you will be in Cusco at 22:00

On the high season, it is very important let us know in advance, because it is very difficult find spaces available.

Cooking Equipment

Tables and chairs, cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents and bottled gas

Machu Picchu Bus

A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town

Private Transportation

Early morning transfer by private bus to Challacancha - the initial point of the trek;

The train service is finishing in Ollantaytambo Train station, then our driver is waiting for you and he will take to Cusco;

First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

Our guide has received training in first aid from a physician. Your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen.

Extra equipment for your hike included 

• A pair hiking poles
• A blanket per person
• A pillow
• Rain Ponchos;
• Duffel bag (for your personal belongings);
• A T-shirt of the Salkantay Trek Map;.

• Breakfast on the day 1 and lunch on the last day;
• Travel insurance;
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu ( U$85);
• A shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (U$12 - one way);
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory);
• Other extras not mentioned.

Solo traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "solo travel" option for this trek, you receive your own single tent for all nights.

Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek´s price!

• Zip Line in Santa Teresa:  $40.
• Up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings can be carried by the horses for no additional cost. For every additional 3 kilos of personal belongings, there is an additional cost of $20 which can be requested in the office.
• There are emergency horses available for rent along this trek if you are unsure you will be able to complete the hike, they cost $80.

Extra Information

• The camping equipment to Salkantay trek will be returned to Cusco on the 5^th day, you need to give to chef the sleeping bag and mattress.
• Camping (double tent) provided on nights 1-5.
• Hotel (double room) provided in Aguas Calientes town on 5th night.
• This trek to Salkantay includes 7 kilos of personal items and a sleeping bag (included in our service) to be carried by horses. You will need to carry with you a daypack with your camera, water bottle, snacks, cold weather clothing and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in dry season of May to October - but as a precaution) and anything you will need before lunch.
• Your bag will be available to you at lunch and it will be waiting for you in your tent at campsites.
• The bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes is included, as well as the guide of the city.

Tipping & Extra Money

It’s very important to take EXTRA MONEY. You need to take at least 200-300 soles emergency money:

• The local people built the small markets in the route and you can find the water, snacks, chocolate, soda etc.
• Your first breakfast and last lunch are not included.
• There is an $8 entrance fee to the hot springs of Santa Teresa, which are optional.
• The bus to Santa Teresa is also not included, but buses are mostly very cheap. Another option is renting a car, which is more expensive and also not included.
• Tip to Salkantay Machu Picchu: If at the end of your trek you felt your trekking guide(s), and staff did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference: however as a guideline we suggest each hiker contributes $50 per person to a collective tipping pool, more is always appreciated.

Camping and Hotel Accommodation

The camping along this trip is full service, which means that the employees will set up and strike tents, cook, and clean, and hikers only have to carry their day packs. There are also dining and toilet tents, and warm bowls of water each morning and evening for washing up.

The hotel for the final night is not a three star hotel. However, it is clean, comfortable, and safe, and the staff are friendly and helpful. It has hot water and small private bathrooms, and is located close to the train station and 10 minutes from the hot springs. In order to best fit budgets, this was the included hotel, but upgrading hotels is possible. For either changing hotels or getting a single room, communicate with the office while booking and we will do our best to accommodate, although it will cost more.

IMPORTANT: You will need to show both your passport and TAM immigration slip upon checking into the hotel. Peruvian nationals and foreigners staying over 60 consecutive days will be charged the 18% national sales tax. This will be applied to the whole room even if it doesn’t apply to both guests. Take care to not lose this immigration slip, and it is also recommended to make a copy.

