Itinerario del Tour Salkantay y Camino Inca 7D/6N

Día 1: Cusco – Marccoccasa – Soraypampa

El tour Salkantay y Camino Inca comienza con la recogida en tu hotel en Cusco a las 4:30 am. Serás acompañado por guías, chefs y porteadores hacia el inicio del sendero en Marccoccasa (3,300 metros), aproximadamente dos horas y media de viaje. Aquí conocerás a los arrieros y los caballos, y disfrutarás de un desayuno reconfortante.

La caminata te llevará a través de vistas impresionantes de los Andes, valles verdes exuberantes y hermosas cascadas. La primera parte incluye una subida gradual de aproximadamente tres horas y media hasta el almuerzo, seguida de una caminata más relajada por la tarde.

Experimentarás un cambio de paisaje desde valles verdes hasta el pie de la montaña nevada Humantay, con una variación de temperatura de cálido a frío. Asegúrate de llevar ropa abrigadora y guantes para la tarde fresca.

Al llegar al campamento en Soraypampa (3,800 metros), serás recibido con bebidas calientes y una deliciosa cena preparada por nuestro equipo.

• Elevación: De 2,900 a 3,800 m
• Distancia a pie: 11 Km / 6.8 millas
• Dificultad: Moderada
• Clima: Cálido a frío

Día 2: Soraypampa – Lago Humantay – Ichupata

Después de un despertar con bebidas calientes y desayuno, explorarás el microclima alpino y las vistas impresionantes de los glaciares.

Una caminata de dos horas te llevará al hermoso Lago Humantay, a los pies del glaciar. Este lugar es reconocido por los incas por sus ceremonias al Dios del agua y los Apus.

De regreso al camino principal, continuarás hacia Salkantay Pampa para el almuerzo, seguido de una caminata ascendente hacia el campamento en Ichupata o Pampa Japonesa (4,200 m), donde el clima será más frío. Prepárate con chaqueta, gorro, gafas de sol y guantes.

En el campamento, disfrutarás de bebidas calientes y cena mientras contemplas las vistas del majestuoso Salkantay.

• Elevación: 3,500 – 4,300 metros
• Distancia: 13 Km / 8 millas
• Dificultad: Moderada a difícil
• Clima: Frío

Día 3: Ichupata – Paso Inca Chiriasca – Canal Inca

Después de té y desayuno, te espera la caminata más desafiante y gratificante hasta el Paso Inca Chiriasca (5,000 metros). Desde aquí, disfrutarás de vistas espectaculares de montañas, glaciares y posiblemente avistamientos de cóndores y halcones.

Descenderás y podrás explorar un glaciar opcionalmente antes de llegar al lugar de almuerzo, donde los porteadores te esperarán con té caliente y un almuerzo reconfortante.

Continuarás descendiendo a través de valles verdes exuberantes y arroyos serpenteantes antes de llegar al campamento en un pequeño pueblo.

• Elevación: 4,300 – 5,000 metros, luego a 37,500 metros
• Distancia: 14 Km / 8.6 millas
• Dificultad: Difícil
• Clima: Frío

Día 4: Canal Inca – Cancha Pauccar – Wayllabamba – Ayapata

Este día te lleva por antiguos senderos utilizados por los agricultores peruanos desde la época incaica. Pasarás por famosas ruinas incas donde aprenderás sobre su historia.

Después de las ruinas, ascenderás cuesta arriba hacia el clásico Camino Inca para llegar al campamento. Asegúrate de tener tu cámara lista para capturar las vistas de montañas y cascadas en el bosque nuboso.

• Elevación: 3,750 – 3,000 metros, luego a 3,300 metros
• Distancia: 14 Km / 8.6 millas
• Dificultad: Moderada a difícil
• Clima: Frío por la mañana, cálido por la tarde

Día 5: Ayapata – Warmi Wañusca – Chaquicocha

Este será el día más largo pero impresionante del tour, con vistas a ruinas incas y el bosque nuboso.

Iniciarás con un desayuno nutritivo seguido de una subida de dos horas hasta el Paso de las Mujeres Muertas (4,200 metros). Desde la cima, disfrutarás de vistas panorámicas antes de descender hacia el lugar de almuerzo, donde podrás observar orquídeas y colibríes.

Después del almuerzo, ascenderás cuesta arriba por dos horas más hacia el segundo pico, pasando por las ruinas incas de Runcu Raccay y disfrutando de las vistas del lago Yanaccoha y el bosque nuboso. Llegarás al campamento en Chaquicocha, donde podrás explorar la flora y fauna de la selva alta.

