Tour Description
Salkantay – Trek the Sacred Path
Salkantay, a sacred mountain and the highest peak in the Vilcabamba range, rises majestically to 6,271m (20,570 ft), offering an unforgettable journey. Wake up surrounded by the spirits of the Andes, including the awe-inspiring Nevado Tucarhuay and Nevado Humantay. As you trek, marvel at landscapes that shift from snow-capped peaks to lush rainforests, adorned with unique high-altitude vegetation and flowers in an array of stunning shapes and colors.
“From the sacred summits to the living spirit of Machu Picchu, your adventure starts here.”
Meet Your Travel Advisor
Vanesa
Travel Advisor & Key Account Manager
- vanesa@sierratours.io
- +51982482016
- Group Travel Division
- English, Spanish
Vanesa manages key client relationships, coordinates personalized travel planning, and delivers high-quality, tailored travel experiences with strong attention to service and detail.
Explore Perú in 4 Days
Salkantay & Machu Picchu – 4 Days
This trek perfectly combines the cultural and natural beauty of the Andes. As we challenge ourselves through diverse ecosystems, we are rewarded with magnificent views of the snow-capped Salkantay (6,264m/20,551ft), the most iconic peak of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Along the way, we are transported back to the time of the Incas, connecting with the spirits of towering mountains such as Tucarhuay and Humantay, whose peaks rise above 5,000 meters (16,404 feet).
Marvel at the landscapes as they shift from snow-covered peaks to lush rainforests, adorned with unique high-altitude vegetation and vibrant flowers.
Itinerary
Description
We will leave Cusco at 5:00 am and head forwards Challacancha (3400m/11154f), passing the village Mollepata (3000m/9843f). In Challacancha we will meet the horsemen and the rest of the group and start our trek. We start hiking within a magnificent valley, surrounded by the most important snow-capped mountains such as the Humantay (5217m/17116f) and the Salkantay (6264m/20551f). Our campsite will be at Soraypampa (3700m/12139f).in the afternoon we can visit the Humantay lake which is an extra hike.
Optional: After having lunch in Soraypampa, we strongly recommend hiking to Laguna de Humantay where you are able to discover the beautiful view of Humantay Lake and Humantay snow-covered. Hiking time from Soraypampa (3900m/12795ft) to Humantay lake (4220m/13845ft). Hiking Time 3 hours. Climate: cold Transport time: 4 hours Hiking time: 2-3 hours Extra hike to the lagoon: 3 hours.
Camping
Meals
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Cusco
- Mollepata
- Soraypampa
Description
After breakfast, we will set off towards the Salkantay pass (4600m/15092f) which offers an exceptional view of the snow-capped Salkantay (6264m). Thereafter, we will descend again and will have time to enjoy the increasing vegetation of the ecosystem. Our camp site will be in Collpapampa (3000m/9842f), in the middle of the tropical forest with hot weather and mosquitoes. Hiking time: 10 – 11 hours
Camping
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Soraypampa
- Salkantay Pass
- Andenes
Description
After an early breakfast, we will descend through a dimmed forest, where the vegetation grows brightly, among this outstanding kindness for instance a great variety of Orchids, Bromeliads, Bomareas and etc. Also we will meet with some families in Wiñaypoco (2650m / 8694f) and Granadilla (2100m / 6890f), where we will catch our vehicle riding to Hydroelectric where we will have the luch.
From there, we’ll continue walking or by train to Aguas Calientes town (this is extra because it’s not included), where we will have an overnight in hostel. Hiking time: 5-6 hours, during a warm day with mosquitoes. Transportation time: 1h30, from La Playa to Hydroelectric.
Camping
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Andenes
- Lucmabamba
- Hydroelectric Station
- Aguas Calientes town
Description
Our great day has finally arrived, after all our efforts put into the hike comes the reward of having the privilege to visit the wonderful citadel of Machupicchu. Now is the time to leave the hotel to take our bus at 5:30 in the morning and reach our objective at dawn to Machupicchu, here our guide will share with us his knowledge of lifestyle within the Inca community while showing us the main attractions: such as temples, Altars , residences and laboring sectors of the Inca, after this joyous visit we will be able to understand more about the culture and life of the Incas.
Once all is accomplished we will take our bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes where we will have time to have lunch and say our goodbyes to the town of Aguas Calientes as we hold it in our memories. We will then finally take the train in the afternoon that will take us back to the city of Cusco.
Meals
- Breakfast
Highlights
- Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu
- Cusco
Travel package information
This information outlines the itinerary, highlighting what's included and what's not, along with key details such as a travel essentials list, departure date, travel duration, best time to travel, price, payment terms, group size, and other important facts, helping travelers fully understand the package and know what to expect during their trip.
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Transport
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Private transport from the hotel to the village of Mollepata (Challacancha)
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Transport from Granadilla to the hydroelectric station
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Bus, from Aguas Calientes to Machu picchu (2 ways)
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Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
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Entrance to the National Park of Salkantay & Machu picchu
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Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
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Private camping domes the first night / second night domes/ third day hotel in Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu
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High quality camping equipment
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Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea time/Option vegetarian)
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Cook and assistant
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Horsemen and mules
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Emergency horse
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First-aid kit and oxygen bottle
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First breakfast and last Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the 4th day 2nd bus to go down
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2nd bus to go down
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Sleeping bag (if you don`t have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility of renting one
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Hiking poles
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Train from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes
Frequently Asked Questions - Tours
The FAQ section addresses common queries about the travel package, including key details such as the itinerary, what's included and excluded, payment terms, group size, departure dates, and other important information, ensuring travelers have all the necessary details to prepare for their trip.
International flights are not included unless specified. Domestic flights may be included depending on the destination and itinerary.
Hotels are pre-selected for quality and location, but if you have a preference or request, let us know—we'll do our best to accommodate.
Yes, the package includes guided group tours with experienced, English-speaking (and sometimes bilingual) guides.
This is a set package, but minor adjustments may be possible for an extra cost. For full flexibility, consider a tailor-made trip.
Breakfast is not included on international travel or arrival days. During the tour, breakfast is included only when explicitly stated in the itinerary. Any additional meals, including lunch or dinner, are provided only if clearly specified in the tour program.
Groups usually include 10–16 travelers. Some transportation services (like buses or boats) may accommodate more.
Yes, we strongly recommend travel insurance to cover medical needs, trip cancellations, and other unexpected situations.
We'll provide a packing list tailored to your trip, but basics include comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle.
Yes, airport transfers are typically included, but please confirm with your booking to ensure coverage for both arrival and departure.
The package includes 4-star hotel accommodations with breakfast, guided group tours, transfers, entrance fees as per the itinerary, and some meals (as specified).
Travel essentials list
About your Trip
Need help
Together with you, we plan a customized trip according to your preferences, with the content and standard you desire. The travel advisor will discuss the trip layout with you and provide new suggestions based on your wishes.