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Day by day…
Salkantay Mountain, located at 6264 m.a.s.l. is also called The Magical Mountain. Salkantay rises from the Vilcanota mountain range – an extraordinary place from which we can enjoy a panoramic view of Machu Picchu. It is also a culmination of amazing geographic and natural points of great beauty. The natural beauty encompasses many of the more famous archaeological treasures of the Incas, among them the most famous: Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.
Good hiking!
Day 1: CUSCO - SILCACANCHA - SORAYPAMPA
We will depart from Cusco at 05:00 by private bus, and we will pass by the towns of Izcuchaca and Limatambo. We will arrive at Mollepata (2900 m.a.s.l.) at 09:00 and then eat breakfast. We will meet our team and organize our equipment for our trekking adventure, and then set out at 10:30. We will arrive at the town of Silcacancha at 13:00 and have lunch. In the early afternoon, we will walk approximately 4 hours to our campsite along the foot of the majestic Salkantay Mountain (6264 m.a.s.l.).
Altitude Change: 2900 to 3750 m.a.s.l.
Duration: 4 hours (by bus)
Day 2: SORAYPAMPA - ARRAYANNIYUC
We will have a nice early breakfast at 06:00, and then begin our trek at 07:00. Day 2 is the longest day of our trek. We will pass along the left side of the Humantay glacier, which is located next to the Salkantay glacier. At 12:00, we will cross the highest pass of the hike at 4600 m.a.s.l. From there, we will enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Salkantay glacier. We will take a short break for lunch and a one hour rest before making a 2-hour descent. We will make camp at Arayanniyuc (3400 m.a.s.l.).
Altitude Change: 3750 to 4600 m.a.s.l.
Duration: 7 hours
Day 3: ARRAYANNIYUC - WINAYPOCO – LA PLAYA
Day 3 is an unforgettable journey through an amazing variety of vegetation. We will continue our descent towards the Yunga region; a subtropical forest at the edge of the Andes. We will hike to the town of Wiñaypoco (2750 m.a.s.l.), and then we will follow the Santa Teresa River. Along the way we will see a variety of orchids and waterfalls. We will make camp at La Playa for the night.
Altitude Change: 3400 to 2450 m.a.s.l.
Duration: 6 hours
Day 4: LA PLAYA - LLACTAPATA - HYDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES
On Day 4, we will make a long hike to the archaeological complex of Llactapata where we will stop at the pass (2950 m.a.s.l.) and take in the full vista of the Machu Picchu and the entire wonder of the area. We will descend towards the power station (1850 m.a.s.l.) and take the local train at 16:00 to Aguas Calientes (2050 m.a.s.l.), where we will spend the night in the Continental Hotel**.
Dinner not included
Altitude Change: 2450 to 2950 to 2050 m.a.s.l.
Duration: 6 hours Day 5: AGUASCALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU- CUSCO (TRAIN)
Hiram Bingham, an American anthropologist discovered Machu Picchu, in 1911. The archeologists estimate this citadel was built in the middle of the 15th century. Today several hypotheses have been ventured on the function this inaccessible citadel. Was it for military purposes? A kind of secret harem dedicated to the Inkas? A place to rest for the Inkas? It is still an enigma!
Departure early in the morning at 06.30 a.m., by bus to reach Machu Picchu citadel. The day will be dedicated to visiting the site. Free for lunch. Return to Aguascalientes by bus and connection to catch the train to Cusco at 03:55 p.m., arrival at 8:20 p.m. Transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Free time for meals
Suggestions: You can also reach Huayna Picchu peak. The hike up there is quite difficult. You will need good shoes, light backpacks and not to be afraid of heights. From the top, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Machu Picchu. You will need about 2 hours to go up and come back down.
Or you can walk to the Sun gate. Less dangerous and you will also have a beautiful view. It will take you about an hour and a half, both ways.
Note: the train timetable will be confirmed when you book the trip.
Included:
Transport and subsequent transfers from your hotel in Cusco, English speaking guide, food during the treks, mountain equipment (tents, camping equipment, ropes), transport of collective equipment (by porters), entrance fees to national parks and Machu Picchu, train Aguascalientes – Cusco in economic class, shuttle at Aguascalientes to Machu Picchu.
Not Included:
International and domestic flights; Hotels in Cusco; Airport tax ($28 per person); Food purchases in the towns not included in the trek (food costs approximately $8 per person in a good restaurant). Personal equipment is also NOT included, such as a sleeping bag rated to –10˚ C; Mattresses; Hiking/Walking shoes; Helmut with light; Pick; Crampons, etc. These items CAN be rented.
Note: Personal insurance is obligatory.
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