Salkantay to Machu Picchu

This trek perfectly combines cultural and natural beauty. We will enjoy the challenge of the ecosystem and the magnificent view of the snow-capped Salkantay (6264m/20551f), which is considered as the most representative mountain of the mountain range of Vilcabamba. The trek takes us back to the time of the Incas and makes us aware of the spirits of mountains such as the Tucarhuay or the Humantay which peak is higher than 5000m (16404 feet).

Salkantay Information:

• Altitude: 1950 – 4600 m/6398 – 15092 f
• High season: April – November
• Duration: 5 days – 4 nights
• Level of difficulty: Difficult

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata (Marcoccasa) – Salkantay Pampa

We will leave Cusco at 5:30am and head towards Marcoccasa (3400m/11154f), passing the village Mollepata (3000m/9843f). In Marcoccasa we will meet the horsemen and the rest of the group and start our trek. We start hiking within a magnificent valley, surrounded by the most important snow-capped mountains such as the Humantay (5217m/17116f) and the Salkantay (6264m/20551f). Our campsite will be at Salkantay pampa (3900m/12795f).

• Climate: cold
• Transport time: 3hrs 30 hours
• Hiking time: 6 hours

Optional: While trekking Salkantay route to Salkantay Pampa, we strongly recommend hiking to the Laguna de Humantay for discovering a beautiful view over Humantay Lake and Humantay snow-covered (Day hiked up from Soraypampa at 3700m/12139ft to Humantay Lake at 4220m/13845ft). Hiking Time 2 hours

Day 2: Salkantay Pampa – Salkantay pass – Collpa Pampa

After breakfast we will set off towards the Salkantay Pass (4600m/15092f) which offers an exceptional view of the Salkantay snow-capped (6264m). Thereafter we will descend again and will have time to enjoy the increasing vegetation of the ecosystem. Our campsite will be in Collpapampa (3000m/9842ft), amidst the tropical forest.

• Climate: warm with mosquitoes
• Hiking time: 8-9 hours

Day 3: Collpa Pampa – Wiñaypoco – La Playa – Lucmabamba

The third day is dedicated to the region’s flora and its plantations. After descending to a dimmed forest and enjoying the diversity of species of orchids, bromeliads and many other plants, we will see coffee-, cacao- and fruit-plantations. Moreover we will have the pleasure to meet local families of Wiñaypoco (2650m/8694f), La Playa (2100m/6890f) and Lucmabamba (2000m/6561ft). Our campsite will be in Lucmabamba.

This afternoon you stay in contact with a local rural family from the forest in which you will have the opportunity to witness the cultivation and processing of coffee.

Depending on the variety, it takes approximately 3 to 4 years for newly planted coffee trees to begin to bear fruit.  The fruit, called the coffee cherry, turns a bright, deep red when it is ripe and ready to be harvested. Due to the botanical characteristics of the coffee tree and the fact that coffee is often grown in mountainous areas, widespread use of mechanical harvesters is not possible and the ripe coffee cherries are usually picked by hand, a labour-intensive and difficult process. We will show and explain to you the complete process from the tree to the cup of coffee. You will also have the opportunity to ask the locals your own questions about the process of cultivation.

• Climate: warm during the day with mosquitoes
• Hiking time: 6 hours

Note: According to the group’s wishes it is possible to change the itinerary a bit and visit the hot springs in Santa Teresa (1830m/6004f) this afternoon at an extra cost.

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata Inca site – Machu Picchu town

After breakfast, we will hike up on the Inca trail to the archaeological site of Llactapata at 2650m/8694f (Beautiful scenery for discovering flora and evidence of Inca culture). From here we will have an outstanding view over Machu Picchu Mountain and Vilcanota Canyon). Afterwards we will continue down to Hydroelectric train station (1950m/6398f), where you are able to take the train to Machu Picchu town (2050m/6726f). We will pass the night in Machu Picchu town.

• Climate: warm with some insects
• Hiking time: 6 hours

Day 5: Machu Picchu town – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30am and head for Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00am. After a guided tour around the archaeological site, including information about life and culture of the Incas, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750m/9022f) on your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train either at 2:55pm or at 6:45pm. Until then you will have time to have lunch in one of the nice restaurants. Moreover you can visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax a bit.

