Salkantay Trek

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, and last but not least, now one of the wonders of the world - Machu Picchu.  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 - Santa Teresa 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 At 07:00 A.M. we will have breakfast and we begin our hike in the direction of Colpani. We will ascend up this trail through the beautiful vegitation and with an amazing view of the Santa Teresa Valley. We continue our hike for a further 4 hours until we get to Llactapata 2700m. From here, we can see Machupicchu 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 Aguas Calientes 2000m where we will enjoy a nice last dinner together. Day 5 - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu Finally, at 7.30 we take a bus to the Incan City of Machu Picchu. We will have a guuided tour for 2 hours, then with your free time you can enjoy the Incan city and its surroundings, or choose to hike up Huaynapicchu Mountain that has the best view of the city to offer. This hike up and back will take 2 hours and please also note that only 400 people per day can hike this, so don't wait till the end of the day to decide! In the afternoon we will meet at Aguas Calienties where if you like, you can visit the hot springs before we take the train back to Cusco (arriving around 9pm). Included: Transfers to and From Cusco Entrance fees Horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) One spare horse Cooks for: 5 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners, 4 Lunches Snacks, coffee/ tea Bilingual guide Tents, sleeping matts, table(s) and chairs Short bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Oxygen 3 nights in a trench, 1 night in a Hostel (private room)   Not Included: Sleeping bag (see our rentals for hire) Flashlight   What to bring: Passport Hiking shoes Backpack and/or Daypack Sleeping bag for up to -8 degrees Celsius 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 Rain jacket or Poncho Water proof back pack cover Water bottle Water purifying tablets Personal medical kit Passport and ISIC card if you are a student (originals required) Money for souvenirs, drinks and tips Toilet paper   Optional: Walking poles (Recommended for the 4th day as the last 2hrs are very steep).   Extra snacks (Its always good to have chocolates as energy food)   Single tent supplement $15 per day

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