Salkantay Trek + Waqrapukara Tour

Description

The Salkantay Trek + Waqrapukara tour is designed for travelers seeking more than just a hike to Machu Picchu. This experience combines high-altitude landscapes, Andean silence, and less-traveled routes with a profound spiritual component, characteristic of the ancient Inca trails. Throughout the journey, the environment constantly changes, transitioning from imposing snow-capped peaks to verdant valleys and cloud forest areas, creating a sense of continuous exploration and connection with the natural world of Cusco.

The final stop at Waqrapukara, one of the most mystical Inca fortresses in southern Peru, adds a special meaning to the experience. Hiking to this sacred site, perched above a canyon, allows you to understand the relationship between landscape, architecture, and Andean worldview. After several days of adventure, arriving at this less visited place offers a different perspective of the Inca legacy, turning the trip into an authentic and memorable experience.

Itinerary

📍Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lagoon – Andean Camp

We depart early from Cusco towards Soraypampa, the starting point of the Salkantay Trek. The journey allows you to observe how the landscape gradually changes from valleys to snow-capped mountains.

From Soraypampa, we begin the hike towards Humantay Lagoon, one of the most impressive natural attractions in Cusco, famous for its turquoise waters and glacial surroundings. After enjoying the scenery, we return to camp to rest and acclimatize.

🔹 Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m
🔹 Approximate Distance: 12 km

📍Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay

This is the most challenging day of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. We ascend to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), the highest point of the trek, with spectacular views of the Salkantay mountain and the glaciers that surround it.

The descent leads us through greener, more temperate landscapes, until we reach the Chaullay campsite, located in a valley surrounded by rivers and vegetation.

🔹 Maximum altitude: 4,650 m
🔹 Approximate distance: 18 km

📍Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa – Santa Teresa

Today’s hike is more relaxed and allows you to enjoy the natural transition between the high mountains and the cloud forest. The trail passes through coffee plantations, tropical fruit orchards, and small local villages.

We arrive in Santa Teresa, where we spend the night in a local guesthouse, resting before continuing our trek.

🔹 Approximate distance: 15 km

📍Day 4: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric Plant – Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, we head towards Hydroelectric Plant to begin a gentle hike along the railway line, surrounded by lush rainforest, rivers, and mountains covered in vegetation.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where we rest at a hotel and prepare for our visit to Machu Picchu.

🔹 Approximate distance: 10 km

📍Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco

Very early, we take a bus up to the citadel of Machu Picchu for a complete guided tour. During the tour, you will see the temples, plazas, and most important areas of the sanctuary, understanding their historical and spiritual significance.

After the tour, we return by train to Ollantaytambo and then take a bus to Cusco. Overnight at a hotel.

📍Day 6: Cusco – Waqrapukara – Cusco

On this final day, we explore Waqrapukara, an impressive Inca fortress perched atop a deep canyon, known for its horn-like shape and powerful symbolic significance. We travel to the province of Acomayo and then begin a moderate hike to the archaeological site.

From the top, the views of the Apurímac Canyon and the Andean landscapes make this visit a perfect end to the tour. In the afternoon, we return to the city of Cusco.

🔹 Approximate hiking distance: 6–8 km

✅What does the tour include?

✔️Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco

We begin the experience with a direct pick-up from your accommodation in the historic center of Cusco, so you can start your trip worry-free from the very first moment.

✔️Complete tourist transportation as per the program

Includes transportation from Cusco to the starting point of the Salkantay Trek, transportation for the excursion to Waqrapukara, and the final return to Cusco.

✔️Certified professional guide (Spanish and English)

Constant accompaniment by a guide specializing in high-altitude trekking, Inca history, and archaeological sites in Cusco.

✔️Support and logistics team during the trek

Support staff, cooks, and porters responsible for transporting group equipment, preparing meals, and setting up camp.

✔️Full board during the Salkantay Trek

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared en route with fresh ingredients, designed for high-altitude trekking.

✔️Entrance to Humantay Lagoon

Entrance included to one of Cusco’s most impressive natural attractions, located at the foot of Humantay Mountain.

✔️Accommodation in Aguas Calientes

Hotel accommodation the night before visiting Machu Picchu, according to the chosen category.

✔️Excursion to Waqrapukara

Guided visit to the Inca fortress of Waqrapukara, including a hike, historical interpretation, and time to enjoy the scenery.

✔️First aid kit and oxygen

Basic assistance during the trek for immediate attention in case of altitude sickness.

❌ What’s not included?

✖️Breakfast on the first day and lunch/dinner on the last day

Some meals outside the program are not included, especially before starting the trek and at the end of the tour in Cusco.

✖️Sleeping bag

You can rent one from the agency if you don’t have your own. It’s recommended due to the low nighttime temperatures in high-altitude areas.

✖️Trekking poles

Optional. If you rent them, they must have rubber tips to protect the trails.

✖️Entrance fees to additional mountains at Machu Picchu

Entrance fees to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are not included and must be requested in advance.

✖️Personal expenses

Additional drinks, snacks, tips, and personal purchases during the trek.

✖️Travel insurance

It is recommended to purchase insurance that covers trekking and mountain adventure activities.

🌟 Recommendations

✔️Acclimatization in Cusco or the Sacred Valley

Staying at least 1 or 2 days before the tour helps reduce the effects of altitude sickness.

✔️Good physical condition

The Salkantay Trek has demanding sections; prior preparation with long hikes is recommended.

✔️Appropriate layered clothing

Temperatures vary between day and night. Bring thermal, waterproof, and quick-drying clothing.

✔️Waterproof trekking boots

Essential for walking safely on uneven terrain.

✔️Sun and rain protection

Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof poncho are essential.

✔️Respect for archaeological sites

Waqrapukara is a sacred place; always follow the guide’s instructions.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of this tour?

The Salkantay Trek + Waqrapukara is of moderate to challenging difficulty, ideal for travelers in good physical condition.

Is visiting Waqrapukara mandatory?

Yes, it is part of the program and is one of the most special highlights of the tour.

What is the best time to do this tour?

The best season is from April to October, when there is less rain. December to March is the rainy season.

Can I do this tour without prior trekking experience?

Yes, provided you are in good physical condition and have acclimatized properly beforehand.

Does the tour include entrance to Machu Picchu?

Yes, the package includes entrance to Machu Picchu and a guided tour.

Is it a hike to Machu Picchu?

No. The final leg of the journey is by bus from Aguas Calientes after completing the trek.