Salcantay's proximity to Machu Picchu makes trekking around it an attractive alternative to the oversubscribed Inca Trail. There are three possible routes starting from Mollepata. All three begin with a day of approach, heading north along a dirt road. Then they diverge:

The longest route, heads north to the base of the mountain, then turns right, following the east side of the mountain, then heads northeast to eventually join the Inca Trail itself at Wayllabamba. This route takes 4 days to reach the Inca Trail, then another 2 days to reach Machu Picchu.

The most common route used by trekking companies heads north, then west around the west side of the mountain, over Salcantay Pass at 4600m. It continues as far as the village of La Playa, where buses usually make the connection to Santa Teresa. From here, trekkers walk to the Hydroelectric project then either train or walk to Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu. This route takes 4 days in total.

A more satisfying variation on this route turns right before reaching La Playa, over a ridge and arriving directly at Aguas Calientes two days later. This route takes 6 days in total.

Active

• The rarified air at the points of highest altitude, such as salkantay pass , can leave travelers short of breath or faint. Although we will be carrying an oxygen tank for emergencies, it helps to give yourself a day in Cusco or the Sacred Valley for acclimatization before undertaking the Salkantay trek.
• All fitness levels can be accommodated, but make sure to discuss all limitations or concerns with your guide prior to departure in order to take all necessary precautions.
• We will be passing through various climactic zones, and you will find the weather quite changeable. It is recommended that you bring both shorts and pants, as well as a windbreaker or coat for colder weather.

INCLUDED:

• Pre-departure briefing
• Professional English speaking PRIVATE tour guide
• Collection from your hotel (we pick you up from where you are staying) from 4:30 to 5:00 am
• Bus to Mollepata private transportation ( trailhead)
• Tourist train (cerrojo-backpacker ) back to Ollantaytambo and then bus to Cusco)
• Entrance fee to Machupicchu
• Food: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 afternoon snacks (hot drinks, biscuits and popcorn) and 4 dinners
• We have 4 people tents for 2-people so there will be plenty of space to set up your backpacks
• Camping equipment (tent, cooking and eating tents. Chairs and tables )
• Foam Sleeping mattresses note ( if you want to hire some comfortable air mattress
  it also can be hired from us)
• Cook, Horseman , mules or porters (they just carry cooking stuff and camping equipment )
• 1 emergency horse every 3 persons - days 1 to 2
• 1 night accommodation in a hostel Aguas Calientes
• Oxygen balloon for any emergency
• Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
• Transfer train station-hotel in Cusco
• First Aid kit
• Vegetarian/special diet options available

DOESN'T INCLUDED:

• Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
• Entrances to the hot springs water ( Santa Teresa (10 soles ) Aguas Calientes(10 soles )
• Sleeping bag with thermal fleece bag for the first night ( coldest and highest camping spot )
  you can hire from us
• Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu (optional) US$14 round trip
  ( one way US$7  and you can Buy it at the Aguas Calientes bus station)

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING ON SALKANTAY TREK:

• Original passport and copies (and Student card (ISIC) green card if you are student ). Note ( you have to bring your student card to machu picchu because you are going to be required to show at the Machupicchu control point
• Travel Insurance card is essential
• Sleeping bag (not included)
• hiking water proof boots (with ankle protectors )
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Sun hat and gloves
• T-shirts / shirts
• Comfortable hiking zip off trousers
• Rain pants
• Bathing suit (for hot springs in Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes)
• Sun protection cream ( factor 35 recommended ) sun is strong
• Insect Repellent ( for mosquitos )15 of deet at least
• Water bottle.
• Water purifying tablets (Micropur recommended)
• Toilet paper and wet wipesien 
• Personal medication
• Camera and films
• Torch with spare batteries (flashlight) we recommend headlights
• Extra contribution suggested in soles money for tipping horseman, cook and guide. and for any emergency.

          Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish

OPTIONAL ITEMS TO BRING ON SALKANTAY TREK:

• Short pants , Plaster and bandages
• Walking poles (with rubber tips) they can also be hired from us