Salkantay Trek

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Wayracpunku

We pick you up from your hotel and leave Cusco by private car on our way to Soraypampa which is where we´ll begin our trek. At around 8am we´ll arrive to Soraypampa (3,800 meters) and stop for a delicious breakfast. After that we meet our Arrieros (horsemen) who´ll be accompanying us on the trek, we’ll give the duffle bags and set off at about 9:00am.
The first hour of the day is easy going as the path slowly ascends the valley. As we make our way up the valley we´re treated to fantastic views of Salkantay looming in front of us and one of the peaks of Humantay to our left. After the first hour we´ll stop for a short break to catch our breath before we begin the hardest part of the trek, climbing up the Seven Snakes switchback. For about 45 minutes we wind our way up the mountain, ascending about 200 meters in total. It´s hard going but once it´s done you know the hardest part is over. After you´re at the top it´s a relatively easy walk to our lunch spot at Soroycocha (a small lake sat at the base of Salkantay).
After lunch we set off for Salkantay Pass, the path gradually makes it way up to the pass and the only real challenge now is the thinness of the air. It takes about an hour up to the pass and once we´re there we´ll stop for some photos (weather allowing) and a steaming mug of coca tea. From the pass it´s all downhill for the next day and a half – making our way down to our campsite at Wayracpunku (we have fantastic views of the valley spread out below and can see Andean Ibis and Lapwings by the streams.
Walking Distance: 15km / 9 miles
Starting Elevation: 3800 meters / 12477 ft
Highest Elevation: 4600 meters /15090 ft
Campsite Elevation: 3800 meters / 12477 ft
Considered: Moderate
The area: Andes

Day 2: Wayracpunku – La Playa

Today we will say goodbye to the high peaks of the Andes and make our way down in to the Cloud Forest. The change couldn´t be more abrupt as within 30-40 minutes of leaving your campsite you find yourself walking through lush vegetation and the temperature has noticeably changed. As we make our way down to our lunch spot we pass through beautiful scenery with a wide variety of flowers (including orchids) and hummingbirds flitting all around.
Before we arrive to our lunch spot today you need to make sure you have applied a liberal quantity of insect repellant as the mosquitoes further down have a nasty bite. We have an early lunch today at Colpapampa before carrying on to La Playa further down the valley. Between Colpapampa and La Playa we´ll see a variety of plantations along the way, this area produces a wide range of fruits and coffees and many of its coffees have won international awards. We´ll arrive to La Playa in the late afternoon and have a chance to relax.
Walking Distance: 18km / 11 miles
Starting Elevation: 3800 meters / 12477 ft
Campsite Elevation: 2400 meters / 9350 ft
Considered: Moderate
The area: Cloud Forest

Day 3: La Playa – Llactapata

We have an early start today so that we can arrive to Llactapata before the other groups (if we´re lucky). Setting out from La Playa we follow the path along the valley in the early light of dawn making our way towards the start of an Inca Trail that leads us up to the Inca site of Llactapata. The climb up to Llactapata is a hard one but we have the whole morning and plenty of time to stop for breaks to enjoy the spectacular scenery all around us. Once we reach the top we enter a heavily wooded area filled with birdlife, keep your eyes open for Guan (jungle chickens), Cock of the Rock, Toucans and Hummingbirds that are common in the area.
Once you reach the wooded area it´s only another 20-30 minutes’ walk until you arrive at Llactapata. The views from here are amazing and you get to see a side of Machu Picchu that few ever have seen. Spread out before you are Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain with the citadel sat on the ridge in. Once your entire group arrives you´ll have a guided tour of the site and learn all about the Incas and Machu Picchu, afterwards you have free time to enjoy the sights and to explore Llactapata a little before you head to your campsite 15 minutes down the mountain.
This campsite is amazing as it is hardly ever used by other groups, the undisturbed views of Machu Picchu and the complete tranquility makes this one of the highlights of the trek. In the evening you´ll be able to enjoy the fantastic sunset over the valley below.
Walking Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles
Starting Elevation: 2400 meters / 7874ft
Campsite Elevation: 2700 meters / 8858 ft
Considered: Difficult morning
The area: Cloud Forest

Day 4: Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

We get up early today so that we can enjoy the sunrise over Machu Picchu, this is spectacular and well worth the early start. After breakfast we´ll have a small ceremony with our porters to say thanks to them for the amazing job they´ve done. This will be the last time we see them and if you like you can take this opportunity to give them a tip.
Today´s walk is easy going as we make our way back down in to the valley below. The path winds its way down the mountain, passing through heavily wooded cloud forest where we can see a variety of wildlife and small plantations grown by the local people. It´s about an hour walk down to the valley below and a further hour until the hydroelectric plant where we´ll see a stunning waterfall that is a byproduct of the project. From Hydroelectric we follow the valley all the way to Aguas Calientes, following the river and taking in the wide variety of birdlife in the area. Keep your eyes open for Cock of the Rocks that can be seen in the area. At around 1:30pm we arrive to Aguas Calientes and check in to our hotel. You have the afternoon free to relax, have a hot shower and explore the village a little. If you remembered to bring your swimming costume then you can head to the hot springs and soak out all your aches and pains.
Walking Distance: 15km / 9 miles
Starting Elevation: 2700 meters / 8858 ft
Hotel Elevation: 2000 meters / 6560 ft
Considered: Moderate
The area: Cloud Forest

Day 5: Machupicchu – Cusco

We have to wake up very early in the morning on the last day in order so see the sunrise in Machu Picchu (if the weather allows). We will start with breakfast at the hotel and then head to the bus that will take us to Machu Picchu. At 6.00 am the citadel is open so we will make our way to the postcard photo spot and wait for the sunrise to take the classic Machu Picchu pictures. Afterwards, your guide will take you for a 2 hour tour around the site and then you can climb Wayna Picchu in order to take clear photos of Machu Picchu. You’ll then have plenty of free time to explore the sacred city by yourself. Afterwards you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to have before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo and then private bus to Cusco.

