3 Day Salkantay Trek Intrepid

We pick you up from your hotel at 3:00 a.m. to travel until Mollepata which is 2 hours by bus, then continue to Soraypampa where we started our expedition to Salkantay. As soon as we are in Soraypampa our cook and the horseman will pack all the camping equipment, food and cooking stuff. We started our trek, the first 3 hours will be a bit steep to reach the lunch point that is Soyrococha where we will have lunch with panoramic views of Salkantay mountain (6271MASL / 20575ft) and Humantay mountain (4120MASL / 13500ft ) - this simply it is the beginning! We will start our Salkantay expedition to the highest point that is at 4600 meters at high altitude then we will start down to Chaullay for our first camp. 

Total distance: 21 kilometers (approx.) 

Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours(approx.) 

Point Maximum altitude: 4600 masl (approx.) 

Camping altitude: 2900 masl (approx.)

After having breakfast, we started walking around 6:30 in the morning, because today will be the longest. We start descending to La Playa (the beach) for 5 hours, where we stopped for lunch. After a break, we will continue our trek to take a local transport to the hydroelectric power station and then continue our 2-hour walk along the railway line until we reach Aguas Calientes, where it will be our last night in Hotel. 

Total distance: 19 km (approx.)

Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours 

Point Maximum altitude: 2750 masl (approx.) 

Aguas Calientes altitude: 1900 masl (approx.)

This is the most important day of our 3 day Salkantay trek, we wake up early in the morning around 4 am to have breakfast and go for a walk to Machu Picchu which takes an hour and a half, but if you want you can take the first bus that leaves from 05:30 to Machu Picchu (25 minutes) in order to appreciate the magnificent sunrise. Then you will have a tour with the guide (approximately 2 hours) and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have the energy you can also climb the Huayna Picchu (2720masl / 8890ft), it takes 45 minutes to reach the top of the Mountain. And after enjoying Machu Picchu you have to go down to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Ollantaytambo at 6:20 p.m. and then to take the bus back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

• Pre-trek briefing (Our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek for your briefing); 
• Early morning, the transport by private bus to Mollepata- the initial point of the trek; 
• Private transportation to Mollepata and Extra 1 hour Soraypampa.
• Salkantay trek Accommodation: Campsites (1 night); Hotel in Aguas Calientes (1 night) 
• Entrance ticket to Salkantay and Machu Picchu;
• Proffesional bilingual tour guide during 3 days of Salkantay and Machupicchu,
• Meals: 2x breakfast, 2x lunch, 2x dinner and 1x afternoon hot beverages; 
• Professional Cook; 
• Horseman; 
• Horses to carry food, camping and cooking equipment and 7 kg of each passenger's stuff (We never overload our horses, always take care of the Animal Welfare);
• Camping equipment: Personal double tents (4 person tent which allows a greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks); 
• Inflatable mattress (Term-a-Rest Mattress); 
• A sleeping bag (for up to -5°C); 
• Kitchen equipment that includes tables and chairs, 
• Duffel bag (for your personal belongings); 
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo; 
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco; 
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.

• Breakfast on the first day Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour to Machupicchu, you can enjoy free time to visit the ruins and you can choose to have lunch in Machupicchu or Aguas Calientes on your own. 
• Arrival in Cusco is calculated after nightfall, dinner is at your own cost. 
• Visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to finish up the 3-day trek while we wait for the train back to Cusco, just 10 minutes from the town center, entrance fee is S/10.00 PEN
• Huayna Picchu ticket (if you wish to climb this mountain, an additional charge of 85 USD per person depending on availability)
• Tips 
• International and domestic flights
• Others not mentioned

The best time for hike to Machu Picchu tours is from May to December, the dry season, especially, between June and August. The period from January to March should be avoided at all costs, because it is quite rainy: not only is it unpleasant to walk on a path that turns into a slippery quagmire, it also increases the danger of landslides or falling stones.

