Tour to Salkantay and Manu National Park 11days/10nights

This Tour  in Peru combines the Salkantay Trek  for 5days  with the Jungle Tour to Manu National Park by bus in and out for 6days, making this tour in length 11 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 5:00 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. 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 – Reserved Zone Of Manu National Park.

After eating our breakfast we continue the tour by bus going through the high forest arriving to Atalaya which is found next to Madre de Dios River (700 meters over the sea).we will pass by Alto Madre de Dios river whit its relatively clean waters to enter the clay laden waters of the Manu River. With a brief stop at the park ranger station at Limonal to present our permits we travel for about five hours up the Manu. Beaches, especially in the dry season, are loaded with nesting birds and feeding Herons, Egrets, Orinoco Geese, Terns and Skimmers to name a few. Some beaches will host sunning White and Black Caimans (South American relatives of the Alligators) and breeding Side-necked Turtles. Hundreds of Sand-colored Nightjars roost during the day on logs and beaches and there is a chance of encountering a sunning Jaguar - the worlds third largest cat. In 1999 one in three of our trips saw Jaguar in Manu. We will see some species of primate on this river trip, possibly Red Howler Monkeys or the smaller Squirrel Monkeys. After having lunch by the river we arrive at our Safari Camp near the lake of Cocha Salvador. We'll have the afternoon to explore some of the trails through the pristine rainforest in the area. A visit to the lake of Cocha Otorongo is planned, where observation piers and a 20 meter observation tower in the rainforest canopy overlooking the lake are available for observing wildlife. We will also be on the lookout for a large family of Giant Otters that inhabit this lake. Before or after dinner an optional excursion into the forest at night is available with your guide in search of nocturnal creatures. The lakes are full of eye-shine of the large Black Caiman and if we are lucky we may encounter an Olingo Kinkajou or even an Ocelot on the trails. Certainly the night-time noise of tree frogs and insects in the forest is an experience not to be forgotten. Night at Casa Matshiguenka lodge, there are flush toilets and shower facilities.

Day 8: Reserved Zone Of Manu National Park.

Today we will start with a long walk of some three or four hours, from the banks of Manu River to Otorongo lake, here we will climb a 15m high observation tower, from where birds such as the exuberantly feathered and primitive Shansho (Hoatzin) can be seen, as well as monkeys feeding on fruits and several species of flowers and brightly-colored butterflies. We will then return to our camp by canoe to enjoy a delicious lunch. The afternoon will be dedicated to exploring Salvador Oxbow lake and the surrounding area aboard our catamaran, from which will be able to observe the mega diversity attracted by this oxbow lake, including Black Caiman, White Caiman, a family of Giant Otters and waterfowl. Return to the lodge in the evening.

Day 9: Reserved Zone Of Manu National Park – Boca Manu.

Early in the morning we will have another chance to go for a nature walk or one more visit to the oxbow lake and hear choirs of birds defining their territory in song. As the sun rises, the eastern sky changes to a pale yellow and we will be able to see falcons or other predatory birds patiently searching for prey from the treetops. After lunch we will board our boat again and head downstream towards Boca Manu but this time just floating with out the engine in order to have the opportunity to observe with plenty of time this mighty and diverse environment. Arriving at Boca Manu we will visit the native community of the Matshiguenka and Yine ethnic group; also we will visit their botanical garden of medicinal plants and share their activities.

Day 10: Boca Manu – Pilcopata Lodge.

In the morning we will go to the airfield at Boca Manu, where we will say goodbye to those passengers who opted to return to Cusco by plane. After that 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 11: Pilcopata Lodge – Cusco.

This morning will be our last opportunity to visit the Cock-of-the-Rock lek where we will have a last opportunity to see these colorful birds displaying. After breakfast our bus will take us back to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon.

Tour Includes in Salkantay:

• 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:  3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners served with drinks. 
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
• 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 to carry the equipment of the agency.
• Mules to carry 5kg. of luggage per person.
• Mules for emergencies.
• Horsemen
• Accommodation and food for our guides, cook, and horsemen. 
• Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes /boiled.
• Water to fill in your water bottle every morning, night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead.
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
• Accommodation in Hotel/hostel in Double Basis Room.
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• One Bus Ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• Entrance ticket to Huaynapicchu (only if the tour is booked one month in advance).

What is not Includes in Salkantay:

• Breakfast on the first day
• Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu picchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machu picchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense too.
• Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the 5-day trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is US$ 1,50. Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes.
• Tips: please beware that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not according to your wish.
• 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