What is included:

• Pick-up from your hotel
• Transportation by bus to Mollepata
• Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
• Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 10 +
• Chef
• Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus 7kg of your personal items.
• Emergency mule
• Return transportation by train and bus to Cusco
• Boiled Water (from the first lunch)
• 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners and snacks. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know.
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• 4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
• 1 Night accommodation in Aguas Calientes on Day 3
• Foam mattress
• Oxygen bottle
• First aid kit
• Entrance to Machu Picchu
• Round trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
• Duffel bags for your belongings
• Pillows

What is not included:

• Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
• Walking stick (Can be hired from us)
• Lunch and dinner on Day 4
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
• Entrance to Lares hot springs 10 soles
• Entrance to Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes 10 soles
• Tips
• Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

What you need to bring:

• Original Passport
• ISIC card (if applies)
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts
• Comfortable Trousers
• Sun hat
• Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
• Insect repellant
• Toiletries and hand sanitiser
• Personal medication
• Camera and film cam
• Torch with spare batteries
• Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

Why choose Peru Wonder Travel?

– Since 2004 in the Tourism Industry, our goal is just to do our best to meet your expectations with an excellent service to every person and are constantly looking for ways we can improve to make your trip of a lifetime. PERU WONDER TRAVEL do a sustainable tourism in Cusco, we feel that it’s our responsibility to keep Perú pristine and beautiful for all the future generations to come. On all our treks we do everything we can to ensure we leave as little impact as possible. In PERU WONDER TRAVEL you will find reliable, friendly and professional people ready to organize Custom Perú Trip Packages, Honeymoon trips and Family tours with Kids. Just choose from one of the Treks and Tours that we have carefully put together for you or get creative and mix and match our tours and extensions to design an a la carte package to accommodate your personal needs.

Do I need to be fit to do one of your treks?

– All of our treks are moderately difficult, long and mountainous. We highly recommend that you are relatively fit and acclimatised (a minimum of 2 days at altitude) before undertaking them. During the months (or at the very least, one month) before your trip, you should take regular, moderate exercise. We want you to have an amazing experience and the fitter you are, the more enjoyable will be the trek. People of all ages (from kids, teenagers to pensioners) complete the trek and age itself is no barrier if you are positive minded and live an active lifestyle. Before departing for your tour, we recommend visiting your doctor who will be able to provide you with more information.

What is the Train return to Cusco?

– The return train is the Expedition train which departs either at 2.55, 4.20, 4.42 or 6.40 pm. The train that is booked depends of the availabilty and is confirmed at your briefing. There is an option to upgrade the train to the Vistadome which is an extra $65 per person. Please let us know your preference at the time of booking. None of the trains go straight to Cusco, they only run either to Ollantaytambo or Poroy but in either case we will transfer you back by bus to your hotel.

How is the food on the Trek?

– Definitely one of the highlights of the tour is the food. It is always fresh and most of it is organic. There is always a lot to eat and lots of options including vegetables, meat, chicken, fish and other types of protein and carbohydrates. Everyone sits down to eat together and we go out of our way to accomodate all dietary requirements including vegetarian options and any food allergies. We do not provide any alcoholic drinks on the trek but if you would like you can bring your own.

How is the camping equipment?

– We provide 4 man tents for only 2 people and foam mattresses for everyone. Our dining equipment includes a spacious dining tent, tables and chairs, plates and utensils. We do not supply sleeping bags, air mattresses or walking sticks, but all can be rented at the office here in Cusco.
Please note that if you are over 1.95 meters / 6´4″ tall then you won´t be able to rent a sleeping bag in Cusco. In this case it is recommended to bring your own.

How will be our Guide, Cook?

– All of them are amazing, helpful, caring, and great people to be around with. Our guides speak good English and are patient and very professional. They speak spanish and quechua too, the Inca Language, they are all able to communicate with natives from around the area and of course they will have lots of history to share with you.
– Our cooks provide amazing family style food for you and everyone is impressed with what they can whip up in the middle of the mountains.

How can we book Huaynapicchu Mountain tickets?

-If you are thinking of climbing Huaynapicchu mountain you must book at the same time as your Lares trek. Only 400 people can hike Huaynapicchu per day so you will climb it on your own after the tour in Machu Picchu around 10:00am.

Where will we store our main luggage during the trek?

– You can either store your luggage at your hotel or you can leave it with us. You will receive a small duffle bag at your Inca Trail briefing (briefings are normally set for the evening before you start the trek) to pack clothes for 3-4 days. Your team of porters will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the porters will always be ahead of the group, you should therefore bring a day pack in which you can carry personal belongings such as your camera, water and sunscreen etc. By Peruvian law the duffle bag carried by the porters must not weigh more than 7kg (14pounds). You can either store your luggage at your hotel or you can leave it with us.