Salkantay Trail Hike

Introduction
Cusco Peru

Inka Trail to Machu Picchu via Mollepata - Salkantay 

SALKANTAY is an outstanding snow peak, located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cuzco in south central Peru. It is the highest mountain of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Because of its proximity to the city, it is easily accessible and is climbed frequently. Located northwest of Cusco, Nevado de SALKANTAY , the cordillera's tallest peak, is at the eastern end of the chain and rises to 6271 meters above sea level. Located northwest of Cusco, Nevado SALKANTAY , the cordillera's tallest peak, is at the eastern end of the chain and rises to 6271 meters in height.
The name SALKANTAY means "Savage Sacred Mountain", which may refer to the clouds that rise up from the jungle lowlands and engulf the peak. The SALKANTAY to Machu Picchu trek normally takes 7 days and has become popular with trekkers wanting to combine a quieter less trodden route with a visit to the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. For the first 4 days you will be surrounded with magnificent scenery and rarely see other groups of trekkers.

The trip starts with a transfer to Soraypampa and a walk (or riding on the horse) uphill with beautiful views of the Salkantay Mountain; in the afternoon we camp at Arayanniyoc. The next day we continue our trek down hill towards Lucmabamba sorrounded by snowpeaked mountains; going down to the valley the vegetation starts changing with many orchids, begonias and many different varieties of birds.
Then we continue down hill passing trough different plantations like coffee, banana, yuca and passion fruit. After Lucmabamba we climb up to Llactapata and descend to the River Urubamba.  The chances for seeing Toucans, Andean Cock of the Rocks, Quetzals, Hummingbirds and Torrent Ducks are very good. The next day
 we take the bus up to Machu Picchu ruins (walking is also possible) and will have a guided tour for around 2 hours. We arrive back in Cusco in the evening.

Accomodation
Overnights in tent camps. The guides will prepare the meals for you.

Riding

Itinerary

Day 1 : CUSCO - MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA – ARAYANNIYOJ :
5:00 am pick up from your hotel and travel by bus to Soraypampa, end of the road. After breakfast we will start walking (or riding on the horse) uphill towards the pass at 4600 m. 15091 ft and with beautiful views of the Salkantay Mountain; in the afternoon we camp at Arayanniyoc, 3600 m. 11811 ft.

Day 2 : ARAYANNIYOJ TO LUCMABAMBA( PLAYA) :
After breakfast we continue our trek down hill towards Lucmabamba. On the way down we pass through spectacular scenery sorrounded by Snowpeaked Mountains; going down to the valley the vegetation starts changing with many orchids, begonias and many different varieties of birds. Camp at Lucmabamba at 1950 m. 6397 ft.

Day 3 : LUCMABAMBA (PLAYA) TO AGUAS CALIENTES :
On this day we continue down hill passing trough different plantations like coffee, banana, yuca and passion fruit. After Lucmabamba we climb up to Llactapata for around 3 hours, here we will have lunch and we can appreciate the impressive Machu Picchu on the opposite slope of the mountain. We then descend to the River Urubamba.
The chances for seeing Toucans, Andean Cock of the Rocks, Quetzals, Hummingbirds and Torrent Ducks are very good. There is the option to go through the Urubamba Valley which is easier and where parts can be driven. In the afternoon we arrive to Aguas Calientes town. Night in a hostal.

Day 4: MACHU PICCHU FULL DAY – CUSCO :
After an early breakfast we take the bus up to Machu Picchu ruins ( walking is also possible) and we will have a guided tour for around 2 hours and later have free time to explore by your own, maybe climb Wayna Picchu. At about 4 p.m. the train leaves from Aguas Calientes, arrival in Cusco around 9 p.m.

Rates and Dates for Salkantay Trail Hike

Dates Note: Daily departures, but limited space - so book early !

Other Info
Meeting: Cusco hotel
Airport: Cusco
Transfer: Cusco hotel

Climate:

- Backpack,
- Sleeping bag 4 season suitable for temperatures down to -5C (can be hired from our office for US$12 for the 3 day trek)
- Sleeping mattress (we will provide you with this)
- Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few dollars)
- Strong, comfortable footwear
- Sweater and jacket (something warm)
- Water bottle, ideally non disposable canteen
- Torch / Flashlight and batteries
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
- Sun block (sun protection cream)
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
- Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits, energy bars etc,
- Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries, cash in soles and US$
- Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the trek)
- Optional: walking Poles /sticks (rubber covers necessary)
- You also need to bring your original passport on the trail.