The Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek
14 Days Starting and ending in Cuzco
Visiting: Peru
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TPS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This trek spends a few days deep in the bewildering majesty of the Cordillera Vilcabamba before joining the classic Inca Trail for the approach to Machu Picchu. This high route skirts many of the great peaks and passes close to Mt. Salkantay (6271m) and its creaking glaciers. The trek continues through remote villages and crosses the spectacular Inca Chiriasqa Pass and finishes by exploring the Inca temples and fortresses of Cuzco and the Sacred Valley.
Highlights
Itinerary
The group flights from London leave this evening, flying via Sao Paolo and
Lima and arriving in Cuzco the following morning.
*Standard Hotel*
Day 2
The trip starts in Cuzco (3400m) today. The group flights usually arrive late
morning. The Inca capital - though small enough to be easily manageable - is
among the most attractive cities in South America, with much of the centre
comprising colonial-era buildings with Inca foundations, and it is full of
interesting museums, churches and pre-Columbian sites. We will have a short
walking tour of the city including a visit to the Qoricancha Sun Temple.
It is recommended to take it easy upon arrival into Cuzco and to drink plenty
of water to allow your body time to acclimatise to the altitude (3,400m).
There will be a welcome briefing in the hotel lobby this evening.
*Hotel Koyllur / Warari (or similar)
*
Day 3
The hills above Cuzco city are dotted with some of the most interesting Inca
ruins. We drive to the highest, Tambomachay, and return on foot to Cuzco via
Puca Pucara, Qenco and Sacsayhuaman: an easy acclimatisation walk to get used
to the altitude. An open-air picnic lunch is included during the hike near
the spectacular ruins.
*Hotel Koyllur / Warari (or similar)*
Day 4
Free day in Cuzco to relax and further acclimatise before starting the tour.
A range of optional activities and sightseeing excursions can be arranged,
including visits to Inca and pre-Inca sites south of Cuzco, or walks in the
hills surrounding the city but we recommend taking it relatively easy in
preparation for the start of the trek tomorrow.
*Hotel Koyllur / Warari (or similar)*
Day 5
A few hours drive via the interesting Inca remains of Tarawasi (optional)
takes us high to the hill town of Mollepata (2980m) where we make a brief
stop, before continuing on to Marcocsa (3515m), where we will start our trek.
We trek from here to our campsite near of Soraypampa (3910m) where we spend
our first night under canvas. The total driving time is approx. 4 hours, and
the walk will take around 5-6 hours of uphill and steady climbing along
well-made tracks.
*Full-service Camping*
Day 6
Start your day with an optional 3 hour (return) walk to Humantay Lagoon to
see the magnificent water mirror in the middle of the Andes. Return for an
early lunch at the campsite of Soraypampa (3910m), and then continue our
ascent towards the massive bulk of Salkantay (6271m) which soon dominates our
view. We camp at around 4400m in the high grassy meadow of Ichu Pata, below
the south face and glaciers of the impressive peak.
*Full-service Camping*
Day 7
The high point of the trek and this morning's goal is the Inca Chiriasqa pass
at almost 5000m. Climbing more steeply now we walk close to the spectacular
glaciers and ice walls of Nevado Salcantay. Passing through Pampa Japonesa,
base camp for a Japanese mountaineering expedition, we finally top the pass
and gain some excellent 360° panoramic views. Inca Chirisaqa means ‘the
Inca fell ill from cold', and the exposed situation makes it easy to see why.
Descending from the pass, we drop down into the upper reaches of a broad
valley where Salcantay reappears in a new profile. After passing a huge ridge
of terminal moraine, once the snout of the East Salcantay Glacier, the river
suddenly becomes dead straight, canalised by the Incas centuries ago. We camp
alongside the canal close to the hamlet of Pampa Cahuana (3870m).
*Full-service Camping*
Day 8
Setting off from camp this morning, we follow the canal, which soon drops
into a steep-sided valley. The path follows the side of this valley all the
way to Paucarcancha, an Inca watchtower which guarded the Pampa Cahuana
valley. We have time to explore this small site before continuing to the
village of Huayllabamba (3100m) where we camp for the night.
*Full-service Camping*
Day 9
Today we join the main Inca Trail, the iconic trek to Machu Picchu. From the
village of Huayllabamba, a long and steady climb takes us first through an
area of cloud forest to the meadows of Llulluchapampa, then over the
Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman) Pass at 4,215m. After quite a long, steep descent
we camp in the scenic Pacaymayo valley (3600m).
*Full-service Camping*
Day 10
We start today with an easier climb, past the small ruins of Runcuracay,
which takes us over the Runcuracay Pass (3800m), and from now on the Inca
Trail becomes a clearly defined path made of flat boulders. We pass the ruins
of Sayajmarca and suddenly enter cloud forest. At one point the trail passes
through a short Inca tunnel before crossing onto the Amazon side of the
continental divide. We normally camp on the ridge above the Inca site of
Phuyupatamarca (3650m) to benefit from the views of sunset and sunrise, and
to avoid the crowded Wiñay Wayna campsite.
*Full-service Camping*
Day 11
From the ridge, we embark on the infamous Inca steps: a two kilometre stone
staircase taking us rapidly downhill amid a panorama of overwhelming
immensity, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above, and the river
thousands of metres below. After visiting the attractive ruins of Wiñay
Wayna, we have an undulating walk through cloud forest high above the river
to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From here we get our first full sight of Machu
Picchu itself, with Huayna Picchu rising behind.
Traditionally busy with groups of trekkers clamouring for photos, we plan our
arrival at Inti Punku later in the day so we can enjoy unobstructed views of
the magnificent ruins. Passing around the edge of the ruins, we exit the site
and descend to Aguas Calientes for a well-earned rest, a shower and a
comfortable bed for the night. Our trekking permits allow us one entry into
the site, which we use for our tour tomorrow.
There is usually time for an optional visit to the hot springs in Aguas
Calientes, however, in recent years they have become over-crowded and the
water quality can suffer as a result.
*Hotel Inti Punku El Tambo (or similar)*
*
*
Day 12
In order to beat the day-trippers arriving from Cuzco and reach the ruins as
early as possible, a very early start is required to queue for Machu Picchu;
only government-registered buses can make the 30-minute drive up the winding
road to the site entrance and during high season (May-October) queues can be
hours long.
Machu Picchu is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the
ancient world and what makes it all the more dramatic is its mountain
backdrop of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas
left no records of it, and so Machu Picchu remained a great enigma, a city
lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the
American historian Hiram Bingham.
New regulations for visiting Machu Picchu are now fully enforced; of the
three possible visiting slots, Exodus will purchase the morning slot from
06:00 until 12:00 (unless unavailable), you will be limited to a maximum of
four hours within the site and must be accompanied by a guide. There will
also be three set routes to follow around Machu Picchu; Exodus selects the
most comprehensive route.
We catch an afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30 mins) where we stay
for the night.
*Tunupa Lodge (or similar)*
*
*
Day 13
A day exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the famous Inca
fortress ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac which tower over the villages below
them of the same name. We will also have time to look around Pisac Market,
famous for its handicrafts, before returning by road to Cuzco.
*Hotel Koyllur / Warari (or similar)*
*
*
Day 14
Today has been left free to relax or explore Cuzco further. There are a
number of optional excursions available which your tour leader can arrange
for you. If you still have the energy you could chose to mountain bike in the
Sacred Valley taking in a 30-35km ride through Moray, Maras and then down to
Sacred Valley through ancient communities, farming fields and amazing Andean
landscape. Alternatively, you could try your hand at paddle boarding on Lake
Piuray near the town of Chinchero. Or, if feeling more subdued, take it easy
and watch the world go by in Cuzco’s Plaza de Armas.
*Hotel Koyllur / Warari (or similar)*
Day 15
Those who are travelling on the group flights will be taken to Cuzco airport
in time to catch your overnight international flight to London.
Day 16
The group flights arrive in London this afternoon.
**
What's Included
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Tour leader throughout
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Inflatable sleeping mat while camping
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Exodus kitbag
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Full porterage throughout trek
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Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
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All breakfasts, 8 lunches and 6 dinners
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7 nights en suite hotels and 6 nights full-service camping
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All transport and listed activities
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Arrival and departure transfers
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Meals
13 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners.
What's Not Included
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Sleeping bag (hire locally from US$35)
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Visas or vaccinations
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Travel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request) Visas or vaccinationsSleeping bag (hire locally from US$35)
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— Travel insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations — Sleeping bag (hire locally from US$35)
Accommodation
On this Peruvian adventure, we stay in three-star hotels for seven nights and spend six nights camping. The selected hotels have an excellent blend of quality and comfort and are within an easy walk of city and town attractions. Our camping is full service with porterage, meaning our camp staff put up and take down the tents, cook, and do all the camp chores. You need only carry your backpack for the day and enjoy your time on trek. Below are the accommodations we typically use.
Cuzco: MamaSara (nights 1-3 and 12-13)
Just a few blocks from the historic centre, MamaSara is well located for our adventures in the one-time Inca capital of Cuzco. The design of the rooms pays homage to the city with locally sourced furniture and artwork, while the restaurant serves Peruvian Andean cuisine.
Salkantay and Inca Trail: Full-service camping (nights 4-9)
For six nights, we sleep among Andean peaks and wake to mountain views. It'll be the adventure of a lifetime for some, but not one without comforts. We sleep and dine in good-quality four-season tents and we have a toilet tent set up both in camp and during lunch stops. While on trek, a bowl of warm water is provided for washing each morning and evening. Camp staff will set up, break down and transport all camp equipment necessary on the trek, providing you with more time and energy to take in these magnificent routes.
Aguas Calientes: Inti Punku Machu Picchu Hotel (night 10)
The Inti Punku Machu Picchu hotel is centrally located in the small town of Aguas Calientes, which sits alongside the Urubamba River. This comfortable hotel has clean, contemporary rooms with private baths and hot water, making it a perfect place to relax and take in this unique setting far below the ruins of Machu Picchu.
Ollantaytambo: Tunupa Lodge (night 11)
Tunupa Lodge is in Ollantaytambo, a town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It has a bar and restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine, plus a variety of drinks. It also has a lovely garden and is a great place to relax and reflect on your amazing trek to Machu Picchu.
Worth knowing
Camping: Boiled and filtered drinking water is provided in the mornings, at lunch and dinner times so we can refill our water bottles.
Single accommodation (including tents) can be arranged, subject to availability. Please request this at the time of booking.
Food
All breakfasts, 8 lunches and 6 dinners are included in the price of the tour. Peruvian cuisine has developed a reputation for its flavours and originality and it’s well worth trying out a few of the local delicacies. Amongst these are ceviche (a spicy dish of seafood or fish marinated in lime juice), lomo saltado (a Peruvian take on a beef stir-fry) and various hearty soups such as the delicious quinoa soup. Other dishes include roasted cuy (guinea pig), alpaca steak, and to drink, the national beverage: Pisco Sour. Drinking water is provided. The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink; boiled and filtered drinking water is provided on the trek and elsewhere your leader will buy large water containers for you to refill your bottle from. Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffet-style affairs, usually including bread/toast and jam, cereal, sometimes eggs or a cooked dish, sometimes fruit, tea/coffee and fruit juice. Regrettably, we can not guarantee that wheat/gluten-free products will be available for breakfast in all locations - if you have an intolerance you may wish to bring your own breakfast food. Where lunch and dinner is not included in Cuzco/Aguas Calientes we'll visit a variety of cafes and restaurants. During the trek, hearty breakfasts are served and good quality cooked lunches and dinners are provided, and usually consist of soup or a starter, a main course with meat/fish and some form of carbohydrates, followed by a dessert. Some snacks between meals are also provided. Bed tea/coffee is brought to your tent each morning and juice or hot drinks are provided with all meals during the trek.
Check out our Q&As
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.