From Cusco: Salkantay Trekking/4Days – 3Nights

The Salkantay Trekking tour from Cusco is an exhilarating 4-day, 3-night adventure through the awe-inspiring Andean landscapes. Adventurers can expect scenic hikes, culture, and the chance to witness the iconic Machu Picchu. Offering comfortable camping accommodations, delicious meals, and the convenience of luggage transport, this tour caters to those seeking an unforgettable experience in Peru’s breathtaking wilderness. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s a tempting option for thrill-seekers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts alike. What awaits along this captivating trek may just surprise you.

Key Points

• A 4-day, 3-night Andean adventure trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu, covering scenic landscapes and cultural experiences.
• The tour includes transportation, camping accommodations, meals, and professional guide services.
• Highlights include hiking to Humantay Lagoon, Abra Salkantay, and exploring coffee and orchid plantations.
• The itinerary culminates with a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu citadel.
• Physical fitness is required, and the tour is not recommended for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Salkantay Trekking tour is a 4-day adventure that takes travelers on a journey through the stunning Andean landscapes of Peru. Priced from $544.00 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now & pay later option, allowing flexibility in planning.

Conducted in English and Spanish, the tour includes pickup from hotels near the main square. Highlights include visiting the Humantay Lagoon, trekking through the Salkantay mountain range, and exploring the iconic Machu Picchu.

The tour provides a comprehensive package, including meals, camping accommodations, and entrance fees, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience for participants.

Itinerary Highlights

What’re the key highlights of the Salkantay Trekking itinerary?

On day one, the tour starts with a pickup from the hotel and travels to Mollepata. Hikers pay the 20 soles entry fee for Humantay Lagoon before embarking on a 3-hour trek to Soraypampa.

The day concludes with a visit to the stunning Humantay Lagoon and an overnight camping experience.

Day two involves a 3-hour hike to Abra Salkantay, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, followed by a descent to Colpapampa.

On day three, the group explores coffee and orchid plantations during a 5-hour jungle walk, ending the day in Aguas Calientes.

The final day begins with an early visit to the iconic Machu Picchu citadel.

Day 1 Highlights

On day one, the Salkantay Trekking tour begins with a hotel pickup, transporting hikers to the town of Mollepata.

There, they’ll pay the 20-sol entry fee to visit the stunning Humantay Lagoon. After breakfast, hikers leave behind 5kg of their luggage for the horses to carry.

The group then travels to Challacancha, where they start a 3-hour walk to Soraypampa. Upon reaching Soraypampa, the highlight of the day is visiting the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

After taking in the views, the group enjoys dinner and settles in for an overnight camping experience.

Day 2 Highlights

After an early breakfast, hikers embark on a 3-hour walk to Abra Salkantay, the trek’s highest point at over 15,000 feet. Along the way, they’re rewarded with stunning views of snow-capped mountains.

Reaching the pass, they take a moment to soak in the breathtaking scenery before beginning the descent to Colpapampa. The trail winds through lush, verdant landscapes, offering glimpses of coffee and orchid plantations.

Lunch is served at Huarachmachay, providing a well-deserved break. As the day winds down, hikers arrive at their campsite, where a hearty dinner awaits before they settle in for the night.

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Day 3 Highlights

Hikers awaken to another day of adventure on the Salkantay Trek.

After a hearty breakfast, they embark on a 5-hour jungle walk, passing through coffee and orchid plantations. The scenery shifts from the rugged mountain landscapes of the previous days to a lush, verdant environment.

They stop for a well-deserved lunch at Playa Sahuayaco before boarding a bus to Hidroeléctrica.

From there, it’s a scenic walk to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Hikers spend the night in a hostel and enjoy their final dinner in a restaurant, eagerly anticipating the highlight of the tour – the visit to the iconic Machu Picchu citadel the following day.

Day 4 Highlights

The final day of the Salkantay Trek dawns with eager anticipation as hikers prepare for their visit to the iconic Machu Picchu citadel.

They’ll rise early and take the bus to the ancient ruins, where a guided tour awaits. Wandering through the stunning stone structures, they’ll learn about the site’s history and significance.

After the tour, they’ll return to Aguas Calientes for a final lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo and the bus back to Cusco.

With memories of the breathtaking landscapes and culture, the trekkers will depart with a deep appreciation for the Salkantay experience.

Inclusions

The Salkantay Trekking package includes a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants.

The tour includes pickup from the hotel near the main square, along with the services of a professional guide equipped with oxygen and a first-aid kit.

Transportation to the Salkantay trail and a train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo are also provided.

Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and Humantay Lake are included, as well as 2 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel.

Meals, a professional chef, and horses for luggage transport are also part of the package.

Trekking sticks and access to other mountains like Huayna Picchu are also covered.

Important Information

Not all travelers may be suited for the Salkantay Trekking experience. This trek isn’t recommended for:

1. Children under 10 years old
2. Pregnant women
3. Individuals with mobility, heart, or respiratory issues
4. Wheelchair users or those with epilepsy

Travelers should come prepared with the essentials: passport/ID, comfortable shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, and cash.

Prohibited items include weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs. Ensuring you’re physically fit and have the right gear is crucial for a successful and enjoyable Salkantay trek.

Flexible travel plans and effective communication with the tour provider can also enhance the overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Trek?

The tour does not specify a maximum group size. However, the tour is designed for small groups to provide a more personalized experience and allow for easier navigation along the Salkantay trail.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Solo Travelers?

There are age restrictions for solo travelers – the tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old. Individuals with mobility, health, or respiratory issues are also not recommended to join the trek on their own.

Can We Store Extra Luggage at the Starting Point?

Yes, travelers can leave up to 5 kg of extra luggage at the starting point in Mollepata. The tour company will transport the luggage separately to the campsite for the hikers.

Are There Any Health Requirements for Participants?

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, those with mobility, heart, respiratory, or epilepsy issues, or wheelchair users due to the strenuous nature of the trek. Participants must be in good health to safely complete the hike.

Can We Book the Tour for a Specific Departure Date?

Yes, you can book the tour for a specific departure date. The tour offers a flexible travel plan, allowing you to reserve your spot and pay later, ensuring you secure your preferred departure date.

Recap

The "From Cusco: Salkantay Trekking/4Days – 3Nights" tour offers an exhilarating adventure through the stunning Andean landscapes, featuring scenic hikes, cultural exploration, and a guided visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. With camping accommodations, meals prepared by a chef, and luggage transport by horses, this tour is a perfect choice for adventure seekers, especially with its free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here: