Saturday, August 15, 2015

5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu






A great alternative to trekking the Inca Trail route. The Salkantay trek offers travelers the chance to see the Andean landscape from a different perspective all while heading towards Machu Picchu!  *There's the option to take a private or group trek - links below*

5 DAY SALKANTAY TREK LINK
5 DAY SALKANTAY TREK - GROUP LINK

ITINERARY

DAY 1 -  CUSCO TO MOLLEPATA TO SORAYPAMPA


In the morning, we will pick you up and travel by bus to Mollepata. We continue with a 3 hour hike to Cruzpata, where we'll have lunch while admiring the beautiful snow capped mountains of Humantay and Salkantay. We keep going until we reach out first campsite of Soraypampa, which is the highest and coldest campsite of our trip. 

DAY 2 - MIGHTY SALKANTAY

After having breakfast, we begin our hike towards the highest pass on our trek, located between the two mountains of Salkantay and Tucarhuay. After resting, we continue walking downhill through the cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, also known as Huayracmachay.  We will have lunch here and then continue our trek for 3 more hours until we reach our second campsite called Colcapampa. There is the possibility of reaching other campsites along the way including Challway. 





DAY 3 - CLOUD FOREST

After having breakfast, we begin our trek through the upper jungle crossing the Lluskamayo River. We will pass through valleys and near amazing waterfalls while seeing a variety of tropical fruits and plants. We will set up our camp at a site called La Playa. After resting, we will take a soak in the soothing waters of the nearby hot springs.

DAY 4 - LLACTAPATA TO PUENTE RUINAS

  Early in the morning, we will hike for three hours to reach Llactapata, which is an Incan fortress from where we can see Machu Picchu. After taking photos and resting, we continue for two hours downhill passing many plantations that produce coca and bananas. For lunch, we will stop at the Hydroelectric dam. After lunch, we will walk for a couple of hours until reaching Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night. There is the option to go to the hot springs.  Entrance is 10 soles. 
DAY 5 -  MACHU PICCHU

After having breakfast, we will catch a bus to Machu Picchu in order to view the sun rising over the citadel. Your guide will then give a 2 hour tour of the site after which,you will be able to explore the ancient city by yourselves.There is the option of hiking Wayna Picchu. You have to book this hike in advance.  Let your booking agent know. In the afternoon, you will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes to have lunch and receive your return train tickets to Cusco. Please do early in order to catch your train back to Cusco. You can also request an extra night in Aguas Calientes as this option is popular. It gives travelers the chance to explore the surrounding areas including Machu Picchu! 

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