The great trek to the Inca city, by a different route + archaeological excursions
This is one of the highlights of major tourism travel in South America. Walking through the stunning mountain range south of Peru to Machu Picchu is a unique adventure. We propose taking a less traveled and more rugged route, featuring the highest pass. This trek through the Salkantay Nevado is a journey that leaves an impact.
Day 1 (Saturday): Check-in at the hostel. Free afternoon to start acclimatizing and exploring the historical district.
Day 2 (Sunday): Free day in Cusco and surroundings. Several options are available according to your preferences. Continue to adjust to the altitude.
Day 3 (Monday): Early departure for the first day of the trekking expedition. Transfer from Cusco to the town of Mollepata. We will load the equipment onto horses and begin the hike to Cruz Pata, where we will arrive around noon for lunch. Later, continue walking towards Soraypampa, located at 3850 meters. First camp.
Day 4 (Tuesday): (Soraypampa - Salkantay - Huayrac Pampa - Chaullay). We begin the most challenging part of the trek, visiting the area known as Pampa Salkantay. We then take the left side of the Umantay snow-capped peak, which is adjacent to Salkantay. Around noon, we will reach the highest point, Salkantay Umantay Pass at 4500 meters. Observe the Salkantay glacier, and after an hour of rest, have lunch at Huayrac Pampa. Later, continue the descent for four hours to Chaullay, located at 2900 meters, where we will set up camp for the second night.
Day 5 (Wednesday): (Chaullay - La Playa - Santa Teresa). After breakfast, we start a five-hour walk. Along the way, we will pass through the village of Collpabamba in the rainforest, where we can see waterfalls and a variety of plants and flowers before reaching La Playa. From there, a transfer will take us to Santa Teresa (1650 meters), where we’ll have lunch and camp.
Optional: Spend the rest of the day until dinner at the Hot Springs.
Day 6 (Thursday): (Santa Teresa - Hydroelectric Power Station - Aguas Calientes). Around 8:00 AM, we will begin a one-hour hike to the "Oroya" (a hanging wire system across the river). On the way, we will see Machu Picchu in the distance for the first time. After crossing the river, walk for another hour to reach the Hydroelectric Power Station, where we will rest and have lunch. In the afternoon, take the 15:10 train to Aguas Calientes, arriving at 16:00. Overnight at the hostel.
Day 7 (Friday): (Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco). In the morning, we will have a guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel (approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes), visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Solar Clock, the royal apartments, the Temple, and the cemeteries. Free time to explore the citadel or visit Huayna Picchu. Lunch. In the afternoon, take the 15:30 or 16:00 train back to Cusco or a mini-bus. Upon arrival, transfer to the hostel.
Day 8 (Saturday): Free time in Cusco and end of the program. Options: return flight; additional days in Cusco with excursions; or continue the program in the Cordillera Blanca (Santa Cruz-Llanganuco trek, Huaraz area, central Peru).
Optional Services:
Is it possible to use the luggage storage at the hostel in Cusco to leave items that will not be used during the trek?
Generally, we hike about 3-4 hours in the morning; then we have a long lunch break and hike for another few hours in the afternoon until we reach the campsite.
No, what is included is the entry and guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel; Huayna Picchu must be arranged separately. You can consult us as sometimes there are promotions to include it in our group. It has an additional cost of approximately 60 USD.
Northern Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia are characterized by significant temperature fluctuations (hot during the day and cool at night). Additionally, there is what is known as the "Bolivian Winter." This means that in our summer (December to March), it is the rainy season there. In our winter, it does not rain, but the temperature range becomes more noticeable, and the cold at night and early mornings can be quite pronounced, especially in high-altitude camps (above 2500 meters), as is the case in two of the camps on this trek. It is important to protect yourself from the sun with a hat, neck scarf, sunscreen, and mountain sunglasses. For the night, a good sleeping bag and warm clothing are essential as temperatures can drop below 0°C.
Sleeping bags should be rated for a comfort temperature of 0°C to ensure a good rest. Goose down bags are the best, but modern synthetic materials also offer excellent performance. They can be rented if needed.
You should travel to Cusco. It is advisable to book a flight with a direct connection from Lima to Cusco.
In general, the groups are very diverse (people from all walks of life). There are varied ages and genders, including solo travelers, friends, couples, families, etc.
Overnight stays are in mountain camps in igloo-style tents, comfortable for 2/3 or 4 people. There are also stays in hostels, such as in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
Yes, this is one of the added values we provide on our trips abroad; a guide from our company travels with the entire group to facilitate connections and handle any issues, assistance, evacuations, etc.
It is not essential to be a highly trained athlete who works out four times a week. However, the better physical condition you are in, the more enjoyable the trek will be. The idea is for you to enjoy the adventure and not suffer through it. If you don’t normally train, we recommend running, biking, or other aerobic activities. You should start by walking with a loaded backpack (at least 8 kilograms) and covering several kilometers each week, including climbing stairs or inclines in 20-minute intervals. Request an appropriate training plan from us.
Rest stops are made regularly and based on intensity. There are breaks for lunch, snacks, and rest.
From 12 years old.
Between 8 and 12 kilos. Note that we provide porters to carry part of each participant’s equipment (up to 7 kg per person).
Yes, you should. For the trek, you need to bring what is listed in the REQUIRED GEAR section in a bag or backpack (which will be carried by the porters). A 30-liter backpack is used during the trek. The rest of your luggage can be left at the hostel in Cusco and will be retrieved upon your return.
On all our expeditions, we provide full board. For this trip, the service is contracted, and we adapt to regional meals that generally do not differ much from our usual mountain meals.
Click on each indicator to see details
Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.
Physical demand
Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.
Psychological Strength
Height Exposure
Each aspect is evaluated from 20% to 100%, where:
This adventure is perfect for those starting in outdoor activities.
(If you do not have this equipment, the guides reserve the right to deny participation in the trek.)
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If you have questions about this adventure, we look forward to hear from you!
For an immediate response, contact us via WhatsApp 54 9 1170623800
We will respond to you promptly, so you can prepare for your next great adventure 🏔️