Salkantay (The savage) to Machu Picchu 7 days Trek

TREKS FACTS Length:  Aprox. 75 km (66 miles) Longest day:  2nd day (aprox. 10 hours)  Coldest night: day 2,3,4,5 (about 0º C)                                   Highest altitude reached:  Aprox. 5,100 (16,700 ft.) on day 3. Lowest campsite:  On day 3 at 2,700 (33333 feet)

Salkantay means 'savage mountain'. At a height of 6271m (20573ft) it is the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range and one of the highest in the Andes. It is situated to the north-east of the city of Cusco.

During our trek, we will climb as high as 5028m/16495ft, have views of beautiful Andean landscapes and also have the possibility of observing condors, alpacas and other Andean animals in their natural habitats. This walk connects with the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for the last 4 days. The total length of this trip is 7 days and 6 nights.

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DEPARTURES: From the middle of April to the end of November.

ITINERARY:

The night before your trek there will be a pre-trek talk (brieffing) in our office at either 6 or 7pm (exact time will be confirmed).

Day 1:

We pick you up from your hotel at 5am (Time in Peru) to begin our journey to 'Tarawasi' (2600m/8530ft) an important Inca archaeological complex, 2 hours from Cusco. We will have our breakfast in  Mollepata - this is where we also meet our horseman and mules and begin our hike. We will walk for around 3 hours until we reach our 1st campsite which is called Marqocasa (3500m/11482ft). From here we will have views of the magnificent snow-capped mountain, Rayuska, which is more than 5350M/17552ft above sea level. We will spend the night here

Day 2:

We have breakfast and then begin a walk of about four and a half hours towards Soraypampa (3900m/12795ft). This point has impressive views of the snow-capped mountains of Humantay (5917m/19412ft) Tucarway (5910m/19389ft) Rayuska (5350m/17552ft) and Salcantay (6271/20573ft). We have lunch and a rest here.

We will then climb in an easterly direction for about an hour until we arrive at Salkantay pampa which is located at a height of 4100m/13451ft. We stay the night here.

Day 3:

We have breakfast and then begin our trek towards the Incachiriasca pass which is located at a height of 5028m/16495ft. This is the highest point on our hike and from here we have a magnificent view of Salkantay or the 'savage' mountain (6271m/20573ft) as well as of remarkably-coloured small lakes which are located on the sides of this imposing snow-capped mountain. There is also the possibility of seeing condors and wild rabbits as well as other typical native animals of the Peruvian Andes - llamas, guanacos and vicunas. After arriving at the pass, we will descend to the Pampacawana community (4000m/13123ft) where we will camp.

Day 4:

We will have breakfast and then walk in the direction of the archaeological site of 'Paucarcancha' and then towards the village of Wayllabamba. Here we will join the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and our horseman and mules will be replaced by porters. We continue on the trail to Llulluchapampa (3850m/12631ft) where we will spend the night.

Day 5:

After breakfast we will start a steep ascent towards the Huarmihuañusca pass (often called 'Dead Woman's Pass' due to its image from afar) which is at 4200m/13750ft. From here we will have an amazing view of the impressive Inca Trail. We then descend to Pacamayu where we will have lunch. After a rest, we climb again to visit the archaeological site of 'Runcuracay' and to reach the Runkurakay pass (4000m/13080ft). Views of the mountains and surrounding area, from these points, are spectacular.

Then begins a steep descent from the pass leading to the Inca site 'Sayacmarca' . We will have a short rest here before continuing on towards Chaquicocha (3660m/12007ft) where we will spend the night.

Day 6:

We have breakfast and begin walking towards Wiñay Wayna. On the way we pass the archaeological sites of 'Phuyupatamarca' ('Town in the Clouds') and 'Intipata'. We will spend the night at Wiñay Wayna campsite (2680m/8792ft).

A short distance from this campsite is located the Inca site of the same name 'Wiñay Wayna' ('Forever Young'). Even if you are tired after your day's trek, don't miss out on visiting the most impressive site on the trail.

Day 7:

We have breakfast at 4am and leave the campsite at 5am, walking in the direction of the city of Machu Picchu, which is about 6km away. We will arrive at 'Inti Punku' (Sun gate) (2730m/8792ft) and wait there to observe the beautiful Andean sunrise over the spectacular city of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft). Then we will walk down the last part of the trail to the spot where you can take the classic photo (picture postcard shot) of this ancient city. Finally we visit Machu Picchu itself!

A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu(2720m/8923ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top.

You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and to be given your train tickets back to Cusco. The train usually leaves at 3.55pm and we will arrive back in Cusco at about 8.45pm.

If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged. This option is very popular as it allows more time to explore Machu Picchu. You can also go to the thermal springs in the town - a real treat after finishing the trail!!!

N.B. Campsites may be subject to change depending on allocations by the official body who controls access to the Inca Trail (Unidad de Gestión de Machu Picchu-UGM).

Trek Difficulty level:

Peace of cake

Easy

Moderately Dificult

Difficult*

Impossible... is nothing!

Dificulty level depends very much on your fitness and aclimatization.

Click here to see Trekking tips

Includes Professional, bilingual Tour Guide (Meet them here) Collection from hotel and train station Return transportation (bus to start of trail and tourist train back to Ollanta)* Entrance fee to Salkantay National Park, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 afternoon snacks, 6 dinners and various snacks to be eaten throughout the day (breakfast on day 1 and lunch in Aguas Calientes are not included) Dining tent with tables and chairs Cook 4 man tent is provided for 2 people only. Sleeping mattress Horseman and mules until day 3. They will carry camping equipment and up to 10 kilos of your personal belongings. Porters (From day 4th they will carry cooking, camping equipment and  your personal belongings) Oxygen bottle First Aid kit

What you need to take Original passport (and *International Student card (ISIC) if applicable) Sleeping bag (not included but can be hired from us) Walking boots Waterproof jacket/rain poncho, waterproof trousers, etc. Warm jacket Hat and gloves T-shirts Comfortable trousers Sun hat Re-usable plastic or metal water container or camel bags. Water (only for first 4 hours of trek, then we will provide you with drinking -previously boiled- water). Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended) Insect repellent Water Toiletries Personal medication Camera and films Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are useful)

 

* Train included in all tours is the Cerrojo backpacker (to/from Ollanta) Train times will only be confirmed close to the time of the trek, if you join a group late in the day we can't guarantee you will travel on the same trains as the rest of the group.

Please Note: train times are subject to change depending on Peru rail timestable and availability.If organized in advance, the train can be upgraded to Vistadome (larger windows than the backpaker cerrojo train) for an increased price.

*To qualify as a student, it is necessary to have a valid ISIC card.
Optional items to take:

• Shorts
• Walking stick (with rubber tip)
• Plasters and bandages
• Sandals
• Extra money
• Bathing suit for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes town -not included-

***Before Booking: make sure your preferred departure date and back up date are available.

1) Official inca trail Availability 2012 There must spaces available for day 4 of your 7 day trek (Day 4 it is actually when you enter on the Inca trail).

 

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