We recommend following the basics of ecotourism. We must respect and protect the environment, as well as the archaeological complexes and local customs.

The Apu Salkantay (6,264 masl) is a sacred mountain in the Vilcabamba range, located to the south of the Sacred Citadel of Machu Picchu.
This mountain, together with the Southern Cross, served as a point of reference for astrological observation developed by the Incas (from Machu Picchu), especially during the June and December solstices. Its location supports the concept of “sacred geography”, under which the Incas developed Andean civilization.

The best time of year to visit the Apu Salkantay is during the winter, from April to October.
Temperatures range from -5º C to 23º C with a scarce chance of rain. The maximum altitude we will reach is 4643 meters above sea level at the Salkantay pass, with the minimum altitude being 2000 meters above sea level in the town of Aguas Calientes.

The ecological levels we will experience will vary from Quechua (2500m. to 3500m.), Suni (3500m. to 4000m), Puna (4100m. to 4800m.) and Janca (4800m. to 6768m) with all their characteristic flora and fauna.

DAY 1 MOLLEPATA  (2850m.) – SORAYPAMPA (3850m.) – ARANAYANIYOC (3700m.)

Transfer from the hotel to the bus station, 3 hour trip to Mollepata where we stop for breakfast and shopping by our staff, then we continue one more hour by bus as far as Soray pampa 3850 m where we start the tour, we stop for lunch in Salkantay pampa 4000m then we climb to the highest pass 4600 m.u,a,s,l where we stop for offerings and snapshots .  We descend in the afternoon to Arayaniyoc 3700m small village where we camp.
Hiking time: 6 hours.
Meals during the day: lunch, Dinner

DAY 2 ARANAYANIYOC (3700m.)  – LLUSCAMAYU (2260) -  PLAYA (2400)

We leave very early after breakfast; we continue descending and enjoy the landscape which turns out different as we enter the hot zone with its big fruit trees, orchids, waterfalls, Andean towns as far as LLuskamayu (2600 m.u.a-s.l) where we have lunch, finally we camp at Playa (2400 m.) after a seven hour walk.
Hiking time: 7 hours
Meals during the day: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 3 LUCMABAMBA (2260m)  – LLACTAPATA (2740m.) HIDROELECTRICA (1900m.) - AGUAS CALIENTES (2050m.)

After an early breakfast we will take local transportation for 20 minutes to Lucmabamba.  From there we start our fourth day’s hike, climbing for almost 3 1/2 hours to a recently discovered Incan place called Llactapata (2,740m.), or 'high town' in Quechua.  From there we have the first view of Machu Picchu, free time to enjoy the scenery, and then we descend to Hidroelectrica Train Station (Km 116), where we will have a delicious lunch.  We continue the trek by the rail way, 3 hours more to Aguas Calientes (2,050m.).Upon arrival, you will be accommodated at the hostel or hotel of your choice (included on this package). You will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant at about 7:30p.m.Hiking time: 4 hours

L,Meals during the day: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES (2050m.) - MACHU PICCHU (2430m.) - CUSCO.

Early in the morning we take the bus from the town of Aguas Calientes to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. We have the opportunity to climb the difficult path to the top of the Huayna Picchu Mountain- the pyramid-shaped peak that overlooks Machu Picchu, which offers spectacular and different views; it is even possible to see the Apu Salkantay.
The tour of Machu Picchu allows us to appreciate the high level of development achieved by Andean civilization through the Incas.
A supremely religious site, Machu Picchu demonstrates the superior knowledge achieved in astronomy and astrology. This knowledge of measuring the rainy and dry seasons through the solstices is indispensable for the development of agriculture; the life-source of the Andes. After our visit, we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where we can enjoy a relaxing bath at the local hot springs.
The train to Cusco departs in the afternoon from Aguas Calientes, and it is important to be aware of the time schedule of the bus bringing you from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. Normally busses leave every 25 minutes and the prices of the bus and train tickets are included in the total price of the tour.

Meal during the day: Breakfast

You will get on a train that departs from Aquas Calientes to the train station in Ollantaytambo at 2pm or 7pm and it takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. In Ollantaytambo you will have transportation by bus to your hotel in Cusco that takes aproxlymatly1 hour and 45 minutes.
You will be back at your hotel around 5.30pm to 6pm or 9:30pm to 10pm.

IMPORTANT:

• Your passport number
• If you have any special diet ( ex. Vegetarian)
• The hotel and address you stay at
• If you have any special dieses that we should be aware of (you are responsible to bring your own medicine). We will provide basic first aid kid and oxygen.

For the tour we provide a duffle bag (normal sports bag), where you can put in your personal belongings and sleeping back that you don’t want to carry at the trek, but still have with you on the tour. You are allowed to fill the bag with 7 kg, which the mules on the trek will carry. To get this duffle bag you go to Peru Travel Expedition in Plateros street Nº 314. The office is located very close to Plaza de Armas in Cusco.

INCLUDES:

• Entrance fee: Machu Picchu
• Transportation from Cusco to Soraypampa
• Transfer from Ollanta Train station – Cusco Hotel
• Train tourist Service: Aguas Calientes – Ollanta train station.
• Bus ticket: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes.
• Hotel: Double accommodation in Aguas Calientes (3rd day).
• Guide: Professional English and Spanish speaking guide.
• Cook: In charge of meal preparation
• Horsemen and horses: Carry tents, cooking equipment and also carry backpacks, sleeping bags and mattresses (Max. 5 kilos per person)
• Emergency Horse: Just in case someone needs help.
• Meals: 3 Breakfasts / 3 Lunches/3 Dinners/2 Snacks and afternoon tea
• Equipment: tents (2people in each, 3-person-capacity), sleeping bag, dinner tent, biodegradable toilet tent, kitchen tent, tables and chairs, table settings, first aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Breakfast the 1st day, and lunch last day.
• Sleeping bag

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST

Below you will find a list of equipment we recommend you bring with you.

• Original passport:
• Backpack
• Sleeping bag.                                     
• Strong footwear
• Change of clothes; Jacket; Clothes for cold weather
• Good socks
• Camera, films and extra batteries
• Water bottle, ideally non disposable canteen (boiled drinking water will be provided).
• Torch / flashlight, plus extra batteries
• Broad - brim or peaked cap
• Sun block
• Insect repellent
• Toiletries & toilet paper, small towel
• Swimsuit, for the hot springs
• Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits, energy bars etc.
• Cash in soles and US$ Dollars
• Binocular.
• Optional: walking Poles/sticks (rubber covers necessary).