Salkantay Road to Machupicchu 5D 4N

On this splendid and majestic journey, you will undoubtedly appreciate the wonders of nature and experience its direct connection. You will witness majestic glaciers and walk through lush vegetation that transforms these landscapes into a feast for the eyes. Our Explorandean Peru family will ensure you have a unique experience, a journey in harmony with adventure and nature, designed to take you away from the conventional and offer you a culturally rich and distinctive environment.

DAY1:| CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CHALLACANCHA – SORAYPAMPA – LAGUNA HUMANTAY – LODGE DEL CIELO

Very early in the morning, we departed Cusco, passing through the towns of Izcuchaca and Limatambo. After a 3-hour drive from Cusco, we arrived in Mollepata. After a light breakfast, we continued our journey in our transport to Challacancha, where we met our muleteer and horses to begin our trek to our campsite in Soraypampa. After lunch, we ascended to visit the beautiful Humantay Lagoon. Following the visit, we descended back to Soraypampa to reach our first campsite, where we had dinner and spent the first night. Our base at Lodge del Cielo in Soraypampa: our campsite is located a 10-minute walk from the village of Soraypampa, giving us a great advantage of a 360° panoramic view of Humantay Lagoon. It is also a perfect place to appreciate the beauty of the Andean valley and enjoy the company of our beautiful alpacas. Note: There will be an informational meeting with your guide in Cusco the afternoon before this day’s trek. After an early breakfast at your hotel, our pick-up time may vary and will only be confirmed on the day of your check-in at your Cusco hotel by your Explorandean Peru guide and vehicle.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Overnight: Sky Del Cielo in Soraypampa
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same sex)
Starting elevation: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
Maximum elevation: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
Camp altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
Hiking distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles
Hiking time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
Weather: Can be quite cold and wintry or rainy at Humantay Lagoon

DAY 2: | SORAYPAMPA – PASO SALKANTAY – WAYRACPUNKU – COLLPAPAMPA – LODGE DEL CIELO

After breakfast, we’ll begin the most challenging part of the trek, hiking through the area known as Pampa Salkantay. We’ll then traverse the left side of the Salkantay Glacier. Around midday, we’ll reach the summit of the imposing Salkantay mountain, located at over 4,630 meters (15,190 feet). From here, we’ll be able to appreciate the full majesty of the region, its mountain range, glaciers, and ravines, and feel the magic of the Andes. After a rest, we’ll begin the slow descent to Wayracmachay, where we’ll have lunch and a well-deserved rest. We’ll continue descending and enter the cloud forest, where we’ll be treated to breathtaking views, before continuing to our second Lodge del Cielo (Sky Lodge) in Collpapampa. Finally, we’ll have dinner and spend the second night here.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Difficulty: Challenging
Overnight: Lodge Del Cielo in Collpapampa
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same sex)
Starting elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
Maximum elevation: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
Our campsite altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Hiking distance: 22 km / 13.67 miles
Hiking time: Approximately 10 hours
Weather: It can be quite cold and wintry or rainy at the Salkantay Pass

DAY 3: COLLPAPAMPA – LORETA LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA – COCCALMAYO- LODGE DEL CIELO(OJO)

After a delicious breakfast, we’ll begin our trek along the Inca Trail. This will be an unforgettable day. We’ll continue our hike through the cloud forest, appreciating the unique flora and fauna of this region, especially the coffee, tea, passion fruit, and tree plantations. The climate is temperate and humid, creating a microclimate ideal for orchid cultivation. Experts consider these orchids among the most beautiful in the world for their vibrant colors and diverse varieties. We’ll depart from Loreta for Lucmabamba; taking a car is recommended to avoid the dusty roads. From Lucmabamba, we’ll continue to Coccalmayo, approximately a 1.5-hour drive, and then hike to the Hydroelectric Station, where we’ll have lunch. After a short rest, we’ll continue our hike alongside the railway line to the town of Aguas Calientes. Finally, we’ll have dinner and check into our accommodation.

