Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu 5D
Thinking about Trekking to Machu Picchu?. The first thing that came to mind was probably to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Because of excessive crowds the Peruvian government decided not only to limit daily access but also to impose strict Inca Trail Regulations. We understand how frustrating it is to not be able to get a permit because you didn’t book 4 months in advance and there are no permits left.
THIS SALKANTAY TREK WAS RECENTLY NAMED AMONG THE 25 BEST TREKS IN THE WORLD, BY NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ADVENTURE TRAVEL MAGAZINE.
Is a trek open to everybody, with no limitation on spaces or permits (at least for now). Connecting the city of Mollepata, Cusco with Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek is an ancient and remote footpath located in the same region as the Inca Trail where massive snow capped mountains collide with lush tropical rain forests.
Located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south central Peru by the Cordillera Vilcabamba and rising to 6271 meters above sea level (20574 ft) Mt.
Salkantay is an outstanding glacier-capped summit worshipped for thousands of years by local indians. The name Salkantay is a quechua word meaning “Savage Mountain”.
SALKANTAY TREK
Our classic Salkantay Trek is a custom-designed alternative to the traditional Inca Trail. Off the beaten path, this is a cutting edge experience for adventure travelers looking for a little more privacy and authenticity. With more spectacular vistas, the Salkantay to Machu Picchu Trek offers the solitude and quiet contemplation such a sacred path deserves.
PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE TAKING THE PATH OF MARCOCASA TO GET BETTER VIEWS AND WE ARE SKIPPING THE DUSTY ROAD OF THE FIRST DAY AS WELL HIKE TO LAKE HUMANTAY WITH VIEWS OF MT. SALKANTAY, A SACRED MOUNTAIN IN INCAN MYTHOLOGY.WITHOUT MISSING THE OPTION TO GO TO THE NATURAL HOT SPRING OF SANTA TERESA .
Day 0 : Evening Briefing In Cusco
Meet & greet with other guests where you receive important information for a great trekking experience.
Day 1: Marcocasa Trek – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
We pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. to drive for about 3 hours to Mollepata you have breakfast then Marcocasa where we start our Salkantay trek . As soon as we are at Marcocasa the horseman will pack all the camping equipment and cooking stuff and we start hiking the first 3 hours will be a little bit uphill to get Cruzpata where we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120m/13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft) – just the start! We will begin our Salkantay trek towards Soraypampa, our first Salkantay Trek camping spot (3800 m/11750ft; the highest and coldest campsite of the trip) we will be very close to the second highest Salkantay snow capped -mountain of Cusco.
1ST DAY:Total distance: 15 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 3,800 m (aprox.)
Day 2 : Soraypampa – Chaullay or Collpamapa
Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu 5D
FIRST SALKANTAY TREK DAY : MOLLEPATA TREK MARCOCASA TRAIL- SORAYPAMPA
We pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. to drive for about 3 hours to Mollepata where we start our Salkantay trek . As soon as we are at mollepata while you have breakfast the cook and the horseman will pack all the camping equipment and cooking stuff and we start hiking the first 3 hours will be a little bit uphill to get Cruzpata where we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120m/13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft) – just the start! We will begin our Salkantay trek towards Soraypampa, our first Salkantay Trek camping spot (3800 m/11750ft; the highest and coldest campsite of the trip) we will be very close to the second highest Salkantay snow capped -mountain of Cusco.
1ST DAY:Total distance: 15 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 3,800 m (aprox.)
Day 2: Soraympampa – Chaullay or Collpampa (Might Salkantay )
After having our Salkantay Trek breakfast we start walking about 5:30 am ,because this day will be the longest day the first 4 hours is uphill to get the highest point of the Salkantay Trek (4650m/15200ft) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible. There is a possibility of snow here. After a rest, we will continue our walk (downhill) through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch. We hike again after lunch in the direction of the start of the jungle until we reach our second Salkantay Trek camping spot of chaullay or Colcapampa (3000m/9800ft).
