Salkantay Trek (EA 22)
Another option for trekking with amazing mountain scenery and breathtaking views. This trek takes us around Mount Salkantay, the second largest mountain in the Cusco region (6271m/20,568ft), the valleys and cloud forest of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary and ends in Aguas Calientes. A final visit to Machu Picchu is included.
Available throughout the year
It includes visit to Machu Picchu
Class: Moderated
Schedule
- Day 1: Cusco - Soraypampa
- This morning, we start our Salkantay Trek leaving Cusco at 06:00 am, on a private transport to Mollepata. A beautiful scenic journey through Limatambo, with stops for panoramic views of the “Apu Salkantay. One can see awesome chains of magnificent snow-capped mountains and the lush Apurimac River Valley. After we arrive to our trailhead, called Mollepata 3000 asl. We meet our Arrieros (horsemen) and trekking staff, (Cook, and Assistants). We trek for about 3hrs before lunch through traditional Andean communities like Cruzpata, Challacancha where we stop for lunch. We continue walking for approximately 3 hrs through unspoiled Andean villages to Soraypampa 3850 mts, our first campsite. (L, D) Walking distance approximately 14 km/8.6 miles Maximum Altitude: 3,950 m/12,959 ft. Minimum Altitude: 2,850 m/9,350 ft. Approximate Walking Time: 3 -4 Hoursa
- Day 2: Soyroccocha – Chaullay
- After an early breakfast, we start trekking at approximately 06:00am for 3 hours to start our ascent of the Apacheta pass 4590 mts. From this point we can appreciate the spectacular views: Salkantay Mountain, a stunning snow-capped mountain (6264 mts)- the second highest peak in Cusco’s region, Humantay and Huayanay Mountains, white water rivers and small lakes. Two more hrs (approximately) and we will have lunch in Huayracpunku. Then we start a 2-3 hrs downhill walk to Camp in Rayan-niyoc at 2890 mts --or Camp at Chaullay 2920 mts for experienced trekkers. Any changes to be decided by the guide depending on the group’s abilities, weather and walking conditions. (B, L, D) Walking distance approximately 21 Km/7.4 miles Maximum Altitude: 4,590 m/15,059 ft. Minimum Altitude: 2,920 m/9,580 ft. Approximate Walking Time: 9-10 Hours
- Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa
- . Today, we´ll continue on our hike at 07:00 am. It will be 3 hours of easy hiking to Luscamayuc, where we will be introduced to a high Jungle niche called Ceja de Selva. Here we will observe different kind of crops like coca and banana and with luck maybe find the famous Peruvian National Bird: Gallito de las Rocas (Cock of the Rocks). Also we can take a bath at a waterfall. Stop at Wiñaypoq’o for lunch and free time to rest. Later on we continue our hike for 3 more hours to the last campsite in La Playa 2350 mts--a small village with electricity and a shop! (B, L, D) Maximum Altitude: 2920 m/9580 ft. Minimum Altitude: 2350 m/7709 ft. Walking distance approximately 18 km/11.19 miles Approximate Walking Time: 8-9 Hours
- Day 4: La Playa - Llaqtapata - Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes
- After breakfast, we´ll cross the river and start climbing for 2 to 3 hours, up to El Mirador or Abra Q’elloqasa (2,860 mts /9,381 ft.). There, we´ll have an exceptional view of the Lost City of the Incas; the legendary Machu Picchu, from a different angle. Then, we´ll enjoy our last lunch in nature, at the panoramic Vantage Point of Llaqtapata (2,650 mts / 8,692 ft.), from which we´ll be able to contemplate both Machu Picchu and Mount Salkantay, have a good rest, and enjoy the added value of Llactapata´s Incan Architectural Complex which has recently been restored. Afterwards, a 2-hour downhill hike will lead us towards the Aobamba River, crossing lush bamboo forests, as well as orchards and coffee plantations, all the way to Machu Picchu´s Hydroelectric Plant, from where we´ll board a train bound to Puente Ruinas, (Ruins´ Bridge) traveling by rail, on a short 30-minute scenic train ride, to get settled at our campsite, located just at the base of Mount Machu Picchu, have dinner and spend the night there. (B, L, D) Maximum Altitude: 2350 m/7,709 ft. Minimum Altitude: 2000 m/6,261 ft. Walking Distance: 16 km approx./9.9 miles Approximate Walking Time: 7-8 Hours
- Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
- This morning, we´ll wake up early, to have breakfast and board a tourist bus to Machu Picchu, where we´ll go on a complete guided tour of the Incan City, which will take about two hours. Then, we will have some free time to explore the site on our own, climb up Mount Huayna Picchu, if we have booked this activity well in advance, as there is a limit of 400 access tickets a day, to get to experience spectacular views of Machu Picchu, as a whole, as well as of the valleys and mountains that surround it. Otherwise, you could also visit the Temple of the Moon or the famous Incan Bridge. Early in the afternoon, we´ll take a bus down to the small pedestrian village of Aguas Calientes, where, if we want to, we could take advantage of a dip in the local thermal baths. Finally, we´ll take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we´ll arrive after nightfall. (B)
Included
- Private transfer to Mollepata-Cruzpata
- Entrance fee to the Machu Picchu Citadel and to Huayna Picchu mountain
- Camping equipment
- Train ticket from Hidro Electrica-Aguas Calientes
- Train Expedition to Cusco
- Guide
- Cook
- Horses to carry equipment
- Accommodation in Aguas Calientes (1 night 3-star hostel)
- Round trip bus Aguas Calientes- Citadel-Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast (4), lunch (4) and dinner (4)
- 6 kilos porter service for your personal items (Ex: extra clothes, mattress, sleeping bag to be carried by mules, so you just need to carry your daypack with everything you will need during the day)
Not Included
- Sleeping bag
- Snack energy bars
- Entrance fee to hot springs in Aguas Calientes (US$ 3)
- Hotel in Cusco
- Walking stick
Notes
- To upgrade train Vistadome please add US$ 50 OW
- Filtered water provided from lunch time on the 2nd day
- Accommodation in tents is based in doubles or triples. Ask us for single supplement
- If you would like to visit Huayna Picchu please let us now ahead of time, additional US$ 80