Salkantay Trek Short 4 Days | Salkantay Trek 4 Days 3 Nights

Salkantay Trek Short 4 Days 3 Nights

Salkantay this trekking package is suitable for those trekkers who wish to see Mt Salcantay from near but they do not have sufficient time to go all the way or restricted to go there by other reasons. This short Salkantay trekking package offers you to face breathtaking view of Salkantay glacier and other mountain peaks. Not only mountain views, you will get great opportunity to explore Machu Picchu inca city and have a close look at their fascinating Andean culture.

Itinerary

Included

Recommendations

Aditional Information

DAY 1. CUSCO-SORAYPAMPA-HUAYRACMACHAY

Early morning pick up from your hotel, following a 2:30 hour private bus ride from Cusco (3,400m) to Mollepata (3,000mt) (breakfast stop). We rejoin with the bus journey for 2 more hours to Soraypampa (3,800mt) (trailhead) After a short briefing and enjoying the views of the snow covered Mountain of Umantay (5,700mt) and the surrounding high mountainous landscape, we start a gentle hike at the head of the alpine scene valley. Then the trail goes steep uphill and comes to a serie of zigzags. All around as you gradually ascend you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the majestic Mountain Salkantay, and soon arrive at lunch by a small lake named Soirococha (4,400mt). After 4 hours hike, we finally reach the high pass (4,600m) from where we can get a stunning view and take a close up of the sacred mountain in the Peruvian Andes SALKANTAY. That will compensate the great effort in reaching the top which is marked by a pile of stones that grows daily as each traveler adds his pebble to thank the Apus (mountain spirits) for a safe trip and good luck, from here we start a gradual descend leading us to a wide open scenic moraine and valley where we can spot chinchillas, Mountain cara cara (bird of pray), Andean gulls, and the world biggest bird “The Andean condor” on the way down to our campsite at Wayracmachay (3,700mt) with good views of the mountain ranges.

DAY 2. HUAYRACMACHAY - LA PLAYA

Early morning start, we will leave the beautiful pyramid shaped peak of Salkantay behind us. From now, the fauna and flora change as we enter the tropical rainforest, and discover its lush vegetation of wild orchids, bromelias and beautiful birds. Continuing our descent through the groves of bamboos; don't forget to keep looking back at the snow-peaks behind you, framed by bamboo fronds, we follow the river bank which flows through the valley, observing increasingly tall trees, some amazing untouched path where strawberries grow at your feet and passion fruit are above your head in a decor of begonias and purple orchids!. Lunch at Colpapampa.
The trail continues down the valley into the woods, observing the different crops specially farmed on high steep slopes, and as we drop the weather gradually gets warmer, and we suddenly arrive to a banana and avocado trees land.
We finally reach La Playa (1,900mt) for camping, take some time to relax and recover the energy, with a possibility to visit some organic coffee plantations, or just relax and get ready for the next day uphill and downhill walking to see the back of Mountain Machupicchu from Llactapata Inca remains.

Day 3. LA PLAYA- LLACTAPATA-HYDROELECTRIC-AGUAS CALIENTES

We wake up very early this day to start an amazing uphill climb on a proper Inca trail, which will give us some impressive views on the valley and the mountains. Following 3 hours uphill, and 10 minutes downhill we will arrive to Llactapata Inca remains, and enjoy a break overlooking one of the main highlights in South America Machu Picchu. It is a magical view given to us that the main part of tourists will never see!
A 2 hour downhill, the trail easily leads the hikers into a forest of thick vegetation, and some bird watching opportunities!.
Before reaching the Hydroelectric town for lunch, make a stop to enjoy the view of an imposing man-made waterfall. Then we follow the railroad heading up the Urubamba valley to Machupicchu town and stay overnight in a basic hostel, but you can upgrade paying extra depending the availability and the season.

Day 4. MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

After an early morning breakfast we head up to Machu Picchu sanctuary and enter early for the best photos opportunities and guided tour, and afterwards, spend as much of your time, visiting and exploring the remains on your own. Finally make your way down to Machupicchu town for lunch or boarding the train.

What is Included?

Predeparture briefing
English speaking professional tour guide. (For groups larger than 9 persons, two tour guides)
Early morning transfer by private transport to trailhead at Soraypampa
Meals: 3 breakfasts / 3 lunches / 3 dinners /3 afternoon hot drinks
Drinking water Day 2 and 3
Two-man Tents: (for a personal tent request, there is a surcharge of $35)
Foamy sleeping mat
Dining tent, cooking tent, cutlery, folding tables, and stools
Chef
Mules, carrying heavy gear such as: food, tents, gas bottle, and cooking stuff, and 7kilograms/15 pounds of your belongings
Emergency riding horse
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and tourist bus from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco.

