Day 1 – Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon – Suyruccocha

We will begin our adventure with a 4:00 a.m. pickup from your hotel before embarking on a 3:30-hour journey in our private vehicle.

During the route, we will enjoy beautiful views of the mountains surrounding the Cusco Valley, including Salkantay Mountain (peak) at 6,271 meters above sea level/20,574 feet, several high Andean villages, and extensive areas of potato and corn crops.

We will pass through Mollepata (2,900 meters above sea level/9,514 feet), a small town along the route, where we will stop for last-minute shopping (ponchos, batteries, sunscreen, etc.) and continue our journey to the village of Soraypampa (3,900 meters above sea level/12,795 feet). We’ll have breakfast and be introduced to our support team (cook and muleteers), ensuring a pleasant trip in a family-friendly environment. They’ll give us a warm welcome and give us enough time after breakfast to get ready and begin our mountain adventure.

Before starting our hike, a brief briefing will be given. We’ll begin our approximately 1.5-hour hike up to the beautiful Laguna de Humantay (4,200 meters above sea level) / 13,779 feet. We’ll have time to enjoy the tranquil landscape, the lagoon, its turquoise waters, and the beautiful view of Nevado de Humantay (peak), 5,917 meters above sea level / 19,412 feet.

After enjoying this special place and recharging our batteries, we’ll say our goodbyes and begin our return to our camp in Soraypampa. We’ll then continue a gradual ascent toward Salkantaypampa (4,100 meters above sea level / 13,451 feet). The halfway point between Soraypampa and the Salkantay Pass is where our cook and the muleteers will be waiting with lunch ready so you can enjoy Andean cuisine.

After enjoying lunch and a rest, the trek will continue to our campsite in Suyruccocha, 4,300 meters above sea level/14,107 feet, located at the foot of the Salkantay mountain (highlighted in bold). This section will be filled with breathtaking views as we will be very close to the peak. Our staff, as usual, will be waiting for us with hot tea followed by our delicious dinner.

• Difficulty level: Challenging.
• Total distance: Approx.
• 12 kilometers/7 miles.
• Hiking hours: Approximately 7 hours.
• Mollepata elevation: 2,900 meters/9,514 feet.
• Soraypampa elevation: 3,900 meters/12,795 feet.
• Humantay Lagoon Elevation: 4,200 meters above sea level/13,779 feet.
• Salkantaypampa Elevation: 4,100 meters above sea level/13,451 feet.
• Suyruccocha Elevation: 4,300 meters above sea level/14,107 feet.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and snacks.
• Accommodations: Camping.

Day 2 – Suyruccocha – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay – Lucmabamba

For this day, your support staff will wake you up early, bringing a hot drink to help you get off to a good start.

With luck, when you open your tent, you’ll see the sunrise over the peaks, lifting the clouds from the glaciers. You’ll have time to pack and enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by your mountain chef. (Please correct this on the website as it appears in the text provided.)

We’ll start early at 5:30 a.m. After breakfast, we’ll prepare for the most difficult hike of the trail. We’ll pack our gear and begin the approximately 1-hour hike to the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass, at 4,650 meters above sea level/15,255 feet. The highest point is located between the two imposing snow-capped mountains: Humantay (5,917 m/19,412 ft) and Salkantay (6,271 m/20,574 ft) (the second highest mountain in the Cusco region).

After enjoying this achievement and taking as many photos as possible, we will begin the descent through rocky terrain until we reach our lunch spot at Huayracmachay (3,900 m/12,795 ft). After a well-deserved rest, we will continue descending into the high jungle. Along the way, you will appreciate beautiful waterfalls, rivers, flora full of orchids, bromeliads, and fauna native to the area. Here, you will experience a different tropical forest microclimate.

This hike will take around 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the next hamlet, Chaullay (2,900 m/9,514 ft). Our private vehicle will be waiting for our arrival to take us to our camp in Lucmabamba, at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level/6,561 feet, located one hour from the Chaullay hamlet.

Lucmabamba is characterized by its warm atmosphere and its presence as a producer of coffee, cocoa, and other jungle beans. In this village, we will have a demonstration of the coffee-making process, from its beginning as a fruit to its final cup. Simply brilliant.

At night, we will have dinner and a brief explanation about the following day.

• Difficulty Level: Difficult.
• Total Hiking Distance: Approx. 15 km/9 miles.
• Hiking Time: Approx. 7 hours.
• Suyruccocha Altitude: 4,300 meters above sea level/14,107 feet.
• Salkantay Pass Altitude: 4,650 meters above sea level/15,255 feet.
• Huayracmachay Altitude: 3,900 masl/12,795 ft.
• Chaullay Altitude: 2,900 masl/9,514 ft.
• Lucmabamba Altitude: 2,000 masl/6,561 ft.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and snacks.
• Accommodation: Campsite.

Day 3 – 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 center 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 hike, you’ll see beautiful waterfalls, various organic farms, and possibly curious wildlife. At approximately 5:00 p.m., we’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). At this point, you’ll spend the night at your hotel. In the evening, we’ll all meet at a local restaurant for 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 4 – 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.

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 of 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: 2,430 meters above sea level / 7,972 feet.
• Altitude of Huayna Picchu: 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.