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Every Day
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Cusco
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8
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60
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4 - 12
SORAYPAMPA CAMPSITES
OVERVIEW
Why Choose This Trek?
With the combination of the Salkantay and the Inca Trail, you can experience the best of both worlds during this 7-day adventure. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the breathtaking Salkantay Trek and the renowned Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Discover the stunning high Andes Mountains, traverse the lush Peruvian jungle, and culminate your journey with the ancient Inca ruins along the famous Inca Trail.
ITINERARY
We will pick you up between 4:30 am and 5:00 am to finally start our hiking adventure. After an approximately 2-hours drive, we will stop in Mollepata for a delicious breakfast, and then continue our journey to Challacancha (3800 m/12457 ft), which is the starting point of our hike. We will hike for about 3 hours towards the Soraypampa base camp, located at 3,900 meters (12,800 ft.) above sea level, and enjoy a nutritious lunch. We will then head towards the famous Humantay lagoon (4,220 m/ 13,850 ft) and admire the incredible views along the 1.5 hour walk. The landscapes are exuberant and full of colors according to the season of the year. You will be able to enjoy the green valleys full of vegetation and incredible sceneries offered by the Humantay and Salkantay Andes mountains, while our local guide will share his knowledge about the history and interesting facts. Besides, you will have enough time to explore this unique place on your own. We will descend to our base camp in Soraypampa where we will enjoy a hot cup of coca tea, and have a freshly prepared dinner by our cooks.
Around 7:00 am, we will enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel our hike for the day. Starting from the Soraypampa camp, we will begin our ascent towards the Salkantay Pass, where we'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Salkantay Lagoon. Our team of cooks will greet you near this stunning location with a delicious lunch. Afterward, we will descend to the Ichupata camp (4,500 m/14,764 ft), where you'll enjoy a warm cup of coca tea and a nutritious dinner.
After a hearty breakfast, we will start our hike, heading towards the Incachiriasca Pass, which features fascinating glaciers at an altitude of 5,100 meters (16,732 feet). Once we reach the top, we’ll have time to take in the breathtaking views and capture stunning photos. We will then descend to a beautiful spot for our lunch break. In the afternoon, we will continue our trek to the Inca Canal, where our cooking team will greet us with a warm cup of coca tea and a delicious dinner.
Today, we'll start at 5:00 am with breakfast before continuing our hiking adventure to the archaeological site of Paucarcancha. Our professional guide will provide insights into the history and significance of this ancient Inca site. We will then reach the famous Inca Trail and enjoy a lunch break surrounded by stunning landscapes. After a refreshing rest, we’ll continue our hike to the Ayapata camp, where we can appreciate the natural surroundings and savor a delicious dinner prepared by our cooks.
This day begins with a hearty breakfast, as today is one of the most spectacular days of the hike. We will first ascend the Warmi Huañusca Pass, located at 4,215 meters (13,829 feet) above sea level, where we'll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding high Andes mountains. We will then start our descent towards our lunch spot, and see the unique flora and fauna along the way.
After lunch and a refreshing rest, we'll climb for two hours to reach the second highest pass of our trek. We'll visit the archaeological site of Runcu Raccay, renowned for its distinctive semicircular enclosures, which are considered a gem of Inca architecture.
After crossing the second pass at 3,950 meters (12,959 feet) above sea level, we will begin our descent to the ancient Inca ruins of Sayacmarca. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore well-preserved Inca houses, water sources, and channels, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the entire valley. We will then continue our hike for 30 minutes until we reach our Chaquicocha camp, where we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner.
The first Inca archaeological site we will visit today is Phuyupatamarca. Afterward, we will proceed to the second site, Intipata (2,800 meters / 9,186 feet), known for its agricultural experimentation platforms. From here, we’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will then head to our Wiñay Wayna camp at 2,650 meters (8,694 feet), where we’ll have a refreshing lunch. After a well-deserved rest, we will explore the archaeological remains of Wiñay Wayna.
Today, we will wake up a bit earlier than usual. After breakfast, we’ll embark on a two-hour hike to reach Machu Picchu. We will ascend to the famous Sun Gate, where we’ll enjoy our first views of the Machu Picchu citadel and the surrounding valleys. After another hour of walking, we’ll finally explore the lost city of the Incas, where a guided tour will reveal the secrets of this monument left by the ancient Inca civilization.
Later, we’ll return to the town of Aguas Calientes by shuttle bus, a 30-minute journey. After some time exploring the charming streets of this small town at the base of Machu Picchu, we’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, departing at 14:55. During the two-hour train ride, we’ll admire the stunning landscapes of the valley. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our transport will take you back to Cusco, arriving around 19:30.
INCLUSIONS
📦 What Is Included?
