The Vilcanota Mountain Range has an impressive range of mountains in Peru which include the snowcapped Salkantay (6,264 meters) and three others over 6000 meters that you will appreciate in this trek.
This snowy is really exceptional, located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south central Peru. It is the highest mountain of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. Because of its proximity to the city, it is easily accessible and is climbed frequently. Join us on this incredible Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu. Book early.
About our Lodge del Cielo in Soraypampa: Our camp is located at 10 minutes by foot from the village of Soraypampa, this gives us a huge advantage to have a 360 panoramic view of Humantay glacier, also it’s a perfect place to escape away from the crowd, where we can appreciate the beautiful scenery of the Andean Valley.
Note: On the evening before of the first day, there will be a briefing with your guide in Cusco. After an early breakfast at your hotel, we are picked you up starting at 6:00 am at your Cusco hotel by ITEP guide and vehicle “Pick up time can oscillate and will be confirmed only on the day of your briefing”.
We pass through the Mollepata village where we stop for a short break before ascending to Soraypampa.
Here in Soraypampa our campsite is called Lodge del Cielo.
Soraypampa is an utterly surreal location. Nestled at the base of towering 3,600 mts or 8,528 fts. Andean peaks such as Mt. Salkantay Mountain at 6264 mts or 20551.18 fts, Soraypampa is our protector of Apu Salkantay: windswept, barren, freezing, and utterly enchanting. Most tour companies have covered campsites here to protect campers from the harsh elements, and it's quite easy to fall asleep after a long day of hike and the sound of the nearby river lapping you into a slumber.
After Lunch time, we’re going to Humantay Lake surrounded by glaciers on the slopes of the impressive Humantay Mountain.
Our 4-hours walking are necessary to reach the lake, but the view is worthy it and the braves can go for a swim at that altitude! Remember that the whole tour will be guided by a professional and experienced Tour guide.
6 hours (including a picnic lunch in the route)
The second day is far and away the hardest day of the trek. It’s long, it’s cold, and you have to make your way over the 4,650 mts – 15,256 fts Salkantay Pass. Nonetheless, waking up at sunrise amidst the sprawling grasslands of Soraypampa, the sun illuminating the 6264 mts or 20551.18 fts Andean peaks springing up from behind you makes for an energizing and mesmerizing start to the day.
The climb to the pass takes anywhere from 3-4 hours, and it is a fairly steep grind of narrow switchbacks and steady uphills until the rock structures of the pass finally come into view. Unless hiking in June or July the trail should most likely be devoid of any snow or ice, although hail, sleet, ice, and rain are possible at any time of the year.
Though the air is thin and the trail is steep, anyone who is fairly physically fit and acclimated to the altitude can make it over the pass. We had, and probably we´ll have 60-something year old people in our group and they made it over the pass just fine. Our group carry extra oxygen, Also you can ride a horse and let them catch a ride over the pass.
Once having crossed the pass it is the start of a long path downhill where you will eventually drop over 1,700 mts or 5577 vertical ft until you arrive to our campsite in Challway. Along the way to Challway there are various tent encampments and small villages scattered amongst the plains, and it is incredible to think that there are a handful of local people who live permanently so far removed from modern society and amongst such harsh natural conditions. Interestingly enough, nearly every small village (example: population 4 or 5) that you pass, there is at least 1 or 2 small. The trail weaves its way down the flank of the mountain and parallels to the Salkantay river that grows exponentially as you make your way down the valley, finally making it an hour or so before sunset to the village of Challway. The camping here is ready.
Overnight at Lucmabamba Sky Lodge “Lodge del Cielo” at 2,062 m/6,765 ft
On this day we’ll walk along the Santa Teresa valley going through rural areas, banana, passion fruit, avocado, orchards and coffee plantations. The coffee which grows here one of the best organic coffees in the world. Our ride takes us to the beginning of the “Llactapata Inca Trail”, where we’ll say goodbye to our horses and muleteers staff then we’ll continue through one of the most variety landscapes of this trek. A short 30 minutes walking through avocado plantations to reach to our Sky Lodge in Lucmabamba. Dinner and overnight at our Sky lodge
About our Lodge del Cielo base in Lucmabamba: Our camp is located in Lucmabamba it’s a perfect place away from the crowed groups where you can see the customs of the country men and farmers.
