5-Day Salkantay Snow-Peak Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco

5 Days Duration

Experiences

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About This Tour

Follow one of Peru’s most scenic trekking routes on a 5-day journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Hike through dramatic mountain landscapes, pass beneath the snow...

Duration: 5 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Challenging · Accommodation: Included · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Salcantay · Languages: English, Spanish

Know before you go: Machu Picchu has implemented new visitor circuits, with three main routes with specific differences to distribute passengers in various areas. These changes are intended to improve the visitor experience and preserve the integrity of the archaeological site. The circuit with route 2 will be given as priority and if it is not available, the options of taking circuit 3B or circuit 1B will be informed so that you can confirm your decision before the tickets are issued.; A minimum of 2 people per booking is required; Trek difficulty level is moderate; It is recommended that your bring a: rain jacket, coat, sunscreen, hat, down sleeping bag and hiking shoes; Note: hikers should have spent at least 2 to 3 days acclimatizing to the higher altitudes in the Cusco region prior to embarking on this trek; Maximum of 9 passengers per tour; Recommended travel is between April-November. The months of December-March are rainy season; You must book and pay for your own accommodation in Aguas Calientes on Day 4. Once you have made the necessary arrangements, please provide your complete hotel information.; This activity includes roundtrip transfer from your hotel, apartment or home. Some locations are in areas where the access by vehicle is not permitted. Send your details in order to arrange your pickup and drop-off in a nearby place.; Not wheelchair accessible; Not stroller accessible; Not suitable for pets; No public transportation nearby; Infants must not sit on laps; Infant seats unavailable; Not recommended for people with back problems; Not recommended for pregnant travelers; Not recommended for people with heart conditions

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What's Included

*3 nights accommodation
*Breakfast
*Lunch
*Dinner
*Hotel pickup & drop-off.Note: Some hotels are in areas where the access by vehicle is not permitted.
*Professional bilingual guide (English - Spanish)
*Assistant guide for every nine clients.
*Transfer Cusco – Soraypampa.
*Warm meals during the trip: 03 breakfasts, 04 lunches, 03 dinners, 03 teas, 04 snacks.
*Bipersonal tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, cooks and kitchen personnel, tables, benches.
*Sleeping bag
*Hot water in lavatories, for personal hygiene
*Cook and assistant cook.
*Horses to carry personal luggage (10 kg)
*Shortwave radios.
*First-aid kit,
*Oxygen
*Mattress air thermarest
*Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
*Train from Hydroelectric Station – Aguas Calientes Station.
*Bus up / down the citadel
*Return to Cusco:
*Train from Aguas Calientes Station to Ollantaytambo Station /
*Ollantayatmbo Station – Hotel in Cusco (by bus)

Not Included

*Gratuities
*Accommodation in Aguas Calientes
*Walking sticks (available for rent)
*Dinner (4thday)
*Breakfast and lunch (5thday)
*Extra services not mentioned in the itinerary
*Tips and extra expenses.

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Day 1: Cusco / Mollepata / Soroycocha

Very early in the morning, we will go toward the small village of Mollepata, characterized by a temperate climate and vegetation of the high jungle region. On our way, we will visit the archeological complexes of Quillarumiyoc and Tarawasi. We will also observe the Humantay snow-capped mountain. We will continue our journey to Soraypampa, from where we will start our trekking to another wonderful landscape, the Salkantay snow-capped mountain. Finally, we will get to the lagoon of Soroy Cocha, point of our first camp. Distance: Mollepata - Soroycocha: 5km Trekking: 4.30 – 5 hrs. Maximum altitude reached: 4,485 mt. / 14,715 ft.
2

Day 02

Day 2: Soroy Cocha / Kelkamachay / Colcapampa

After a hearty breakfast, we will go on our trekking around the Salkantaypampa snow-capped mountain. We will climb up to reach the Huayrapampa pass, located at 4,600 meters above sea level. Next, we will head toward the Huayrapampa community, where we will eat lunch. Last, we will continue to get to Colcapampa, place where we will camp. If we wish, we can enjoy the hot springs of Colcapampa. Distance: Soroycocha - Colcapampa: 12km Trekking: 7.30 - 8 hrs. Maximum altitude reached: 4,800 m. / 15,478 ft.
3

Day 03

Day 3: Colcapampa / La Playa

We will start our day with healthy mate to wake up reinvigorated. After breakfast, we will continue with our trekking. Unlike the previous days, we will descend and enter the high jungle or ceja de selva, where we will observe all lush vegetation, breathtaking waterfalls up to 80 meters, as well as attractive varieties of orchids, birds, insects, and other animals native to the area. Finally, we will get to our camp in Sawayaco. § Distance: Colcapampa – La Playa: 14km § Trekking: 7 – 7-30 hrs. § Maximum altitude reached: 2,840 m. / 9,317 ft.
4

Day 04

Day 04: La Playa / Llactapata / Machu Picchu Town

Very early, we will start our trekking toward the village of Lucmabamba. We will take an ascendant road through the subtropical forest to reach the Inca Complex of Llactapata, also known as the "Town of Heights", which is located at the foot of a mountain on the left bank of Cusicacha River. From Llactapata, we will observe part of Mach Picchu and the mountain ranges of the forest. Next, we will go on towards the hydroelectric plant, from where we will see the Valley of Urubamba River. We will depart to Aguas Calientes by train. Overnight at one of the hotels in Aguas Calientes. First part: Distance: La Playa - Hydroelectric: 12km Trekking: 6.30 – 7 hrs. Maximum altitude reached: 2,450 m. / 8,038 ft. Second part by train: Distance: Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes: 11 km Duration: 35 min.
5

Day 05

Day 5: Machu Picchu town / Lost Citadel of Machu Picchu / Cusco

Early in the morning, our guide will take us to the Lost City of the Incas to visit the Inca complex and its terraces, steps, ceremonial shrines and urban areas. Magic is all around the place. We will have time to peacefully explore the city on our own. At the arranged time we will return to Cusco by train and be transferred to our hotel.