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Salcantay to Machu Picchu in 5 days
Difficult: Average
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Itinerary:
Day 1: Cusco - Soraypampa (L, D)
Leaving Cusco early in the morning, we take a scenic drive of approximately 6 hours to the small village of Marcocasa, located high above the Apurimac River. Here, we meet up with the mules, horses, and arrieros (wranglers) that will carry our gear during the trek. We begin our gentle hike into the green river valley of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, hiking steadily upwards to the high plateau. Along the way, we get our first incredible view of Huamantay (5917 m.). As we approach our campsite at Soraypampa, the enormous Salcantay peak (6270m. and the highest in the Vilcabamba range) dominates our skyline.
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Way to Soraypampa |
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Day 2: Soraypampa - Chaullay (B, L, D)
Following a series of switchbacks (Siete Culebras) our path leads up the side of a mountain and levels out beneath the shadows of the grandiose Mount Salcantay. With Salcantay looming above, we 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 (4750m.) flanked by Salcantay and Huamantay, we make our way towards the valley below to camp for the night at Chaullay. |
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Day 3: Chaullay - Playa (B, L, D)
Our trail leads us down the eastern slope of the Andes into a sub-tropical valley, where the temperature is warmer and we see a variety of orchids, flowers, and hummingbirds. After a morning of downhill walking, we arrive to the natural hot springs of Ccolpapampa. Continuing through the “Ceja de Selva,” or “Eyebrow of the Jungle,” we encounter bright flowers, butterflies, parrots, and lush groves of tropical fruit, cocoa, and coffee. At the small village of Playa, we set up camp for the night. |
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Day 4: Playa - Aguas Calientes (B, L)
Today we continue through sub-tropical vegetation to the village of Lucmabamba, where an original Inca trail remains. A gradual uphill climb through lush sub-tropical forest brings us to Llactapata (2700m.), from where we enjoy a brilliant backside view of Machu Picchu and vistas of the surrounding peaks. In the afternoon we take the hydroelectric train to Aguas Calientes where we spend a comfortable night in a hostel. |
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Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco (B)
We take the early bus up to the stunning archeological complex of Machu Picchu for a tour of these mysterious remains. Then we have time to explore on our own before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon.
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We recommended taking::
- A small backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
- A big backpack with: Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
- Small towel
- Swimsuit (if you intend to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
- Sandals for relax moments
- Flashlight, camera, binoculars, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Gloves, scarf, handkerchiefs • Sun block, after-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET
- Toilet paper
- Personal first-aid kit
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
- Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far.
- Cash in soles and/or US$ (no ATM machines)
- Some document and if your are student your ISIC card
- Optional: walking sticks or poles
It includes:
- Spanish/English Professional tour guide and assistance
- Private Transport from your hotel to Mollepata
- Porters, Muleteer & Mules to take the luggage (maximum 10 Kg)
- Cooker and assistance
- Dinning Tent, Kitchen Tents, tables and camp stool
- All the feeding in the route (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea time and snacks)
- Doubles tents, comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season.
- Insulate (insulating long cushions to sleep)
- Accommodation for our guides, cook and porters
- First-aid kit
- 1 night in a good Hostel in Aguas Calientes
- Ticket of entrance to Salcantay and Machu Picchu
- Bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Back Packer Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
- Transfer train station-hotel in Cusco
Not include:
- Sleeping bags
- Tips for the tour guide and carriers
- The breakfast on the first day and the meals in Aguas Calientes
Notes:
- If you want to ride a horse during the entire long walk, you can rent it by USD 20 per day. You couldn’t ride in descent.
- Rent of Sleeping 0ºC = USD 10 per all the trekking
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