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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).
| Salkantay
trek - at a glance |
| highlight:
hiking
alongside the magnificent apu salkantay and then arriving at the ruins
of machu picchu. |
| location:
the Salkantay trek begins 2 hours drive west of Cusco, Peru and leaves
from village of mollepata. |
duration:
5 days/ 4 nights ..... short of time? have you checked out our Expreso Salkantay trek (done in just four days?) |
| level: moderate |
| adventure
rating: Given the new restrictions on the Inca trail, Salkantay
is the second most popular hike in the region. |
| inca
trail alternative: yes, the salkantay trek is an excellent
option. |
| departs:
any day with two people. |
| Full
itinerary |
| What's
included/What should I bring |
| Prices |
| Testimonials
- what people who have done the trip say! |
| Reservations
- to make a booking or enquire about availability, please read
our making a booking page and then email
us for reservation forms! |
Salkantay is an important "Apu"Salkantay is an important "Apu" click here for an explanation of the meaning of Apu nation of the meaning of Apu
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Salkantay
Trek - full itinerary
Day
One: Cusco – Mollepata – Sayallpata – Soraypampa – Salkantaycocha
You will be collected
from your hotel at 5.00am in the morning in a private vehicle, and within two to three hours we will
arrive the small village of Mollepata where we will have breakfast and
can buy some last minute supplies. From here our private car will ascend to Sayallpata for about 1.5 hours where we will start to hike. ** please note if you are comparing tours - this is a PRIVATE CAR to Sayallpata, thus decreasing walking time on day one. It also makes the tour more expensive than those companies that offer a public bus to Mollepata.***It is about three hours to Soraypampa where we will have lunch
while enjoying views of the mountain peak of Huamantay. After lunch we
will continue with a hike uphill for 2 hours to our first campsite at Salkantaycocha. Accommodation:
Camping Salkantaycocha ( 5 hours hike to an altitude of 4400m)
Day
Two : Salkantaycocha– Paso – Huayracmachay– Arrayanniyoc – Challhuay
On this day we climb
for one hour to arrive at the Pass, which is the highest point of the
trip (4,800 metres/15744 feet). After reaching this high point, we descend
for 3.5 more hours passing through puna vegetation (small plants) and a glacier
before reaching the high jungle, which is rich in plant and bird life. We will lunch around Arrayanniyoc before descending for two more hours to Colpapampa where we will camp.
There are hot springs here that you can soak in. Accommodation: Camping Colpapampa. (6 hours hike to an altitude of 4,800 metres/15744 feet)
Day
Three: Colpapampa – Wiñaypocco –
Lluscamayo – La Playa
After breakfast 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 day follows
a gentle descent to the small high jungle village of La Playa where we
will spend the night. Accommodation: Camping La Playa (or possibly Santa
Theresa) 6 hours hike to an altitude of 1900 metres/6232 feet
Day
Four: 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 the tracks, 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
Five: Early in the morning (before dawn) we will take a bus up to the
ruins of Machu Picchu. (Bus included in price) so that you can appreciate
sunrise from the Watchman's Hut (or Inti Punku if you get up very early).
You will then have a three hour guided tour of Machu Picchu with your
guide. After your tour you can further explore the ruins by yourself or
climb Huayna Picchu for that classic photo of Machu Picchu. Please note
that you need to start climbing Huayna Picchu by 12 noon. Also try to
fit in a visit to the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge.
We highly recommend walking down from Machu Picchu to get a feeling for
the vegetation and also the audacity of its builders. Its a 1-2 hour walk
back to the village of Machu Picchu. Alternatively, you can take the bus
($6 - not included).
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 in Cusco 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.
- 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!
- Pre trek briefing
- Collection
from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
- Transport
from Cusco to the trailhead at the beginning of the trek in private car (Sayllapata)
- 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 7 kg per person). If you wish
to take more, you can hire an extra mule at a cost of $8 per day.
- 1
emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are
a little slower
- 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 $6 per person to go down.
- 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 (Nalgene type) 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, second skin for blisters etc.
- 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 to you.
