Inka Trail Alternative 5 Days

Enjoying the Humantay Lake and the Salkantay Mountain.

We will pick you up at 4:30 am from your hotel in Cusco, before embarking on a 4-hour bus ride, our first stop would be in Mollepata at an altitude of 2900meters (9514 FASL) for about 30 minutes break, then continue directly to the last bus stop in Challacancha where we will meet our porters and horses who will carry the equipment and were we start our hiking for 4 hours toward Soraypampa at 3900meters (12795 FASL) beside the Inka water irrigation channels, there we will set-up our first base camp from where we can enjoy the beautiful views of Salkantay´s snowy peak where the temperature oscillates in 10°C during the day and 2°C during the night. And where we will have a break for lunch.

After lunch, we will visit The Humantay Lake at 4200 meters (13779 FASL) for about 1Hour and 30min walking from the camping area which is conditioned with a four seasons tent coated with an additional roof made of straw at an altitude of 3900mters (12800 FASL).

Humantay Lake – first day in the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu

Passing Salkantay to The Inka Jungle and Aguas Calientes.

Early in the morning, our assistant will wake up the whole expeditionary to give them a coca tea. So they can be better acclimatized for the height, and then we will take our breakfast, to be ready to start a 3 hours hike, until reaching the highest point of our expedition, the Salkantay Pass 4600meters (15091 FASL). This place is full of wonderful sceneries, with powerful and intimidating Andean mountains. Once at the top we will do what the Inkas used to do in the past, we will pray and ask the Apus (Mountain Gods) the permit to pass. From there, we walk down towards Wayracpunku (windy valley), to have lunch.

Afterward, the trip will continue going to the high jungle where we will observe large trees with their arms extended
over the streams, surrounded by bromeliads and orchids. This walk will take us around 5 hours to reach our base camp in Chaullay 2900meters (9514 FASL), Where we will have dinner and rest.

Salkantay Pass – the edge of the Andes Range

Hiking in The Inka Jungle To Aguas Calientes.

After having breakfast around 6:30 am, we will head towards Sahuyaco (La Playa) 2000meters (6824 FASL) in a jungle trekking of 3hours, where the temperature oscillates in 25°C during the day and 14°C during the night. Hereafter the short hike, we will take transport to go to the hydroelectric station (2-hours ride), where we will have lunch. afterward, we continue our trip walking for 3 hours flat to reach Aguas Calientes 1550meters (5085 FASL). Once there you have free time in the town, to visit the butterfly sanctuary, the hot springs, or the local handicrafts markets.

Around 7:00 pm, we will enjoy a delicious dinner with the group, we will introduce the new guide specialized in the
Inka Trail and he will explain how will be the next 2 days in the Inka Trail and Machu Picchu, later you will sleep at our hostel provided with hot shower, electricity, wifi, and TV, the rooms are private for couples or groups and shared for solo travelers.

Into the Jungle in the Salkantay trek

The Best Part Of The Inka Trail Classic.

Our trek this day takes us along the most impressive stretch of the Inca Trail. We’ll visit beautiful Inca sites, see a variety of flora and fauna, and enjoy the fantastic views of the Andes mountains. Covering 16km way up, along an original Inca Trail that passes by the Inca site of Winay Wayna, Machu Picchu, and the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). As we make our way to Machu Picchu, we’ll pass through the lush and green cloud forest covering the mountain. Perfect place to see a variety of plants, flowers, and birds along the way. We may also see some larger mammals such as Viscachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas) and Spectacled Bears (if we are very lucky).

After a full day trekking (6-hours), we’ll arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the late afternoon, and get our first views of Machu Picchu spread out on the mountain below. The light at this time of day is great, and with few tourists on the site, it makes a perfect time to take some pictures of the site. After we’ve passed through the Sun Gate, we’ll enjoy Machu Picchu for a while. Then walk down for 1 hour more to Aguas Calientes Town, where we will have dinner and will sleep now again in the same room.

Wiñay wayna in the Inka trail

Exploring Machu Picchu And Returning To Cusco.

On this day we will wake up really early at 4:00 am, in order to start the trek to Machu Picchu, where the guide will be waiting for you at the entrance. The purpose is to see the beautiful sunrise in the Macchu Picchu. This section of ascent to the citadel will take an approximate of 1 hour and 30 minutes. Once we get Machu Picchu we will have a 2 hours tour along with the most important places of this site, to illuminate you especially of the rich history of the ancient ruins. You will learn about its importance, its religions, and its history, and we will also be able to appreciate its beautiful architecture done by the Incas. After the 2 hours with the guide, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu by yourself until you want.

There are 2 mountains to climb, if you are planning to add it you have to do it in advance. You can do only one, and the price is $70USD no matter which one you add, the Machu Picchu mountain, or the Huaynapicchu mountain.

After Machu Picchu, we will meet up in Aguas Calientes in the afternoon, to take the train back to Cusco. When you click in the button “Book this Tour” you will have many additions to add, and also the return train schedule you prefer.

Machu Picchu.