Embark on an epic 5-day adventure on the Salkantay Classic Trek to Machu Picchu. This thrilling journey takes you through stunning landscapes, remote mountain passes, and ancient Inca ruins, culminating in the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.
Experience the rugged beauty of the Salkantay Mountain, with its snow-capped peaks and dramatic valleys. Trek through diverse terrain, from high-altitude passes to lush cloud forests, immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery along the way.
Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Incas as you explore lesser-known archaeological sites and learn about their ancient traditions. Marvel at the engineering marvels of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and soak in the spiritual energy of this ancient citadel.
With experienced guides and a team of support staff to accompany you, this trek offers an unforgettable adventure, combining physical challenge, natural beauty, and cultural discovery. Get ready to create lifelong memories on the Salkantay Classic Trek to Machu Picchu.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
04:30 AM
Over the course of 5 days, you can expect to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Peruvian Andes, immerse yourself in ancient Inca culture, and witness stunning natural landscapes.
During the trek, you will hike through diverse terrain, including mountain passes, lush valleys, and cloud forests. You’ll have the opportunity to marvel at the majestic Salkantay Mountain, which reaches heights of over 6,000 meters, and explore remote villages where traditional Andean culture thrives. Along the way, you’ll encounter archaeological sites and learn about the fascinating history and mythology surrounding the Incas.
As you approach Machu Picchu, anticipation builds, and on the final day, you’ll have the awe-inspiring opportunity to witness the iconic ancient city in all its glory. Standing atop the Sun Gate, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This journey is a perfect blend of challenging trekking, cultural immersion, and the ultimate reward of discovering the magnificent wonder of Machu Picchu.
We will collect you from your hotel and transport you to the starting point where we will commence our hike at Challa Cancha along a spacious pathway. We will gradually ascend the valley’s slope, covering approximately 16 km / 9.9 miles.
The scenery throughout the day is breathtaking, as you will encounter a diverse array of indigenous flora and fauna during the trek. Towards the day’s end, we will witness the towering snow-covered peaks of Humantay and Salkantay (The Savage) above us.
Our overnight campsite is situated at Soraypampa (4000 m / 12750 ft.), and the nighttime temperature can be quite chilly, marking the coldest night of the journey.
This will be the trek’s lengthiest, loftiest, and most challenging day. Consequently, it will also be the most splendid day, as the scenery encountered throughout will transition dramatically. We will commence our journey from the elevated Puna region adorned with Andean vegetation, then ascend towards the Salkantay pass.
The entire area is filled with rocky terrain. Upon descending the opposite side, we will enter the warm and luxuriant cloud forest. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to observe a diverse range of wildlife. Our campsite for the evening will be located at Collpapampa (2900 m / 9514 ft). It is advisable to apply mosquito repellent at this point.
Following your morning meal, you will embark on the briefest day of the hike towards the village of La Playa. Situated 12 km downstream from the Collpapampa campsite, the trail guides you alongside the Lluskamayo River, where an abundance of verdant vegetation thrives, featuring diverse coffee plantations and indigenous fruit groves.
Tonight, we will establish our campsite at the populated village of La Playa (2400m / 7874 ft.). In this vibrant community, you can indulge in sampling locally cultivated coffee. If you’re interested, there are hot springs nearby that you can visit.
Simply inform your guide in advance, and they will arrange the necessary arrangements for you. Alternatively, you can opt to spend the afternoon unwinding in the village of La Playa.
We will rouse you from slumber at dawn. Following your morning meal, we will undertake the final portion of the trek towards Aguas Calientes town, situated at the foot of the Machu Picchu Citadel.
The primary objective for today is to explore the Inca site of Llactapata. We will traverse the original Inca Trail, arriving at Llactapata by early to mid-morning, granting us breathtaking vistas of Machu Picchu.
Once the Llactapata tour concludes, we will descend the mountainside, passing through Santa Teresa until we reach the Hydroelectric Station. Lunch will be served at this location, accompanied by coca leaf tea to combat weariness and replenish vitality.
Next, we will embark on a three-hour hike along the railway tracks, leading us to Machu Picchu Pueblo. You will be provided with accommodation in a private hotel room equipped with its own bathroom.
At daybreak, we will board a bus destined for the Machu Picchu citadel, embarking on a 30-minute ascent up the hill. Our guide will provide assistance in navigating the security checkpoint and entering the citadel.
Once inside the citadel, you will be treated to a magnificent spectacle as the clouds disperse, revealing the breathtaking sight of Machu Picchu’s walls shimmering in the golden rays of the sun.
A two-hour guided tour will be conducted, allowing you to delve into the historical wonders of the citadel. Following the tour, you will have some leisure time to explore the citadel independently. If you have made arrangements to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, our guide will direct you to the trailhead.
Alternatively, you can embark on a hike to the Sun Gate or Intipunku, the entrance for those on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
After exploring Machu Picchu, we will return to Aguas Calientes by bus. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. Later, at approximately 04:00 PM, we will board a train back to Ollantaytambo.
Upon arrival, our representative will greet you and facilitate your transfer back to your hotel in Cusco. The journey spans roughly three hours, taking you through the scenic Sacred Valley of the Incas. We anticipate reaching Cusco by 09:30 PM.
The Sakantay trek was an incredible adventure! The breathtaking landscapes, challenging trails, and knowledgeable guides made it an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
