10% Off Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days - 3 nights
Summary:
This trekking route combines demanding high mountain hikes with a descent into the high jungle, culminating in a visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa (Acclimatization and Humantay Lagoon):
Main Route: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa.
Distance / Duration: 12 km (5 hours trekking).
Key Altitude: Soraypampa (3912 m / 12834 ft).
Highlights:
Initial vehicle transfer and acclimatization.
Trek to Soraypampa (base camp).
Hike up to the stunning Humantay Lake (4200 m / 13779 ft).
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay (The most challenging day)
Main Route: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay.
Distance / Duration: 22 km (9 hours trekking).
Key Altitude: Salkantay Pass (4630 m / 15190 ft), the highest point of the trek.
Highlights:
Demanding ascent to Salkantay Pass.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Salkantay snow peak.
Long descent to Chaullay (second camp).
Day 3: Chaullay – Aguas Calientes (Descent into the Cloud Forest)
Main Route: Chaullay – Playa Sahuayo – Aguas Calientes.
Distance / Duration: 25 km (7 hours trekking).
Key Altitude: Chaullay (2900 m / 9514 ft).
Highlights:
Walk through the high jungle, observing native flora (orchids, coffee, coca) and fauna.
Lunch at Playa Sahuayo.
3-hour walk from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes town. (Optional local transfer available for an extra cost).
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Main Route: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco.
Distance / Duration: 5 km (1.5-hour climb).
Key Altitude: Machu Picchu (2430 m / 7972 ft).
Highlights:
Early morning climb (1.5h walk or optional bus) for sunrise view.
2-hour guided tour inside the Machu Picchu citadel.
Return to Aguas Calientes mid-day to start the trip back to Cusco (by bus or train, depending on the option booked).
🚌 Return Options (Day 4)
After the visit to Machu Picchu, travelers have two main options for the return journey to Cusco:
1. Budget Option: Bus (Longer Duration)
Return Route: 3-hour walk from Aguas Calientes to Hidroeléctrica $\rightarrow$ Tourist bus to Cusco.
Estimated Total Duration: Arrival in Cusco center is approximately between 10:00 PM – 10:30 PM.
2. Faster Option: Train (Quicker and More Comfortable)
Return Route: Bus or short walk to Aguas Calientes $\rightarrow$ Train to Ollantaytambo $\rightarrow$ Connecting bus to Cusco.
Estimated Total Duration: This is the faster option, with arrival in Cusco center considerably earlier than the bus option.
🛑 Important Notes Classic Salkantay
Entrance and Humantay Lake (Day 1): Includes an additional community fee of 20 soles.
Transportation (Day 3): Local transport from Playa Sahuayo to Hidroeléctrica is not included (approx. 40-50 soles per person).
Hot Springs (Day 3): Optional activity after the trek (extra cost of 20 soles).