At this time their main economy is cultivate the coffee farms. Is our responsible to give them the opportunity to show themselves.
Optional: If you request a Private Service: We can have a local coffee experience
RESPONSIBLE TOURIST DEVELOPMENT FOR INCA COMMUNITY, “MACHU PICCHU’S HERITAGE”
THE INCA´S COFFE
Peru has a global reputation for producing traditionally shade grown and high-quality coffee beans.
Coffee production came to Peru in the 1700s. After two centuries, the farmers still comprise with this kind of production and the 60 percent goes outside as exportation. There are more than 110,000 coffee farms in Peru where the farmers are most indigenous.
The 'Flor de Cafe' (Coffee Flower) Rural Community Tourism Association from Lucmabamba - Bayona, is located in the Inca Trail (Lucmabamba – Llactapata - Ahobamba) with a final destination in Machu Picchu at a height of 2026 a.s.l where we can find 15 families that lives with this association.
These families found an opportunity to improve their life quality through touristic activities, sharing their ancient knowledge with tourists as well the visitors live the experience of flavors of this Coffee Tour (Ruta del Cafe).
Overnight in Aguas Calientes at 1,900 m/6,232 ft
After a hearty breakfast, we will continue with the last day of our trek. We’ll trek for 2-3 hours to Llactapata Pass (2,736 m/8,974ft), where we'll have an spectacular view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast, a view that few travelers ever get a chance to admire. Here we take a short break to explore the Llactapata complex and then we’ll receive the lunch at this scenic viewpoint looking out Machu Picchu. After seeing the amazing landscapes we'll begin with our final part of the trek to Aobamba river and through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations. We’ll arrive to Hydroelectric train station, for continue walking into the trails of the rail way until Machu Picchu town or also known as Aguas Calientes (approx. 3 hours). After this soft trek, we’re going to our hotel then we’ll have a celebration dinner with our guide and one last briefing for our next day experience!
Note - Those who prefer not to hike from Hydroelectric train station to Machu Picchu town, can take the train by 40 minutes of traveling, but remember that price isn’t included in your package or tickets. They will meet with the rest of the group at the train station in Machu Picchu town. (The guide confirms your preferences the night before.)
A LITTLE OF HISTORY:
Bingham discovered Llactapata in 1912. "We found evidence that some Inca chieftain had built his home here with ten or a dozen buildings. Bingham locates the site between the valleys of Aobamba and Salcantay with 5,000 meters of Huaquina farm." "Here we discovered Inca constructions and two or three modern huts. The people around said the place was called Llactapata, that’s why Bingham did not investigate the ruins thoroughly, however they were not studied for 70 years.
In 2003 Thomson and Gary Ziegler did an study that concluded the location of Llactapata along the Inca trail suggested that it was an important roadside shrine on the journey to Machu Picchu. This and subsequent investigations have revealed an extensive complex of structures and features related to and connected with.
We will hike for aprox 3 hours from Aguas Calientes to Chachabamba (5:00 am – 8:00 am). Upon arrival, we will cross a bridge to the checkpoint to present our passports and have our information verified.
Then we will start an easy walk to the other side of the Vilcanota River, where the trail veers off to the right towards the ruins of Chachabamba located on the old Inca Road that ran along the southern bank of the Urubamba River. After our visit we'll continue the trail south and begin climbing the mountain before entering the cloud forest. Then the trail leaves the forest and goes West while continuing the uphill hike in open grasslands.
After hiking in the sun for about 3 hours, the trail descends into a shaded forest where we will enjoy a refreshing waterfall. Following our break, we continue to the lower part of the incredible ruins of Wiñaywayna. It is recommended that you start the trek with at least 2 liters of water. After lunch in Wiñaywayna, we continue through a beautiful cloud forest full of colorful bromelias, orchids and ferns.
You will walk the last part of the trail along superb , stone steps and tambos (resting places). Then climb 60 steps before arriving to the famous Inti Punku (Sun Gate). From this magnificent point, you will see the extraordinary magical Machu Picchu before you. Feel the energy and warmth of this surreal sanctuary while taking some unforgettable pictures. Then we'll take a 25 minute bus ride to Aguas Calientes to spend the night and reminisce over our exciting hike.
Free time to Enjoy the Sunset in Machu Picchu (Circuit 1) after we've passed the Sun Gate, we'll carry on along the trail to get Machu Picchu town where we'll check in to our hotel.