OPTIONAL:
● ZIP LINE
● COFFEE TOUR

About our base at Lodge del Cielo in Lucmabamba: Our camp is located in Lucmabamba, a perfect spot away from crowded tour groups, where we’ll be in close contact with local families. Currently, their livelihood revolves around coffee plantations, and it’s our responsibility to support them while also learning more about coffee. Responsible tourism development by the Inca community, “Heirs of Machu Picchu.”

Optional: If you request a private, we can have a local coffee experience.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Difficulty: Moderate
Overnight: Lodge Del Cielo in Lucmabamba
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same sex)
Starting elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Maximum elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Camp altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
Hiking distance: 18 km / 11.18 miles
Hiking time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
Weather: Can be hot and rainy

DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA – AGUAS CALIENTES – HYDROELECTRIC PLANT – AGUAS CALIENTES

Very early, immediately after breakfast at the lodge, we will travel by bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu, traveling along a mountain range for approximately half an hour. We then continue from Lucmabamba to Hidroeléctrica for 6 hours, where we will have lunch. The restaurant will then arrange for our luggage to be sent to the 4:00 PM train. We will proceed to the access point and entrance control for Machu Picchu. Note: Those who prefer not to walk from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes can take the train; the journey takes 40 minutes and the price is not included. You will meet the rest of the group at the Aguas Calientes train station (the guide will confirm your preferences the night before).

Regarding our night in Machu Picchu Village: the hotel in Aguas Calientes will vary according to your request and expectations.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Difficulty: Challenging
Overnight: Lodging in Aguas Calientes
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same sex)
Starting elevation: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
Maximum elevation: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft
Machu Picchu citadel altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Hiking distance: 25 km / 15.53 miles
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
Weather: Can be hot and rainy

DAY 5: ¡THE BIG DAY MACHUPICCHU WONDER

Very early, immediately after breakfast at the hotel, we will depart by bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu, ascending for about half an hour until we reach the Machu Picchu access point and entrance control. There, we will have a guided tour of the urban and agricultural areas, as well as the towers, ceremonial plazas, sacred fountain, the Intihuatana (sun dial), and terraces from which you can admire the Inca’s domain. After an approximately two-hour guided tour, you will have free time to take photos, and then, in coordination with the guide, we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes. We will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco; finally, we will drop you off at your respective hotel.

Very important 1: According to Machu Picchu regulations, once you enter the Sacred City, you are not allowed to return by the same paths. “There are many signs indicating which route to follow; you can only stop at certain places or simply return the way you came.” Therefore, we advise you to enjoy every minute you can spend in each Inca site.

Very important 1: According to Machu Picchu regulations, once you enter the Sacred City, you are not allowed to return by the same paths. “There are many signs indicating which route to follow; you can only stop at certain places or simply return the way you came.” Therefore, we advise you to enjoy every minute you can spend in each Inca site.

Meals: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Elevation: 2000 m / 6562 ft
Elevation at Machu Picchu: 2400 m / 7872 ft
Elevation at Huayna Picchu: 2720 m / 8924 ft
Elevation at Machu Picchu Mountain: 3000 m / 9843 ft
Walking Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
Walking Time: 5 hours
Weather: Can be hot and rainy

INCLUDES:

• Pre-departure information: You will meet your guide and Salkantay group at our office for a pre-trek orientation. At this time, we will provide you with the duffel bags our horses will carry. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the evening before the trek begins. If you are unable to attend at this time, please let us know so we can arrange another time.
• Tourist transport: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and you will travel by private transport to Challacancha, the starting point of the Salkantay trek.
• Experienced Salkantay Adventure Guide: A professional, English-speaking, and certified tour guide. All guides grew up in this region and have a genuine passion for sharing their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings throughout the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! They will keep you safe, healthy, and comfortable on your trek so you can enjoy your time along the Inca Trail and ensure your safety and happiness.
• Experienced cultural tour guide in Machu Picchu: English-speaking, professional, polite, and certified in tourism. For visits to the sacred city of Machu Picchu.
• Private Campsites: Each campsite is carefully selected for a personalized experience.
• Nights:
• Night 1: Lodge del Cielo at the Soraypampa campsite, under the watchful gaze of the Apus, the sacred mountains of Humantay and Salkantay.
• Night 2: Lodge del Cielo at the Collpapampa campsite, comfortable bed and camping mattress included.
• Night 3: Lodge del Cielo in Lucmabamba, double bed (according to preference), cloud forest scenery, close to local families who are heirs to the Inca culture.
• Night 4: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (not included). Accommodation at Hotel Encanto Machupicchu is available at no extra cost.
• Private Camping Equipment: Includes tables, chairs, and cooking equipment, transported by muleteers.
• Drawstring Bag: Delivered one day prior to departure; luggage allowance 5 kg / 11.02 lb per person.
• 24/7 Customer Service.
• Overnight Stays:
• Lodge Del Cielo in Soraypampa
• Lodge Del Cielo in Collpapampa
• Lodge Del Cielo in Lucmabamba
• Accommodation in Aguas Calientes
• Professional Trekking Chef: A chef and assistant will prepare all your meals throughout the trek.
• Mule/Horse Loading: All camping equipment and your personal luggage will be carried on days 1 and 2. On days 3 and 4, your luggage will be transported by car or train.
• Boiled Water: From the first lunch to the last breakfast, boiled, filtered, and cooled water will be provided. We recommend bringing 3 liters of your own water.
• Waking Up with Tea: Coca tea will be delivered to your tent each morning.
• Tea Time: Every afternoon before dinner, with popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and hot water.
• Hygiene Items: A towel will be provided before each meal, and a bucket of warm water will be provided each morning.
• Medical kit and oxygen bottle: First aid kit included.
• Train tickets: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (time confirmed on the day of the meeting).
• Return transfer to Cusco: Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to your hotel (Day 5).
• 24-hour guest service: Telephone support available all day.
• Entrance ticket to Humantay Lagoon.
• Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
• Consettur bus to Machu Picchu (round trip).

NO INCLUYE:

• Sleeping bag.
• Trekking poles.
• Meals:
• Day 1 – Breakfast.
• Day 3 – Lunch and Dinner in Cusco.
• Train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes (If the passenger’s condition is poor after the trek, we recommend taking this train).
• Personal equipment.
• Travel insurance.
• Additional entrance fees (Huayna Picchu – Machu Picchu Mountain).
• Both mountains are quite high, but with completely different characteristics. Huayna Picchu reaches 2,720 m / 8,924 ft, but involves a near-vertical ascent with much more extreme and narrow trails. On the other hand, Machu Picchu Mountain reaches 3,000 m / 9,843 ft, almost 650 meters above the citadel. The path to the summit of this mountain is less demanding than Huayna Picchu, has a wider trail, and can be undertaken by anyone. Although
• altitude sickness and weather conditions should be taken into account.
• Huayna Picchu hiking time (45 min)
• Machu Picchu Mountain hiking time (1.5 h)
• Travel insurance
• Option: If you feel tired after the hike on day 2, you have the option of taking a train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes.
• Additional costs or delays beyond our control, such as:
• Natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, itinerary changes due to passenger health issues (illness or other health problems), pandemics, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, etc.

RENTAL AND ADDITIONAL COSTS:

• Trekking poles (USD 15)
• Sleeping bag (USD 25)
• Breakfast in Mollepata (USD 10)
• Budget lunch in Aguas Calientes (USD 15)
• Gourmet lunch in Aguas Calientes (USD 25)
• Pack horse (up to 20 kg) (USD 90) advance confirmation required
• Saddle horse (for one person) (USD 150) advance confirmation required
• Train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes: If the passenger feels tired, they have the option of taking a train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes (USD 36)
• Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant (USD 75)
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: Subject to availability (USD 65)

• Hiking boots.
• Small backpack (30 liters maximum).
• Windproof jacket.
• Extra t-shirt in case of heavy rain.
• Rain poncho.
• Sunglasses.
• Sunscreen.
• Hat or cap for sun protection.
• Camera.
• Personal medication.