Experience the captivating Salkantay to Machu Picchu in just 3 unforgettable days with Terra Quechua Peru, your trusted companion in Cusco. Our journey goes beyond the ordinary; it’s a chance to discover the essence of the Andes guided by our experienced team, you’ll delve into a cultural and natural exploration like no other.
As you venture along the Salkantay route, you’ll encounter the incredible beauty of the Andean landscapes while absorbing the rich history and traditions of this ancient land. Our commitment to responsible tourism ensures minimal environmental impact, preserving the pristine Andean beauty for future generations. Small group sizes ensure an intimate experience, allowing you to connect deeply with the magnificent natural surroundings.
Our expert guides aren’t just knowledgeable; they are skilled storytellers, weaving the past and present into captivating narratives. The Salkantay Trek is a gateway to the soul of Peru, where you can engage with local Quechua communities, immersing yourself in their age-old traditions and customs. Terra Quechua Peru prioritizes your safety and comfort. We provide all the necessary equipment and support to ensure a worry-free journey.
This 3-day trek offers an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the serenity and wonder of the Andes and Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of this journey, awaits you at the end. Its ancient ruins stand as a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.
Join us on this 3-day Salkantay Challenge to Machu Picchu and let Terra Quechua Peru be your guide on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Book now and create lasting memories of this extraordinary journey through the Andes.
We pick you up at 3:00 am from your hotel and travel by bus to Mollepata and then Soraypampa. A 3 hour walk will take us to Soyroqocha where we will have the lunch with the beautiful snow capped mountain Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft) We will begin our climb to the higesht point on this trek which is on 4 600 m.a.s.l 15200 ft.taking in the beautiful landscape along the way and once we get to the top the pass we go down to the campsite of Arrayanniyoq or Chaullay depends how you walk the first day.
After the breakfast we go down (downhill) through a dramatic cloud. After the lunch in the direction of the start of the jungle until we reach the upper jungle crossing the Lluskamayo or luch stop variety of little brooks to reach La Playa. Today we will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits and plants, and also we ery warm area.
We will take a transportation to Hydrolectric where we continue walking, passing a variety of crop plantations, coca, banana we will be walking about two and half hours along the train road till reaching Aguas Calientes town where we will spend the night in a Hotel.
In Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the thermal springs in the town (entrance 20 soles) a real treat after finishing the trek
We wake up early morning about 4:30 am we have the breakfast in hotel then to catch the first bus which leaves 5:30 to Machu Picchu (25-minutes long ) en order to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun is rising.
A walking tour (approximately 2hours and 30 minutes is given by your Guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top
Then you will take the train around 2:55pm, 4:20pm or 6:20pm according to the train Availability so you will arrive to Ollantaytambo after 2 hours travelling so A private transport will wait for you and will take you back to Cusco to your Hotel.
You can rely on our dedicated staff to answer any questions you may have and to take care of every detail of your trip from start to finish.
Please email us to: reservation@terraquechuaperu.com to get started.
When travelling throughout the Andes in Peru some people will suffer some effects of altitude sickness. If you plan to hike the Salkantay Trek we recommend arriving 2 or 3 days before the start to acclimatize and rest.
Wherever possible “go down”. But, if you are staying in Cusco, you may still feel the effects. The best advice is to sleep, take plenty of fluids and you could also try coca tea. The porters chew coca leaves wrapped around a black resin called llipta. When you are actually walking and active (especially on day two of the trail), this may help since it dilates vessels to increase the blood flow to the parts of the body that need it.
Yes. We require a non-refundable booking deposit of US$100 for all treks and US$360 for all other tours.
You know the answer to this one: it depends! You reach 4600m on the second day after climbing for the best part of the day. Especially if you are within your first five days at altitude, this may give you headaches and shortness of breath. Don’t forget that even people who live in Cusco (at 3300m) still get short of breath.
Backpack, sleeping bag, mattress (we will provide you with this), rain jacket, strong footwear (walking boots are recommended as they provide support to the ankle which reduces the risk of injury especially when trekking in the wet season (December – March). However it is important that your boots are comfortable and well worn-in and not brand new. Many people prefer to trek in tennis shoes but extra care should be taken. We do not recommend trekking in sandals. One complete change of clothing, sweater, jacket (something warm), water bottle and sterilizing tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco), flashlight and batteries, broad-brim or peaked cap, sunblock, insect repellent, toiletries and toilet paper, selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc, camera and plenty of film. You also have to bring your original passport with you on the trek.