After a very early buffet breakfast at your hotel, we’ll take the bus to get to Machu Picchu Sanctuary (around 30 min). Our trip leader will give us an introductory guided tour of this place.
Machu Picchu Tour: We’re going to be in the Inca City between 6 am or 7 am. The visit on this place starts with the best views on “The Guardian House” after 30 minutes of free time, our guide will give us a lot of information about the Inca City for around 1 hour and a half.
We’ll continue into the Inca city by another 1 hour more passing the mean plaza, the temple of 03 windows and much more, then we’ll arrive to the Sacred Rock “a very close to the entrance gate for Huayna Picchu Sacred Mountain”, Our tour guide will give us some free time to explore the Inca city by our own.
Climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is a choice that depends of you before starting the whole trek (not included in the price, spaces are limited, please let us know)
Very Important 1: According to Machu Picchu regulations, once we enter to the sacred city we aren’t allowed to get back by the same paths “there are a lot of signs about which route we should follow and is forbidden to stop in some places”, For that reason we recommend you to enjoy every minute that you will be here on each inca place.
Very Important 2: According to Machu Picchu regulations, entrance fees have only one paid; it means once you go out from the Inca city you can’t return, unless you get a new ticket.
Back to Cusco: You will descend to Machu Picchu town by bus (included) and later you’ll board the expedition train at 16:22 hrs. to arrive Ollantaytambo Train Station where you will meet our private transport to get at your hotel in Cusco.
About Salkantay and Inca Trail Campsites:
Please note: Campsites may change (be different from this itinerary) depending on booking time and availability, weather conditions or restrictions undertaken for safety reasons by Peruvian Government.
Return to Cusco at 3,360 m/11,021 ft
| Salkantay & Inca Trail 6D - 2024 | USD 719.00 |
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Anastasia E
December 12, 2024
We did the 4D, 3 nights Inca Trail with Jorge the first week of December 2024. The tour was incredible with beautiful views along the way and of course a worthwhile final destination. The Inca Trail team was great and our guide was very knowledgeable the only thing to note was that we wish that the guide matched our walking pace more. We were happy with the equipment borrowed/rented that were in fair condition. Food was overall very tasty and varied but the portions were a bit small for some. Very value for money, would recommend.
Thomas M
December 10, 2024
Tout était très sympa ! grâce à Javier, le voyage a été différent avec lui. Je recommande extrêmement cette entreprise et vous avez également la chance de choisir Javier comme guide !
GoPlaces708610
December 9, 2024
Io e la mia compagna abbiamo fatto un trekking di 2 giorni per visitare Machu Picchu. Lo abbiamo fatto durante la stagione delle piogge, quindi ci siamo dovuti equipaggiare di conseguenza, perché abbiamo avuto pioggia per quasi tutte le 6 ore di camminata. Il percorso è stato eccezionale, una bellezza mozzafiato. La nostra guida, Henrry, ci ha accompagnato durante la camminata, raccontandoci la storia dell'impero Tahuantinsuyo e spiegandocela perfettamente e con passione. Ne siamo rimasti davvero colpiti. A causa del cattivo tempo, il primo giorno non siamo riusciti a vedere tutto il sito, ma grazie al suo impegno è riuscito a farci recuperare il giorno successivo! Esperienza davvero raccomandata: la camminata è intensa e la pioggia rende tutto più complicato, ma ne vale davvero la pena.
Ruben S
December 7, 2024
I recently completed the 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, and it was an absolutely flawless experience from start to finish. The communication with the company ITEP beforehand was outstanding—every question was answered promptly and clearly, which gave me a lot of confidence heading into the adventure. My guide Jorge Calderón was exceptional. He was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also extremely attentive to needs and individual pace. He tailored the experience to match my abilities, ensuring I felt comfortable and supported throughout. His explanations about the landscapes, history, and culture were fascinating, and he always had answers to my questions, no matter how detailed or specific. The entire trek felt incredibly safe, and I always knew what to expect thanks to the Jorge’s clear instructions and thorough preparation. The route itself was breathtaking, and every day brought new highlights—whether it was the stunning views of the Salkantay Pass, the lush cloud forest, or the incredible final approach to Machu Picchu. Even the occurring rain couldn't diminish that. These four days were incredible, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. If you’re considering this trek, I highly recommend it—you won’t be disappointed!
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