- Sleeping
Bag suitable for -5deg. ($4.00 per day)
- Deluxe
Sleeping Bag suitable for -10deg. ($6.00 per day)
- Walking
stick lightweight aluminum ($1.00 per day)
- Inflatable
mattress (eg. Thermarest) ($5.00 per day)
- Two sticks
are recommended for tough hikes.
- 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 ing,
prior to departur
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Mountains are earth's undecaying monuments. Nathaniel Hawthorne

| Inspired?
More information about the Salkantay hike at these
links... |
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| Testimonials
from people who have done the Salkantay trek |
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.
July 17 08 report 1/ July 17 08 report 2/ August 07 08 report 1/
| How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10 |
| How would you rate your guide? (Felix) 10 The best guide I have had in South America! |
| Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Yes. |
| How were your meals?(Raymundo) 8 |
| Any other comments? Gomercindo (horse guide) and Raymundo (cook) were very hard working. |
| Canada, June 2008 |
| How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 9 |
| How would you rate your guide? (Felix) 9 The whole experience was amazing! Felix did a really good job and was a fun and responsible guide. |
| Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Yes. |
| How were your meals?(Raymundo) 9 |
| Route name: Salkantay - The Salkantay was the best part of the trip. Being able to go from mountain to high jungle in a single day was unforgettable. |
| What was the highlight of your trip? Hiking through the Salkantay pass. Also waking up to hot tea in the mornings was a nice touch. |
| What ONE thing could be done to MOST improve your Apus Peru experience? ???? |
| Any other comments? The guide (Felix), cook (Raymundo) and horseman (Gumercindo) were amazing. They all do very good work. |
| Canada, June 2008 |
| How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10 |
| How would you rate your guide? (Kiki) 10 |
| Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Yes. |
| How were your meals?(Victoriano)10 |
| Route name: Salkantay - Loved it! very varied in difficulty, beautiful scenery. |
| What was the highlight of your trip? The scenery and physical challenge. |
| What ONE thing could be done to MOST improve your Apus Peru experience? Nothing, very pleased. |
| Any other comments? Thank you so much!!! Had a awesome time. |
| Hilary, USA, June 2008 Email: hilaryspartz@comcast.net |
| How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 9 |
| How would you rate your guide? (Kiki) 7 |
| Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Yes. Very accurate and enjoyable |
| How were your meals?(Victorinano) 9 Allways too much food. Accomodated vegetarians |
| Route name: Salkantay - I can't imagine it being any more beautiful, it was also difficult, challenging and wonderful. |
| What ONE thing could be done to MOST improve your Apus Peru experience? My feet would hurt less (not your fault) |
| What was the highlight of your trip? The scenery and having coca tea brought each morning |
Chris, Canada, June 2008 email: runningbear@hotmail.com
Dear Ariana
Just wanted to let you know what a great trip I had to Peru. Your company ran a very organized trek that I would recommend to anyone. The food was great and plentiful. The scenery on the Salkantay trek was inexplicably beautiful. It was the hardest physical challenge I've ever had and I loved every minute of it. The explanation online is accurate and the description of difficulty seemed appropriate. I met some wonderful people and did some amazing things and I thank you for such a memorable experience.
