Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days & 3 Nights

From $547

OVERVIEW

This is an alternative route to the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu which will take you through incredible landscapes with various types of exotic flora and fauna. A unique and specially designed 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, with incomparable views of the snow-capped Humantay and Salkantay Mountains. Trek off the beaten path, following our unique route where you visit two incredible crystal clear glacial lakes. Hike through the Andes Mountains and camp at our private sites which are more remote, less crowded and off the typical path. Follow the remote foot path up to the forgotten Inca Ruins of LLACTAPATA with the greatest view of Machu Picchu. Orange Nation is the best choice if you want to enjoy the Salkantay trek and an informative yet interesting tour of Machu Picchu. We pride ourselves in being specialists in creating unique routes, with our customized treks to Machu Picchu like the Salkantay trek.

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Service Level: Standard-comfortable mid-tier to luxury accommodation. Exclusive modern vehicles with private driver.

Physical Rating: Some steep inclines at high altitudes, that can be regarded as strenuous. With sufficient pre-trek training, its easily achievable.

Travel Style: Hiking, trekking, camping and 1 night mid-tier hotel accommodation (option to upgrade).

Group Size: Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5.

salkantay and machu picchu - Orange Nation Peru

ITINERARY

We will pick you up at 4:30am from your hotel and drive for 3 hours in our private van to the Soraypampa trailhead. As we travel along the curvy roads of the Andes, enjoy the endless views of the indigenous villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo, the surrounding valleys and the spectacular snow-capped Salkantay Mountain. At the trailhead, we have our breakfast while gaping at the stunning glaciers of Mount Humantay (5,900m/19,356ft) and Mount Salkantay (6,217m / 20,396ft). We gradually climb through the Andean valley before arriving at Sorococcha (4,400m / 14,517ft) for lunch.

Onwards and upwards for one more hour to reach Apacheta Pass (4,650m / 15,367ft). This strenuous climb leads to the most spectacular views of snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay, Humantay, Huayanay, rolling white rivers, and small picturesque lakes. A short 35-minute hike takes us to the turquoise Salkantay Lake. After lunch, we tackle uphill switchbacks for about an hour before arriving at our first campsite in Soroccocha. This picturesque campsite is located at the foot of the great Salkantay Mountain. Later, we can relax at camp with a steaming cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate, enthralled with the hypnotic Andean landscape.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities with large 4 person Eureka tents for every 2 people
Distance: 14kms / 8.7 miles
Difficulty: Challenging

After a scrumptious and hearty breakfast, we descend for 3 hours toward the rural community of Chayllay. Along the way, you will enjoy the refreshing lush green valleys and spectacular waterfalls. After lunch, we walk for 5 hours through the beginning of the Peruvian cloud forest, enjoying fruit bearing trees and varied flora and birds. Admiring the undulating hills of coffee, cacao and fruit plantations, we finally we arrive at Lucmabamba, where we spend the second night (2,050m/6,767ft).

Here we take a relaxing tour, where we get to experience Peru at the source of its coffee exportation, forging a connection with the increasingly popular and world famous Peruvian coffee. We begin by browsing the fields, learning about the different types of beans and picking our own. Then, we roast and grind them into coffee. Finally, we get to brew and drink our own coffee! It is a truly unique experience. However, it does not end there. Co-existing in fields of tomatoes and avocados are multiple ecosystems with unique flora and fauna. After picking our fresh produce, our trekking chef prepares it for us for our dinner.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
Accommodation: Camping facilities with large 4 person Tents for every 2 people for space and comfort
Distance: 18kms / 11 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

After the last delicious breakfast prepared by our chef, we continue along the ancient and remote Inca Trail for 3 hours uphill to the Puncuyoc Pass (2,700m/8,858ft). Along the way, we pass incredible views and long valleys reaching into the distance. We finally arrive to Llactapata Inca Ruins; located directly across from Machu Picchu! There we take time to enjoy the strategic location of the Citadel of the Grand Machu Picchu from across the canyon and admire its surrounding mountains Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu and the Aobamba Canyon.

