Salkantay a Machu Picchu

Early morning pick up from your hotel and transfer by private bus to breakfast at Mollepata (2700m). After another short bus ride, we arrive at Soraypampa (trailhead) (3,800mt). We start a gentle ascent at the head of the valley, and then the trail goes steep uphill and comes to a series of zigzags. All around, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of Salkantay (6,271mt) (guardian spirit of the Jungle). Reaching the highest pass (4,630m), you will get an outstanding scenic and beautiful view of the sacred mountains in the Peruvian Andes, Humantay and Salkantay, that will compensate the great effort in reaching the top which is marked by several piles of stones spread out that grow daily as each traveler adds his pebble to thank the Apus (mountain spirits) for a safe trip and good luck. From this point, we start descending towards a tropical climate and into the so-called cloud forest. Along the route, we can observe the remains of an ancient Inca path, which is approximately 6 meters wide. A long though easy descent brings us late afternoon to our first campsite at Andenes (3,400m/11150ft).

Meals: B, L, D

Total distance:

18 km (11, 25 miles)

Estimated hiking time:

8-9 hours

Maximum altitude point:

4,600 m (15,088 ft)

Campsite altitude:

3,500 m (11,480 ft)

Following an early breakfast, we will leave the beautiful pyramid shaped peak of Salkantay behind us. From now, the fauna and flora change as we enter the tropical cloud forest and discover its lush vegetation of wild orchids, bromeliads and beautiful birds. Continuing our descent through the groves of bamboos; going across some amazing untouched path where strawberries grow at your feet and passion fruit are above your head in a decor of begonias and purple orchids! After 5 hours hike we arrive at the hamlet of Wayracpunku for lunch, then we set out to La Playa (campsite) passing the Hamlet of Saint Ignatious where we see banana and avocado trees, as well as coffee plantations.

Total distance:

20 km (12, 50 miles)

Estimated walking time:

8-9 hours

Maximum altitude point:

3,500 m (11,480 ft)

Campsite altitude:

2,100 m (6,888 ft)

Another early start gives us some amazing views over the valley. After 3 hours journey, we will arrive to an Incan remain named Llactapata which overlooks Machu Picchu. It is a magical view given to us that a majority of tourists will never see! A 2 hour downhill trail easily leads the hikers into a forest of increasingly thick vegetation to the hydroelectric power station lunch spot. Finally, we follow the railway heading up the Urubamba valley to our last destination at Aguas Calientes and stay overnight in a hotel.

Total distance:

12 km (7, 50 miles)

Estimated walking time:

5-6 hours

Maximum altitude point:

2,650 m (8,692 ft)

Aguas Calientes altitude:

2,000 m (6,560 ft)

Early start to Machu Picchu, means entering for the best photo opportunities. Following the guided tour, take the time to explore and wander around Machu Picchu by yourself. Make your way back down to Aguas Calientes for a well-deserved rest and lunch. Finally, get the train to Ollantaytambo and bus back to Cusco.