Salkantay Trek Via Inca Trail 4 Days And 3 Nights
Overview
This is a very unique version of the Classic Salkantay Trek. The first two days follow one of the common Salkantay trails, but on the 3rd day we depart the Salkantay trails to enjoy a less trodden path that connects with the Inca Trail. You even get the opportunity to walk a portion of the Inca Trail on the 3rd day.
The Salkantay Trek is named for Mount Salkantay (20, 574 feet). This Mountain is higher than any mountain in North America. On the Salkantay trek you will see gorgeous blue lakes, stunning glaciers and rain forest. The last portion of this particular trek has the ecosystem more typical of the Inca Trail with lush green vegetation and inca ruins. This trek is a great blend of the two very popular hikes, with an incomparable variety of flora and fauna.
The trek includes 2 nights of camping and 1 night in a B&B in Aguas Calientes.
The Salkantay Trek is named for Mount Salkantay (20, 574 feet). This Mountain is higher than any mountain in North America. On the Salkantay trek you will see gorgeous blue lakes, stunning glaciers and rain forest. The last portion of this particular trek has the ecosystem more typical of the Inca Trail with lush green vegetation and inca ruins. This trek is a great blend of the two very popular hikes, with an incomparable variety of flora and fauna.
The trek includes 2 nights of camping and 1 night in a B&B in Aguas Calientes.
Inclusions
- Tour guide
- Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
- Emergency oxygen bottle, medical kit and emergency satellite radio
- 4x Breakfast
- 3x Dinner
- 3x Lunch
- Accommodation included: 3 nights
What to expect
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Ichupata
Pass By: Action Peru Treks, Cusco Peru
Day 1: We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and have a beautiful scenic drive of 3 hours duration to Mollepata. At Mollepata we will have breakfast at one of the local houses. During this portion of the drive we will have our first views of Salkantay and Humantay Mountains.
At this point we will arrive at Soraypampa (12, 467 ft), the trailhead for the Salkantay trek, and meet our support staff, who will pack everything for the trek and load the equipment onto horses. The first thing we will do is hike up to Umantay Lake. After enjoying the beauty, we will hike back down to Soraypampa and begin the trek.
The hike today is uphill from Soraypampa to Ichupata (14, 104 ft) in the upper valley. This is a 5 to 6 hour hike. Along the way we will pass Salkantaypampa, which is our lunch spot. Ichupata is our camp for the night. When we arrive, we will settle in, have a hearty dinner.
Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Overnight at tents
Day 2: Ichupata – Incachiriasca – Pampacahuana
Pass By: Paucarcancha Ruins, Machu Picchu Peru
Day 2: After breakfast, we will begin the 3 to 4 hour steep climb to towards the Incachiriasca pass (15, 908 ft), the highest of the entire route. We will have amazing views of Salkantay and glacial moraines during this portion. We will pause at the top of the pass to take pictures and enjoy the views.
We will then descend towards our lunch spot at Sisaypampa, a flat area from which one can observe the neighboring Salkantay Valleys. This is a place where we might see Andean condors.
After lunch we continue towards the Pampacahuana community (12, 136 ft), located next to an original Inca canal. This is our camp for the night.
Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Overnigtht at tents
Day 3: Pampacahuana – Paucarcancha – Huayllabamba – KM 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Pass By: Aguas Calientes, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco Region
Day 3: Today we change pace as we join the Classic Inca Trail. We begin by hiking downill for 2 hours from Pampacahuana to Paucarcancha (10, 276 ft)). We will visit the Inca site of the same name.
After the tour we will hike downhill for 5 hours until we reach Km 82, which is the start of the classic Inca trail. Along the way we will be able to see the Inca site of Llactapata. This is the first site on the Classic Inca Trail. Our chef will make us a delicious lunch at Kilometer 82.
After lunch we will be picked up by our private van at Km 82 and transported to Ollantaytambo (9, 158 ft) where we will catch the luxury train to Aguas Calientes.
When you reach Aguas Calientes you will check in to your hotel room. The natural hot springs in town are a great place to relax if there is time before dinner. Dinner will be at the finest restaurant.
Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Overnight at a B&B in Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Pass By: Machupicchu District, Peru
Day 4: You will have breakfast at your hotel before we take a bus to Machu Picchu. Once there you will be given a 2 hour walking tour of the site. After the tour, you will have some free time to explore Machu Picchu before you return to Aguas Calientes by bus.
