Cusco: 4-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Andes Mountains, Peru, Peru



Embark on a 4-day trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco. Hike through the Andes on the Salkantay Trail, visit the Humantay Lagoon, and explore the ancient city of Machu Picchu.

Highlights

  • Discover the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon and take in the stunning views
  • Explore the Salkantay Pass, the second-highest point in the Cusco region
  • Explore the Salkantay Pass, the second-highest point in the Cusco region
  • Marvel at the views of the peaks of Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo
  • Relax in the Cocalmayo Hot Springs of Santa Teresa

Description

Embark on a thrilling adventure with a 5-day trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Admire the breathtaking views of the Salkantay Pass, explore the Inca ruins of Llactapata, and enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Day 1: Cusco - Soraypampa Begin your adventure with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. Drive to the charming village of Mollepata and stop for breakfast. Continue to Soraypampa, where muleteers and horses await to assist in transporting your belongings for the hike. Begin with a 2-hour trek to the Humantay Lagoon. Enjoy free time to explore this breathtaking spot and take photos. Return to the Soraypampa area, where your overnight camp is situated. Have a delicious lunch and explore the area. Gather for dinner and a well-deserved rest. Day 2: Soraypampa - Chaullay After breakfast, bid farewell to the Soraypampa camp and set off for your next hike. Ascend to the Salkantay Pass, the second-highest point in the Cusco region. Marvel at the spectacular views of peaks, including the imposing snow-capped summits of Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. After a 2-hour descent, take a brief lunch break to replenish energy. The trek concludes in Chaullay, your camp at the entrance to the Peruvian Amazon. Wrap up the day with dinner at the camp. Day 3: Chaullay - Santa Teresa Begin the day with breakfast at the camp before embarking on a journey to Sahuayaco Beach. During this approximately 5-hour hike, revel in the sights of waterfalls, wild orchids, and plantations of coffee, bananas, and avocados. Upon arrival, board local public transportation bound for the third camp in the Santa Teresa district. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure after lunch, exploring the tropical valley. A refreshing dip in the Cocalmayo Hot Springs of Santa Teresa is highly recommended. As night falls, reconvene at the camp for dinner and a well-deserved rest. Day 4: Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes Following breakfast at the campsite, embark on a 3-hour hike through the Santa Teresa Valley to the Llactapata ruins, situated directly across from Machu Picchu. Explore the Inca archaeological site, delving into its legendary history. Descend for an additional 2 hours to the Hidroeléctrica train station, where lunch awaits. Continue walking along the train tracks until reaching the hotel in Aguas Calientes, your accommodation for the night. In the evening, savor dinner at a typical local restaurant before returning to the hotel. Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco On the final day of the tour, enjoy breakfast packed for the hike to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Once there, embark on a 2.5-hour guided tour, unraveling the secrets of this ancient Inca citadel, now one of Peru's most cherished treasures. Post-tour, return to your hotel in Cusco, with an expected arrival around 10 pm.

Includes

Hotel pickup & drop-off Transport by car or minibus English–speaking guide 7–kilo (15–pound) backpack 3 nights of accommodation at mountain camps + breakfast Pillow One night of accommodation in aguas calientes 4 lunches 4 dinners Guided tour of Machu Picchu

Excludes

Machu Picchu entrance Admission to the Humantay Lagoon: S/ 20 (US$ 5.30) per person Sleeping bag Transport and admission to the Santa Teresa Hot Springs: S/ 25 (US$ 6.70) per person Breakfast the first day & dinner the last day

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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