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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. At times referred to as "the other inca trail" 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).

Haz cliq aqui para la version castellano de Camino Inca a Salkantay

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 – Salkantaypampa

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 hour 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 1.5 to 2 hours to our first campsite at Salkantaycocha. Accommodation: Camping Salkantaycocha ( 5 hours hike to an altitude of 4100m)

Day Two : Salkantaycocha– Paso – Huayracmachay– Arrayanniyoc – Challhuay - Colpapampa

After climbing 2.5 hours on zig zagging switchback up the mountain we will arrive at a glacial moraine where we can appreciate Vizcachas (andean chinchilla) and a very small lake. You finally arrive at the pass which is the highest point of the trip (4,600 metres/13451 feet). Here you will find yourself in the middle of two great mountains - Salkantay (6271m) and Huamantay (5850m). Salkantay is the second highest mountain in the Cusco region and at the Pass the mountain itself is very close to you. From here you can also see the mountain Pumasillo (5850m) opposite you, a mountain that can be seen from a different angle when you are at Machu Picchu. We descend to Huayracmachay (or Huayrapampa), approximately 2 hours from the pass, where we will have lunch. After lunch we will continue descending and we can see how the vegetation begins to change from the high andean grasses like the ichu, and we will start to see small shrubs and after we wil enter the high cloud forest and bamboos. We will camp at Colpampampa, about 4 hours from our lunch spot. There are hot springs here that you can soak in that are below the campsite - about 30 minutes return walk. Accommodation: Camping Colpapampa 2850m. (8.5 hours hike to an altitude of 4,600 metres/13451 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. We will pass by a big waterfall before lunch, as we are walking along the left hand side of the River "Alto Salkantay" to the 'eyebrow ofthe jungle' where we can see orchids, bromeliads, typical vegetation of the area and we will see different types of birds, insects and butterflies. In comparison to the previous days of the trek, this is easy walking as we descend slowly to La Playa (2050m). As we lose altitude we will see citrus fruit trees, avocados, bananas, and coffee plants. Walking slowly, (approx 5 hours) we will arrive in La Playa. Accommodation: Camping La Playa (or possibly Santa Theresa) 6 hours hike to an altitude of 1900 metres/6232 feet

Note: La Playa is NOT a remote campsite - for those that want to get away from the crowds you should talk to your guide about camping at Lucmabamba.

New Santa Theresa option! We are now including in the price of our tours (from 2010) camping at Colcamayo Hot Springs. (check out the pics!)

Day Four: La Playa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

You have THREE options here, depending on your interest and fitness. You should discuss each with your guide. You should also be aware that Salkantay is the second most touristed route in the Salkantay region and ineveitably this means little wilderness camping.

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. Most likely you will have camped the night before in Colcamayo if you want to take this option.

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.

3. For thrill seekers and adventurers. On day 3 we offer you the chance highest and longest zipline in South America - Cola de Mono. (check out the pics!) After doing 'Cola de Mono' in the morning we can walk to the Hydroelectric Station or you can take a vehicle.

We include in the price of your tour a train ticket from the Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes ($8) the train leaves at 4.30pm, and you arrive in Aguas Calientes about one hour later, when you are transferred to your hotel. If you want to walk all the way to Aguas Calientes (ie Machu Picchu) its 2.5 hours more along the train tracks to arrive at the village of Aguas Calientes. Some people like this option, because its the closest you can get to walking to Machu Picch (apart from the actual Inca trail) 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. If you decide to walk along the tracks, your $8 pays for your duffel bags to go on the train.

A soak in the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes are often the perfect respite for aching muscles!!! Apus Peru include a nice celebratory dinnern the price of your tour in Aguas Calientes. Accommodation: Hostel in Aguas Calientes (normally Hostal Payacha)

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 this famous city in the dawn light and before the crowds arrive. You will then have a 2.5 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu with your guide. After your tour you can further explore the ruins by yourself or climb Huayna (Wayna)Picchu for that classic photo of Machu Picchu. Please note that new regulations (designed to protect the ruins and for the safety of visitors) mean that there are two entry times to Huayna Picchu - at 7am and 10am, and each time has a limit of 400 enries. Also try to fit in a visit to the Temple of the Moon or Uyna Huayna Picchu while visiting Huayna Picchu.

Normally, during high season those people who climb Huayna picchu spend a extra day at the ruins just to get in the queue for the mountain and then spend a good amount of time on this classic mountain. If you don't get to do Huayna Picchu, other options are:

• Inti Punku (gate of the sun) this is the location where the classic inca trail arrives.
• Inca Bridge
• Machu Picchu mountain.