When you arrive in Aguas Calientes you will board the train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo you will travel by private van to Cusco and we will drop you off at your hotel.
Meals included:
•
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Ichupata
Pass By: Action Peru Treks, Cusco Peru
Day 1: We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and have a beautiful scenic drive of 3 hours duration to Mollepata. At Mollepata we will have breakfast at one of the local houses. During this portion of the drive we will have our first views of Salkantay and Humantay Mountains.
At this point we will arrive at Soraypampa (12, 467 ft), the trailhead for the Salkantay trek, and meet our support staff, who will pack everything for the trek and load the equipment onto horses. The first thing we will do is hike up to Umantay Lake. After enjoying the beauty, we will hike back down to Soraypampa and begin the trek.
The hike today is uphill from Soraypampa to Ichupata (14, 104 ft) in the upper valley. This is a 5 to 6 hour hike. Along the way we will pass Salkantaypampa, which is our lunch spot. Ichupata is our camp for the night. When we arrive, we will settle in, have a hearty dinner.
Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Overnight at tents
Day 2: Ichupata – Incachiriasca – Pampacahuana
Pass By: Paucarcancha Ruins, Machu Picchu Peru
Day 2: After breakfast, we will begin the 3 to 4 hour steep climb to towards the Incachiriasca pass (15, 908 ft), the highest of the entire route. We will have amazing views of Salkantay and glacial moraines during this portion. We will pause at the top of the pass to take pictures and enjoy the views.
We will then descend towards our lunch spot at Sisaypampa, a flat area from which one can observe the neighboring Salkantay Valleys. This is a place where we might see Andean condors.
After lunch we continue towards the Pampacahuana community (12, 136 ft), located next to an original Inca canal. This is our camp for the night.
Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Overnigtht at tents
Day 3: Pampacahuana – Paucarcancha – Huayllabamba – KM 82 – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Pass By: Aguas Calientes, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco Region
Day 3: Today we change pace as we join the Classic Inca Trail. We begin by hiking downill for 2 hours from Pampacahuana to Paucarcancha (10, 276 ft)). We will visit the Inca site of the same name.
After the tour we will hike downhill for 5 hours until we reach Km 82, which is the start of the classic Inca trail. Along the way we will be able to see the Inca site of Llactapata. This is the first site on the Classic Inca Trail. Our chef will make us a delicious lunch at Kilometer 82.
After lunch we will be picked up by our private van at Km 82 and transported to Ollantaytambo (9, 158 ft) where we will catch the luxury train to Aguas Calientes.
When you reach Aguas Calientes you will check in to your hotel room. The natural hot springs in town are a great place to relax if there is time before dinner. Dinner will be at the finest restaurant.
Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Overnight at a B&B in Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Pass By: Machupicchu District, Peru
Day 4: You will have breakfast at your hotel before we take a bus to Machu Picchu. Once there you will be given a 2 hour walking tour of the site. After the tour, you will have some free time to explore Machu Picchu before you return to Aguas Calientes by bus.
When you arrive in Aguas Calientes you will board the train to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo you will travel by private van to Cusco and we will drop you off at your hotel.
Meals included:
•
No accommodation included on this day.
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- What to bring:
- Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
- Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
- Service animals allowed
- Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, a few t-shirts, socks, sun hat, warm underwear, light long pants, gloves, rain jacket)
- Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
- Infant seats available
- Sunscreen SPF 35+ recommended
- Head lamp
- Sunglasses
- Camera with spare batteries (batteries run down faster at high altitudes)
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Binoculars
- Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents (can be rented from us)
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Insect repellant (minimum 30% DEET)
- Be aware that due the newest regulations of Machu Picchu as of January 1st, 2019, your entry time to visit Machu Picchu on day 4 of the trek will start at 8 AM. Therefore, there is no way to be at Machu Picchu for sunrise, but this entry time will maximize your time to visit Machu Picchu and hike up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain (subject to availability)
- Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
BaileyMorgan12
October 2023
After doing so much research on the internet I came across Action Peru Treks and I’ve booked my trek thought them. The booking process was very easy and fast. Our guide for our trek was Lino and he was very knowledgeable and supportive during the 5 day trek. This tour company provides a top-notch...
