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This amazing trek runs beneath the magnificent Salkantay mountain (6.271m/20569ft), one of the highest and most stunning in the Peruvian Andes. Your first two days are dominated by the impressive "Apus" of Salkantay and Huamantay, as you pass through the high puna landscape. On the third day you descend to the warm cloud forest, to reach Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. The impressive Sacred Inca city of Machupicchu is visited on the last day of the program. This tour is an interesting alternative for those not having found spaces on the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.

The Salkantay Trek (or Salcantay Trek),was recently named among the 25 best Treks in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine is a trek open to everybody, with no limitation on spaces or permits (for the moment).

If you are strong, outdoors experienced people you might be interested in our 'Expreso Salkantay' version which means that you can do the trek in three days and spend the fourth day in Machu Picchu. (Effectively its 4 day/3 nights).

Salkantay is an important "Apu" click here for an explanation of the meaning of Apu

full itinerary & inclusions expreso salkantay trek

Day One: Cusco - Soraypampa - Huayracmachay

You should have breakfast in your hotel prior to departure or take with you snacks. We will collect you at 5.00am (approximately) from your hotel and take private transport to the village of Mollepata (2.5 hours) where we will have breakfast/ or a snack (not included) and have a look around the village. This is the traditional starting point for the Salkantay trek. We also suggest if you want to buy last minute supplies you can do so in Mollepata, thus supporting the local economy. We continue in our vehicle for 1.5 hours more to Soraypampa. From here we climb gently for about three hours to Salkantaycocha. We have lunch very close to Salkantay mountain and glaciers. After lunch and a rest we continue to climb steeply to the Salkantay pass where we will make small offerings to the apus (mountain spirits). This is the highest point of the trip (4,800 metres/ 15,744 feet). From here we descend for 2 to 3 hours to the campsite at Huayracmachay. Total hours walking: 5 - 7 hours

Day Two : Huayracmachay- Arrayanniyoc - Challhuay-La Playa

After breakfast we will continue to walk downhill for about three hours to Challhuay village, and then another half an hour more to Colpapampa, another small village, all the while enjoying increasingly lush vegetation. We continue walking past some waterfalls until we arrive at Wiñaypocco where we will have lunch. After lunch we walk through the high jungle (known in Spanish as the eyebrow of the jungle) enjoying the landscapes which offer us much natural beauty. The afternoon follows a gentle descent to the small high jungle village of La Playa where we will spend the night. You walk for about 8-9 hours during this day.

Day three: La Playa - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes

You have two options here, depending on your interest and fitness. You should discuss each with your guide.

1.In the morning we head towards Santa Theresa in a bus or truck, where we can soak in hot springs and then walk to the the impressive Machu Picchu Hydroelectric System where we will have lunch and visit a Inca ruin. After this, we will walk for 2.5 hours more along the train tracks to arrive at the village of Aguas Calientes. Please note that if you want to visit the Colcamayu hot springs the entry fee and the taxi to the springs are not included in your tour as this is an optional activity.

2. We leave early and climb for about three hours through the jungle before descending to the interesting, but largely covered ruins of Llactapacta. Orginally discovered by Hiram Bingham at the same time that he discovered Machu Picchu, modern day explorers Vincent Lee and Gary Ziegler recently established that these ruins are much bigger and more important than previously thought. From here we have our first view of Machu Picchu, in the saddle of the mountain opposite. We descend for two hours to the impressive Machu Picchu Hydroelectric System where we will have lunch and visit a Inca ruin. After this, we will walk for 2.5 hours more along the train tracks to arrive at the village of Aguas Calientes

With both options (if you are very tired/or sore) you have the option of taking the train from the Hydroelectric system to Machu Picchu, which leaves about 4pm and costs $8 per person. (Not included in the price) We do not include the price of this train in your ticket because many people like to walk into Aguas Calientes (the closest you can get to walking to Machu Picchu!) and its also nice to walk along, looking up at the ruins of Machu Picchu. Other people prefer the train. You need to talk to your guide and decide what is the most appropriate option for you.

A soak in the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes are often the perfect respite for aching muscles!!! A celebratory dinner is included in the price of your tour in Aguas Calientes.

Accommodation: Hostel in Aguas Calientes (normally Hostal Payacha)

Day Four - machu picchu

After breakfast we take an early bus up to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, where we have a guided visit of approximately two hours. After this you are free to explore this famous site, and if you feel energetic we recommend you to climb Huayna Picchu, however you must leave before 12 noon. This hike takes about 1 hour to climb, and less to descend and offers awesome views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding terrain. You have the option to walk down from Machu Picchu, or to take the bus. (Not included). I We return to Cusco in the afternoon by the backpacker train (leaves either at 2.30pm or 6pm) and are met by a driver at Ollantaytambo who will transfer you directly back to your hotel. You will arrive approximately 4 hours after your train's departure from Aguas Calientes.

Please note:

• The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
• If required, riding horses or horses to carry luggage can be arranged at a reasonable daily rate.
• An extra night in Aguas Calientes can easily be arranged. We can change the date of your train ticket to the following day. Hotels costs and costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the following day are additional to trek costs. Please also note that your entry ticket to Machu Picchu is valid for one day only, if you wish to visit the ruins on a second consecutive day you will need to purchase the ticket again, valued at approx $40 US.
• The Salkantay trek (also spelled Salcantay trek) is one of the most spectacular and varied hikes around Cusco. Given the new restrictions on the Inca trail, Salkantay is the second most popular hike in the region and can be touristed. (If you are a 'purist' want a remote experience, consider one of our other treks).

