05 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

DURATION 05 Day

MAX. ALTITUDE 15,190 ft.

PLACE Cusco

Min. Age9+

Group Size 12

Type of Tours : Adventure, Cultural, Nature

Moderate ACTIVITY LEVEL

Easy

These activities are a walk in the park! You will be able to enjoy the scenery, history, and time with loved ones without exhausting yourself. You do not need any special training, gear, or acclimatization for an “Easy” trek or tour. Terrain will be generally flat and comfortable, highly traveled.

Middle

A step up from “Easy,” these tours require a little more physical effort but are still 100% manageable to anyone with or without adventure experience. Again, you do not need special training, gear, or acclimatization for a “Mild” trek or tour. Terrain is generally flat but with possible gentle up- and downhills.

Moderate

Before embarking on a “Moderate” trek or tour, you should be at least partly acclimatized to the high altitude of the Andes as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. These tours are still very manageable without special training as long as you have spent a day or two at high altitude. Terrain often includes moderate up- and downhill walking with possible rough patches or infrequently-traveled sections.

Challenging

“Challenging” treks or tours require that you are acclimated to the Andes’ high altitude before leaving as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. Spending 2-3 days or more at high altitude will help you on the trek. You will need hiking shoes and possibly trekking poles for these treks. You will need to be in good physical shape, and it’s recommended that you train at least some beforehand, possibly with running, biking, or strenuous workout videos. Terrain is often rough, sometimes with steep up- and downhills and often not highly traveled. Generally, these last several hours.

Formidable

These “Formidable” treks are our most difficult treks and require serious effort but are also the most rewarding. It is necessary to be in pristine physical condition. Again, you must be acclimated to the Andes’ high altitude before leaving as it affects your oxygenation, energy levels, and hydration. Spending 4-5 days or more if possible at high altitude will help you on the trek. You will need hiking shoes and possibly trekking poles for these treks. It is important to train physically before these treks so that your body is prepared for the strenuous nature of the trip. Generally, these last at least an entire day in infrequently-traveled areas with rough paths.

Highlights

The 05 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 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.

In this journey you will trek from 3,900m/12,800ft to 2,100m/6,900ft, traversing across magnificent mountain passes, enjoying enormous and mystical snow-capped peaks, seeing nature in its purest form and exploring more than 15 different ecosystems that we have in this area from beginning to end. Moreover, the chances for ethnic and cultural exchange are ever-present with local natives who still remain closely attached to their heritage and are very willing to share it with open minds.

Our group size: Small Groups not more than 10 people.

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA (L)(D)

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – CHALLWAY (B)(L)(D)

DAY 3: CHALLWAY – LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA (B)(L)(D)

DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA – LLAPTAPATA -HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES (17KM , HOURS 9)

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (B)

Itinerary

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA

We will leave from Cusco approximately between 4:30a.m. and 5:00a.m. A bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level) where we will arrive approximately at 8:00 in the morning, we will stop for last minute supplies, leg-stretching or to use the restrooms. We will continue to our trek starting point, Challacancha.

We will meet with our support staff, and they will load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 9:00 a.m., we will begin our walk toward Soraypampa (3900 meters above sea level). During the trip we will have panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay, other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River. About 1:00p.m., we will have a Peruvian lunch. After lunch, we will continue hiking toward Humantay Lake for 3 hours aproximately, this is a beautiful lake in the mountains. We will come back to our camp where the tents will be ready for you as well as your dinner.

Lodging: Campsite

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – CHALLWAY

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).

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 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.

Lodging: Campsite

DAY 3: CHALLWAY – LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA

Around 7:00a.m., we will start our trek and we will enjoy the beautiful sunrise. We will walk for about 5 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’.the national bird of peru Once at Playa Sahuayaco lunch. After lunch we are going to hike couples hours more to get at lucmabamba which is our last camp site also the beginning of the inca trail of Llacta pata.

Lodging: Campsite

DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA – LLAPTAPATA -HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES (17KM , HOURS 9)

Around 8.00am. we will gradually hike up for about 2 hours to finally get to Llapta Pata a beautiful archeological site which has connections to the Inca sites Machupicchu and Sayacmarka. We will have plenty of time to explore this nice Inca site and will then start our descent to Hydro-Electrica (power plant) which will take us about 1 ½ hours. A pleasant 3 hours walk will bring us to Aguas Calientes where we will stay in a hostal for the night. After having stored our baggage we will go out and have dinner together in one of the many restaurants.

Lodging: Golden Sunrise *** or similar

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

This last day starts very early. We will wake you up at around 5.00 am have breakfast and then take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. There are two good reasons to be at the entrance of Machu Picchu very early:

1.- It is well worth the effort to get up early as the Inca city is quietest in the early morning and you will have plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the sun rise over Machu Picchu.

2.- Our guide will give you a tour around Machu Picchu telling you about the history of Machu Picchu and the most important temples and altars. Of course he will also take you to the classical view point (sacred Rock Hut), this vantage point offers a terrifc view of the whole inkan city. After that if you still have plenty of energy you should climb Huayna Picchu Mountain. This is the steep mountain dominating the background of Machu Picchu.

