Salkantay Trekking Tour to Machu Picchu

The Cordillera Vilcanota is an impressive range of mountains which include the massive Salkantay snowcapped mountain (6,264 meters) and three others over 6000 meters that you will appreciate while on the Salkantay trail. Salkantay is an outstanding snow peak, located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south central Peru. It is the highest mountain of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Because of its proximity to the city, it is easily accessible and is climbed frequently. Join us on this incredible Salkantay Trekking Tour to Machu Picchu. There is a 5D/4N or 4D/3N option. Ayahuasca or San Pedro ceremony onroute.

TRAIL NOTES:

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

Total distance: 50km (31.25miles)

Average daily walking time: 6 -8 hours

Maximum altitude point: 4.600 m (13.776ft)

Day1:

Maximum Altitude: 3850 m

Minimum Altitude: 2850 m

Hiking distance: 14 km approx

Day 2:

Maximum Altitude: 4650 m.

Minimum Altitude: 2920 m

Hiking distance: 20km to Chaullay.

Day 3:

Maximum Altitude: 2920 m

Minimum Altitude: 1600 m

Hiking distance: 15km approx

ITINERARY FOR 5D/4N TREK

Day 01 : CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SAYAPATA – HUMANTAY LAKE – SORAYPAMPA.

We will leave Cusco approximately at 5:00a.m. A bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level) where we will arrive approximately at 7:30 in the morning, we will stop for last minute supplies, leg-stretching or to use the restrooms at a local restaurant. We will continue our journey to Sayapata, our trek starting point. We will meet with our support staff, who will load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 9:00 a.m., we will begin our hike toward Soraypampa (3850 meters above sea level). During the hike we will have panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay, other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River. Around 1:00p.m., we will have a Peruvian lunch. After lunch, we will visit Humantay Lake, a lake in the mountains, (3 hours hike) and we will come back to our campsite where the tents will be ready for you as well as your dinner.

Day 02 : SORAYPAMPA – CHALLWAY

Today, nature will change drastically from dry sceneries to snowy peaks and tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, we will start the most difficult part of the trek. We will start the hike around 7:00 in the morning. We will hike to a place called Pampas Salkantay, then go toward the left side of the snowy peaks of Umantay located next to the Apu Salkantay. At midday, we will be at the highest point (4600 meters above sea level).Salkantay route tour to Machu Picchu. We will appreciate spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay (6264 meters above sea level) which is known as the second highest point of the Cusco region. Around 1:00 p.m., we will have our lunch, in the area called Huayracmachay. After a trek of approximately 3 hours, we will arrive to our camp in Challway (2920 meters above sea level). Around 7:00p.m., we will recuperate from the trek and eat dinner.

Day 03 : CHALLWAY – PLAYA SAHUAYACO – SANTA TERESA HOT SPRINGS

Around 7:00a.m., we will start our trek. We will walk for about 6 hours toward Playa Sahuayaco and during this period; we will view the town of Collpabamba, also called the “Forest Cloudy Brow” where waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. If we are lucky, we will be able to observe the famous bird called the “Cock of the Rocks”. Here we will have lunch. At 2:00 p.m. a local bus will take us to Santa Teresa Hot Springs, where you can enjoy and relax at the hot pools. You will have dinner and camping there.

Day 04 : SANTA TERESA- LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES

After an early breakfast, we take the local transport to Lucmabamba (40 minutes ride) to our start hiking point. Once at the Llactapata entrance, you will start an ascent hike towards the ruins of Llactapata. On the way you will observe coffee plantations, beautiful landscapes as well as diverse flora and fauna. After three hours, you will arrive at Llactapata where you will have an amazing view of Machu Picchu. Here you will have time to rest and enjoy the scenery. A descending trail will take you to the Hydroelectric where you will eat lunch. The last part of the trek, an approximately 2 hours walk, takes us to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will be accommodated at the hostel or hotel of your choice (included on this package). There is free time in the evening.

Day 05: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu Sanctuary - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo .

Today, you will be able to choose between waking up at 4:30a.m. and walking up to Machu Picchu or taking a bus to Machu Picchu at 7:00a.m. In Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour for about two hours and after that you will be free to explore the Citadel and take pictures. After Machu Picchu you need to come back to Aguas Calientes where you will be taking a train to Ollantaytambo and from there; we transfer you to your hotel.

Dates in 2015:

5 day/ 4 night departing 13th September

Treks available also on demand.

TOUR COST PER PERSON BASED ON 2 SHARING;

Trek only

In a group of 6: USD524

Single supplement: USD115

Optional add ons:

Ayahuasca Ceremony or San Pedro Ceremony (optional): USD200 per person

ITINERARY FOR 4D/3N TREK

Day 1: Cusco Hotel - Mollepata - Soraypampa

We will leave from your hotel approximately between 4:30a.m. and 5:00a.m. A local bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level) where we will arrive approximately at 8:15 in the morning to have breakfast. During the trip we will have panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay, other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River. We will meet with our support staff, and they will load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 9:00 a.m., we will begin our walk toward Sayllapata (3200 meters above sea level). About 1:00p.m., we will have a Peruvian lunch. After lunch, we will continue hiking toward the Soraypampa villages (3850 meters above sea level). Around 5:30 in the afternoon we will arrive to our camp where the tents will be ready for you as well as your dinner.