It is better to request a horse before you go on the trail rather than realize halfway through that you’re not enjoying carrying your pack at this altitude and want some help.
At meal times we will give you teas, coffees etc to drink. You’ll come across a mountain spring, fountain or small stream approximately every 1½ hours along the trail where you can fill up your water bottle. Take a bottle of at least 1½ liter capacity per person. Although the water looks it is always safer to use sterilizing tablets or a water filter. The sterilizing tablets can be bought in most pharmacies in Cusco. With these tablets you have to wait between 30 and 40 minutes before drinking. Bottled mineral water can also be taken from Cusco or bought at Mollepata or Santa Teresa.
Wherever possible “go down”. But, if you are staying in Cusco, you may still feel the effects. The best advice is to sleep, take plenty of fluids and you could also try coca tea. The porters and horse handlers chew coca leaves wrapped around a black resin called llipta. When you are actually walking and active (especially on day two of the trail), this may help since it dilates vessels to increase the blood flow to the parts of the body that need it.
Please review what is included in your trek in order to estimate what you should take. Along the way you can buy snacks and souvenirs, mostly of a non-expensive nature.
To Lima on a non-stop flight (recommended):
From Miami 5 1/2 hours
From New York 8 hours
From Los Angeles 8 1/2 hours
This is a difficult question to answer as Peru has a huge variety of weather conditions. We would say travelers can visit Peru any time of the year !
Dry season runs from May to November and this is typically the time that is most recommended. However, this is also the cooler time of year. Nighttime temperatures can drop to below freezing at the height of the dry season. June, July and August are the most popular months to visit so you will tend to encounter much larger crowds during these months.
In the wet season (December to April), you can expect showers three to four afternoons a week. For travelers that don’t mind a little drizzle and muddy trails, this time of year offers smaller crowds and greener hillsides, with wildflowers and orchids often in bloom. The shoulder seasons, April to June or September to November can often provide the best of both worlds. They typically have fewer crowds and warmer temperatures than the height of the dry season, but still tend to have relatively little rain. For more information, check out our Peru Weather page.
U.S. citizens need a valid passport and an entry form-tourist card which is provided by your air carrier either at the ticket counter when checking in for your flight to Peru or once on-board. (NOTE: Other nationalities should check with the nearest Peruvian Consulate to determine correct entry requirements.
Definitely. We tend to hear the very worst news from Latin America. Helpful people and extraordinary culture. Most crime is opportunistic and not violent buy of course, it is possible to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Care and common sense will nearly always prevail.
The Sendero Luminoso is no longer active.
All of our escorted tours include arrival transfer services, a Terra Quechua representative will be waiting for you at the point of your arrival.
Our escorted tours utilize a variety of transportation including private vans/ cars, comfortable tourist buses, flights, canoes, etc. We use a mix of private/ public transportation to provide travelers with the safest and most efficient transportation in each area. Occasionally, we may include non-typical transportation modes (rickshaw, bicycle taxi, “chicken bus”, etc.) for short distances to give travelers a sense of local flavor.
It is still possible to make changes to your return train ticket if you decide to stay an extra night at Aguas Calientes. You will have to take your train ticket personally to the train station in Aguas Calientes and ask them to change the return date of your ticket. You will probably be asked to pay an extra administrative fee and changing the ticket will be subject to availability of spaces the following day. If you change your ticket for a cheaper service then you will not be refunded the difference!.
Our guide teams have been trained in first aid and rescue and are regularly updated through seminars and courses in their respective fields. All of our trekking staff receives regular briefings on how to best comply with the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu Santuary Regulations as well as on environmental awareness.
We are great believers in leaving the areas that we visit in as untouched a condition as is possible. We encourage everyone who travels with us to respect the land, the people, and their fellow travelers. This type of focus leads to amazing experiences and insights that bring a sense of satisfaction, which is difficult to create any other way, so be thinking responsibility, consideration, and FUN!.
If you have decided to hike the Salkantay Trek, please make sure you read this section. The Salkantay is a beautiful trek covering Andean valleys, snowy peaks, the Andean jungle, and Machu Picchu. This amazing trek is considered a moderate to difficult hike for which you need to be prepared.
