The Salkantay mountain is the highest peak of the Vilcabamba mountain range, located in the Cusco Region. This mountain is situated approximately 60 kilometers (40 miles) northwest of Cusco city. Salkantay is the 38th highest mountain in the Andes and Peru’s twelfth tallest.
Because of Salkantay’s closeness to Machu Picchu, walking around it is a viable alternative to the overcrowded Inca Trail. This route is known as the Salkantay trek. This hike is open to everybody, with no space or permit restrictions. Additionally, it has been designated one of the top 25 treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine
The Salkantay trek provides an incredible variety of sights and adventure chances found nowhere else in Peru. Imagine a hike with a spectacular view of the world’s most beautiful mountains, followed by a soak in the hot springs of Cocalmayo, all within 50 km (31 miles).
It is recommended to hike the Salkantay Trail during the dry season, between April and October. During the rainy season, the route becomes difficult to traverse due to the frequent rains and mist.
We are a local tour operator specialized in providing luxury tours to Cusco. We have years of experience planning tours and treks. Our tour guides are professionals authorized by the local government to provide their services.
We also offer guided tours to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Humantay Lake, and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Explore the wonders of Cusco with us.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
6:00 am
We will pick you up from your hotel room in Cusco around 6:00 am. Then, we will drive to the cozy Mollepata village, located at 2,976 meters (9,763 feet) above sea level. We will have breakfast once we arrive at Mollepata.
After breakfast, we will start our adventure on the Salkantay Trek. First, we will hike to the enchanting Humantay Lake. We will stop there to appreciate the unique colors of this glacier lagoon. Then, we will trek to Soraypampa village, which is located at 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) above sea level.
We will set up our campsite at Soraypampa, have dinner, and spend the rest of the night. On the first day, we will have walked around 15 km (9.32 miles).
The second day of the Salkantay Trek is often considered the most difficult. We will leave our campsite after having breakfast early in the morning. Then, we will head to the Salkantay Mountain Pass, located at 4,650 meters (15,255 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass is the highest point of the entire Salkantay Trek.
Once we cross the Salkantay Pass, we will descend to Huayracmachay, where we will have a short break and have lunch. Afterwards, we will head towards Collpapampa, where we will set up our campsite. After having dinner, we will spend the rest of the night there. On the second day, we will have hiked around 22 km (13.7 miles)
After having breakfast, we will leave the campsite. Then, we will hike to Playa Sahuayaco, where we will stop to have lunch. Afterwards, we will head to Santa Teresa town.
Santa Teresa is located at 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) above sea level, in a region known as the “high jungle”. Along the route you will start to notice how the climate slowly starts to warm up. Once we arrive at Santa Teresa, we will visit the famous Colcamayo’s hot springs. You will have the chance to soak into the warm and relaxing waters of these hot springs.
We will have dinner and spend the night at Santa Teresa town. On the third day we will have walked around 16 km (9.94 miles).
We will leave Santa Teresa early in the morning, after having breakfast. Then, we will hike to the Hidroelectrica station, which is located between the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Aguas Calientes town. Once at Hidroelectrica station, we will stop to have lunch.
Afterwards, we will continue to walk to Aguas Calientes. Once we arrive at Aguas Calientes, our personnel will transfer you to your hotel room. Then, you will be free to explore the town on your own. You can visit the local market to buy some souvenirs, or go to the famous hot springs. On the fourth day, we will have walked around 16 km (9.94 miles).
We will wake up early in the morning to have breakfast. Then, we will board a bus to Machu Picchu citadel. The bus trip will take around 40 minutes to complete. After passing the security checkpoint, we will enter the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Then, you will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu. You will visit the most emblematic places of the citadel, such as the Main Temple, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, among other Inca marvels. If you have purchased an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu mountain or Huayna Picchu mountain, our staff will guide you to the respective entrance. After the tour, we will return to Aguas Calientes.
Once in Aguas Calientes, you will be free to have lunch at a local restaurant. The lunch is not included in the tour price. Afterwards, we will catch a train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Once in Ollantaytambo, our staff will transfer you to Cusco city. You will be arriving in Cusco around 9:00 pm.
The “Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu” with Machu Picchu Luxury Travel was an absolute masterpiece of adventure and luxury. This tour exceeded all expectations, offering an extraordinary blend of breathtaking landscapes, challenging trekking routes, and impeccable luxury accommodations along the way.