Day 2: Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huayracpunku - Chaullay

Today, nature will change drastically from dry sceneries to snowy peaks and tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, we will start the most difficult part of the trek. We will start the hike around 7:00 in the morning. We will hike to a place called Pampas Salkantay, then go toward the left side of the snowy peaks of Umantay located next to the Apu Salkantay. At midday, we will be on the highest point ( 4600 meters above sea level). We will appreciate spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay (6264 meters above sea level) which is known as the second highest point of the Cusco region. Around 1:00 p.m., we will have our lunch, in the area called Huayracmachay. After a trek of approximately 3 hours, we will arrive to our camp in Challway (2920 meters above sea level). Around 7:00p.m., we will recuperate from the trek and eat dinner.

Day 3: Chaullay - Collpapampa - La Playa - Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes

Around 5:00a.m., we will start our trek and we will enjoy the beautiful sunrise. We will walk for about 5 hours toward Playa Sahuayaco and during this period; we will observe a town called Collpabamba, also called the “Forest Cloudy Brow” where waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. At the Salkantay pass river crossing If we are lucky, we will be able to observe the famous bird called the “Cock of the Rocks'. Once at Playa Sahuayaco, we will take a local bus to drive us to the hydroelectric train station. At around 1:30p.m., we will have our lunch at the hydroelectric. At 3:20p.m., here we have 2 options if you want you can go walking until Aguas Calientes (WALKING TIME ABOUT 2-3 HOURS ALONG RAIL TRACK WITH GUIDE) or if you want you can take a train (fare not included approx USD10) from the hydroelectric to the town of Aguas Calientes (2000 meters above sea level). Here, you have the option of going to the thermal hot springs. Overnight Aguas Calientes.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu Sanctuary - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo .

Dates in 2015:

4day/3night departing 14th September

Treks available also on demand.

TOUR COST PER PERSON BASED ON 2 SHARING;

Trek only

In a group of 2: USD765

In a group of 4: USD605

In a group of 6: USD495

In a group of 7- 10: USD470

Single supplement: USD115

Optional add ons:

Ayahuasca Ceremony or San Pedro Ceremony (optional): USD200 per person

These treks are operated by our Business Partners:
Aston Garcia Tours (Luxury Tours in South America)

Contacts and bookings:
Jiron Bolognesi No. 152, Urubamba, Urubamba, Cusco, Peru.
Tel: 084 509703. Cel: 947 773896
E: reservations@astongarciatours.com
W: www.astongarciatours.com

Trail Notes -In shared pool service

INCLUSIONS

Pre-departure briefing at your hotel..

Collection from your hotel and transfer to the starting point of the trail.

Meals: breakfasts, lunches, dinners, a daily morning snack with a daily tea service. Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost

Personal tents: 2 people in each 4 person capacity tent and a 2 man tent for single travellers, to allow for higher comfort and the safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3 season, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in the field.

One sleeping pad

One pillow per person

Horses to carry personal gear up to a maximum of 9kg per person (including sleeping bag and sleeping pad)

One textile snack bag per person, to avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate the environment

Filtered bottled water from lunchtime on day 1 onwards

Boiled water to fill your water bottle every morning and night and at lunchtime if requested in advance

English speaking professional and official tourist guide providing 24 hour guest service(2 guides for groups of over 8 people)

Dining tent with tables and chairs

Kitchen tent

Toilet tent with bio-degradable toilet facilities

Bio-degradable personal hand soaps

Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our kitchen staff

Hot water every morning and evening for personal washing purposes

Chef and cooking equipment

Horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)

Accommodation for all our staff

Emergency horse.

First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

Entrance and transport

Machu Picchu entrance fee

Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to the town of Aguas Calientes

Backpacker Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco

Private transfer from train station to the hotel in Cusco

What we recommend to take on the trail:

A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek

Waterproof bag for storing camera and clothing.

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 trainers for comfort while at camp

Warm clothing including jacket, fleeces thermal clothing especially for sleeping.

Sleeping bag up to -18C comfort. Sleeping bags are available for hire USD15. Our sleeping bags are -18°C comfort, mummy form and include a sleeping liner. (They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips)

Torch/headlamp and spare batteries

Camera, films/memory cards and batteries (batteries consume more quickly at high altitude)

Hat to protect you from the sun, rain and the cold

Sun block after-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body

Insect repellent - minimum 20% DEET (at present no malaria risk has been reported)

Handkerchiefs

Toilet paper

Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water sterilising tablets in case you draw water from streams or rivers along the route. N.B. Filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has no reported health problems is provided on the trail.

Small towel, personal toiletries.

Cash in Peruvian currency and/or US$

Original passport.

Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required so not to cause damage to the trail). Available for hire.