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We'll cross a pass at 4600m/15092ft and then enjoy a relaxing walk down. We'll journey through remote villages, have views of snowpeaks, cross green valleys along the Urubamba river and dip in some natural hotsprings. We might even see a Condor or Chinchilla along the way.
Duration
Difficulty
Total Distance
Min Elev.
Max Elev.
Max Elev. Chg
Type
To Do
5 Days 4 Nights
3 of 5
21km/13mi
2823m/9262ft
4600m/15092ft
1777m/5830ft
Mtn. Camping
Hiking Zipline Ruins
Day 1 Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa
4 hrs by car to Mollepata then up to Soraypampa (3750m/12303ft). Option to visit Lake Humantay in the afternoon. Peaceful night's sleep camping under the stars at Soraypampa.
Day 2 Abra Salkantay - Colpapampa
Difficult hike up through the Salkantay Pass (4600m/15092ft) then down to Colpapampa.
Day 3 Chaullay - La Playa
We continue down to the lush jungle through different ecosystems decending towards the cloud forest. We'll hike for approximately 7 hours until we reach our campsite located in the community known as "La Playa" (2400m/7874ft).
Day 4 Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes
From Santa Teresa we'll journey through coffee, banana, and tropical fruit plantations before arriving at the ruins of Patallacta. From here we reach Hidroelectrica (1800m/5906ft) and 2 hrs later we arrive at Aguas Calientes and our hostal.
Day 5 Machu Picchu - Train to Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Early in the morning we'll take a bus up to Machu Picchu and have all day with our expert guide to explore this Inca enigmatic treasure. In the afternoon we'll return to Aguas Calientes to catch a train to Ollantaytambo then have a private transfer to Cusco and your hotel.
Day 1 Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa
Early in the morning we'll pick you up from your hotel and transfer you in a private bus to Mollepata passing by picturesque and traditional towns like Iscuchaca, Ancahuasi and Limatambo, as well as highland plateaus and landscapes with great views of snowcapped mountains that belong to the cordillera Vilcabamba. The bus trip will last 3 hours and then the we'll hike for 6 hours. The trail climbs up from Mollepata sharply to Marqhok'asa pass through the pastures and farming lands. Afterwards we'll descend until we reach the campsite passing through the high brush down to Soraypampa (3750m/12303ft).
4 hrs
Tent - Catered
Meals LD
Extra Mule
Rent an extra mule if considering riding more than walking. Note that mules cannot carry riders going down steep inclines.
Day 2 Abra Salkantay - Colpapampa
Early in the morning we leave Soraypampa and continue walking up the beautiful valley just below the majestic snowcapped mountain named Salkantay (6271m/20574ft). After 1 1/2 hours the trek becomes steep zigzags for a while until we get to Salkantay pass (4600m/15092ft). There we will be rewarded with superb views and excellent photo opportunities. Then the trail descends through an old moraine (glacial area) and passes by great pastures down to the camp of Huayroqmachay located (4000m/13123ft). This campsite is subject to change according to the guide's criteria and the evolution of the group.
6 hrs
Tent - Catered
Meals BLD
Day 3 Chaullay - La Playa
We wake up with lovely mountain scenery and a good morning tea then continue to the north down to the lush jungle through different ecosystems noticing birds such as Hummingbirds, Trashes, Finches, Tanagers, Sparrows, Guans, Parrots, etc. It will be a long descending day towards the cloud forest. We will also have the opportunity to see great waterfalls. Towards the end of the day we will see Passionfruit fields. We'll hike for approximately 8 hours until we reach our campsite located in the community known as "La Playa" (2400m/7874ft).
6 hrs
Tent - Catered
Meals BLD
Day 4 Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes
After breakfast and a short transfer we'll leave walking from Santa Teresa through plantations of Coffee, Banana, and tropical fruits. Afterwards the trail climbs up to Patallacta then descends until Hidroelectrica (1800m/5906ft). Then we'll continue to Aguas Calientes where we will check into our hostel for the night.
4 hrs
Hostal
Meals BLD
Car to Hidroelectrica
The hike today can be considered optional if feeling the effects of the hike.
Train to Machu Picchu
From Hidroelectrica there is a 1/2 hr train ride to Aguas Calientes which leaves in the afternoon.
Day 5 Machu Picchu - Train to Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Today we visit Machu Picchu. We'll begin by bus until we reach he entrance. After we meet up with our guide we'll tour these ruins for 2 hrs followed by 2 hrs Free Time to explore or take photos. Around noon we'll descend again to Aguas Calientes where we are on our own for lunch until our train departure time. We'll also have Free Time to see Aguas Calientes before we embark on a 1.5 hr train ride through the Peruvian jungle and along the Urubamba "Vilvcanota" river. After reaching Ollantaytambo your bus transfer will be waiting at the station ready to take you back to Cusco arriving at night.
3 hrs
1.5 hrs
Meals B (Boxed Lunch)
Bus Tickets up to Machu Picchu
If feeling tired from the trek, choose the bus to Machu Picchu instead of the 1.5 - 2 hr hike up.
Train Upgrade
Ride the Vistadome or Hiram Bingham train
Huayna Picchu
Climb to a unique and picturesque viewpoint above Machu Picchu * Book 3 months in advance!
Montaña
Get a unique view of Machu Picchu from a neighboring mountain which offers the best possible photo opportunity of Machu Picchu.
| Group Size | Price/Person | Group Type | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $280 | Pooled | -- |
| 2 - 3 | $280 | Pooled | -- |
| 4 - 5 | $280 | Pooled | -- |
| 6 - 7 | $270 | Pooled | -- |
| 8 - 12 | $260 | Pooled | -- |
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| * Pickup from your Hotel and transfer to Soraypampa * Entrance Tickets to Alternative Inca Trail Salkantay * Entrance Tickets to Machu Picchu * Chef and Cooking Equipment * Meals - 4B / 4L / 4D * Vegetarian Food (Optional) * All Camping Equipment * First Aid Kit and Oxygen Bottle * Bilingual Professional Guide * Hostal in Aguas Calientes * Train Ticket Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo * Transfer Ollantaytambo - Cusco |
* Sleeping Bag * First Day's Breakfast * Last Day's Lunch or Dinner * Bus Tickets up to Machu Picchu * Hot Springs in Santa Teresa ($3) * Bus Ticket to Machu Picchu |
| To Bring | Optional |
|---|---|
|
* Original Passport * Sleeping Bag * A Backpack with a Change of Clothes * Raincoat or Poncho * Trekking or Sport Shoes * Warm Clothes, Jacket/Sweaters * Flashlight and Batteries * Camera, Film and Extra Batteries * Hat or Cap and Sunblock * Insect Repellent * Toilet Paper * Snacks * Water Bottle * Swimsuit (Hot Springs) * Cash in Soles and US$ |
* Binoculars |
