Highest peak of the Cordillera de Vilcabamba, located northeast of Cusco is the imposing mountain of Salkantay, whose name comes from the Quechua “sallqa” which means “Wild or Invincible”, its name often means “Wild Mountain”.
Apu Salkantay is a sacred mountain. According to Inca mythology, which is still preserved in the communities that inhabit the area, it is believed that each mountain has its spirit and these beings protect the territories together with crops and livestock. Even today you can see Andean shamans or priests offering the Apacheta as a sign of gratitude to the spirits.
During this tour you will walk through Andean landscapes enjoying the views of glaciers, walking through snow and cobbled paths full of Andean flora and peculiar animals that live in these areas.
To carry out this tour we recommend you spend a few days in Cusco, take a tour and be in a position to take walks in cold climates.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
06:00 AM
We will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco. We will take you through the Andean landscape of the province of Anta, until we reach Mollepata. A traditional village where we will stop for breakfast.
After breakfast we will go to the starting point of the Soraypampa trek. Here we will meet our porters and chefs who will accompany us during this tour.
We will start with 2 hours of walking after arranging our things until we reach the Humantay Lagoon. This beautiful lake will dazzle you with its crystal clear waters. After touring the place with our guide, we will return to Soraypampa and ascend to Salkantay Pampa to have lunch with views of beautiful glaciers.
After lunch we will continue the walk descending the mountain until we reach Soyrucocha, which is located on the moraine of a glacier next to a small lake at the foot of the snow-capped Salkantay. Here you can get impressive views of the snowy Salkantay. Finally you will rest in comfortable tents after enjoying dinner.
On the second day we will walk to the highest point of the trek after enjoying a delicious breakfast. The road to Paso Salkantay is full of interesting animals such as vizcachas and chinchillas, Andean rodents.
Upon reaching the Salkantay Pass you will be able to see the snow-capped mountains of the valleys and especially the Nevado Humantay. After enjoying the impressive views we will continue descending for 3 hours to Huayracmachay. Here we will stop for lunch.
We will continue walking until we enter a valley that is the beginning of the tropical forest, you will feel the temperature change from cold to warm and as you advance along the way the landscape is more colorful and exuberant, full of native flowers such as orchids.
Finally we will arrive at Collpapampa, where we will rest and spend the night in comfortable tents after dinner prepared by our chefs.
On the third day we will wake you up with a delicious breakfast before continuing with our trek. We will walk along a path that will not lead to the Santa Teresa Valley. We will descend along the edge of the jungle that offers beautiful views of the Alto Salkantay River.
We will continue descending towards Sahuayaco Beach, a place full of varied vegetation such as fruit trees, avocado and coffee crops. Here we will stop for lunch.
After lunch we will continue the walk until we reach Lucmabamba. This beautiful place is known for the variety of coffee they grow. Upon arrival you will be able to carry out the entire coffee preparation process, from collecting the coffee beans until it is ready to be consumed.
Finally we will walk a few meters to our camp. You will rest in comfortable tents after dinner.
We will wake you up with a delicious breakfast before continuing with our trek. We will ascend to the Inca Ruins of Llactapata, from this place you can see the citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will tour the place together with our guide.
After the tour we will continue walking downhill to the Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Station where we will stop for lunch.
Finally we will board the train that will take us to the town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival our staff will take you to your respective accommodation. After settling in you will enjoy dinner.
The expected day has arrived! Early in the morning the hotel staff will give you a box of snacks. We will take you to the bus terminal where you will board the bus that will take you to the Machu Picchu fortress. At the entrance to the fortress of Machu Picchu you will pass a control where your passport will be verified. After passing the control we will begin the tour with our guide who will give you more details of the Inca history.
After the tour of the entire citadel, you will have free time to explore the citadel on your own. We recommend you visit the Inti Punku or “Puerta del Sol” which offers a panoramic view of the citadel. If you book a trek to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain, our guide will take you to the entrance.
You will board the bus back to Aguas Calientes, upon arrival you will have free time to tour the town and have lunch. Finally, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our private transport will be waiting for you to take you back to the city of Cusco. We will leave you at your accommodation.
