Salkantay - Machu PicchuSalkantay - Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights

This express version of the Salkantay Trek is available for trekkers short on time. You will arrive to Machu Picchu via train from Hidroelectrica. The hardest part is on Day 2 due to our ascending at 4600 m/15090 ft to the Salkantay Pass to Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa

We will leave from Cusco approximately between 04:30 and 05:00 hrs. A bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level) where we will arrive approximately at 8:00 in the morning, we will stop for last minute supplies, leg-stretching or to use the restrooms. We will continue to our trek starting point, Sayapata. We will meet with our support staff, and they will load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 09:00 hrs, we will begin our walk toward Soraypampa (3850 meters above sea level). During the trip we will have panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay, other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River. About 13:00 hrs, we will have a Peruvian lunch. After lunch, we will continue hiking toward Humantay Lake for 3 hours approximately, this is a beautiful lake in the mountains. We will come back to our camp where the tents will be ready for you as well as your dinner.

Day 2: Soraypampa – Chaullay

Today, nature will change drastically from dry sceneries to snowy peaks and tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, we will start the most difficult part of the trek. We will start the hike around 07:00 hrs  in the morning. We will hike to a place called Pampas Salkantay, then go toward the left side of the snowy peaks of Umantay located next to the Apu Salkantay. At midday, we will be on the highest point ( 4600 meters above sea level). We will appreciate spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay (6264 meters above sea level) which is known as the second highest point of the Cusco region. Around 13:00 hrs, we will have our lunch, in the area called Huayracmachay. After a trek of approximately 3 hours, we will arrive to our camp in Challway (2920 meters above sea level). Around 19:00, we will recuperate from the trek and eat dinner.

Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa (Sawayaco) – Aguas Calientes

Around 05:00 hrs, we will start our trek and we will enjoy the beautiful sunrise. We will walk for about 5 hours toward Playa Sahuayaco and during this period; we will observe a town called Collpabamba, also called the “Forest Cloudy Brow” where waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. If we are lucky, we will be able to observe the famous bird called the “Cock of the Rocks’. Once at Playa Sahuayaco, we will take a local bus to drive us to the hydroelectric train station. At around 13:30 hrs, we will have our lunch at the hydroelectric. We will take a train from the hydroelectric to the town of Aguas Calientes (2000 meters above sea level). Here, you have the option of going to the thermal hot springs. We will have dinner at 19:00 hrs and accommodation at the hotel  of your choice.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Today, you will start early at around 04:30 hrs and walk up to Machu Picchu. In Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour for about two hours and after that you will be free to explore the Citadel and take pictures, if you desire, walk up to the Sun Gate or ascent toward the Huaynapicchu Mountain. At 18:45 hrs (Depending on availability), you will be taking a train to Ollantaytambo and from there; a bus will drive you to Cusco.

Included

• Bus from Cusco to Mollepata (beginning of the trail)
• Horses to carry the equipment.
• 6 Kilograms of your luggage.
• Cook and horsemen.
• Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, tables and seats cooking tent and eating tent )
• Professional Tour Guide english/spanish.
• Meals (03 breakfast / 03 lunches / 03 dinners).
• First aid kit and Oxygen balloon.
• One night in Aguas Calientes.
• Entrance fees to Machupicchu.
• Tourist Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Bus Ollantaytambo-Cusco
• Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu
• Transportation from playa to hidroelectrica.

Not Included:

• Slipping bag
• First breakfast.
• Last lunch.

We recommend carrying:

• It is recommended to load maximum 6 kilos for personal items.
• Wear trek shoes.
• Trek trousers.
• Light clothes for the day, warm clothes for the night.
• Sunscreen.
• Mosquito repellent.
• Flashlight preferably a small and light.
• Walking sticks.
• Camera, movies and batteries.
• Cap to protect from the sun.

Useful Information

• Starting Altitude – 2900m / 9515ft.
• Highest Altitude – 4650m / 15,200ft
• Walking Distance – 60.5 km / 37.5 miles
• Longest Day – Day 2, approximately 18 km/11 miles
• Coldest Night – Day 1 around 0º celsius
• Overall Difficulty – Difficult (depends on your level of fitness).
• Acclimatization is Recommended