Tour to Salkantay and Manu National Park 12days/11nights

This Tour  in Peru combines the Salkantay Trek  for 5days  with the Jungle Tour to Manu National Park by bus in and out for 7days, making this tour in length 12 days

This Tour can change according the weather conditions, wishes of the group and according Machu Picchu and Huaynapicchu available rooms.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata - Soraypampa.

We leave Cusco very early, passing villages like Izcuchaca and Limatambo and then after 3 hours we arrive in Mollepata. After a light breakfast we start our long but slow walk till the sector of Silca where the lunch is waiting for us. After a short break we continue our walk in beautiful landscapes till Soraypampa, where we spend our first night.

Day 2: Soraypampa – Collpapampa.

The sunrise is impressing, when the majestic snowy-peak of Salkantay is the first thing we see after getting up. At 7:00a.m. we have a breakfast and then we start our walk, which will take 7-8 hours today. Where we can contemplate clear different ecological levels,  and entering in kind of canyon which takes us till the foot of Salkantay. After three hours walk we have our Lunch, then we continue till the pass of Salkantay (4.600mas.) from where we descend and contemplate the beginning of the forest. This day we reach Collpapampa, where we spend the second night.

Day 3: Collpapampa - La Playa.

We start our walk with an exceptional view of the snow-peak Salkantay (6271masl). Then we descend till a riverbank where we have a delicious lunch and continue our walk through the cloud forest where we have the opportunity of seeing how the environment changes, passing from mild to hot. In the afternoon we arrive in La Playa where we camp.

Day 4: La  Playa -Hidroeléctrica –Machu Picchu.

This day we take an interesting way which takes us along the Inca trail till we reach hydroelectric where we take our lunch and in the afternoon we get in to a train which takes us to Aguas Calientes, where we accommodate ourselves in a beautiful hostal.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes -Machu Picchu-Cusco.

This day we go by bus or walking to Machu Picchu where our guide tells us in three hours about the times and history of Incas, when we have the opportunity to appreciate Machu Picchu in all its splendor. In the afternoon we return to Aguas Calientes to take a train. Then, in Ollantaytambo we change to a bus which takes us to Cusco.

Day 6: Cusco - Pilcopata Lodge.

The first day of our adventure into the Jungle of Manu, we will pick you up around 6:00 AM from your hotels in Cusco, using the service of our private  transport. The first part of our excursion will take us through the majestic Andean mountains, where we will take a quick opportunity to visit a really nice pleasant lake by the name of Huacarpay, a high Andean Lagoon that boasts heaps of flora and fauna typical of the Andean mountains. Afterwards, we will visit the town of Huancarani which contains the funeral towers of Ninamarca, a cemetery of the Lupaca Pre –Inca Culture, which we will visit briefly on our way to Paucartambo, which is known as the folkloric capital of the district of Cusco. In the face of modern times, this small colonial pueblo has managed to hold on to its rich tradition for centuries upon centuries. At mid-day we will arrive at the entrance of Manu National Park and access to one of the most protected natural areas in South America. We will continue on in our private transport down a dirt road and on through the thick fog from which this section of the forest takes it name. Eventually we will arrive at the home of the exotic Peruvian National Bird, the “Cock of the Rock”, where it is known to gather with others of its kind for some sort of social gathering that seems reminiscent of a large courtship. You will find that this is quite an amazing spectacle complete with an impressive array of sounds and colours that can only be found in the jungle. For our first night, we will stay in the beautiful Pilcopata Lodge, where we will arrive at approx. 5:00 p.m.

Day 7: Pilcopata Lodge – Hot spring – Boca Manu.

Very early, at 06:30 a.m., we will leave in the direction of Port Atalaya, on the way we will make a few stops to visit the small, native communities of Patria and Pilcopata. These communities are known to be producers of many varieties of jungle fruits, even the famous Coca plant.
Later, we will continue our journey into the jungle by beginning the boating portion of the tour with a river excursion on the Madre de Dios, or “Mother of God” River, one of the tributaries of the mighty Amazon River.
During our day we will have the chance to witness many types of colorful birds such as parrots, Oropendolas, vultures and others species. Hopefully, we will also have the opportunity to see some jungle mammals such as monkeys or the famous capybaras (jungle rodents that are as much as 2.5 ft long). Towards the late afternoon, we will arrive to our next sleeping destination, Boca Manu Lodge, arriving approximately at 3:00 p.m. Here, there will be showers and services available.

