day 1
CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CHALLACANCHA – SORAYPAMPA – LAGUNA HUMANTAY
- Hiking Time: Approximately 5 hours.
- Distance to cover: 11 Km.
- Weather: Cool with presence of wind.
- Altitudes: Cusco 3350 m. / Mollepata 2900 m. / Challacancha 3600 m. / Soraypampa 3900 m. / Humantay lake 4200 m.
- Accommodation: Overnight at Eco-Lodge “Mama Andrea,” in an Andean Cabin in the Soraypampa area.
We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 am in our tourist transportation, and then we’ll travel for about 2 hours. During the journey, we can see the spectacular snow-capped peaks and valleys with colorful landscapes until we reach our first stop in the town of Mollepata, where we’ll have our first breakfast.
After breakfast, we’ll board our transportation again and around 9:00 am, we’ll arrive at Challacancha (3600 meters above sea level) and start the hike towards Soraypampa. The first 25 minutes will be uphill until we reach the old Water Channel, next to the old water channel where clean and cold water flows that supply water to the inhabitants of the area. Then, we’ll walk this part of the route on a good path where we’ll have good panoramic views of the two beautiful snowy mountains, Humantay and Salkantay. This first morning we’ll hike for about 3 hours until we reach Soraypampa (3900 meters above sea level), an area where we’ll have our first lunch and our lodge. At this point, we’ll have enough time to enjoy and take photos of the stunning canyon views.
In the afternoon, after a well-deserved rest, we’ll leave the lodge for a short hike uphill to visit the beautiful Humantay Lagoon, which is located at 4200 meters above sea level. The hike is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes until we reach the famous lagoon, where you’ll enjoy the beauty and charm of the place and the best opportunity to take fantastic photos. Afterward, we’ll walk back to our lodge in Soraypampa to watch a beautiful sunset amidst the glaciers, then we’ll savor our delicious dinner. Here, there is the possibility to take advantage of the clear night to appreciate the constellations in the sky.
day 2
SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY MOUNTAIN – SORAYPAMPA
- Hiking Time: Approximately 7 hours.
- Distance to Cover: 12 km.
- Weather: Cool with winds.
- Altitudes: Soraypampa 3900 m / Salkantaypampa 4200 m / Salkantay Pass 4630 m.
This day our cook will wake us up with a coca tea at 6:00 a.m., and after our delicious breakfast, we will start our hike aiming to reach the highest point of the route, which is 7 km away. We will accomplish this in approximately 4 hours of walking.
This second day will be the most strenuous of the entire route. We begin our uphill hike from Soraypampa, with a gradual slope for 1 hour and 30 minutes along the Salkantay Valley until we reach the area known as Salkantaypampa located at 4200 meters above sea level, where we will take a short break accompanied by some stunning views. After this break, we will ascend through a rocky valley and continue along a challenging uphill trail known as the “7 serpents” for 2 hours and 30 minutes until we reach the highest point of our journey, the impressive Salkantay Pass located at 4630 meters above sea level (15190 feet). From here, we will be able to appreciate spectacular views of the mountains and imposing snow-capped peaks such as the magnificent Salkantay Mountain (6271 meters above sea level / 20574 feet) and Humantay Mountain (5400 meters above sea level / 17716 feet), as well as views of other snow-capped peaks. We will have enough time to stay and rest at the pass, take unforgettable photos, and enjoy the scenery. Salkantay Mountain is the second highest mountain in the region. Additionally, from Salkantay Pass, you will enjoy the view of the backside of the snow-capped peak, which is always covered in snow at its summit.
From the heights, we will continue our excursion and start the return journey, descending for 2 hours and 30 minutes until we return to Soraypampa. Along the way, we will observe the vast stone forest, and we will continue descending until we reach our Eco-Lodge, where we will have our lunch prepared by our expert cook. After a good rest and a delicious and restorative lunch, we will board our vehicle to return to the city of Cusco. The approximate arrival time in Cusco will be 6:00 p.m.
WHAT INCLUDED?
- Preparation Meeting and Informational Talk with your Guide 1 or 2 days before the hike.
