Day 1 – Cusco – Challacancha – Soraypampa

We will begin our adventure by picking you up at 4:30 a.m. from your hotel before embarking on an approximately 3:30-hour drive in our private vehicle.

During the route, we will enjoy beautiful views of the mountains surrounding the Cusco Valley, including the Salkantay Mountains and several high Andean villages and extensive areas of potato and corn crops. We will arrive at the town of Mollepata (2,900 meters above sea level/9,514 feet). There, we will have breakfast and make last-minute purchases (ponchos, batteries, sunscreen, etc.).

We will then board our vehicle again for the one-hour drive to Challacancha (3,700 meters above sea level/12,139 feet). At this point, we’ll introduce ourselves to visitors and locals. This is where we’ll meet our entire trail crew (cook, muleteers) to ensure your trip is a positive and family-friendly experience. We’ll receive a warm welcome before preparing for our mountain adventure. A brief briefing will be given before the hike begins.

We’ll hike for approximately 2 hours along a flat trail to our campsite in Soraypampa (3,900 meters above sea level/12,795 feet). During this stretch, we’ll be accompanied by Nevado de Humantay (peak), 5,917 meters above sea level/19,412 feet.

Upon arrival in Soraypampa (3,900 meters above sea level/12,795 feet), we’ll set up a campsite, where the imposing Nevado Salkantay (peak), 6,271 meters above sea level/20,574 feet, will rise in view. Our gear and lunch will be waiting for us at the campsite.

After enjoying lunch and a rest break, we will begin our approximately 1.5-hour hike up to the beautiful Humantay Lagoon (4,200 meters above sea level) / 13,779 feet. We will have time to enjoy the peaceful landscape, the lagoon, the turquoise waters, and the beautiful view of the Nevado de Humantay (peak), 5,917 meters above sea level / 19,412 feet. After enjoying this special place and recharging our batteries, we will say our goodbyes and begin our return to our camp in Soraypampa.

The descent takes approximately 1 hour, around 5:00 pm. Our camping team will be waiting for you with hot tea followed by our delicious dinner.

• Difficulty level: Moderate.
• Total distance: Approx. 10 km / 6 miles.
• Hiking time: Approx. 6 hours.
• Mollepata altitude: 2,900 meters above sea level / 9,514 feet.
• Challacancha Altitude: 3,700 meters above sea level/12,139 feet.
• Humantay Lagoon Altitude: 4,200 meters above sea level/13,779 feet.
• Soraypampa Altitude: 3,900 meters above sea level/12,795 feet.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and snacks.
• Accommodation: Camping.

Day 2 – Soraypampa – Huayracmachay – Chaullay

Early in the morning, between 5:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m., we will wake you up with some hot drinks. To make your awakening more enjoyable, we will provide you with a couple of buckets of hot water for your personal hygiene.

Afterward, our cook will prepare breakfast for us, which will give us good vibes to begin our hike.

The first stretch is approximately 7 km/4.3 miles, covered in approximately 4 hours, until we reach the highest point of our expedition, the Salkantay Pass (the second highest mountain in the Cusco region), at 4,650 meters/15,255 feet. During a short break, you’ll have plenty of time to rest and appreciate the unique landscape of the Salkantay Pass. We’ll continue descending through rocky terrain until we reach our lunch point in Huayracmachay, elevation 3,900 meters above sea level/12,795 feet.

Then, we’ll continue the day descending into the high jungle where we’ll observe the impressive change in flora and fauna, with abundant vegetation, streams filled with bromeliads and orchids. This hike will take around 2.5 to 3 hours to reach our camp in Chaullay (2nd camp), elevation 2,900 meters above sea level/9,514 feet, for dinner and a rest break.

• Difficulty Level: Difficult.
• Total Hiking Distance: Approx. 19 km/11.80 miles.
• Hiking Time: Approx. 10.5 hours.
• Soraypampa Altitude: 3,900 meters above sea level/12,795 feet.
• Huyruccocha Lagoon Elevation: 4,300 masl/14,107 ft.
• Salkantay Pass Elevation: 4,650 masl/15,255 ft.
• Huayracmachay Elevation: 3,900 masl/12,795 ft.
• Chaullay Elevation: 2,900 masl/9,514 ft.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and snack.
• Accommodation: Campsite.

Day 3 – Chaullay – Hot Springs (optional) – Lucmabamba

At 6 a.m. after breakfast, we will begin a hike along cloud forest wildlife trails where you can appreciate a wide variety of fruits such as bananas, avocados, granadillas, and passion fruit. Our hike through the valley is 17 km/10.56 miles long and takes approximately 6 hours. During the hike, we will continue to appreciate landscapes with small waterfalls, orchids, and local animals.

Our lunch will be served at our campsite called Lucmabamba (3rd camp), at an altitude of 2,000 meters/6,561 feet. After lunch, you have the option of enjoying a guided tour of one of the coffee plantations before continuing your adventure. Our transportation will be waiting for us if we wish to go to Santa Teresa – Colcalmayo (hot springs optional), at an altitude of 1,500 meters/4,921 feet.

