ITINERARY

DAY 1: Cusco – Challacancha – Soraypampa and Humantay Lagoon (Luxury Domes)

Hiking from Challacancha to Soraypampa, Enjoy, visit and hike to the Humantay Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes of Peru nestled at the base of Humantay Glacier. Take in your first views of the enigmatic Apu Salkantay. Spend the night in our geodesic luxury domes at Soraypama.

DAY 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay – Loreta (Luxury Domes)

Hiking along the Salkantay trek with the snow pick in front of your eyes all morning, Challenge yourself as we make our way up to some steep slopes while looking out on the valley far below until we reach the base of Apu Salkantay. In the afternoon, we make our way into the incredible cloud forest and tropical rainforest along the Chaullay Valley. This is your most challenging day but also the most rewarding at the end. Spend the night in our geodesic luxury domes of Loreta.

DAY 3: Loreta – Hidroelectric Plant – Aguas Calientes Town (Hotel 3 Star)

Visit a coffee plantation to learn about the cultivation, harvesting and processing of coffee, ending with a coffee tasting session. We will pass through a variety of plantations of crops such as coca, coffee, tea, banana, passion fruit, avocado and papaya Walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes for about 3 hours along the train track. Nice hotel at the town of Aguas Calientes.

DAY 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco

The most exciting day has arrived, In the morning, you´ll explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and all the inca temples, in the afternoon you will boar the train to Ollantaytambo. Afterward, our private transportation will take you back to Cusco.

DETAILED ITINERARY OF THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU WITH LUXURY DOMES

DAY 01: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa and Humantay Lagoon (Luxury Domes)

Early morning departure from Cusco to Mollepata village at 9:00 am. After arrival, we’ll have breakfast and access to shops and toilets. Then, a 30-minute drive to Challacancha for equipment preparation. Horses will carry our gear as we hike to Soraypampa at 12,631 ft (3,850 m) for lunch and camp setup. Capture stunning valley views and the canyon before a 1.20-hour afternoon hike to the picturesque Humantay Lagoon at 4,200 m. Don’t miss the chance to take breathtaking photos of this enchanting landscape.

Dinner and night in our geodesic luxury domes of Soraypampa

DAY 02: Soraypampa – Salcantay Pass – Wayracpunku – Chaullay – Loreta La Playa (Luxury Domes)

After breakfast, we will begin the most difficult part of the trek, walking through the site known as Pampa Salcantay. We will then take the left side of the glacier Humantay located beside the glacier Salcantay. Around noon, we will be at the highest point, Salcantay pass at 14763 ft (4600 m). We were see the Salcantay glaciers and after an hour of rest we will have lunch in the area called Huayracmachay. Then, we will continue hiking down for 4 hours to Selva Alta (also called the Cloud Forest) until arriving to the town of Chaullay located at 9514 ft (2900 m) around 4pm. Then we take a car to our new Ecolodge Majestic located in the area called Loreta La Plata, where we will arrive around 5pm.

DAY 03: Loreta La Playa – Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric Central – Aguas Calientes (Hotel 3***)

After breakfast, some can explore the area, visit the nearby coffee plantation by our Ecolodge Majestic, and learn about coffee cultivation, harvesting, and processing, followed by a coffee tasting. We’ll see various crops like coca, coffee, tea, bananas, passion fruit, avocados, and papayas. Returning to the Ecolodge around 11 am, we can rest and enjoy lunch. Then, a 90-minute vehicle ride takes us to the Hydroelectric Power Plant (1,900 m). From there, we hike along the train tracks and the Urubamba River, visiting the Intihuatana archaeological site with an ancient Inca sundial, and enjoying views of Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu. The trail passes through the diverse Cloud Forest with numerous plant species and orchids. After a 3-hour hike, we reach Aguas Calientes, where we’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel and dine at a tourist restaurant.

Night in a nice hotel at Aguas Calientes town.

DAY 04: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

Today, we finally explore Machu Picchu. After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby, and together, you’ll head to the bus stop for a 30-minute ride to the Machu Picchu citadel. At the entrance, you’ll present your ticket and passport. Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour, visiting the Main Square, Temple of the Sun, Royal Rooms, Three Window Temple, and burial sites. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the ruins or, if you’ve booked in advance, venture to Huayna Picchu (a relatively easy 1.5-hour round trip) or the Inca Bridge (a simpler 1-hour hike). Lunch at a local restaurant is included. In the afternoon, return to Ollantaytambo by train, and from there, our private transportation will take you back to your Cusco hotel.

It includes

• Briefing at your hotel in Cusco with your tour guide, the night before starting the trek.
• Pick up from your hotel in Cusco.
• Private transportation to Mollepata and Soraypampa, starting point of the trek.
• Professional Guide English and Spanish.
• Entrance to Salkantay trek.
• Entrance to Humantay Lake.
• Entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Horsemen and horses to carry all the equipment and food, passenger equipment (7 kilograms as maximum per pax).
• Food 3 breakfasts, 3 appetizers, 3 lunches and 3 dinners. All these meals are prepared by our chef and his assistant.
• Coca tea is served every morning in your tent.
• Boiled water after breakfast, to refill your water bottles.
• Lunches with hot drinks such as coca tea and coffee.
• Oxygen and first aid kit.
• Vegetarian and special diets at the request of the client.
• One Duffle Bag for your personal belongings.
• Covers to protect your backpack on the road and a rain poncho.
• Satellite phones for any emergency you may need during your hiking.
• Guided tour of 3 hours in Machu Picchu.
• Bus up and down Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu.
• 01 night in our geodesic domes in Soraypampa.
• 01 night in our geodesic domes in Loreta Playa.
• 01 night hotel in Aguas Calientes town 3***
• Return train From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Private transportation from Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
• Transfer to your hotel in Cusco at the end of the tour.

