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     Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 4d/3n

    Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu 4d/3n

    4 DAYS - 3 NIGHTS

    Description

     

    Salkantay, meaning savage or wild in Quechua, is the most famous alternative to the Inca trail, to arrive at Machu Picchu on foot. You will pass by unparalleled views of high Andean mountains, glaciers, and sub-tropical and tropical rain forests. The difficulty level of this hike is moderate to advanced, therefore we recommend you are in good physical shape. It is equally advised that you arrive in Cusco two days before the hike to properly acclimate to the altitude.

    This trekking package is suitable for those trekkers who wish to see Mountain Salcantay from near but they do not have sufficient time to go all the way or restricted to go there for other reasons. This short Salkantay trekking package offers you to face a breathtaking view of Salcantay glacier and other mountain peaks. Not only mountain views, but you will also get a great opportunity to explore Machu Picchu Inca City and have a close look at their fascinating Andean culture.

    Time frame: Start time day 1: 4:00am – End time day 4: 10:00pm

    How often: Every day in the months May to September, for other dates contact us at info@coclatours.com!

    Itinerary

    Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa.

    Morning

    4:30 am Pick up from hotel, by our tourist bus, We´ll travel through the Andes, reaching the village of Mollepata.

    Where you can gear up on last-minute supplies or anything you may have forgotten back in town (water, rain poncho, bug spray, etc). Once the horsemen have taken the large packs and all last-minute supplies have been purchased, it’s time to start the Trekking.

    The “Trekking” on this first day is for the majority of the time simply walking on the road that runs all the way back to Soraypampa. While the views are stunning and the trekking occasionally takes a steep shortcut through the cow pastures, the scent of eucalyptus invades you as you head up, out of Mollepata and out into the wide-open valleys that dominate this section of the Andes. It feels incredible to breathe the thin, mountain air and slowly slip further back into the middle of nowhere

    Afternoon

    Eventually, the trekking makes it way all the way to the back of the valley, and the outpost tent settlement of Soraypampa comes into view. Little more than a collection of 4 or 5 ranching families who rent out campsites to passing trekkers, Soraypampa is an utterly surreal location. Nestled at the base of towering 3,600 m or 8,528 ft. Andean peaks such as Mt. Salcantay at 6264 m or 20551.18 ft, Soraypampa is our protector of Apu Salkantay: windswept, barren, freezing, and utterly enchanting. Most tour companies have covered campsites here to protect campers from the harsh elements, and it’s quite easy to fall asleep after a long day of trekking and the sound of the nearby river lapping you into a slumber.

    Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayrac Machay – Challway

    Morning

    The second day is far and away the hardest day of the trek. It’s long, it’s cold, and you have to make your way over the 4,650 m– 15,256 ft Salkantay Pass. Nonetheless, waking up at sunrise amidst the sprawling grasslands of Soraypampa, the sun illuminating the 6264 m or 20551.18 ft Andean peaks springing up from behind you makes for an energizing and mesmerizing start to the day.
    The climb to the pass takes anywhere from 3-4 hours, and it is a fairly steep grind of narrow switchbacks and steady uphills until the rock structures of the pass finally come into view. Unless hiking in June or July the trail should most likely be devoid of any snow or ice, although hail, sleet, ice, and rain are possible at any time of the year.

    Though the air is thin and the trail is steep, anyone who is fairly physically fit and acclimated to the altitude can make it over the pass. We had, and probably we´ll have 60-something-year-old people in our group and they made it over the pass just fine. Our group carries extra oxygen; also, you can ride a horse and let them catch a ride over the pass.

    Afternoon

    Once having crossed the pass it is the start of a long path downhill where you will eventually drop over 1,700 m or 5577 vertical ft until you arrive at our campsite in Challway. Along the way to Challway, there are various tent encampments and small villages scattered amongst the plains, and it is incredible to think that there are a handful of local people who live permanently so far removed from modern society and amongst such harsh natural conditions. Interestingly enough, nearly every small village (example: population 4 or 5) that you pass; has at least 1 or 2 small. The trail weaves its way down the flank of the mountain and parallels to the Salkantay river that grows exponentially as you make your way down the valley, finally making it an hour or so before sunset to the village of Challway. The camping here is ready.

    Day 3 : Collpapampa – La Playa – Lucmabamba.

