SALKANTAY TREKKING TO MACHU PICCHU 5D/4N

 Introduction

When thinking about Trekking Machu Picchu, the first thing that comes to mind is the Inca Trail Trek.

Because of excessive crowds the Peruvian government decided not only to limit daily access but also to impose strict Inca Trail Regulations. We understand how frustrating it is to not be able to get a permit because you did not book 4 months in advance and there are no permits left. 

The famous Salkantay Trek (or Salcantay Trek), recently named among the 25 best Treks in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine is a trek open to everybody, with no limitation on spaces or permits. Connecting the city of Cusco with Machu Picchu, The Salkantay Trek is an ancient and remote footpath located in the same region as the Inca Trail where massive snowcapped mountains collide with lush tropical rain forests. 

Located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cuzco in south central Peru by the Cordillera Vilcabamba and rising to 6271 meters above sea level (20574 ft) Mt. Salkantay is an outstanding glacier-capped summit worshipped for thousands of years by local indians. The name Salkantay is a quechua word meaning "Savage Mountain". 

Our classic Salkantay trek is a custom-designed alternative to the traditional Inca Trail. Off the beaten path, this is a cutting edge experience for adventure travelers looking for a little more privacy and authenticity. With more spectacular vistas, the salkantay trek offers the solitude and quiet contemplation such a sacred path deserves.

 Itenerary

Day 01 : Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa

We will leave from Cusco approximately between 4:30a.m. and 5:00a.m. A local bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level) where we will arrive approximately at 8:15 in the morning to have breakfast. During the trip we will have panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay, other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River. We will meet with our support staff, and they will load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 9:00 a.m., we will begin our walk toward Sayllapata (3200 meters above sea level). About 1:00p.m., we will have a Peruvian lunch. After lunch, we will continue hiking toward the Soraypampa villages (3850 meters above sea level). Around 5:30 in the afternoon we will arrive to our camp where the tents will be ready for you as well as your dinner.

Day 02 : Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huayracpunku - Chaullay

Today, nature will change drastically from dry sceneries to snowy peaks and tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, we will start the most difficult part of the trek. We will start the hike around 7:00 in the morning. We will hike to a place called Pampas Salkantay, then go toward the left side of the snowy peaks of Umantay located next to the Apu Salkantay. At midday, we will be on the highest point ( 4600 meters above sea level). We will appreciate spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay (6264 meters above sea level) which is known as the second highest point of the Cusco region. Around 1:00 p.m., we will have our lunch, in the area called Huayracmachay. After a trek of approximately 3 hours, we will arrive to our camp in Challway (2920 meters above sea level). Around 7:00p.m., we will recuperate from the trek and eat dinner.

Day 03 : Chaullay - Collpapampa - La Playa - Santa Teresa

Around 7:00a.m., we will start our trek. We will walk for about 6 hours toward Playa Sahuayaco and during this period; we will observe a town called Collpabamba, also called the “Forest Cloudy Brow” where waterfalls, thermal hot springs, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. If we are lucky, we will be able to observe the famous bird called the “Cock of the Rocks”. From Playa Sahuayaco, we will head to the campsite located at the hot springs of Santa Teresa (It is recommended to bring a bath suit.) Here you will eat dinner.

Day 04 : Santa Teresa - Hidroelectryc - Aguas Calientes

After of our delicious breakfast we are going to walk for approximately around 8:30 a.m we begin our trek to the village Colpani, we follow this rising trail, from which we will see plantations of coffee, banana, passion fruit and a lovely view of the Santa Teresa Valley. We follow along the riverside of Vilcanota River until arrive to the Oroya (canopy brich) From here we have an option to hike to hidroelectrica or to catch a small car where will take us until Hidroelectrica (25 minutes), from this place we can observe the back of Machupicchu Sanctuary, where we have the last lunch with all staff. from here we will continuo walking until arrive to Aguas Calientes around 4:30 p.m then we will stay in a hostal the last night.

Day 05: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu Sanctuary - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Today, you will be able to choose between waking up at 4:30a.m. and walking up to Machu Picchu or taking a bus to Machu Picchu at 7:00a.m. In Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour for about two hours and after that you will be free to explore the Citadel and take pictures, or if you desire, ascent toward the Huaynapicchu Mountain. At 2:26p.m. or 6:03p.m. (depending on availability), you will be taking a train to Ollantaytambo and from there; a bus will drive you to your hotel in Cusco.

THIS TOUR INCLUDES:

• Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private bus to Mollepata (starting point of the trail).
• Reliable, knowledgeable, and friendly guides (English and Spanish)
• Meals are full board.  Including:  4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners served with drinks.
• Clean quality equipment, 4 people dome iglu tent only for 2 people, lots of space for your personal stuff.
• Tents, cooking gear, dinning utensils, food supplies.
• Thick, comfy sleeping mats provided for free.
• Cooking Tent
• Pack mules for the company equipment & your personal stuff. Mules for emergencies. Horsemen ( 1 for 3 mules )
• Accommodation and food for our guides, cook, porter and horsemen.
• Guided tour in all archeological sites & Machu Picchu.
• Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes /boiled
• Water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night.
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Accommodation in Hotel/hostal in Double Basis Room
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
• Bus Ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
• Entrance ticket to Huaynapicchu.
• Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• First breakfast & last lunch.
• Entrance fee to hot springs. (10 soles)
• Sleeping bag. you can rent it USD $ 5.00 per day
• Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

OPTIONAL SERVICES TO BE HIRED

• An extra horse to carry your personal items (days 1 to 4): US$ 12.00 / day. A horse can carry up to 20 kg.
• An extra hotel night in Aguas Calientes can be booked for you at an additional cost depending on the hotel you choose. Please beware that if you wish to visit Machupicchu again the following day, the additional cost of the entrance fee is not included (24.00US$ adults, 15.00US$ students).
• Vistadome Service train (First Class) instead of the Backpacker one (Tourist train), at an additional cost of US$ 30.00 per person.
• Sleeping Bag rent: US$5.00 / day. Our sleeping bags are –10ºC-comfort and mummy form and include a sleeping bag liner. They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
• Therm-a-rest inflatable mattress rent: US$ 7.00 / day.
• Massage sessions: US$60.00 per 1-hour session (US$50.00 per session if at least 2 sessions are booked). Our massage therapists have the highest recognition in Cusco, attending most 4 and 5-star hotels in the city. Our service includes pick-up from your hotel and transfer back after the session, as well as the service of our therapists in any of the following treatments: relaxing massage, stress-relieving massage, spinal column massage, energizing massage, Inca massage, altitude problems, aroma therapy, therapy with honey, therapy with glass, therapy with stones, foot reflexology, shiatzu, reiki and puddle of flowering. We recommend massage sessions before and after the trek. Sessions can be arranged both in Cusco and in Aguas Calientes.

WHAT WE RECOMMENED THAT YOU BRING.

• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
• Sleeping bag (it can be hired at our agency for US$ 4.00 / day)
• Mattress: will be provided by the agency but is to be carried by you
• Flashlight and batteries
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
• Handkerchiefs
• Toilet paper
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please beware that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far.
• Small towel
• Swimsuit (if you intend to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Cash in soles and/or US$ (no ATM machines in Aguas Calientes)
• Original passport

Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail) Inca Trail – Important Notice.