SALKANTAY LODGE TO LODGE TREK

USD $ 3,110
Per person in low season (Mar-01 to Mar-31 & Nov-01 to Dec-14). Based on shared accomodation, group service, all inclusive (subject to fixed departure dates), minimum 2 people. Closed Jan & Feb.

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    Salkantay Lodge to Lodge Trek

    The Salkantay Lodge to Lodge Trek to Machu Picchu is a truly unique experience, along an ancient trail called the “Salkantay Route”, combined with overnights at lodges, on the Cordillera Vilcabamba, a beautiful Andean mountain range that harbors Machu Picchu citadel.

    The Salkantay Lodge to Lodge Trek is not a conventional route, yet more scenic and exclusive than the famous “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu”.

    DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate to Challenging. We strongly recommend acclimatizing to the altitude by staying in Cusco, Peru for at least three days prior to the Salkantay Lodge to Lodge Trek.

    If you are looking for a complete experience in Cusco, you can add this hike to our:

    For more references about the different destinations Peru has to offer, please go to:

    1. DAY 1 Cusco to Soraypampa

      Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. You will travel by car all the way to the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo. Built-in cellular style, under the ruling of Pachacutec, its main purpose was to be an Inn or retreat. It includes a rock altar, agricultural terraces with its own irrigation channels. Following you will stop in Mollepata town for a short break before hiking your way up a winding path to Marcoccasa site. Here you will begin your hike to Soraypampa, through an attractive path called the “Royal Path”, on your final turn you will have reached the first lodge.

      After a warm welcome from the Soraypampa staff, you will settle in your room and recharge energy before meeting your guide in the lounge for refreshments and a briefing for the next day’s activities. You will be enjoying a good night sleep while right behind you the sacred mountain peak Salkantay (6,270m/ 20,600tf) will be watching over your dreams.

      Estimated Trekking Time:
      Approximately 4 hours
      Hiking Level:

      Moderate to challenging

      Optional Activity Available: Horseback riding (at additional cost)

      Overnight at Salkantay Lodge at 3,869 m/12,690 ft.

      PICNIC LUNCH

      DINNER

    2. DAY 2 Soraypampa – Hike to Lake Humantay

      After breakfast, you will be given the possibility to climb up the slopes that border the plateau behind the Salkantay Lodge, to find the Humantay turquoise water lake a fantastic vision beneath the Humantay glacier and also to prepare for the next day rather tough walk.

      This peaceful place offers you a chance to relax, enjoy a snack, meditate in the tranquility of this magical spot, participate in a traditional offering to Mother Earth or dare to kayak ride in the Lake Humantay, getting an up-close experience of the surreal glacier.

      Back down in the lodge, the staff will have a warm lunch waiting for you. During the rest of the day you may use it to relax. You can delight in an outdoor jacuzzi, a relaxing massage or a well-deserved nap.

      Note: Even though the morning hike to Lake Humantay is optional, we strongly recommend you to do it to strengthen for the following day hike.

      Optional Activity Available: Horseback riding (at additional cost)

      Estimated Trekking Time:
      Approximately 4 hours
      Hiking Level:

      Moderate to challenging

      Overnight at Salkantay Lodge at 3,869 m/12,690 ft.

      BREAKFAST

      LUNCH

      DINNER

    3. DAY 3 Soraypampa – Crossing the Salkantay Pass

      Early start, hike up to the Rio Blanco valley, around the Humantay Peak. You’ll hike through expansive plateaus with boulders of varying sizes here and there, vestiges of a valley that was once transformed by a fast-flowing river.

      The most challenging part of the walk is the final zig zag trail up to the Salkantay Pass, the highest point on the trek (4,636 m/15,213 ft). Following a descent through fields of giant impressive boulders, often covered by fog. Watch your step!

      Make a stop along the way and have a warm lunch, then continue down through rustic hills and marsh-like plateaus as you approach the Wayra Lodge at Wayraccmachay. This is most remote of lodges, set on a promontory that offers a spectacular view of the trail you just have journeyed that day.

      IMPORTANT: Day three is the longest and most strenuous day of the trek.

      Estimated Trekking Time:
      6 – 8 hours (including lunch)
      Hiking Level:

      Challenging, crossing a 4,638m (15,213ft mountain pass)

      Overnight at Salkantay Lodge at 3,869 m/12,690 ft.

      BREAKFAST

      LUNCH

      DINNER

    4. DAY 4 Wayraccmachay – Descending into the Cloud Forest

      Have a luscious breakfast at the Wayra Lodge, ready to continue your way down the banks of the Salkantay River into a forest-like scenery and warm climate, the jungle welcomes you with exotic butterflies, striking orchids and local people as the trail takes you past their simple homes.

      Your way to Colpa Lodge will be by an exciting zip-line, raised over the confluence of three rivers. On arrival you’ll be greeted by the staff with a Pachamanca lunch, a traditional Peruvian meal cooked underneath the earth by hot stones that create a natural underground oven. After lunch, spend the afternoon sunbathing or relaxing in the outdoor jacuzzi while you admire the panoramic views of the lush green mountains that surround you.

      Estimated Trekking Time:
      3-4 hours
      Hiking Level:

      Easy to moderate

      Optional Activity Available: Afternoon bike ride from Manchayhuaycco to Collpapampa. Descending through the valley slopes along with the Cloud Forest vegetation.

      Duration: 3hrs approximately

      Level: Easy.

      This activity has an additional cost.

      Overnight at Colpa Lodge at 2,870 m / 9,414 ft.

