Salkantay - Santa Teresa - Machupicchu

 5 Days / 4 Nights

The Cordillera Vilcanota is an impressive range of mountains which include the massive SALKANTAY snow capped mountain (6,271m) and three others over 6000m. SALKANTAY is an outstanding snow peak, located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cuzco in south central Peru. It is the highest mountain of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Because of its proximity to the city, it is easily accessible and is climbed frequently.

Attractive trek; made for trekkers has a changeable landscape; it is under sunrise code decentralization of trekking tours, since other tourist circuits have gotten famous in the last few years it's getting crowded, this trek is totally different than the others, it's not dirty, nor popular, so therefore it's not full of tourists going on this trek you may see distinct ecosystems spread across its different zones of altitude and climate. This trail runs from high valley up to the mountains and descends into a lush valley. The ecosystem is transformed rapidly.

Trek Itinerary:

Day 01: Cusco - Soraypampa

We will leave Cusco at 05:00 by bus, and drive to Mollepata. By approximately 2 hours and a half hours drive. After breakfast we will start the ascent on foot towards Cruzpata (3100 masl) along a slight climb where we will appreciate various plants, native birds, the Apurimac river canyon (which is one of the deepest in Peru), and a communitarian irrigation canal. In Cruzpata we will have our lunch, we will depart at around 1:30 p.m in the direction of Soraypampa along a climbing trail with many level variations and along which we will see little groups of houses, flora, small wild birds and spectacular views of the Humantay snow peak (5902 masl). After approximately 4 hours of walking, we will arrive at our campsite in Soraypampa (3900 masl). From here we can appreciate the majestic Apu Salcantay (6271 masl).

Day 02: Soraypampa - Collpapampa.

After an early breakfast we start trekking from Soraypampa approx 7:30 a.m we continue our hiking the Peruvian highland. From this point we can appreciate the spectacular views of the Mountain Salkantay, a stunning snow capped mountain (6,264 m) the second highest peak in Cusco’s region, and also the mountains Humantay and Huayanay, white river, small lakes and moraines. At our lunch spot after a five-hour walk, Pass dowhill to lunch in Huayracpunku, and then a further 2-3 hours downhill walk to Camp at Collpapampa 2,920 m. (B+L+D).

Day 03: Collpapampa - Santa Teresa.

Wake up with lovely mountain scenery and a good morning tea. We will start the trek 07:00 A.M. 3 hours easy hiking to Lluscamayu, where we will be introduced to a high Jungle niche called "Ceja de Selva", we will see different kind of plants, fruits, flowers, birds ect. here banana trees coffee and others can be observed, take amazing pictures, with luck we can observe the famous Peruvian National Bird "Gallito de las Rocas" stop at Wiñaypoq’o for lunch and free time to rest. At the end of the day we will see passion fruit fields. The hike will last approximately 9 hours; the campsite is at the community named "La Playa "(2400 masl). from here we will take a small car by approximately 45 minutes to Santa Teresa village where is the hot spring (optional hot spring bath) and also we will spend a night here. (B+L+D).

Day 04: Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes.

After of our delicious breakfast we are going to walk for approximately around 8:30 a.m we begin our trek to the village Colpani, we follow this rising trail, from which we will see plantations of coffee, banana, passion fruit and a lovely view of the Santa Teresa Valley. We follow along the riverside of Vilcanota River until arrive to the Oroya (canopy brich) From here we have an option to hike to hidroelectrica or to catch a small car where will take us until Hidroelectrica (25 minutes), from this place we can observe the back of Machupicchu Sanctuary, where we have the last lunch with all staff. from here we will continuo walking until arrive to Aguas Calientes around 4:30 p.m then we will stay in a hostal the last night. (B+L+D).

Day 05: Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu.

We are going up to the Archaeological site of Machupicchu and we will explore the city and enjoy the ancient place in the tranquil morning hours, where we begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. After the explanation of the guide you can climb up the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or we can visit the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive about 8:30 p.m. (B).

Meals provided: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner

Departures: Daily departures

Our Service Includes:

- Transfer from your hotel to bus stop,  busfrom Cusco to Mollepata. (Trail head).

- Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, new, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field.

- Dining tent with tables and chairs

- Kitchen tent

- Toilet tent

- English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 8 people)

- Cook and cooking equipment

- Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) – days 1 to 3.

- 1 emergency horse.

- Accommodation for our guides, cook and porters / horsemen

- Meals (04B, 04L, 04D + wake – up tea)

- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.

- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (economic tourism class).

Not included is:

- Sleeping bag.

- Lunch on the last day: after the guided tour at Machupicchu, you can enjoy free time.to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machupicchu or in Aguas Calientes. 

- optional train from agues Hidroelectrica to Machupicchu town.

- Tips: please beware that our agency staff are paid, so please feel free to tip or not according to your wish.

YOU SHOULD BRING:

- A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek

- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho.

- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended

- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.

- Sleeping bag (it can be hired at our agency for US$ 4.00 / day)

- Mattress: will be provided by the agency but is to be carried by you

- Flashlight and batteries

- Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)

- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold

- Sun block cream, mosquitoes repellent.

- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body

- Toilet paper

- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.

- Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far.

- Small towel.

- Swimming suit (if you intend to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)

- Cash in soles and/or US$ (no ATM machines in Aguas Calientes)

- Original passport

- Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Trail)