Things to see and do Salkantay

The Salkantay trek has been proposed for several years as an alternative to the Camino Inca. Be careful, you will not arrive on the ruins of Machu Picchu at the end of the trek but in the village of Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu Pueblo, like everybody else. On the other hand you will have lived an intense trek, in the heart of wild landscapes and as diverse as the geography of the country between snow-covered summits and undulating jungle.

Here is below the classic route:

Day 1: Cusco-Mollepata-Salkantay-Challway. Departure early in the morning. After 4 hours of travel, arrival at Mollepata. The trek begins in the heart of a green valley, in Soraypampa (3 700 m). You can already see in the distance the snowy peaks like the Humantay (5 217 m) and the Salkantay (6 264 m). This day is the most demanding as it is the day when we cross the highest point of the circuit, the 4,600 meters. The trek begins with a 2 hour climb surrounded by sublime landscapes. You will probably have the chance to see condors above your heads. Night under the tent next to the Andean terraces of Challway at 3 500 m. Depending on the agency, mules and porters can be provided.

Day 2. Challway-La Playa-Lucmabamba. You will enter a mountainous jungle area and descend more and more towards the heat. You will see the orchids, the dense vegetation and the families that live in the area. You will go along the Salkantay river and then Santa Teresa and Totora. The path is mainly downhill. The camp around La Playa is often very full. We recommend you to join the^2nd camp, Lucmabamba at 2 100 meters and more quiet.

Day 3 Lucmabamba-Llactapata-Hidroelectrica-Aguas Calientes. Here again, not all of us make this detour by Llactapata but it is the option that we recommend you. It will be necessary to go up but it is to borrow the rests of an Inca Trail through the plantations of coffee, bananas, avocados... The ascent requires 3 to 4 hours of walking until the highest point of the trail, Llactapata, at 2 700 m. Absolute reward: if the weather allows it, you will be able to enjoy a view on the ruins of Machu Picchu, certainly distant but the perspective by good weather is magic. It will remain you 2 hours of descent until Hydroelectrica. From here you can take the train for a 45 minutes trip through the jungle (tickets on the spot) or follow the rails (about 2 hours along the railroad). Overnight stay in one of the many hostals or book your own if you want more comfort.

Day 4. Visit of Machu Picchu. Then train and return to Cusco.