Salkantay Trek 5 Days

Day 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SAYLLAPATA – SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAYPAMPA camp.

At 6:00 am, we depart by private transport to Mollepata, a small town at 2,850 mts. After a three hour scenic journey through Izcuchaca and Limatambo, we’ll stop for breakfast with panoramic views of Salkantay in the Cordillera of Vilcanota. We’ll be able to see spectacular views of snow-capped Vilcabamba, the colorful village of Mollepata, and the lush Apurimac River Valley. At this point, due to poor road conditions, we’ll transfer to another vehicle. After passing Cruzpata (3200 mts), then Challacancha, we’ll arrive to our trailhead in Sayllapata at 3,600 mts where we shall meet our arrieros and trekking staff. We will commence with a gradual climb for about 2 and a half hours through a pristine Andean valley landscape before arriving at Soraypampa. After visiting a spectacular glacial lake we’ll have lunch. After lunch, we’ll gently climb for approximately 2-3 hours through more unspoiled Andean valley enroute Salkantaypampa. This first camp is located at 3,950 mts.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 3950mts
Minimum Altitude: 2850mts
Distance Traveled: 12km approx.

Day 2: SALKANTAYPAMPA – COLLPAPAMPA

After an early breakfast we’ll begin a moderate ascent for 3 hours to reach the Apacheta Pass at 4,590mts. From here, we can appreciate spectacular views of Cusco’s second highest peak, the stunning snow capped Mount Salkantay (6,264 mts) and the snow capped mountains Humantay and Huayanay. At the Apacheta Pass you can leave a rock carried from the bottom as a present from you to the Apacheta. (In Incan times, they used to leave their shoes, clothes, jewels or simply a rock as an offering.) There is an option to walk 40 min. from the pass to see an amazing lake of Soraycocha.
We’ll continue 2 hours downhill to have lunch in Huayracmachay. Depending on group ability, weather and walking conditions, the guide will decide whether to camp a 2-3 hour downhill walk in Rayan-niyoc or travel 2km further to camp at Collpapampa (2920 mts) for more experienced trekkers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 4590 mts
Minimum Altitude: 2920 mts
Distance Travelled: 16km to Rayan-Niyoc or 20km to Chaullay

Day 3: COLLPAPAMPA – LLUSCAMAYO – LA PLAYA

After Breakfast, we’ll say goodbye and thank our arrieros. They will arrive at La Playa before us, leaving the equipment with other trusted staff, and return back to Soraypampa. We’ll start trekking at 7am with 3 hours of easy hiking from Collpapampa, where we will enter a high Jungle zone called Ceja de Selva. Here we will see different kinds of fruits, flowers, and birds, plus coca and banana trees. You will be able to shower in a waterfall, take pictures, and with luck, catch a glimpse of the famous Peruvian National Bird “Gallito de las Rocas”. We stop at Lluscamayo 2,400m for lunch and free time to rest before the 3 hour walk to our last campsite in La Playa 2,350mts. This village has electricity and a small shop.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 2920mts
Minimum Altitude: 2350mts
Distance Traveled: 15km approx.

Day 4: LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA – LLAQTAPATA – HIDROELECTRICA / AGUAS CALIENTES

Approx 7:30am we’ll begin our trek to the village Lucmabamba, where we’ll see the remains of part of the Inka trail. Along this trail, we shall see coffee, banana and passion fruit plantations and a lovely view of the Santa Teresa Valley. After climbing for 3-4 hrs to reach Llaqtapata, 2,700mts, we’ll enjoy some free time to rest and observe the mountain of Machupicchu from afar. Then 2 more hours of continuous descent to the Hydroelectric Plant at 1,870m where we’ll have a final lunch with our staff. We’ll continue on to Aguas Calientes town with only our guides. This is your chance to say goodbye and express your appreciation. If you’d like to tip the cook and staff, this would be the appropriate time.
At 4:30pm we will take a 45 minute train journey to Aguas Calientes, 2,000mts, where dinner and a comfy bed in a hostel await you.

* Walking poles recommended for the 2 final hours downhill. Optional evening bath in the hotsprings 10 minutes walk from the town.*

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hostel
Maximum Altitude: 2350mts
Minimum Altitude: 2000mts
Distance Travelled: 12km approx.

Day 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO

Early walk (approximately 1.5 hours from Aquas Calientes) or bus to the citadel of Machupicchu,with a 3 hour guided tour and time after for solo exploration. Optional climb up the mountain Huayna Picchu, if booked in advance, the Temple of the Moon, or the Gate of the Sun. Around 1pm, we’ll begin back down the steps to Aguas Calientes for a buffet lunch and at approx. 16:00 hrs we take our return train to Ollantaytambo with bus connection to Cusco city, arriving around 9:00 pm.

Meals: Breakfast.