Sacred Short Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days

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Highlights: Humantay Lake trek and Soraypampa Sky Lodge

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“Smooth trekking day” Acclimatization day. 

Overnight at Soraypampa Lodge del Cielo “Sky Lodge” at 3,869 masl/12,690 ft.

About our Lodge del Cielo base in Soraypampa: Our camp is located at 10 minutes walking from the village of Soraypampa, this gives us a huge advantage to have a 360 panoramic view of the Humantay lake and glacier, also it is a perfect place, away from the crowd and where we can appreciate the beautiful scenery of the Andean Valley and enjoy the company of our pretty Alpacas. 

Note: On the evening before this day there will be a briefing with your guide in Cusco. After an early breakfast, our pick up will start at 6:00 am from your Cusco 

Hotel by ITEP guide and vehicle “Pick up time can vary and will be confirmed only on the day of your briefing”. 

We pass through the mountain village of Mollepata where we stop for a short break before ascending to Soraypampa.

Here in Soraypampa our first campsite is going to be ”Lodge del Cielo”. After Lunch time, our excursion takes us to Humantay Lake, fed by glaciers far above on the slopes of the impressive Mt. Humantay.

Our 4-hour walk is necessary in order to reach the lake, but the view is beautiful and those brave enough, can go for a swim! Performed by our local Tour Guide, in full view of the awe-inspiring Mt. Salkantay, tops off this unique experience. Return to the Lodge.
 

Walking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including a picnic lunch in the route)
 

Walk and Terrain: Walk, on open roads, some steep ascending trails.

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Trekking Time: Approximately 12 hours (including picnic lunch in the route) our style is just walk slow, enjoy the scenery, and talk with our tour guide.  A local man can make this trail in just 3 hours. But we are going to do it in 10 hours including the Lunch time.

Walk and Terrain: Walk, on mostly steep trails, and some open slopes.

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Overnight at Collpapampa camp site Sky Lodge at 2,870 masl/9,414 ft.

Today very early in the morning at 4:00 am we will wake up with a very hot wake up té, at 4:30 am, after a nice breakfast and at around 5:00 am we will be starting our trek to climb the Salkantay Pass “we will take advantage to walk in a fresh early morning and before the sun comes out, the characteristic heat of the Andes.
We will continue our journey towards Machu Picchu, walking up the Rio Blanco valley and circling Humantay Peak across Salkantay Peak.

The highest point of the ride is the Salkantay Pass at 4,638 masl (15,213 ft.). At the pass we stop to take a nice view of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, with the glaciated south face of Salkantay towering above us.  We will keep our eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area. From the pass we descend towards the “Wayracmachay”: (‘the cave where the wind lives’) where we are going to enjoy a delicious lunch, later on we will continue 03 hours trek downhill until we reach our Campsite in the route; dinner and overnight at the Sky Lodge.

A LITTLE OF HISTORY:
The name Salkantay or Salcantay is coming from the Inca´s word Salqa, a Quechua word that means wild, uncivilized, savage, or invincible, and was recorded as early as 1583.The name is often translated as "Savage Mountain".
Directly to the north of Salkantay lies Machu Picchu, which is at the end of a ridge that extends down from this mountain. Viewed from Machu Picchu's main sundial, the Southern Cross is above Salcantay’s summit when at its highest point in the sky during the rainy season. The Incas associated this alignment with concepts of rain and fertility, and considered Salkantay to be one of the principal deities controlling weather and fertility in the region west of Cusco.
About Our campsite “Lodge del Cielo” in Collpapampa: Our camp is located at 10 minutes walking from the village of Chaullay. Our Camp site in Collpapampa gives us a huge advantage to have a 360 panoramic view of the Salkantay Valley, also it is a perfect place, away from the crowd and where we can get to know the local families.
 

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Trekking Time: Approximately 5 hours
Car and Train: Approximately 2 hours
Walk and Terrain: Walk on narrow trails 

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This day we walk along the Santa Teresa river valley, through more populated rural areas. We pass through banana, passion fruit, avocado orchards and coffee plantations. The coffee from this region is considered as the best organic coffees in the world.