• Hiking time: 2 hours

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days (Group Departure)

Included:

• Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to Mollepata (Marcoccasa).
• Transport from Lucmabamba to the Hydroelectric station (just for the equipment and everyone’s bag).
• Tourist Train from the Hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes.
• Tourist Bus from Machu Picchu town to Machu Picchu.
• Tourist train from Machu Picchu town to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
• Hostel with Private Room and Bathroom in Aguas Calientes town or Machu Picchu town (Machupicchu, Continental or similar).
• Entrance fee to the National Park of Salkantay and Machu Picchu.
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
• High quality camping equipment (Professional tent, Doite Cima 4, for 2 persons) Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).
• Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and tea time/Optional vegetarian)
• Cook and assistant.
• Horseman and mules for up to 7kg of a customer’s personal equipment.
• Emergency horse.
• First-aid kit and oxygen bottle.

Not included:

• Breakfast on day first and lunch on the last day in Machu Picchu town
• Tourist Bus from Machu Picchu to Machu Picchu town (After Machu Picchu guiding you can discover more about Machu Picchu park then on the way back to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu town you can do it hiking otherwise you can take a bus at an extra cost $ 12.00 per person)
• Sleeping bag (If you don’t have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility of renting a good quality – 10° for $ 6.00 per day).

Notes:

(1) From the first to the third day (from Marcoccasa to La Playa) we are accompanied by horsemen and mules that will carry all camping equipment and the customer’s private luggage (up to 7 kg). On the fourth day all luggage will be transferred to the hydroelectric station by car.

(2) Visit to Huayna Picchu: For Huayna Picchu mountain requires to be booked long time in advance however we charge additional US $ 15.00 and then we’ll guarantee your entrance for Huayna Picchu as well (This new State law  began since the 18th of July, 2011).

(3) Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for a small donation, for example clothes or school equipment for their children.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days (Private Departure)

Included:

• Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to Mollepata Cusco to Mollepata (Marcoccasa community).
• Transport from La Playa to the Hydroelectric station (just for the equipment and everyone’s bag).
• Tourist Train from the Hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes.
• Tourist Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back.
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco or tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
• Hostel with Private Room and Bathroom in Aguas Calientes town (Machupicchu, Continental or similar).
• Entrance fee to the National Park of Salkantay and Machu Picchu.
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
• High quality camping equipment (Professional tent, Doite Cima 4, for 2 persons) Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).
• Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and tea time/Optional vegetarian)
• Cook and assistant.
• Horseman and mules for up to 7kg of a customer’s personal equipment.
• Emergency horse.
• First-aid kit and oxygen bottle.

Not included:

• Breakfast on day first and lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes.
• Sleeping bag (If you don’t have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility of renting one).

Notes:

(1) From the first to the third day (from Marcoccasa to La Playa) we are accompanied by horsemen and mules that will carry all camping equipment and the customer’s private luggage (up to 8 kg). On the fourth day all luggage will be transferred to the hydroelectric station by car.

(2) Visit to Huayna Picchu: For Huayna Picchu mountain requires to be booked long time in advance however we charge additional US $ 15.00 and then we’ll guarantee your entrance for Huayna Picchu as well (This new State law  began since the 18th of July, 2011).

(3) Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for a small donation, for example clothes or school equipment for their children.

What do I need to bring

• Backpack with rain shelter.
• Sleeping bag.
• Clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket.
• Rain pants and lightweight pants.
• Trekking shoes.
• Slippers or sandals (for showers and Hot Springs).
• Woollen or synthetic socks and a sweater.
• Long- and short-sleeved polo’s/T-Shirts.
• Rain poncho and a hat.
• Bathing suit (for the Hot Springs in Machu Picchu town).
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
• Camera (wrapped in plastic bag).
• Flash light and batteries.
• Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit.
• Original passport, original ISIC student card and extra money in soles.
• Since the weather can be very cold and moistly, your clothes – once gotten wet – won’t dry at night. So take some clothes to change.