Forget the Inca Trail-hike to Machu Picchu along the more beautiful and less crowded Salkantay Trail!
Discover a different side of the great Andes mountain range and get the most amazing views of by taking this alternative route to Machu Picchu. Ascend to the highest pass at 4,650 meters above sea level for up-close-and-personal views of the massive Salkantay and Humantay mountain peaks in the Cordillera Vilcanota range, which are among the highest in Peru.
This pristine high altitude trail is the perfect opportunity to get away from crowds and see abandoned Inca sites little visited by tourists. This is the most challenging hike, but you’ll get to walk close to the glaciers and revel at the wondrous mountain peaks.
Machu Picchu was (relatively recently) “discovered” by American historian Hiram Bingham, in 1911 while searching for the legendary “lost city of the Incas”.
Hiram Bingham and his local guides stumbled across the site, which was then covered in thick vegetation. Later, the vegetation was cleared, revealing the magical mountain-top archaeological site and opening up the possibility for archaeologists to conduct research on the site by 1915.
Whether arriving via Inca Trail or entering from Aguas Calientes, don’t miss the excellent photo opportunities from the following spots: Hut of the Caretaker of the Funerary Rock (a restored building with a thatched roof), Sacred Plaza with views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba in the distance and Rio Urubamba below. Take a short walk out to the Inca Drawbridge (30 minutes) and Inti Punku (45 – 60 minutes) for great views of the site as dawn breaks and the clouds lift over Machu Picchu.
Cuzco – Peru (Google Map)
Arrive to Cusco anytime and please make your own way to Milhouse Hostel. Attend your mandatory pre-departure briefing at 18:30 and get a good night’s sleep at the hostel.
– Pickup is between 5:00-6:00a.m. We will travel by bus to Mollepata
– Continue by car to Challacancha, where we will make final preparations and double check equipment
– 3-hour walk to Soraypampa, where we will have lunch with a view of snow-capped mountains
– Hike up to Laguna de Humanta (approx. 1.5 hours each way)
– Return to camp for the night
Note: The first campsite is located at 3,920 m and is the highest and coldest campsite of the trip.
(14 kms, 6 hours approx.)
– Breakfast around 6:00 a.m.
– 4-hour walk to highest pass on the trek (4,650m) (Optional horse rental available to reach high pass for approx. 100-120 soles) -You will be able to view two snow-capped mountains
– 2-hour downhill hike
– Lunch at Huayracpampa
– 3-hour trek to campsite at Challhuay or Colapampa near the beginning of the high jungle region
(22 kms, 9-10 hours approx.)
– 6:30 a.m. breakfast
– Trekking through upper jungle, crossing the Santa Teresa River
– Lunch at La Playa (2,200m)
– Continue by car to Santa Teresa town
– Camp for the night in climate warmer than before
– Hot springs in Santa Teresa (optional at additional cost)
(15 kms, 5.5 hours approx.)
– 8:00 a.m. breakfast
– 3-hour trek from Santa Teresa (optional bus transfer for extra cost)
– Lunch at the hydroelectric station
– 3-hour slight uphill walk to Aguas Calientes (optional bus transfer for extra cost) (optional visit to thermal springs at extra cost)
– Dinner at a local traditional restaurant
(18 kms, 6 hours approx.)
After breakfast, the people in the community will guide you to an amazing waterfall where you can do cannoning. After lunch the locals will show and teach you how to prepare chocolate.
DESCRIPTION OF MACHU PICCHU GUIDED SITE VISIT: Your guide will take you on a 2-hour tour of Machu Picchu walking you through the most important sites and covering the history of the place (if you haven’t already heard it all during the Salkantay Trek). Then you will have free time to explore on your own and take pictures at your leisure. When you decide to head back down to Aguas Calientes, there are buses departing every 15 minutes from the entrance. Alternatively, you can take the 1 hour walking trail, which requires walking down stairs, to Aguas Calientes town.
Take an OPTIONAL hike up the steep peak named Huayna Picchu, which is located inside the Machu Picchu archaeological site. This sometimes muddy peak takes about 45 – 60 minutes to hike up and awards you with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu from a coveted perspective. Keep in mind that if you want to take this optional hike, you must now purchase your ticket at least 2 weeks in advance for an additional cost in order to get one of the 400 passes (200 people are allowed up at 7:00am and 200 more at 10:00am). Please send us an email directly to request this extra ticket.
*If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes town can be arranged. (Please let us know whether you would like to stay an extra night when booking your tour.)
Day 1: Dorm, Single Room, Double Room Hostel Accommodation available.
Days 2-4: Single travelers will share a tent with another traveler & couples will have a tent to themselves.
Day 5: Single travelers will share a room with another traveler & couples will have a private room.
On all of our Inca Trail Treks and Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu we search for the best cooks to provide you with the best tasting meals on the mountain.
All of our cooks pride themselves on their delicious specialty menus with the freshest local ingredients available. Every meal is prepared fresh with plenty of variety and an abundant quantity of food including a vegetarian option for every meal (please advise prior to departure). Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your trek.
Vegetarian Option Available Upon Request (please advise at least 2 days in advance).
BREAKFASTS:
Hot porridge, quinoa or oats, fried eggs, egg omelet or pancakes with fresh bread, fried bananas and boiled water for hot tea, coca, coffee, chocolate and milk.
LUNCH & DINNER:
First Course: Quinoa, corn, noodle, asparagus, mushroom or vegetable soup, stuffed avocado or potatoes
Second Course: Chicken breast, beef stew, quinoa, fried rice, hamburgers, fried chicken, spaghetti bolognese, typical dishes: aji de gallina (chilli pepper chicken), escabeche de pollo (marinated chicken) or ajiaco de olluco (spicy potato stew).
