Salkantay Trek 4 Days

Inca Trail with « Explorandino »

Short version of the famous Salkantay Trek, which is usually done in 5 days, for those who have a tight vacation schedule without missing out and who still want to explore the Peruvian hinterland!
Machu Picchu is a marvel that you will have deserved after having done this magnificent trek in the footsteps of the Incas. The Salkantai trek is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail.

This expedition under the reign of Salkantay (6264 meters), sacred mountain located in the Cordillera of Vilcabamba, will take us back to the times of the Incas and will awaken to the spirits of the mountains such as Nevado Tucarhuay and Nevado Humantay which culminate to more than 5000 meters . We can admire snow-capped peaks and the tropical forest, the high-altitude vegetation called Puna and lush flora and fauna.

Do not miss

from landscapes ranging from rainforest to hilly lunar landscapes swept by high winds.
the ascent of splendid mountains and snow-capped peaks
discover an exceptional flora and fauna

OVERVIEW

Altitude : 1950 – 4600 meters
High season : April – November
Duration : 4 days - 3 nights
Difficulty level : Difficult

Discover the colors of Peru

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Marcoccasa - Soray Pampa

We will leave the city of Cusco at 5:30 by private transport to reach Marcoccasa (3400m), through the village of Mollepata (3000m) where we will take the ptit-dej (included). There, we will join the muleteers, then we will start hiking in a beautiful valley surrounded by impressive snow-capped mountains, like the Nevado Humantay (5217m) and the peak of Salkantay (6264m).
We will cross different valleys, and your guide will tell you the local rural life. At Soray Pampa, at our campsite (3900m), the cook will wait for you with hot drinks and small snacks, before preparing dinner. This first night is quite fresh at 3900 m altitude - we recommend good sleeping bags that you can rent at the agency.
On the way to Soray Pampa, we strongly recommend you to make a detour to the lake of Humantay to discover the magnificent sight on the lake and the snowy peak of Humantay (ascent from Soraypampa at 3900m to Humantay at 4220m). Hiking time 2 hours.

Time of transport: 3h30
Time of walking: 6 to 7 hours
Climate: mild during the day and cold during the night
Elevation : Cusco (3400 m) - Mollepata (2800 m) - Marcoccasa (3400 m) - Soray Pampa (3900 m)

Option : On the way to Soray Pampa, we strongly recommend you to make a detour to the lake of Humantay to discover the magnificent sight on the lake and the snowy peak of Humantay (ascent from Soraypampa at 3900m to Humantay at 4220m). Hiking time 2 hours.

Day 2: Soray Pampa – Salkantay pass – Chaullay

After breakfast we head back to the Salkantay pass (4600m), which offers an exceptional view of the snowy peak of Salkantay (6264m). This morning will be the most challenging of the trek - and well worth it. A stop at the top will only be possible if the weather allows us. The hike will then continue downhill and we will leave the groundhogs to enter an ecosystem with lush vegetation. Arrived in Chaullay, we will settle in our camp and will take a snack before dinner. The night will be warmer than the previous one.

Time of walking: 9 hours
Climate : hot with mosquitos
Elevation : Soray Pampa (3900 m) - Salkantay pass (4600 m) - Chaullay (2950 m)

Day 3: Chaullay - Lucmabamba – Archeologic site of Llactapata- Hydroelectrica – Aguas Calientes

At dawn you will take the shuttle to Lumacbamba. We will start the day walking through the remains of the Inca Trail to reach the archaeological site of Llactapata (2650m), sanctuary of Inca culture and local flora, with an extraordinary view of the city of Machu Picchu and the canyon of Vilcanota if the weather allows us. You will be told everything about the Inca pilgrimage and the remains to be discovered in Llactapata. We will descend, along the river, then to arrive at the Hydroelectric Station (1950m), from where we will take the train until our stage of the day, the village of Aguas Calientes (2050m), located at the feet of the Machu Picchu.