Sincerely,
Christine Wilson
Canada
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| How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10 |
| How would you rate your guide? 10 Big Willy was always smiling and there to give encouragement along the way. Would never have made it to the top without him!! |
| Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Yes. Exactly as expected and more. |
| How were your meals? 10 |
| Route name: Salkantay - Tough and challenging in parts but interesting from start to finish. |
| What was the highlight of your trip? Reaching the top of Salkantay and seeing the mist clear over Machu Picchu. |
| Dannii, UK, May 2008 Email: pumkin3968@asl.com |
How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 9 |
| How would you rate your guide? 10 (Big Willy) Guide kept good pace and was encouraging. |
| Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Yes. |
| How were your meals? 10 |
| Route name: Salkantay - Very tough for the first two days. Exactly as described |
| What was the highlight of your trip?Nice hotel at end. Delicious and healthy food. |
| Rex, US, April 2008 email: rexlorenzo@gmail.com |
How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10 |
| How would you rate your guide? 10 (Big Willy) The food is good. I like the snacks, tea time that you gave us. Also the fact that we camped at some remote campsite is a unique experience. |
| Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Yes. |
| How were your meals? 9 |
| Route name: Salkantay - Too rocky but the scenery is good. |
| What was the highlight of your trip?I like the train track hike a lot |
| US, April 2008 email:iami123@gmail.com |
would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 9 |
| How would you rate your guide? 10 (Big Willy) The cooks were great and prepared tasty meals. The guide was knowledgeable of the history and the details of the trip. |
| Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Yes. |
| How were your meals? 9 |
| Route name: Salkantay - Very hard for the first two days. |
| What was the highlight of your trip? The food and the scenery during the hike. |
| Chan, US, April 2008 |
would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10 |
| How would you rate your guide? 10 Big Willy was awesome! |
| Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Yes. Went beyond expectations. |
| How were your meals? 8 |
| Route name: Salkantay - Really hard at times, but amazing. |
| What was the highlight of your trip? Machu Picchu and getting to the highest point. |
| Any other comments? thank you so much to rolando and julio, they both did a great job. |
| Faye, UK, Salkantay trek, March 2008 |
would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10 |
| How would you rate your guide? 10 Big willie was excellent, very easy going, informative and friendly. Thanks Willie. |
| Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Yes. Amazing. |
| How were your meals? 8 |
| Route name: Salkantay Very good, walking through different types of conditions, beautiful sights, not too difficult, encouraged by willie all the time. |
| What was the highlight of your trip? Machu Picchu. Having climbed to the highest point. Eating cuy. |
| Any other comments? thank you, had a great time, Thanks Huilo, Rowlando and Willie. |
| Janey, UK, Salkantay trek, March 2008 Email: janeymoores@yahoo.com |
would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10 |
| How would you rate your guide? 10 The trip was great! I enjoyed every single day, and step (well, almost every step). We were never in a hurry and got all the time we wanted to take photos and to stop just to enjoy the view. Felix was the perfect guide! He had answers to almost all our questions about animals and plants we saw on the way, and we had very nice and interesting talks in the evenings about everything. |
Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Our trip was almost exactly as described. It totally fulfilled my expectations! |
| How were your meals? 10 |
| Route name: Salkantay I liked the variety in the nature for every single day of the hike. The paths/roads were easy to walk on, and the distances between campsites were very good. The feeling of being alone in the mountains, without huge groups of hikers was very relaxing and nice. |
| What was the highlight of your trip? To reach the highest point of the pass at 4600m, the hot springs in Santa Teresa, and of course Machu Picchu. |
| Any other comments? The food was excellent every day! Better than in most restaurants! |
| Petra, Sweden, Salkantay trek September 2007 |
Everything
was just as we expected and hoped for. The trail was amazing with fantastic
scenery, which was helped by the great weather! Our guide (Big Willy)
was fantastic - very helpful, informative, kind and inspirational. The
food was beyond our expectations - very delicious - and the horseman was
great too. All in all we enjoyed the trip very much, especially our time
in Machu Picchu! The only comment was that perhaps days 3 & 4 could
have been combined into one day, but this was not a major issue. Overall,
a 10/10 experience! Thank you. Guy & Polly, Salkantay Trek, May
2007
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Our
overall enjoyment - 8 Our guide, Felix - 8 Quality of meals - 8 Quantity
of meals - 9
We
felt that the whole team of 5 from Apu's, including Felix and James, did
an admirable job, and helped us enjoy the trip. The value of using a local
guide lies in knowledge of the area, and the people along the way
Felix did a very good job, and he went the extra mile in finding a birthday
cake for my wife, who celebrated her 30th while on the trek.
The
actual route had highlights and lowlights, as any multi-day hike does.Day
1 and 2 were marvelous. The trail was excellent and the camping spots
were also well situated. I think that everybody enjoyed the food, and
if anything there was too much, although I´m sure none of it went
to waste. Apu's team was friendly and very helpful. I hope that our tips
conveyed our appreciation.
Lee
& Angayla, Canada, Salkantay Trek April 2007
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