Note: After settling in, you can access the Colcalmayo hot springs by prior arrangement with your guide.

Here the group will spend the night on the last night of camping. We will then have a traditional Peruvian dinner and rest for the next day.

• Difficulty level: Easy.
• Total hike distance: Approx. 17 km/10.56 miles.
• Hiking time: Approx. 6 hours.
• Chaullay elevation: 2,900 meters above sea level/9,514 ft.
• Beach elevation: 2,064 meters above sea level/6,771 ft.
• Lucmabamba elevation: 2,000 meters above sea level/6,561 ft.
• Cocalmayo hot springs elevation: 1,500 meters above sea level/4,921 ft.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and snack.
• Accommodation: Campsite.

Day 4 – Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric Power Plant – Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)

After a delicious breakfast, we will begin our approximately 2-hour hike along an original Inca trail to Llactapata (2,800 meters above sea level/9,186 feet), an archaeological site undergoing study and rediscovery. Along the way, we will also observe a wide variety of flora and fauna characteristic of the jungle.

We will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Urubamba Valley and Machu Picchu in the distance. After a guided tour, we will descend to the Hydroelectric Power Plant (train station) at 1,890 meters above sea level/6,200 feet. We will have an exquisite lunch, the last prepared by our cook. At this point, we will wait to board our train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) at 2,060 meters above sea level/6,758 feet, 45 minutes/10 km.

On the way, you’ll see beautiful waterfalls, various organic farms, and possibly curious wildlife. We’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) at approximately 5:00 p.m. At this point, you’ll spend the night at your hotel. In the evening, we’ll all meet at a local restaurant to enjoy a well-deserved dinner and a briefing about our Machu Picchu excursion.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging.
• Total Hiking Distance: Approx. 9 km / 5.59 miles.
• Hiking Time: Approx. 6 hours.
• Llactapata Elevation: 2,800 masl / 9,186 ft.
• Hiking Elevation: 1,890 masl / 6,200 ft.
• Aguas Calientes Elevation (Machu Picchu town): 2,060 masl / 6,758 ft.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack.
• Accommodation: Hotel.

Day 5 – Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Without a doubt, the most anticipated day for many. We will be pleased to show you Machu Picchu (one of the New 7 Wonders of the World). Your guide will be ready to give you recommendations for a better visit to the Machu Picchu archaeological complex.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we will board the buses that will take you up to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu (2,430 meters above sea level/7,972 feet). We will enjoy a guided tour of the citadel’s main buildings for approximately 2 hours, with plenty of free time to explore and take photos. There is also the option to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,693 meters above sea level/8,835 feet) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 meters above sea level/10,111 feet) (reservation required, as daily spaces are limited). During your private tour, your guide will give you a detailed tour with stories and reviews about this impressive Machu Picchu archaeological complex.

Points to Visit

• The Temple of the Sun.
• The Intihuatana.
• The Quarry.
• The House of the Incas.
• Urban Areas.
• The Temple of the Three Windows.
• The Temple of the Condor.
• The Hall of Mirrors.
• The Staircase of the Fountains.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• The Temple of the Moon.
• The Main Plaza.
• The Royal Tomb.
• The Sacred Rock (please place in the assigned order).

Starting at 2:30 PM, we will meet at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes for our last lunch together. After lunch, you will receive your Expedition class train tickets for your return trip to Cusco.

All this makes Machu Picchu Peru’s main tourist destination, receiving nearly 2 million visitors a year, all of whom marvel at its majesty. Let us be your host, serving and guiding you to this Wonder of the World, and you too will be one of those privileged visitors.

SAMIN EXPEDITIONS will ensure your return to your hotel.

• Difficulty: Pleasant.
• Duration: 3 hours.
• Altitude of Machu Picchu Mountain: 2,430 meters above sea level/7,972 feet.
• Altitude of Huayna Picchu Mountain: 2,693 meters above sea level/8,835 feet.
• Altitude of Machu Picchu Mountain: 3,082 meters above sea level/10,111 feet.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (not included).
• Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.

• Experienced, professional, bilingual guide.
• Orientation meeting with your guide at your hotel 1 or 2 days before the start of the trek.
• Muleteers and mules for transporting camping gear and personal belongings.
• Rescue horse (in case of emergencies).
• Chef and cooking equipment.
• Permits: Since our tour includes Machu Picchu, a protected area, government permits are required. As soon as we receive your information and a deposit, we will purchase your permits (pending availability). These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They cannot be changed once confirmed. Only updating your passport number is allowed.
  
  
  • • Entrance ticket for the entire tour.
    • Entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

       

• Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
• All Private Transportation:
  • • Transfer from the airport to your hotel.
    • Pickup at your hotel.
    • Transportation from the hotel to the village of Mollepata – Challacancha.
    • Transportation from Sawayaco to Lucmabamba (Day 3).
    • Expedition class train ticket from the Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu).
    • Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
      Expedition class train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
    • Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
    • Transfer from the hotel to the Airport.
      
