SALKANTAY TO MACHU PICCHU (5 Days / 4 Nights)

The local companies give you a good chance to experience alternative treks to Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Cusco – Machu Picchu (10 km / 6-7 hours approx.)

We depart at 6 am by private transport to Mollepata (2,900 m / 9,515 ft). On the way, we enjoy a beautiful scenic journey through Mollepata, with stops for panoramic views of the “Salkantay Mountain” where we will have breakfast. One can see awesome chains of magnificent snow capped mountains and the lush Apurimac River Valley. After we arrive to our trailhead, called Cruzpata (3,200 m / 10,500 ft), we meet our arrieros "horsemen" and our trekking staff, the cook and the assistants. We trek for about 3 hours through traditional Andean communities like Cruzpata and Challacancha where we stop for lunch.

We continue walking for approx 2 hours through unspoiled Andean villages to Soraypampa (3,850 m / 12,630 ft) where we set up our first campsite.

Day 2: Soraypampa – Chaullay (16 km / 9-10 hours approx.)

After an early breakfast we start trekking at approx 7 am for 3 hours to start our ascent of the Apacheta pass 4, 600 m. From this point we can appreciate the spectacular views of the Mountain Salkantay, a stunning snow capped mountain (6,264 m / 20,550 ft) the second highest peak in the Cusco region, and also the mountains Humantay and Huayanay, white river, small lakes and moraines. From the pass on, we continue 2 hours downhill to Huayracpunku where we will have lunch. Then, we walk a further 2-3 hours downhill to our campsite in Rayan-niyoc at (2,890 m / 9,480 ft) or in Chaullay (2,920 m / 9,580 ft) (for experienced trekkers). To be decided by the guide depending on the group’s ability and walking conditions and the weather.

Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa (10 km / 6 hours approx.)

We start walking at 7 am. We hike for 4 hours to LLuscamayu where we will be introduced to a high Jungle niche called "Ceja de Selva.” We will see different kinds of plants, fruits, flowers, birds etc. We will also be able to observe coca and banana crops. There will be time to shower in a waterfall, take amazing pictures, and with luck we will be able to see the famous Peruvian National Bird "Gallito de las Rocas." Following lunch, we continue on a 2 hour walk to our last campsite in La Playa (2,350 m / 7,710 ft). La Playa is a small village with electricity and a shop!

Day 4: La Playa – Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Village (12 km / 6-7 hours approx.)

We begin our trek at approx 6 am to the village Lucmabamba. At Lucmabamba, we travel along the remains of an Inka trail. We follow this rising trail, from which we will see plantations of coffee, banana, passion fruit and a lovely view of the Santa Teresa Valley. We will follow the trail for 4 hours to Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft). From here, we will see Machu Picchu for the first time (Inca city) and enjoy some free time to rest, approx 2 hours. We then continue downhill to the hydroelectric plant (1,870 m / 6,135 ft) where we have the last lunch with all staff. At 13:30, we start our walk to Aguas Calientes town (2,000 m / 6,560 ft), about 2 hours.

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco

We wake up at 5:30 am, have breakfast. We will leave our luggage at the hostel and take the earliest Tourist bus up to Machu Picchu. We usually get to Machu Picchu by 6:50 am, which is ideal to visit since at this time Machu Picchu is rather empty and offers the best chance to enjoy the beauty and magic of this stunning location quietly and peacefully. We go through a guided tour of about 2 1/2 hours and then you will have time to explore the whole site on your own for about 3 hours. There is time as well to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain and get the best view over Machu Picchu. This takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes round trip. You will also have the option to go to the temple of the moon which is located behind Huayna Picchu Mountain. After visiting Machu Picchu, we suggest taking the bus down to Aguas Calientes by 14:00 at the latest (assuming the train departs at 15:55). Buses depart every 15 minutes. Check with the guide for actual times. We will be getting to Cusco by approximately 21:00. Transfer to your hostel or hotel will be provided.

-Lunch can be taken at Aguas Calientes town before taking the tourist train back to Cusco

-Optional stay 01 extra night in Aguas Calientes. Cost of Hotel: USD$20 - $30 per person

INCLUDED

1. Official English speaking guide (two guides for groups over 8 persons)

2. Entrance to the Inca trail Salkantay and Machu Picchu

3. Transfer from Cusco to Mollepata Village by private or shared tourist bus

4. Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Backpacker train)

5. Bus tickets round trip from Aguas Calientes village to Machu Picchu

6. Horses to carry food and camping equipment

7. 4 capacity tent (four season tent) - 2 persons per tent with plenty space for backpacks

8. A Roll pad mattress

9. a t-shirt with sight of Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu

10. Bags for your items from the company for 4 days

11. Experienced cook

12. All meals on the trail (4 breakfast - 4 lunches - 4 dinners)

13. Teatime everyday (coffee, tea, popcorn, cookies)

14. Water supply (boiled) after every dinner or breakfast

15. Horses to carry your personal items (8kilos)

16. First aid kit and oxygen bottle for any participant and our camp staff

17. Vegetarian food available on request .Vegetarian food u

NOT INCLUDED

1. Alcoholics drinks

2. Personal clothing for trek and clothes rain

3. First day your breakfast and last day lunch

4. Tips for guide and camp staff

Payment Facilities: Booking Conditions | Credit Cards | Money Transfer