Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu - 4 Days

from£1,246ppincluding flights
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Who is this trip for

Genders

  • Female36%
  • Male64%

Average age

31
12 Min99 Max

Start / End

  • Cusco
  • Cusco

Physical rating

3/5

Group size

2 - 10

Meals included

10

Highlights

  • Cross the majestic Salkantay Pass and marvel at the turquoise beauty of Humantay Lake before reaching the iconic Machu Picchu.
  • Unwind each night in a luxury glamping beneath the stars to rustic Andean huts and a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • Dive into Andean culinary heritage with a hands-on Pachamanca and savor the flavors of freshly brewed coffee at a local farm.
  • End your journey in style with a scenic ride on the Vistadome or 360° train, taking in stunning views as you return to Cusco.

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Summary

Embark on a 4-day journey along the stunning Salkantay route to Machu Picchu, traversing high-altitude landscapes that include the dazzling turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, towering mountain passes, and vibrant cloud forests. Along the way, immerse yourself in Andean culture with a traditional Pachamanca cooking class and a visit to a local coffee farm. The adventure culminates with a guided exploration of the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, followed by a scenic return to Cusco aboard the panoramic Vistadome train.

Map

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Cusco - Humantay Lake - Trexperience GlampingArrival Day

    Your journey begins with an early pickup in Cusco around 4:30 a.m. and a drive through the mountains to the trailhead. Stop in Mollepata to enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast before continuing along winding roads with beautiful scenery. Begin the trek surrounded by valleys and glaciers, where wildlife like Andean geese and vizcachas can be spotted. Hike up to the turquoise Humantay Lake(4200 m / 13779 ft), one of the most stunning sights in the Andes. Explore the lake, take photos, and enjoy the views of the towering peaks. Afterward, descend to Soraypampa where a freshly prepared picnic lunch awaits. Continue the hike to Salkantaypampa and arrive at the exclusive Trexperience Salkantay Glamp campsite. Relax with tea time, share a delicious dinner and end the evening admiring a star-filled sky.

  • Day 2: Salkantay Glamp Campsite - Wayracmachay – Collpapampa

    Wake up to a warm drink and step outside to breathtaking views of the mountains. After breakfast, start the ascent toward the legendary Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). Walk among glaciers and rugged peaks, with turquoise lakes shimmering at the base of the mountains. Pause at the top to admire the dramatic landscape and capture unforgettable photos. Continue downhill as the scenery shifts from andean terrain to lush cloud forest. Enjoy lunch at Wayracmachay in a peaceful spot surrounded by valleys and waterfalls. Follow the trail deeper into the forest, listening to birdsong and the sound of rivers along the way. Arrive at Collpapampa, a charming village where you will spend the night in cozy Andean huts. Share dinner and relax in the tranquility of nature.

  • Day 3: Collpapampa – Pachamanca and Coffee Experience – Aguas Calientes (16km, 8hrs)

    Begin the day with breakfast in the green valleys of the cloud forest. Hike through tropical paths filled with orchids, waterfalls, and jungle plants until reaching Lucmabamba. Take part in preparing a Pachamanca, an ancient Andean cooking ritual where food is baked with hot stones. Enjoy this traditional meal before visiting an organic coffee farm. Learn about the cultivation and roasting process and prepare a fresh cup of coffee with beans harvested in the valley. After this cultural experience, continue the journey with a short drive to Hidroelectrica. Walk along the railway tracks through lush landscapes and rivers until you arrive in Aguas Calientes. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

  • Day 4: Machu Picchu - Vistadome Train - Cusco

    Wake up early and take the bus up to Machu Picchu. Enter the citadel as the morning sun lights up the ancient stone city. Follow your guide through temples, plazas and terraces while learning the history and secrets of the Inca civilization. Wander along the pathways and capture panoramic views of the Lost City of the Incas. After the guided tour, return to Aguas Calientes and enjoy free time to explore or have lunch on your own. Board the panoramic Vistadome or 360° train for a scenic ride back through the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, your transfer will take you to your hotel in Cusco, marking the end of your unforgettable adventure.

Prices & Availability

    What's Included

    • Meals

      Breakfasts: 4, Lunches: 3, Dinners: 3Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.Vegetarian options available

    • Local Guide

      Guided

      This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

    • Wifi

      Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

    Essential trip information

    Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

    Important notes

    1. We strongly recommend you arrive in Cuzco at least 2 days prior to the trek commencing to help you acclimatise to the altitude. This reduces the risk of serious problems with altitude significantly. Salkantay is a challenging trek with a significant increase in altitude on the first day and we would recommend a day trek to higher altitude booked in the days prior. 2 There is a pre-departure briefing the evening before the trip commences in Central Cuzco. 3. Please let us know where you will be staying before and after the trek so we can organise transfers. We are happy to help book accommodation. 4.If you are planning to renew your passport before you travel please let our team know immediately, it is vital these details are correct for permits. 5. A sleeping bag is required for the trek - if you don't wish to travel with one then they can be hired in Cuzco. 6. At the start of 2023 it is anticipated that Covid restrictions will still be in place in Peru, which means the Sun Gate and Inca Bridge are likely to be closed at Machu Picchu and the visit round the site will be on a controlled route.

    Laundry

    Your hotel in Cusco may have this service, so may be able to do laundry after your trek. Please check with the accommodation if this is available.

    Luggage During the Trek

    The tour operator will provide a personal porter for your belongings (up to a maximum of 7 kg in weight). You will be provided with a duffel bag at the briefing (on the night prior to your trek) in which you can pack all your belongings the night before. Please remember this duffel bag also needs to contain your sleeping bag and air mattress. All you need to carry with you on the trek is a small, light daypack for your water, snacks, camera, etc. so you can relax and enjoy the journey! Our porters also carry all the equipment and food required for the trek. The porters will reach the lunch locations and campsites ahead of you and set everything up so its ready for your arrival

    Luggage storage

    During the trek you do not need to be concerned about where to store your luggage. If you cannot store it at your hotel then the tour operator are happy to look after it for you. Just have your bags ready and clearly identifiable on the morning of your trek, the tour operator will keep them safe and return them to you at the end of your experience when we drop you off at your hotel.

    Packing List

    Trekking Gear * 4 seasons Sleeping bag (sleeping bag can be rented) * Duffel bag or Rucksack (70-80 litres) (we can provide one) * Down Jacket * Daypack (25-30 litres) * Trekking Poles (can be rented) Feet * Socks: 4 pairs of liner socks, synthetic or capilene, 3 pairs heavy weight socks (woollen) to be worn over liner socks. Good socks should not be underestimated! * Trekking Boots: We recommend a good quality boot with a hard lug-cleated sole and ankle support. Boots should be sturdy enough to tackle rough terrain. For this trek a mid-weight leather or Gore-Tex/Cordura style is an excellent choice. If you are buying boots for your trek, make absolutely sure that they are comfortable over a long days walking before leaving the UK. * Sandals (optional): A pair of lightweight shoes or sandals will be very useful for wearing around the camp after the day’s trekking. Clothing & Accessories * T-Shirts- For lower altitudes and on warm days a baggy cotton T-shirt or cotton shirt is a practical item. Highly recommended are synthetic T shirt styles that wick away moisture from the body. They are particular useful above 2500m when, even on warm days, you chill quickly when stopping for rests. * Thermal Underwear- Synthetic polypropylene long johns and long-sleeved vests are highly recommended for other months. They also make ideal sleeping gear. * Waterproof Jacket - Quality waterproof clothing is essential. A proofed nylon or Gore-Tex jacket with hood is a good option. * Fleece jacket or pullover. * Ladies - it’s a great idea to bring a sports bra or two! * 1 pair liner gloves, or warmer gloves in colder months. * Shade hat or baseball cap – some people drape a bandana down the back of their head and then put a baseball cap on to hold it in place. This can be a flexible alternative while keeping the sun off your ears and neck. * Warm wool hat or synthetic hat that covers your ears. * Headlamp: Black Diamond and Petzl both make several good ones. Make sure to bring extra batteries and that they are lithium batteries so that they will last in the colder temperatures. These are indispensable for getting around at night, reading, etc. so, don’t go cheap here. * A neck warmer (optional): is another piece of gear for extra warmth if you feel you will need it Toiletries ● Quick drying towel (medium sized) * Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable) * Multipurpose soap/ handwash * Deodorants * Nail clippers * Face and body moisturiser * Feminine hygiene products * Small mirror * Wet wipes * Sanitizers Miscellaneous, but essential!! * Valid Passport * Passport size photos (2 + copies). * Airline ticket saved offline * Luggage Locks (2) * 2 strong plastic garbage bags or dry bags (for laundry and in case of rain) * Refillable water bottle * Durable wallet / pouch for travel documents, money & passport. * Lip balm. At least SPF 20 * Sunscreen. SPF 40 is recommended at higher altitude Personal First Aid Kit Please note our guide will also carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However, we still recommend you bring your personal first aid kit as well ● Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches. * Ibuprofen for general aches and pains. * Imodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhoea * If you are considering altitude medication PLEASE discuss with your GP before departure. You can buy this over the counter in cuzco but we strongly recommend against doing this without medical advice. It is essential that you let your tour leader know if you are taking this as it can mask symptoms of more serious problems at altitude. * 1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc. Your guides will have more extensive medical gear, but you should have the basics for general use. Optionals * 1 pair adjustable trekking poles. Although these are listed as optional, these can be of great support for knees, ankles and hips, especially when going downhill - an underestimated challenge! * Favourite snack foods, keeping in mind weight limits * Extra contacts or glasses * Sleeping bag liner if desired * Hydration bladder with drinking tube and tube insulator * 1 small stainless-steel thermos

