Salkantantay to Machu Picchu Backpacker by bus 4 days 3 nights

Day Highlight: Conquering the high mountain pass with sweeping views across multi-tiered ecological microclimates.

We will have breakfast around 5:30 am. and start our hike to the highest pass of this trek (4,650m. / 15,200 ft.) located halfway between 2 huge mountains, Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From this pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible, there is a possibility of seeing snow here.

After a rest, we will continue our hike (downhill) through a grand cloud forest to Huayraqpunku, where we will have lunch. Then we hike again after lunch towards the beginning of the jungle until we reach Chaullay or Collpapampa (3,000m. / 9,800ft.), where we will take a shuttle to the camp at Playa, where we will spend the night.

Day Technical Data:

• Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.

• Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.

• Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.

• Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.

Day Highlight: Early access to the fabled stone citadel with prime morning light and dedicated archaeological guidance.

After breakfast, at 6.30 am, we will try to arrive as early as possible to Llactapata, walk along a part of the original Inca trail and get some journey from the natives who live here in the area. Have the opportunity to harvest several fruits and have one of the best views of the Urubamba valley.

See the Salkantay mountain in the background and have your first glimpse of Machu Picchu, after arriving at Hydroelectric where we will have lunch, then continue walking, passing a variety of crop plantations, coca, banana we will be walking approx. 2:30 minutes along the train track until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the hot springs of the town (entrance 10 soles) a real treat after finishing the hike.

Day Technical Data:

• Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.

• Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.

• Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.

• Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.

Day Highlight: Early access to the fabled stone citadel with prime morning light and dedicated archaeological guidance.

We get up early in the morning around 4 am. to have breakfast and leave for Machu Picchu which takes 1:30 minutes walking, but there is another option to take the first bus that leaves at 5:30 am. to Machu Picchu (takes 25 minutes) to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun rises.

Your guide will give you a 2-hour tour and then you can traverse the mysterious city on your own. If you still have energy, you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2,720m. / 8,890 ft.) It takes 1:45 minutes to reach the top (optional and check availability). We will descend to Puente Ruinas and from there we will walk to Hydroelectric for 2 hours to take our bus back to Cusco for 6 hours.

Day Technical Data:

• Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.

• Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.

• Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.

• Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.