The Salkantay Trek is known for its breathtaking scenery, including panoramic views of the Andes, glacial lakes, and impressive flora and fauna. It offers a chance to witness the natural beauty of Peru up close, away from the crowds typically found on the Inca Trail.

If you're planning to embark on the Salkantay Trek, it's essential to be well-prepared. The trek involves moderate to strenuous hiking, so physical fitness is important. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing, including layers for changing weather conditions, sturdy hiking boots, a good backpack, and a sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures.

Many tour operators offer guided Salkantay Trek packages that include accommodation, meals, and a professional guide. They can also arrange for the necessary permits and transportation. It's advisable to book your trek in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.

Finally, keep in mind that the Salkantay Trek is a high-altitude hike, so acclimatization is crucial. Take your time, stay hydrated, and listen to your body to avoid altitude sickness. It's also important to respect the environment and local communities along the trail by following responsible hiking practices and leaving no trace.

Enjoy your Salkantay Trek and have a memorable adventure in the Peruvian Andes!

Camping (1 Night)

Our tents are Eureka Mountain brand, appropriate for 4 seasons. We provide 3-person capacity tents; however, if are only two persons, they can use it! In this way, we provide you more space and comfort. In case of a single traveler, we provide him a 2-person capacity tent. 

Sleeping Mattress – Therm-A-Rest mattress 

We provide with inflatable mattresses of the brand Therm-A-Rest. The mattresses are 3 cm heigh that will ensure you a sufficient isolation from the cold earth!  

This inflatable mattress provide you more comfort to sleep in the camp. 

Sleeping Bag 

We use only feather sleeping bags that are suitable up for temperatures minus 16°C. Therefore, don´t be worry about cold as temperature at night reaches just up to 0°C (maximum -5°C)!

Accommodation in Machu Picchu

During your 3 day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, you will spend the night in one of the following hotels, depending on the availability of each one: 

• Hotel Mapi Seven Machu Picchu
• Hotel Sol de Los Andes 

Both are located in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu town, and each bedroom has a private bathroom and confortable beds (Double or Matrimonial) for your confort. Also, it includes the breakfast and a hot beverages for free. Single accommodation can be arranged for a supplement, subject to availability. Please request this at the time of booking.

UP-GRADING MACHU PICCHU HOTELS

If you would like to upgrade your accommodation, the discount is U$ 25 per person (Double or Single room). 

We can recommend the following hotel in Machu Picchu or you can choose and book the hotel by yourself: 

Santuary Lodge Machu Picchu - 5 Star: The accommodation is Standard Patio 

• Single U$ 1500.00
• Double U$ 1500.00 

Casa Andina Machu Picchu - 3 Star: The accommodation is Standard Traditional 

• Single U$ 218.50 
• Double U$ 218.50 

Tierra Viva Machu Picchu - 3 Star: The accommodation is Standard 

• Single U$ 110.00
• Double U$ 150.00 

Ferre Machu Picchu - 3 Star: The accommodation is Standard

• Single U$ 230.00 
• Double U$ 230.00 

• Original passport (+ copies for a case of lost),
• Original ISIC (an international student card if applicable) 
• Travel insurance (+ copies for a case of lost), 
• Money in cash PEN,
• A backpack 
• A small rucksack, 
• Rain gear (a rain-jacket and a waterproof trousers or a rain poncho - this can be purchased in Cusco), 
• Resistible footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended, 
• Sandals (for a higher comfort while at a campsite), 
• Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights during camping), 
• Hat or a cap (to protect you against the Sun, rain as well as cold), 
• Sun cream or sun block, 
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body, Insect repellent – recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria cases have been reported during this trip!), 
• Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions), 
• Flashlight/headlamp + batteries, 
• Handkerchiefs and toilet paper, 
• Small towel and toiletries, 
• Sufficient reserve of underwear, 
• Swimsuit (to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes), 
• Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.) 

Please note: we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taken own snack applies only for customers who like a specific snack that might not be in our menu. Bottled water for the first morning and a water bottle to be refill. 

Optional: walking sticks; you can also rent it from us.