Salkantay Mountain Trek to Machu Picchu

General overview

Our six day trek leads us through remote river valleys and over a 15,000 ft pass to our final destination, Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas and one of the New 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. As we cross these different eco systems we meet the indigenous people and explore their unique way of life. Our route traverses the snow covered Cordillera Vilcabamba Range and we walk beneath its highest mountain, Mt Salkantay (20,600ft) the 2nd most sacred mountain in Inca mythology.

Besides the Peruvian people and the incredible views, our trek is exceptional because we dine and sleep in luxury lodges along the entire route. Three of the four lodges accommodate only 12 people, all lodges have incredible views and we have the hot tubs and chefs to ourselves.

Alpine Ascents also adds a 2nd day to visit the legendary ruins of Macchu Picchu. Not only does this allow us two full days but since most groups only have a day, it gives us the afternoon of the first day to explore the area in an uncrowded environment.

11,200 ft, where we spend one day and two nights acclimatizing and touring this beautiful city. We then travel by car to the beginning of our trek, the enchanting valley of Soraypampa, – this trekking route is less traveled, and far more scenic than the famous “Inca Trail”. Trekkers spend two nights in the Salkantay Lodge and one night each at three other lodges located at strategic points along the route. At the end of the sixth day we reach a train that takes us up to Aguas Calientes where we stay in a beautiful hotel for the night. The next day we spend the entire morning and early afternoon exploring Macchu Picchu before returning to Cusco.

Key points of the trek

• Trek through fifteen different bio-zones, changing altitudes and varied terrain.
• Your trip is led by a professional mountain guide along with local experts.
• Marvel at the exquisite beauty of the Salkantay Peak, Salkantay Glacier and Humantay Glacier Lake.
• We spend 2 days at the ruins, giving us the afternoon of day 1 to explore the area in an uncrowded environment
• Share in the culture and customs of local Andean families who maintain age-old traditions.
• Witness environmental and social initiatives to maintain the natural integrity and improve quality of life in the region.
• Indulge in the comfort of enchanting mountain lodges, the innovative local cuisine, the warmth of the people, and your daily retreat to a mind-and-body recovery Shangri-La.
• Enjoy your days on trail unfettered by heavy packs while your personal belongings are carried by pack horses/mules and/or porters
• Be inspired by the majesty of your surroundings and the knowledge that you are following in the footsteps of the Incas.

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart from country of origin. (Some flights may require you to overnight in Lima, which is not included in this package.)

Day 2

We’ll arrive in Cusco (11,200 ft.) by mid-morning, where we’ll be met by our local guide and be driven to our centrally located hotel. We’ll have lunch, then a group meeting and gear check to make sure everyone is ready for the trek. That night, Alpine Ascents will host a welcome dinner at one of the finest restaurants in Cusco.

Day 3

We’ll have breakfast early in the hotel then take a walking tour around Cusco. We’ll visit old Spanish churches, the local market and then, after lunch, take a van to an ancient Incan Sun Temple and learn more about their way of life. Their stone work is truly amazing. That night, you’ll have the choice of dining with the group or venturing on your own into the night life of Cusco.

Day 4

After an early breakfast, we’ll depart at 7 a.m. to drive to the start of the Salkantay Trek. En route, we will take a short break to visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo (about 1.5 hours from Cusco). After leaving Limatambo, we’ll pass through the mountain village of Mollepata, where we’ll stop for a short coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road to a place called Marcoccasa (30 minutes from Mollepata by vehicle). Here, we will begin our trek to Soraypampa, on an old route called the Camino Real (Royal Path). The route follows an ancient Inca aqueduct that is still used to transport water from the mountains to the lower valleys. As we ascend, the Andes come into view. These steep and snow-covered peaks are some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. At the end of the day we’ll reach our first lodge, Salkantay Lodge (12,500 ft). This luxurious lodge offers 12 beautiful bedrooms, lounges with fireplaces, and a spotlessly clean Jacuzzi all with views of the Salkantay, the second-most sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at 20,600 feet (6,270 m), the highest in the region. After a warm welcome by our friendly staff, we’ll have some time to clean up and relax. An evening briefing by the fireplace is followed by aperitifs and dinner. (Guests who do not wish to trek may be taken to the lodge by van).

Trekking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch en route).
Hiking Level: Moderate.
Optional: Guests who do not wish to trek may be transported to the lodge by vehicle.
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge at 3,869 m/12,690 ft.

Day 5

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll take a three to four hour acclimatization hike to a beautiful glacial lake at the foot of Humantay Mountain. During the hike, we’ll be surrounded by the high peaks of the Andes Mountains. The more adventurous might take a short swim in the glacier lake but most will choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in the outdoor Jacuzzi upon our return to the lodge. In the evening, the guide will brief the trekking party on gear and the itinerary for the following day. Then our bartender will demonstrate how to make the perfect Peruvian Pisco Sour, the signature drink of Peru. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are taken at the Lodge, where we’ll overnight.

Trekking Time: Approximately 4 hours.
Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging.
Optional activity available: Horseback Riding.
Overnight: Salkantay Lodge at 3,869 m/12,690 ft.