🛏️ Accommodation
- On the first night in Soraypampa: Stay in our incredible glass cabins designed for 2 people.
- Subsequent nights: Enjoy the comfort of our private tents.
🍽️ Meals
- As indicated in the itinerary: 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 6 Dinners.
- Professional cook and cooking equipment. Dining and kitchen tents are provided for meal preparation.
- A hot cup of Coca Tea each morning.
- Boiled water provided for coffee and tea to accompany your meals at the campsites.
- Meals can be accommodated for dietary requirements such as vegetarian or vegan. Please inform us in advance of any specific preferences.
🚗 Transportation
- Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the start of your trek.
- Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or car transfer from Hidroeléctrica to Cusco.
- Tourist transport from Ollantaytambo to Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.
👥 Local Guides & Team
- English/Spanish speaking professional guide, plus an assistant guide for groups over 12 people.
- Porters to carry camping equipment, food, and kitchen supplies.
- Sleeping bag included.
- Briefing: You will have a meeting with your guide at our office to review all the details of your tour. The briefing will be between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. the day before departure.
- All our trekking guides have a minimum of 3 years of experience and are certified. They carry a first aid kit and an extra oxygen bottle in case of emergencies.
- We provide duffel bags for your personal items (up to 5 kg per person).
❌ What Is Not Included?
🍴 Meals
- Dinner on the last day.
- No boiled water for the trek is included. Please carry enough water with you. Additional bottles can be purchased along the trek.
🎒 Optional Activities
- Additional entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for $60.00 per person. Please let us know in advance to check availability.
- Entry to the Aguas Calientes hot springs.
📝 Other
- Trekking poles available for rent for $20.00 per person.
- Tips for your guide, cook, and staff.
- Shuttle bus between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes ($12.00 per person, or you can choose to walk).
- National or international flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Other activities not mentioned in this itinerary.
DOS MANERAS DIFERENTES DE REGRESAR A CUSCO
SALKANTAY BY TRAIN
Choosing this option allows you to spend more time exploring Machu Picchu, as the train departs around 2:55 pm. If you plan to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we highly recommend this option to give you the extra time you’ll need.
The train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes approximately 2 hours. In Ollantaytambo, our staff will meet you at the station exit and drive you back to Cusco. The car ride to Cusco will take about 2 hours, with arrival near the main square around 7:00 pm.
SALKANTAY BY CAR
Opting for this route gives you less time to explore Machu Picchu. If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll be pressed for time.
To choose this option, you must leave Machu Picchu before 10:30 am and walk for 3 hours along the train tracks back to Hidroeléctrica, as there is no road for cars. You will meet the car in Hidroeléctrica between 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm. This is a longer journey, taking approximately 7 to 8 hours to reach Cusco, with an estimated arrival time between 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
If you’re considering this option and plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we recommend staying strong>one more night in Aguas Calientes and returning to Cusco by car on the 6th day to fully enjoy your experience.
If you are a student, you may be eligible for a $20 USD discount. However, you must meet the Peruvian government requirements, as the discount is applied to the cost of your Machu Picchu ticket and is not something that we are able to negotiate.
To be able to receive the discount, please send us a photo of both sides of your student card, and another photo of your passport after your booking. We can help you check if all the requirements are fulfilled. The student ID must be an original ID, given from the university in PVC material and include:
- University information
- Personal student information
- Student picture
- Expiration date valid only for one year
- Must coincide with the year that student visits Machu Picchu
You also need to bring your original student card with you the day you visit Machu Picchu. You will need to bring the card with you and verify it at the Machu Picchu checkpoint.
Please check if your student card includes the following requirements:
Example of a student card meeting all the requirements.
Personal Daypack (30-50L): Una mochila personal es suficiente para llevar tus esenciales.
- Antes de tu trek, te proporcionaremos una bolsa adicional para llevar tu ropa extra y artículos personales (máx. 5kg).
- Reusable Water Bottle: Lleva tu propia botella de agua reutilizable.
- Small Coins in Peruvian Soles: Los baños son gratuitos en los campamentos, pero cuestan 1 Sol en el camino. Mantén cambio pequeño a mano para agua, snacks y papel higiénico.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho: Para protegerte de la lluvia durante el trek.
- Strong Footwear: Se recomiendan botas o zapatos de trekking impermeables.
- Sleeping Bag: Disponible para alquiler si lo necesitas.
- Flashlight/Headlamp and Batteries: Para visibilidad en la oscuridad.
- Clothes for the Whole Trek: Lleva suficiente ropa para todo el período del trek:
- Dos camisetas de manga larga
- Dos camisetas de manga corta
- Leggings o pantalones de trekking
- Pantalones cortos
- Cuatro pares de ropa interior
- Pantalones cómodos para la noche
- Tres pares de calcetines de trekking
- Chaqueta impermeable, guantes, gorro y un sombrero con ala
- Botas de trekking
- Traje de baño y toalla pequeña (si planeas visitar las aguas termales)
- Sandalias para descansar los pies en los campamentos
- Sunscreen: Protección solar es esencial.
