An ancient and remote path in the same zone as the Inca Trail, but far less visited and with even more spectacular views. While the Inca Trail can seem overcrowded at times, the Salkantay Trek maintains its authentic feel as it takes us on a gorgeous route, winding us through various micro-climates in a way that only Peru could offer. From the chilly heights of the mighty Andean mountains, down in to the rich, sub tropical rainforest, this trek truly offers it all, and then on top of it all: a visit to the ‘Lost City of the Incas', Machupicchu.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco- Soraypampa (+ / - 6 hours of trekking)

To begin the trek, we will first need to undertake a scenic 3 ½ hour ride through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to arrive to the starting point at Mollepata. When we arrive, we will meet the porters with their mules and situate our things. We will start walking up to Challa Cancha, where we will have Lunch. In the afternoon we will make it the rest of the way to our first campsite in Soraypampa.

Day 2: Soraypampa- Huayracmachay (+ / - 7 hours of trekking)

After a good, healthy Breakfast, we will prepare ourselves to embark on the most difficult portion of the entire trek. At about 7:00 am, we will tour the site called Pampa Salkantay and then afterwards, we will head to the left side of the snow-capped Mount Umantay which sits next to the immense Mount Salkantay, which is the 2nd biggest mountain in the entire Cusco region. At about 12:00 pm, we will be arriving to the highest point: Salkantay-Umantay Pass which towers at 4500 m. From this point, we will be basking in some absolutely gorgeous views of the surrounding glaciers and mountain peaks. We will descend from there to make our campsite at Huayracmachay

Day 3: Huayracmachay- Lluskamayo (+ / - 6 hours of trekking)

This is the most unforgettable day of the trek because of its' vast diversity and its' wealth of flora and fauna. Starting from Huayracmachay, we first pass by the Andean community known as Arranniyuc and continue to descend into the edge of the jungle. We will begin following the Santa Teresa River along a stunning route, replete with several varieties of orchids and even some exotic waterfalls to appreciate. Our campsite will be in a perfect little site in Lluskamayo.

Day 4: Lluskamayo- Aguas Calientes (+ / - 7 hours walking)

Waking up in the middle of the sub tropical jungle will make for a memorable moment. Today's walk will bring us to such exotic plantations as coffee, bananas, avocado, pineapple and the most interesting of all: coca crops; the sacred herb of the Incas. Continuing down the trail, passing by the place known as Sahuayaco, we will be treated with an unusual view of Machupicchu from a different angle. We will be descending to Hydroelectrico, where we will board the train that will take us to Aguas Calientes. That is where we will spend the night in a hotel; we will want to get a good rest in preparation for the next day's adventure.

Day 5: Machupicchu- Cusco

Day 5 of the journey is dedicated entirely to visiting the magical remains of Machupicchu. After an extremely early breakfast, we will take the bus up to the site, where we will need to register ourselves at the checkpoint. Afterwards, we will walk around the site with our guide, as he teaches you about the amazing history of the mystical place. In the afternoon, you should start making your way back down the mountain to Aguas Calientes so you can get to know the town a little bit more before retrieving your things from the hotel and catching the train back to Cusco.

Not Included

•  Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Cusco
•  Information and maps related to the trek
•  Transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the trailhead in Mollepata
•  Entrance fee for Salkantay and Machupicchu
•  Professional, bilingual Tour Guide
•  Professional, trained Cook
•  Porters and mules to load food and camping equipment
•  Food during the trek. (3D, 3A, 3C), with vegetarian option for those that reserve it
•  Camping equipment (tents, mattress, cooking equipment)
•  Extra transport that is used in the walk
•  Power Train ticket to Aguas Calientes
•  Bus ticket up and down in Aguas Calientes / Machupicchu / Aguas Calientes
•  Train tickets for Backpacker Class train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
•  Transfer from the train station to your hotel in Cusco
•  Re-confirmation of airline tickets
•  Departing transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the airport or bus terminal
•  Hotel in Aguas Calientes
•  Breakfast the Day 1, Dinner on Day 4, Breakfast or Lunch on Day 5
•  Sleeping bag