First, the Salkantay Trek covers a total distance of about 55.5 miles (89 kilometers) – the Short version is about 10.5 miles (or 17 kilometers) shorter – and reaches a maximum elevation of about 14,760 f.a.s.l. (4,600 m.a.s.l.). The trek starts at about 9,180 f.a.s.l. (2,850 m.a.s.l.) which means that in one day and a half, you will gain an elevation of about 5,580 f.a.s.l. (1,750 m.a.s.l.) These are two good reasons to be in good physical shape and used to the altitude of a high altitude city such as Cusco before starting the trek. It is recommended that you stay in Cusco or another high altitude city a couple of full days prior to starting the trek. In addition, you might choose to take high altitude sickness pills or chew coca leaves during the trek. If you get the symptoms of altitude sickness (strong headache, nausea, stomachache, and sometimes nose bleeding), try to drink a lot of liquid, and either have a very light meal or eat nothing at all. You should be feeling better the next day.
Second, since you will be hiking through several ecological steps, you will be encountering different climates and will need to be ready for it. For instance, the first day will be sunny in the beginning and very cold at night (below freezing) with almost no chance of rain. The second day will be below freezing in the morning, windy at midday with a low possibility of rain, and cool at night. The third day will be warm during the day and cool at night with a possibility of rain. The fourth day will be cool at morning with a possibility of rain and warm at midday. All these weather changes require you to bring the necessary gear to make this trek an enjoyable experience. Some of the basic gear you should bring are an impermeable or rain poncho, waterproof hiking boots, sun screen, hiking hat, sun glasses, light jacket, warm jacket, long and short sleeves shirts, gloves, hat, wool socks, thermal underwear and a good sleeping bag (good for 15 Fahrenheit degrees or less).
Third, campsites are dark at night so make sure you have a good flashlight. The sky at night is spectacular and if you want to spend a while outside looking at the stars, please make sure you have a good supply of batteries.
Finally, remember to bring insect repellent, a bathing suit, a small backpack to be carried during the day, an adventurous attitude and lots of energy.
Remember to bring insect repellent, a bathing suit, a small backpack to be carried during the day, an adventurous attitude and lots of energy.
In order to fully enjoy this once in a time experience, we recommend that you follow these instructions. Travel Insurance is highly recommended for this trip and a copy of it may be requested.
Please keep in mind that our horses will carry up to 17.6 pounds or 8 kilograms of your personal belongings. If you bring more weight, we recommend that you to hire a personal horse.
CHECKING LIST FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK:
Well broken hiking shoes, a good jacket, a sleeping bag for low temperatures (as low as 28ºF), an impermeable, and sun screen should be your priority when hiking in the Peruvian Andes. In the Andes and high jungle weather is sometimes unpredictable.
Waterproof shoes, sleeping bag for low temperatures, gloves, cotton hat, thermal socks, day hat, heavy jacket, light jacket and impermeable, long sleeve shirts, hiking pants, t-shirts, underwear, sun glasses, tennis shoes or sandals to be used at the campsites, small first aid kit, toilet paper, sun screen, insect repellant, flashlight, and water container.
Snacks, energy bars, walking sticks (Rustic walking sticks can be purchased before starting the trek), sealable bags, wet wipes, water purification pills, altitude sickness pills and camera. Please make sure to bring your personal medication to the trek as well as stomachache pills, diarrhea pills, and headache pills.
The Salkantay Trek, also known as the New Inca Trail, is North of Cusco. It reaches a maximum altitude of 4,600 meters (15,180 feet) above sea level at the highest point.
Weather: It’s very rainy from December to March, that’s why the trail is closed on those months. The rest of the year, it’s very sunny and hot during the day, but cold in the night. Temperature drops below 0°C (32°F) at night, especially from June to September.
Surroundings: On the first days, you will see three snow-capped mountains: the Tucarhuay, the Salkantay (6,264 meters / 20,671 feet), and the Huamantay; the views are stunning. On the last days, you will go through the cloud-forest, there the weather is more tropical and the vegetation is lush. You will see waterfalls and fruits plantations along the path. It is amazing how fast the sceneries change along the trail, from snow-capped mountains to banana plantations in only couple of days.
