Apu Salkantay to Machu Picchu trek, 5days/4nights
As a beautiful alternative to the traditional Inca Trail, This is a true Andean odyssey: this 4-day trek through the dramatic Cordillera Vilcabamba is especially for those who want to take a less-travelled and exceptionally beautiful route to Machu Picchu.
Mount Salkantay is the 2nd largest mountain in the entire area of Cusco (2nd only to the mighty Mount Ausangate) and is said to be the
"guardian" that stands between the mountains and the jungle.
Crossing over a pass between the peaks of the immense mountains,
Salkantay (6,270m) and Humantay (6,070m),
you will get to see some spectacular views of the glacial monsters and the sprawling valleys which they stand over.
The great thing about this particular trek,
that none of the other treks can offer (including the Inca Trail),
is that you get to see so many different microclimates in such a short amount of time.
Enjoy.
Salkantay day 1: Cusco - Soraypampa
Leaving Cusco early in the morning, we´ll take a 6-hour ride along a scenic route to the small village of Marcocasa, located high above the Apurimac River.
This is where we meet up with the Mules, Horses,
and arrieros (wranglers) that will carry our gear during the trek.
We will begin with a gentle hike into the green river valley beneath the Vilcabamba mountain-range,
and then steadily upwards to the high plateau.
Along the way, we will get our first incredible view of Mount Huamantay (5,917 m.).
As we approach our campsite at Soraypampa,
the enormous Salkantay-peak (6,270m.) will be towering over us,
making for some beautiful views.
Mount Salkantay has the highest point in the Vilcabamba mountain-range.
Leaving Cusco early in the morning, we´ll take a 6-hour ride along a scenic route to the small village of Marcocasa, located high above the Apurimac River.
This is where we meet up with the Mules, Horses,
and arrieros (wranglers) that will carry our gear during the trek.
We will begin with a gentle hike into the green river valley beneath the Vilcabamba mountain-range,
and then steadily upwards to the high plateau.
Along the way, we will get our first incredible view of Mount Huamantay (5,917 m.).
As we approach our campsite at Soraypampa,
the enormous Salkantay-peak (6,270m.) will be towering over us,
making for some beautiful views.
Mount Salkantay has the highest point in the Vilcabamba mountain-range.
Salkantay day 2: Soraypampa - Chaullay
Soraypampa
Following a series of switchbacks known as `Siete Culebras´, or `Seven Snakes´,
our path leads up the side of a mountain and levels out again in the shadows of the gran0diose,
Mount Salkantay. With Mount Salkantay looming above,
we´ll come to a summit, marked by small piles of stones, or apachetas,
left by locals and travelers to honor the mountain gods.
From this high pass (4,750m.), flanked by Mount Salkantay and Mount Huamantay,
we´ll make our way towards the valley below to camp for the night, in Chaullay.
our path leads up the side of a mountain and levels out again in the shadows of the gran0diose,
Mount Salkantay. With Mount Salkantay looming above,
we´ll come to a summit, marked by small piles of stones, or apachetas,
left by locals and travelers to honor the mountain gods.
From this high pass (4,750m.), flanked by Mount Salkantay and Mount Huamantay,
we´ll make our way towards the valley below to camp for the night, in Chaullay.
Salkantay
day 3: Chaullay - Playa
The trail leads us down the eastern slope of the Andes and into a sub-tropical valley, where the temperature is noticeably warmer and we can even see a variety of Orchids, wild Flowers, and Hummingbirds.
After a morning of downhill walking,
we´ll arrive to the natural hot springs of Ccolpapampa,
where we can take a relaxing dip in the naturally heated waters,
if we choose to.
Continuing through the `ceja de selva´, or `eyebrow of the jungle´,
we´ll encounter bright Flowers, Butterflies, Parrots, and lush groves of tropical fruit, Cocoa, and Coffee. At the small village, called la Playa, we´ll set up camp for the night.
After a morning of downhill walking,
we´ll arrive to the natural hot springs of Ccolpapampa,
where we can take a relaxing dip in the naturally heated waters,
if we choose to.