- Pickup and Tourist Transport from Cusco to Challacancha (Starting Point of the Hike).
- Professional Bilingual Guide (Spanish and English).
- Cook to prepare all meals. Food: 02 breakfasts, 02 lunches, and 01 dinner.
- Tea Time: Hot beverages such as tea, coffee, coca tea, hot chocolate, as well as cookies, special snacks, and popcorn will be served.
- We can prepare vegetarian meals or special diets according to your requirements.
- Boiled water to refill water bottles.
- We will carry up to 7 kg / 15 lbs of passenger luggage. To carry this load, we will provide canvas bags (where you will place personal items) that will be provided at the information meeting, one day before the trip.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen cylinder will be carried by the Tour Guide.
- Tourist Transport for return to the city of Cusco. 01 Night Accommodation in simple and/or double accommodations, according to your requirements, in our own exclusive Eco-Lodge “Mama Andrea” in Andean Cabins that feature comfortable beds, pillows, blankets, down comforters, etc. Our lodge uses solar energy, allowing you to charge cell phones and electronic devices. Additionally, it has showers with hot water.
NOT INCLUDED
- Drinks during the trip.
- Optional: Horse rental
- Unmentioned meals: These can be requested.
- Personal expenses and tips: Such as purchases of handicrafts, clothing, drinks, etc. Tips are also not included; they are voluntary according to the service received.
- We recommend travel insurance: It is a very important requirement for any unforeseen event that may occur during a trip: Such as medical assistance during your trip, stay due to illness or accident, lost luggage, forced trip cancellation due to protests or natural disasters
PACKING LIST
LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO BRING ON THE SALKANTAY TREK
Many people assume that the weather is hot in South America, but in the highest altitude areas of the Andes, the temperature can feel very cold, especially at night. So, we provide you with a complete list to organize your backpack from now on. If you don’t have one of these items, you can buy them in advance, but don’t worry if you can’t, there are many camping stores in the city of Cusco where you can rent or buy what you need.
Please review this list of necessary items for your 2-DAY TOUR and remember that everything is very important for the success of your trip.
- Documents
- Original passport
- Student ID, if you are a student
- Travel insurance (some copies)
- Essentials
- Daypack
- Sleeping bag
- Water bottle
- Purification tablets or filter
- Some snacks like cookies, candies, chocolates, energy bars
- Money belt and some cash if you want to buy souvenirs from your visit
- Clothing and Footwear
- Hiking shoes and sandals
- Warm clothing: especially for nights such as thermal jacket, gloves, scarf, woolen socks, woolen hat for cold nights
- Waterproof clothing (jacket and poncho)
- Synthetic or cotton clothing (pants, socks, trousers, shorts, 4 hiking shirts)
- Swimsuit
- Sun hat
- Pharmaceuticals
- Personal first aid kit with bandages and anti-inflammatory tablets
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Personal Hygiene Items
- Small towel
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Body wash soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hairbrush
- Spray deodorant
- Toilet paper
- Other Items
- Flashlight (headlamp recommended)
- Sunglasses
- Camera with memory cards and extra batteries
- Rubber-tipped trekking poles (optional)
- Pocket knife
- Some plastic bags
- Pre-acclimatization in the city of Cusco for at least 2 days and good general health is recommended
RECOMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Book your excursion in advance as spaces fill up quickly.
- Arrive at least 1 day before your excursion as it will serve as prior acclimatization to your hike. Remember that the city of Cusco is at 3400 meters above sea level.
- Check your personal items that you will be taking on the trip.
- Visit us at our Main Office located in the Historic Center of the City of Cusco, 1 day before your hike at 7:00 pm. to receive an Informational Talk about the trip led by the Tour Guide. This will help you be much more
- Informed, Secure, and Ready for your Tour.
- Leave your luggage that you will not take on the excursion for free in the luggage storage of our Main Office.
- If you have any questions or wish to have more information about this Tour, do not hesitate to contact us.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Walk amidst beautiful landscapes and admire the beauty of the Andean valleys and snow-capped mountains.
- Ideal for couples, groups of friends, nature lovers, and families.
- Travel informed and guided by a local expert and friendly Guide.
- Pickup and drop-off from all accommodations located in the City of Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
- Free luggage storage while you do your hike.
- It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
F.A.Qs
FAQ
Here you will find the Most Frequently Asked Questions from our Clients. Before asking any questions, we invite you to carefully read these questions and answers, as well as all our links about this Tour. This will help you to get informed in a simple, quick, and practical way.
WHAT MEALS WILL I HAVE DURING THE TOUR?
We understand the great curiosity you have about the quality of the food you will have during your trip. For your peace of mind, we include All Meals and Snacks throughout the hike. All reports and comments made by our clients guarantee and demonstrate that our meals are excellent.
All food is prepared with fresh ingredients, purchased at the local market in Cusco the day before the trip. Everything is transported by the porters, and then prepared by our cook. We do not use any canned or rehydrated food. Everything is fresh, healthy, and delicious!
Each cook is professionally trained to prepare the best breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. Food is served daily starting in the morning with a great breakfast, then you will be given some snacks to enjoy along the way, at midday you will have a good lunch, upon arrival at the campsite, you will enjoy tea time, and finally at night you will have a delicious dinner. Undoubtedly, all of this will exceed all your expectations about food on the hike.
Below, we show you some examples of what our cooks can prepare and serve for meals:
- Breakfasts: Scrambled eggs, bread, pancakes, omelets, cereals, fruit salad, toast, orange juice, milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, butter, jam.
- Hiking Snacks: Fruits, Cookies, Cereals, Chocolate, Candies.
- Lunch: Corn soup, Mushroom Cream, Asparagus Cream, Rice with chicken, sausages, Fried trout, ceviche, meat, beans, fried rice, French fries, boiled vegetables, Salads, Omelets, etc.
- Tea Time: Popcorn, fried wantons, tea, coffee.
- Dinners: Stuffed chicken, vegetable omelets, pizza, spaghetti, pork chop, sautéed vegetables, salads.
In case you have special dietary needs, No problem!.. We are prepared to serve vegetarians, vegans, celiacs, and any type of food allergy at no additional cost, so you will always be well fed throughout the trip.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE ON THE HIKE?
The weather is very unpredictable along the Trail; it is impossible to say exactly what kind of weather you will encounter during your Tour. No matter what month you travel, make sure to have waterproof clothing such as a waterproof jacket or a good rain poncho.
During the dry season (from April to November), early mornings are cloudy and can be cold. As the morning hours pass, the clouds clear and the sun comes out, so it can get quite hot. Sun protection, insect repellent, and a good hat are essential. However, keep in mind that sometimes there may be rain in June and sun in December.
During the rainy season (from mid-November to mid-April), rainfall is very heavy. However, don’t be surprised if some days are sunny during this season.
Remember, a rain poncho is highly recommended regardless of the season you decide to travel. Also, consider that when it rains, the stones on the trail become slippery, so it is very important to wear shoes with good traction and maybe a rubber-tipped trekking pole.
WHAT IF I GET SICK DUE TO ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Don’t worry! All our Guides are trained in case you get sick with this condition. All our Guides carry an oxygen bottle and a First Aid Kit, ensuring that you are very well assessed and attended to, which will allow you to continue with your hike. Additionally, all our staff is prepared for emergencies. After being attended to, if you still feel very unwell and cannot continue with the hike, the Guide will make the best decision for you whether to continue or return. For us, your Safety and Health come first.
If you have to return, don’t worry, you still have the option to meet up with your group, head to the town of Aguas Calientes, and from there climb up to Machu Picchu very early on the 4th day to meet again with your group at the Entrance Zone to Machu Picchu and not miss the opportunity to visit it. This will have some additional charges.
DO I NEED TO BRING EXTRA MONEY ON MY TOUR?
Yes, only if you want to buy some snacks like cookies, dried fruit, chocolates, etc., or some additional drinks such as sodas, beers, or an energy drink, as it is possible to purchase these products at small local shops on the first day.
Also, if you need to use a support horse on the second day just for the ascent.
