04 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Group Service

The 4-day Salkantay trek has without a doubt the best scenery that the Andes has to offer – everything from the native forest of the high Andes to snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and cloud forest.

Overview 4 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu:

DAY 1: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – SUYROCCOCHA (L)(D)

Firstly, we will depart very early from Cusco, at 04:00 am, and make the roughly 3-hour journey to the town of Mollepata, the gateway to the Salkantay valley. Then, Along the way, you will experience many different micro-climates and altitudes. Each with its unique agricultural essence, such as the town of Limatambo, known for its avocados. Here we will have a quick breakfast before continuing back up in elevation to the community of Soraypampa where we begin our trek.

Consequently, continuing roughly 03 hours up to Salkantaypampa (4,100 meters/ 13,451 feet), we will have lunch below the massive glacier of Salkantay. After that, we will continue slowly up to our final camp at Suyroccocha (4,600 meters/ 14,336 feet). Here we will settle in for the night right at the foot of Salcantay pass at an astounding  6,271 meters/ 20,574 feet), and weather permitting, a spectacular night show of constellations and the possible shooting star.

DAY 2: SUYROCCOCHA – SALKANTAY PASS – HUAYRACMACHAY – COLLPAPAMPA (B)(L)(D)

After an early breakfast and a beautiful Andean sunrise, we will begin our ascent, roughly 01 hour, to the high Salcantay pass at 4,630 meters/ 15,190 feet). The views at this elevation are spectacular, surrounded by glaciers and the view of the valley below. Then, As we descend the Salkantay route, the ecosystems will change from alpine and the vegetation will slowly increase. If we are lucky, it is possible to see local birds and mammals as we trek. Our lunch spot will be in the community of Huayraqmachay, still in the high elevations near the glacier.

So, after that, we will descend and you will feel the abrupt change in climate as we enter the humid cloud forest, with dense vegetation and more wildlife. As a result, after about 04 hours, we will arrive at Collpapampa (2,920 meters/ 9,514 feet). Here the weather is more tropical and full of wildlife as well as abundant flora. Our campsite will be here near the river and the forest.

• Max Elevation: 4,630 meters / 15,190, feet
• Distance: 22 km / 13,57 miles

• Lodging: Campsite in Collpapampa

DAY 3: COLLPAPAMPA – SAYAHUACO– HYDROELECTRIC STATION – AGUAS CALIENTES (B)(L)(D)

Our walk continues today through the dense vegetation of the high Andean jungle and through the fields of fruit that can now grow at this elevation. For instance, Bananas, Coffee, Avocados, and Cacao are the most common in this area. Similarly, the scenery becomes that of waterfalls, orchids, and plenty of birds. Subsequently, we will stop for lunch in the community of Sayahuaco (2,064 meters / 6,771 feet), followed by a short journey by car to the Hydroelectric Station. From here we continue by foot to Aguas Calientes (2,050 meters/ 6,571 feet) over roughly 03 hours.

NOTE: It is optional to take a short train ride here instead of walking for an additional cost of $31). Arriving in Aguas Calientes we will find our hotel and settle in before we reunite for dinner at a local restaurant.

• Max Elevation: 2,920 meters / 9,514 feet
• Min Elevation: 1,890 meters / 6,200 feet
• Distance: 20 km/ 12,42 miles

• Lodging: Golden Sunrise Hotel Machu Picchu or similar

DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (B)

Most importantly, on this day we visit one of the wonders of the world, the majestic city of Machu Picchu. We will wake early to have breakfast and board the bus up to Machu Picchu, and, if we are lucky, receive the first rays of the sun as dawn breaks and lights up this magical mountain. Consequently, the guided tour through the Sanctuary will last roughly 2 hours. Later, we will begin our return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and rest before our late afternoon train to Ollantaytambo. Following our journey by train, our land transport will await our transfer to Cusco and back to your Hotel.

SALKANTAY 4 DAYS INCLUDED:

• Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. At this time, we will provide you with the duffle bags which will be carried by our horses. The meeting will be at 06:00 PM 01 or 02 days before the trip begins.
• Professional English Speaking Tour Guide.
• Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+.
• Professional Chef.
• Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment and 7kg of your personal items.
• Door-to-door service. Pick-up from your hotel located around the historic center of Cusco.
• Water (excluding the first 04 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own).
• 03 Breakfasts, 03 Lunches, 03 Afternoon Snacks, and 03 Dinners.
• If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know (food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude. Teatime every day (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn).
• Wake up tea: Every morning at the campsite, you will be woken up with a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
• Dining tent with tables and chairs.
• 4-man tent for every 2 trekkers.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes – Day 03.
• Double thickness foam sleeping mattress (which you must carry).
• Inflatable pillow (which you must carry).
• Oxygen bottle.
• First aid kit.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu.
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (round trip)
• Train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
• Transportation Ollantaytambo-Cusco.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us). US$ 25.00
• A Pair of Walking Sticks (Can be hired from us). US$ 15.00
• Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 04.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain US$ 85.00
• Tips.
• Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

OUR GROUP SIZE: We offer small groups, not more than 10 people.

Discounts for Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu:

• Group of 05 or more: US$ 25.00 All of you need is to book the trek altogether at the same time.
• Under 18 years old: US$ 25.00 Please send us a copy of the passport at the booking time.
• Student Discount (Maximum Age 25 years old): US$ 25.00 Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. Likewise, For those using a university student card to receive the discount, we need to see a copy of the card at booking. Similarly, For those booking children 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. So, Please send all to info@inkayniperutours.com.  More Information about STUDENT CARD.

Why book with Inkayni?

Inkayni Peru Tours is a local tour operator exceptionally recommended by its clients, guidebooks, forums, and others. Our principal objective is to provide the best service, achieve the maximum satisfaction of our customers, and assume the responsibility as guardians of Nature in all our undertakings.

• Experienced and Professional Team: Get assistance and support from our team, a group of specialists highly qualified to organize your trek to Machu Picchu.
• Eco-friendly Local Tour Operator: We respect and protect the environment and the local communities that we visit. We use biodegradable products, recycle waste, support local businesses, and donate to social projects.
• Door-To-Door Service: Pick-up and drop-off are included at no additional cost from your hotel or Airbnb located mainly in the surrounding area of the Historic Center of Cusco.
• Delicious Andean Fusion Food: During your expedition to Machu Picchu, taste delicious foods prepared by our highly recommended chefs for this kind of experience to Machu Picchu. If you have any dietary request or allergy let us know.
• High-Quality Camping Equipment: Included kitchen tent, dining tent with tables and chairs, portable private toilet, and comfortable 4 people Eureka Tent (2 people per tent).
• Comfortable Sleeping Pads: Included double thickness foam sleeping mattress, and inflatable pillow.
• Labor Welfare: We take care of all our staff, and fully comply with the salary and insurance of our porters, cooks, horsemen, and additional staff.

Max & Lee (Youtubers) Salkantay trekking with our team