We highly recommend walking down from Machu Picchu to get a feeling for the vegetation and also the audacity of its builders. Its a 1.5 hour walk back to the village of Aguas Calientes. 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.
• Trek conditions vary according to the season. ie in the dry season the trail can be dusty, in the wet season it can be slippery and muddy. During the shoulder seasons the conditions depend on prior weather. Apus Peru takes no responsibility for trail conditions, as it is directly related to the weather.
• An extra night in Aguas Calientes can easily be arranged if we are advised WELL IN ADVANCE. 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 is an adventurous trek, crossing at 4600metre pass that in the low (wet) season can be snowed under. We do not recommend this trek during December, January, February, and March because of slippery/muddy trail conditions but this recommendation depends on the current weather conditions.
  
• 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). During high season expect up to 15 groups departing daily, in the low season, about 5 groups per day.
• The Salkantay Trek has wonderful mountain views but little or no interaction with local, peruvian culture. If you would like to experience traditional culture, consider the Lares and Machu picchu trek.

What's included?

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

• The Entry FEE to Salkantay is NOT included, please see comprehensive description below in the price section.
• 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 Picchu127 soles
• English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 6-8people).
• 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 Ollantaytambo to Cusco
• Train ticket (Backpacker service) from 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.
• Train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (valued at $8)
• Bus up and down to Machu Picchu (valued at $14 US)
• Celebratory dinner in Aguas Calientes village
• Box lunch final day in Machu Picchu

What is not included?


• Breakfast on the first morning.
• 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.

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 extrasWe 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 i

• Want to join with others to reduce price? Guaranteed groups departing at TREKKERS WANTED

prices 2010 5 day Salkantay trek.

# people in group	2	3	4	5	6+
price USD (per person)	$695	$520	$495	$460	$435

Important price note: Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu

This price does NOT include the entry fee to Salkantay. (141 soles) Apus Peru aims to provide "all inclusive" tours with no hidden charges and fees. In 2008, the INC (National Institue of Culture) introduced a 141 peruvian sole entry fee to the Salkantay trek. We, like most other tour operators felt that this was an exorbitant charge as the government does not offer any  infrastructure or services; (as offered  on the Classic Inca trail in the form of trail maintenance and security, the  installation of toilets and running water, monitoring of safe rubbish disposal  etc) This entrance fee does not offer clients good value for money especially  since the entrance fee to Machu Picchu is not included in the fee (US$42  extra). (In charging 141 soles for Salkantay Peruvian government is actually charging trekkers on the Salkantay  trek more than entry to the Traditional or Classic Inca trail!) In 2009, Apus Peru decided to include this fee in their tours in keeping with our "all inclusive" policy, however, it now appears that after strikes on the Salkantay trail by local muleteers, that INC are not currently charging this fee. It is exceptionally difficult to get reliable information about this fee and it appears that some days INC charge it and some days they do not - it is "luck of the draw." In charging people who then had a "lucky day" we were actually disadvantaging them - so we have decided to NOT include the fee in the price BUT you must be prepared to pay the fee if INC requests it on the route. We sincerely apologise for this in advance. Complaints should be directed to ProPeru, DIRCETUR or INC in Cusco so that feedback reaches the decision makers.

 

How much in your currency? Currency Converter by OANDA.com, The Currency Site. 

Available discounts (these discounts are not cumulative):

5% discount on treks only for members of South American Explorers Club (SAE)

Students: US$ 20.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card and must be below 26 years of age. Please beware that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)

Teenagers: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)

Children: US$ 45.00 (up to 10 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)

To make a booking:

• You need to email us to check availability, receive booking forms and then make your deposit.
• For our payment conditions and booking please refer to our page Payment & booking

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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.

August 10 2009 trip reports/ August 04 2009 trip reports/

July 03 2009 trip reports/ July 10 2009 trip reports/ August 02 2009 trip reports/

June 19 2009 trip reports/ 3rd October 08 report 1/ 3rd October 08 report 2/

September 15 08report 1/ September 15 08report 2/ September 15 08report 3/ September 15 08report 4/

September 07 report 1/ September 07 report 2/ September 07 report 3/July 17 08 report 1/ July 17 08 report 2/ August 07 08 report 1/

"I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed my trek on the Salkantay Trail with your company. Our group was great. Vicki and I could not have been happier with the people we hiked with and we will never forget this trip. The food was great, the hike to the Salkantay Pass was my favorite day. Tough but so rewarding. Macchu Piccu was overwhelming. I loved Peru and all the people we met along the way.
I am so glad I did this trip and will absolutely recommend Apus Peru to anyone I know interested in doing that type of trek." Lisa, USA, August 2009

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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© A.Svenson 2005-2009. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru