Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days & 3 Nights

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Apacheta Pass – Salkantay Lake – Huayracmachay

We will pick you up at 4:30am from your hotel and drive for 3 hours in our private van to the Soraypampa trailhead. As we travel along the curvy roads in the Andes, there are views of the indigenous villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo, the surrounding valleys and the famous spectacular snow-capped Salkantay Mountain. At the trailhead, we have our breakfast while enjoying the views of the glaciers of Mount Humantay (5,900m/19,356ft) and Mount Salkantay (6,217m / 20,396ft). We gradually climb through Andean valley landscapes before arriving at Sorococcha (4,400m / 14,517ft) for lunch. Onwards and upwards for one more hour we reach Apacheta Pass (4,650m / 15,367ft). We are breathless with the most spectacular views of snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay, Humantay, Huayanay, roiling white rivers, and small picturesque lakes. A short 35-minute hike takes us to the turquoise Salkantay Lake. After lunch, we have a one hour uphill of switchbacks and arrive at our first campsite at Soroccocha located at the foot of the great Salkantay Mountain. Then, you can relax with a coffee or hot chocolate while enjoying the amazing views. 

• Meals: Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities with large 4 person Tents for every 2 people for space and comfort
• Distance: 14kms / 8.7 miles
• Difficulty: Challenging

Day 2: Huayracmachay – Chaullay – la Playa

After a scrumptious and hearty breakfast, we descend for 3 hours toward the rural community of Chayllay.  Along the way, you will enjoy the refreshing lush green valleys and spectacular waterfalls. After lunch, we walk for 5 hours through the beginning of the Peruvian cloud forest, enjoying fruit bearing trees and varied flora and birds. Admiring the undulating hills of coffee, cacao and fruit plantations, we finally we arrive at Lucmabamba, where we spend the second night (2,050m/6,767ft).

Here we take a relaxing tour, where we get to experience Peru at the source of its coffee exportation, forging a connection to increasingly popular and world famous Peruvian coffee. We begin by browsing the fields, learning about the different types of beans and picking our own.  Then, we roast and grind them into coffee. Finally, we get to brew and drink our own coffee! It is a truly unique experience. However, it does not end there. Co-existing in fields of tomatoes and avocados are multiple ecosystems with unique flora and fauna. After picking our fresh produce, our trekking chef prepares it for us for our dinner.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities with large 4 person Tents for every 2 people for space and comfort
• Distance: 18kms / 11 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 3: La Playa – Llactapata Inca ruins – HidroElectrica – Aguas Calientes

After the last delicious breakfast prepared by our chef, we continue along the ancient and remote Inca Trail for 3 hours uphill to the Puncuyoc Pass (2,700m/8,858ft). Along the way, you will not believe the incredible views and long valleys reaching into the distance with their fruit plantations. We finally arrive to Llactapata Inca Ruins; located directly across from Machu Picchu! There we take time to enjoy the strategic location of the Citadel of the Grand Machu Picchu from across the canyon and admire its surrounding mountains Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu and the Aobamba Canyon.

Then, we descend for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant, the primary power source for Cusco, where we have lunch. Then, we take the train for a half hour to Aguas Calientes where we sleep in a nice hotel with all the amenities you need after camping.

• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
• Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Intipunku Tambo
• Distance: 15kms / 9 miles
• Time: Approximately 9 hours
• Difficulty : Moderate

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We leave our hotel after a very early breakfast to take the bus at 5:30am for the journey up to Machu Picchu ruins. Once inside the citadel, we will be provided with a guided 2 hour tour with plenty of free time for further exploring, taking photos and the option to climb Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or hike to the Sun Gate. Then, back to Aguas Calientes at 12pm as we end out time at Machu Picchu, we take a leisurely lunch in Aguas Calientes and at depart on the Expedition train at 14:44 or 15:20 to Ollantaytambo station with a private van connection to Cusco arriving at your hotel in the evening around 7pm.

• Meal: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THE 4 DAY SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

• Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
• Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
• Entry fee to Machu Picchu
• English speaking, experienced professional guide
• Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
• All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
• Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
• First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
• Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
• Celebration dinner in an Aguas Calientes restaurant
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
• Mules and horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen – 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag etc
• Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
• Comfortable foam mattress and camping pillow
• Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS?

• Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
• Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
• Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
• Personal tent: $30 USD – (Tent for solo travelers only)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade: $57 USD per person (For the return to Poroy at 4:43pm)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Machu Picchu  Mountain: $75 USD per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
• Tips for the crew, guide, cook and horsemen of ORANGE NATION PERU

Our Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu 4  days may leave on any date that is best suited to you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers!

No. OF PEOPLE	PRICE
2 to 8 people	$ 547 USD per person

***This price includes an extra packhorse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kg,  we will provide you a duffel bag,  you can put your things.

***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.

DISCOUNTS

• 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
• Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Under 11 years old: $40 USD.  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS

• Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
• Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
• Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
• Personal tent: $30 USD – (Tent is for solo trekkers only)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade: $57 USD per person (For the return to Poroy at 4:43 pm)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Machu Picchu  Mountain: $75 USD per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Hotel single supplement: $30 USD per night (for solo travelers with single room)

ADDED VALUES  FOR FREE

• TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
• DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price!
• EXTRA PACK HORSE is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc.
• BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail.
• OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
• EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick.
• CAMPING PILLOW
• PLASTIC RAIN poncho made by Orange Nation is included

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please read the following information carefully; it will help answer all of your questions about our services and the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 4 days.

ARRIVAL TO  CUSCO

We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading ORANGE Nation outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments). 

THE BRIEFING

It will take place the night before the trek departure at 6pm in our office which is located at Calle Santa Teresa  Nº383; 303 (first floor), we are next to SUBWAY sandwich shop. We share a lobby with the Casona Corrales Boutique Hotel.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE:

Absolutely! During your trek, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.

HOW TO BOOK:

FIRST, to book your trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our home page or click here on this link BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  We cannot purchase an Inca Trail permit without the following information:

• Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
• Gender
• Passport number
• D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
• Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the 1 day Inca Trail Machu Picchu.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge from PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of orangenationperu@gmail.com. 

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

• According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
• All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30.
• For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40.
• Childrenunder the age of 2 are free.
• All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
• Send us a copy at info@orangenationperu.com

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately the answer is No. Once the tickets have been bought for Machu Picchu, the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the ticket has been bought. Tickets are also not transferrable nor refundable.

If you cancel your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ?

DEFINITELY! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your trek.  In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us your old number to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number. Please send the new passport number as soon as possible.

Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! Most airlines are enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into Peru. Peruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE TREK?

Weather on Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 4 days is very varied, due to the fact that it winds its way through wildly different terrain at different altitudes. The only place where weather is a serious concern is the Salkantay Pass, and the nearby areas. Temperatures here, and at the nearby Soraypampa campsite, can fall below freezing. The other camps are much warmer, due to their proximity to the cloud forest.

• The months September, October, November and December have a nice average temperature.
• On average, the warmest month is September.
• On average, the coolest month is January.

We highly recommend you to bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 4 days  is a 74 Km(45.98 miles) hike through the Andes in the Cusco region.

In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract soroche, quechua for high-altitude sickness.

Don’t do anything other than rest

If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. It is advisable to take it really easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.

Stay hydrated

How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.

Discovering coca

No one knew better the effects of high altitude than indigenous peoples. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. Try drinking coca tea, which is found in the lobbies of most hotels in Cusco.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek.  It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Oraneg Nation Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?

Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS?

• Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
• Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage:  2-3L  (Please bring only reusable bottles)
• Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
• Sleeping bag (can be rented from Orange Travel)
• Headlamp: essential
• Toilet paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS?

As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and  INCLUDE an extra pack horse which will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

• 2 t-shirts
• 2 hiking pants at least
• 4 sets of undergarments
• 3 sets of hiking socks
• Bathing suit for the thermal waters
• Fleece/ thermals
• Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
• Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
• Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel bag
• Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us

TOILETRIES

• Face moisturizer
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Personal medications
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS?

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

• Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water  at every meal time. Please bring your canteens
• Sun Hat
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Headlamp: essential
• Wool Hat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
• Rain plastic poncho (provided by Orange)
• Gloves
• Camera
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for souvenirs, drinks & tips