      
• 7 kg/16 lb of your personal items (clothing and sleeping bag) will be carried by the muleteers; you will only carry your backpack.
• High-quality camping equipment (for 2 people with sleeping mats).
• Dining room, kitchen, tents with tables, chairs, and portable toilets.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (vegetarian food optional upon request).
• First aid kit, including an emergency oxygen tank.
• Hot water for personal hygiene.
• Cold, boiled water throughout the tour to refill your bottles or canisters.
• *** Hotel in Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (subject to availability).

• Sleeping bag.
• Inflatable sleeping mats.
• Walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but recommended. If you don’t wish to bring any of the above, all are available for rent:
  • • Sleeping bag: $25.
    • Inflatable air mattress: $20.
    • Walking sticks (pair): $20.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain $75 USD: You must book well in advance if you wish to add an additional hike. Please let us know at the time of booking.
• Machu Picchu Mountain $75 USD: You must book well in advance if you wish to add an additional hike. Please let us know at the time of booking.
• Vistadome Class train for $75 USD: per person.
• Lunch and dinner on the last day.
• Travel Insurance:
  • • To protect your travel investment, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Obtaining travel insurance before leaving home is highly recommended and easy.
    • ***Tips for the team, guide, cook, and porters.

In SAMIN – CUSCO – TREVEL: Our staff receives a fair salary indicated as medium-high. Tips are optional but greatly appreciated.

Essentials:

• Passport.
• Valid STUDENT ID (if you booked as a student).
• Immigration Card (given at the airport upon entering Peru).
• Backpack (the smaller the better).
• Water Storage: A water reservoir like a Camelback is recommended, but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles).

For Your Duffel:

Horses or pack animals will carry up to 7 kg/16 lb of your personal items. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress if you bring one.

• 2-3 T-shirts.
• 2-3 hiking pants.
• 1 comfortable outfit for the day of Machu Picchu.
• 5 sets of underwear.
• 4 sets of hiking socks.
• 1 thick, soft scarf.
• 1 warm jacket: it gets very cold at night.
• 1 rain jacket and pants.
• 1 sun hat.
• 1 wool hat.
• Headlamp: essential
  Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, bring them).
• Comfortable camping shoes (tennis shoes).
• Waterproof hiking boots.
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
• Sandals (for showers and hot springs).
• Swimsuit (for the hot springs in Santa Teresa – Colcalmayo).
• Quickdry towel. We provide small towels; you may want to bring something a little larger.
• Battery charger: there’s no place to plug it in during the trek!.
• Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep the route clean.
• Sleeping bag: down bags rated for at least -10°C are recommended.

Toiletry Items:

• Sunscreen.
• Facial moisturizer.
• Insect repellent.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Wet wipes.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Toilet paper.

Inside Your Backpack:

Backpacks can be any size comfortable for the trek, but we always recommend the smaller the better. Bags larger than 25 liters will not be allowed inside Machu Picchu. Any larger bags must be stored outside the citadel gates.

• Water: We provide clean water at every meal. You are responsible for your first morning’s water supply, as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
• Personal medication.
• Some snacks such as chocolate bars and nuts.
• Sun hat.
• Rain gear.
• Rain poncho.
• Fleece jacket.
• Camera.
• Music.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste.
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.
• Earplugs.

What is the Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Trek is for those who know there’s more to the trek than just the classic Inca Trail or the short Inca Trail. If you’re interested in the Salkantay Trek in Peru, then you know that the Incas created other beautiful trails and that there are more ways to reach Machu Picchu. One of them is the Salkantay Trek. If you decide to take the 5-day, 4-night Salkantay Trek, you’ll discover a little-known side of Peru.

Of course, the Salkantay Trek is not for the faint of heart. The Salkantay Trek requires that adventurous spirit running through your veins. Do you think you’re up to the task of trekking the Salkantay Trek in Peru? Let’s go!

What’s on the Salkantay Trek?

On the Salkantay Trek, we find adventure activities, local people dedicated to agriculture who grow coffee, coca, and other local products. We also find medicinal and exotic plants and birds.

Why is the Salkantay Trail an alternative Inca Trail?

It’s called an alternative trail because it’s another way to reach Machu Picchu besides the already famous Inca Trail, which is in high demand and requires bookings eight months in advance.

The Salkantay Trek is the only alternative trail specializing in adventure activities such as biking, rafting, zip-lining, and hiking.

Can Machu Picchu be visited by people of any age?

Yes, it can be visited by people of all ages. However, to ascend Huayna Picchu, only people over 12 years old are allowed to visit.

What time can I enter Machu Picchu?

Public access is from 6 am to 5 pm.

What to see in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is home to nearly 150 amazing structures. These are some of the highlights:

• The Temple of the Sun.
• The Intihuatana.
• The Temple of the Three Windows.
• The Temple of the Condor.
• The Hall of Mirrors.
• The Staircase of the Fountains.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• The Temple of the Moon.
• The Gate of the Sun (Intipunku).
• The Main Plaza.
• The Royal Tomb.
• The Sacred Rock.