An ancient and remote path in the same zone as the Inca Trail, but far less visited and with even more spectacular views. This trek is an excellent option for those wanting to avoid the more congested routes and with our speedy version (the classic Salkantay Trek lasts for 5 days), you can do it in the same amount of days as the Inca Trail. Though, while the Inca Trail can seem overcrowded, the Salkantay Trek takes us on a gorgeous route, winding us through various micro-climates in a way that only Peru could offer. From the chilly heights of the mighty Andean mountains, down in to the rich, sub tropical rainforest, this trek truly offers it all, and then on top of it all: a visit to the ‘Lost City of the Incas', Machupicchu.
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Cusco- Soraypampa- Rayampata (+ / - 8 hours of trekking)
To begin the tour, the first thing we will do is pick you up from your hotels in Cusco and begin the scenic 3 ½ hour ride, through the Sacred Valley, to the trailhead in Soraypampa. After situating our things with the porters, we will begin the trek on our way to our first stopping point, Huarracmachay, where we will have our lunch for the day. In the afternoon we will continue on to the final stop of the day, Rayampata. That is where we will set up camp and prepare our dinner.
Day 2: Rayampata- Colpapampa- Playa (+ / - 7 hours of trekking)
After an early breakfast, we will begin the days walking, at about 7:00 am, but today, we will be entering into the area known as the Ceja de Selva or, "Eyebrow of the Jungle". The route leads us through the area known as Chaullay, and into an exceedingly thick forest, replete with a wide variety of wild flora and fauna. With beautiful wild orchids and pristine waterfalls around us, it makes for a peaceful ambiance. We will set up our campsite for the night in a place known as the Playa ("the Beach") because of the beach-like shoreline found in the river that flows through town.
Day 3: Playa- Santa Teresa- Aguas Calientes (+ / - 6 hours walking)
Delving deeper and deeper into the Ceja de Selva, we will first pass through the pueblo, Cochapampa, before continuing the descent into the forest. We will follow alongside the Salkantay River, coming to a series of tropical plantations such as coffee, bananas, avocado, pineapple and most interesting of all: coca leaves, the sacred herb of the Incas, which we will have a chance to learn a little bit about from our guide. Later on, we will get a great view of Machupicchu from an unusual angle. We will have one final stretch of trekking to arrive to the place known as Hydroelectrico, where we will board a train for a scenic 30 minute ride to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in hotels.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes- Machupicchu- Cusco
Day 4 of the journey is dedicated entirely to visiting the magical remains of Machupicchu. After an extremely early breakfast, we will take the bus up to the site, where we will need to register ourselves at the checkpoint. Afterwards, we will walk around the site with our guide, as he teaches you about the amazing history of the mystical place.
In the afternoon, you should start making your way back down the mountain to Aguas Calientes so you can get to know the town a little bit more before retrieving your things from the hotel and catching the train back to Cusco.
OUR SERVICE INCLUDES:
1. Transfer from airport
to your hotel in Cusco upon arrival
2. Information and maps related to the trek
3. Transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the
trailhead in Soraypampa
4. Entrance fees for Salkantay and Machupicchu
5. Professional, bilingual Tour Guide
6. Cook, porters and mules to carry the food and
camping equipment
7. All food during the trek. (2D, 2A, 2C), with
vegetarian option for those that reserve it
8. Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, cooking
equipment, etc)
9. All other transport during the journey
10. Train from Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes
11. Bus tickets for Aguas Calientes / Machupicchu /
Aguas Calientes route
12. Return in Backpacker Train- Aguas Calientes to
Cusco
13. Transfer from the train station to your hotel in
Cusco
14. Re-confirmation of airline tickets
15. Departing transfer from your hotel to the
airport in Cusco
Our Service Does Not Include:
1. Night hotel in Aguas
Calientes
2. Breakfast the Day 1, Dinner on the Day 3,
Breakfast or Lunch on the Day 4
3. Sleeping bag
Discounts Offered:
Discount of USD $12.00 for
students with International Student Identification
Card (ISIC Card)
Discount of USD $12.00 for
passengers under 15 years of age; a copy of the
passport is required
Discount of USD $24.00 for
children under 10 years of age; a copy of the
passport is required
OUR SERVICE INCLUDES:
An extra mule and carrier (up to 18 kilos) for your
personal things- USD $75.00
Down sleeping bag- USD $20.00 for the entire trek.
Synthetic sleeping bag- USD $14.00 for the entire
trek
Top quality backpack- USD $20.00
VistaDome train (first class) return to Cusco- USD
$40.00 per person
Note:
Any changes in prices by the authorities who run the entrance to the archaeological sites are reported in advance