The Inca Trail has become harder to book due to the new regulations, and also it has lost its charm due to the crowds of tourists who do it every day. That’s the main reason why we are offering a new trail to Machu Picchu that has the beauty of the first one but preserves the sense of adventure and untouched that the Inca Trail has lost.
You can hike the Salkantay trek in 5 days starting at Mollepata town, or in 4 days starting at Soraypampa campsite. The only difference is that on the 5 days trek you will hike an extra day from Mollepata town to Soraypampa campsite, the other 4 days are the same as on the 4 days trek. Below is the description of the 4 days option.
Altitude: 1950 – 4600m. / 6398 – 15092 f.
High Season: April – November
Duration: 5 days or 4Days
Level of Difficulty: Moderate / Challenge
Route: Closed in February
WHAT WE RECOMMENDED THAT YOU CARRY?
A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
Sun block
After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
Handkerchiefs
Toilet paper
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into Machu Picchu. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
Small towel
Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Cash in soles and/or US$
Original passport
Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage archaeological sites).
If you have decided to hike the Salkantay Trek, please make sure you read this section. The Salkantay is a beautiful trek covering Andean valleys, snowy peaks, the Andean jungle, and Machu Picchu. This amazing trek is considered a moderate to difficult hike for which you need to be prepared.
First, the Salkantay Trek covers a total distance of about 55.5 miles (89 kilometers) – the Short version is about 10.5 miles (or 17 kilometers) shorter – and reaches a maximum elevation of about 14,760 f.a.s.l. (4,600 m.a.s.l.). The trek starts at about 9,180 f.a.s.l. (2,850 m.a.s.l.) which means that in one day and a half, you will gain an elevation of about 5,580 f.a.s.l. (1,750 m.a.s.l.) These are two good reasons to be in good physical shape and used to the altitude of a high altitude city such as Cusco before starting the trek. It is recommended that you stay in Cusco or another high altitude city a couple of full days prior to starting the trek. In addition, you might choose to take high altitude sickness pills or chew coca leaves during the trek. If you get the symptoms of altitude sickness (strong headache, nausea, stomachache, and sometimes nose bleeding), try to drink a lot of liquid, and either have a very light meal or eat nothing at all. You should be feeling better the next day.
Second, since you will be hiking through several ecological steps, you will be encountering different climates and will need to be ready for it. For instance, the first day will be sunny in the beginning and very cold at night (below freezing) with almost no chance of rain. The second day will be below freezing in the morning, windy at midday with a low possibility of rain, and cool at night. The third day will be warm during the day and cool at night with a possibility of rain. The fourth day will be cool at morning with a possibility of rain and warm at midday. All these weather changes require you to bring the necessary gear to make this trek an enjoyable experience. Some of the basic gear you should bring are an impermeable or rain poncho, waterproof hiking boots, sun screen, hiking hat, sun glasses, light jacket, warm jacket, long and short sleeves shirts, gloves, hat, wool socks, thermal underwear and a good sleeping bag (good for 15 Fahrenheit degrees or less).
Third, campsites are dark at night so make sure you have a good flashlight. The sky at night is spectacular and if you want to spend a while outside looking at the stars, please make sure you have a good supply of batteries.
Finally, remember to bring insect repellent, a bathing suit, a small backpack to be carried during the day, an adventurous attitude and lots of energy.
Finally:
Remember to bring insect repellent, a bathing suit, a small backpack to be carried during the day, an adventurous attitude and lots of energy.
In order to fully enjoy this once in a time experience, we recommend that you follow these instructions. Travel Insurance is highly recommended for this trip and a copy of it may be requested.
Please keep in mind that our horses will carry up to 17.6 pounds or 8 kilograms of your personal belongings. If you bring more weight, we recommend that you to hire a personal horse.
Well broken hiking shoes, a good jacket, a sleeping bag for low temperatures (as low as 28ºF), an impermeable, and sun screen should be your priority when hiking in the Peruvian Andes. In the Andes and high jungle weather is sometimes unpredictable.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE TREK:
Waterproof shoes, sleeping bag for low temperatures, gloves, cotton hat, thermal socks, day hat, heavy jacket, light jacket and impermeable, long sleeve shirts, hiking pants, t-shirts, underwear, sun glasses, tennis shoes or sandals to be used at the campsites, small first aid kit, toilet paper, sun screen, insect repellant, flashlight, and water container.