2ND DAY:Total distance: 19 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 8 – 9 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,650 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 2,750 m (aprox.)
Day 3 : Chaullay – La Playa Sahuayaco ( Cloud Forest )
After breakfast, at 6.30am, we start walking through the upper jungle crossing the Lluskamayo River and a variety of little brooks to reach La Playa walking about 6 hours. Today we will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits ,plants and as soon as we are at la playa place horses will go back to Mollepata on taking the same Salkantay Trek .so we camp at la Playa Sahuayaco
3RD DAY:Total distance: 16 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,750 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 1,600 m (aprox.)
Day 4 : Llactapata – Hydroeletric Station – Aguas Calientes
We will have breakfast at 8am and leave our camping spot of Lluscamayo. We walk up on a original Inca Trail to Llactapata site where you will get a chance to see Machupicchu far away (one of the most beautiful place to see Machupicchu) then We continue walking, passing a variety of crop plantations, coca, banana etc. until we reach the hydroelectric station. And after the lunch we keep walking about two and half hours along the train road till reaching Aguas Calientes town where we will spend the night in a hostel. In Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the thermal springs in the town (entrance 10 soles) a real treat after finishing the Salkantay Trek
4TH DAY:Total distance: 12 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 5 – 6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 1,600 m (aprox.)
Hostel(aguas calientes) altitude: 1,900 m (aprox.)
Day 5 : Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu !!!
Salkantay trek important day ,We wake up early morning about 4 am to then to 4:30 to have the breakfast and leave to walk up to Machupicchu which takes one and half hours up to machupicchu but there is another option to catch the first bus which leaves 5:30 to Machupicchu (25-minutes long) in order to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun is rising.
A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your Guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huaynapicchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top.and after enjoying machupicchu you have to go down to aguas calientes to take the train back to ollantaytambo and then bus back cusco.
4TH DAY:Total distance: 4 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 1- 2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (aprox.)
Add On The Nazca Lines, The Amazon Rainforest, Colca Canyon, And Other Extension Tours or Treks Let Us Know.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
- All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions and flight schedules.
- Train included in all tours is the Cerrojo-backpacker (Aguas calientes to Ollantaytambo) Train times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. The earliest train you could take is the 14:00 and being the 9:00 pm the last train. Machu Picchu exploring Peru will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus).
- Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
Salkantay Trek Includes:
- Pre-departure briefing
- Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transportation to Challacancha (starting point of the trek)
- Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent north face
- One inflatable sleeping pad per person
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Kitchen tent
- English speaking professional and official tourist guide (2 guides for groups of over 10 people)
- Chef and cooking equipment
- Pack animals (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) – days 1 to 2
- 1 emergency horse every 6 persons – days 1 to 2
- Wranglers – days 1 to 2
- Accommodation for all our staff
- Meals (04B, 04L, 04D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
- Filtered boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards
- Bio-degradable personal hand soaps
- Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our kitchen staff
- Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- 1Day Machupicchu entrance fee
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Expedition, Vistadome or Hiram Bingham service, upon request) (*)
- Transfer train station-hotel in Cusco
- 24-h guest service: please ask for the emergency number available during your time of visit.
Salkantay Trek Dosent Include:
- Breakfast on the first day
- Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machupicchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machupicchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense too
- One sleeping bag
- One pillow per person
- Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes and Santa Teresa : a relaxing way to end-up the 4-day trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is s/10.00 (Peruvian Soles). Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes
- Huayna Picchu entrance fee: if you would like to climb this mountain an additional fee of US$ 20.00 per person applies
- Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish.
Upgrades And Additional Things To Hire :
- Extra Horse to Carry extra things/12kg-
- Extra Horse To Ride /90kg-Weight Limit Day 1 & 2 and Includes an Horseman to control the horse.
- Huaynapicchu Mountain Entrance ticket (2 hours round trip) based on availability and book in advance
- Extra Night Hotel in Aguas Calientes based on twin bed room with private bathroom (This is in case you need to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes town)
- Walking sticks(Black Diamond) : it can be rented from us. (02 poles – for the entire trip)
- Sleeping bags: it can be rented from us.( for the entire trip)
- Upgrade to first class Vistadome Train (And inclues and Private Transfer From Ollantaytambo to Cusco as well)
- Airport pickup in Cusco USD $15
What we recommend that you bring:
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
- Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
- Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
- Camera and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 10% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
- Handkerchiefs
- Toilet paper
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
- Water container and water for the first morning. Important notice: plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into Machu Picchu. Plastic water containers (ie. Nalgene) or metal ones are recommended
- Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
- Small towel
- Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
- Cash in soles
- Original passport
- Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
- Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage archaeological sites)
Appropriate clothing along this hike
Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the fourth day (if sunny) and in Machupicchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machupicchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the“What we recommend that you bring” list.
Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu 4D (through Llactapata) 2016 – 2017
- GROUP SERVICE BY BUS : USD$350 per person & Students US$330 per person (08-10 ppl Average – 16ppl Maximum over 10 ppl 02 Guides) /02 person to open a new group & any day you suit. (Based on availablity)If you are a Group over 06 people Write us to give you a discount.
Note :Travelers MUST be back at the Hydroelectric power plant by 3:00 pm AT THE LATEST! If this time window is missed you will be responsible for purchasing transportation back to Cusco (either by train or other private transport).
- GROUP SERVICE BY TRAIN : US$400 per person & Students US$380 per person (04-08 ppl Average – 12ppl Maximum over 10 ppl 02 Guides) /02 person to open a new group & any day you suit. (Based on availablity) If you are a Group over 06 people Write us to give you a discount.
- PRIVATE SERVICE BY TRAIN: From 02ppl US$0 per person .From 03ppl US$0 per person.From 04ppl US$0 per person.From 05-06ppl US$0 per person. From 07-10ppl US$0. you can leave any day you suit. The Sleeping bag and walking poles included in the price . (Based on availablity)If you are a Group over 06 people Write us to give you a discount.
DISCOUNTS:
- Students: Discount of USD 20.00 dolars.To the students with valid card International Student Identity Card (ISIC) In case to be a student, the card must be properly scanned and send digitally to our e- mail before you pay the initial deposit for the reservation, in order to qualify for the discount .
- Teenagers: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Group of 8 or more: Completely free !! Sleeping bags and trekking poles for groups of 8 or more. Groups must book together at the same time.
Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu 4D (through Humantay Lake)
- GROUP SERVICE BY BUS : USD$350 per person & Students US$330 per person (08-10 ppl Average – 16ppl Maximum over 10 ppl 02 Guides) /02 person to open a new group & any day you suit. (Based on availablity)If you are a Group over 06 people Write us to give you a discount.
Note :Travelers MUST be back at the Hydroelectric power plant by 3:00 pm AT THE LATEST! If this time window is missed you will be responsible for purchasing transportation back to Cusco (either by train or other private transport).
- GROUP SERVICE BY TRAIN : US$400 per person & Students US$380 per person (04-08 ppl Average – 12ppl Maximum over 10 ppl 02 Guides) /02 person to open a new group & any day you suit. (Based on availablity) If you are a Group over 06 people Write us to give you a discount.
- PRIVATE SERVICE BY TRAIN: From 02ppl US$0 per person .From 03ppl US$0 per person.From 04ppl US$0 per person.From 05-06ppl US$0 per person. From 07-10ppl US$0. you can leave any day you suit. The Sleeping bag and walking poles included in the price . (Based on availablity)If you are a Group over 06 people Write us to give you a discount.
DISCOUNTS:
- Students: Discount of USD 20.00 dolars.To the students with valid card International Student Identity Card (ISIC) In case to be a student, the card must be properly scanned and send digitally to our e- mail before you pay the initial deposit for the reservation, in order to qualify for the discount .
- Teenagers: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Group of 8 or more: Completely free !! Sleeping bags and trekking poles for groups of 8 or more. Groups must book together at the same time.
