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7 Days$2690USD

Activities
  • 4 day trek
Accommodation
  • 3 nights hotel
  • 3 nights camping
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts
3
Introductory

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

Trip highlights


  • Trek the picturesque Salcantay region with dramatic mountain scenery & enjoy 3 hearty meals a day on trek prepared by our cooks
  • Hike up the Salkantay Pass (4,638m) and admire the amazing views
  • Discover the enigmatic ruins of Machu Picchu
  • Journey to the beautiful Sacred Valley and the village of Ollantaytambo
  • Undertake a trek through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations, enjoying scenic lunch stops

Arguably the best short trek alternative to the classic Inca Trail. Our Salkantay Trek follows an ancient Inca trail located in the same region as the Inca Trail where dramatic mountain scenery is complemented with lush sub tropical jungle. There are also two very interesting Inca sites on this route one on the drive to the trailhead and another on the last day of the trail. These add a further dimension to this trek which also includes spectacular close up views of Mount Salkantay regarded by the locals as sacred and certainly one of the most stunning snowpeaks in the Peruvian Andes. The highest point on this alternative trek is the Salkantay Pass at 4,638m which is slightly higher than the highest point on the classic Inca Trail at Warmihuañusca Pass at 4,200m. Discover the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.

Trip Code: STM

This morning you will be collected from your hotel in central Cusco at 9am (please ensure you advise your reservations consultant of your pre tour hotel details if you have not booked this with World Expeditions). A first trip briefing will be conducted during the drive to the Sacred Valley. We leave Cusco and head to the Chinchero Plateau to explore Chinchero, an important town in Inca times. The most striking remnant of this period is the massive stone wall in the main plaza which has ten trapezoidal niches. There are beautiful views overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the snow-capped peak of Salkantay dominating the western horizon. Chinchero is believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. Next we discover the mysterious concentric circular terraces of Moray which, according to some scholars, could have been an agricultural research centre. From here we head to the salt mines of Maras. This village is a salt-producing centre that dates back all the way to pre-Inca times. There are over 3000 salt pools all carved into the mountain side. Due to a change in regulations, visitors are not allowed to walk through the salt mine anymore to avoid contamination of the salt. We will go to a lookout point from where we have stunning views of the salt pools. From here we will walk for about 1 hour mainly downhill to Pichingoto. Enjoy this rarely walked path and soak up the incredible setting of the Sacred Valley. Our car will be waiting for us in Pichingoto and we drive to our hotel in Ollantaytambo. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the beauty of this famous town. Overnight: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar

Meals:  Nil

Today we enjoy another day in the beautiful Sacred Valley with a tour of Ollantaytambo. During our time in Ollantaytambo we visit its remarkable temple/fortress set high on a ridge above the village. We also explore the quaint village itself with a fascinating mixture of Inca and Colonial architecture. This evening we have a pre-trek briefing with our trekking guide and prepare for our trek. Overnight: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar.

Meals:  B

After an early breakfast we visit the Tarawasi Archaeological Site near the town of Limatambo. Pass through the mountain village of Mollepata, where we stop for coffee before ascending a winding mountain road to Challacancha (3,870m). Here we will meet our mule driver and begin our trek to Soraypampa (3,900m) where we have lunch. Continue the climb towards the stunning Humantay Lake (4,221m). Return back to Soraypampa, which will be the first campsite, and from where we enjoy magnificent views of Salkantay Mountain (6,270m). One of the most sacred peaks in Inca mythology. Overnight: camp

Meals:  B,L,D

This is the main day! After an early breakfast, we hike up to the highest point on the trek which is the Salkantay Pass (4,638m). There we will stop to enjoy the amazing views of snowcapped peaks of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range in every direction, and the glaciated south face of Salkantay towering above us, where Andean condors can be seen. From the pass we descend towards Wayracmachay to lunch and then continue our descent along the left bank of the Salkantay River. Observe the landscape become increasingly green, changing from highland to jungle or cloud forest. Feel the warm air rising from the jungle, accompanied by colourful butterflies and striking orchids, while arriving to the second camp at Andenes (2,890m), a beautiful spot surrounded with vegetation. Overnight: camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will hike along the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas. We pass through banana, granadilla, avocado and coffee plantations. A hot picnic lunch is served along the way. After lunch, we hike for about 2 hours before a private vehicle meets us for a short drive to the beginning of the Llactapata Inca Trail (30min approx). From the head of the newly restored Inca Trail we easily make our way to the last campsite at Lucmabamba. In the evening we try some of the local coffee with our host, a local family. Dinner will be served and then spend the night in the camp. Overnight: camp

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we will head uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata Pass (2,735m) and descend to the archaeological complex of the same name. Enjoy a distant but spectacular view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast, a view few travelers get the chance to admire. Lunch is served in a scenic viewpoint, looking out to Machu Picchu. Later we begin the final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations. Finally, we will get to the Hydroelectric Power Station, to board the train to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night. Overnight: El Mapi hotel or similar.

Meals:  B,L

This morning we get up early to savour the views and atmosphere of the mystical morning light over Machu Picchu. We will enjoy a guided tour of the sanctuary. In the afternoon or early evening we depart from Machu Picchu for the train ride back to Ollantaytambo where we transfer to our vehicle for the drive back to Cusco where the trip concludes. NB - depending on train schedules, we may arrive into Cusco very late at night. *Important: To ensure the protection and conservation of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and enhance the visitor experience, several restrictions and regulations are in place. The site features three main circuits divided into ten predetermined routes. Visitors are limited to a maximum of four hours within the site to reduce congestion and preserve the ruins, and admission is not permitted after 4pm. Additionally, all visitors must be accompanied by a guide. Despite these restrictions, World Expeditions endeavours to ensure you have a memorable and fulfilling Machu Picchu experience. OPTIONAL HUAYNA PICCHU CLIMB OR MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN CLIMB - For the adventurous, you can purchase a permit for either the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb (please enquire for costs). Choosing this option means forgoing the guided tour of Machu Picchu, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. Huayna Picchu, with its narrow trails, reaches an elevation of 2,963m, while Machu Picchu Mountain, with a wider path, peaks at 3,082m. Both climbs are steep, slippery, exposed, and involve vertiginous drops, requiring a minimum of 3 hours return. Note that these climbs are not guided. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, and a waiver form must be signed before purchase. Both permits are limited and sell out quickly, so please contact us if interested.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
  • Pick up from Cusco hotel on day 1
  • Comfortable and central hotels
  • Expert bilingual guide for each section
  • Sightseeing and site entrance fees as listed (including Machu Picchu entrance fee)
  • The use of a gear pack including sleeping bag, fibre filled jacket, thermarest and headtorch
  • Group camping equipment
  • Pack animals or Porters to carry personal gear
  • Private internal transportation
  • Group medical kit

  • International flights and taxes
  • Airport transfers
  • Cost of laundry and alcoholic beverages
  • Excess baggage costs
  • Medical treatment
  • Visa costs
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)

About Your Leader

Our Salkantay Trek guides are bilingual and many of our treks are conducted in English as well as Spanish.


Departure dates

Weekly every Wednesday from March to December

Notes

Note:
As our journey will commence early on day one, it is imperative you arrive the day before the trip commences. We can assist with hotel bookings, ask us for details.
Note:
Christmas, New Year and Easter surcharge may apply.

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$2690USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain - additional permit costUSD$90
  • Single SupplementUSD$230
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Why travel with us

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Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

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Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

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 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

Videos

Salcantay Trek to Machu Picchu - The Best Alternative to the Inca Trail

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