Salkantay, trek 5 days 4 Nights, Backpacker

Day 1: Hostel pick-up and transfer by bus to Mollepata (altitude: 2,900 meters), the beginning point of the trek where we will get started with a 3 hour walk to Sayllapata for lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped Humantay and Salkantay mountains. We will ascend 4 hours to Soraypampa (3,920 meters), the highest and coldest camp of the trip.

Day 2: Today we will hike uphill again approximately 4 hours to cross the highest pass of the trek at 4,650 meters where we can see the mighty Salkantay and Tucarhuay peaks on either side of us. After a 2-hour hike, a well-deserved lunch will be served and followed by a downhill 3-hour trek to our campsite at Challhuay or Colcapampa as we near the beginning of the high jungle region at 2,900 meters.

Day 3: Our hike will descend into the upper jungle region crossing over the Lluskamayo River and winding through streams and waterfalls with tropical flora. Our camp at La Playa (2,100 meters) or Santa Teresa town (1,700 meters) is much warmer with nearby hot springs to soak our hard-worked bodies.

Day 4: Our last day on the trail will take us from Santa Teresa (1,700m) along a relaxing path for 3 hours to reach the hydroelectric station (1,880m) where a box lunch will be served. (*Optional bus transfer from Santa Teresa to the hydroelectric station). From here Aguas Calientes (2,010m) is another 3 hour slight uphill walk where we finally have time to relax and take a dip in the hot springs before recharging our batteries and getting ready for our visit to Machu Picchu.

Day 5: Our trek ends with a rewarding guided tour of the much anticipated Machu Picchu archaeological site early in the morning as the mist dissipates at sunrise. Hardy hikers can trek up Wayna Picchu or walk to Inti Punku for postcard photo opportunities of Machu Picchu. The day is free for exploring the site and relaxing in the hot springs in Aguas Calientes. Take the return train back to Ollantaytambo, bus to Cuzco and hotel drop off.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

• Pre-departure briefing
• Cuzco Hotel Pick-Up
• Professional English/Spanish/Quechua Speaking Guide
• Tourist bus Cuzco - Mollepata (starting point of trek)
• Tourist train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
• Tourist bus Ollantaytambo - Cuzco
• Cuzco Hotel Drop-Off
• Machu Picchu Entrance Fee
• 1 night hostel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
• Sleeping mattress
• Meals: 4B/4L/4D/snacks with typical menus
• 4-man tent for 2 people
• Porters and cook to carry shared camping and cooking equipment
• First Aid kit
• Emergency oxygen bottle.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Sleeping bag
• Inflatable sleeping mattress
• Day 1 Breakfast
• Day 5 Lunch
• Round trip Tourist Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes ($14 USD round trip)
• Tips for guides, cooks, horsemen.
• Bottled water (NOTE: you need to bring your own bottled water on the first day. You will have access to boiled water during the trek. We recommend bringing water purification tablets and an aluminum water bottle so you can drink water at any time during the trek).

Detailed Itinerary >>