Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu  5D/4N

This is one of the most famous alternative treks to Machu Picchu. The trek is located in the Vilcabamba mountain range. The trek passes through stunning landscapes varying from the cloud forest to the high mountains. Along the way are fantastic views of second highest mountain in the Cusco area, Salkantay (Wild mountain) standing at 6.215 meters. This tour is for the adventurous. It passes through little visited areas and combines culture and tradition with the incredible flora and fauna offered by Peru. You will be in the real Andes and the perfect conditions to get a sense of the life in the area.

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED:	NOT INCLUDED	TREKKING CHEKLIST
Pick up from your hotel Transfer in private transport to Mollepata 2 person tents (large and comfortable) Foam mattresses (Carried by horses) Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 10 people) 3 meals per day, tea happy hour time every afternoon, snacks every morning First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent Porters, horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food, cooking equipment) Extra personal porter of 7kg / 14 pounds Emergency horse in case anybody gets tired or wants to ride it just for the photo Boiled water every morning, lunch, happy hour, and dinner time. Hot water in your plastic bottle to sleep and water for washing Train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes Back Packer Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollanta and transfer back to Cusco Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex Bus up to Machu Picchu (roundtrip) Guided tour of Machu Picchu with plenty of time to explore on your own Hotel in Aguas Calientes double or triple accommodation Climb to the sun gate for free Duffel bags for your belongings Pillows	Last lunch Sleeping bag (can be rented from company) Walking sticks (can be rented from company) Huayna Picchu $ 15	Good backpack or daypack Good sleeping bag (can be rented from company) Hiking boots Walking sticks (can be rented from company) Warm clothes (the temperature changes - you might experience 4 seasons all in one day) T-shirts 4, sun hat, 2 pairs of pants/trousers, gloves, 4 pairs of socks, rain jacket, warm jacket, extra layers Camera and recharger Sunscreen an sunglasses Insect repellent (non malarial mosquitos) Rain poncho (you can buy this in Cusco or on the trek) Toiletries, toilet paper, towel Bathing suit (if you want to go to the hot springs) Sandals are recommended to get changed in the evenings Scarf Water bottle (it's not necessary to bring water tablets) Personal medical kit Original passport Student card if you are student, you must scan it when you are booking Flash light Some plastic bags in the rainy season Some snacks like energy bars In depth description of each day

PRICES

5 Day Salkantay Including Horsemen for your gear (7kg)

$550 per person

 

 

Discounts

• Student Discount (with valid ISIC card) - $20
• Under 15 Discount - $20
• Under 7 Discount - $35  

 

Group Bookings

Bookings of 6 people or more get a free group Sacred Valley tour (Does not include tourist ticket or meals) or free sleeping bag rental.

 

Extras

• Sleeping Bag (4 season) - $25 (Maximum size 1.95m / 6´4")
• Pair of Walking poles - $20
• Air Matress - $20

 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SALKANTAY TREK

• Less Tourists on the trek so you get to enjoy the natural environment in tranquility. We use different campsites and have a different itinerary to other agencies to avoid the crowds.
• Camping at Llactapata, right by the Inca ruins and with fantastic views is amazing. The sunsets and sunrises here are not to be missed. 

 

WHY BOOK WITH ALPACA EXPEDITIONS

• We´re a locally owned company and organise all our own tours
• Personalised service for all our guests
• We never sell our groups on to other agencies, even if we just have 2 people
• We use the best campsites and avoid the crowds
• We treat our porters with respect and provide them with everything they need
• Brand new and top quality equipment
• Native and knowledgable tour guides
• Homecooked meals with fresh, organic ingredients

 

DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN

DAY 1. CUSCO - SORAYPAMPA - WAYRACPUNKU

We pick you up from your hotel and leave Cusco by private car on our way to Soraypampa which is where we´ll begin our trek. At around 8am we´ll arrive to Soraypampa (3800 meters) and stop for a delicious breakfast prepared for you by your guide. After breakfast we meet our Arrieros (horsemen) who´ll be accompanying us on the trek, give them our duffle bags and set off at about 9:00am.

The first hour of the day is easy going as the path slowly ascends the valley. As we make our way up the valley we´re treated to fantastic views of Salkantay looming in front of us and one of the peaks of Humantay to our left. After the first hour we´ll stop for a short break to catch our breath before we begin the hardest part of the trek, climbing up the Seven Snakes switchback. For about 45 minutes we wind our way up the mountain, ascending about 200 meters in total. It´s hard going but once it´s done you know the hardest part is over. After you´re at the top it´s a relatively easy walk to our lunch spot at Soroycocha (a small lake sat at the base of Salkantay).

After lunch we set off for Salkantay Pass, the path gradually makes it way up to the pass and the only real challenge now is the thinness of the air. It takes about an hour up to the pass and once we´re there we´ll stop for some photos (weather allowing) and a steaming mug of coca tea. From the pass it´s all downhill for the next day and a half – making our way down to our campsite at Wayracpunku (we have fantastic views of the valley spread out below and can see Andean Ibis and Lapwings by the streams.

