30/04/2016
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 2016 Itinerary
Day 1: Hotel – Mollepata – Soraypampa
We will leave from your hotel approximately between 4:30 am and 5:00 am. A local bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level) where we will arrive approximately at 8:15 am 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 am, we will begin our walk toward Sayllapata (3200 meters above sea level). About 1:00 pm, we will have a Peruvian lunch. After lunch, we will continue hiking toward the Soraypampa villages (3850 meters above sea level). Around 5:30 pm, we will arrive to our camp where the tents will be ready for you as well as your dinner.
Maximum Altitude: 3850 m
Minimum Altitude: 2850 m
Hiking distance: 14 km
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 am. 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 pm, 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 7:00 pm, we will recuperate from the trek and eat dinner.
Maximum Altitude: 4650 m
Minimum Altitude: 2920 m
Hiking distance: 20km
Day 3: Chaullay – Collpapampa – La Playa – Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes
Around 5:00 am, we will start our trek and enjoy the beautiful sunrise. We will walk for about 5 hours toward Playa Sahuayaco to a town called Collpabamba, also known as “Forest Cloudy Brow,” where waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. At the Salkantay pass river crossing, we hope to see 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. Around 1:30 pm, we will have lunch at the hydroelectric. At 3:20 pm, we have 2 options: you can walk to Aguas Calientes (around 2-3 hours along the train tracks with a guide), or you can take a train to Aguas Calientes (fare not included). Once in town, you have the option of going to the thermal hot springs or you can spend free time walking around the city. We will stay overnight Aguas Calientes.
Maximum Altitude: 2920 m
Minimum Altitude: 1600 m
Hiking distance: 15 km
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Hotel
Today, you will be able to choose between waking up at 4:30 am and walking up to Machu Picchu (about 1.5-2 hours uphill) or taking a bus to Machu Picchu at 7:00 am. 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.
Maximum Altitude: 2430 m
Minimum Altitude: 2040 m
Hiking distance: 9 km
Total Distance: approx. 60 km
Average daily walking time: 6-8 hours
Maximum Altitude point: 4600 m
Included
Pre-departure briefing in Cusco
Collection from your hotel and private 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
Porters or 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
Porters or horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
Accommodation for all our staff
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Over-night accommodation : Hostel in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Inca Trail and 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 US $15
Our sleeping bags are -18° C comfort, mummy form and include a sleeping liner
They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips
Torch/headlamp and spare batteries
Camera, films/memory cards and batteries (batteries consume more quickly at high altitude)
Hat to protect you from the sun, rain and the cold
Sun block after-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
Insect repellent – minimum 20% DEET (at present no malaria risk has been reported)
Handkerchiefs
Toilet paper
Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water sterilising tablets in case you draw water from streams or rivers along the route. N.B. Filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has no reported health problems is provided on the trail
Small towel, personal toiletries
Cash in Peruvian currency and/or US$
Original passport
Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required so not to cause damage to the trail). Available for hire
