Salkantay 5 Days/4 Nights
Without a doubt, it is the best alternative trek to Machupicchu, which doesn´t require reserving minimum two months ahead of time. Following the layout of an ancient trail, we´ll enjoy the changes between ecosystems, from the mountains, to the cloud forest, and as a reward, we´ll have a whole day to explore Machupicchu, one of the Seven New Wonders of the Modern World. Furthermore, this itinerary gives us the option to hike around the Sacred Mount Salkantay (6,271 m.a.s.l.), reaching 4,650 m.a.s.l., to then descend along the Santa Teresa Valley, and arrive in Machupicchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
DAY 1: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA
We´ll leave Cusco very early, going towards the North and stopping in the village of Mollepata, from which we´ll take an uphill road to Challacancha (3,670 m.a.s.l.), which will be the starting point of our hike. Then, during half an hour, we´ll go up to the irrigation canal that will take us to Soraypampa, where we´ll have lunch, and afterwards, we´ll ascend to the turquoise colored Umantaycocha Lagoon, at 4,140 m. of altitude, which is fed by the Umantay Glacier, and after having enjoyed the view for a while and taken pictures, we´ll descend, once again.
DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – BENCHED TERRACES
Today will be our most demanding day, in relation to altitude and physical effort, as we´ll ascend to the Salkantayjasa Mountain Pass, at 4,650 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.) and will descend along the Wayraqmachay Valley, exploring three ecosystems that come down from the glaciers, to the Andean barren plains, where we´ll have a chance to appreciate large birds of prey and a magnificent view of the Western face of the magic mountain. We´ll have lunch in Wayraqmachay and will camp on the benched terraces, at 3,300 m. of altitude, by the edge of the cloud forest, with bird songs and the presence of epiphyte plants in the trees.
DAY 3: BENCHED TERRACES – LUCMABAMBA
Today, we´ll continue our descent through the cloud forest, leaving our campsite early in the morning, to walk towards the little village of Colpapampa, where the Chalan, Salkantay and Totora rivers converge, to form the course of the Santa Teresa River, and from there, we´ll move on, along a path full of orchids and corn fields, followed by coffee and tropical fruit plantations typical of this wonderful valley. Tonight, we´ll camp in Lucmabamba, sheltered under trees full of passion fruit (Granadilla) and surrounded by coffee plantations, at 1,770 m. of altitude, at a campsite with mild climate
DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA – AGUAS CALIENTES
Today, we´ll go on a one hour bus transfer to Machupicchu´s Hydroelectric Plant, to then start an 8 km. walk along the course of the Incas´ Sacred River, ´till we get to the village of Aguas Calientes. During our hike, we´ll see the exact site where Hiram Bingham, Machupicchu´s scientific discoverer, built his campsite, before he made this magnificent place famous. The path will lead us to Aguas Calientes, where we´ll wish farewell to our support team, as we´ll spend the night at a comfortable hostel and will rest for the great day of our so longed for guided visit of the Lost City of the Incas.
DAY 5: MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO
We´ll start the day early, with a succulent breakfast, to then board the bus that will take us, on a half hour ride, to the Incan City, where our guide will show us Machupicchu in its real dimension, while we appreciate the harmony between a construction erected with mastership by the Incas and that of one of the world´s most bio-diverse places, surrounded by sacred natural elements, such as the Willkamayu River and the Sacred Mountains or Apus which protect that Wonder of the Modern World.
Once the guided visit concluded, we´ll have a chance to explore the new findings made in the Incan city, and, perhaps, to attempt the escalade of Mount Machupicchu, a very special place, from which we´ll be able to appreciate the magnificence of the panorama and understand why the Incas built that city there, in the middle of the mountains. Later on, we´ll board the train that will take us back to the Sacred Valley and, afterwards, to Cusco, where our adventure will reach its end.
INCLUDES:
- Entrance fees to the Salkantay Park and Historical Sanctuary of Machupicchu.
- Transportation at the beginning of the trek.
- Professional guide service.
- Support team (Cook, muleteers and porters).
- Meals during the trek: 4 Breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners.
- Bus up to Machupicchu and down to Aguas Calientes
- Return train to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Return bus to Cusco.
