Salkantay - 4 Day Trek
This high altitude trek is an alternative rout to Machu Picchu and is considered by many as the most spectacular peak in the Peruvian Andes. It is a traditional Inca trail, but shorter with more to see throughout the trek. You will pass through some incredible areas of nature in the Andes with some breathtaking scenery and amazing wildlife before arriving at Machu Picchu.
Day 1 - Cusco - Soraypampa- Salkantay Pass - Chaullay
The trip begins with a hotel pick up at 4am, Starting from Cusco we drive 3 hours to reach Mollepata, where we stock up on supplies, then onto to Soraypampa (3850m),where we start the trek.
It begins with a gradual ascent to Salkantaypampa, then on to Salkantay pass where we will take in the incredible views before continuing to Huayrac Machay for lunch. Finally we will arrive at the small town of Chaullay, where you will find your camp set up for the night and dinner.
Day 2 - Chaullay - Playa - Luchabamba
Waking up to a cooked breakfast and tea, the morning is taken up walking by Waterfalls and the granadillas (passion fruit) plantations.
You will walk from one Andean hamlet to another before reaching Playa Sawayacu (2400 m). You can see the cables that people use to cross the river Oroyas, you will stop here for lunch before continuing to Lucmabamba where we say goodbye to part of our support team (muleteers and mules) and spend the night.
Day 3 Luchabamba- Llactapata - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes
Most of this part of the trek is uphill, you will pass through coffee plantations (slightly humid semi tropical climate) before arriving at the ancient Inca site of Llactapta (2740m). From here its possible to see Machu Picchu in the distance. You will descend further to Urubamba river where you will stop for lunch. Finally you will arrive at the town of Agues Calientes where you will find dinner and accommodation.
Day 4 - Machu Picchu
After a good nights sleep you will be up at sunrise to see Machu Picchu.
This is one of the main tourist attractions in Peru, many people that come to Peru make it a priority to walk the Inca trail or just visit and explore Machu Picchu, It’s a real bucket list destination!
Machu Picchu is named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site - but words on paper can't do justice to the unbelievable feeling of seeing the site for the first time.
The discovery of Machu Pichu not only put us in a state of awe, but it gave us a great deal of additional scientific and cultural information about the Incas. This sacred site was built as a refuge for the Inca aristocracy, the routes that led to Machu Picchu were forbidden for the common population and soon became a military secret then became forgotten.
It Includes:
Transfers
Bus Cusco - Soraypampa
Professional tour guide. Spanish English
Mule drivers
Mules to transport equipment (tents, mats, chairs and table) and your luggage
1 duffel bag: you can put your personal luggage, up to 7 kg (15.4 lbs)
A cook during the walk
The excursions detailed in the program
All income
Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners Vegetarian, vegan or special menus available at no additional cost
Wake up tea.
Accommodation as indicated in the program
First aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle
Bus Aguas Calientes- Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes
Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
Transportation Ollantaytambo - hotel.
Not included:
Day 1: breakfast.
Last day: lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes
Train ride from the Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
Entrance to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes: 6 USD per person
Sleeping bag
Canes
Personal clothing and equipment
Travel insurance.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The first day the walking distance is: Total distance: 22 km (13.7 miles) Estimated walking time: 7 to 8 hours Maximum altitude: 4650 masl. (15255 cakes) Initial height: 3800 masl. (12467 cakes) Final height: 2750 meters above sea level. (9022 cakes) Day of great difficulty.
The second day the walking distance is: Total distance: 18 km (11.2 miles) Estimated walking time: 5 to 6 hours Maximum altitude: 2750 masl. (9022 cakes) Initial height: 2750 masl. (9022 cakes) Final height: 2400 masl. (7874 pastels) Easy hiking day.
The third day the walking distance is: Total distance: 26 km (16.1 miles) Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours Maximum altitude: 2750 masl. (9022 cakes) Initial height: 2750 masl. (9022 cakes) Final height: 1600 masl. (5249 cakes) Easy hiking day.
On the fourth day the walking distance is: Total distance: 18 km (11.2 miles) Estimated walking time: 7 to 8 hours. Maximum altitude: 2,700 meters above sea level. (8,829 cakes) Initial height: 2450 masl. (8038 pastels) Final height: 2000 meters above sea level. (6561 pastels) Regular exertion day on the hike.