    Morning

    The trekking from the village of Challway to lunch at La Playa is when you make the noticeable change from the mountains down into the jungle. Trickling streams amongst the sub-alpine plains give way to raging waterfalls and streams .There are a number of river crossings across bridges constructed from simple tree logs and branches, and it’s the kind of scenery that you expect a massive python or puma to lurch out at you at any given moment, although allegedly no pythons exist here and pumas are exceptionally rare. the vista of the river valley and the occasional stream crossings are enough to occupy your mind for the 4 hour trek down to lunch.

    We continue BY CAR to the hydroelectric plant. 913 meters (2995 ft) in 1 hour.

    The walk to Aguas Calientes is along the train tracks.

    Afternoon

    Trekking to Machu Picchu along the train line is much more enjoyable than we anticipated as a wide path undulates beside the tracks. Almost the entire distance is shaded by jungle foliage, trees and flowers, the incline is very gradual. This is the perfect “cool down” after 4 days of trekking.

    We can tell that we are getting close to our destination of Aguas Calientes: we notice more and more “clean looking” trekkers in fancy clothes looking very fresh… they are day trippers!. We are only a short walk away from a hot shower. The first in 4 days! There are no words to describe the joy of seeing the town of Aguas Calientes, the tired legs are quickly forgotten as we are near our hotel. Not only would we get to take a hot shower, but also sleep in a real bed… Hurra!

    We all meet for dinner at a restaurant and get a plan for our next day.

    Overnight in hostal.

    Day 4 : Tour to Machu Picchu

    Morning

    We catch a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, the buses start running from 5:30-6am. What does this mean? This means that all the people who took the 1st bus are most likely going to get to Machu Picchu before others and be the first enjoying the Sunrise, also well rested and relaxed and with full of energy for climb Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain if you decide it.
    Machu Picchu is special, and watching the sun break the mountains and illuminate the city of stone is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
    The setting for the ancient city is absolutely stunning, and the feeling of reaching it by foot over 5 days of such intense physical exertion and the swath of rugged terrain that you’ve since left behind makes the entire moment of standing atop Machu Picchu much more rewarding than had you simply taken a train from Cusco and then a bus to the top.

    Overall this journey is highly recommended, just be sure to bring some good rain gear, some really strong bug repellent, and be prepared for an absolute madhouse on the final day of the trek “cause after 10 am thousands of tourist are coming from Cusco in a day trip to Machu Picchu.

    Afternoon

    Ok, so here’s the deal with Huayna Picchu. Only the first 400 people who got to the entrance fees can climb Huayna Picchu, the famous little mountain that sits inside of Machu Picchu. 200 hundred people at 7:00 am and other 200 hundred at 10:00 am. If you want to do it, please let us know, at the moment, of your reservation.

    At 6:45 p.m. (depending on availability), you will be taking a train to Ollantaytambo and from there; a bus will drive you to Cusco.

    Arriving approximately at 22:30 pm.

    End of our Services

    Price

    Price: $ 459.00 (group service)

    Private Tour: for more detailed information contact us at info@coclatours.com

     

    Included

    INCLUDES

    • Transfers In / Out
    • Transportation Cusco-Mollepata. (Start walking)
    • Professional bilingual tour guide English /Spanish.
    • Assistant tour guide (for groups of 9 or more people)
    • Entrance Fee to Machu Picchu.
    • 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 3 dinners. ”Vegetarian (vegan) food on request at no extra cost!
    • Cook. (Professional)
    • Drinking water along the Inka trail, only on meal times.
    • Dining tent with tables and chairs
    • 1st Aid Kit
    • 01 Oxygen Ball
    • Horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
    • Horse men
    • Quadruple & waterproof Camping tent “02 people only”
    • 01 Sleeping Mattress per person “therma rest”
    • 01 night in touristic hostel in Aguas Calientes “Machupicchu Village”.
    • Return train tickets in Expedition Service (Machupicchu to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco) transfer to Hotel.
    • Bus ticket to Machu Picchu (round trip) Aditional:

    DOES NOT INCLUDE

    • 1st Breakfast, Last lunch
    • Extra Porters or Horses for carrying personal staff (Optional US$ 100.00 per 4 days)
    • Other not mentioned
    • Entrance ticket for Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu mountain (need additional fare $20.00) be advised this ticket is only possible to buy together with the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.

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