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Salcantay Trekking 2012

The SALKANTAY Mountain rises as part of the andes mountain ranges and its located between two great rivers, the Urubamba and the Apurimac. Along the Cordillera's northern side, massive snow peaks collide with tropical rain forests creates a magnificent contrast between lush vegetation and lofty desolation area.
Salkantay Mountain is located in the north side of Cusco. Nevado Salkantay, the cordillera's tallest peak, rises to 6271 masl. The name Salkantay means Savage Mountain, which may refer to the clouds that rise up from the jungle lowlands and engulf the peak. Mollepata, an attractive village built on a mountainside overlooking the deep citrus producing valley of the Apurimac, is the starting point for the trek

Wonderful route with mixes of typical landscapes Andean, the remotes and ancient Inca routs, which offer marvelous views and experiences of typical world Andean.
Less concurred than the popular way Inca, during the route we can appreciate a progression of diversity ecological peaks, tropical sites, glacier peaks, to arrive to the lost Incas city, Machupicchu.

DAY 1: CUSCO / MOLLEPATA / MARKOKASA
Transport from Cusco to Mollepata, We will begin the ramble join with a bilingual guide, with a lot experience, the mules will carry all of our baggage, we will have some emergency horses too, in case that needed them. As far as Markokasa where we will camp (lunch, afternoon snack, dinner).

DAY 2 : MARKOKASA / SORAYPAMPA / SALKANTAY PAMPA
We will climb slowly to the Markokasa step (3650) continued for beautiful landscapes to Humantay viewpoint (5917) then we will to continue to Salkantay ravine where we are going to camp.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner).

DAY 3 : INCACHIRIASCA STEP / SISAY PAMPA
To day we will begin our ramble with exceptional Salkantay snow-covered views (6271) while we climb to Incachiriasca step (4880) this beautiful mountain will amaze us. After we descend to the Sisaypampa step where we will camp downwards majestic Salkantay snow-covered. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

DAY 4: SISAY PAMPA / CANAL INCA / PAUCARCANCHA
After healthy breakfast, we will begin ramble, to the Pampacahua valley where we will find rest of the Inca canal, then we descend to the archeological combined of Paucarcancha where after to have visited them we will camp.                                     (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

DAY 5 : PAUCARCANCHA / WAYLLABAMBA / PACAYMAYO
We will undertake on early in the morning the ramble to Guayllabamba(3000 m.) in this place we will climb to Warmihuañusca step, then we can see the great construction of the Inca trail while we descent to Pacaymayo valley where we will be camping, (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

DAY 6 : SAYACMARCA / PHUYUPATAMARCA / WIÑAYWAYNA
It is a best day than other ones of our ramble, we will be seeing spectacular landscapes and will be visiting archeological centers like to Sayacmarca, Concahamarcay, Phuyupatamarca. Finally we will descend to striking Wiñaywayna where we will camp. (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

DAY 7: INTIPUNKU / MACHUPICCHU / CUSCO
Very early in the morning we will start our ramble to arrive to Intipunku and we can have the first magnificent view of the terrific striking Machupicchu (2475 m), then we will descend to our excursion guided to the beautiful Inca city, in the afternoon we will return to Cusco by train, to arrive and to move at hotel. (Breakfast)

DAY 01-Total distance: 10km (6,47 miles)
Estimated walking time: 4-5 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,000 m (9,840 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,500 m (10,840 ft)

DAY 02.-Total distance: 9 km (5.84 miles)
Estimated walking time: 4-5 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3650m (11,776 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)

DAY 03.-Total distance: 10 km (6,47 miles)
Estimated walking time: 5 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,870 m (12,792 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,650 m (8,692 ft)

DAY 04.-Total distance: 10 km (6.47 miles)
Estimated walking time: 4,5hours
Maximum altitude point: 3.200 m (8,829 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,100 m (7,872 ft)

DAY 05.-Total distance: 11 km (6,84 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,200 m (13,776 ft)
Campsite altitude: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)

DAY 06.-Total distance: 16 km (9,94 miles)
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,900 m (12,792 ft)
Campsite altitude: 2,650 m (8,692 ft)

DAY 07.-Total distance: 4 km (2,49 miles)
Estimated walking time: 2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (8,829 ft)
Campsite altitude: 2,400 m (7,872 ft)

* Departure and arrival times are approximated.

** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the group progress

Please note: In an effort to reduce impact the Peruvian government has lowered the number of people allowed on the trail. For this reason it is important that you make reservations as far in advance as possible to ensure your spot.

WHY TO CHOSE THIS TREK:

* PERU, all things considered, offers the best trekking in the world

• The main reason we like A remote and ancient footpath, in the same region as the Inca Trail, but less traveled and offering more spectacular views.
• Providing a magnificent wilderness, alternative for those who wish to escape the more popular trekking routes is the Salcantay Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
• This route offers the solitude and quiet contemplation such a sacred path deserves.

Climate and Environment

The climate is relatively mild all year- round, with heavy rains from November to March, and dry and hot weather from April to October, which is a recommendable time to visit. The annual minimal temperature runs from 8° to 11.2°C. In the months of June, July and August the temperature can often fall below zero. I

The annual maximum temperature varies from 20.4° to 26.6°C. The terrain is fairly jagged, with many gullies and streams fed by glaciers which eventually pour into the Urubamba river, which crosses the area forming a deep valley which runs through the granite base of Vilcabamba for more than 40 km through a variety of eco-systems.

Landscape

The natural surroundings are impressive and the balance achieved between nature and Inca architecture is striking. The Vilcabamba mountain range boasts peaks higher than 6,000 meters such as Salcantay and Huamantay among others. The blend of mountains, jungles and valleys create a fantasy world where the spectacular dawn and sunset are shrouded in mystery.

Fauna

This is abundant and varied. The existence of species in danger of extinction such as the spectacled bear (Tremarctos omatus), the Andean Cock-of-the-Rocks (Rupicola peruviana), the dwarf deer (Pudu mephistopheles), etc. was one of the reasons why the government decided to declare it a Conservation Unit.

The park includes species like the puma, Andean fox, river otter, Taruka (Huemul deer), wildcat, ferret, etc. There are birds like the Mountain Caracara, hummingbirds, torrent duck, parrot, wild turkey, and many other colorful smaller birds. There are also reptiles like the Jergon Bothrops and the coral micrurus snake (lethal for its venom), lizards, frogs, and numerous Andean and jungle fauna which inhabit the Sanctuary. This abundant wildlife makes the Sanctuary ideal for tourists and researchers who wish to watch or study the animals.

Flora

The large natural areas are filled with a variety of forest species which vary according to the habitat. The forest vegetation is represented by trees such as cedar, romerillo or intimpa, laurel, etc. There are also species like Ocotea, Pedocarpus, Guarea, Weinmania, Clusia, Cedropia, Cinchena, Eritrina or Pisonay, and Ilex among others. The decorative plants have made the Sanctuary famous. Experts have identified more than 90 species of orchids, and many species of begonias and puya cacti. Most of the area is covered by herbaceous, shrub like and arboreal plants. The varied conditions have created an ideal environment for the growth of diverse plant life that runs from thick jungle like the cloud forest to the sparsely covered mountain tops.

Archaeology

Apart from everything that has been mentioned, there is also the Incas cultural heritage. The Inca Trail which was well built, crosses dense forests and deep canyons. There are 18 archaeological complexes dotted along the trail which can be seen in all their splendor. These are made up of housing, irrigation canals, agricultural terracing, walls and shrines, which are irrefutable proof of the existence of important human ettlements.