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Day 1: Salkantay to Machu Picchu – first day
Mollepata – Soraypampa
We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 am to take you to the bus station, where the train departure to Mollepata. The trip will take about 3 hours and when we arrive at Mollepata breakfast will be served. While having breakfast the cook and the horseman will pack all the camping equipment and cooking stuff. Ready for hiking, we start the first 3 hours a little bit uphill to get to Cruzpata. In panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120m/13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft) we will have lunch. Only the beginning of picturesque views! We will continue our trek towards Soraypampa, our first campsite (3800 m/11750ft; the highest and coldest campsite of the trip), very close to the second highest snow capped –mountain of Salkantay.
Day 2: Salkantay to Machu Picchu – second day (Mighty Salkantay)!!
Soraypampa – Chaullay or Collpapampa
After having breakfast we start walking about 5:30 am, grounded this is the day with the longest trek. The first 4 hours is uphill to get to the highest point of the trail (4650m/15200ft) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible. There is a chance of snow falling here. After a rest, we will continue our walk (downhill) through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch. The hike after lunch is in the direction of the tree line of the jungle, until we reach our second campsite, Chaullay or Colcapampa (3000m/9800ft).
Day 3: Salkantay to Machu Picchu – third day (Cloud Forest)
Chaullay – La Playa – Santa Teresa
After breakfast, at 6.30 am, we start the walking through the upper jungle, crossing the Lluskamayo River and a variety of little brooks, reaching La Playa after about 6 hours. Today we will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits and plants. Arriving at La Playa place, the packing horses will return to Mollepata, and we will take a local bus continuing to Santa Teresa, about an hour, where we will camp (1500m/4905ft) in a nice and warm climate. After a rest, we will go to the hot springs and enjoy the well-deserved pleasure of soothing water!
Day 4: Salkantay to Machu Picchu – fourth day
Santa Teresa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes.
We will have breakfast at 8 am and after leave our campsite in Santa Teresa. We will cross the Santa Teresa Bridge and follow the upward route along the river. We will continue walking, passing a variety of crop plantations; coca, banana etc., until we reach the hydroelectric station. After lunch we keep walking for about two and half hour along the rail way till we reach Aguas Calientes town, where we will spend the night in a hostel. In Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the thermal springs in the town (entrance 10 soles), a real treat after finishing the trek.
Day 5: Salkantay to Machu Picchu – last day (Machu Picchu)
Visit to the New 7 Wonders of the WorldMachu Picchu!!!.
Morning begins very early, around 4 am, with breakfast at 4:30. The plan is to experience a beautiful sun rise at the sanctuary. To get there, we can either walk for about 1, 5 hour or take the bus that leaves at 5:30 (about 25 min.). Arriving we will see this magnificent citadel quietly being filled with the light of the day.
A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have some energy, you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top.
In Aguas Calientas (reached by bus or on foot), your guide will provide you with train tickets. The first train usually leaves at 15:55, arriving in Cusco around 20:20. If it’s full or other reasons come across, the second train leaves at 16:20. Terminus is Ollantaytambo, but one will be waiting stating your guide’s or the group name. From here you will be brought to Cusco in bus.
If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes town can be arranged. (Please let us know whether you would like to stay an extra night when booking your tour.
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VERY IMPORTANT: We strongly suggest staying at high altitude (above 3000 metres - in Cusco or another high altitude city) for 2 to 3 days (minimum) before undertaking the trip. This is in order to minimize the effects of possible altitude sickness. Also, you can help your body acclimatize by drinking plenty of liquids, adding a bit more sugar to your drinks, eating food rich in carbohydrates, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol. Drinking coca tea (ancient traditional leaf) or Diamox can also be helpful - please ask your doctor about this.