After doing so much research on the internet I came across Action Peru Treks and I’ve booked my trek thought them. The booking process was very easy and fast. Our guide for our trek was Lino and he was very knowledgeable and supportive during the 5 day trek. This tour company provides a top-notch service from start to finish. Highly recommended!Aleclee33
August 2022
What an incredible experience! We were made to feel so welcome the entire 5 days, the food was great and all the staff were very nice and welcoming. Christian is an amazing tour guide, very kind, caring and attentive and an all round great guy! He made the trip for us. Thank you for such an amazi...
What an incredible experience! We were made to feel so welcome the entire 5 days, the food was great and all the staff were very nice and welcoming. Christian is an amazing tour guide, very kind, caring and attentive and an all round great guy! He made the trip for us. Thank you for such an amazing time, would highly recommend Action Peru Treks for anyone wanting to do organised hikes in Peru.Anance4
July 2022
Traveling to and through unknown country can be stressful and intimidating, especially with kids, but Action Treks Peru made our trip easy and stress free. I cannot recommend them highly enough. We spent five days traveling with our guides and all of the logistics were handled beautifully. The va...
Traveling to and through unknown country can be stressful and intimidating, especially with kids, but Action Treks Peru made our trip easy and stress free. I cannot recommend them highly enough. We spent five days traveling with our guides and all of the logistics were handled beautifully. The vans, buses and trains were spotless and well maintained and the drivers professional, patient, safe and right on time. We had a conflict with our original briefing and Roxnar adjusted the schedule to fit ours. The structure of our trip was better planned and executed than many others about which I’ve heard and read. Everyone involved with Action Treks is very knowledgeable, kind, and exceptional at explaining what to expect, which is very helpful when undertaking big challenges with kids. The porters and cooks were fantastic and fun. We played frisbee and football with them as we met them, by name, and gave them small gifts for their kids. It was a great moment in life. Our guides, Christian, Miguel and Hans, made our journey. Each of them are fun, funny, kind and caring. Listening to Christian’s lessons all along the journey was really wonderful. He is a mix of the best history professor and most interesting story teller. They were patient and attentive. We had nine kids on our trek and they never seemed frustrated or stressed. Put your trust and faith in Action Treks Peru and you won’t be disappointed!carolinesH2486JG
May 2022
I loved our guide and the porters they were so sweet and were amazing. I think it is really important that people choose to go on this hike with a company owned by a Peruvian because the people get treated better which improves your experience. Prepare for a difficult hike but it is a million tim...
I loved our guide and the porters they were so sweet and were amazing. I think it is really important that people choose to go on this hike with a company owned by a Peruvian because the people get treated better which improves your experience. Prepare for a difficult hike but it is a million times worth it and Action Peru organizes everything so well that you don’t need to panic and buy tickets for all the different places.Mandana84
February 2020
Action Peru were brilliant- can’t rate them highly enough. Our guide Vallerio was fantastic, so friendly, encouraging, a fount of knowledge and generally excellent company. Patricio our chef was an absolute genius, whipping up cakes and soups and steak and bespoke vegetarian options for me in cra...
Action Peru were brilliant- can’t rate them highly enough. Our guide Vallerio was fantastic, so friendly, encouraging, a fount of knowledge and generally excellent company. Patricio our chef was an absolute genius, whipping up cakes and soups and steak and bespoke vegetarian options for me in crazy conditions. We were advised to choose this trail because of the closure of the Inca trail and the general wet weather at this time of year and it was absolutely stunning. We also had the whole route to ourselves which was rather amazing. It was very wet one day but we also had some incredible clear views of the mountains on another so we felt very lucky. Quite a spectacular experience climbing up to 5200m in the snow then hiking down through all the different mountain climates ending up in the semi tropical cloud forest below!Scenic665594
August 2023
Honestly the tour and it's operators were excellent. Roxner, Christian and Eddy. I really enjoyed the time and level of care they put in, food was very good , activities well chosen and planned down to the last details. I can't recommend the guys at Action Peru Trek enough when visiting Peru thes...
Honestly the tour and it's operators were excellent. Roxner, Christian and Eddy. I really enjoyed the time and level of care they put in, food was very good , activities well chosen and planned down to the last details. I can't recommend the guys at Action Peru Trek enough when visiting Peru these guys are the best choice.