Salkantay y Machupicchu Trek 05 Days / 04 Nigths

SALKANTAY Y MACHUPICCHU TREK
ITINERARY:

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA (MARCOCCASA) – SORAYPAMPA (06 walking hours)

We’ll leave Cusco at 5:00am and head towards Marcoccasa (3400m/11154f), passing the village Mollepata (3000m/9843f). In Marcoccasa, we’ll meet the horsemen and the rest of trek team to begin the hike.  You’ll see majestic snow-capped mountains such as Humantay (5217m/17116f) and Salkantay (6264m/20551f). Our campsite is at Soraypampa 3900m/12795f).

• Climate: cold, 
• Transport time: 3.0 hours

Optional: On the way to Soray Pampa (3900m/12795ft), we strongly recommend making a 2-hour detour to Humantay Lake (4220m/13845ft) to see the magnificent lake and the snow-covered peak of Humantay.

DAY 2: SORAY PAMPA- SALKANTAY PASS – RAYAMPATA (06 walking hours)

After breakfast, we’ll hike to Salkantay Pass (4600m/15092f) which offers an exceptional view of snow-capped Salkantay (6264m/20551f). Then we’ll descend and enjoy the lush vegetation of the changing ecosystem. Our campsite is at Rayanpata (3350m/10990f) amidst a tropical forest.

• Climate: cold and warm with mosquitoes

DAY 3: RAYANPATA (ANDENES) – CHAULLAY – WIÑAYPOCO – LUCMABAMBA (07 walking hours)

The third day is dedicated to enjoying the region’s flora and its coffee, cacao and fruit plantations. You’ll descend into a forest, enjoying the diversity of orchids, bromeliads and other plants. Moreover, you’ll meet local families in Chaullay (2950m/9678ft), Wiñaypoco (2650m/8694f), La Playa (2100m/6890f) and Lucmabamba (2000m/6561ft). Our campsite is in Lucmabamba. This afternoon you’ll visit with a local rural family and learn about the cultivation and processing of coffee. Depending on the variety, it takes approximately 3 to 4 years for newly-planted coffee trees to bear fruit. The fruit, called the coffee cherry, turns a bright, deep red when it is ripe and ready to be harvested. Due to the botanical characteristics of the coffee tree and the fact that coffee is often grown in mountainous areas, mechanical harvesters aren’t used, and the ripe coffee cherries are usually picked by hand, a labor-intensive, difficult process. You’ll learn about the complete process from the tree to the cup of coffee. You can also ask the locals your own questions about the process of coffee cultivation.

• Climate: warm during the day with mosquitoes

Optional: After arduous days of hiking, we recommend that you swim and soak in the hot mineral springs of Santa Teresa.  You need to coordinate this visit with your tour guide to arrange a vehicle from Lucmabamba to Santa Teresa. It’s worth the effort!

DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA INCA SITE – MACHU PICCHU TOWN (06 walking hours)

After breakfast, we’ll hike on the Inca Trail to the archaeological site of Llactapata at 2650m/8694f, with its beautiful scenery for discovering flora and evidence of Inca culture. From here we’ll have an outstanding view over Machu Picchu and Vilcanota Canyon. Afterwards, we’ll continue to the Hydroelectric train station (1950m/6398f), where we stop to relax for a while before we continue by train to Aguas Calientes (2050m/6726f), where you’ll spend the night. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

• Climate: warm with mosquitos.

DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU TOWN – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (03 walking hours)

We’ll leave the hotel after breakfast at 5:30am to head for Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) by tourist bus. We’ll arrive at the citadel around 6:00am. After a guided tour around the archaeological site, including information about the life and culture of the Incas, you’ll have time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (NOT included) on your own.  Later, you’ll descend to Aguas Calientes where you’ll have time to have lunch. Later, you’ll leave Aguas Calientes by train around 18:00, going to Ollantaytambo train station, at your arrival the driver will be transferring to your hotel in Cusco.

END OF THE SERVICES

PROGRAM INCLUDED:

• Orientation meeting in our offices with your guide at 19:00h, to be confirmed when booking.
• Transfer:
• Shuttle from the hotel office to the village of Mollepata (Marcoccasa)
• Shuttle from Chaullay to Lucmabamba (Day 3)
• Train from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes
• 02 Buses from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu Aguas Aguas Calientes
• Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, then shuttle to your hotel in Cusco
• 01 Overnight in basic Hotel with breakfast in Aguas Calientes
• Entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel
• Bilingual Spanish-English professional guide
• High-quality camping equipment (Professional Tents, for 2 people with mattresses).
• Camping equipment, dining tent, kitchen, with tent shelters and toilets
• Meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks).
• Notify in case of allergies or special diet such as vegetarian.
• Cook and kitchen equipment.
• Muleteers and mules for transporting camping equipment and your personal belongings (maximum 7 kg/15lb per person)
• Rescue horse (2 people)
• First aid kit and oxygen bottle
• Cold, boiled water during the all trek.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the 5th day
• Sleeping bag

Optional: Climbing Wayna Picchu

• Requires booking months in advance.
• Tips for the horseman, cooks and guides are always welcome.
• The horseman is also very grateful for school supplies for their children.