How to Plan Your Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu in Cusco

Are you an adventurous traveler looking to explore Peru’s diverse landscapes? Then the five-day group trek from Cusco to Machupicchu is the perfect tour for you. You will discover Peru’s top natural and historical attractions from iconic destinations like Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes to Salcantay Huarachmachhay Chalway Hidroelectrica and more. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to plan your Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu in Cusco so you can fully immerse yourself in the Peruvian experience.

Overview

The Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu tour is an excellent choice for hiking enthusiasts who are looking for an adventurous trek to one of the world’s most iconic destinations. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to see a long list of historical and natural attractions in Peru. You’ll enjoy complimentary entrance to historical sites and be able to see points of interest that most tourists usually miss. Additionally, you’ll have the convenience of using provided camping and hiking equipment during the trek.

Itinerary

The tour begins in Cusco, where you will be picked up at your hotel early in the morning. From there, your group will take a bus from Cusco to Mollepata, where you’ll have breakfast before starting your trek. Day 1: Mollepata – Soraypampa After breakfast, you’ll start your trek by crossing the mountain pass at 4,650 meters above sea level. Then you’ll head down the mountain for about three hours, where you’ll arrive at your base camp in Soraypampa, at 3,276 meters above sea level. Here, you will have lunch and spend the night. Day 2: Soraypampa – Chaullay On the second day of your trek, you’ll begin the 22-kilometer hike to Chaullay. During this portion of the trip, you’ll encounter stunning views of the Salkantay mountain range and see incredible waterfalls like the ones at Sisaypampa. Then, you’ll arrive at Chaullay, where you will spend the night. Day 3: Chaullay – Aguas Calientes On the third day of your trek, you’ll trek to Santa Teresa and then continue by bus to the Hidroelectrica. From there, you’ll take a train to Aguas Calientes. This is the largest town close to Machu Picchu, where you’ll spend the night before visiting the ancient Inca city the next day. Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco This is the day you’ve been waiting for. You’ll have an early breakfast and catch the bus to the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu. Once you arrive, your guide will take you through the site, explaining the history and architecture of the city. After your tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own before returning to Aguas Calientes by bus. From there, you’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then take a bus back to Cusco.

What’s Included

The tour includes complimentary entrance to historical sites, bus transport from Cusco to Mollepata, 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners (with vegetarian options), tents, mattresses, and horse carries 5 kilograms in a waterproof duffel bag.

How to Book

Booking this tour is easy. Just visit Viator’s website at book the tour here and follow the step-by-step instructions provided. It’s essential to read through everything carefully and confirm the pickup time with the local provider in advance of your tour departure.

Book Your Tour Now

The Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu is the perfect tour for adventurous hiking enthusiasts. From the majestic Salkantay mountain range to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu, you’ll have the opportunity to see some of Peru’s most iconic destinations. We hope this blog post helps you plan your upcoming trip to Cusco and enjoy everything this beautiful city has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cusco

1. What is Cusco?

Cusco is a city located in southeastern Peru, near the Andes mountains. It was the historic capital of the Inca Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of tourists every year.

2. What is the best time to visit Cusco?

The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season, from May to September. During this time, the weather is mild and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so prices may be higher.

3. Do I need a visa to visit Cusco?

If you are a citizen of most Western countries, including the United States and Canada, you do not need a visa to visit Peru for up to 183 days. However, you will need a valid passport and may be asked to provide proof of onward travel.

4. How do I get to Cusco?

The easiest way to get to Cusco is by flying into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, which is located just a few kilometers from the city center. Alternatively, you can also take a bus or train from other parts of Peru.

5. What are the top tourist attractions in Cusco?

Some of the top tourist attractions in Cusco include Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, the Plaza de Armas, and the Qorikancha temple. Additionally, there are many museums, restaurants, and bars to explore in the city.

6. Is it safe to travel to Cusco?

Cusco is generally a safe city for tourists, but travelers should take common-sense precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping an eye on their belongings in crowded areas. There have been some reports of petty crime in recent years, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings.

7. Can I drink the tap water in Cusco?

No, it is not recommended to drink the tap water in Cusco or anywhere else in Peru. It’s best to stick to bottled water or other sealed beverages to avoid getting sick.

8. What should I pack for a trip to Cusco?

Be sure to pack warm clothing, especially if you are traveling during the colder months. Cusco is located in the mountains and can get chilly at night. Additionally, comfortable walking shoes, a backpack for day trips, and sunscreen are all recommended.

9. Should I bring cash or use credit cards in Cusco?

While credit cards are accepted at many hotels and restaurants in Cusco, it’s a good idea to carry some cash with you, especially for smaller purchases or when shopping at local markets. ATMs are widely available in the city center.

10. What is the local currency in Cusco?

The local currency in Cusco is the Peruvian Sol. You can exchange your currency at the airport or at banks or exchange offices in the city center. It’s also possible to withdraw cash from ATMs using a debit card.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Cusco

Introduction

Cusco, also known as the “archaeological capital of the Americas,” is a top tourist destination in Peru. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty, it is no wonder why travel enthusiasts from all over the world flock to this city every year. In this article, we will guide you through the best ways to spend your time as a tourist in Cusco.

1. Visit Machu Picchu

No trip to Cusco is complete without visiting Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic attractions in the world. This ancient Inca site is located high in the Andes Mountains and is accessible by hiking or taking a train. We recommend taking the Inca Trail, a popular four-day trek that will take you through breathtaking scenery and ancient ruins until you finally reach Machu Picchu on the fourth day. If you don’t have the time or energy for the Inca Trail, you can take a train or bus from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

2. Explore the Historic City Center

Cusco’s historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many architectural wonders from the Inca and colonial eras. Take a walking tour through the city and marvel at the beautiful buildings, cobblestone streets, and colorful markets. Visit the Cathedral of Cusco, the Qorikancha Temple, and the San Blas neighborhood to see some of the city’s most famous attractions.

3. Hike Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain, also known locally as Vinicunca, is another popular attraction in Cusco. This mountain is located about three hours from the city and is famous for its vibrant colors, which are caused by different mineral deposits in the rocks. It takes about six hours to hike to the top of the mountain, and the views are breathtaking.

4. Dine on Peruvian Cuisine

Peruvian cuisine is famous for its flavors and diversity. Cusco is no exception, and you will find many restaurants and cafes that serve traditional dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and ají de gallina. We recommend trying a few different places to get a taste of the local cuisine. Don’t forget to try some of the local street food like anticuchos and churros.

5. Visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a beautiful area just outside of Cusco that is home to many archaeological sites and small towns. Visit the ancient ruins of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero to learn more about the Inca culture and history. You can also take a guided tour through the valley to see some of the beautiful landscapes and traditional communities.

6. Attend a Traditional Festival

Cusco is known for its vibrant festivals and celebrations, which are held throughout the year. The most famous of these is the Inti Raymi festival, which takes place in June and celebrates the Inca sun god. Other popular festivals include the Corpus Christi festival, which is held in the historic city center, and the Qoyllur Rit’i festival, which is held in the nearby mountains.

Book Your Tour Now

Cusco is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or food, you will find plenty of things to do and see in this beautiful city. Use this guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time as a tourist in Cusco. Don’t forget to take lots of photos and make memories that will last a lifetime.