- Insect Repellent: Para evitar las picaduras de insectos.
- Additional Snacks: Aunque te proporcionamos abundante comida, lleva snacks adicionales si lo deseas.
- Original Passport: Obligatorio para la entrada a Machu Picchu.
The best way to prepare yourself for this trekking experience is easy: spend at least 2 to 3 days at a high-altitude place like Cusco, so your body gets used to the high altitude. If you have already been to a high altitude destination before arriving in Cusco, we still recommend you spend at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recuperate from your trip, and enjoy the beautiful views of the city before your trek.
Additionally, taking good care of your body helps deal with the extra pressures that altitude creates. We recommend you eat healthy food, drink lots of water, and stay away from alcohol. Chewing coca leaves and drinking coca tea help to alleviate any discomfort associated with the altitude.
The entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain are additional add-ons that you can choose to purchase besides the Machu Picchu visit that is already included in this trek. You can visit one of these mountains after your Machu Picchu visit to see the Inca Citadel from the top.
Please send us an email asking about availability. Then, if available, you can select which mountain you would like to climb when you make your reservation online. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are an additional 60 USD.
What is Huayna Picchu Mountain?
Huayna Picchu Mountain is home to the Temple of the Moon and is the famous mountain peak seen behind the ruins in all the classic photos of Machu Picchu. Huayna Picchu is an approximately 45-minute climb with more ruins at the top and offers an incredible view of the Machu Picchu ruins. The visit to Huayna Picchu takes approximately 2 hours. Huayna Picchu Mountain is an additional 60 USD.
What is Machu Picchu Mountain?
Machu Picchu Mountain is an additional hike within Machu Picchu that offers a much higher view of the ruins and overlooks the entire valley. Machu Picchu Mountain is an additional 60 USD.
The Inca Trail is more crowded than the Salkantay Trek because it is an original trail of the Incas and one of the most famous hikes in the world, attracting thousands of trekkers every year. It is the only trek that leads directly to Machu Picchu, but is therefore a lot more expensive than the Salkantay Trek.
On the Salkantay Trek you will spend the last night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu the next day. During the Inca Trail you will discover ancient Inca ruins, whereas the Salkantay offers more wildlife and high mountain sceneries. Many trekkers consider the Salkantay Trek to be a bit more strenuous than the Inca Trail because the general altitude is higher.
The Salkantay Trek offers the best alternative to the Inca Trail for everybody who doesn’t like crowded paths and enjoys different landscapes during the trek.
Congratulations, adventure awaits you! We sent you a confirmation e-mail with more details about your trekking adventure. The day before your departure at 5:00 pm, please stop by our office located in Portal Espinar Nro 163 to receive the informative briefing. Our professional guide will tell you everything about your trek and clarify any last questions you may have.
In general, Salkantay is known for its unpredictable weather, so please come prepared for both warm and cold temperatures, as well as rainy and dry conditions. We have two main seasons in the Andes Mountains, the rainy season (November-March) and the dry season (April-October).
During the rainy, warmer season, temperatures average around 15°C / 60°F during the day and 5°C / 40°F at night. However, with a high chance of rain and wind at the Salkantay Pass, these temperatures may feel a lot colder to you.
During the dry season, the weather is sunny and clear, with an average of 20°C / 70°F during the day but much colder at night, around -3°C / 26°F.
Also, after the second day, as we descend into the Peruvian Amazon basin, the weather changes to a more humid and warmer climate – these humid temperatures are consistent throughout the year.
We serve a variety ozf local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes with rice, chicken, beef, salad, potatoes, vegetables, delicious soups, and fruits. Everything will be freshly prepared by our local chef.
We have a lot of vegetarian travellers and our cooks have some great options for them to enjoy their meals. We can cater to all other types of dietary requests with adequate preparation and clear communication.
Previous hiking experience is recommended but not required. Our guides are trained to support hikers of all fitness levels and experience, ensuring that no one is left behind. Most importantly, make sure to acclimate yourself to the altitude before your trek.
Yes, you can leave extra luggage in our office free of charge. Just let us know if you have any fragile or technological items that require special care, and we’ll ensure they are handled appropriately.
The minimum group size is 4 people and the maximum group size is 15 people. There will be an assistant guide for groups over 12 people.
Please feel free to review our Terms & Conditions and let us know if you have any questions or requests regarding our cancellation policy, which is available on our website.
PACKING LIST
🧳 Personal Gear
👕 Clothing
☀️ Additional Items
(Shirts, Pants, Socks, Jacket, etc.)
your comfort
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