03/12/2014
SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS
The Cordillera Vilcanota is an impressive range of mountains which includes the massive SALKANTAY snow capped mountain (6,271m) and three others over 6000m. SALKANTAY is an outstanding snow peak, located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cuzco 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. Attractive trek; made for trekkers has a changeable landscape; it is under sunrise code decentralization of trekking tours, since other tourist circuits have gotten famous in the last few years it's getting crowded, this trek is totally different than the others, it's not dirty, nor popular, so therefore it's not full of tourists going on this trek you may see distinct ecosystems spread across its different zones of altitude and climate.
This trail runs from high valley up to the mountains and descends into a lush valley. The ecosystem is transformed rapidly.
Group Size: (min. 4 participants, max 16 participants).
Departures: Daily departures
ITINERARY:
DAY 01: CUSCO - SORAYPAMPA
We will leave Cusco at 4:30 am by bus, and drive to Mollepata. It is approximately a 2 and a half hour drive. After breakfast we will start the ascent on foot towards Cruzpata (3100 masl) along a slight climb where we will appreciate various plants, native birds, the Apurimac river canyon (which is one of the deepest in Peru), and a communitarian irrigation canal. In Cruzpata we will have our lunch, we will depart at around 1:30 p.m in the direction of Soraypampa along a climbing trail, with many changes in elevation, along which we will see little groups of houses, flora, small wild birds and spectacular views of the Humantay snow peak (5902 masl). After approximately 4 hours of walking, we will arrive at our campsite in Soraypampa (3900 masl). From here we can view the majestic Apu Salkantay (6271 masl).
(Lunch and Dinner)
Walking distance aproximately 17 Km.
DAY 02: SORAYPAMPA - CHAULLAY.
After an early breakfast we start trekking from Soraypampa (approx 6:30 a.m). We will continue our hiking of the Peruvian highland. From this point we can appreciate the spectacular views of the Mountain Salkantay, a stunning snow capped mountain (6,264 m) the second highest peak in Cusco’s region, and also the mountains Humantay and Huayanay, the white river, small lakes, and moraines. At our lunch spot after a five-hour walk, we will head dowhill to lunch in Huayracmachay, and then walk for another 2-3 hours downhill to Camp at Chaullay (2,920 m).
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Walking distance aproximately 25 Km.
DAY 03: CHAULLAY - SANTA TERESA.
Wake up with a lovely mountain scenery and a good morning tea. We will start the trek 7:00 a.m. We will walk for an easy 3 hours, where we will be introduced to a high jungle niche called "Ceja de Selva". We will see different kind of plants, fruits, flowers, birds ect. Here banana trees, coffee plants, and others can be observed, at the end of the day we will see passion fruit fields. The hike will last approximately 9 hours. The campsite is in the community named "La Playa "(2400 masl). From here we will take a small car by aproximately 45 minutes to Santa Teresa village where the hot spring (optional hot spring bath) is located and where we will spend a night.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Walking distance approximately 15 Km.
DAY 04: SANTA TERESA - AGUAS CALIENTES. (ZIP LINE)
After of our delicious breakfast and extra activity (zip line), we will begin our trek at approximately 8:30 a.m. We follow this rising trail, from which we will see coffee plantations, bananas, passion fruit, and a lovely view of the Santa Teresa Valley. We follow along the riverside of Vilcanota River until arriving in the Oroya (canopy brich). From here we have an option to hike to hidroelectrica or to catch a small car which will take us to Hidroelectrica (25 minutes). From this place we can observe the back of Machupicchu Santuary, where we will have the final lunch with all staff. From here we will continue walking until arriving in Aguas Calientes around 4:30 p.m. Then we will stay in a hostal for the last night.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Walking distance aproximately 10 Km.
DAY 05: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHUPICCHU.
We are going up to the Archaeological site of Machu Picchu, and we will explore the city and enjoy the ancient place in the tranquil morning hours. We will begin with a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. After the guide’s explanation you can climb up Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one will experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys, and the mountains that surround it, or we you may visit the Temple of the Moon, or the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we will 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 will arrive at about 10:30pm
(Breakfast)
INCLUDED:
• Transfer from your hotel to bus stop, bus from Cusco to Mollepata. (Trail head).
• Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent.
• English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 12 people)
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) – days 1 to 3.
• Accommodation for our guides, cook and porters / horsemen
• Meals (4B, 4L, 4D + wake-up tea)
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
NOT INCLUDED:
• Sleeping bag.
• Zip line (20 USD)
• Lunch on the last day: after the guided tour at Machupicchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes.
• Optional train from agues Hidroelectrica to Machupicchu town.
• Tips: please beware that our agency staff are paid, so please feel free to tip or not 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.
• Strong footwear, 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 for US$ 15)
• Mattress: will be provided by the agency but is to be carried by you
• 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 cream, mosquitoes repellent.
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Toilet paper
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
• Optionally: water sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far.
• Small towel.
• Swimming suit (if you intend to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Cash in soles and/or US$ (no ATM machines in Aguas Calientes)
• Original passport
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Trail)