Day 6

The longest hike of the trek, (7-9 hours). After an early breakfast, we’ll hike up the Rio Blanco Valley, circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay Peak. As we ascend, we’ll trek along trails cut into the hillside with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The highest point on the trek is a pass at 15,213 ft. (4,638 m). At the pass, we’ll stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, with the south face of Salkantay towering above us. We will keep our eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area. From the pass, we’ll descend for an hour to our lunch location, where a dining tent is already set up and we are able to enjoy a bit of rest and a hot lunch. From there, we’ll continue our descent to the Wayra Lodge (12,600 ft.). It’s smaller than Salkantay Lodge with only six bedrooms (we have the whole place to ourselves!), but the bedrooms, lounge and Jacuzzi are incredible. After showers and Jacuzzi time, we’ll have hors d’oeuvres, a wonderful dinner and enjoy the fire for the rest of evening. There is even a good wine list to choose from. (Hiking time: six to eight hours. Total excursion time for day: seven to nine hours. Hiking level: challenging, with a 15,000 ft. mountain pass).

Trekking Time: 6–8 hours (including lunch).
Hiking Level: Challenging, crossing a 4,638m (15,213 ft) mountain pass.
Overnight: Wayra Lodge at 3,906 m/12,812 ft.

Day 7

We’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge, and then begin our trek by hiking downhill above the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery. We’ll descend into a forest full of a large variety of flowers, including several species of orchids. Our local assistant guide will help us identify the local flora during our four-hour hike to reach our next destination, Colpa Lodge (9,200 ft), which is located in an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers. The outdoor hot tub in this lodge has prominent views of lush green mountains and a small, far-away, local town. Dinner that night is cooked over an open Peruvian fire pit which includes several types of meats and vegetables. (Hiking time: three to four hours. Hiking level: easy to moderate).

Trekking Time: 3–4 hours.
Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate.
Overnight: Colpa Lodge at 2,870 m/9,414 ft.

Day 8

We’ll depart early and head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas. We will pass through banana, granadilla, and avocado orchards and coffee plantations (said to be among the best organic coffees in the world). We stop along the river for a hot picnic lunch. After another hour of trekking, we’ll be driven to the beginning of the Llactapata Inca Trail. From the head of the trail it is a 30-minute climb to the Lucma Lodge (6,900 ft.), set in an avocado orchard. We’ll arrive in time to explore the small village of Lucmabamba and possibly meet with locals. (Hiking time: five to six hours. Total excursion time for day: six to eight hours. Hiking level: moderate to challenging, basically due to distance, not terrain.)

Trekking Time: 5–6 hours (including lunch).
Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging (because of distance, not terrain).
Overnight: Lucma Lodge at 2,135 m/7,003 ft.

Day 9

After an early start and a hearty breakfast, we’ll tackle the last day of our trek. We head uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata Pass (8,974 ft./2,736 m), where we’ll come upon a distant but quite special view of Machu Picchu from the southwest, a view few tourists ever glimpse. An added value is the Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored. Lunch is provided at the observatory, in view of Machu Picchu. We’ll then begin our final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations (2-3-hour descent). We’ll reach a small train station, where we’ll board a local passenger train for a 30-minute ride to Aguas Calientes, a small town about 1,500 ft. below Machu Picchu. This night, we’ll dine and sleep in a beautiful hotel surrounded by an amazing number of wild orchid species. In fact, three new species were found last year in the hillside of the resort. (Total hiking time: four to six hours. Hiking level: moderate to challenging).

Trekking Time: 4–6 hours.
Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging.
Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes at 1,900 m/6,232 ft.

Day 10

We’ll wake up for an early breakfast at the hotel and then travel to the bus station for a ride up to Machu Picchu (30 mins.). Our guide, who is well-studied in Incan culture and Machu Picchu, will us a detailed tour of the entire compound. We’ll then have an additional four hours to explore the area on our own. Later, we’ll take a bus back to Aguas Calientes for dinner.

Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes at 1,900 m/6,232 ft.

Day 11

Return to Macchu Picchu. This 2nd day is unique to Alpine Ascents as it gives us not only extra time to explore the ruins but give us the prior afternoon in the ruins when most of the groups have departed. The chance to visit these ruins without typical crowds is a fantastic experience. Afterwards we will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch and then to the train station for an afternoon departure to Cusco. We usually arrive in Cusco at 8pm. Overnight at El Mercado Hotel.

Overnight: El Mercado

Day 12

Fly to Lima and connect with homeward-bound flights.

Day 13

Arrive in country of origin.

Good to know

Preparation for Salkantay Mountain Trek

Our Salkantay Mountain Trek requires cardiovascular endurance (via aerobic training), strength endurance (through strength conditioning), and hiking-specific training (via hiking with a pack). Being in strong physical shape is one of the most important aspects for success on a high altitude trek. During your training, you should be planning to progressively ramp up your speed, duration (time or mileage), and pack weight of weekly training hikes to give you hiking-specific conditioning that cannot be matched by any other sort of training.