SALKANTAY TREK + Machupicchu 5 DAYS

The mountains of the Cordillera Vilcabamba rise to form a ragged chain between the regions' two great rivers; the Urubamba and the Apurimac. Along the cordillera's northern side, massive snow peaks collide with lush tropical rain forests.
Located northwest of Cusco, Nevado de Salkantay, the cordillera's tallest peak, is at the eastern end of the chain and rises to 6271 meters above sea level. The name Salkantay means 'Savage Mountain' which may refer to the swirling clouds that rise up from the jungle lowlands and engulf the peak

Itinerary

Camping on the foot of the Snow

1st DAY CUSCO / SORAYPAMPA.

06.00 am. Departure by our private transport to Mollepata 2900 mts. A beautiful scenic journey through Limatambo, with stops for panoramic views of the “Apu Salkantay” where we have breakfast. One can see awesome chains of magnificent snow capped mountains and the lush Apurimac River Valley.
After we arrive to our trailhead, called Cruzpata 3200 mts. we meet our Arrieros “ horsemen “ and trekking staff, (Cook, and Assistants). We trek for about 3hrs before lunch through traditional Andean communities like Cruzpata, Challacancha where we stop for lunch. We continue walking for approx 2 hrs through unspoiled Andean villages to Soraypampa 3850 mts, our first campsite.

The INC indicate that they will charge an additional fee at a control in Soraypampa. This is $10 and is the same for adult or student.
Lunch, Dinner + Camping facilities. ( Walking distance aproximately 10 km.)

2nd DAY SORAYPAMPA / RAYAN-NIYOC or CHAULLAY.

After an early breakfast we start trekking from approx 07:00am for 3 hours to start our ascent of the Apacheta pass 4590 mts. From this point we can appreciate the spectacular views of the Mountain Salkantay ,a stunning snow capped mountain (6264 mts) the second highest peak in Cusco’s region, and also the mountains Humantay and Huayanay, white river, small lakes and moraines.

2 hrs dowhill to lunch in Huayracpunku, and then a further 2-3 hrs downhill walk to Camp in Rayan-niyoc at 2890 mts or Camp at Chaullay 2920 mts for experienced trekkers . To be decided by the guide depending on the groups abilities and weather and walking conditions.
B L D + Camping Facilities.

( Walking distance aproximately 16 Km to Rayan-niyoc or 23 km.to Chaullay for experienced hikers )

3rd DAY RAYAN-NIYOC or CHAULLAY / LA PLAYA.

We start the trek 07:00 am. 3 hours easy hiking to Uscamayuc, where we will be introduced to a high Jungle niche called Ceja de Selva, we will see different kind of plants, fruits, flowers, birds ect. here coca and banana crops can be observed, time to shower in a waterfall, take amazing pictures, with luck we can observe the famous Peruvian National Bird " Gallito de las Rocas " stop at Wiñaypoq’o for Lunch + free time to rest .

3 hour walk to our last campsite in La Playa 2350 mts .A small village is located here with electricity and a shop!
Dinner + Camping Facilities B L D (Walking distance aproximately 15 km.)

4th DAY LA PLAYA / AGUAS CALIENTES .

Approx 07:30 am we begin our trek to the village Lucmabamba, here we see the remains of an Inka trail, 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 the Inka trail climbing up for 4 hrs to Llactapata 2700 mts. From here, we can see Machupicchu (Inca city) and enjoy some free time to rest, 2 hrs.

Downhill to the hydroelectric plant 1870 mts. where we have the last lunch with all staff. At 15:20 pm. we will take 45 minute train journey to Aguas Calientes town 2000 mt. Special Dinner and great beds in the " Hostal Viajeros ", optional hot spring baths. B L D. ( Walking distance aproximately 12 km.)
* Walking poles recommended for the 2 final hours downhill.

5th DAY MACHUPICCHU / CUSCO.

View of Machupicchu

Early walk or bus for 25 minutes to the Citadel of Machupicchu, guided tour for 3 hours and plenty of free time for further exploring, photos and optional climb of the mountain Huayna Picchu, Temple of the Moon, or the Gate of the Sun. Generally around 1pm people walk down the steps back to Aguas Calientes for the Buffet lunch and at approx 16:00 hrs we take our return train to Cusco arriving around 9:00 pm to Cusco City. B L

Included:

• Private transport,
• Camping equipment tents ,
• Rolls matts ,
• All 13 meals during the tour,
• Donkeys or porters,
• English speaking guide,
• Cooks,
• All entrance fees, and
• Back Packer Tourist train return back to Cusco, 3 nights in tents and 1 night in a Hostel Private Rooms.

Extra Information:

• Sleeping bag rent for 4 days $ 10 HOLLOFILL OR HOLOFIBER weigh 2 kg minus 4 degress celcius
• $ 15 DOWN SLEEPING BAG 1.8 kg minus 10 degress celcius
• Mattress included weigh 800gms.
• The bag and Mattress will be returned to Cusco for you on day 4 as you have hostal accommodation with bed and bedding provided in Aguas Calientes.

Unless you hire an extra horse / porter you need to carry your back pack, sleeping bag and the mattress

Horse to carry up to 18 kg $80 9 kg $40
Regarding horses who carry personal items. You will need to carry with you a daypack with your Camera, water bottle, snacks, cold weather clothing and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in Dry season - May to October)- but as a precaution) and anything you will need before lunch as horses do not walk alongside you. You will meet up with your bag at lunch and then it will be waiting for you in your tent at campsites.
We can provide you with a big rice sack for extra luggage to be carried by porters but you might prefer to put everything up to 20kgs in one backpack so that you dont have 2 large backpacks in your tent and it is easier for you to bring your stuff back on the train etc from Aguas Calientes.

Take EXTRA MONEY for The bus down from MachuPicchu to Aguas Calientes $6, if you don´t want to walk down the trail so it is optional , tips for horsemen / crew, porters´, drinks snacks etc. You need to Take at least 150.00 soles emergency money that you hope to come back to Cusco with.

Note: there are no ATM¨s in Aguas Calientes and higher commission on Travellers Checks.

Return options from machupicchu (aguas calientes) the package includes: return by backpackers train (approx 4 pm) to cusco or to ollantaytambo with private bus connection to cusco from ollantaytambo, both arriving about 9pm to the cuzco plaza.

Recommended time of year for this trek : may to october

This trek is rated a moderate to difficult hike considering the high altitudes and length of walking especially on the 2nd day. you need to acclimatize in cusco for at least 3 days before trekking.
Suggestions of what you need to take:

• Backpack & daypack
• 8 c sleeping bag
• Hiking boots( runners shoes are not recommended )
• Walking poles
• Warm clothes : layers for variable temperatures specially at night.
• Flash light
• Camera and extra film & batteries
• Sunprotection : sunscreen : sun hat : sunglasses
• Thermals : wool socks : and woolen hat for cold nights
• Insect repellent
• Rain poncho : a good rain jacket
• Toiletries / toilet paper / small towel
• Bathing clothes for the hot springs.
• Gloves / scarf : trekking pants or similar.
• Water bottle : water purifying tablets
• Personal medical kit
• Original passport and original isic student card if applicable
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
  

PRICE:         350US$