Salkantay Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 05 days

Duration : 5 days / 4 nights
Price : Contact with us
Starting point : Cusco

Introduction

The mountains of the Cordillera Vilcabamba rise to form a ragged chain between the regions\' two great rivers, the Urubamba and the Apurimac. Along the Cordillera\'s northern side, massive snow peaks collide with tropical rain forests to create a brilliant contrast between lush vegetation and lofty desolation.�

Located northwest of Cusco, Nevado Salkantay, the cordillera\'s tallest peak, is at the eastern end of the chain and rises to 6271 meters in height.� The name Salkantay means Savage Mountain, which may refer to the clouds that rise up from the jungle lowlands and engulf the peak.
Mollepata, an attractive village built on a mountainside overlooking the deep citrus producing valley of the Apurimac, is the starting point for the trek.

Itinerary:
 

DAY 1: CUSCO - MOLLEPATA / MARKOKASA- SORAYPAMPA

We will start with the Transport from Cusco to the village of Mollepata (3000m -9843 f) , Then well will  start our hike all the way to Marcocasa (3400m-11154 f) a place with magnificent scenery.The ancient Inka considered Humantay (5217m-17116 f) the most beautifull snow covered mountain top.  Our camp will be at the foot of the mountain Soraypampa(3700m-1213 f) in tents, (lunch, afternoon snack, dinner).

 

DAY 2 :  SORAYPAMPA - SALKANTAY PASS - CHALLWAY

This morning we will have the most difficult part of the hike to the highest pass, Salcantay (4600m-15092 f).  From here we will start our descent and have a little time to observe the  constant change of the high jungle  and its pleasant climate.  After this we will arrive to the place called Challway ,where we will spend the nigth in tents(3000m-9842 f)  (Breakfast, lunch, dinner).

DAY 3: CHALLWAY - WINAYPOCO - LA PLAYA 

Day 3 we will descend through a mistical forest,where the vegetations grows sparsly , for instance a great variety of Orquids and bromelias.We will also meet with some  ancestral families during this trek ,late in the afternoon we will arrive to La playa (2100m-6890 f), place where we will camp in tents,(breakfast, lunch, dinner).
 

DAY 4: LA PLAYA - AGUAS CALIENTES (machupicchu)

After a healthy breakfast, we will begin ascending through the Inka trail network to the archeological complex of Llactapata (2650m-6894 f),this area is Cloud forest and we will have a exceptional over view of Machupicchu and Waynapicchu.  From here we descend to the Hydroelectric station (1950m-6389 f), where we will take a train to Aguas calientes(2050m-6726 f) and spend the night in a hostel, (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

DAY 5: INTIPUNKU - MACHPICCHU - CUSCO

Very early in the morning we will start walking to Intipunku (sun gate) where we will get a closer look of the historical sanctuary of  Machupicchu (2475 m) We will them descend into beautiful Inca city,where we will have a guided tour.  in the afternoon we will return to Cusco by train. (Breakfast)

What is included:

• Collection from your hotel in the morning
• Private bus to the start of the trail (Mollepata)
• Inca Trail & Machu Picchu entrance fees
• English speaking professional guide (two guides for groups over 9 persons)
• Igloo tents - 2 persons in each 4-person capacity tent with plenty of space for your backpacks
• mattress
• Cook and Cooking equipment
• Meals (04B,04L,04D) - food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude.
• Teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn)
• Horses days 1-4 (for equipment and personal items and 1 emergency horse) + horsemen,
• Porters days 5-7 (to carry tents, cooking equipment and food)
• Dining tent with camp tables and chairs
• Kitchen tent
• Accommodation for our porters and cooks
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Bus from Machu Picchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes
• Train ticket (Backpackers service) from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
• Transfer from the train station to your hotel.

 What is not included:

• Breakfast on the first morning.
• Meal in restaurant in Aguas Calientes on day 5 of the trek.
• Entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes US$3
• Sleeping bags (4 season) can be hired in our office for US$25 for the 5 day trek.
• Tips for the guide, cook and porters

What you need to bring/carry:

• Backpack,
• Sleeping bag 4 season (can be hired from our office for US$25 for the 5 day trek)
• Sleeping mattress (we will provide you with this)
• Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few dollars)
• String, comfortable footwear
• One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of clothing if you hire a personal porters, see options below)
• Sweater and jacket (something warm)
• Water bottle and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco)
• Flashlight and batteries
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
• Sun block (sun protection cream)
• Insect repellent
• Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
• Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc,
• Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries
• Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the trek)
• You also need to bring your original passport on the trail.

Options:

• An extra night in Aguas Calientes can easily be arranged for you if required. Hotels costs and costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the following day are additional to trek costs. It is best to make your hotel reservation directly.
• Vegetarian Meals. We can provide vegetarian meals or cater for special diets with no extra cost. Just let us know at least 2 days prior to trek departure.
• Sleeping bag hire . If you haven\'t got a sleeping bag or you don\'t want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru with you then we have sleeping bags in our office for rent. The price is US$3 per person per day.