Time of walking: 6 hours
Time of transport : 1h30
Climate : Hot with the presence of insects
Elevation : Chaullay (2950 m) - Lucmabamba (2000 m) - Llactapata (2600 m) - Hydroelectrica (1950 m) - Aguas Calientes (2005m)

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30, and we will go to Machu Picchu (2400m) by tourist bus. We will enter the Inca citadel around 6:00 am, so as to enjoy the sunrise on the site. After a guided tour of the archaeological area, including information about the life and customs of the Incas, we will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750m) (optional). We will leave Aguas Calientes by train. While waiting for the train, you will have the time to have lunch in one of the restaurants of the city. In addition, you can enjoy the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax before your departure.

Time of visiting : 2h
Time of transport : 4h (Aguas Calientes - Cusco ) and 30 minutes (Bus Machu Picchu)
Elevation : Aguas Calientes (2005 m) - Machu Picchu (2400 m) - Cusco (3400 m)

INCLUSIONS

Included :

Information meeting in our offices with your guide 1 or 2 days before the start of the trek at 19h, to be confirmed when booking
Transfer:
Shuttle from the hotel office (where the shuttle to access) to the village of Mollepata (Marcoccasa)
Shuttle from Chaullay to Lucmabamba (Day 3)
Hydroelectric Station Train at Aguas Calientes
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Train Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, then shuttle to your hotel in Cusco (where shuttle to access)
Night in a private room in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (Inka Tower or similar depending on availability)
Entrance to the Machu Picchu site
Bilingual Spanish-English professional guide (for a French-speaking guide, contact us in advance!
With additional fees)
Good quality camping equipment (professional Eureka! Timberline 4 or Doite Himalaya tents, for 2
people with mattresses).
New fixed camp, with tent shelters, hard kitchens and toilets
Meals during the stay (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, warn the agency in case of allergies or
special diet: vegetarian, etc.)
Cook and cooking equipment
Muleteers and mules in charge of camping gear and your personal belongings (max 7 kg per person)
Emergency horse (2 people)
First aid kit and oxygen bottle

Non included :

Lunch on the 4th day in Aguas Calientes
Sleeping bag (if you do not have one, possibility to rent from our agency)
Machu Picchu downhill bus to Aguas Calientes (US $ 12.00). You can also walk down, about 1 hour walk.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING

Backpack with waterproof case
Sleeping bag
Clothing for hot and cold weather
Rain pants and lightweight pants
Trekking shoes
Sandals or flip-flops (for showers and thermal baths)
Wool socks or cotton (several pairs) and a sweater
Short and long sleeve t-shirt
Rain poncho and hat or cap
Swimsuit, quick drying towel (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Sun protection, non-toxic mosquito repellent, hand sanitizer gel, water bottle and purifying tablets,
toilet paper
Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag), flashlight and spare batteries
Bars of cereals, chocolate, dried fruits, etc.
Original passport and student card "ISIC" (for entrance to Machu Picchu) extra money in Soles
The climate can be quite cold and wet, in which case your wet clothes will not have time to dry. Take some extra clothes.

HOTEL & RESTAURANT

EL MAPI BY INKATERRA

Waman Hotel Machupicchu

INPORTANT

During the high season (May to August), we are subject to restrictions set by the Ministry of Culture, which provides us with passes for Mach Picchu, so the trek departure dates could be changed to one or two days past, we will then adapt the program so that you can make the most of it.

(1) Huayna Picchu mountain tour or Machu Picchu: To climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu, this requires a good time in advance. We take care of the booking and guarantee your entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu. With, of course, an additional charge of $ 70.00 in addition to the entrance to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, according to the regulation of the Ministry of Culture (this new law came into force on July 18, 2011).

(2) Additional carrier : According to the law (26702) of the Ministry of Employment, the collaboration of an additional bearer will be granted at the request of the customer. However, the customer's luggage must not exceed 12 kilograms. The service costs USD 140 and includes transportation, entrance to the Inca Trail, food and camping equipment.

(3) Gratuities : For guides (and possible porters) are always welcome.

(4) Student card : To qualify for the $ 20.00 student discount, you must have a valid ISIC student card when booking - not just when you arrive in Cusco! The validity must correspond to the whole year in progress. When booking, we will need a copy of your card. The Ministry of Culture is strict when regulating student cards.

(5) CANCELLATION : For any last minute cancellation, the expenses already made by the agency will be at your expense. (See the terms and conditions)