Salkantay to Machu Picchu

THE SALKANTAY TREK

LEVEL:  Moderate

5 days/4 nights

The Salkantay trek (also spelled Salcantay) is one of the most spectacular and varied hikes around Cusco. Given the new restrictions on the Inca trail, has become the second most popular hike in the region. Your first two days are dominated by the impressive "Apus" of Salkantay and Huamantay, as you pass through the high puna landscape. The rest of the trip is spent descending through the luxurious high jungle, which is rich in plant, bird and animal life. Your reward at the end of this hike is a visit to the very special ruins of Machu Picchu.

Day One: Cusco – Mollepata – Sillacancha – Soraypampa –

7 hours hike to an altitude of 3,800 metres... You will be collected from your hotel at 4.30am in the morning, and within two hours we will arrive the small village of Mollepata where we will have breakfast and organise our mules. From this village we will begin our hike and progressively ascend to Siccllacancha, passing by pretty farming countryside and cows grazing the whole way. At Siccllacancha we will have a delicious lunch while enjoying views of the mountain peak of Huamantay. After lunch we will continue with a gentle hike to our first campsite. Accommodation: Camping Soraypampa

Day Two : Soraypampa – Salkantaypampa – Paso – Warracmachay – Arrayanniyoc – Challhuay

8 hours hike to an altitude of 3,000 metres... On this day we climb for three hours to arrive at the Pass, which is the highest point of the trip (4,800 metres). After reaching this high point, we descend for five hours passing through puna vegetation (small plants) and a glacier before reaching the high jungle, which is rich in plant and bird life Accommodation: Camping Challhuay

Day Three: Challhuay – Colpapampa – Wiñaypocco – Lluscamayo – La Playa

6 hours hike to an altitude of 1900 metres... After breakfast we walk through the high jungle (known in Spanish as the eyebrow of the jungle”, enjoying the landscapes which offer us much natural beauty. The day follows a gentle descent to the small high jungle village of La Playa where we will spend the night. Accommodation: Camping La Playa (or possibly Santa Theresa)

Day Four: La Playa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

5 hours hike to an altitude of 2000 metres... In the morning we head towards Santa Theresa in a bus or truck, after which we cross the Vilcanota River in a flying fox. After this exciting crossing we hike for two hours more until we arrive at the impressive Machu Picchu Hydroelectric System where we will have lunch and visit a Inca ruin. After this, we will walk for 2.5 hours more along the train tracks to arrive at the village of Aguas Calientes. A soak in the thermal baths here are often the perfect respite for aching muscles!!! Accommodation: Hostel in Aguas Calientes

Note : you have the option of visiting the ruins of Llactapata on this day which involves a three hour climb and a two hour descent. You will need to discuss this option with your guide and the other members of your group.

Day Five: We have a guided visit of the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu and can appreciate the sunrise from the Inti Punku (the sun gate.) (weather permitting). We return to Cusco in the afternoon by the backpacker train, arriving around 8pm.

Optional services (not included)

Hire of sleeping bag – 5 season ($15)

Walking sticks ($10)

Day packs ($10)

Riding horse ($5 per day)

Itinerary Notes

• The times cited are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group.
• It is possible to start or finish your trip in either Urubamba or Ollayantatambo, in order to make it easier for you to visit the Sacred Valley.
• A reasonable level of fitness is required for this hike in a 8 day/ 7 night itinerary. If you would like to do this tour but feel that you need more time, a longer tour is recommended
• If required, riding horses or horses to carry luggage can be arranged at a reasonable daily rate.
• You have the option of catching the train from the Hydroelectric System to Aguas Calientes on Day 4, which costs $8. If you wish to take this option, you should pay on the day, yourself.

You are able to receive $14 OFF the price of your tour if you wish to stay in Aguas Calientes an extra night (paid for by yourself) and take the 5.45am Backpacker Cerrojo train to Ollantaytambo. From here you can either explore the Sacred Valley or pay 5 soles for a bus back to Cusco.

Included:

• Transport to Mollepata
• Return train to Cusco
• While camping, 3 good and nutritious meals per day made by experienced cook. Optional meals for vegetarians.
• Camping equipment includes tents, mattresses, and kitchen equipment.
• Guide
• Cook & assistant
• Muleteer and mules for camping and kitchen equipment.
• One “riding horse” for emergencies.
• First-Aid kit.
• Oxygen
• Entry fee to Machu Picchu & to the Salkantay trek. Holders of ISIC cards can receive a discount. These prices increased in July 2006 - please see our NEWS page.

Not included:

• Entry to Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Bus up or down to the ruins of Machu Picchu. ($6 each way).
• Additional horses for passengers luggage. If there are any substantial items or backpacks, passengers will need to hire an additional mule at a cost of $5 per day. (Normally the mules can take up to 5kg of the passenger's luggage without needing a separate horse/mule)
• Snacks or high energy trekking food
• Drinking water.
• Breakfast Day 1/ Dinner Day 4 / Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 5

What you should bring :

• Original passport and ISIC student card. Insurance card.
• Sleeping bag
• Changes of cothes for cool and hot, humid weather
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Good trekking footwear and socks
• Plastic poncho, as well as other suitable rain protection
• Special medication
• Any special or high energy snacks that you might wish on the trail,
• Swim-suit & towel
• Waterbottle and purifying tablets
• Toiletpaper,
• Binoculars (if you have them)
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunblock and sunhat
• Walking cane (if you wish)
• Extra rolls of film or well charged batteries for your digital camera.

You should remember that though we will be passing through towns regularly, only limited and basic supplies are available.