Snacks, energy bars, walking sticks (Rustic walking sticks can be purchased before starting the trek), sealable bags, wet wipes, water purification pills, altitude sickness pills and camera.
Please make sure to bring your personal medication to the trek as well as stomachache pills, diarrhea pills, and headache pills.
During the trek your main luggage will be stored at your hotel in Cuzco and you will receive a small duffle bag at your briefing (which will be held the evening before you start the trek) to pack clothes for 3-4 days. Your team of porters or horsman will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail.
Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the horseman will always be ahead of the group. You should therefore bring a day pack in which you can carry personal belongings such as your camera, water and sun screen etc. By Peruvian law the duffle bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs) which is to include your sleeping bag. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra amount together with your day pack.
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into Machu Picchu. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
Small towel
Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Cash in soles and/or US$
Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage archaeological sites)
Is a trek that takes you through diverse landscapes and altitudes as we trek around the skirts of Mount Salkantay(6271m/20,568ft) and camp within clear sight of the snow capped peak. Ascending to reach the famous Apacheta Pass at 4,600m/15,088ft) and then descent into a more tropical area passing Andenes and Chaullay on the far side of the mountain. Train ride from Hydro Electric Dam and then spend the rest of the 4th evening relaxing in the town and hotsprings of Aguas Calientes. Early 5th morning you take the bus (or walk if desired) up to Machu Picchu your well deserved prize. Late afternoon train and bus back to Cusco in the evening.
This path is well-known as the Salkantay Trek. After the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is the most beautiful and popular one. Indeed, the magazine National Geographic Adventure rated the Salkantay Trek as one of the best 25 treks all over the world.
Type of Tour: Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu
Group Size: The minimum to open the departure is two people and our maximum is eight so if you guys are two we can do it!.
Ideal For: Adventure Seekers, Couples, Families, Nature Lovers and Intrepid People
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging.
Route: Cusco – Salkantay – Machupicchu.
High Season: April – November
Altitude: 1950 – 4600m. / 6398 – 15092 f.
Departures Day: – Daily departures All private service departure dates are adapted to your request
Distance:
Location: Mountain range Vilcabamba – Cusco
Day Temperature: 15 ºC to 25 ºC /
Night temperature: 4ºC to – 7º C
Please note: During the Salkantay trek even daytime temperatures can become extremely cold with a wind chill factor, especially on day 2 crossing the high passes.
TERRA QUECHUA PERU. Is a full-service travel company. Our reputation for excellence is earned every day by providing the ultimate in value and personal attention. Since our founding in 2012, we have striven to make travel simple, worry-free, and fun for our corporate and leisure customers alike.
Terra Quechua Peru is dedicated to providing the ultimate in value and personal attention to its customers, striving to make travel simple, worry-free, and enjoyable for both corporate and leisure travelers.
Terra Quechua Peru, initially started by Raquel Sanchez and Edwin Medina, is a family-owned travel agency and direct local tour operator headquartered in Cusco. Their extensive personal experience in trekking, along with the fact that it's a 100% Cusquenian Company without any shareholders, sets it apart.
Terra Quechua Peru distinguishes itself by its dedication to providing exceptional value and personalized attention to its clients. Since its establishment in 2012, it has been committed to making travel straightforward, stress-free, and enjoyable for both corporate and leisure travelers. Additionally, being a family-owned business with a strong local presence and a wealth of experience in trekking further sets it apart.
Terra Quechua Peru's uniqueness lies in its origins as a family-owned travel agency and direct local tour operator. Its founders, Raquel Sanchez and Edwin Medina, have personal experience spanning many years in trekking, offering travelers an authentic and knowledgeable perspective of Peru.
Travelers with Terra Quechua Peru can anticipate a personalized and friendly experience during their trekking adventures. The guides are dedicated to making travelers feel like they are hiking with their own family or friends. Their in-depth knowledge of the region and culture adds an extra layer of authenticity to every journey.
Yes, Terra Quechua Peru specializes in fully customizable trips. They can work with travelers to create personalized itineraries that cater to their specific interests and preferences, ensuring a tailored and unforgettable experience in Peru.
TERRA QUECHUA PERU. Is a full-service travel company. Our reputation for excellence is earned every day by providing the ultimate in value and personal attention. Since our founding in 2012, we have striven to make travel simple, worry-free, and fun for our corporate and leisure customers alike.
