Salkantay & Machu Picchu: 4-Day Andean Expedition
4-Day Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu: Authentic Andean Homestay Adventure
Embark on a breathtaking 4-day Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu adventure, a journey acclaimed by National Geographic as the World’s Most Beautiful Trek. The thrill of the Ultimate Salkantay Trek to the legendary Machu Picchu. Exclusive 2-night homestay with warm-hearted local families. Ascending Salkantay Mountain for breathtaking views. This expedition is perfect for those seeking to explore the iconic Machu Picchu and the majestic Salkantay Mountain. Traverse through vibrant green valleys and behold the snow-capped peaks, experiencing a blend of natural beauty and ancient history. Unique to this tour, you’ll spend three nights in homestays with local families, a heartwarming experience that allows you to immerse in authentic Andean culture. These homestays offer not just comfort but also a chance to contribute to the local economy and community well-being.
Highlights
- Explore the Majestic Salkantay Mountain: Journey through diverse terrains to the summit of Salkantay Mountain, offering unparalleled views and a true adventure.
- Discover Iconic Machu Picchu: Experience the wonder of Machu Picchu, a historical marvel blending natural splendor with ancient mysteries.
- Authentic Homestay Experience: Immerse yourself in Andean culture with a unique 2-night homestay, connecting deeply with local families and customs.
- National Geographic’s Acclaimed Trek: Traverse the Salkantay Trek, recognized globally for its beauty and challenge, a highlight for any trek enthusiast.
- Sustainable and Community-Focused Travel: Engage in a travel experience that supports local economies and promotes sustainable tourism in the heart of Peru.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Soraypampa & Humantay Lagoon Trek
Begin your Salkantay Trek adventure with a transfer to Soraypampa, nestled in the magnificent Andean mountains. The day’s highlight is the hike to the stunning Humantay Lagoon. The turquoise waters of the lagoon set against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks create a picture-perfect setting, marking an unforgettable start to your journey.
Day 2: Soraypampa to Chaullay Trek, Transfer to Lucmabamba
On the second day, continue your trek from Soraypampa to Chaullay. This part of the trek offers breathtaking views of the Salkantay Mountain, with its snow-capped peaks and vibrant green valleys. The day concludes with a transfer to Lucmabamba, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate while still immersed in the serenity of the Andes.
Day 3: First Glimpse of Machu Picchu
The third day of your adventure brings the first mesmerizing view of Machu Picchu from afar. This day’s trek is a mix of excitement and anticipation as you edge closer to the ancient Incan citadel. The path leads through lush landscapes and provides an incredible opportunity to connect with the rich history and breathtaking nature that embodies the spirit of Peru.
Day 4: Visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Your journey culminates with a visit to the iconic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Explore the mystical ruins, absorb the history, and marvel at the engineering prowess of the Incas. This visit is not only the highlight of the tour but a transformative experience, leaving you with a profound appreciation for one of the world’s most incredible wonders and the rich heritage of the Incan civilization.
Prices for this trek
PRIVATE TOUR PRICE | |
---|---|
1 person | US$ 1417 per person |
2 people | US$ 901 per person |
3 people | US$ 735 per person |
4 people | US$ 694 per person |
5 to 8 people | US$ 671 per person |
9 to 14 people | US$ 641 per person |
More than 15 people | US$ 582 per person |
* Private tour; do not join other travelers; exclusive tour with a private guide and private mobility, whether traveling alone, with family, or with friends.
* Prices are based on the number of people traveling together.
Includes and excludes
Included
- The clients will receive a briefing the night before the trek.
- Pick up from the Hotel and transfer to Mollepata (starting point of the trail).
- Entrance fees to the Salkantay circuit and Machu Picchu (but not Huayna Picchu Mountain).
- Personal tents accommodate two people for greater comfort and security. Our tents are 4-season and well-maintained for field performance.
- Each individual should bring an inflatable sleeping mat.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs. Kitchen tent.
- Toilet tent with bio-degradable toilet facilities.
- English-speaking tour leader plus an assistant guide for groups of over eight trekkers
- Chef and cooking equipment.
- Campsite fees must be paid to the local community in every camp place.
- Pack animals (to carry tents, food, and cooking equipment) – (day 1 – 2).
- Pack animals to carry personal gear up to 7kg per person (including sleeping pad and sleeping bag) – (day 1 – 2).
- One emergency horse every six people (day 1 – 2).
- Horse riders.
- Meals (3 breakfast, 3-lunches, three dinners + daily morning snack + daily tea service except for last day). Vegetarian or special diets are available at no extra cost.
- Lunch on the last day after visiting Machu Picchu.
- A cloth bag for everyday snacks saves plastic bags and decreases waste.
- We will provide boiled water from lunchtime on the first day.
- Bio-degradable personal hand soaps.
- Our kitchen staff uses bio-degradable dishwashing detergents.
- Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in the water bottle every morning, night, and lunchtime.