What is Not Included?

Last day lunch (recommended in Aguas Calientes)
First day breakfast
HUAYNA PICCHU TICKET (15USD entrance fee) HUAYNA PICCHU is a mountain around which the Urubamba River bends. It rises over Machu Picchu, the so-called "lost city of the Incas" and divides it into sections. The Incas built a trail up the side of the HUAYNA PICCHU and built temples and terraces on its top. The peak of Huayna Picchu is about 2,720 meters (8,920 ft) above sea level, or about 360 meters (1,180 ft) higher than Machu Picchu.
Sleeping bag (30USD for the whole tre
Optional late train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (26USD)
Bus up to Machu Picchu and back down to Aguas Calientes ($12 a single ticket)

Recommendations

A 60 liter rucksack with your personal belongings for the whole period of the trek which is carried on the mules, and a 20 liter daypack
Rain gear (annorax and rain trousers if available) and rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
Strong and waterproof trekking boots recommended
Stay at least 2 days before the trek for a good acclimatization.
Sandals or flip-flops for a higher comfort while at camp
Warm clothes (thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping)
Sleeping bag (please inform us, if you wish to book this extra service at the moment of your booking)
Foamy mattress
Head torch and batteries
Camera, batteries and memory card (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
Wide brim hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
Sun screen
Insect repellent – minimum recommended 80% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported.
Handkerchiefs.
Toilet paper.
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied.
A canteen or camel back, plastic water bottles are no longer allowed into the Inca Trail.
Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you take river or stream water along the route.
Toiletries
Swimsuit (for showering or bathing chances)
Cash in soles and/or US$ (small change)
Original passport
Original International Student Identity Card ISIC (in case you have applied for a student discount)
Bad knees require walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Trail), as well as knee braces
Rubbish bag, and plastic bags for dirty or damp clothes
Plastic bags for packing clothes
Sun glasses
Two pair of trousers (light and thick)
T-shirts and shorts
Wool socks and hat
Pen Knife

ALTITUDE

As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. This is why we always recommend spending at least two days (2) in Cusco before beginning any trek. If you have more time, even better. Cusco is an amazing city with a lot to do, so you won’t be bored. With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office and we will help you get to a doctor. Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the COCA PLANT contain alkaloids which helps bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep. Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness when they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slowly, it will give your body time to adjust to the mountain. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines, such as are acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine 2 days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude. You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly. Drink lots of water. And enjoy the coca tea. If anything does happen and you unfortunately get sick, let your guide know right away – all Cusco Travel Treks guides are trained in how to help you get through it.

WEATHER

Of course weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop raining from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December – just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant. Also prepare for 4 seasons. Many of the treks through the Andes involve many micro-climates and you will need to be prepared for all seasons. Layers are always key as they are easy to adjust to the different temperatures. And evenings will always be cold, so please be prepared with a warm winter weight jacket.

FIRST AID

Every Cusco Travel Treks guide has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory training every February - every single Cusco Travel Treks guides attend. When guiding you, they will have with them a first aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler's diarrhea, cuts/ scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. They know how to make you feel better. In case something unexpected happens and you feel you can no longer complete the trek, they will figure ou the safest and quickest way off the course and to a clinic. You will never be left alone, you will have a member of the team escort you every step of the way until safely with a doctor. When you are feeling up to it, we will make sure that you still have the chance to visit Machu Picchu and re-connect with your group, traveling by train comfortably.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Because there are so many logistics to plan and pay for before your trek occurs, payment for your trek is due even if you are unable to complete the hike. Please read our BOOKING CONDITIONS carefully so you know what is due. Obtaining travel insurance before you leave home is strongly encouraged. This way, if something happens, and this is rare, you will not be out of pocket a tremendous amount of money.Cusco Travel Treks will provide a letter and your invoice to submit to your insurance in this case to help expedite your processing.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Cusco Travel Treks uses biodegradable soap and transports all our garbage back to Cusco. Our porters are trained to look after the trail and pickup any waste from other groups as well. We also use environmentally-friendly chemical portable toilets that allow us to pack waste out. We believe in leaving no footprint behind.

TRIP OVERVIEW