      BREAKFAST

      LUNCH

      DINNER

    5. DAY 5 Collpapampa- Following the Santa Teresa River Valley

      Today you will hike through the Santa Teresa River Valley, admiring the colorful scenery and the waterfalls descending from the glaciers. Take a break for a picnic lunch by the river. Continue walking for 1 hour and meet a vehicle for a short drive to the beginning of the “Llactapata Inca Trail” that leads to Lucma Lodge.

      On the way, you will visit an organic coffee plantation, one of the many best in the area. Lucmabamba is closer to the lower jungle, hence you will suddenly feel a pleasant increase in the temperature.

      Estimated Trekking Time:
      5-6 hours (including lunch)
      Hiking Level:

      Moderate to challenging (because of distance, not terrain)

      Optional Activities: Zip Line in Santa Teresa. This is a full day activity which can be done instead of the day walk. It has an additional cost.

      Biking:

      Option a) Yanama pass – Hornopampa – Lluskamayo.

      Bike ride downhill almost 8,000 ft. through a dirt road admiring breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

      Duration: 5 hrs.

      Level: Easy to moderate.

      Option b) Descent from Hornopampa to Lluskamayo.

      Duration: 3.5 hrs.

      Level: Easy

      Overnight at Lucma Lodge at 2,135 m/7,003 ft.

      BREAKFAST

      PICNIC LUNCH

      DINNER

    6. DAY 6 Lucmabamba- Exploring Llactapata Pass

      Start off climbing along a path of original Inca steps for the next 2-3 hours through a

      An abundant treeline extending over your head. Your first milestone today will be the Llactapata pass before you reach the Aobamaba River valley that connects you to Machu Picchu citadel.

      At the Llactapata Pass (2,736 m/8,974 ft), you’ll get a non-typical view of Machu Picchu, its southeast side, a sight only a few travelers ever get a chance to admire. Explore Llactapata, and have lunch a bit further down the trail in a meadow with panoramic views.

      Finally, you’ll find your way down to the Aobamba River, into a bamboo forest, as well as fruit orchards and coffee plantations, until you arrive in the Hidroelectrica train station. Get on the train for a one hour ride to Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu.

      Note: Peru Rail is the train company used for the Salkantay Trek. If special train service is required, please let us know.

      Estimated Trekking Time:
      4-6 hours.
      Hiking Level:

      Moderate to challenging

      Overnight in Aguas Calientes at 1,900 m/6,232 ft.

      BREAKFAST

      LUNCH

      DINNER

    7. DAY 7 The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

      At dawn, you’ll take a bus ride up to the awe-inspiring architectural complex of Machu Picchu. As you enter the site, you’ll be able to admire the sun rising in the sky, a truly magnificent moment in the quietness of the morning. Then continue focusing on your tour, the amazing complex, its formidable architecture, the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among others. Also, you may choose to hike the Huayna Picchu, an iconic towering mountain with a fascinating story of its own.

      After the visit you’ll have lunch in Aguas Calientes, then you’ll get on your train/transfer back to Cusco. As night falls and you arrive in Cusco, you will be met at the station and transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

      Note: Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets are subject to availability.

      BREAKFAST

      LUNCH

    Legend
    B Breakfast
    S Snack
    L Lunch
    D Dinner
    BL Boxed Lunch
    Trek Price per Person
    Group Service – low season (Mar 01 – Mar-31 and Nov 01 – Dec 14) US$ 3,110
    Group Service – high season (Apr 01 – Oct-31 and Dec 15-31) US$ 4,139
    Single Supplement – if willing to share room 25.00 %
    Single Supplement – additional to stay in single room

    50.00 %

    NOTES:

    The Salkantay Lodge to Lodge Trek is customizable. If you would prefer to add destinations to your trip, please let us know in the Comments Section of the Get Free Quote form. You can also fill out our Design Your Trip form or Contact Us form with your specific needs.

    • This Salkantay Lodge to Lodge Trek is available every day of the year.
    • The recommended period to hike the Salkantay Lodge to Lodge Trek is from March to November.
    • Group Services Fixed Departure Dates for Salkantay Lodge to Lodge Trek: check with us to see if there is still availability.
    • Minimum age permitted on the Salkantay Lodge to Lodge Trek: 12.
    • Price does not include local sales taxes; as foreign travelers are sales tax exempt according to Peruvian Law.
    • If you are looking for a complete experience in Cusco, you can add this hike to our 4 day Machu Picchu Tours.
    What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
    • Pre-trek briefing in Cusco
    • All services from pick up in Cusco on Day 1 to drop off in Cusco on Day 7
    • Transportation from hotel in Cusco to Soraypampa on Day 1 and from Ollantaytambo back to hotel on Day 7
    • 6 nights lodging (5 nights in MLP lodges and 1 night in Aguas Calientes in a 4 star hotel)
    • All meals (except breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 7)
    • At the lodges, we provide filtered and sparkling water, tea and coffee, juice, and soft drinks free of charge. Alcohol,
    • sports drinks and natural bottled water are not included
    • Bilingual guide (Spanish/English) from Day 1 to Day 7. Tours are led in English.
    • Transportation of personal belongings on the trek by packhorse/mules and/or porters
    • Guided visit to Machu Picchu Sanctuary (including entrance and transportation to the site)
    • Transportation (Train to Aguas Calientes, and Ollantaytambo)
    • Sales taxes and payment transaction fees
    What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
    • International and domestic flights
    • Visas required to enter Peru
    • Airport taxes
    • Personal trekking equipment (boots, clothing, sleeping bag, walking poles)

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