 

Walking Distance – 15km / 9 miles

Starting Elevation . 3800 meters / 12477 ft

Highest Elevation – 4600 meters /15090 ft

Campsite Elevation – 3800 meters / 12477 ft

Considered : Moderate
The area : Andes

 

DAY 2. WAYRACPUNKU - LA PLAYA

Today we will say goodbye to the high peaks of the Andes and make our way down in to the Cloud Forest. The change couldn´t be more abrupt as within 30-40 minutes of leaving your campsite you find yourself walking through lush vegetation and the temperature has noticeably changed. As we make our way down to our lunch spot we pass through beautiful scenery with a wide variety of flowers (including orchids) and hummingbirds flitting all around.

Before we arrive to our lunch spot today you need to make sure you have applied a liberal quantity of insect repellant as the mosquitoes further down have a nasty bite. We have an early lunch today at Colpapampa before carrying on to La Playa further down the valley. Between Colpapampa and La Playa we´ll see a variety of plantations along the way, this area produces a wide range of fruits and coffees and many of its coffees have won international awards. We´ll arrive to La Playa in the late afternoon and have a chance to relax, have a shower and try some locally produced coffee with the family we´ll be staying with.

 

Walking Distance – 18km / 11 miles

Starting Elevation . 3800 meters / 12477 ft

Campsite Elevation – 2400 meters / 9350 ft

Considered : Moderate
The area : Cloud Forest

 

DAY 3. LA PLAYA - LLACTAPATA

We have an early start today so that we can arrive to Llactapata before the other groups (if we´re lucky). Setting out from La Playa we follow the path along the valley in the early light of dawn making our way towards the start of an Inca Trail that leads us up to the Inca site of Llactapata. The climb up to Llactapata is a hard one but we have the whole morning and plenty of time to stop for breaks to enjoy the spectacular scenery all around us. Once we reach the top we enter a heavily wooded area filled with birdlife, keep your eyes open for Guan (jungle chickens), Cock of the Rock, Toucans and Hummingbirds that are common in the area.

Once you reach the wooded area it´s only another 20-30 minutes’ walk until you arrive at Llactapata. The views from here are amazing and you get to see a side of Machu Picchu that few ever see. Spread out before you are Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain with the citadel sat on the ridge in between (if you have good eyes you can see the terraces of Machu Picchu). Once your entire group arrives you´ll have a guided tour of the site and learn all about the Incas and Machu Picchu, afterwards you have free time to enjoy the sights and to explore Llactapata a little before you head to your campsite 15 minutes down the mountain.

This campsite is amazing as it is hardly ever used by other groups, the undisturbed views of Machu Picchu and the complete tranquility makes this one of the highlights of the trek. In the evening you´ll be able to enjoy the fantastic sunset over the valley below.

 

Walking Distance – 12km / 7.5 miles

Starting Elevation . 2400 meters / 7874ft

Campsite Elevation – 2700 meters / 8858 ft

Considered : Difficult morning

The area : Cloud Forest

 

DAY 4. LLACTAPATA - HYDROELECTRIC - AGUAS CALIENTES

We get up early today so that we can enjoy the sunrise over Machu Picchu, this is spectacular and well worth the early start. After breakfast we´ll have a small ceremony with our porters to say thanks to them for the amazing job they´ve done. This will be the last time we see them and if you like you can take this opportunity to give them a tip.

 

Today´s walk is easy going as we make our way back down in to the valley below. The path winds its way down the mountain, passing through heavily wooded cloud forest where we can see a variety of wildlife and small plantations grown by the local people. It´s about an hour walk down to the valley below and a further hour until the hydroelectric plant where we´ll see a stunning waterfall that is a byproduct of the project. From Hydroelectric we follow the valley all the way to Aguas Calientes, following the river and taking in the wide variety of birdlife in the area. Keep your eyes open for Cock of the Rocks that can be seen in the area. At around 1.30pm we arrive to Aguas Calientes and check in to our hotel. You have the afternoon free to relax, have a hot shower and explore the village a little. If you remembered to bring your swimming costume then you can head to the hot springs and soak out all your aches and pains.

 

Walking Distance – 15km / 9 miles

Starting Elevation . 2700 meters / 8858 ft

Hotel Elevation – 2000 meters / 6560 ft

Considered : Moderate

The area : Cloud Forest

 

DAY 5. THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY ´MACHU PICCHU´

We have to wake up very early in the morning on the last day in order so see the sunrise in Machu Picchu (if the weather allows). We will start with breakfast at the hotel and then head to the bus that will take us to Machu Picchu. At 6.00 am the citadel is open so we will make our way to the postcard photo spot and wait for the sunrise to take the classic Machu Picchu pictures. Afterwards, your guide will take you for a 2 hour tour around the site and then you can climb Wayna Picchu (if you have photos) in order to take clear photos of Machu Picchu. You'll then have plenty of free time to explore the sacred city by yourself. Afterwards you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to have before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo and then private bus to Cusco.

 

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTES 

 

TRAIN TIMES: On the fifth day we will take the 2:55, 4.42 or 6:45PM train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantayatambo and then we will transfer you back to Cusco and your hotel.

