- Itinerary
Full 4-Day Itinerary Private Machu Picchu Hiking Tour
Day 1: Cusco to Humantay Lake – Base Camp (Salkantay Mountain)
The Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days journey will begin in the city of Cusco; from there, we will depart at 5:00 a.m. for a bus ride that will take us for four hours to the starting site of the trek in the Soraypampa Community.
More lush scenery and stunning flowers and butterflies may be seen as the journey travels along the banks of the Salkantay River. Visit some of the neighboring farms along the way, then arrive at the mountain camp in time for lunch. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the sun while taking in the Camp’s magnificent views of the stunning, green mountains.
- Walking distance: 11 km/ 6.9 miles
- Elevation of the camp: 3,700 mts
- Climate: Cold, rainy
- Duration: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, dinner
- Considered: Moderate
Day 2: Cross the Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa ( Base Camp)
A hot cup of coffee or coca tea will help you wake up early while you take in the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. You will begin the 2-hour ascent after breakfast to reach the Salkantay Trek’s highest point at 4630 m. (15190 ft). When you reach the summit, take some time to stroll about and take it all in. You may even visit the stunning lake that lies at the foot of Salkantay Mountain. To the lunch location at Wayracmachay (3800 m/12467 ft), it takes a another three hours of downhill hiking. You can encounter Vizcachas (Lagidium Peruanum), a species of Chinchilla that is unique to Peru.
You will prepare for the final three hours of the day’s downhill journey after a well-earned lunch, which will take you from the highland’s dry, chilly air to the thick cloud forest’s warm, muggy climate. You will undoubtedly encounter some of the quickest fluctuations in both temperature and scenery throughout this. At 2770 meters, the campground is close to Collpapampa (9087ft).
- Walking distance: 12 km/ 7. 4 miles
- Elevation of the camp: 3,900 mts
- Highest altitude: 4200 m / 13779 ft
- Duration: 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, dinner
- Climate: Cold, rainy
Day 3: Collpapampa Camp – Lucmabamba Coffee Farm – Llactapata Pass (Camp in front of Machu Picchu)
While taking in the beauty of the mountains you left behind, relax in the settlement. After breakfast, you’ll get ready for the most picturesque day of your journey to the fabled citadel of Machu Picchu. You’ll go down winding trails, follow the river, and cross wooden bridges, waterfalls, granadilla, and banana plantations before arriving at Lucmabamba (2000 m/6561 ft) for lunch.
One of the highlights of the Salkantay Trek Tour is today’s special meal. You will get set to take part in a Pachamanca, an ancient, traditional subterranean stone barbecue, after trekking for approximately three hours and riding a vehicle for the last half. You visit the organic coffee fields and make your cup after burying the food. The cooking takes around 45 minutes, after which you settle down to eat local specialties including cuy (guinea pig), various kinds of potatoes, fruits, and vegetables.
Prepare for a three-hour hike up the historic Inca Trail to Llaqtapata, a little Inca castle perched on a mountaintop at 2750m (9022ft), where you will get your first distant view of Machu Picchu after you’ve eaten and refueled. Hiram Bingham found this location in 1911, but it had been lost for a while. If the weather cooperates, you will be camped just in front of Machu Picchu, where you may view the dawn and sunset as you open your tent.
- Walking distance: 12 km/ 7. 4 miles
- Elevation of the camp: 2,700 mts
- Duration: 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, dinner
- Climate: Cold, rainy
- Lunch included
- Overnight in Cusco
Day 4: Llactapata Camp – Waterfalls hidrolectrica – Mandor Farm – Aguas Clientes
To get you started on the day, your Altitude Experience trekking team will wake you up early with a warming beverage. After preparing for the day’s activities, you’ll have your final breakfast, which your local trekking chef will have cooked.
The day’s journey will start with a two-hour descent that offers breathtaking views of Machu Picchu until you reach the hydroelectric station, which was designed to harness a 300-meter-high waterfall that naturally occurs and provides energy for the Cusco region. One of this area’s most stunning attractions is this waterfall.
Continue on from the Hydroelectric Station to the renowned Intiwatana (sundial rock). History claims that this Inca stone formerly coordinated with the fabled Machu Picchu sundial rock to announce the winter solstice, which marked the start of a new growing season for the Incas.
After viewing the renowned Intiwatana, you will continue for another three hours along the walk that parallels the railroad lines. This leads to the community of Aguas Calientes, which is situated at the base of the Machu Picchu valley. This portion of the trip will be noteworthy since Hiram Bingham, an American professor, utilized it to re-discover Machu Picchu.
Hiram Bingham encountered local farmer Melchor Arteag along the road to Machu Picchu, who finally led him there. You will pass Melchor Artaeg’s farm on your journey. Numerous plant and animal species may be found here, along with wonderful native birds like the toucan, oropendola, and parrot species, as well as Peru’s national bird, the cock of the rock. When you get to Aguas Calientes, you may unwind and eat your lunch that you brought.
Following a hot shower, you’ll return to your accommodation and take advantage of the opportunity to explore Aguas Calientes’ well-known hot springs (10 soles, not included). The local trekking chef for your Altitude Experience will make your farewell supper that evening, and you’ll get an opportunity to say goodbye.
- Walking distance: 12 km
- Elevation of the camp: 2,300 mts
- Climate: Hot, cold at night.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Lunch included
- Overnight in Cusco
Day 5: Machu Picchu Sanctuary – Return to Cusco
The focus of today will be Machu Picchu. Every party is urged to eat a leisurely breakfast before boarding one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu in order to make the most of the day (starting at 5:30 a.m.). You may do this to beat the throngs.
Your luggage will be held by the hotel while you are visiting Machu Picchu. You will just need to bring your bag with your essentials up to Machu Picchu in this manner. Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is about a 30-minute bus trip away.
Your guide will drive you right to the ideal location to see the dawn and take pictures once you get at Machu Picchu. The following 2.5 hours will be spent by your local guide showing you the citadel’s principal areas. You’ll discover more about the Inca Empire’s history and culture during this guided tour.
You will have some alone time to unwind and explore after the guided tour. Your guide will show you where to start this climb, unless you have planned to hike Huayna Picchu* (which must be booked in advance since it sells out and costs $75 per person). It won’t take more than two hours to complete the hike.
We advise returning to Aguas Calientes from Machu Picchu no later than two hours before your train is scheduled to depart. The return train rode from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo will take approximately 2 hours. Our Altitude Experience personnel will be there to meet you at Ollantaytambo, just outside the station exit door. They will be prepared to drive you back to Cusco. You will be dropped off at your accommodation in Cusco after a two-hour automobile travel to the city.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will take the first bus to Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise before more travelers begin to pour in and the foot traffic picks up. We will explore every corner of Machu Picchu and once the visit is finished, we will return to Aguas Calientes. From there, we will take the expeditions train to Ollantaytambo and then return to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel.
- Meals Included: Only Breakfast
- Included
- Pick up: From the airport (send fly details)
- Professional Guides: Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- Briefing: We will have an information session and briefing held in our office or hotel at 6:30 PM on the night before your trip starts. Briefings will last 20-30 minutes but we are always available for questions. You will receive a travel bag at this briefing, the contents of the bag must not exceed 13 lbs and must include a sleeping bag and air mattress.
- Permits: All permits are guaranteed according to availability. As soon as we receive your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits.
- Porters: We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag.
- Transportation: Transportation is included in the entire journey, both bus and train, from the point of departure to the point of return. If you have any suggestions or preferences for a train service, please let us know. Additio
- Equipment: We have excellent camping equipment, dining room, and two person dormitory tents.
- Food: Our meals are traditional and cooked by our staff cook, giving you a taste of typical Peruvian food. We respect all food restrictions, please just let us know ahead of time. All our meals are served in a family style. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch the last day is not included.
- Water: From your first day you will be provided with water for your journey. This water is boiled, and it is necessary to bring personal water bottles.
- Travel bags: you will be delivered our travel bags, where you will take your clothes and other personal items, taken out sleeping and mat. With a maximum weight of 7 kilos
- Transfers: Free shuttle to airport, round trip
- First Aid: Our team is trained in first aid. In case of emergency we follow an emergency plan to provide the fastest possible attention.
- Extras: We believe that personalized attention is a plus for us, so small details are very important. We are committed to creating the most authentic experience towards Machu Picchu.
- Satellite Phones: For us security is very important, and keeping our customers safe is our priority. We have satellite phones for emergencies or any situations that may require them.
- Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in the listed price
- Not Included
- Huayna Picchu: The mountain that is next to Machu Picchu. This trek has a duration of about 50 minutes and is quite the walk. It has a cost of 75 USD, and for us to be able to get permission for this mountain, you must let us know a month in advance due to its popularity.
- Rentals: Every traveler needs to have their own sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks are recommended. These items are not part of the tour package so if you do not wish to bring any of own the above items, you may rent them following these ratest: Inflatable air mattress : $ 15 Walking sticks: $ 10 Sleeping bag: $ 20
- Backpacks for the Day: the agency does not provide backpacks, so you must bring your own. Note; Machu Picchu does not allow backpacks over 25 lb. Flashlights (lamps): it is recommended to bring flashlights for the campsites or headlamps.
- Flights: it is recommended to arrive one day before to Cusco or 2 days before. Flight delays are common in Cusco due to the frequent change of weather, therefore we recommend arrival to be a couple days before. Safe airline: Latam
- Tips: Tips are always welcome, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not mandatory).
- Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended, but not mandatory. Normally many people get sick with altitude sickness, so we recommend adapting 1 day or 2 days before starting a trek
- Prices
We can depart any day of the week, as long as permits are available. Please remember, permits are only needed for your start date. Our season runs from March through January. Private treks are based on the number of people in a group.
Priced per person
$1660
Two trekkers:
$1460
Four trekkers
$1260
Six trekkers
$950
Eight, or more
- Small Group Tours
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Only Tour starting at: USD$ 660 per person
3 Star Hotels: USD$ 1,069 per person
4 Star Hotels: USD$ 1,229 per person
5 Star Hotels: USD$ 1,829 per person - Private Tours
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Only Tour starting at: $ 999 per person
3 Star Hotels: $ 1,239 per person
4 Star Hotels: $ 1,399 per person
5 Star Hotels: $ 1.999 per person - Student discount
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The student discount applies only to people who present their valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Children under 17 years of age or younger. To grant the discount we need you to send us a copy of the university card. For children 17 and under, we need a passport copy for booking.
Discount: $ 30 off per person - Additional Items
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Huayna Picchu: $ 75 per person
Vistadome Train (one way): $ 75 per person
Vistadome Train (round trip): $ 115 per person
- Packing List
- Antibacterial hand gel
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Clothes in layers
- Passport
- Personal medication
- Plastic bags for rain situations
- Pocket money in Soles or USD dolars
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Sleeping bag
- Small pack towel and hand towel
- Sun glases
- Sun hat
- Sun scream
- Swimsuit
- Toilet paper
- Torch (flashlight)
- Warm clothes for overnights
- Water bottle to be refil in campsites
- Water purifier
- Waterproof clothes
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Wet wipes
