Sakantay trek and Short Inca Trail 4 Days

The trek begins between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. The expedition guide will pick you up from your accommodations in Cusco as the group assembles, and a private vehicle will take you to the highlands of the Anta province. This itinerary follows a scenic route through valleys, traditional villages, and Andean farmlands, providing an introductory overview.

After approximately two hours, the group stops in Mollepata, where breakfast is prepared at a local establishment. This break also allows travelers to purchase last-minute items such as snacks or water; the entire stay in Mollepata lasts half an hour.

The journey continues with a one-hour drive to Soraypampa, the starting point of the Salkantay Trek, at an altitude of 3,900 meters (12,000 feet), which is the official starting point of the trek. The trekkers prepare their backpacks and begin the ascent. The hike takes about two hours to reach Humantay Lagoon. Once there, you’ll have time to enjoy the scenery and take photos before descending back to Soraypampa and heading towards the Quiswaraniyoq campsite.

The trekking team will serve a hot lunch, followed by free time to relax and enjoy the spectacular mountain views or explore the surrounding area. In the evening, a freshly prepared dinner will be served.

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Accommodation: Mountain Sky Hut or domes
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Hiking Distance: 4 kilometers
• Estimated Trekking Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• Campsite Elevation: 4,000 meters above sea level
• Weather Forecast: Expect cold and windy nights during the dry season (May to August), with temperatures potentially dropping to -5 degrees Celsius.
• Additional Note: This day serves as a period of training and preparation. It is ideal for acclimatizing in anticipation of Day 02, which poses the most significant challenge of the entire trek.

The day begins very early, around 4:30 a.m., with a traditional coca leaf infusion served in your domes to help acclimatize to the altitude. Around 5:10 a.m., breakfast is served, and personal belongings are collected.

The group continues ascending to the Salkantay Pass at 6:00 a.m., which is located at 4,650 meters (15,000 feet), the most challenging part of the trek. The ascent will take approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, at a steady pace with frequent breaks. The trail offers hikers breathtaking views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and high Andean landscapes, but it is challenging.

Upon reaching the pass, participants will have time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the beautiful view. The guide will explain the spiritual significance of these mountains in Andean cosmology. Visitors typically spend 30 to 45 minutes at the site, depending on the weather.

After this, the transfer to the meeting point begins, following pre-arranged transportation arrangements. The group then returns to Cusco by road, arriving in the late afternoon or evening. This provides the necessary rest before the following day’s Short Inca Trail trek.

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Accommodation: by yourself in Cusco
• Difficulty Level: Challenge
• Hiking Distance: 12 kilometers (approximately 6 miles)
• Estimated Trekking Duration: 5 to 6 hours

At dawn, passengers will be transferred from their hotel by bus to Ollantaytambo (a 2-hour journey) and then to the train station for a scenic ride to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. Once the trek begins, passports and permits will be collected at the checkpoint, followed by the hike along the original Inca stone paths.

The trail winds through a lush cloud forest, past streams and over ancient staircases. The group will visit spectacular archaeological sites along the way, including Winay Wayna, one of the most impressive ruins on the trail. The guide will delve into the historical, religious, and agricultural significance of these sites.

The trail leads to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) after several hours of hiking, from where hikers can enjoy a panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Here, the journey will continue to the starting point, followed by a short transfer to Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival, participants will be transferred to their hotel, where they can rest, shower, and relax. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant, and the guide will provide a full explanation the following day.

• Included Meals:  Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Hiking Distance: 11 kilometers
• Estimated Trekking Duration: 6 hours
• Campsite Elevation: 2,000 meters above sea level

On the final day, the trip culminates with the highlight of the journey: Machu Picchu. Today, you will board a bus to the main entrance of the citadel early in the morning, depending on your entry time.

Here, your guide will lead you on a guided tour of approximately two hours. The tour will cover the main areas of Machu Picchu, such as temples, terraces, plazas, and ceremonial areas. The guide will explain the history, architecture, and spirituality of the site.

After the tour, you will return to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch (not included). Afterward, you will take the train for the second time to Ollantaytambo and then private transportation back to Cusco.

The four-day adventure, combining the Salkantay Trek and the Short Inca Trail, typically concludes in the afternoon in Cusco. The best itinerary will depend largely on how far in advance you book this tour.