From the top of Waynapichu you have an absolutely stunning and breathtaking view of the complete Machupicchu area. It takes 1 hour to climb Waynapichu and 1 to 1 ½ hours (depending if you want to make a detour to the great cavern) to return down. Once you feel that you have seen every corner of Machupicchu you will take a bus down to the village of Aguas Calientes to have lunch.

Usually we take the bus at around 1:00 pm. The bus ride takes around 25 minutes and your guides will give you the ticket. Make sure that, before you leave Machu Picchu by bus, the guides give you time and location of the restaurant where the group meets in Aguas Calientes. You will get your train and bus tickets back to Cusco in the restaurant in Aguas Calientes.

What´s Included

INCLUDED:

Professional English Speaking Tour Guide.
Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+.
Chef.
Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment and 7kg of your personal items.
Pick-up and transportation from your hotel to the start of the trail.
Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own).
4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Afternoon Snacks and 4 Dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us
know.
Dining tent with tables and chairs.
4 man tent for every 2 trekkers.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes, Day 4.
Inflatable sleeping mattress.
Oxygen bottle.
First aid kit.
Entrance to Machu Picchu.
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (round trip)
Train ticket Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo
Transportation Ollantaytambo-Cusco.

NOT INCLUDED:

Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us).
Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 05.
Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain US$80
Tips.
Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

THINGS TO BRING:

Original Passport
ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
Walking boots
Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
Warm jacket
Hat and gloves
T-shirts
Comfortable Trousers
Sun hat
Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
Insect repellant
Toiletries and hand sanitiser
Personal medication
Camera and film
Torch with spare batteries or Head lamps.

Prices

GROUP SERVICE. **Daily Departure with at least 2 people**
NUMBER OF PAXS	PRICE PER PERSON	ACTION
2 or More People	US$ 689	BOOK NOW

OUR GROUP SIZE:

We offer small Groups, not more than 10 people.

Discounts:

Under 18 years old: US$25.00 Please send us a copy of the passport at the booking time
Student Discount (Maximum Age 25 years old): US$25.00 Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using an university student card to receive the discount, we need to see a copy of the card at booking. For those booking children 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send all to info@wamanadventures.com. More Information about STUDENT CARD

Extra Services?

SERVICE	PRICE
Hire of sleeping bag 5 season	$25.00
Walking stick highly recommended!	$15.00
Single supplement	$70.00
Additional night at 3 star hotel	$85.00

FAQS?

Is the trek difficult? Do I need to be in good physical condition?

All our treks (Inka Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, Lares, etc) are moderately difficult, lengthy and traverse rough mountain terrain. We kindly recommend that if you plan to conquer any of these routes to be in relatively good physical condition, plus acclimatization. These means arriving to Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible!

Are vegetarian, vegan, and/or other special diet needs available?

Of course! Without any additional costs! When you make your reservation, please inform us of any dietary needs or requirements, including allergies!

Vegetarian foods will be absent of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.

Most of our main meals are a buffet-style, leaving you the option to avoid anything undesirable to you.

If there are any food items or veggies that you cannot stomach, perhaps onions, tomatoes, mushrooms.. etc, upon your request we will ask our chef to leave them out or separate this item.

We can also attend lactose-intolerant or gluten-intolerant diets. We cannot accept individuals with serious allergic or life-threatening reactions.

I have a food allergy. May I still participate?

Every day we receive many clients with food allergies to nuts, wheat, etc. Please inform us in detail of your condition upon making your reservation.

We kindly ask that you declare the severity of your reaction and any medication that you take in case of emergency.

If your allergy is severe, we ask that you be accompanied by a friend or individual conscious and fully responsible of your situation and ready with any medication.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT CLIENTS WITH LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES

When must I arrive in cusco or arrive to your office?

We require that all clients arrive to Cusco at least 48 hours before the start of your trek, although 03 nights before is ideal. You must pay your remaining balance two days before your departure for your trek. This will assure that all individuals are acclimatized and adjusted to the high altitude conditions to begin your trek comfortably. Please note that your remaining balance must be paid in cash in our office and cannot be paid before your arrival.

Our office hours are Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm, 4:00pm – 8:00pm. (Please aim to arrive 7:30pm at the latest!)

Are hiking sticks or poles necessary?

For this trek more than any other, we do recommend hiking sticks, especially for those with any known knee problems. The poles will assist your balance and reduce the impact on your knees.

Waman Adventures will rent hiking sticks for $15

Where can I store my baggage that I dont need for the trail?

Any baggage that is not necessary for your trek may be stored in your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer this service free of charge). In the case that your hotel may not provide this service, we will store your baggage safely in our office free of charge.

What is the weather like during the trek?

The best time for making the trek with good weather is between the months of April – October when there is minimal rainfall and clear skies. The driest months are June – August, which is winter in the Andes.

January to March is summer in Peru, which means rainy season for Cusco and especially the Inka Trail, which is located mostly in the tropical cloud forest.

Where do I have to be the morning of the start of my trek and where will I finish at the end?

We will pick you up from your hotel to begin your trek and upon finishing, we will also leave you at your hotel.

I wish to have a train company or train option different to that which Waman Adventures offers, is this possible?

If you wish to change your train company or option (such as Vistadome de Peru Rail, to Ollantaytambo or the whole route to Poroy), or your departure time, additional fees may apply. You must speak with one of our sales agents to inquire about availability and the additional costs.