Then we board a car from “La Playa village” until Hydroelectric village “Train station”, we are going to continue our walk a side of the rail way until Aguas Calientes well known as Machupicchu Village takes around (3 hours) to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu town. Upon arrival, we check into the hotel for a celebration dinner with our tour guide and one last briefing for our next day experience!

Note - Those who prefer not to hike from Hydroelectric Village to Aguas Calientes can take the train experience 40 minutes’ trip “price is not included”.  They will meet the rest of the group at the train station in Aguas Calientes together. (The guide confirms your preferences the night before.) 

About Our overnight in Machupicchu Village: Hotel in Aguas Calientes will vary according your request and expectations.

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Back to Cusco: You will descend to Aguas Calientes by bus (included) and later board the Expedition train by 4:22pm (it depends of the train availabilities) to the Ollantaytambo Train Station where you will meet our private van and be transferred to Cusco arriving around 8:30pm.
Return to Cusco at 3,360 m/11,021 ft.
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 6kms/3.7mls
Difficulty: Easy

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After a very early buffet breakfast at your hotel, we make our way to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu Sanctuary (30 min). Our trip leader will give an introductory guided tour of the Inca city.

Machupicchu Guided Tour: Machupicchu Inca City opens at 6 am. We are  going to be in the Inka City between 6 am and 7 am, after we show our entrance ticket  we will climb the best  point to take some pictures to the  “The Guardian House”, after 30 minutes  free time at your own discretion, your guide will give you information about the Inka City for around 1 hour.
After the guardian House Guided explanation, you are going to have 02 options.

1. - After the explanation of your Tour Guide from the Guardian´s House. – You can choose to climb the Sun gate. A trek up around one hour, a really great option to get the best panoramic pictures of all the Andes and the fascinating MACHUPICCHU. Those who make the Inca trail will arrive trough the Sun Gate later on; you can come back to the Inca city and visit by your own the Inka City.

2. - After the interpretation of your Tour Guide from the Guardian´s House. – We continue into the Inca city by another 1 hour, passing the main plaza, the temple of 03 windows and much more, once we arrive to the Sacred Rock “very close to the entrance gate for Huaynapicchu Sacred Mountain”, our tour guide will give you some free time in order to explore the Inca city by your own.  To climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (not included in the price, spaces are limited, please let us know)

Very Important 1: According Machupicchu regulation, once you enter to the sacred City is not allow to get back by the same paths is just one way tour “there are a lot of sign about which route we should follow, and is forbidden to stop in some places”, For that reason we advise you to enjoy every minute you will be in each Inca place. 
Very Important 2: According Machupicchu Regulation, entrance fees are only one time, it means once you go out from the Inka City, you can’t return, unless you get a new ticket.

• Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your Salkantay guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. At this time, we will provide you with the duffle bags which will be carried by our horses. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. In case you can’t come at this time “please let us know” to coordinate another time.
• You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Challacancha, the starting point of the Salkantay trek.
• Adventure Experienced Salkantay Tour Guide: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so you can enjoy your time along the inca path and will ensure you are safe and happy.
• Tour Guide in Machupicchu Cultural Experienced: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. For visit the sacred city of Machupicchu. 
• Sky Lodges campsites: Each campsite is carefully choosed for having a very local experience.
  • Night 1: Relax on your soft bed in our Lodge del cielo in Soraypampa Campsite under the watchful eye of Apus, Sacred Mountains Humantay and Salkantay. Spend as many hours as you would like star-gazing through your elegant glass ceiling! 
  • Night 2: Enjoy our 2nd night in our Lodge del cielo in Collpapampa campsite. You will find comfortable bed and a thick camping mattress free of charge. Camping is surrounded by the Sacred Mountains.
  • Night 3: The 3rd night in hotel is not included, which is in the town of Aguas Calientes; it is also known as Machupicchu Village; prices of hotels will vary according to your expectations and budget. However, we can offer you the option of joining us at our local accommodation Hotel Encanto Machupicchu "at no extra cost". www.hotel-encanto.com  Our hostel in Aguas Calientes have double or triple rooms, private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi, breakfast, and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu.
• Note: It is not usual that the campsites, lodges or hotels change after the confirmation, however it can vary per government regulations and authorization, also for bad weather conditions and maybe because physical condition of our visitors: Any changes in this matter ITEP travel will be informing you previously and as soon as possible.
• Note: We give for free, without extra cost, our hotel in Aguas Calientes EL ENCANTO (hotel-encanto.com), which is a basic hotel with everything you need, like; own bathroom, hot water, Wi-Fi, etc, if you want to improve your hotel in Aguas Calientes. with us, add more USD $ 45.00 per passenger, also you can reserve by yourselft your hotel.
• Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (all carried by our porters and horses).
• Entry ticket to Salkantay/Humantay lake
• Entry ticket to Machu Picchu Inka Site
• 1 Duffle Bag: You can put your personal luggage, up to (5 kgs/11.02 lbs.). Including your sleeping bag; this bag will be carried by our horses.
• Loading Mules/horses: We will give you a duffel bag at your briefing the night before; to be filled with the things you will need for the next night and day. You will not have access to your duffel bag until your arrive at your evening campsite. On days 1 and 2, our mules/horses carry all camping equipment and your allowance of personal baggage (5 kgs/11.02 lbs). On day 3 your luggage will be carried by car or train to your destination until we arrive to Machupicchu.
• Professional Trekking Chef: A professional chef specialized in cooking on the trail, with an assistant, will prepare all of your delicious meals along our journey on the Trail to replenish your energy every day. You will never go hungry!
• Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost) Please be in mind (1st breakfast and last lunch is not included”
• Boiled Water: Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.
• Wake up tea: Every morning at the campsite, you will wake up with a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
• Tea time daily during the Trek: Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide our tea time with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you will not have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
• Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to clean your hands and every morning will be also a bucket with warm water for washes your personal hygiene.
• Medical kit and Oxygen bottle: Our crew will bring a first-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
• Train tickets: From Aguas Calientes “Machupicchu village” to Ollantaytambo train station (departure time is confirmed the day of briefing and it´s subject to availability)
• Transfer back to Cusco: Private touristic transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco (Day 4)
• 24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for easy communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.
• With ITEP “Inka trail Expeditions Perú” every step is a great Adventure!!! We work hard for create a Memorable Lifetime Experience for you.
• Bus Concetur to Machupicchu inca City: Most of the times the wait to board the bus to Machupicchu is from 1 hour to 1:30 min, So we prefer that you decide a day before your visit to the Inca city of Machupicchu. If you wish to take the bus considering the waiting time. Or if you prefer to do the last stretch of ascent walking up 45 to 1 hour "everything will depend on your physical state, after the trekking done".

• Sleeping Bags: You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use. 
• Bus Concetur to Machupicchu inca City: Most of the times the wait to board the  bus to Machupicchu is from 1 hour to 1:30 min, So we prefer that you decide a day before your visit to the Inca city of Machupicchu. If you wish to take the bus considering the waiting time. Or if you prefer to do the last stretch of ascent walking up 45 to 1 hour "everything will depend on your physical state, after the trekking done".
• Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
• Day 1: Breakfast: Approx. Usd5 to usd 10.00, Price can vary according your selection.
• Last Day: Lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes. Approx. Usd 20 to 25.00, Price can vary according your selection.
• Climb Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu sacred mountain more USD 35 per person
• Vistadome Panoramic train more USD 50 per person
• Personal clothing and gear
• Travel Insurance
• Tips for our staff: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish “Recommendation usd 6 to usd 8 per day per traveler for all the trek staff”- Once again it is optional and can vary according your satisfaction. 
• Option: If you feel tired after the trek on day 3, you have the option to take a train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. (Cost: USD $34.00)
• Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)

• Original Passport
• Day Pack   
• Full rain gear or poncho
• Gloves (thin riding and warm gloves) 
• Headlamp Sunglasses             
• Hiking Socks Sunscreen
• Insect repellent Bathing suit
• Trekking pants
• Breathable dry fit top-wear 
• Comfortable shoes/flip-flops
• Cold-weather jacket
• Long-sleeve fleece/sweater Wool hat
• Hiking boots
• Baseball cap, sombrero and bandana
• Headlamp Sunglasses             
• Hiking Socks Sunscreen
• Insect repellent 
• Bathing suit
• Casual mountains wear for evenings 
• Photo/video cameras and chargers 
• Binoculars
• Refillable water bottle (hydration bags are recommended)