Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu | Salkantay Trek 5 Days

Salkantay Trek Classic 5 Days 4 Nights

The famous Salkantay Trek (or Salcantay Trek), named among the 25 best Treks in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine, is a trek open to everybody, with no limitation on spaces or permits (at least for now). Connecting the city of Mollepata, Cusco with Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek is an ancient and remote footpath located in the same region as the Inca Trail where massive snowcapped mountains collide with lush tropical rain forests.
Located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south central Peru by the Cordillera Vilcabamba and rising to 6271 meters above sea level (20574 ft) Mt. Salkantay is an outstanding glacier-capped summit worshipped for thousands of years by local indians. The name Salkantay is a quechua word meaning "Savage Mountain".

Itinerary

Included

Recommendations

Aditional Information

Day 01 : CUSCO - MOLLEPATA - SAYAPATA – HUMANTAY LAKE - SORAYPAMPA (L)(D)

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 marvelous 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 (B)(L)(D)

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).salkantay route tour to machu picchuWe 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 (B)(L)(D)

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 observe a town called 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 will enjoy and relax at the hot pools. You will have dinner and camping there.

Day 04 : SANTA TERESA- LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA – HYDROELECTRIC - AGUAS CALIENTES (B)(L)(D)

After an early breakfast, we will take a local transportation 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 at a local restaurant. The last park 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). You will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant at about 7:00p.m.

Day 05: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO (B)

Today, you will start early at around 4:30a.m. and walk up to Machu Picchu. 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, if you desire, walk up to the Sun Gate or ascent toward the Huaynapicchu Mountain. At 6:45p.m. (depending on availability), you will be taking a train to Ollantaytambo and from there; a bus will drive you to Cusco.

What is Included?

Pre-departure briefing
Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transportation to Challacancha (starting point of the trek).
Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks.
English speaking professional and official tourist guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
Chef and cooking equipment.
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes or Machupicchu
Pack animals (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) – days 1 to 4
1 Bag or daffor bag where you can out maximum of 6kg per person (including sleeping pad and sleeping bag) – days 1 to 2(we are going to carry in our horses)
Meals (04B, 04L, 04D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
One textile snack bag per person, to avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment
Bio-degradable personal hand soaps
Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Machupicchu entrance fee
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco(Expedition Service).
Transfer train station-hotel in Cusco
1 blanket per Person
1 Pillow

What is Not Included?

Sleeping bag rent: US$ 5 per day. Our sleeping bags are –20ºC-comfort (0ºF) and mummy form and include a sleeping liner.
Lunch on the last day after the guided tour at Machu Picchu.
Entrance to the Hot Springs in Cocalmayo and Aguas Calientes.
Optional night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged easily.
Alcoholic drinks.
Entrance to Huayna Picchu.

Recommendations

A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco .
Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
Torch/ Flashlight and spare 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 - although no malaria risk has been reported
Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
Small towel or sarong
Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs )
Cash - sufficient for snacks, tips and souvenirs.
Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
Binoculars (if you have them)

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.

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