• Elevación: 3,300 – 4,200 metros (el paso), 3,600 metros (el almuerzo), y nuevamente, 4,000 metros (el pase), 3,600 metros (el campamento)
• Distancia: 16 Km / 9.9 millas
• Dificultad: Difícil
• Clima: Experimentarás las cuatro estaciones en un solo día

Día 6: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna

Hoy es un día más relajado. Disfrutarás de vistas de los Andes y el glaciar Pumassillo antes de explorar tres conjuntos de ruinas incas en el camino hacia Wiñay Wayna.

Después del almuerzo, tendrás tiempo libre para explorar las ruinas incas y aprender sobre sus ceremonias religiosas.

• Elevación: 3,600- 2,600 metros
• Distancia: 10 Km / 6.2 millas
• Dificultad: Cálido y húmedo

Día 7: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Este es el día más importante, la visita a Machu Picchu.

Después del desayuno, caminarás dos horas hasta Machu Picchu a través de la Puerta del Sol, disfrutando de vistas espectaculares de montañas, valles, ríos y ruinas incas.

Una vez en Machu Picchu, recibirás una visita guiada para aprender sobre su historia y arquitectura, seguido de tiempo libre para explorar por tu cuenta.

Asegúrate de visitar los templos, palacios y el famoso puente inca. Después de explorar Aguas Calientes, regresarás a Cusco en tren.

• Distancia a pie: 5 Km / 3 millas

Incluye

Guías profesionales: Todos nuestros guías están licenciados en turismo, son expertos en orientar y guiar a los viajeros. Criados en la región del Cusco, sienten una profunda pasión por compartir la cultura y el legado de sus ancestros. Son amables y muy profesionales, dedicados a garantizar tu completa satisfacción y felicidad durante todo el viaje.

Permisos: Una vez recibidos tus datos y depósito, procedemos a reservar los permisos (sujeto a disponibilidad del Camino Inca), los cuales son emitidos a tu nombre para una fecha específica. Los permisos no son transferibles, pero permiten actualizar el número de pasaporte. Además, incluyen acceso a Machu Picchu.

Reunión informativa (Briefing): La noche previa al viaje, te invitamos a una sesión informativa en nuestra oficina. Allí recibirás una bolsa de lona que los porteadores llevarán mientras caminas. Esta bolsa, que no debe exceder los 7 kg / 14 libras, debe contener tu saco de dormir y colchón de aire.

Porteadores: Nuestro equipo incluye porteadores responsables de transportar tu equipo. No hay costos adicionales por este servicio, y no podrás acceder a tu bolsa de lona hasta llegar al campamento nocturno.

Transporte: El transporte está incluido en tu caminata. Te recogeremos directamente en tu hotel alrededor de las 4 a.m. (excepto si te alojas en Ollantaytambo) y te llevaremos al KM 82 para comenzar la caminata. También se incluye el Tren de Expedición desde Aguas Calientes. Tienes la opción de actualizar al tren Vistadome por $ 75 por persona. Al finalizar, te llevaremos de regreso a tu hotel en Cusco, además de proporcionarte un boleto de autobús de ida y vuelta de Aguas Calientes a Machu Picchu.

Equipo: Sacred Expeditions Peru cuenta con equipos de alta calidad, como carpas Eureka 4 compartidas por dos personas, y una espaciosa carpa comedor para disfrutar de las comidas.

Comida: Nuestros chefs preparan deliciosas comidas que han encantado a muchos excursionistas anteriores. Respetamos todas las restricciones alimentarias, asegúrate de informarlas durante tu reserva y en la sesión informativa. Las comidas se sirven al estilo familiar: desayuno, almuerzo, cena y una hora feliz con té y bocadillos diarios. También se proporciona un refrigerio matutino durante la caminata. La última comida con el chef será después del desayuno del día siete; el almuerzo del último día no está incluido.

Agua: Desde el primer almuerzo hasta el último desayuno, Sacred Expeditions Peru proporciona toda el agua necesaria, hervida, filtrada y enfriada antes de distribuirla. Trae tus botellas de agua y/o camelback; se recomienda llevar al menos 3L. Podrás rellenar agua en cada comida.

Primeros auxilios: Todos nuestros guías están capacitados en primeros auxilios por médicos especializados, con sesiones de actualización anuales. Cada guía lleva un botiquín para atender problemas médicos básicos y oxígeno. En caso necesario, te evacuaremos de manera rápida y cómoda hacia la atención médica adecuada.

Extras: Nos distinguimos por nuestra atención a los detalles. Cada excursionista recibe una pequeña almohada para dormir, colchón de espuma, cubierta de mochila para protección y poncho para la lluvia, para asegurar que tengas unas vacaciones inolvidables.

