SALKANTAY + INKA TRAIL TREK
 

DURATION: 7 Dias / 6 noches.
DIFFICULTY DEGREE : Challenging.(We recommended you 2 days for acclimatazion.)
 

ITINERARY.-

Day 1: Cusco to Cruzpata

We leave Cusco at 7.00 am in a private transportation and drive to Mollepata. Along the three-hour drive, we stop in the town of Limatambo (2100m/6888ft), an important point of access to the city of Cusco during the time of the Inca Empire. Here we visit the archaeological remains of Tarawasi, where we can appreciate an Inca Usno, or place where ceremonies for mother earth were conducted. We leave Limatambo and drive up a beaten track along the right shore of the Apurimac River, to reach Mollepata (2800m/9184ft), where we meet our horsemen and horses. From this point we start the ascent on foot towards Cruzpata (3100m/10168ft) along a slight climb where we may appreciate various plants, native birds, the Apurimac River canyon (which is one of the deepest in Peru), and a communitarian irrigation canal. In Cruzpata we set up our first camp.
Meals: L, D

Day 2: Cruzpata to Soraypampa

We depart early after breakfast in the direction of Soraypampa, following a climbing trail with many level variations and along which we encounter little groups of houses, flora, small wild birds and spectacular views of the Humantay snow peak (5902m/19359ft). After approximately six hours of walking, we arrive at our campsite in Soraypampa (3500m/11480ft). From here we can appreciate the majestic Apu Salkantay (6271m/20569ft). We camp and dine at this place.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Soraypampa - Pampacahuana

In the morning, we continue our hike to start the four hour steep climb towards the Incachiriasca pass (4850m/15908ft), the highest of the entire route, and from which we will have impressive views of the Salkantay snow peak. We then descend towards our lunch spot at Sisaypampa, a flat area from which one can observe Salkantay´s neighboring valleys (it is possible that you will see condors in this area). After lunch we continue towards the Pampacahuana community, located next to an original Inca canal, where we set our third camp and spend the night.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Pampacahuana to Llulluchapampa

We leave camp after breakfast to start a downhill walk along the shores of the Pampacahuana River following its course towards the Wayllabamba community (3000m/9840ft). On the way down we visit the Incaracay archaeological complex (Paucarcancha) which is made up of rectangular constructions, plazas, retaining walls and terraces. After approximately four hours, we arrive in Wayllabamba, where we stop for lunch. This is the point in which our trek joins the classical Inca Trail to Machupicchu. Since pack animals are not allowed in the Inca Trail, we say goodbye to our horsemen and instead, are introduced to our group of porters, which will accompany us until the end of our trek. In the afternoon, we leave Wayllabamba behind to start our way up the Warmihuañusca mountain pass (Dead Woman’s pass) through an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. We will only climb halfway up the pass, stopping at Llulluchapampa, where we will camp and spend the night. Along the climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation), having the chance to spot domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We will also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like
hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear, also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus).
Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Llulluchapampa to Chaquicocha

Today we continue our hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail, reaching the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuañusca (4200m/13776ft) after about 2 hours. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), from which we then continue to climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Only 20 minutes away is Chaquicocha, where we will set our camp. Chaquicocha offers awesome views of the neighboring mountain ranges at.

Day 6: Chaquicocha to Wiñaywayna

After an early breakfast we will continue up an easy climb, to arrive at the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley and the long descending stone steps along which we will continue on to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft). At this campsite we will find a lodge with a restaurant, bar and bathrooms with hot showers. The campsite has the same name as the complex located only five minutes away from the lodge. Wiñaywayna is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: Wiñaywayna to Machu Picchu

On this last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or the Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.
Meals: B

Departure and arrival times are approximated.

** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the evolution of the group.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private bus to Mollepata (starting point of the trail).
• Inca Trail and Machu picchu entrance fee (valid from days 4 to 7 of this program).
• Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks.
• Our tents are 3-season, 2005-new, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field.
• One foamy sleeping pad per person.
• Dining tent with tables and chairs.
• Kitchen tent.
• Toilet tent.
• English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 8 people).
• Cook and cooking equipment.
• Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) – days 1 to 4.
• 1 emergency horse every 6 persons – days 1 to 4
• Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) – days 4 to 7.
• Accommodation for our guides, cook and porters / horsemen.
• Meals (06B, 06L, 06D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day).
• 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.
• Bus ticket from Machu picchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes.
• Train ticket (Backpacker service) from Aguas Calientes to Cusco. Transfer train station-hotel included if returning on 7th day.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

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 4-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.

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 porter to carry your personal items: US$ 80.00 / 4 days. A porter can carry up to 18 kg, which should be enough for 2 people.
• 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$ 4.00 / 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$ 5.00 / 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$ 3.00 / 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

According to the Resolution #002-2004-UGM-CD, published in El Peruano on Nov 12, 2004, modifying chapter III of the Inca Trail Regulation which refers to Inca Trail space bookings, bookings will only be guaranteed by the governmental institutions when providing full names, nationalities and passport numbers of passengers, and when having paid the full amount of passengers and staff (cook and team of porters) entrance fees.

THEREFORE:

MANU EXPLORERS will guarantee the spaces booked provided:
1. The booking has been first confirmed by our Reservation Department by e-mail, this meaning that spaces are available on the Inca Trail for the requested date at the moment of the booking.
2. The full passenger data have been provided and the required deposit has been paid for.
Since the Inca Trail will have a maximum allowance of 500 people per day in 2006 (including passengers and agency staff), we strongly recommend to make your bookings as much in advance as possible to make sure you will find spaces on the desired departure date. We are already receiving bookings for departures scheduled as far as one year prior to the trek departure date, so if you wish to travel with us to the Inca Trail, please make sure to confirm your booking as soon as possible. Otherwise, we have also available alternative routes of equally awesome beauty and interest to offer to you.

VERY IMPORTANT:

The following client information is requested for any Inca Trail booking:
a. Complete names and surnames
b. Nationality
c. Passport number
d. Date of Birth
e. Gender

The exact information provided by you will be submitted to the governmental institution in charge of regulating the access to the Inca Trail and will be included in the official permit to enter the Inca Trail on the requested date. Should there be any change in the above-mentioned data (ie. New passport number), we kindly request you to inform the Reservation Department at MANU EXPLORERS via email as soon as possible. The government reserves the right not to allow the entry to any visitor whose data are not the exact ones as those in the official permit. MANU EXPLORERS excludes any responsibility for a no entry in case the passenger information has changed without prior notice to us

DEPARTURES: Only in Private services

PRICES: Prices per person depend on the group size, the larger the group the lowest the price per person. Please contact us , specifying: § Trekking program
Number of people in the trek
Departure date
Requested train service: Vistadome (First Class) or Backpacker (Tourist train)
Requested hotel category and accommodation (single, double, triple, suite) in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu