Salkantay trek and Machu Picchu 5 days

The white peak of the sacred mountain of Salkantay (6,271 meters), wreathed in the white clouds that rise from the jungle, dominates Machu Picchu and its approach via the world famous Inca Trail and other treks around its base offering an extraordinary variety of ecological floors, from tropical valleys to glacial steppes.

SALKANTAY TREK & MACHU PICCHU

05 Days / 04 Nights

Code: CRA-AV-033

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata - Soraypampa
Day 2: Soraypampa - Chaullay
Day 3: Chaullay - La Playa
Day 4: La Playa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
Day 5: Excursion to Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco in the afternoon.

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Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata – Soraypampa

Early morning pick-up from the hotel and private bus to the village of Mollepata where we will begin our trek passing the small communities of Pampa de Anta, Izcuchaca, Zurite and Ancahuasi before descending into the fertile Limatambo valley with its orchards and the fine stonework of the Inca site at Tarawasi. From the tropical valley of Mollepata with its citrus groves we go on to Choquekiclla for our first views of the southern faces of the Salkantay (6,271 meters) and Humantay (6, 217 meters) massifs, both sacred to the people of the Andes.
(10 km/ -hour trek)

Day 2: Soraypampa - Chaullay

An early breakfast and we are ready to start a 3-hour trek before beginning our ascent to the Apacheta pass (4,590 meters). The name of this pass is a reference to the stone-heaps called apachetas, offerings to the Apus or mountain gods, which have been placed there by travellers. We now have a magnificent view of the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay, as well as other interesting geological formations. After a brief rest we continue our trek downhill to Huayracpampa and on to our campsite at Chaullay (2920 meters).
(23 kilometers/ -hour trek)

Day 3: Chaullay - La Playa

Another early start and we are off on an easy hike into the cloud forest or Ceja de Selva. Once downhill, during the relaxed hike along the river we will be able to observe a wide variety of tropical flora and fauna and even take time for a sprinkle under a waterfall. Finally, we arrive to our last campsite at La Playa (2,350 meters).
(15 km/ -hour trek)

Day 4: La Playa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes

We continue our last day of the trek on an Inca Trail. In approximately one and a half hours we arrive at the pass of Lucmabamba traversing dense cloud forest, where we have our first possibility of sighting Machu Picchu lying in front of us. After a relaxing break, we now descend to the Urubamba valley, passing a footbridge and arriving at the hydroelectric plant with its small railway station early in the afternoon. Here we can have a simple lunch, served in one of the restaurants along the station.In the afternoon we take the short train ride to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a hostel.(8 km/6-hour trek)

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco

We take the first bus in the morning to Machu Picchu, arriving before the first crowds of tourist arriving from Cusco by train. A full day guide tour to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and, if time allows, we can walk to the Inti Punku, the Sun gate.
In the afternoon (around 3:00 pm) descend by bus to Aguas Calientes and train to Cusco (4:00 pm). Arrival in Cusco around 8:30 pm and transfer to your selected hotel.

The 5 day Salkantay trek includes:

Pick up from your hotel
Transport by bus Cusco - Mollepata, start of trailhead
Horses to carry the equipment.
Cook and horsemen.
Professional bilingual Guide
Cooking equipment, mess tent, dining tent, chairs, tables, accommodation for the porters and cook
Cook preparing all meals
Foam mattress (self inflatable mattress can be rented)
Meals (3 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches , 3 Dinners) food is adjusted for trekking and rich in carbohydrates.
Boiled water provided at meal times to refill your waterbottle
One overnight in hostel in Aguas Calientes
Roundtrip bus from Aguas Calientes to the Machupicchu Sanctuary ($12.00)
Entrance fee for Machupicchu ($ 37.00)
Train ticket from Hydro Electric plant to Aguas Calientes ($ 10.00)
Tourist Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco ($46.00)
Transfer Cusco train station to your hotel
first aid kit, emergency oxygen, radio communications

Not included:

sleeping Bag (can be rented in our office in Cusco)
water purifying tablets
tips for the porters, cook and guide
dinner on day 4 and 5 and lunch on day 5 in Aguas Calientes

Prices 2008: USD $ 465.00

GROUPSIZE:
Minimum group size: 4
Maximum group size: 12

Departures:

3 to 4 times a week. Please consult for exact departure dates.

Reservations:Please mail the following information:

Salkantay trek and Machu Picchu 5 days