Deserts: Fried plantains, chocolate pudding, chocolate or vanilla cake and boiled water for hot tea, coca, coffee, chocolate and milk.
SNACKS:
Boiled water for hot tea, coca, coffee, chocolate and milk with popcorn, cookies, crackers.
Physical Requirements:
This hike is demanding; it is important to be in good physical condition. There are important temperature changes associated with altitude changes (from 4000 meters to 2000 meters).
Suggested Packing List:
Bring or Rent in Cuzco: hiking poles, rain pants, rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals, warm socks, sweater, thermals, hat, gloves, sun hat, sun block, sun glasses, flashlight/torch, camera, extra batteries and memory card (there is limited to no electricity available during the trek), waterproof bags for your camera, hand sanitizer, personal first aid kit, water bottle. Bring extra cash for snacks, water, and Gatorade, (prices double or triple along the trail. Bathing suit for hot springs in Aguas Calientes town (this activity is available at an additional price).
Passport and Visa Requirements
All tourists need a valid passport and an entry form-tourist card which is provided by your air carrier. This will be available at either the ticket counter when checking in for your flight to Ecuador or once on-board.
Citizens of Canada, UK and USA do not need to obtain a visa for stays up to 90 days. If you are of a different nationality, please check with Lead Adventures staff and your local Ecuadorian Embassy. For stays longer than 90 days, you must obtain a 6-month Tourist visa (12-IX) at your local Ecuadorian Embassy. Lead Adventures will provide you with more information about visas and immigration if needed.
Health and Vaccinations
When traveling abroad it is important to seek advice on the potential hazards, understand how best to protect your health, and minimize the risk of harm and disease. Planning ahead and taking preventive measures will reduce the risk of accident and of acquiring disease. We are not qualified to assess individuals health, therefore we highly recommend that you seek the attention of a medical professional regarding specific vaccinations and medications.
You can visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ for additional helpful information.
Lead Adventure Support
Ensuring our volunteer´s safety is of the utmost importance. Prior to your departure, our program coordinators will work with you to plan and prepare for your trip with us. Upon your arrival to Quito, you will receive a detailed orientation and last minute questions will be addressed. Additionally, you will be given a 24 hours emergency contact number for our on-call Ecuadorian based coordinators.
Weather
Ecuador’s and Peru´s climates varies with its regions. This area has an altitude of about 7550 ft (2300 m) above sea level and because of this, the temperature is comfortable, and does not get too hot. The climate is mild, often warm and dry, with an 18°C average temperature during day and 11°C at night.
Ecuador – Peru Time Zone
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -5 hours
Electrical Standards
Ecuador’s electrical current is 120/60 (volts/hz) Type A and Type B Electrical Outlet (same as North America)
Currency
The currency of Ecuador is the United States dollar, accepted as the national currency of Ecuador in January 2000. The money that is circulated includes notes and coins. Notes are of the denominations of US 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 while the coins are in denominations of US$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent. Please note that most shops and restaurants will not accept bills over $20, so it is worth having small currency denominations on you.
ATMs are also available in almost all parts of the country. Credit cards, mainly Visa and MasterCard, are also accepted in Ecuador. Additionally, you may use traveler’s checks; in Quito there are traveler check exchange bureaus that are easily accessible.
Passport and Visa Requirements
All tourists need a valid passport and an entry form-tourist card which is provided by your air carrier. This will be available at either the ticket counter when checking in for your flight to Ecuador or once on-board.
Citizens of Canada, UK and USA do not need to obtain a visa for stays up to 90 days. If you are of a different nationality, please check with Lead Adventures staff and your local Ecuadorian Embassy. For stays longer than 90 days, you must obtain a 6-month Tourist visa (12-IX) at your local Ecuadorian Embassy. Lead Adventures will provide you with more information about visas and immigration if needed.
Health and Vaccinations
When traveling abroad it is important to seek advice on the potential hazards, understand how best to protect your health, and minimize the risk of harm and disease. Planning ahead and taking preventive measures will reduce the risk of accident and of acquiring disease. We are not qualified to assess individuals health, therefore we highly recommend that you seek the attention of a medical professional regarding specific vaccinations and medications.
You can visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ for additional helpful information.
Lead Adventure Support
Ensuring our volunteer´s safety is of the utmost importance. Prior to your departure, our program coordinators will work with you to plan and prepare for your trip with us. Upon your arrival to Quito, you will receive a detailed orientation and last minute questions will be addressed. Additionally, you will be given a 24 hours emergency contact number for our on-call Ecuadorian based coordinators.
Weather
Ecuador’s climate varies with its regions. This area has an altitude of about 7550 ft (2300 m) above sea level and because of this, the temperature is comfortable, and does not get too hot. The climate is mild, often warm and dry, with an 18°C average temperature during day and 11°C at night.
Ecuador Time Zone
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -5 hours
Electrical Standards
Ecuador’s electrical current is 120/60 (volts/hz) Type A and Type B Electrical Outlet (same as North America)
FAQs
The program accepts departures from 2 passengers and on.
Yes, we have received participants since 2004
There are not any special requirements.
It is recommended to bring and/or purchase the following items:
-Long sleeved clothing for cool nights
– Repellent in the Amazon region
-Good flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries (if you are staying at the center it might be helpful but not necessary)
-Reading material, playing cards, travel games, or other forms of entertainment as you will have some down time.
– Internet cafes are available in Quito.
Transportation
All our tours are privates with personal bilingual guides and transportation.
Public buses during the trips to the Amazon region.
