Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu via Llaqtapata 5D/4N

The itinerary below is a sample. Hiking times are an average and will vary depending on the group. Additionally, lunch and camp sites may change to meet the needs of the group and conditions.

Pre-Trek

Before the trek, your guide will meet you at your hotel for an in-depth briefing. This provides an opportunity to ask questions and do any last-minute shopping before leaving Cusco.

Day 1: Cusco-Soraypampa-Soyroccocha

We leave Cusco early in the morning and take the Panamerican Highway through the province of Anta, Cusco’s dairy region. Following steep-sided river canyons, we descend into the rich and fertile valley of Limatambo before climbing again to the town of Mollepata, where we will stop for breakfast. We continue on to Soraypampa (3700m) where we meet our wranglers and pack animals and begin our trek. After an hour’s walk our first stop will be Laguna Umantay where we will have lunch. From here we continue across Salkantaypampa, just below glacial morains, before starting a fairly steep section of switchbacks known as the the 7 vueltas , which will take us up to 4300m. From here the path is almost flat to Soyroccocha, where we will camp just below Salkantay mountain. This campsite offers spectacular views of the glacier and, if the weather is clear, an unparalled view of the southern sky, but is high and usually very cold.

3 hours walking, 3700-4300m

Day 2: Soyroccocha-Unuyuq

After an early breakfast we will conquer the Salkantay Pass at 4600. As you take in the panorama you will be able to see not only Salkantay but also the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, Pumasillo, and the Huayracmachay valley. There is also the option to do some alpine scrambling and to visit a second lake near the base of the Salkantay glacier. From the pass we start our descent into the valley alongside a stream. As we travel, the vegetation changes from the sparse grasses of the puna and mountain passes to lush cloud-forest home to butterflies, hummingbirds, and a wide-variety of flora. After lunch we will veer away from the standard trekking route and head down to the river before climbing the ridge on the other side. From here we can look down on the Santa Teresa valley before an easy walk to our campsite at Unuyuq.

Day 3: Unuyuq-Sahuayaco (La Playa)

Today is a relaxing day. We start with a small descent and then walk along a newly built road to the house of Don Paulino. Here we will get a look at rural life in the valley, and, if in season, we can harvest some granadilla, a member of the passion fruit family, or maybe some of the region’s incredible avocados. If we are lucky, Doña Presentacion will prepare a local specialty for lunch. After lunch, we cross the river and head through the upper edges of the rainforest. After about a 2 hour walk we will arrive at the town of Sahuayaco, also known as La Playa. We will either camp here or further down the trail at Lucmabamba.

Day 4: La Playa-Aguas Calientes

We start early to avoid the mid-day heat with a walk through coffee plantations and past an artisan coffee mill on the way to Lucmabamba. Here we follow a wide, well-preserved Inca road which once ran to Quito. Following the trail up the side of the ridge, we may see a multitude of butterflies, citronella, rocky streams, and stunning vistas of the Santa Teresa valley. From the pass there is a view of Machu Picchu just a fabulous as that from Intipunko, the famed Sungate. From the pass it is a short walk to Llactapata. We will explore the site, still covered in vines and jungle vegetation, before descending to the Rio Aobamba and on to the train station at Hidroelectrica. From there, we will catch the train to Aguas Calientes and check into our hotel. In the evening, there are plenty of restaurants, markets, and the hot springs to enjoy, or simply relax in your hotel. 5 hours walking, 2150-1900m

Day 5: Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu-Cusco

We will get up early in order to catch the bus up to Machu Picchu in time to watch the sunrise over the mountains. After enjoying the views, we will have a two hour tour of the city. Afterwards, you have free time to explore the ruins, hike Huayna Picchu, climb to the Sungate, go to the Temple of the Moon and Inca Bridge, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere. In the afternoon we will return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train to return to Cusco.

Practical Information

For more information on trekking with Apu Andino, see Trekking with Apu Andino.

What’s Included

• Licensed guide fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua, plus an assistant guide for large groups.
• Support staff including professional cooks and wranglers for the mules and horses
• Horses and mules to carry group gear as well as large duffels provided at the briefing, for personal items. (No weight limit)
• All meals on trek, which incorporate traditional Peruvian dishes as well as modern fusion cuisine and special dietary needs.
• Drinking water and snacks.
• Dining tent with table, stools, and all dining implements, toilet tent, and kitchen tent
• Sleeping tents, and Thermarest. Three-person tents are provided for single occupancy and four-person tents for double occupancy to allow plenty of room for personal gear.
• One riding horse for emergencies. Additional riding horses can be provided for an additional charge.
• First aid kit, including oxygen.
• Pre-trek briefing.
• All group entrance fees, including Machupicchu.
• Optional climb to Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu Mountain!
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes. (3 star hotel)
• Train. (Expedition Train Service)
• All transfers, including private van from your hotel in Cusco to trailhead at Soraypampa, train to Aguas Calientes, bus to and from Machu Picchu, and private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.

What’s Not Included

• Dinner on the 4rd day at Aguas Calientes. Lunch and dinner on the 5th day.
• Personal hiking gear including backpacks, trekking poles, and sleeping bags. Poles and sleeping bags may be hired.
• Tips for guides, cooks, and wranglers.
• Entrance to hot springs or other entertainments in Aguas Calientes
• Personal riding horse. Additional horses may be hired according to the needs of the individual and group.

Much of this trek is isolated and rugged. It is advised that trekkers acclimate by spending a few days at Cusco (3400m) or similar before attempting the trek. Trekkers should be in good physical condition and be experienced hikers. Additionally, weather and trail conditions can vary. Temperatures range from warm and humid to below freezing.

Trekkers should be prepared for changes to the itinerary and to meet unexpected challenges with an open-mind and sense of adventure. Climbing Huayna Picchu is an excellent addition to a trip to Machu Picchu. It offers superlative views, but is a steep climb that can take about three hours. Entrance to Huayna Picchu is limited and at scheduled times; visitors must sign up for a spot in advance.

If you would like to consider doing the climb, it is important to book it in advance. Salkantay is becoming increasingly popular. A more challenging and less crowded alternative route goes along the eastern flank of the mountain and down to Ollantaytambo, ending with a train journey to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. Alternatively, trekkers can follow part of this eastern route to Huayllabamba and join the classic Inca Trail, a route known as the High Inca Trail.

Price

US$810.00 per person

Discounts

• Student Discount (only with active green ISIC card): US$20.00
• Under 15 years will pay as student: US$20.00
• Under 7 years Discount: US$35.00

Group Bookings

Bookings of 4 people or more will get a US$20.00 discount per person or a free Day Apu Training Hike*.

*More details will be available if you are interested in talking advantage of this offer.

Rentals

Upgrades

• Vistadome Train (One Way) – US$55.00
• Single Accommodation*  – US$43.00

Details

• Black Diamond Hiking Poles.
• Sleeping bags according to route requirement.
• We use 3* hotels in Aguas Calientes, if you dont want to share a room (double or triple), select Single Accommodation in add ons when Booking.
• If you are a lover of nature and landscapes, the Vistadome train is your best choice. Panoramic windows in the walls and roofs of cars make the connection to the outside is experienced in a very vivid way.