SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

Timing: 5 days, including Machu Picchu Tour
Grade: Challenging – good fitness required

For adventurous people we offer this excellent alternative trek to Machu Picchu-taking a route around Mount Salkantay. At a towering 6264m Salcantay is the 12th highest peak in Peru.

The remote path we take winds through an amazing variety of landscapes and habitats varying from green, rich valleys full of blossoming forests and trees of different species, to highland fields and glacial moraines flanked by steep rocky and icy peaks of impressive beauty.

Our special route follows a traditional but seldom travelled Inca trail leading up from the Urubamba River past remote ruins, then higher still into breathtaking alpine areas where we have some of the most glorious views and campsites in the Andes all to ourselves.

Enjoy the majestic mountain scenery, unique flora & fauna in relative tranquility, well away from the busy & crowded classic Inca Trail.

There are some long days on this trek. It is important to be well acclimatised to the altitude and to have a good fitness level, and be able to hike for long days.

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa

We will leave Cusco very early in our private bus and drive to Mollepata (2800m). Here we meet our horsemen and start hiking. We climb gradually, enjoying the Apurimac river canyon, little groups of traditional houses, small wild birds and a spectacular view of the snowy peak of Humantay to reach our camp at Soraypampa (3900m). From camp we appreciate the view of the majestic Apu Salcantay mountain (6271m).
Driving time = 4 ½ hours
Hiking time = approx. 6 to 7 hours
Distance hiked = approx 10kms

Day 2: Soraypampa – Collpapampa

We start the day climbing steadily for approx. 3 hours to Apacheta Pass (4,650m). From the pass we have spectacular views of the stunning snow covered mountain Salkantay (6264m) and other mountains more, as well as the white river below and several small lakes. From the pass we descend to camp at Chaullay (2920m). A fantastic but demanding days hike.
Hiking time = approx. 8 hours
Distance hiked = approx 20kms

Day 3: Collpapampa – La Playa

We start with an easy 3 hour hike to Uscamayuc, from where we will enter a semi tropical region and see a fascinating variety of different kind of plants, fruit plantations, flowers & many species of birds. We continue hiking along an undulating trail to the village of La Playa 2400m.
Hiking time = approx. 8 to 9 hours (including rest stops)
Distance hiked = approx. 15kms

Day 4: La Playa – Aguas Calientes Town

From La Playa we take a local transportation to Lucma and from here we start a climb of about 3 hours to Llactapata ( a newly discovery Inca Site ). We then hike down hill for about 2 ½ hours to the Hydroelectric Station where we should arrive approx. 3:00pm. We will take the local train 45 minutes to Aguas Calientes where you can enjoy a relaxing swim in the towns famous hot springs. Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Hiking time = approx. 5 to 6 hours
Distance hiked = approx. 10kms

Day 5: Machu Picchu Full Day and go back to Cusco

After an early breakfast from Aguas Calientes we take the bus to Machu Picchu. We start our visit with a 2-3 hours guided tour. The rest of the day we spend at this amazing ruin and you will have the chance to climb Wayna Picchu or visit the beautiful moon temple. We meet in the afternoon in Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cuzco.

Download PDF for climb description & notes

Contact us for more information and prices.

If you know, tell us the approximate dates that you would like to be climbing and the number of people in your group, as well as if you prefer a private climb or would be happy to join with other people.

 

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