4-Day Salcantay trek to Machu Picchu

Lunch, dinner
The journey for this 4-Day Salcantay trek to Machu Picchu, begins with a transfer from your hotel to travel through the Andes until reaching Mollepata village (9,196f/2,803m) where you can gear up on last minute supplies or anything you may have forgotten back in town (water, rain poncho, bug spray, etc.). You will then continue to Challacancha (12,139f/3700m) where you will meet your horsemen and start the Trekking.

During this first day you will walk on the road that runs all the way to Soraypampa (12,795f/3900m). After having lunch, you will begin to hike up to Humantay Lake (13,779f/4,200m). This hike will be approximately 1.5 hours (1.25 m/2 km) and will take you to the skirts of Humantay Mountain where the beautiful, crystalline-blue waters of the Humantay Lake lay. After breathing in the beauty of such magical place, you will begin making your way back down until to the camp site of Soraypampa.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Maximun altitude: 13,779ft/4,200m
Minimun altitude: 9,196ft/2,803m
Walking distance: 13km/8.07ml
Approximate walking time:  6 to 7 hours

Breakfast, lunch, dinner
This second day is far away the hardest of this trek,as you will ascent to the Salkantay Pass (15,256f/4,650m). The climb to the pass takes anywhere from 4-5 hours (7.4m/12km), and it is a fairly steep grind of narrow switchbacks and steady uphills until the rock structures of the pass, finally come into view. Though the air is thin and the trail is steep, anyone who is fairly physically fit and acclimated to the altitude can make it over the pass. (Optional horse rental available to reach high pass)

Once having crossed the pass it is the start of a long path downhill to Chaullay (9,514ft/2900m) there are various small villages scattered amongst the plains, and it is incredible to think that there are a handful of local people who live permanently so far removed from modern society.  The trail weaves its way down the flank of the mountain and parallels to the Salkantay river that grows exponentially as you make your way down the valley, finally making it an hour or so before sunset we arrive to the Chaullay village. The camping here is ready.

Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Maximum altitude: 15,256 ft/4,650m
Minimun altitude: 9,514ft/2900m
Walking distance: 17km/10.56ml
Approximate walking time: 8 to 9 hours

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

You will begin this day descending from the village of Chaullay (9,514ft/2900m) to La Playa (6,771ft/2,064m/) and during this traverse is when you will notice the singular change from the Andes mountains down into the upper jungle region.  You will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, river crossing across bridges constructed from simple tree logs and branches, tropical fruits and plants before stopping for lunch.

After a well deserve lunch and rest, you will say goodbye to the donkeys and horse herders that will go back to Soraypampa and you will head to Hidrolectrica train station (6200f/1890m) by car.  From here you will have two options to choose, if you are exhausted you may take the train to Machu Picchu village (for an additional price) but if you still have the energy, you may walk for about three hours along the train track. If you choose to walk you will be rewarded with the visit of a sacred ceremonial site, the Intihuatana, that according to history, this Inca stone used to work along with the famous sun dial rock that is located in Machu Picchu, during the winter solstice, which was the beginning of a new farming season for the Incas.  You will finally reach Machu Picchu village and you will head to your hotel (hotel not included).  This night you will share a dinner with your group and guide as he briefs you on the next day’s plans before going to rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Maximun altitude: 9,514ft/2900m
Minimun altitude: 6200ft/1890m
Walking distance: 10.56 m/17 km
Approximate walking time: 6 to 7 hours

When, in 1911, the American archaeologist and historian Hiram Bingham discovered “The Lost City of the Inca Empire”, he could not imagine that he had reached the most enigmatic Inca ruins, one of the most spectacular and overwhelming places on earth that still conserves its mystery, charm and mystical appeal, despite its enormous popularity, even more so after having been designated one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Exploring the place continues to be an exciting experience, especially at dawn, when the scenic rays of light extend over the Andean peaks. At the indicated time you will approach the station to board the bus that goes up to the citadel. After the guided tour, you will descend from the archaeological zone to the station, and embark on the train Expedition which will meander slowly through the Andean landscape until you reach Ollantaytambo train station, where you will be transferred to the vehicle that will take you back to Cusco.

Maximun altitude: 7873f/2400m
Minimun altitude: 6,692f/2,040m
Walking distance:  0.93 m/1.50km
Approximate walking time: 2 hours

!IMPORTANT NOTES!

• If you do want to see the beautiful scenery and ancient buildings of Machu Picchu, book your trip early. The Peruvian Government has placed a limit on the number of people allowed to hike the trails of the citadel per day and entrances tend to book up quickly.
• For those who want to hike the Huayna Picchu mountain reservations has to be made well in advance, as the local authorities just allow 400 persons per day in two shifts of 200 persons each one (there is an additional to pay for this entrance).