This express version of the Salcantay Trek is available for trekkers short on time. You will arrive to Machu Picchu via train from Hidroelectrica. The hardest part is on Day 2 due to our ascending at 4600 m/15090 ft to the Salcantay Pass to Machu Picchu.
(B) = Breakfast / (L) = Lunch / (D) = Dinner
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa (L) (D)
We will leave from Cusco approximately at 4:30 a.m toward Soraypampa (3850 meters above sea level). During the trip we will have panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay, other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River. About 1:00p.m., we will have breakfast Peruvian lunch. After lunch, we will continue hiking toward Humantay Lake for 3 hours aproximately, this is a beautiful lake in the mountains. We will come back to our camp where the tents will be ready for you as well as your dinner.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Chaullay (B) (L) (D)
Today, nature will change drastically from dry sceneries to snowy peaks and tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, we will start the most difficult part of the trek. We will start the hike around 7:00 in the morning. We will hike to a place called Pampas Salkantay, then go toward the left side of the snowy peaks of Umantay located next to the Apu Salkantay. At midday, we will be on the highest point (4600 meters above sea level). We will appreciate spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay (6264 meters above sea level) which is known as the second highest point of the Cusco region. Around 1:00 p.m., we will have our lunch, in the area called Huayracmachay. After a trek of approximately 3 hours, we will arrive to our camp in Challway (2920 meters above sea level). Around 7:00p.m., we will recuperate from the trek and eat dinner.
Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa (Sawayaco) – Aguas Calientes (B) (L) (D)
Around 5:00a.m., we will start our trek and we will enjoy the beautiful sunrise. We will walk for about 5 hours toward Playa Sahuayaco and during this period; we will observe a town called Collpabamba, also called the “Forest Cloudy Brow” where waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. If we are lucky, we will be able to observe the famous bird called the “Cock of the Rocks’. Once at Playa Sahuayaco, we will take a local bus to drive us to the hydroelectric train station. At around 1:30p.m., we will have our lunch at the hydroelectric. We will take a train from the hydroelectric to the town of Aguas Calientes (2000 meters above sea level). Here, you have the option of going to the thermal hot springs. We will have dinner at 7:00p.m. and accommodation at the hotel or hostel of your choice.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco (B)
Today, you will start early at around 4:30a.m. and walk up to Machu Picchu. In Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour for about two hours and after that you will be free to explore the Citadel and take pictures, if you desire, walk up to the Sun Gate or ascent toward the Huaynapicchu Mountain. 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.
Inclusions
Included:
- Bus from Cusco to Mollepata (beginning of the trail)
- Horses to carry the equipment.
- 6 Kilograms of your luggage.
- Cook and horsemen.
- Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, tables and seats cooking tent and eating tent)
- English/Spanish speaker professional guide during all Tours.
- Meals (03 breakfast / 03 lunches / 03 dinners).
- First aid kit and Oxygen balloon.
- One night in aguas calientes.
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
- Tourist Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Bus Ollantaytambo-Cusco
- Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Transportation from playa to hidro.
Not included:
- First breakfast
- Last lunch
- Slepping bag
