5 Days Salkantay

Salkantay Trek (5 days/4 nights)

SALKANTAY TREK This newly discovered route to Santa Teresa and thence to Machu Picchu is another stretch of the Inca roads. This tour leaves from Mollepata and is vastly becoming popular with the tourists. This route offers everything there is to offer on a hike; from amazing views of the Andean mountain chains, to waterfalls, flora and fauna, rapid change of ecosystems, and last but not least, now one of the wonders of the world - Machu Picchu. If you don’t like big crowds and you want a trek just as amazing as the Inca Trail, well this is it!DONE Difficulty of trek: Moderate Length of trek: 5 Days / 4 Nights (Optional Salkantay 4 Days/3 nights which excludes Machu Picchu) Start point: Cusco End point: Cusco Type of trek: Archaeological, Cultural, Camping, Ecological, Hiking DAY 1 – Cusco to Soraypampa Departing Cusco at 5am in private bus we have a 3 hour journey to Mollepata. In Mollepata we will eat a breakfast and gear up our horses with the equipment (horses can carry 6kg per person). Afterwards we set off by foot towards CruzPata where we will see the Apurimac river canyon (the deepest in Peru). Here we will eat lunch! We then continue our hike in the direction of Soraypampa where we will soon see the magical view of the Humantay snow peak (5902m). Another 4 hours of walking and we will arrive at our campsite in Soraypampa (3900m) where we will observe the magical Apu Salkantay (6271m) while the sun goes down. Be prepared for a cold first night of camping! DAY 2 - Soraypampa to Collpapampa Wake up call is at 5.30, breakfast at 6am and off on foot by 6.30am. We start our hardest ascent to of the Apacheta pass (4590m). After the breathtaking view of the snow capped Mountain Salkantay (6264m), which is the second highest peak in the Cusco region, we can also observe the mountains Humantay and Huayanay, white river, small lakes and moraines. After 5 hours of hiking in the morning, after lunch we only have a 2-3 hour walk down hill to Camp in Chaullay (2920m). DAY 3 - Collpapampa - La Playa Another early morning we start with an easier 3 hours hiking to Uscamayuc, where we will enter to a high jungle niche called "Ceja de Selva". Its time to take pictures of the beautiful flora and fauna (including banana crops and coca trees), bird watch and even shower in the waterfall. Lunch is at Wiňaypoq'o, then its a 3 hour walk to our last campsite in La Playa (2400m). To your surprise there is a small village with electricity and shop located here. DAY 4 - La Playa to Aguas Calienes From La Playa we take a local transportation for approximately 10 minutes to Lucma (or choose to hike it). Afterwards we begin our hike in the direction of Colpani. We will ascend up this trail through the beautiful vegetation and with an amazing view of the Santa Teresa Valley. We continue our hike for a further 3 hours until we get to Llactapata(a newly discovered Inca Site) 2700m. From here, we can see Machu Picchu and enjoy some free time to rest with some snacks, and take photos. We now go down hill to the hydroelectric plant 1870m to take the 45minute train to AguasCalientes(2000m) where we will enjoy some free time to visit the town’s famous thermal springs. They are open until 9pm, then in the even we can enjoy our last dinner together. Accommodation tonight is in a hotel in AguasCalientes, based on DWB or TWB. (B,L,D) Day 5 - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu 5am breakfast then at 5.30am we get the bus to Machu Picchu. We need to depart early so those who wish to climb Huayna Picchu will need to sign up before the 2 hour guided tour. During your visit to these ancient ruins you will see clouds fly past and Machu Picchu will disappear with in them, so make sure you take pictures whilst the ruins are visible. After the tour you will have free time to explore the mountain of Huayna Picchu overlooking all of Machu Picchu - by far the best view! Huayna Picchu will take approximately 2 hours return trip. It is now your choice to enjoy lunch just outside the ruins or take the bus back to AguasCalientes to explore this small and quaint village. The train back to Cusco departs late afternoon so your estimated time of arrival is approximately 9pm. Included: Pick up from your hotel in the morning of trek departure Private bus transfer from your hotel to the beginning of trek point Entrance fee Machu Picchu Horses (to carry tents, food, cooking equipment and 6kgs personal belongings) One emergency horse Cooks for: 5 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners, 4 Lunches (food includes: pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking. Hot drinks: Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, including coca leaf tea which is excellent for altitude!) Tea time/ Snacks: coffee/ tea, popcorn and biscuits Bilingual & professional tour guide Tents for 2 people (but has capacity for 3), so there is plenty of space for your backpacks Accommodation for crew Sleeping mats, table(s) & chairs, kitchen tent Short bus from Machu Picchu to AguasCalientes (return) First Aid including spare Oxygen 3 nights in a tent, 1 night in a Hotel (private room) Backpacker train to Cusco – Ollantaytambo (Vistadometrain available upon request Not Included: Sleeping bags (we have for rent at $4 per day and they are good for -15) Flashlight Lunch on the last day after the guided tour at Machu Picchu Entrance to the Hot Springs in AguasCalientes Tips for guide, cook and porters What to bring: Original Passport (same one you made the reservation with) Waterproof hiking shoes or boots recommended Backpack and/or Daypack (You may need one for the horse and one to carry. We do have duffel bags available for hire if need) Sleeping bag for up to -8 degrees Celsius (available for rent at $4 per day) Warm clothing (layers recommended) Thermals (woolen hat, socks and scarf are recommended) Flashlight Camera and film Batteries Sun protection (hat, sun screen, sun glasses) Insect repellent -minimum recommended 20% DEET (no malaria has been reported Rain jacket or Poncho Water proof back pack cover Water bottle Water purifying tablets (in case you want to pick up water from the rivers) Personal medical kit Passport and ISIC card if you are a student (originals required) Money for souvenirs, drinks and tips (easier in smaller change) Toilet paper Snacks such as chocolate, muesli, energy bars, dried fruit etc. Travel towel Swim suit Walking poles if you think you will want them Options and Rentals: Single tent supplement $10 per day Extra night in AguasCalientes $35 (or email us for alternate options). We will just need to arrange your train back to Cusco for the following day. Please tell us before final booking process. Sleeping bag rental ($4 per day) Vegetarian meals Personal horse and horsemen for riding or carrying extra personal belongings while on the trek. Extra cost is $50 for the 4 days Daypack $3 per day Walking poles $2 per day Students: Take advantage of our $20US discount for students if you hold a valid International Student Identity card (ISIC). You must send us a scanned copy of this when making your reservation and present the original to the entrance control office. Failure to do so will result in a loss of permit and denied entrance to the Machu Picchu. Single Travelers: If you are traveling single we will pair you up for sleeping arrangements with someone of the same sex. If you prefer to have your own tent the surcharge is $10 per day. Accommodation: Is nice, clean and friendly with private rooms (Twin with 2 beds or Matrimonial with one bigger bed). Generally we have our clients stay in Machu Picchu Inn or Hotel Presidente. Please note however that alternate accommodation options may be used. Luggage Storage: When you go on a trek it is best that you leave your unwanted trek items with your accommodation prior to the trek. All hostels/ hotels are equipped to hold extra luggage. Abroad Trekkers will not be held responsible for any lost or stolen items. Luggage could also be left with Abroad Trekkers if need. Please do not leave anything value in your bags that you will leave behind in storage. Prices: Trek prices are not stated on this website due to forever changing government and park fee prices. Please email us for more information.

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