Salkantay Trek Classic

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

This is an alternative and very attractive trek organized for trekkers who want to see the changing landscape. We will see ecosystems transform rapidly from the variance of environmental factors (sun, water, temperature, soil). This is a very special trip because at the end we will visit the lost city of the Incas – Machu Picchu.

Package Name:	Salkantay Trek Classic
Duration:	5 Days / 4 Nights
Type of Trek :	Archaeological, Cultural, ecological and Adventure
Group Size :	To suit group requirements
Difficulty degree of this hike:	Moderate / Challenge
Departures Day:	- Our company organize daily departures - All private service departure dates are adapted to your request. - A minimum of 2 persons is needed for this trek
Activities:	Trekking, Camping and Adventure
High Season:	April - November
Route:	Closed in February
Altitude:	1950 - 4600m. / 6398 - 15092 f.

Salkantay Trek
Itinerary:

Day : Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa Campsite

We will leave Cusco at 5:30 am and head torwards Marcoccasa (3400m/11154f), passing the village Mollepata (3000m/9843f). In Marcoccasa we will meet the horsemen and the rest of the group and start our trek. We start hiking within a magnificent valley, surrounded by the most important snow-capped mountains such as the Humantay (5217m/17116f) and the Salkantay (6264m/20551f). Our campsite will be at Soraypampa (3700m/12139f).
Climate: cold
Transport time: 4 hours
Hiking time: 6 hours 

Day 2: Sorayapampa – Salkantay pass - Challway

After breakfast, we will set off towards the Salkantay Pass (4600m/15092f) which offers an exceptional view of the snow-capped Salkantay (6264m). Thereafter, we will descend again and will have time to enjoy the increasing vegetation of the ecosystem. Our camp site will be in Challway (3000m/9842f), amidst the tropical forest with warm climate and mosquitoes.
Climate: warm with mosquitoes
Hiking time: 8-9 hours

Day 3: Challway – Wiñaypoco – La Playa

The third day is dedicated to the region’s flora and its plantations. After descending to a dimmed forest and enjoying the diversity of species of orchids, bromelains and many other plants, we will see coffee-, cacao- and fruit-plantations. Moreover, we will have the pleasure to meet local families of Wiñaypoco (2650m/8694f) and La Playa (2100m/6890f). Our camping site will be in La Playa.
Climate: warm during the day with mosquitoes 
Hiking time: 6 hours

Day 4: La Playa – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes town

Early in the morning, our trail leads us to the archeological complex of Llactapata (2650m/8694f) located amidst an eclectic array of vegetation. From here, we will have a beautiful view of the mountain Machu Picchu. Afterwards, we will continue down to the hydroelectric station (1950m/6398f). Here we will take the train towards Aguas Calientes (2050m/6726f), where we will spend the night in a hotel.
Climate: warm with some insects
Hiking time: 6 hours

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30 am and head for Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am. After a guided tour around the archeological site, including information about life and culture of the Incas, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750m/9022f) on your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train either at 2:55 pm or at 6:10 pm. Until then, you will have time to have lunch in one of the nice restaurants. Moreover, you can visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax a bit. 
Hiking time: 02 hours

What is Included:

• Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transport to Soraypampa(Callacancha), starting point of the trek.
• Entrance fee Machu Picchu.
• Horses (to carry tents, food, cooking equipment and 6kgs of personal items).
• 1 emergency horse every 6 persons.
• Meals (04B, 04L, 04D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day).
• Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
• English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people).
• Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks.
• First Aid Kit including Bottle Oxygen.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Round Trip)
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco in private Transport.

What is not Included:

• Sleeping bag rent: US$ 5 per day. Our sleeping bags are –8ºC-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
• Tips for guide and camp staff.
• Optional night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged easily.
• Alcoholic drinks

Recomended Things To Take

• Sleeping bag (you can rent at Cusco Expeditions office).
• Bottle of mineral water.
• Rain gear and/or plastic poncho (can be purchase in Cusco).
• Hiking boots.
• Warm jacket or fleece, t-shirts, shorts, long pants, sun hat and wool hat.
• Flashlight.
• Sun block.
• Insect repellent.
• Toilet paper and garbage bag.
• Small towel and bathing suit (hot springs optional).
• Camera, extra film and extra batteries.
• Snacks, chocolates, energy bars.
• Emergency money.
• Walking stick (optional).

Payment Details:

We require a non-refundable trek deposit of US$150 per person. The deposit can be sent by a WESTERN UNION, PAY PAL, CREDIT CARD or to our PERUVIAN BANKING ACCOUNT money transfer. This is the fastest and most secure form of payment in Peru. The money transfer should be in the name of Cusco Expeditions,. Once you arrive in Cusco you must pay the remaining balance in cash prior to beginning your tour. We accept both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles (local currency).

Making a trek booking:

Prior to making a reservation with CUSCO EXPEDITIONS it is important to read through ourFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ). This will help answer any queries that you may have about our services. In order to make a booking with our lares trek service just click on the Reservations link below.

Important:

The night before your trek there will be a pre-trek talk (briefing) in our office or in your hotel at either 6 or 7pm (exact time will be confirmed on arrival to Cusco).

If you are interested in this tour or do you have any questions about it. Please Contact us .....