Salkantay 5 Days

5 days / 4 nights camping. Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Trek almost right up to the snow line of this mighty mountain which represents one of the most powerful deities in the local religion. You will then descend into cloud forest populated by orchids and hummingbirds. Your trek ends in Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. After a well earned rest you will have a tour of the site, with some free time to do your own exploring, and more hiking if you still have the energy!

Day 1 Cusco to Salkantay

Today we leave Cusco early in private transport, stopping in Mollepata for breakfast. We then carry on to the trail head, Sayllapata (3300m approx). From here we begin walking, after approximately 2 and a half hours we arrive at Soraypampa where we will stop for lunch. Another two hours walking up a gentle incline brings us to Salkantaypampa which is our first campsite, in the shadow of the snow and glacier covered Salkantay mountain (altitude approximately 4000m).
(Total 5 hours walking)

Day 2 Salkantay to Rayanpatao

An early start today to begin our climb up to the spectacular Salkantay pass. Weather permitting you will have superb views of Salkantay and surrounding mountains. The pass is approximately 4600m above sea level so it is important to walk slowly, taking time to enjoy the scenery. From the top of the pass we descend to Wayracmachay where we stop for lunch (altitude approximately 4200m). After lunch we continue to descend to our campsite, Rayanpata (altitude approximately 3600m).
(Total 8 hours walking)

Day 3 Rayanpata to La Playa

This morning we continue to descend, making time for a stop at the thermal springs at Collpapampa to relax those tired muscles. This part of the hike takes us into the cloud forest with its dense vegetation and more humid atmosphere. Many species of orchids can be seen, depending on the time of year, as well as many other types of birds. We arrive at our lunch spot, (altitude approximately 2800m). After lunch we continue down to La Playa, situated alongside the Santa Theresa river where we camp (2000m).
(Total 8 hours walking)

Day 4 - La Playa to Aguas Calientes

We leave La Playa passing through the small village of Lucmabamba where we begin to ascend on an inca pathway to Llactapata (2700m). This Inca site was a small administrative centre. From here you will get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. After time to rest and enjoy the views we begin our descent to the valley floor, a little further along we arrive at the train station. We take the train to Aguas Calientes town where we check into our hotel for a well earned rest.
(Total 6 hours walking)

Day 5 Machu Piccchu

This morning we take the bus up to Machu Picchu for a 2 hour tour of the site. Afterwards you will have some free time to do your own exploring, and maybe hike a little more to the Sun Gate or Wayna Picchu if you still have the energy! Later in the afternoon we return to Cusco by train.