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Salcantay Trekking 2012

The Best Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu - 5 days/4 nights

We do have this great 5 days hike Option, ending at Machu Picchu, having on the last day a full day time between 7a.m. till 2 p.m. to enjoy well the great Inka City, that’s means you will get Machu Picchu before the crowded trains arrive, good for empty Pictures and enough time for those looking to climb the holy mountain of Huayna Picchu (1:40 min.round trip aprox.), or a quiet hike to the temple of the Moon which is located behind Huayna Picchu (1:50 min.round trip aprox).

1st DAY: CUZCO / SORAYPAMPA

06:00 AM. Departure by our private transport to Mollepata 2,900 m. A beautiful scenic journey through Mollepata, with stops for panoramic views of the “ Salkantay Mountain” where we have breakfast. One can see awesome chains of magnificent snow capped mountains and the lush Apurimac River Valley.

After we arrive to our trailhead, called Cruzpata 3,200 m. we meet our arrieros "horsemen" and trekking staff, (Cook, and Assistants). We trek for about 3 hours before lunch through traditional Andean communities like Cruzpata, Challacancha where we stop for lunch. We continue walking for approx 2 hours through unspoiled Andean villages to Soraypampa 3,850 m. our first campsite.

Lunch, Dinner

2nd DAY: SORAYPAMPA / RAYAN-NIYOC or CHAULLAY

After an early breakfast we start trekking from approx 07:00 AM for 3 hours to start our ascent of the Apacheta pass 4,590 m. 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 Cuzco’s region, and also the mountains Humantay and Huayanay, white river, small lakes and moraines.

2 hours dowhill to lunch in Huayracpunku, and then a further 2-3 hours downhill walk to Camp in Rayan-niyoc at 2,890 m. or Camp at Chaullay 2,920 m. for experienced trekkers. To be decided by the guide depending on the groups abilities and weather and walking conditions.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3rd DAY: RAYAN-NIYOC or CHAULLAY / LA PLAYA.

We start the trek 07:00 AM. 3 hours easy hiking to Uscamayuc, 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 coca and banana crops can be observed, time to shower in a waterfall, 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.

3 hour walk to our last campsite in La Playa 2,350 m. A small village is located here with electricity and a shop!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4th DAY: LA PLAYA / AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU

Approx 07:30 AM we begin our trek to the village Lucmabamba, here we see the remains of an Inka trail, 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 the Inka trail climbing up for 4 hours to Llactapata 2,700 m. From here, we can see Machu Picchu (Inca city) and enjoy some free time to rest, 2 hours. Downhill to the hydroelectric plant 1,870 m. where we have the last lunch with all staff.

At 15:20 PM. we will take 45 minute train journey to Aguas Calientes town 2,000 m. Special Dinner and great beds in the "small village, optional hot spring baths. USD$3

Breakfast, Lunch. Dinner

5th DAY MACHU PICCHU / CUZCO
Early wake Up (by 05: 30 a.m.), Breakfast and after to leave our Luggage at the
Hotel, we will take the early Tourist bus Up to Machu Picchu, of Course with a guide English speaking, Usually we use to get Machu Picchu by 6: 50 a.m., so from this time we will be able to visit Machu Picchu of course at this time Machu Picchu is pretty empty and we will have the best chance to enjoy the beauty and the magic of Machu Picchu, because at this time is quiet.
A guided tour of about 2: 30 hours, and then you will have "happy hour time", to explore by yourself the whole site for about 3 hours and there is time as well to climb Huayna Picchu mountain and get the best view over Machu Picchu it takes 1: 40 minutes round trip time, or option to go to the temple of the moon which is located behind Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Then We suggest that after visiting Machu Picchu that you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes by 14:00 at the latest (assuming train departs at 15:55). Buses depart every 15 minutes. Check with the guide for actual times.
Getting Cusco city by 9:00 p.m aprox, there we will provide transfer to Your Hostel, End of the services.

-Lunch can be taked at Aguas Calientes town before to take the tourist train back to Cusco
-Optional stay 01 extra night in Aguas Calientes. Cost of Hotel : USD$20 - 30. per person.

Breakfast. (In our Hotel)

DAY 01-Total distance: 10 km (aprox.)

Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours

Maximum altitude point: 3,850 m (aprox.)

Campsite altitude: 3,850 m (aprox.)

DAY 02.-Total distance: 16 km (aprox.)

Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours (aprox.)

Maximum altitude point: 4,5900 m (aprox.)

Campsite altitude: 2,8900 m (aprox.)

DAY 03.-Total distance: 15 km (aprox.)

Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours (aprox.)

Maximum altitude point: 2700 m (aprox.)

Campsite altitude: 2,000 m (aprox.)

DAY 04.-Total distance: 12 km (aprox.)

Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours (aprox.)

Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (aprox.)

Campsite altitude: 2,000 m (aprox.) Aguas Calientes village

* Departure and arrival times are approximated.

** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the guide Salkantay Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the group progress

WHY TO CHOSE THIS TREK
* PERU, all things considered, offers the best alpine hiking in the world

The main reason we like Salcantay is that it is not the crowded Inca Trail:

* more remote, difficult & rugged than the Inca Trail
* climb high on sacred Salcantay, the highest mountain in the region, then descend through cloud forest to near jungle
* more elevation change, greater variety of habitat
* more contact with the indigenous Quechua people
* hotsprings midway & at end of the trek
* cheaper than the Inca Trail