Day 8: Boca Manu – Reserved Zone Of Manu National Park.

Today we will continue our journey along the Manu River as far as the Matshiguenka lodge, inside the Reserved Area, passing Limonal, the Park Ranger Station, where we will register before entering the Reserved Area. In the course of the trip we will see birds, toucans, macaws, parrots and some mammals such as capybaras, tapirs, peccaries and many varieties of turtles, caiman and, if we are lucky, an impressive, lone jaguar. We will arrive at our lodge in the mid-afternoon, near the Salvador oxbow-Lake, where we will spend two nights.

Day 9: Reserved Zone Of Manu National Park.

An early morning start will have us paddling in small canoes or on our floating platform in the tranquil oxbow lake, Cocha Salvador, as the morning mists rise. We may encounter an Agami Heron or Sungrebe and Brown Capuchin Monkeys feeding on fruit. We may also see a jaguar, giant river otters - called river wolves, and hoatzins (prehistoric birds). The otters can reach 6 feet in length and weigh up to 70 lbs. and consume between 9 to 11 lbs. of fish daily. They are one of the rarest animals on earth and only remain common in Manu. We will be on the look out for some of the 13 species of monkeys found here. The sound of red howler monkeys through the mist may make our skin crawl while parrots will be seen flying high overhead. After lunch we walk trails which pass through terra firma forest as we look at the complex ecosystem that surrounds us. Our ecologist guide will explain how the plants and insects interact with the forest. We will be on the lookout for some of the smaller inhabitants of the jungle, such as the emperor or saddleback tamarins. We may even cross paths with a group of Peccaries, a species of wild boar found here. In the late afternoon we may swim in the river as we watch the sun set. Overnight Cocha Salvador Camp or Casa Matshiguenka Lodge.

Day 10: Reserved Zone Of Manu National Park – Boca Manu.

Today we will walk from camp through the forest to a different oxbow lake, Cocha Otorongo - "Jaguar Lake", to experience another setting and a chance to see further wildlife. We may encounter troops of monkeys especially the Common Woolly Monkey. We’ll pay special attention to the plant life and listen carefully for rustling vegetation and fruits falling to the rainforest floor indicating the presence of animals or large birds. After a leisurely lunch we take our canoes for a 4-hour trip down river until we reach  Boca Manu for the night. Overnight at Boca Manu Lodge.

Day 11: Boca Manu – Pilcopata Lodge.

Today, after breakfast we will sail Alto Madre de Dios up river to the port of Atalaya, the place from where we started our trip by boat, after reach it we will drive to Pilcopata lodge where we are going to spend our last night in the jungle of Manu National Park.

Day 12: Pilcopata Lodge – Cusco.

GOOD BYE TO MANU!! On the day of our return, we will have an early morning departure from the Pilcopata Lodge in the direction of Paucartambo, which was the entrance point that led us into the jungle in the first place. At this time we will pass through the beautiful Sacred Valley on the way, arriving in Cusco around 7.00pm.

THIS TOUR TO SALKANTAY INCLUDES:

• Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private bus to Mollepata or Cruzpata (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.
• Coca tea in your tent to wake you up every morning, fruit, pancakes, cookies, popcorn peaches.
• 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, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
• 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 IN SALKANTAY:

• First breakfast & last lunch.
• Entrance fee to hot springs. (10 soles)
• Sleeping bag. you can rent it USD $ 5.00 per day
• Mules on the 4th and 5th day (on the 4th day you have to carry your luggage from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes).
• Train ticket from “Hidroelectrica” to Aguas Calientes.
• Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

What we recommend that you bring in Salkantay:

• 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
• Flash light 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
• Original passport

Tour includes  in Manu:

• Private Boat and bus
• Rubber boots, rain poncho.
• All accommodations  and lodges
• Bilingual tour guide.
• Binoculars (a pair for two people)
• Mineral water
• First aid kit
• Three meals a day included vegetarian option.
• Professional cook
• Entrance to all the private reserves.
• Entrance fee to Manu National Park

Not Included in Manu Tour

• First breakfast
• First day mineral water
• Soda and beer.

You will need to bring:

• Repellent with a minimum of 15 % deet
• Binocular
• Camera with extra batteries
• Flash light with extra batteries
• Sun lotion
• Pocket Money
• Daypack
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Sandals