SALKANTAY TO MACHUPICCHU 5D/4N

The Salkantay trek is an alternative trek to the classic Inca trail, that is a little easier as it is mostly downhill but with equally breath-taking views and arriving at our destination of the ancient Machupicchu archaeological site on the 5th day.
You will climb the 3rd highest mountain in Peru, called Salkantay (6271 m),which you don’t see clearly on the Classic Inka Trail. This trek borders along the beginning of the jungle zone, where you will see orchids, bamboo and tropical fruit plantations, parrots, hummingbirds and possibly condors. We will pass local communities, beautiful waterfalls, canyons and stop for a dip in the thermal hot springs.

Trip Itinerary

DAY 1.- Pick up from your hotel at 5 :00 am to arrive in Soraypampa (4000m)at 10 am where we meet our horsemen and crew and start the trek here. We will hike for 2 and half hours enjoying some incredible flora and fauna before stopping for lunch at Chuñuna. After lunch, we will hike for 3 more hours before setting up camp for the night at Soraypampa Campsite(4400 m).

DAY 2.- After a delicious breakfast we head off to the highest peak of our trek, called “Snakes Pass”(4600 m).We will have our lunch enjoying the spectacular views of stunning snow-capped mountains called Salkantay (62771m) . There are several varieties of Andean birdlife to observe in this part of the trek. We arrive in the late afternoon of our campsite at Colcapampa,which is close to the natural thermal hot springs,where we will the spend night under an amazing star studded sky.

DAY 3.- Rising early at 6:00 am and having breakfast, we head towards the jungle region of Ceja de Selva, where you will find coca, coffee and many native fruit plantations. After lunch, we will take a truck,entering sup-tropical zones, until we arrive at a small village called Santa Teresa(1900m), where we will spend the night.

DAY 4.- After breakfast, we head off to catch a thrilling cable car to cross the Vilcanota River,then we catch another truck to the hydro-electric train station where we catch the train to Aguas Calientes,a gorgeous town nestled at the botton of Machupicchu. At this point, you may choose to relax in the thermal hot springs of Aguas Calientes, or go to our chosen accommodation to put your feet up before dinner.

DAY 5.- After waking and having breakfast at 5:30 am, you and your tour guide will take the tourist bus up to Machupicchu, where you will be taken on a guided tour for 2 and a half hours. After, you will have free time to explore the site by yourself, or the adjoining mountain called Wayna Picchu or do some shopping in the markets in Aguas Calientes.
You will meet up with your guide again at 1:30 pm to catch the train back to Cusco at 3:55 pm. Arriving in Cusco at 8:20 pm approx, you will be dropped back at your hotel.

Group Size: Typical group size 3-6people, maximum 16 people.

Departures: Daily departures are available throughout the year, except: one-month closing period of the classical Inca Trail route in February.

Our Service Includes:

• Private transport to Soraypampa(start of trek)
• Horses days 1-3 (for equipment and personal items and 1 emergency horse) + horsemen
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
• Tents and high quality camping equipment (including toilet tent, tables, chairs)
• Meals (Vegetarian food available on request).
• Purified water
• Professional bilingual guide.
• Return bus ticket(Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes)
• Train ticket back to Cusco(back-packer price)

Not included:

• Sleeping bag.
• Lunch on the last day: after the guided tour at Machupicchu, you can enjoy free time to further explore Machupicchu and lunch either in Machupicchu or in Aguas Calientes.

Tips: please beware that our staff is well paid so please feel free to tip according to your wish.

You Should 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
• Waterproof trekking boots recommended
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
• Sleeping bag (it can be hired at our agency)
• Mattress: will be provided by the agency but you have to carry it.
• Flashlight and batteries.
• Camera, films 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 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
• Handkerchiefs.
• Toilet paper.
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please beware 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.
• Sandals for the hot springs
• Small towel
• Swimming suit (if you intend to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)

Cash in soles and/or US$ (there are ATM machines in Aguas Calientes)

Optional: walking sticks or poles (we hire out).Original --passport.

Prices per person 2008: US$425.
Minimum 02 passenger at the time of departure, maximum 10 people size group.

We can offer a US$15 discount to students with a valid International Student Identity Card ISIC and children under the age of 12 years old.

- SALKANTAY TREK 5D / 4 N ( PRIVATE SERVICE )

Prices per person 2009: 2 persons: US$455, 3 persons: US$435, 4 - 7 persons: US$410, 8 -12 persons: US$365, 13-16 persons: US$345.

We can offer a US$15 discount to students with a valid International Student Identity Card ISIC and children under the age of 12 years old (University ID or Youth Travel cards NOT valid)