Trekking to Machu Picchu by Salkantay, Perú | Argentina Extrema

Trekking Machu Picchu - Salkantay - Cusco - Peru

The great trek to the Inca city, by a different route + archaeological excursions

Start Date: Request!
Hora Inicio: 2 PM
Hora Fin: 10 AM
Meeting Point: Cusco, Perú
Duration: 8 days
Availability: 14 spots

Proposal

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.

Itinerary

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).

Included Services

  • Transfer from Cusco to Challacancha (start of the trek).
  • Transfer from Lucmabamba to Santa Teresa.
  • Pack horses for personal luggage (7 kg per person).
  • Guided trekking throughout the route.
  • Full board during the trek.
  • Mules and pack animals for general equipment.
  • Cook, cooking equipment, and dining facilities (including crockery).
  • First aid kit.
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu citadel.
  • Support and transport vehicles at necessary points.
  • Hostel in Cusco (days 1, 2, and 7).
  • Hostel in Aguas Calientes (day 6).
  • Breakfasts included from day 2 to day 8.
  • Lunches and dinners: from lunch on day 3 to dinner on day 6. On Friday (day 7), a packed lunch (a small sandwich) is included.
  • Tents + sleeping mats.
  • Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
  • Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
  • Pre-trip consultation with meetings and audiovisuals in Argentina.
  • Coordinator-guide traveling with the group from Argentina.
  • Continuous assistance.

Services NOT included

  • Airfare to Cusco.
  • Ascent of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
  • Additional excursions in Cusco.
  • Half-day adventure park (zip-lining, suspension bridges, climbing).
  • Travel insurance (mandatory).
  • Bottled mineral water (recommended).
  • Tips for guides, cooks, muleteers, and camp staff.
  • Lunch on days 1, 2, and 7
  • Dinners on days 1, 2, and 7.

Optional Services:

  • Rental of sleeping bag: $12 USD.
  • Private tent at camp: $20 USD. 
  • Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Consetur [Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu]): $12 USD one way and $12 USD return..
  • Santa Teresa: Hot springs (transfer and entry): 25 soles.
  • Huayna Picchu or Macchu Picchu Hill entrance (if you wish to do the ascent, request as early as possible): $60 USD.

Note

Is it possible to use the luggage storage at the hostel in Cusco to leave items that will not be used during the trek?

  • During the trek, you will carry a small backpack with the essentials for that day. The rest of your luggage will be transported to the next campsite by a pack horse (7 kg per person).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours do we hike each day?

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.

Is the ascent to Huayna Picchu included?

 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.

What temperatures should we expect?

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.

What type of sleeping bag should I bring?

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.

How should I travel and to which city?

You should travel to Cusco. It is advisable to book a flight with a direct connection from Lima to Cusco.

Can you provide information about the group? How many people are there, their ages, etc.?

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.

Where do we stay overnight?

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.

Does an Argentine guide-coordinator travel with the group?

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.

What level of physical fitness should I have to undertake this trek?

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.

Are rest stops made?

Rest stops are made regularly and based on intensity. There are breaks for lunch, snacks, and rest.

What is the minimum age for this activity?

From 12 years old.

How much does the backpack weigh?

Between 8 and 12 kilos. Note that we provide porters to carry part of each participant’s equipment (up to 7 kg per person).

Can I leave things at the hostel in Cusco?

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.

What do we eat?

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.

Difficulty Graduation System

Click on each indicator to see details

40%
Backpack (M)
Backpack (M)

Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.

Clic para detalles
40%
Physical (F)
Physical (F)

Physical demand

Clic para detalles
20%
Technical (T)
Technical (T)

Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.

Clic para detalles
40%
Psycho (P)
Psycho (P)

Psychological Strength

Clic para detalles
60%
Height (A)
Height (A)

Height Exposure

Clic para detalles
How to interpret these values?

Each aspect is evaluated from 20% to 100%, where:

  • 20-40%: Basic or beginner level
  • 60%: Intermediate level
  • 80-100%: Advanced or expert level
Ideal for beginners

This adventure is perfect for those starting in outdoor activities.

Required equipment

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT

(If you do not have this equipment, the guides reserve the right to deny participation in the trek.)

  • Trekking backpack (minimum 30 liters). The backpack will be used only to carry items needed during the day (e.g., sunscreen, warm clothing, water, sunglasses) ***
  • Warm sleeping bag (-10°C comfort) (e.g., 800 gms of down or equivalent synthetic) *** (renting possible).
  • Insulating mat (10 to 15mm) *** (included – DO NOT BRING).
  • A pair of trekking poles ***
  • Waterproof jacket (mountain parka, Ultrex, Gore-Tex, or similar) ***
  • Authorization for Minors *** (permission from a notary public or relevant authorities, depending on your place of residence)
CLOTHING
  • 1 pair of trekking boots (in good condition).
  • 1 second pair of comfortable footwear for camp (e.g., sandals, espadrilles, or lightweight sneakers).
  • 1 lightweight trekking pants.
  • 1 pair of long underwear or thermal leggings.
  • Underwear changes.
  • Several pairs of socks (recommended: 3 pairs).
  • 2 short-sleeve synthetic shirts.
  • 1 long-sleeve synthetic shirt.
  • 2 cotton shirts (for sleeping and comfort at the camps).
  • 2 warm layers (fleece jacket or wool sweater, Fleece 100, Fleece 200).
  • Down jacket or vest (optional).
  • Warm gloves. ***
  • Warm hat (fleece).
  • Sun hat (with flaps).
  • Swimsuit and towel.
PERSONAL ITEMS
  • Passport or ID.
  • Medical insurance, health coverage.
  • Completed medical and personal form, authorization.
  • Travel insurance *** MANDATORY.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
  • Toilet paper. Tissues. Wet wipes.
  • Sunscreen (minimum SPF 45).
  • Insect repellent.
  • Soap, shampoo (small), and small towel.
OTHERS
  • Headlamp with batteries (spare batteries).
  • Sunglasses. ***
  • Water containers with a minimum capacity of 2 liters (plastic bottle is fine).
  • Bags to protect everything in the backpack from rain.
OPTIONAL (not mandatory, consider space and weight)
  • Mate equipment (Mate, straw, yerba, and thermos).
  • Book, notebook, travel journal, pencil, pen.
  • Camera/video equipment.
  • Games; cards, dice, etc.
  • Repair kit (multitool, whistle, lighter, duct tape).

Rental Equipment

Trekking sleeping bag Available
Trekking sleeping bag
Pair of Trekking Poles Available
Pair of Trekking Poles
Mittens Available
Rental mittens
Crampons - Pair of Crampons Available
Pair of Crampons
Climbing II - helmet, crampons and pickaxe Available
Rental : helmet, crampons and ice ax
Climbing Combo I - helmet, crampons, pickaxe, harness, carabiners, plate, straps, cords Available
Combo Top: helmet, crampons, ice ax and full harness
Category 3 sunglasses - Shepra Julbo Spectrom Available
Category 3 sunglasses - Shepra Julbo Spectrom
Backpack for trekking and mountaineering - Woman Available
Backpack for trekking and mountaineering - Woman

Do you have doubts?

If you have questions about this adventure, we look forward to hear from you!

Trekking Machu Picchu - Salkantay - Cusco - Peru

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