- We bring a first-aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
- One night at a Tourist Class hotel in Aguas Calientes town (double or triple room), a single room has an extra cost of US$ 35. Upgrade Hotel accommodation upon request; please ask the travel agent.
- Round trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu site – Aguas Calientes.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy (Expedition train or similar) according to availability – we can upgrade Vistadome service upon request.
- Transfer from Poroy or Cusco train station to Cusco Hotel.
- 24-hour support by our local staff.
Not Included
- The price does not cover domestic or international flights. Consult a travel agency if necessary.
- VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre, and post-tour accommodation.
- Additional personal costs (alcoholic beverages, laundry).
- The price does not cover gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff.
- Guidance in another language (Germany, French, others), in case you request them, please ask your travel agent.
- Additional items are not included explicitly in the itinerary description.
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Entrance fee to the Aguas Calientes thermal springs.
- Sleeping bag.
Trip code: STM4D01-PVT
Day 1 – Transfer to Soraypampa & Hike to Humantay Lagoon
- Pick up from the Hotel at 07:00 and transfer to the head of the trail at Soraypampa (3,800m/12,467ft); the journey takes about 4 hours by car.
- There are breathtaking vistas of the snowcapped Vilcabamba and Mollepata mountain ranges and the verdant Apurimac River Valley along the drive. Time to relax and rest.
- After lunch, we start our trek up to the lake with beautiful views; we ascend the mountain for 2 hours, taking numerous breaks to enjoy the scenery.
- After conquering the hill, we will gaze down on a turquoise lake surrounded by steep peaks and an impressive glacier. The hike is dominated by Salkantay snow-capped Mountain, towering 20,600 feet with a sheer and snowy face. The equally impressive Humantay Mountain rises 19,412 feet. Local people give a blessing when reaching the crystal-clear waters of Humantay Lake at 13,700 feet (4200 meters).
- Distance estimate: 5 km (3,10 miles) – Estimated walking time: 4-5 hours
- Dinner and overnight with local family.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Day 2 – Hike from Soraypampa to Chaullay, transfer to Lucmabamba
- After an early start, the climb to Salkantay Pass begins. We will gradually make our way around Humantay Peak via broad plateaus joined by gigantic rocks and relics of the once-divided Rio Blanco Valley by a swift-flowing river. The journey’s last and most challenging portion is navigating the mountain switchbacks that lead to the pass, the trek’s highest Huayracmachay pass (4,638m/15,216ft). This location offers stunning views of Cusco’s second-highest mountain Salkantay. We can also see the snowcapped mountains of Huayanay and Humantay and miniature lakes, moraines, and a white river.
- The adventure continues with a stunning drop past fields of enormous rocks and often foggy natural stone formations, followed by a delightful hot meal.
- After lunch, we will trek about 9 kilometers and three hours to reach the edge of the cloud forest. Observe the abrupt and spectacular transition from the Andes to the tropical vegetation. Observe vivid landscapes, rare fauna, and native vegetation.
- Upon arrival to Chaullay, one hour transfer by local car to Lucmabamba village (2,000m/6,564ft) where spend the night.
- Distance estimate: 18 km (11, 18 miles) – Estimated walking time: 8-9 hours
- Dinner and overnight with local family.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3 – First view of Machu Picchu
- After breakfast, we tackle the last day of our trek. We ascend for three hours to Llactapata Pass (2,736 m/8976 ft), where we see a view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast that few tourists ever get the opportunity to enjoy.
- We can see Mount Salkantay and Machu Picchu and take a break; the newly restored Llactapata Ruins enhance the place’s attractiveness. We pause briefly to investigate the Llactapata Ruins.
- A two-hour descent to the River Aobamba via bamboo woods, coffee fields, and enormous orchards brings us to the hydroelectric plant at Machu Picchu (1,870m/6,000ft).
- We stop for lunch in Hidroelectrica before we continue to Aguas Calientes town. Following lunch, start the hike to Aguas Calientes.
- Nevertheless, our trustworthy guide leads us to Aguas Calientes, along the railroad tracks to Aguas Calientes; the easy walk takes around 2.5 hours.
- Optional: Choose the train to Aguas Calientes (US$ 50 additional cost) if you are tired and unwilling to walk.
- Distance estimate: 10 km (6, 21 miles) – Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
- Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 – Visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
- Hotel breakfast; at 07:00. Take a bus to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,430m/7,972ft). Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the mountaintop fortress earned every bit of its notoriety.
- Around 08:30, the guided tour begins; the guide expertly directs through the astounding ruins and main streets. Then wander around the town squares and climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
- The guided tour takes around two hours.
- From 12:30 pm to 13:30, take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
- From 13:30 to 15:00, take lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
- Later in the day, board the train to Cusco. Arrive at Poroy station and then be picked up and transported to the Cusco hotel.
- Train schedule — Aguas Calientes (15:20) – Cusco (19:95)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.