Continuing through the `ceja de selva´, or `eyebrow of the jungle´,
we´ll encounter bright Flowers, Butterflies, Parrots, and lush groves of tropical fruit, Cocoa, and Coffee. At the small village, called la Playa, we´ll set up camp for the night.
Salkantay day 4: Playa - Aguas Calientes
Today we´ll continue through the sub-tropical vegetation,
on our way to the village of Lucmabamba, where an original Inca trail still remains,
till this day. A gradual uphill climb through lush sub-tropical forest brings us to Llactapata (2,700m.),
where we´ll enjoy a stunning view of the backside of Machu Picchu amongst its neighboring peaks.
In the afternoon, we´ll take the hydroelectric train to Aguas Calientes,
where we´ll spend a comfortable night in a nice, clean hostel.
on our way to the village of Lucmabamba, where an original Inca trail still remains,
till this day. A gradual uphill climb through lush sub-tropical forest brings us to Llactapata (2,700m.),
where we´ll enjoy a stunning view of the backside of Machu Picchu amongst its neighboring peaks.
In the afternoon, we´ll take the hydroelectric train to Aguas Calientes,
where we´ll spend a comfortable night in a nice, clean hostel.
Salkantay day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
We can take the earliest bus up to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes,
and get in to the site as early as 6:00 am.
After partaking in an informative 2-hour guided tour
through the ancient ruins,
you will have some additional time to explore the site on your own.
In the late afternoon, you will board a train that will take you back to Ollantaytambo, where to take a bus back to Cusco.
and get in to the site as early as 6:00 am.
After partaking in an informative 2-hour guided tour
through the ancient ruins,
you will have some additional time to explore the site on your own.
In the late afternoon, you will board a train that will take you back to Ollantaytambo, where to take a bus back to Cusco.
IINCLUDED
- Private transportation to head of trail
- Official, Professional, Guide English/Spanish-speaking
- Plentiful, nutritious meals and snacks (vegetarian option available)
- 4breakfasts/4lunches/ 4dinners
- Drinking-water throughout trek / hot water for washing in the morning
- Double-occupancy tents and camping-equipment (includes dining-tent, kitchen-tent)
- Pack-animals to carry personal gear and equipment
- hostel in Aguas Calientes
- Entrance-fee to Machu Picchu
- Bus Aguas Calientes- Machu Picchu,round-trip
- Train-ticket back to Ollantaytambo
NOT INCLUDED
- Sleeping-bag
- Breakfast 1st day,last lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes
- Tips
we suggest you bring
- Backpack or duffle bag
- Warm clothing/thermals
- Trek-shoes/wool socks
- Rain-gear
- Sunscreen and hat
- Flashlight
- Sleeping-bag
- Rain-gear (Nov-Mar)
- Insect-repellent
- Water-bottle
- Day pack
- Personal medical kit
- Copy of Passport
Sweet Travel Experiences
Cell-Phone: (0051)-84-973158673
Margot Mendoza Nancay. Manager
www.sweettravelperu.com
E-mail: see `contact us´
- Private transportation to head of trail
- Official, Professional, Guide English/Spanish-speaking
- Plentiful, nutritious meals and snacks (vegetarian option available)
- 4breakfasts/4lunches/ 4dinners
- Drinking-water throughout trek / hot water for washing in the morning
- Double-occupancy tents and camping-equipment (includes dining-tent, kitchen-tent)
- Pack-animals to carry personal gear and equipment
- hostel in Aguas Calientes
- Entrance-fee to Machu Picchu
- Bus Aguas Calientes- Machu Picchu,round-trip
- Train-ticket back to Ollantaytambo
NOT INCLUDED
- Sleeping-bag
- Breakfast 1st day,last lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes
- Tips
we suggest you bring
- Backpack or duffle bag
- Warm clothing/thermals
- Trek-shoes/wool socks
- Rain-gear
- Sunscreen and hat
- Flashlight
- Sleeping-bag
- Rain-gear (Nov-Mar)
- Insect-repellent
- Water-bottle
- Day pack
- Personal medical kit
- Copy of Passport
Sweet Travel Experiences
Cell-Phone: (0051)-84-973158673
Margot Mendoza Nancay. Manager
www.sweettravelperu.com
E-mail: see `contact us´