Not Included:

• Trekking poles, you can rent in our office (the $ 15.00 USD for the entire trip).
• Lunch on the last day and breakfast on the first day.
• Entrance to Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($ 35 USD optional).

What To Bring

• Bring original passport “With expiration date not less than 7 months”
• Mountain boots and sandals (very important).
• Trekking poles (can be rented at the agency).
• Warm clothes: layers of variable temperatures, especially at night. Thermal / gloves / scarves: wool socks / wool hat for cold nights, shirts for the whole walk.
• Front lantern (very important).
• Camera and spare batteries.
• Sunscreen / hat and sunglasses.
• Personal medical kit.
• Insect repellent.
• Rain clothes: a good raincoat and rain pants and a plastic rain poncho.
• Toilet paper.
• Small towel.
• Extra money for drinks and tips, souvenirs, etc (soles or dollars).
• Bath clothes for the thermal waters (optional).
• Water Bottle (Canteen).

PACKING LIST

ESSENTIALS:

• Passport
• Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage or water canteen: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 1-2 liters.
• Comfortable shoes (lightweight with good soles), “goretex waterproof for rainy seasons”.

IN YOUR LUGGAGE:

• The horse will carry up to 7 kg of all your personal items.
• 2-3 long sleeve shirts
• 2 pants
• 3 sets of undergarments.
• 3 sets of socks
• 1 Fleece
• 1 Rain jacket and pants “only for rain seasons”
• 1 sun hat
• Sandals “In case you want to visit the hot spring in Machu Picchu town”
• Small Quick Dry towel.
• Batteries Charger for your phone and cameras.

ESSENTIALS:

• Sunscreen
• Face moisturizer
• Bug spray
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Toilet paper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACK:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the medium ones, Because Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.

• Water canteen:
• Sun hat
• Rain gear
• Camera or Phone Camera
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Departure Dates:
When to Start Your Salkantay Trek

While Salkantay treks are available year-round, the ideal time to embark on this adventure is from April to December. This period offers the best weather conditions, avoiding the rainy season in Cusco, which typically occurs from January to March.

WHY CHOOSE MACHU PICCHU TRIP PERU?

Local Expertise: Discover the Advantage of Local Experience

When you choose Machu Picchu Viajes Peru, you’re selecting a tour operator with deep roots in Cusco. With 15 years of experience, we’re a 100% Cusquenian Company, making us your trusted partner for an unforgettable journey.

Official Credentials: Peace of Mind with Government Approval

Rest assured, we hold all the necessary authorizations and licenses from the Peruvian government. These credentials serve as undeniable proof that we are an official tour operator, committed to your safety and satisfaction.

Exceptional Guides: Meet Our Knowledgeable and Multilingual Guides

Our guides are the soul of our excursions. They speak fluent English and Spanish, are highly professional and hold degrees recognized by the Peruvian government, however, their passion for Inca heritage and history shines through, and they continually pursue personal and professional growth, ensuring that you receive . accurate information about the Inca and Andean cultures.

Small Groups & Personalized Service: Experience the Difference of a Customized Journey

We stand out from the crowd by offering small group tours and personalized, high-quality service. Unlike larger companies, we never pass you off to another operator, and our tours are guaranteed to depart, even for groups as small as two persons.

No Hidden Costs: Transparent Pricing, No Surprises

At Machu Picchu Viajes Peru, transparency is paramount. There are no hidden fees or unexpected surprises. We’re committed to delivering the tour you booked, without compromises.

Exclusive Services: Your Experience, Your Way

We don’t share services with other companies, a practice common in the industry to cut costs. With us, you’ll enjoy exclusive attention and a truly unique adventure.

Sustainability & Community Support: Join Us in Making a Positive Impact

We believe in giving back to the communities we encounter on our treks. As a sustainable and eco-friendly tour company, we actively support and employ these communities. Additionally, we are deeply committed to social projects aimed at improving the lives of Peru’s children.

Respect for Our Team: A Fair and Caring Approach

Our porters are an integral part of our team, and we treat them with utmost respect. They have comfortable accommodations, proper equipment, fair wages, and health insurance, ensuring their well-being during our treks.

Culinary Excellence: Savor the Best of Cusco

Our master chefs, renowned in the Cusco region, prepare exquisite meals for your journey. Enjoy buffet-style dining with ample food to fuel your adventure.

Top-Notch Equipment: Experience the Best on Your Trek

We provide the finest equipment for the Inca Trail and alternative treks, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout your journey.

Reliable Transport: Your Safe and Comfortable Journey

Our tourist transports are exclusively reserved for our services, guaranteeing reliability, comfort, and safety. We hold all necessary authorizations, so you can travel with confidence.