Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu
The Salkantay Trek
|
If you do not like crowded routes, but want to have a good trek with a great natural scenery, then, a great option you have is the Salkantay trek 5 days / 4 nights. Along the way, you will see the Apu Salkantay, the highest peak near Machu Picchu. This snow-capped giant is still central to beliefs of the Incas’ descendants, the Quechua people of the Andes. After a great trek, we will visit Machu Picchu.
DAY 1 | Arrival in Cusco
Upon your arrival at the Airport in Cusco, our transportation service and a representative are ready to escort you to your selected hotel.
DAY 2 | Cusco | Day at leisure Free day to enjoy the city of Cusco or do an optional day tour while acclimating to the altitude
DAY 3 | Cusco | Start of the Salkantay trek: Soraypampa - Salkantay - Andenes After an early breakfast, we pick you up from your hotel and leave the city of Cusco in the morning. On the route we take a short break in Mollepata before ascending a winding mountain road to a place called Soraypampa (12,690 ft.) Here, we meet our emergency horse and begin the trek toward Salkantay Pass 4,638 m. (15,213 ft.). At the pass we stop enjoy the views of nowcapped peaks of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range in every direction, with the glaciated south face of Salkantay towering above us where Andean condors can be seen. From the pass we descend towards Wayracmachay to enjoy our lunch and then continue descending along the left bank of the Salkantay River. Observe the landscape become increasingly green, changing from highland to jungle or cloud forest. Feel the warm air rising from the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids, while arriving to the second camp at Andenes (9,481ft.), a beautiful spot surrounded with vegetation.
DAY 4 | Andenes - Lucmabamba Today we hike along the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas. We pass through banana, granadilla, avocado and coffee. A hot picnic lunch is served along the way. After lunch, we hike for about 2 hours before a private vehicle meets us for a short drive to the beginning of the Llactapata Inca Trail (30 minutes or so). From the head of the newly restored Inca trail we easily make our way to the last campsite at Lucmabamba. In the evening we will have a coffee taste demonstration with our host, a local family. Dinner will be served and then spend the night in the camp.
DAY 5 | Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Machu Picchu After breakfast, we will head uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata Pass (8,974ft.) and descend to the archaeological complex of the same name. Besides, we will enjoy a distant but spectacular view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast, a view few travelers get the chance to admire. Lunch is served in a scenic viewpoint, looking out to Machu Picchu. After that, begin the final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations. Finally, we will get to the Hydroelectric Power Station, to board the train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night. There you can stay in the hotel of your choice. Enjoy a delicious set lunch menu at Café Inkaterra while taking in the breathtaking view of the Vilcanota River. The restaurant is known for its unique blend of Andean cuisine and contemporary trends, resulting in a fusion-style meal with a distinctive flavor.
DAY 6 | Machu Picchu - Cusco After an early breakfast, we make our way to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu. The guided tour of the sanctuary lasts two hours and at the end, you shall have free time to explore the place at your leisure, or simply relax and meditate. We will return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and board the train to Ollantaytambo. From this point, a private vehicle will drive us back to Cusco and you will be transferred to your hotel. You arrival to Cusco will be approximately at 7 or 8 pm.------------------------Level: ModerateMaximum altitude: 4650 m a.s.l.Walking distance: 40 km - 24,85 miles
DAY 7 | Cusco | Day at leisure Free day to enjoy the city of Cusco.
DAY 8 | Cusco | Departure Our transportation service and a representative pick you up to take you from your selected hotel to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco. Domestic flight from Cusco to Lima.
|
2025 Prices in US$ for shared services, with 4 day trek starting on Mondays:
We can also offer a 5 day shared trek that starts on Fridays. Check for rates for that. Included
Not included
|