Teléfonos satelitales: La seguridad es nuestra prioridad. Nuestros guías están equipados con teléfonos satelitales para emergencias médicas y comunicación global, garantizando tu tranquilidad durante la expedición.

No Incluye

Alquileres: Es necesario traer tu propio saco de dormir. Opcionalmente, puedes alquilar colchones inflables de aire y bastones (con puntas de goma):

• Saco de dormir: $ 35
• Colchón inflable de aire: $ 30
• Bastones (par): $ 30

Huayna Picchu: Es una montaña cercana a Machu Picchu, con una caminata empinada de 45 minutos a la cima. Se debe reservar con al menos un mes de anticipación debido a su popularidad y está sujeto a condiciones climáticas.

Salkantay Tour Packing List

When the Salkantay Trek is reversed, take the second most popular trek in Peru and hike the most challenging trek to Machu Picchu. You will walk from great heights into the jungles. The terrain will be varied with unpredictable weather, and you should be prepared.

It’s important to note that you won’t take all your stuff to this hike; you will only take to the Salkantay Trek the essentials for the trek and leave in Cusco the rest of your luggage. We will provide you with a canvas bag to put 7 kilos of your things; this should include your sleeping bag and air mattress. The mules carry the duffel bags for the first 2 days, and then our porters will transfer to the hotel in Aguas Calientes.

You will also have a backpack; this should be with you at all times when you go hiking with all the essentials for the day. We recommend having a maximum of about 5 to 8 kilos.

You must take the Salkantay Trek:

What you will have in your backpack:

• Original passport – you should always carry it with you in your backpack and keep it in a safe pocket, and it is better to keep it dry inside a plastic bag or something waterproof; rain can occur at any time, even in the driest months. Ziploc bags will help you to have everything organized.
• Plastic ponchos: Sacred Expeditions Peru will provide you with plastic ponchos. Remember that you will still need your rain jackets, as ponchos are worn when the rain is heavy. We reuse the ponchos; return them along with the duffel bag after the hike.
• Sunscreen – you will walk in the open space with direct sun; be sure to bring the right sunscreen for you or buy it in Cusco before leaving for the trek. Also bring some lip balms.
• Toilet paper: you will find toilets of the locals; normally they charge a sun, you should always carry toilet paper in your backpack.
• Insect repellent: You will be walking in the jungle after the second day. You need insect repellent all the time with you and always wear long sleeves.
• 1 rain jacket, 1 warm jacket / winter: jackets should always be with you in your backpack, the first 2 mornings the temperatures will be cold and you will start walking with all the layers, then as you warm up, you will start to remove and put your backpack on.
• Snacks: the average duration of the daily walk is around 8 hours, and you will be burning a lot of energy; In addition to the meals and snacks we provide, we recommend bringing energy bars, granola bars, chocolate and sweets.
• Water container: you will need to bring water for the first half day, then we will provide you with water after the first lunch; however, it must have a container of at least 2 liters. Reusable bottles.
• The flashlight or lighthouse: They should always be in your backpack if necessary during the hike, and at night, you will need to walk around the camp and use the toilets. Flashlights work best hands-free.
• Hat: it is necessary to bring a cabin for the sun during the day and for the night we recommend bringing some coat. In addition, gloves are recommended for the evening and early morning hours.
• Sunglasses: to protect your eyes from the intense Sun of the Salkantay.
• Extra cash: we recommend bringing to the Salkantay Trek around 600 soles (200.USD); make sure you have some small coins, this is emergency money and you won’t spend everything. You’ll need to use the restrooms, buy souvenirs, buy drinks or snacks, and tip if you see fit for your staff.
• Personal medication: it is also necessary to bring Band-Aids, Diamox, Pepto, Ibuprofen, Imodium, pills for dizziness, feminine products.
• Devices: cameras, cell phones for photos.

What you will have in the canvas bag

• The sleeping bag: the first night during the Salkantay, it will be frozen, below 0 degrees Celsius; You will need a proper sleeping bag that can withstand -10 degrees Celsius. Bring yours or you can also rent it with us.
• Hiking boots: light and waterproof, we strongly recommend wearing hiking boots instead of slippers; Also, be sure to use them before to avoid blisters.
• Sandals: after the long hours of walking, you will need to bring something light in the camp, and for this we recommend sandals.
• Six pairs of wool mountain socks: they are very comfortable when walking in boots.
• 4 pairs of lightweight socks: also, you will wear them at night or walk in the camp with sandals.
• 6+ pairs of underwear: just in case, bring extra in case they get wet.
• 2 or 3 hiking pants: breathable, they are better. Divers for ladies also work.
• 1 sweatpants: for evenings and mornings
• 5 sets of t-shirts: long-sleeved shirts work best,
• Tissues or wet wipes: to cool off after the long walk before bedtime.
• Swimsuit: optional as you can visit the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.
• Trekking poles: It is strongly recommended that you bring your own or you can rent them with us.
• Inflatable mats: we provide foam mats; however, you want more comfort when bringing or renting an air mattress.