    Weight Limits

    The tour operator will provide you with a duffel bag in which you can pack any items that you won’t need to keep with you during the day. Our porters will carry this bag for you throughout the trek. Please note this bag should weigh a maximum of 7 kg including the weight of your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring / rent one). When rented from us these two items weigh approximately 3.5 kg. Prior to your trek departure, your equipment may be checked by your trek leader

    Frequently asked questions

    • The tent will be provided with camp beds (you don't sleep on the floor!) but you will need a sleeping bag. You can either bring one or hire one from the operator.
    • A detailed packing list is included in our brochure, you can download this on this page!
    • If you are booking last minute then the Salkantay is often the best option as permits have more availability. The Inca trail is the Classic trek but the Salkantay has slightly more varied, and really stunning, scenery. It is a little harder, so take this into account also.
    • The dry season is from April to October. May through to September is the busiest time to hike in the area, and visit Machu Picchu. The rainy season starts in November until March. However, it is possible to have whole weeks without rain.
    • It is challenging but is very doable with the more training you do before hand making it easier. You must be able to hike on uneven terrain for about 8 to 10 hours daily, sleep above 3000 meters, and be able to go up and down the significant number of stairs in the trail. If you have any medical conditions or any physical concerns you should see your doctor and ask their advice. People from the ages of 18 to well over 70 have managed the trek but of course, everyone is different and so everyone needs to assess themselves.
    • Yes you can, we recommend booking these add-ons as far in advance as possible as they frequently sell out.
    • You'll need to get to Cusco, ideally a minimum of 2 days before the trip starts. Most people will fly to Lima and join a connecting flight. Our team can assist or even book flights for you.
    • You'll be picked up from your accommodation in Cusco on the morning of day one and taken to the start point where you'll meet the group and guides. It is vital to arrive before the trip however as a pre-trip briefing is held the evening before the trip stats. We also strongly recommend staying in Cuzco, or somewhere at similar altitude (3000 metres ASL) for at least 2 days prior to acclimatise to the altitude.
    • Yes. We'll make a note when you make your booking and / or before you go but there are always vegetarian options!
    • The best way is through acclimatisation. Arrive a day or two early, don't rush the trek and listen to your body. Altitude sickness affects everyone differently regardless of fitness levels.
    • Tents are normally shared between two and generously sized, but if you are a solo traveller we can request a solo tent if you would prefer this. It depends on availability but a majority of the time this is free.

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