HOTEL FOR THE FOURTH NIGHT: The hotels we work with in Aguas Calientes town are Wiraccocha, Santuario hotel, Plaza Andina, or Chaska. Private rooms with private bathrooms, hot shower, dryer, wifi, nice and clean. If you want to stay an extra night to visit Machu Picchu a second time or to upgrade the hotel then you have the following options

Wiracocha Inn - 2 Star (Extra Night)

• Standard Single or Double (twin or matrimonial) - $70
• Triple - $80

La Cabana - 3 Star

• Standard Single or Double room (twin or matrimonial) – Extra Night $130 / Upgrade $40 per person
• Superior Single or Double room (twin or matrimonial) - Extra Night $150 / Upgrade $50 per person
• Standard Triple room - Extra Night $150 / Upgrade $30 per person
• Superior Triple room - Extra Night $170 / Upgrade $35 per person

 

Rupa Wasi Ecolodge - 3 Star

• Standard Single or Double (twin or matrimonial) - Extra Night $86 / Upgrade $20 per person
• Suite Single or Double (twin or matrimonial) - Extra Night $148 / Upgrade $50 per person

Sumac - 5 Star

• Superior Double - Extra Night $602 / Upgrade $275 per person
• Superior Triple - Extra Night $778 / Upgrade $235 per person

HUAYNAPICCHU MOUNTAIN: Please, if you are thinking of climbing Huaynapicchu mountain you must book this at the same time as your Salkantay trek. Only 400 people can hike Huaynapicchu per day. You will climb it on your own after the tour in Machu Picchu around 10 .00 am. The price is $15 per person.

HORSES OR PORTERS: On this trek we provide horses to carry your food and the camping equipment, but there will be one cook and his assistant, two horses men and one porter who is cleaning the trail from what other hikers throw away as they go. You will have a personal allowance of 7kg for your gear. This will not be available during the day as the horsemen will be ahead of the group.

OUR GUIDES: Most of our guides began as porters before they went to Cusco University and Institute where they learned about the Inca history. They are always training in order to be the best guide. They each speak English beautifully and of course all of them speak Spanish and Quechua, the Inca Language. They are all able to communicate with natives from around the area and of course he will have lots of history to share with you.

OUR FOOD: Definitely one of the highlights of the tour is the food. It is always fresh and most of it is organic. There is always a lot to eat and lots of options including vegetables, meat, chicken, fish and other types of protein and carbohydrates. Everyone sits down to eat together and we go out of our way to accomodate all dietary requirements including vegetarian options and any food allergies. We do not provide any alcoholic drinks on the trek but if you would like you can bring your own.

OUR EQUIPMENT: We provide 4 man tents for only 2 people and foam mattresses for everyone. Our dining equipment includes a spacious dining tent, tables and chairs, plates and utensils. We do NOT supply sleeping bags, air mattresses or walking sticks, but all can be rented from Alpaca Expeditions. We bring an extra blanket for all our hikers for those especially cold nights. Just ask and your guide will provide you with this.

Please note that if you are over 1.95 meters / 6´4" tall then you won´t be able to rent a sleeping bag in Cusco. In this case it is recommended to bring your own.

WE ARE SUSTAINABLE: We always clean the trail as we go. We respect the local people, teach them to keep clean the area, and help the local kids. We always take one extra porter who will be walking on the trail just to clean up, picking up the bottles and plastic bags from what other people using the trail throw away.

WE ARE RESPONSIBLE: We try to treat our hikers, our porters and all the local people from the villages with the upmost respect. We travel in small groups to give personalized tours to each traveller, we pay good salaries to our porters and follow the porters law. We provide all our porters with their hiking gear such as shoes, pants, jackets, t-shirts, hats, sleeping bags and most importantly, with health insurance.

FITNESS.- The Inca Trail is certainly not easy but you do not need to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it. Fitness is naturally important but the Inca Trail is the kind of trek that anyone with a positive attitude and determination can do. Obviously the more fit you are the more you will enjoy the trail and the more chance you will have to take in the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do some extra walking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip.

Many people worry whether they will be able to cope physically but complete failure is rare and would usually only result from severe altitude sickness or a person lacking even a basic level of fitness. People of all ages (from teenagers to pensioners) complete the trek and age itself is no barrier if you are positive minded and live an active lifestyle. Before departing for your tour, we recommend visiting your doctor who will be able to provide you with more information.

STORAGE DURING THE TREK.- During the Inca Trail trek your main luggage will be stored in Cuzco and you will receive a small duffle bag at your Inca Trail briefing (briefings are normally set for the evening before you start the trek) to pack clothes for 3-4 days. Your team of porters will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the porters will always be ahead of the group, you should therefore bring a day pack in which you can carry personal belongings such as your camera, water and sun screen etc. By Peruvian law the duffle bag carried by the porters must not weigh more than 7kg (14pounds). You can either store your luggage at your hotel or you can leave it with us.

BOOKING: Salkantay is available to depart any day of the week as long as we have two people. You still need to book in advance.

Thanks for traveling with Alpaca, 100% local company