Salkantay Tour 5 days FAQs

What is Salkantay?

Salkantay is the second highest mountain in the Cusco region at 6,271 m / 20,574 ft. It is located in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba, west-northwest 6 km from Cusco in the central mountain range of the Peruvian Andes. Salkantay means “Wild Mountain” and is considered a Sacred Deity that controls the weather and fertility by the locals since
the Inca times. Salkantay was first climbed in 1952 by a Franco-American expedition. Due to its location on the border of the Amazon, the shape and the slope, this mountain is considered very difficult to climb.

What is Salkantay Trek?

The proximity of Salkantay to Machu Picchu and the existence of ancient trails make this a perfect Alternative Trek called Salkantay Trek. The Salkantay trek can be done in a 4 or 5 day trek to Machu Picchu, reaching a
maximum of 4630m/15190ft in elevation, the Salkantay Pass. This The trek was named by National Geographic’s Adventure Travel magazine among the 25 best treks in the world.

How long is the Salkantay trek?

Salkantay Trek can be done in many ways, depending on the itinerary you follow or the operator you choose. The most popular tours are 4 and 5 days, less than four days can be too challenging, and schedules longer than five
days usually include city tours, Sacred Valley tours and not the trek itself. Salkantay trek 4 days and 3 nights.-The trek begins in the town of Soraypampa, visits the amazing Humantay lake, Salkantay pass, and reaches Machu Picchu after 3 days of trekking. On the last day, you will visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco on the panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360°). The total walking distance is 44 km / 28 miles, and this does not include the Machu Picchu walking tour.

Salkantay Trek 5 days and 4 nights.-The last Salkantay Trek starts at Soraypampa Village, reaches Laguna Humantay, Paso Salkantay, and allows camping for 1 night at Llaqtapata, a unique archeological site located on top of a mountain right in front of Machu Picchu. . The total walking distance is 60 km / 38 miles, and this number is only for the 4-day walking tour. On the fifth day, this is a walking tour in Machu Picchu.

Is Salkantay Trek worth it?

The Salkantay Route is not only the most popular trek to Machu Picchu after the Inca Trail. This trek is also wonderful as it offers varied experiences to the travelers. Salkantay Trek begins in the high mountains where the temperatures are cold and the landscapes are usually extensive grasslands surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
They will arrive at Machu Picchu through the high jungle called “Bosque Nuboso”, these extremely varied landscapes will offer trekkers a unique opportunity to experience different views, climates and the opportunity to camp in front of Machu Picchu.

How high is the trek to Salkantay?

It is important to note the difference between the Salkantay Mountains that its 6,271m/20574ft and the highest pass used during the trek crosses the Andes into the Amazon Cloud Forest, the Salkantay Pass, located at 4630m/15190ft.

• First Camp: 3,900m / 12,795ft
• Second camp: 2770 mt / 9087 feet
• Third Camp: 2750m / 9022ft
• Dusk in Aguas Calientes: 2,000 m / 6561 ft

How cold is the Salkantay Trek?

This walk offers varied landscapes as well as different ecosystems and temperatures; the weather varies throughout the year depending on whether you are hiking During the dry season (April to October) or the wet season (November to March), temperatures will rise slightly during the wet season just like summer in the southern
hemisphere.

• Day 1: During the first day of the trek, temperatures will peak at 18°C/64°F  during the day and drop below 0°C/32°F at night. It is important to have warm clothing as the temperature will drop as soon as the sun goes down or it gets cloudy. High places like Laguna Humantay are always cold, even with the sun.
• Day 2: The second day offers 2 completely different climates, the first part of the day until lunch, you will walk through the Salkantay Pass, the highest and most difficult part of the trek, this part is usually bright and sunny; however, if it rains, the temperature will drop to very cold and you will need to wear jackets, hats and gloves.
• In the second part of the day, the temperature will increase as we get below the tree line (below 3000m). Here, we will begin to descend very quickly towards the second camp located in the Cloud Forest. Temperatures will be24°C/75°F during the day and 10°C/50°F at night.
• Day 3: During the third day, you will walk through the tropical cloud forest all day. You should wear light clothing, protect yourself from the sun, mosquitoes and have plenty of water. At night temperatures can hover around 10°C/53°F
• Day 4: The last day of the trek starts like the previous day in the Cloud Forest as we go further down until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes with an average temperature range between 12ºC / 54ºF and 24ºC / 75ºF.
• Day 5: During the fifth day, you will visit Machu Picchu in the tropical mountain forest with hot and humid climate almost all year round.