• Trekking shoes/hiking boots – it is very important to wear hiking shoes that offer support, grip, and shock absorption so that you can focus on a beautiful scenery of your trek and not on your feet. The shoes also should be waterproof and provide ankle support, comfort, and protection. A rubber sole as an impact protection is also recommended.
• Small rucksackto carry your personal items during daily travels when all your baggage is not necessary.
• Travel insurance(+ copies in case of loss).
• Jacket needs to be light, waterproof, windproof, especially designed for adventure and preferably made of bright colors to make you visible from afar.
• Trekking trousersshould be convertible (trousers - shorts), should have pockets, and be comfortable in most weather. Waterproof or water resistant fabrics are also a good idea.
• Walking sticks/polesenable you to walk with ease and provide you with support on each step. They should be light, compact, preferably made of aluminum alloy and have an antishock system that absorb impacts before they reach your hand wrists. If metal, they must have plastic tips.
• Sandalsfor better comfort while at a campsite.
• Warm clothessuch as a jacket or a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights during camping).
• Hat or a capas a protection against the sun, rain, or cold.
• Sunscreen or sun block.
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body.
• Insect repellent for areas with insects.
• Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed more quickly under cold conditions).
• Flashlight/headlamp + batteries
• Handkerchiefs and toilet paper
• Small towel and toiletries
• Sufficient reserve of underwear and extra socks
• Swimsuits for when you pass through warm areas with lagoons or rivers, and for the hot springs in Agua Calientes and Santa Theresa.
• Snacks such as biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Bottled water and a water bottle to be refilled. Metallic (alternatively Nalgene) bottles are ideal.
• Water-purifying tablets if you like to use water from streams along a trail.
• Cash in a local currency
• Passport

This impressive excursion passes below the mountain mountain Salkantay (6,710 MASL), one of the highest and most impressive of the Peruvian Andes. His first days dominate the impressive snowy peaks of Salkantay and Humantay, while he travels the high Andean landscape. The third day will descend in a cloud forest, to reach Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. The impressive sacred citadel of the Incas Machu Picchu can be seen during the last day of the program. This excursion is an interesting alternative for those who have not found space on the route from the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The excursion to Salkantay, National Geographic Adventure Travel among the 25 best excursions in the world. Salkantay Trek to Inca Trail

This impressive excursion passes below the mountain mountain Salkantay (6,710 m / 22,014 ft), one of the highest and most impressive of the Peruvian Andes. Its first days dominate the impressive snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Humantay, while it crosses the landscape to the east. It is an alternative way to the Inca Trail, recognized for its natural beauty, in which you will find splendid landscapes, mountains and snowy mountains like the majestic Salkantay, we will also walk by an area known as the jungle eyebrow that will let us see many typical plants in addition to some plantations of banana, orange, coffee and the sacred plant of coca, this route will take us to Machu Picchu last day. This road is special for tourists who wish to see natural landscapes but without the same concurrence of the Inca Trail. This excursion is an interesting alternative for those who have not found space on the route from the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The excursion to Salkantay, National Geographic Adventure Travel among the 25 best excursions in the world. This tour begins and ends in the city of Cusco, for which the passenger must arrive at least a day before the city to acclimatize in our Andean city. Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The sighting excursion of Chonta Cóndor is the best way to combine the cultural and natural attractions in the peripheral zone of the city of Cusco. The viewpoint of Hauacco, with its impressive views over the Chonta Canyon, where we expect to see some Andean condors that rise in their natural habitat. The sighting excursion of Chonta Cóndor is a perfect itinerary to observe the majestic flight of the Condor (sacred animal of the Incas) of 12 feet wingspan over the Chonta canyon, having our travelers Chonta Cóndor sighting experience will also experience a moderate activity of hiking as part of the trip to the Hahuacco viewpoint over the Apurímac canyon.

About the Salkantay Trek, both the trekking fanatics and the adventurers who go for the first time will recognize the majesty of the sacred snowy Salkantay and its 6271 meters of altitude. Its snow-capped peaks and the Andean landscape as well as the challenger are worthy of any cover photograph. The highest pass during the road is 4650 meters of altitude. Conquering such a height is a privilege for the most intrepid and challenging. Salkantay Inca Trail Condor Sight