This lovely and varied salkantay trek sky dome to Machu Picchu (about 50 km) is the “soft option” from Challacancha, as the pass is lower (although it is still a hard 4,750m (15,580ft) and then a bit more difficult). is mostly downhill through forested valleys, above deep ravines, which end at 1,500m.
The trek on the second day from Soray goes steeply uphill for half an hour, then comes to a series of zigzags (Siete Culebras is the local name of this strech). At the top of the seventh switchback the terrain levels out under Salkantay´s lateral moraine, and drops gently down to the small laguna Soirococha. The pass you see above is, alas, a false one; the main pass is a little further on, but the view of Salkantay looming above you more than compensates for the effort. The real pass at 4,750m is reached after 3-4 hours from the moraine, and is marked by a pile of stones , “well know as Apacheta by the locals”, which grows daily as each traveller adds his pebble to thank the Apus for a safe trip.
Then the trail descends to the left –hand side of the valley, becoming indistinct in swampy areas. And then comes a place named Huayracmachay “eye of the wind”, from here we will have a great chance to see the beautiful Pyramid-shape of Humantay behind as you drop below the tree line, know as La ceja de selva (“Eyebrown of the Jungle”), and walk through groves of bamboo with many orchids and other flowers and lots of hummingbirds, spectacular waterfalls, a small hot spring at Collpapampa the right place to lock out for the parakeets that abound in this area as well. and the we go to take a local bus in order to get Santa Teresa where we will enjoy the hot springs which is 45 minutes from this town .and then will see Machu Picchu and waynapichu mountains and then the last day will see finally the inkan city of Machu Picchu.
We pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. to drive for about 2.5 hours to Mollepata where we will have breakfast in a local restaurant after the breakfast we will drive for 40 minutes more to Challacancha where we start our Salkantay trek . As soon as we are at Challacancha the cook and the horseman will pack all the camping equipment and cooking stuff and we start hiking the first hours will be a little bit uphill to get The Inca Chanel where we will have a panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4200 m/13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft) – just the start! We will begin our Salkantay trek towards Soraypampa for another 2 hours, our first Salkantay Trek camping spot at our new domes so we will have lunch here and take a little rest at the Domes then by the afternoon we will have a trek for about 2 hours to go to the Humantay Lake (3800 m/11750ft; the highest and coldest campsite of the trip) we will be very close to the second highest Salkantay snow capped-mountain of Cusco. and of course we will pass a night in our new Domes which have great confort, hot shower and private toilets.
1st DAY
After having our Salkantay Trek sky dome breakfast we start walking about 5:30 am ,because this day will be the longest day the first 4 hours is uphill to get the highest point of the Salkantay Trek (4650m/15200ft) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible. There is a possibility of snow here.
After a rest, we will continue our walk (downhill) through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch. We hike again after lunch in the direction of the start of the jungle until we reach chaullay where we will take a transport to la playa Domes Base Camp.
2ND DAY
After breakfast, at 6.30am, we will start walking through the upper jungle towards Llactapata (original Inca Trail about 2 hours to get the top from there you can see Machu Picchu after that walk down for about 2 more hours towards Hydrolectrica after having lunch we start walking 2 more hours by taking the railrodad to Aguas Calientes.
3RD DAY
Salkantay trek important day ,We wake up early morning about 4:30 to have the breakfast in the Hotel and leave to catch the first bus which leaves 5:30 to Machu Picchu (25-minutes long) in order to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun is rising.
A walking Guiding tour (approximately 2 hours) 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 2:00pm,4:00pm or 6:20pm according to the train Availability so you will arrive to Ollantaytambo after 2 hours travelling so a transport will wait for you and will take you back to Cusco to your Hotel.
4TH DAY
We can leave any day of the week, as long as permits are available. Please remember, permits are only needed for your start date.
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.
