Salkantay
This amazing trek runs beneath the sacred Salkantay mountain (6.271m/20569ft), one of the highest and most stunning in the Peruvian Andes, passing through Quechua communities and lesser-known Inca ruins, to finally reach Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. The impressive Sacred Inca city of Machupicchu is visited on the last day of the program. This itinerary is an interesting alternative for those not having found spaces on the Inca Trail trek to Machupicchu.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa
We leave Cusco at 05.00 am in a private transportation and start a scenic morning scenic bus-ride to our trail starting point at Challacancha. Along the four-hour drive, we stop in the town of Limatambo (2100m/6888ft), an important point of access to the city of Cusco during the time of the Inca Empire. Here we visit the archaeological remains of Tarawasi, where we can appreciate an Inca Usno, or place where ceremonies for mother earth were conducted. We leave Limatambo and drive up a beaten track along the right shore of the Apurimac River, to reach Mollepata (2800m/9184ft), and then Challacancha (3900m/11480ft), where we meet our horsemen and horses. After a short introduction we start our hike, following the route until our campsite in Sorayampa. Meals: L, D
Day 2: Soraypampa to Collpapampa
We depart early after breakfast and start on a soft ascent towards the base of Mt. Salkantay (6271m/20569ft) after 5-hour ascent which brings us up to the Salkantay Mountain Pass (4525m/14842ft) where, besides enjoying stunning views of the surrounding glaciers, we may also observe chinchillas and condors in their natural habitat. From this point, we start descending towards a more tropical climate and into the so-called cloud forest. A long though easy descent brings us late afternoon to our camp at Collpapampa (2890m/9479ft), a beautiful spot with some natural hot springs to relax in.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Collpapampa to Aguas Calientes
Today we continue our hike with an easy walk along the Salkamayo River, enjoying the increasingly lush vegetation, passing waterfalls, passion fruit and coffee plantations. In the afternoon we arrive at our camp at the village of (2155m/7068ft), where we can refresh in the river before dinner.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we cross the river and start climbing - passing through some coffee plantations- up to El Mirador (2860m/9381ft) from where we have an exceptional view of the Lost City of the Incas: legendary Machupicchu, from a different angle. We enjoy a last lunch in nature at the lookout point of Llaqtapata (2650m/8692ft) from where we can view both Machupicchu and Salkantay and take a good rest. A 2-hour descent brings us to the hydroelectric plant of Machupicchu from where we get to Aguas Calientes, in a Hotel or hostal we’ll pass the night. B, L
Day 5: Machupicchu to Cusco
We wake up early and board a bus, which will take us up to Machupicchu where we begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. We will then have free time to walk around, climb up the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or we can visit the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.
Notes:
Included
Not Included
Recommendations
Optional Services
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes or Machupicchu: please let us know if you wish us to make the hotel booking and, in this case, your requested hotel category and accommodation, and the number of nights you wish us to book. Our Reservation Department will provide you with a list of our selected hotels, services and prices for you to choose from. Our hotel choice is based on previous client reports and regularly updated. Please beware that if you wish to visit Machupicchu again the following day, the additional cost of the entrance fee is not included (24.00US$ adults, 15.00US$ students).
Therm-a-rest inflatable mattress rent: US$ 5.00 / day.
Sleeping Bag: Our sleeping bags are –20ºC-comfort and mummy form and include a sleeping bag liner. They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips. rent: US$ 9.00 / day.
More Info
Appropriate clothing along this hike
Hiking pants and T-shirts are commonly used 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, and 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.
Climate
Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.
Along the Salkantay route, temperatures range from 10- during the day if it’s sunny, to 05- during the day if not sunny and can drop below freezing at night. In Aguas Calientes/Machupicchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.
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