Then, we descend for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant, the primary power source for Cusco, where we have lunch. Then, we take the train for half an hour to Aguas Calientes where we sleep in a nice hotel with all the welcomed amenities after our last days of roughing it.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Intipunku Tambo
Distance: 15kms / 9 miles
Time: Approximately 9 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we join the line at 5:30am for the shuttle up to Machu Picchu, just in time to witness the sunrise. It is a truly mystical site out of history and not something you’ll want to miss! After enjoying the sunrise your guide will provide a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes around two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel during your tour.

After the tour, those people that have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu will have time to hike it on their own. When they have had their fill of the incredible views of Machu Picchu, a bus back down to Aguas Calientes will be waiting. Upon arriving at Aguas Calientes lunch is waiting with numerous restaurants to choose from (lunch not included). Depending on your train departure time, there may be some time for shopping, or sightseeing.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You can expect to arrive at your hotel around 7:00pm.

Meal: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy

***IMPORTANT:

You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm, 4:22 pm, or 4:43 pm. The cost is $57 USD.
We can organize earlier trains, please request at booking.
The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking.

Prices

Our Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu 4 days may leave on any date that is best suited to you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers!

No. OF PEOPLE	PRICE
2 to 12 people	$ 547 USD per person

***This price includes an extra packhorse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kg, we will provide you a duffel bag, you can put your things.

***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.

DISCOUNTS

18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS

Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
Personal tent: $30 USD – (Tent is for solo trekkers only)
Vistadome Train Upgrade: $57 USD per person
Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
Hotel single supplement: $40 USD per night (for solo travelers with single room)

ADDED VALUES FOR FREE

TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price!
EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc. Included is the 2kg weight for your sleeping bad and mattress.
BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail.
OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick.
CAMPING PILLOW

Inclusions

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE 4 DAY SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
Entry fee to Machu Picchu
English speaking, experienced professional guide
Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
Celebration dinner in an Aguas Calientes restaurant
Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
Mules and horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen – 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag etc
Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
Comfortable foam mattress and camping pillow
Boiled water for drinking and to freshen up in the mornings

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS?

Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
Personal tent: $30 USD – (Tent for solo travelers only)
Vistadome Train Upgrade: $57 USD per person (For the return to Poroy at 4:43pm)
Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
Hotels before and after the trek
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Flights
Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
Tips for the crew, guide, cook and horsemen of ORANGE NATION PERU

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS?

Original Passport (It has to be the same as one used for booking your trek)
Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
Water storage: 2-3L (Please bring only reusable bottles)
Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange Nation)
Headlamp: essential
Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS?

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

2 t-shirts
2 hiking pants at least
4 sets of undergarments
3 sets of hiking socks
Bathing suit for the thermal waters
Fleece/ thermals
Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
Comfortable shoes for camp
Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel bag
Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us

TOILETRIES

Face moisturizer
Hand Sanitizer
Wet wipes
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Personal medications
First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS?

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens
Sun Hat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Headlamp: essential
Wool Hat
Rain gear
Fleece
Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
Rain plastic poncho
Gloves
Camera
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
Extra Money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

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EXPERT GUIDES : Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success

SMALL GROUPS: Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.

OUR EXPERIENCE: With fifteen years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.

ENVIRONMENTAL: ENVIRONMENTAL: Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

Travelers' Choice Awards 2022

Excellent based on 280 reviews based on 280 reviews

Triadvisor

Letty C

Excellent worker

Jun. 2023

Joaquín excellent 👍 Very Caballero helped me with my 🎒 offered me oxygen does very well His work ⁇ in singing to Subme to the 🐎 And what a beautiful mountain it cost me to Climb but with the Joaquín's help I did!

Mariana D

A great adventure!

May. 2023

We made 4D / 3N of the Inka Trail. The experience was challenging, but it was worth it. Chef Fortunato's meals and explanations of Jony and David's places were very complete. Tmb the patience to make sure we all get there on time.

malala08

Fast and friendly service

Dec. 2022

We did not get to specify the service due to the political situation in the country, however the company quickly and carefully proceeded with the return. Very good service and when the situation calms down we will resume service with them.

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