  What's included?

  For complete facts about many aspects of Apus Peru tours, check out our FAQs page!

  • Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
  • Private t ransport from Cusco to Soraypampa, the starting point for your trek.
  • Entry fee to Machu Picchu & Salkantay Trek
  • English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 6 people).
  • Tents - 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks. All tents were purchased in 07/08.
  • Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) for $5 per day.
  • Cook and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
  • Toilet tent
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food). Our professional cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the western diet and also traditional Peruvian delicacies. (Please communicate with your guide/cook during the trek if you have a preference for certain types of dishes). Salads, if served, are washed in boiled water.
  • Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. They carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 5 kg per person). If you wish to take more, you can hire an extra mule at a cost of $9 per day.
  • 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if you are a little slower than the others in your group.
  • Dining tent with camp tables and chairs & Kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
  • Tents for our staff to sleep in
  • First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle - but not blister treatments as known in western countries.
  • Bus from Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu. We highly recommend walking down from the ruins at the end of the day… it's an excellent opportunity to really get a feeling for the location of Machu Picchu. If you chose to catch the bus, it costs
  • Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
  • Train ticket (Backpacker service) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas
    Calientes - Ollantaytambo.
  • 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in one star hotel. This will be a nice, clean and safe hostel with breakfast included and private bathroom. If you wish to upgrade from this hotel, please check out the options listed on our Aguas Calientes accommodation page.

   

• What is not included?
  

  • Breakfast on the first morning.
  • Lunch on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you will have the choice to further explore Machu Picchu on your own, dine at the restaurant in Machu Picchu or return to Aguas Calientes
  • Entrance to the thermal springs
  • Sleeping bags (can be hired from us for US$5 per day) If you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru with you, then we have sleeping bags for hire.
  • Tips for the guide, cook and porters
  • Additional horses for passengers luggage. If there are any substantial items or backpacks, passengers will need to hire an additional mule at a cost of $9US per day.
  • Bus down from Machu Picchu - cost $6US. We give you the option to hike if you wish.

  You should bring:
  

  • A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
  • Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
  • Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
  • Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
  • Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
  • Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
  • Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
  • Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
  • Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
  • Sun block
  • After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
  • Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - although no malaria risk has been reported
  • Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
  • Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
  • Non-disposable canteen and water for the first morning.
    We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
  • Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, altitude sickness tablets (if you are taking them) as well as blister treatments. (we only have basic bandaids etc against blister treatment).
  • Small towel or sarong
  • Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
  • Cash - sufficient for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
  • Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
  • Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
  • Binoculars (if you have them)

    optional extras We can hire the following.

  • Sleeping Bag suitable for -5 celsius ($4.00 per day)
  • Deluxe Sleeping Bag suitable for -10 celsius. ($6.00 per day)
  • Walking stick lightweight aluminum ($1.00 per day) Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
  • Inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) ($5.00 per day)
  • Mule - $9.00 per day Most people carry their own day pack with up to 5-10kg of their things - a change of clothes and wet weather gear etc. However, if you think that you will have much luggage and you want a very light day pack (eg. just camera and water) then its advisable that you hire an extra mule .
  • Single supplement for tent - prices for these treks are calculated on a share basis. If you would like a tent to yourself you need to pay a single supplement - $25 for the whole trek.

Mountains are earth's undecaying monuments. Nathaniel Hawthorne

ALL NEW : scans of recent trip reports. Click on the link to view the pdf. After you have viewed it, click on back to return to this page.

June 15 report 1/ June 15 report 2/ June 15 report 3/ July 3 report 1/ July 3 report 2

July 31 report 1/ July 31 report 2/ July 31 report 3/

August 17 08 report 1/ August 17 08 report 2/ August 31 08 report 1

How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10 How would you rate your guide? 10 Ecellent trip, enthusiastic and very informative guide (Big Willy) and incredible food - compliments to our chef Victoriano and thanks to helper Amerigo

Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Yes.

How were your meals? (Victoriano) 10

Route name: Expreso Salkantay - Loved the route - spectacular scenery

What was the highlight of your trip? Machu Picchu - great tour - very interesting and loved seeing Machu Picchu appearing out of the mist, reaching the top of Salkantay pass and hot springs.

Eve, May 08, Email: evegaughn@yahoo.co.uk

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How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10 How would you rate your guide? (Big Willy) 10

Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Yes. It even exceeded high expectations.

How were your meals? (Victoriano) 10

Route name: Expreso Salkantay - Fantastic in every way!

What was the highlight of your trip? Too many to fully list. Machu Picchu, Salkantay pass, seeing so many flowers along the way.

Sean, Ireland, May 08, email: s_e_a_n_o_c@yahoo.co.uk

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How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 9

  How would you rate your guide? 9 The guide, cook and horsemen were all professional, hardworking and extremely competent and worked very hard to ensure we enjoyed our trip.

What did you think of the route? We were very glad that after meeting the guide he was able to modify the route to meet our objectives perfectly.

What was the highlight of your trip? Salkantay pass, Machu Picchu and the overall experience.

Any other comments? We enjoyed the experience of taking the local company's transportation sources instead of large tour buses as we saw more of the local culture.

Brian & Lilly, USA, November 2007

APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005-08. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru