SALKANTAY TO MACHU PICCHU 5D/4N

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: CUSCO (3350m.)-MOLLEPATA (2850m.)-SORAYPAMPA (3850m.)

At 6:00 am we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. We leave Cusco towards the town of Mollepata by private transport and will approximately take 4 hours. We will travel to the north west, crossing the Pampas de Anta or Yawar Pampa (Blood Pampa), named for the ferocious battle which took place here between the Incas and the Chancas, for the control of the city of Cusco. We continue to the town of Limatambo, and Mollapata.
Upon arrival at Mollepata, we will enjoy a beautiful scenic journey through Limatambo, stopping for panoramic views of the Apurimac Valley, where you can have a breakfast in a typical restaurant. After that we will drive 1 hour to our trailhead at Sayllapata in an altitude of 3,200 meters above sea level, where we will have lunch and meet our “arrieros” (horsemen).
For 2 1/2 hrs, we will hike through traditional Andean communities like Cruzpata, Challacancha, and Soraypampa (3,850m.), after another 4 hours; we'll arrive at our first campsite.
Transporting time: 3 1/2 hours.
Hiking time: 7 hours.
Moderate climate and cold during the night.

Meals during the day: Lunch/Dinner.

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA (3750m.) – CHAULLAY (2920m.)

On the second day, after the breakfast we will around 7:00am start to ascend to the highest point of our trek, the Salkantay Pass in 4600 meters above sea level. From this point we can appreciate the special views of Salkantay Mountain, a stunning snow-capped peak (6264 meters). We will have 3 hours of walking with spectacular views of the mountains Umantay (3473m.) and Huayanay, small lakes and moraines before arriving at our lunch site, Huayraqmachay (3700 meters). Then After a trek of approximately 3 hours, we will arrive to our camp in Chaullay (2920m.).
Hiking time: 8 hours.
Meals during the day: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner.

DAY 3: CHAULLAY (2920m.) – PLAYA (2250m.)- SANTA TERESA (1830m.)

On the third day, the group will have 6 hours of easy, downhill hiking.  We will be introduced to a high jungle location called Ceja de Selva, where coffee, coca, fruits plantations, variety of birds, mammals, insects and other animals can be observed.
There will be time to shower in a waterfall, take amazing pictures. If we are lucky, we will be able to observe the famous bird called the “Cock of the Rocks”. From Playa Sahuayaco, we will head to the campsite located at the hot springs of Santa Teresa (It is recommended to bring your bath suit.) Here we will camp and have dinner.
Hiking time: 7 hours
Meals during the day: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 4: SANTA TERESA (1830m.) – LLACTAPATA (2740m.) – HYDROELECTRICA (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

Meals during the day: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 5: 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 6pm 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 ad 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:

• Transportation to and from: Cusco – Sayllapata
• Poroy Train Station - Cusco Hotel
• Train tourist Service: Aguas Calientes –Ollanta /Poroy train station.
• Entrance fee: Machu Picchu.
• Bus ticket: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes.
• Local bus: Playa – Lucmabamba.
• Hotel: Double accommodation in Aguas Calientes (4th 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. 8 kilos / 17 lbs per person)
• Emergency Horse: Just in case someone needs help.
• Meals: 4 Breakfasts/4 Lunches/4 Dinners/3 Snacks and afternoon tea
• Equipment: tents (2 people in each, 3-person-capacity), sleeping pad, 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
• Binoculars.
• Optional: walking Poles/sticks (rubber covers necessary).