Our second day begins with the enjoyment of a delicious breakfast, to then undertake our 2-hour ascent to the highest point of the Salkantay route, the Salkantay Abra (4,650 meters/15,255 feet). Getting spectacular views and photographs of the trail and glacier-covered monañatas.

After conquering the Salkantay Abra, we will begin the descent and notice how the ecosystems will change from alpine to denser vegetation. If we are lucky, it will be possible to see local birds and mammals as we walk. Our lunch will be given in the Huayraqmachay community.

After lunch, we will continue the descent and we can feel the abrupt change in climate as we enter the humid cloud forest, with a greater presence of dense vegetation and more wildlife. Finally, after about 4 hours, we will reach Collpapampa (2,920 meters/9,580 feet), here the climate is more tropical with abundant flora, a great place to spend the night and recover energy for the next day.

Our hike continues today through the dense vegetation of the high Andean rainforest and fruit fields such as bananas, coffee, avocados, and cocoa, which are the most common in this area. The landscape has waterfalls and a great variety of orchids and birds.

Once we reach the community of Sayahuaco (2,064 meters / 6,771 feet), we will have our delicious lunch, followed by a short drive to the hydroelectric station. From there we will continue on foot after a 3-hour trip to Aguas Calientes (2,050 meters/6,571 feet), where we will rest in the hotel, and in the evening we will have dinner in a tourist restaurant.

NOTE: If you no longer want to travel this last stretch, you can take the train instead of walking for an additional cost of US$ 31.00 which will take you to Aguas Calientes station. Remember to request this change at least 1 day in advance

This is the most awaited day, as today we will visit one of the wonders of the world, the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, we will get up early to have breakfast at the hotel and proceed to board the bus to Machu Picchu, if we are lucky, we will receive the first rays of the sun at dawn that will illuminate this magical mountain.

The guided tour of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu will last about 2 hours exploring this wonderful place from another world. At the end of this tour, we will return to Aguas Calientes town to have lunch and rest before boarding our afternoon train, which will take us to Ollantaytambo. Our private transport will be waiting for us to carry to the hotel in Cusco. Thus ending this great tour of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

OPTIONAL FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK:

Certainly, an extra night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged. This option is popular as it allows more time to explore Machu Picchu (Machu Pichu elevation 2400 m). This way you may visit the local hot springs which can be a treat after your 4 days of Salkantay Trek.

The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is the second most famous trekking route in Peru, which allows you to visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. It is also a more challenging alternative to the Salkantay Trek, as it develops at a higher altitude and the trail is more stony. However, it also provides you with a visually stunning experience across various landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, and the Andean rainforest.

In contrast to the Salkantay Trek with its exclusive archaeological sites, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a journey of more adventure and natural landscapes, ideal for travelers who like more scenic landscapes. In which you will enjoy the beautiful views of the Andean mountains, part of the dense Cusco jungle, and the famous Nevado Salkantay.

During the Salkantay Trek tour 4 days and 3 nights, we will reach different elevations. Starting the trek at an altitude of approximately 2,900 meters/9,514 feet in the Mollepata town and during the journey you will reach the maximum altitude of 4,650 meters/15,255 feet, which is reached in the Salkantay pass on the second day of the tour.

Along your excursion from the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu you will face different challenges such as height variations (ascents to snow and descents to the Cusco jungle), climate changes, temperature, and stony terrain. You should consider the recommendations of the professional guide in charge and have a good physical condition to overcome the challenges since this path is considered moderate to challenging.

Perform previous training exercises such as small regular walks, cardiovascular exercises, and muscle strengthening. These exercises will help you with the resistance to the physical effort to overcome the long hours of continuous trekking. This will help you to have a more comfortable and pleasant experience.

The tour of the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu begins as soon as we get off our transport in the town of Mollepata, point from where we will start a walk along this incredible path, crossing arid terrain, then pass through dense areas of vegetation and finally until you reach Machu Picchu.

Note: Remember that this tour starts from the pick up of your hotel and ends at the return in Cusco.

This trail does not usually have complications when booking, as it is not as famous and crowded as the Salkantay Trek, so you will not have to worry about finding a space to travel this path, However, it is highly recommended to consult with our sales agents, who will inform you of the updated availability and the ideal dates to make this trek.

The Salkantay Trek route does not require mandatory permits like the Inca Trail, which means you can do it on your own, however, to enjoy a safe and formal adventure, it is essential to hire the services of a travel agency like Inkayni Peru Tours. Ensuring services such as transportation and trained staff from the beginning to the end of the tour.

While it is true that the availability of this trail is not limited, the recommendation is to make your reservation as soon as possible or 3 months before your chosen date, since the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a famous trekking route and maintains a stable level of demand.

Yes, it is essential to deposit to reserve a space in the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, for which you must contact our sales agents and check the availability of your favorite date.

After availability for the Salkantay Trek has been confirmed for the requested date, it is essential to deposit 40% of the total amount of the trek to secure your trip. These deposits can be made by credit or debit card, bank transfer, Western Union, and PayPal.

Once the payment has been made, the reservation will be confirmed by email to the email you provided during the booking.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to make changes to the dates once the reservations have been confirmed, this is because the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are purchased as a priority, and are not transferable or refundable. It is important to be sure you select the correct dates when booking.

It is important to note that once the deposit has been made for the Salkantay trek 4 days 3 nights, this amount is used to acquire the entry permit to the Archaeological Complex of Machu Picchu and ensure all the necessary services for the tour on the date requested. And if it is canceled, this amount cannot be recovered.

Unfortunately not, as the revenues to Machu Picchu are for unique and personal use, therefore, they are non-transferable. Once a deposit is issued, it is filled in with the customer data and subsequently cannot be modified.

The main difference between these versions is apart from techniques such as duration, cost, and difficulty. For that reason, the classic requires a somewhat higher level of resistance since you will travel the trails in a shorter time.

On the other hand, the Salkantay Trek 5 days, is designed for travelers who want to travel this path more gradually, giving you a quieter experience and with the plus of being able to visit the beautiful Humantay Lagoon on the first day.

The main reason to spend 2 to 3 days in the city of Cusco (3,399 m) before making the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, is acclimatization, during this time you can take the opportunity to walk around the city or take one of the following tours, that will help you acclimate much faster.

City Tour Cusco: explore the city of Cusco with an afternoon guided tour.

Sacred Valley + Chinchero Tour: If you do this tour and plan to stay in Ollantaytambo, we will organize your pick-up at this place, with prior coordination with our travel agents, to start your walk on the Salkantay Trek.

South Valley Tour: Explore the route south of Cusco as you acclimate to the altitude of the Andes.

If we fail to find a space on the required date, our sales agents will contact you to offer alternative dates or alternate versions such as the Salkantay Trek 5 days and the short Salkantay Trek. We can also offer you alternate treks, which are amazing and can give you a dream experience.

• 04 Day Inca trail to Machu Picchu
• 03 Day Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu
• 04 Day Lares trek to Machu Picchu
• 04 Day Inca Jungle trail to Machu Picchu

In contrast to other agencies that operate with numerous groups, Inkayni Peru Tours offers you the experience of trekking in small groups of only 10 people. This is done to ensure a more personalized and comfortable experience at all times.

The best season to make the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, is during the dry season, which covers from April to October, since during this season the days are sunny and the possibility of rains is almost zero, something that significantly helps to have a quiet and safe experience during the journey.

However, it is important to consider that, during November to March, the trail has a lower influx of travelers, due to rain. Something that positively affects the flora, is ideal if you are an enthusiastic nature traveler.

There are no age-specific restrictions or rules for performing the Salkantay Trek, however, at Inkayni Peru Tours as a responsible travel agency, we will only accept reservations for children aged 12 and over, as long as parents take full responsibility for them throughout the walk.

Therefore, children under 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult and for passengers from 60 years to older, it is recommended to hire an additional muleteer.

To ensure an optimal adaptation to the altitude and minimize the symptoms of altitude sickness that may happen during the trek, we advise you to spend at least two days in the city of Cusco before starting your adventure. This period will allow you to adapt effectively to exceed the height of the Salkantay Snow, also remember to follow the following tips:

• Keep proper hydration.
• Avoid alcohol consumption before and after arriving; wait to adapt.
• Limit red meat consumption in the first few days.
• Opt for light fruits and soups in your initial diet.
• Take mate de coca, ideal for reducing symptoms, but do not abuse, as it could cause insomnia and upset stomach.

The trekking trail has fairly marked altitude variations, crossing snow at more than 4,600 masl and then a descent to the jungle area of Cusco, so, if possible suffer the symptoms, even mildly at best. So you must take into account not to exceed its limits and in case you have any symptoms, inform the guide as soon as possible and thus, you can take the necessary measures for recovery.

At Inkayni Peru Tours we consider the importance of varied, nutritious, and above all delicious food, so we offer a wide variety of foods in the Salkantay Trek. That is why we will offer you 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and 3 happy hours so that you recover all the energy of the trek and at the same time enjoy a culinary experience of the highest level.

If you are vegetarian, vegan, or otherwise, you must inform us to ensure a personalized dining experience.

If you have luggage that will not be necessary during your journey on the Salkantay Trek, you can keep it in your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer this service at no additional cost). In case your hotel does not offer this service, we will take care of storing your luggage safely in our facilities.

Yes, it is highly recommended to have trekking poles for the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Since they provide you with additional support when walking through the varied terrain of this trail, reducing the impacts of each step while offering an improved balance.

If you do not have canes to make Salkantay Trek, you can rent them with us for an extra price of USD 15.00.

The briefing is important, as you will have the opportunity to meet your guide, who will explain important details about the activities, itinerary, the clothes you should wear and the weather conditions you will face (according to your season).

Note: if you have not yet canceled the remaining balance of the trek, you can do so during this meeting.

This tour already includes a carrier to carry your luggage (7 kg), in which you must include all the necessary items and in case you have extra implements such as professional film equipment, if you can access an additional muleteer, who can carry your belongings for an additional cost.

If you are a solo traveler, you will share the tent with someone of the same gender. In case you strictly require a personal and private tent, you will need to consult with our sales agents to know the amount to pay.

Yes, along the Salkantay Trek, especially in the towns, you will find houses that provide this service, which is usually very basic and with cold running water.

During your Salkantay Trek tour, you will likely find limited or no telephone and internet connection due to the mountainous geography and away from the tech cities. It is important to remember that the purpose of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is to appreciate the natural environment, get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and return with renewed energies.

You can opt for the Vistadome train from Peru Rail if you want to improve your train travel experience when returning from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, for which an additional cost of USD 45.00 (per route) will apply. We advise you to contact our sales agents for detailed information on this topic.