Embark on an unforgettable journey through Peru’s breathtaking landscapes with the 4-day Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu tour. From gazing upon the turquoise Humantay Lagoon to conquering the heights of Salkantay Pass, this immersive experience offers a personalized adventure. Seasoned guides lead the way, ensuring a comfortable and enriching expedition amidst the diverse flora and fauna. With a limited group size, travelers can expect a truly exclusive encounter – one that showcases the true essence of this remarkable region. But what secrets does the Salkantay Trek hold, and how will it captivate your senses?

Key Points

• 4-day Salkantay Trek from Cuzco to Machu Picchu with highlights like Humantay Lagoon, Salkantay mountain, and a local coffee estate visit.
• Group size limited to 10 participants for a personalized trekking experience through diverse landscapes with dynamic climate conditions.
• Includes informative preparation, transportation, professional guides, entrance tickets, accommodations, and most meals.
• Traverse through scenic routes, reaching the highest point at Salkantay Pass (4,630 m), and explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.
• Opportunity to observe the night sky and learn about the coffee bean-to-cup process during the tour.

Tour Details

The Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu tour spans 4 days and is limited to 10 participants, with pickup from the hotel at 5:00 AM.

Travelers can cancel their booking for free up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour highlights include exploring the stunning Humantay Lagoon, trekking across the slopes of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain, reaching the highest point at Salkantay Pass (4630 m), and visiting the iconic Machu Picchu.

Other inclusions are a tour of a local coffee estate, accommodation in cabanas, domes and hotels, and all meals.

With a mix of hiking, cultural experiences and natural wonders, this compact tour offers an immersive Andean adventure.

Highlights of the Trek

Exploring the stunning Humantay Lagoon, with its turquoise waters set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, kickstarts this immersive Andean adventure.

Trekkers then traverse the slopes of the mighty Salkantay mountain, reaching the highest point at the Salkantay Pass, where they’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas. Along the way, they’ll experience the region’s diverse climate and abundant flora and fauna.

A highlight is the visit to a local coffee estate, where participants can learn about the bean-to-cup process.

The crown jewel is the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, which travelers will have the opportunity to explore in depth.

Included Services

With the Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu tour, travelers enjoy a comprehensive package that includes various essential services.

Informative preparation with a guide ensures participants are well-equipped for the adventure. Transportation from Cusco to the trailhead at Challacancha is provided, along with a professional tour guide, cook, and porters to support the group throughout the trek. All necessary entrance tickets, including to Humantay Lake and Machu Picchu, are included.

Lodging in cabanas, domes, and hotels provides comfortable accommodations along the way. The tour also includes 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 snacks, and 3 dinners, ensuring travelers are fueled for the journey.

Additional highlights like an astronomical observation and a coffee tour enhance the overall experience.

Itinerary Breakdown

On the first day, participants hike from Challacancha to Soraypampa, covering a distance of 14 kilometers over 4 hours.

The second day sees them traversing from Soraypampa to Playa Sahuayaco, a more challenging stretch of 19 kilometers over 8-9 hours.

Hikers then make their way from Playa Sahuayaco to Aguas Calientes in 3 hours and 11 kilometers on the third day, before the final visit to the iconic Machu Picchu on the fourth day.

Throughout the trek, you will experience the changing climate and diverse flora and fauna, as well as have the opportunity to tour a local coffee estate.

Climate and Altitudes

The Salkantay Trek traverses through an array of climate conditions, ranging from fresh and breezy to cool and windy, as hikers ascend from an altitude of 3,500 meters to the highest point at 4,600 meters.

At the lower elevations, the air is crisp and comfortable, while the higher altitudes bring chillier temperatures and stronger winds. Trekkers should come prepared with layers of clothing to accommodate these varied conditions.

The diverse landscapes encountered, from lush valleys to rugged mountain slopes, contribute to the dynamic climate. Proper gear and attentiveness to the shifting weather are essential for an enjoyable and safe journey along the Salkantay route to Machu Picchu.

Pickup and Cancellation

In the ‘From Cuzco: Highlights Tour Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu’, the tour begins with pickup from participants’ hotels at 5:00 AM.

Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance without penalty.

The tour offers a convenient and hassle-free experience:

Participants are picked up directly from their hotel, ensuring a smooth start to the adventure.

The group size is limited to 10 people, providing a more personalized and intimate trekking experience.

Travelers have the flexibility to cancel their booking up to a day in advance if their plans change, with no additional fees.

This attention to detail and flexibility ensures a well-organized and enjoyable trek for all.

Group Size and Duration

The Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu tour caps its group size at 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized trekking experience. This limited group size allows for better coordination, more attentive guidance from the tour leaders, and a greater connection with the natural surroundings.

The 4-day duration of the trek provides ample time to fully immerse in the stunning landscapes, from the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay to the lush cloud forests leading to Machu Picchu. Participants can savor the changing climate and diverse flora and fauna at a comfortable pace, without feeling rushed.

This carefully curated itinerary strikes a perfect balance between challenging hikes and time to appreciate the breathtaking vistas along the way.

Exploring Humantay Lagoon and Salkantay Mountain

From Cuzco: Highlights Tour Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu

Trekkers on the Salkantay Trek will first explore the stunning Humantay Lagoon, a turquoise-hued glacial lake nestled beneath the imposing Humantay mountain. This tranquil alpine setting offers a breathtaking introduction to the trek’s natural wonders:

The lagoon’s crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a serene and picturesque scene.
Hikers can spot native Andean wildlife, such as llamas and alpacas, grazing along the lagoon’s shores.
The towering Humantay mountain provides a dramatic backdrop, its snow-capped summit reaching over 5,400 meters (17,700 feet) high.

After exploring the Humantay Lagoon, trekkers will continue their journey, traversing the slopes of the majestic Salkantay mountain, one of the highest in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Items Should I Pack for the Trek?

For the trek, it’s best to pack layers of lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a warm jacket, rain gear, sun protection, snacks, and a water bottle. Bring any personal medications and items to stay comfortable on the multi-day hike.

Will There Be Any Free Time During the Tour?

There will be limited free time during the tour, as the schedule is quite packed. However, participants can expect some opportunities to explore on their own or relax during the longer hiking days and at the accommodations each evening.

Are There Options for Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?

The tour offers flexibility for dietary restrictions and allergies. Guests can inform the tour company of any special dietary needs, and the meals will be tailored accordingly. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request.

Can I Extend My Stay in Machu Picchu After the Tour?

Participants can extend their stay in Machu Picchu after the tour, but they’ll need to make their own arrangements. The tour package only includes a visit to Machu Picchu on the last day. Any additional time must be booked separately.

Is There a Minimum Level of Fitness Required for This Trek?

This trek requires a moderate level of fitness. The hikes range from 4-9 hours each day, covering 11-19 km across high-altitude terrain. Participants should be able to comfortably hike for extended periods at elevations up to 4,600 m.

Recap

The Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu tour offers an unforgettable adventure through Peru’s stunning landscapes.

Hikers can expect a personalized experience, professional guides, and comfortable accommodations as they explore the turquoise Humantay Lagoon, traverse the slopes of Salkantay Mountain, and visit a local coffee estate.

With a range of climate conditions and altitudes, this tour provides an immersive appreciation of the region’s diverse flora and fauna.