Trip to Salkantay What do you expect from this trek?

• When you choose Salkantay, you are signing up for the most challenging trek we have to Machu Picchu, and you should be prepared for: Long hours of hiking in sunny, cloudy, rainy and cold weather. Camp your first night in freezing-point weather with no electricity or cell phone service.
• Not every day is ice cream; it is cold on day 1 and a half of day 2. Also, after the second camp, there is cell phone signal and wifi at specific points.

How much to tip Salkantay Trek?

• There are so many tours to Machu Picchu and Salkantay that travelers may have a hard time deciding which one to take.

Among the most important factors to consider is the price; I definitely wouldn’t go for the lower prices as they have hidden costs and you will end up paying more or have a bad experience. The regular price of the Salkantay trek varies between 450.USD to 650.USD, this cost should include 3 star hotels, meals, porters and all transportation, and a good English speaking certified tour guide. It is important to book your tour with a company that has a good reputation, this is a high altitude hiking tour, slippery terrain, and you have to fully trust
the company and the tour guides.

Sacred Expeditions Peru offers experienced tour guides, expert chefs, comfortable camping equipment, as well as including a coffee tour, Pachamanca kitchen and panoramic train on the last day for an excellent price.

How to prepare for the Salkantay Trek?

Anyone can do the Salkantay route; however, you need a moderate fitness level to finish the hike. It is not necessary to be an expert hiker, but to have a somewhat active life; if not, you will need to prepare before this trip to avoid
bad experiences.

No need to train months in advance. However, you should take occasional walks for about an hour or 2 and increase the frequency and duration as you get closer to the trailhead. A few hours at the gym, jogging, or spinning will also help.

We recommend hiking on the weekends or at least twice a month on short hikes that include uphill.

Is altitude sickness a problem?

What should I do to avoid altitude sickness?

• Altitude sickness is real and can affect anyone, whether they are an experienced hiker or not. Here are some recommendations to avoid altitude sickness:
• Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the departure of your trek; this will help you adjust to the altitude before your hike; During these first days you should do activities that are not exhausting, or that do not include several hours of walking: we recommend a walk through the city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley Tour or Maras Moray.
• You should avoid tours, initially, like the Rainbow Mountain, which involves several hours of walking, and is very high. This tour is perfect after the trip to Machu Picchu.
• During the first few days in Cusco, eat lightly and drink plenty of water; coca tea will help
  you.

Where To Book Salkantay Trek In Cusco?

• Machu Picchu is the most important tourist destination in South America and Peru; we have limited tickets to this Sanctuary. We have 2 train companies, the town of Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu is a small town that receives thousands of visitors every day. These and other factors to consider, therefore, you should always book your trip in advance.
• Booking your tour in advance will allow us to choose the best train schedules, the best hotels and the best entrance times to Machu Picchu.

When is the best time to hike the Salkantay and visit Machu Picchu?

The best time to trek to Salkantay and visit Machu Picchu is from April to November, when it is the dry season, April and November are the months of humidity and an increase in weather is expected.

January and February are months to avoid this trek as they are the season of heavy rains and risk of landslides. During these months, we recommend the Lares hike.

Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling

• Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling shall be updated as and if needed.

Why Choose Sacred Expeditions Peru?

Here’s how booking with us, you make a positive impact:

• Intimate Experiences: We focus on creating intimate travel experiences by capping our group sizes at 8 participants during the pandemic and 16 during standard operations. This allows us to provide personalized service tailored to each traveler’s needs.
• Fair Treatment of Staff: Our dedication to equity is reflected in the fair wages and respect we extend to all our porters, cultivating a nurturing and inclusive work environment for both men and women.
• Social Impact: Your reservation plays a vital role in supporting social initiatives in Cusco, enabling us to provide local children with essential resources such as computers and internet connectivity.
• Comfort in Nature: We prioritize your comfort on all camping tours by providing portable toilets and hot showers, ensuring a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
• Transparent Practices: We uphold a commitment to transparency, which is why we do not charge any booking or credit card fees, allowing you to plan your trip without unexpected costs.
• Join Us: Experience the beauty of travel with Sacred Expeditions Peru, where your journey not only enriches your life but also positively impacts the communities we serve.