Salkantay trek to machu picchu 5 Days

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco – Soray Pampa – Salkantay Pampa

Salkantay trek to machu picchu We will leave the hotel at 5:30 am. to travel by bus to Mollepata (2,100m altitude). From Mollepata we will continue by bus to Soraypampa, where our adventure will begin until we reach the impressive Humantay glacier lake (4200m.s.n.m / 13779 feet). Once at the lake, you will have time to explore the surroundings and relax, enjoying the beautiful views of this spectacular turquoise water lake.

Then we will continue for two more hours until hour lunch spot, where the chef awaits us to serve us a delicious meal prepared with organic products. After lunch, we will continue for two more hours along a beautiful valley with meandering streams until we reach Salkantay Pampa (3900 m.a.s.l. / 12795 feet).

This base camp offers you an unobstructed view of the Salkantay Mountain and the starry sky at night. Get ready to have dinner, look at the stars, and sleep under a million stars!!!

• Meals: Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner.
• Accommodation:camping
• Elevation: 4,200 m/13,779 ft
• Distance: 9 km
• Walking time:Approximately 8-6 hours
• Difficulty:Moderate.

Day 2: Salkantay Pampa – Paso Salkantay 4650 – Colpapampa:

This day begins with the blessings bestowed upon you by the beauty of nature. We will wake up early to admire the spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains. After breakfast, you will ascend for 2 hours to the highest point of the Salkantay Trek at 4,630 meters above sea level (15,190 feet). Once at the top you will have time to explore and enjoy the area and even visit a beautiful lake at the base of the Salkantay Mountain.
Then we will descend for 3 hours to the lunch spot in Wayracmachay (3800m.s.n.m / 12467ft). After lunch, we will prepare for the last part of the trek. A 3 more hours of descent from where the air is dry and cold, towards the lush cloud forest where the weather is hot and humid. Without a doubt, this is one of the fastest temperature and landscape changes you will experience.

The camp is located next to the town of Collpapampa at 2,770 meters above sea level (9,087 feet).

• Meals:Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner.
• Accommodation:camping
• Elevation:4 650 m/15,252 ft.
• Distance: 16 km
• Walking time:Approximately 9-10 hours
• Difficulty:Challenging

Day 3: Colpapampa – Lucmabamba

We are in the middle of our extraordinary adventure, so emotions are activated: Our destination today is the town of Lucmabamba about 12 km through the Colpapampa valley. Our route takes us along the Lluskamayo River through an area full of life that has coffee and fruit plantations.

The scenery in this area is not as impressive as it was the day before, but the warmth and lush vegetation make a difference from the high mountains we have left behind. Tonight we will stay in the town of Lucmabamba (2400m.a.s.l./7874ft.).

Here there are many places where you can buy snacks and refreshments; you can also try some of the locally grown coffee.

If you are interested, there is the option to visit some nearby hot springs.

Let the guide know in advance so that he can organize it for you.

• Meals:Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon tea – Dinner.
• Accommodation:camping
• Elevation:3 000 m/9,840 ft.
• Distance: 15 km
• Walking time:Approximately 6-7 hours
• Difficulty:Moderate

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llaqtapata – Aguas Calientes Town

Today is the final part of the trek before reaching Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Today’s main focus is a visit to the Inca site of Llactapata perched high on the mountainside. Following an original Inca Trail we will arrive at Llactapata early or mid-morning and we will be able to enjoy the fantastic views of Machu Picchu that we get from here.

After the visit we will continue our way until we reach the town of Hydroelectric town, where we will have lunch. This day we will say goodbye to our chef. After lunch we will continue our walk until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes.

• Meals:Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner.
• Accommodation:camping
• Elevation:2 640 m/ 8 659 ft.
• Distance: 14 km
• Walking time:Approximately 6-7 hours
• Difficulty:Moderate

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco

This is the day you have been waiting for! You will visit the famous sacred city of the Incas with your tour guide: The best time to start your day is after breakfast at your hotel, you will take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is approximately 30 minutes. Our tour guide will take you to the best place to see the sunrise and take pictures, before the other hikers arrive. Then we will start the guided walking tour for two hours.

We will explore the famous places of this impressive citadel, including the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Three Windows and other important places. Then you and your guide will separate and if you have booked the option of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (this must be reserved in advance and has an additional cost) you will have free time to walk and explore on your own. In the afternoon you will return to the bus and head to the town of Aguas Calientes. Then you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our bus will be waiting for you to return to Cusco.

• Meals:Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner.
• Difficulty:Easy