The Salkantay, nicknamed "The Magic Mountain", is a mountain of 6,264 meters of altitude. It rises up in the heart of the Vilcanota Cordillera, and offers a panoramic view of the site of Machu Picchu. This is the culminating point of a of five days circuit combining, with unequalled magnificence, a natural environment of great beauty with the Pre-Hispanic historical vestiges of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.
Trek 5 days in Salkantay
Map
Itinerary
- Day 1: Cusco
- Day 2: Collpapampa
- Day 3: Collpapampa - Santa Teresa
- Day 4: Santa Teresa - Llactapata - Aguas Calientes
- Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
TRAVEL BOOK
Day 0:
Day 1: Cusco
Early morning departure by private vehicle to Mollepata at 3 000 meters altitude.
From the village, you will go to the village Marcoccassa, meeting place of the trekking team. The day will begin with a walk in a marvellous valley surrounded by impressive snowy mountains like Nevado Humantay (5 217 meters) or the peak of Salkantay (6 264 meters).
You will set up your camp in the Soraypampa.
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Altitude difference: +750 / - 0
Included : all inclusive, guide (hiking), excursion (private)
Included opts : Private transport, Private transport
Day 2: Collpapampa
After breakfast, you will hit the walk for col of Salkantay (4 600 meters) which offers an incredible view on the snowy peak of Salkantay (6 264 meters). The hike will continue in downhill and you will leave the marmots in the high mounts to discover a luxuriant ecosystem.
You will set up the camp in Chawllay in the middle of the tropical forest in altitude.
Hiking time: around 9 hours
Altitude difference: + 850 / - 1 700
Climate : warm with presence of mosquitoes
Included : all inclusive, guide (hiking), porters, excursion (private)
Day 3: Collpapampa - Santa Teresa
This day will be probably the best of the trek. The road continue through transverse valleys where tropical vegetation offers the possibility of observing different types of orchids. After that, you will keep going to Playa (camp to have a rest) in downhill to reach Santa Teresa where you will enjoy the thermal baths in the end of the day.
Hiking time : around 6 hours
Altitude difference: + 850 / - 1 700
Climate: warm with presence of mosquitoes
Included : all inclusive, guide (hiking), excursion (private)
Day 4: Santa Teresa - Llactapata - Aguas Calientes
You will start the day off with a walk to the unknown archaeological remains of Llactapata. Then, you will descend to Santa Teresa's hydroelectric Centre. In the afternoon, you reach the village of Aguas Calientes along the rails and the Vilcanota River.
Night in an hotel 2* in Aguas Calientes.
Walking time: 7 - 8 hours
Altitude difference: + 550m / - 700m
Night at hotel Presidente.
Included : all inclusive, guide (hiking), excursion (private), room & breakfast
Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
Early morning departure by bus to reach the entrance of Machu Picchu. You can enjoy its spiritual charm during a guided tour (about two hours) that helps you to understand the meaning and ancient use of the different buildings. After this tour you will have enough time to explore the archaeological site on your own (f.ex. go to the Inca Bridge, explore the variety of buildings or climb Huayna Picchu for an amazing panorama picture). Next a bus takes you down to Aguas Calientes. We will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon to reach Cusco.
Included : entrance fees, private transport, train ticket, guide (hiking), excursion (private)
Night in the hotel Presidente SIA Aguas Calientes
Level : 2*
Included :
room & breakfast
Presidente Hotel Machu Picchu is located in the heart of Aguas Calientes, beside the River Vilcanota. It is a clean ans friendly hotel. All rooms have private bathroom and hot water. Some of them have small balconies with great views over the river Vilcanota.