SALKANTAY TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAY TREK. This Salkantay to

SALKANTAY TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAY TREK.
This Salkantay to Machu Picchu, an alternative to the ‘classic’ Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a superb option for travellers looking to reach Machu Picchu UNESCO World Heritage Site via
a route also taking in the glacial heights of the high Andes and some fascinating forested frontier
land on the fringes of the Amazon Basin. Celebrating 100 years since its discovery by ‘the real Indiana Jones’ Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu was recently voted one of the worlds ‘New Seven
Wonders of the World’ and truly is a ‘must see’ for first time visitors to Peru and South America.
From an ecologists perspective this region, known as the Tropical Andes with a myriad of different eco-systems reflecting massive climatic changes is reason enough to visit – this is the land of
vicuna, wild relative of Llama, the Andean Condor, the planet’s largest flying bird, and of the rare
Andean Spectacled Bear, the inspiration for Paddington Bear who came from ‘Darkest Peru’.
A highlight of our Salkantay to Machu Picchu expedition has to be passing just under the awesome
ice shrouded beauty of the highest mountain in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, Mount Salkantay,
reaching 6271m into the thin mountain air. Crossing the high pass just under mountain’s western
flank it’s easy to understand why the Incas considered these mountains, providers of life giving water and sources of potential mountain tragedy were - and still are - considered Apus, mountain gods.
Departures: Daily departures all year round.
Day 1 – Cusco to Soraypampa.
Today we are picked up early at around 6.00am for our
spectacular journey to the edges of the Vilcabamba
Mountains and our Salkantay to Machu Picchu trailhead
at the small village of Mollepata. In good weather it may
be possible to catch glimpses of La Veronica (5750m),
one of highest mountains in the Urubamba Range, as
well as many of Vilcabamba peaks in the distance. In
Mollepata we load our food and equipment onto mules
and begin our trek into the high mountains! We pass
small mountain settlements and areas of rich cloud forest vegetation, bursting with rare flowers and orchids,
not to mention the occasional hummingbird or two for
those with sharp eyes. We hike onwards towards the
huge snow peak of Tucarhuay (5910m) and slowly the
forest and thick vegetation begins to give way to the
grass filled valley of Soraypampa at 3700m. Here, after about 7 hours walking we make camp and have a
tasty diner while enjoying our wild surrounds. (L.D.)
Day 2 – Soraypampa to Chaullay.
After an early breakfast we set off on what is probably
the toughest day of the Salkantay to Machu Picchu
trek – but also one of the most rewarding. Continuing
up the valley we reach Salkantay Pampa just beneath
the greatest peaks of the Vilcabamba Mountains.
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The vast glacial masses of Salkantay and Tucarhuay
rise more than 2000m above us, dominating the entire
valley.
Climbing steeply up the left side of the valley we pass
a small glacial lake before reaching Huamantay Pass,
our objective and the highest point on our trek at
4500m. Nestled in between the Glaciers of Tucarhuay
and Salkantay the views are stunning in all directions –
truly a place to remember.
After a short break we begin our descent into Huamantay valley, through a steep canyon area and into an
area of beautiful cloud forest. We camp at the small
community of Chaullay (2950m). (B.L.D.)
Day 3 – Chaullay to La Playa.
Beyond Chaullay our trek enters the wild Santa Teresa
valley – for the rest of the day we will be following the
Santa Teresa River as it rushes downwards towards
its meeting with Urubamba River, eventually becoming
part of the vast Amazon.
The vegetation becomes ever more exuberant on our
trail with only the occasional small farming community
breaking the dense forest. Some sections of the trail
are narrow with sharp drops on one side, so a little care
is required! This is a fabulous area for high altitude bird
watching, and there are several ‘Colpas’ or Parrot Clay
Licks where these colourful and noisy birds gather to
eat minerals in the area.
A little way down the trail there’s also some hot water
springs for a pleasant thermal bath. Further down the
trail you can take a cooler shower under a beautiful waterfall – now that’s refreshing! As we continue to hike
the Salkantay to Machu Picchu trail begins to flatten
out and we eventually reach the town of La Playa we’re
we camp for the night. Connected with a drivable road
and possessing one or two shops this is the biggest
metropolis we’ve encountered since the beginning of
our hike! (B.L.D.)
Day 4 – La Playa to Aguas Calientes.
Following a newly restored section of Inca Trail we hike
above the river, passing the ruins of Patallacta where
we have lunch and then continue on to the Hydroelectric Station below Aguas Clients. I
t is on this section of the Salkantay to Machu Picchu
trek that we have our first stunning views of Machu Picchu World Heritage Site.
From the Hydroelectric Station we can either take a
short train ride or continue walking to the major town
of Aguas Calientes a couple hours down the track. We
check into our comfortable hotel and the rest of the day
is free to enjoy the urban delights of town’s thermal
baths, restaurants and bars. (B.L.)
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Day 5 – Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
Starting early we take a 25 minute ride (or walk if you’re
feeling inspired!) above Aguas Calientes to the truly
awesome Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a site straddling a mountain top at more at 2380 m above sea
level and surrounded by misty cloud forest covered
peaks and incredible views on all sides. This site lay
undiscovered and engulfed the jungle until Yale University Professor Hiram Bingham chanced upon the
site during an archaeological expedition. Since then
much of purpose and nature of this site has remained
a mystery. After a guided tour of the site you will have
time to explore the ruins on your own and if you’re feeling energetic there’s the possibility of climbing Huayna Picchu peak, the distinctive steep sided mountain
overlooking Machu Picchu. Returning to Aguas Calientes we board the train for Cusco at around 3.30pm, arriving in the early evening. From here you transported
back your hotel. Evening free to explore Cusco. (B.L.)
End of our :
Salkantay to Machu Picchu tour service.
What
is included
Staff/Crew
Bilingual certified guide. Mules and friendly local mule drivers transport our camping and trekking gear, plus
a small of personal gear per client (10kg). Our professional trail cook provides excellent nutritious meals
throughout our trip. Our guides carry first aid kits, a satellite phone and an oxygen bottle in case of any medical emergencies. A well rested horse is provided to ensure transport of clients in the case of emergencies.
Accommodation
Good quality tents, self inflating sleeping mattresses, dining tent with camping table and chairs, toilet tent. In
Aguas Calientes a comfortable, welcoming hotel with en-suite bathrooms and 24 hour hot water will be provided.
Local Tours and Activities
A Guided tour of Machu Picchu Archaeological Site is included (entrance fees to Machu Picchu World Heritage Site are included in the price). Train from Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) to Cusco.
Transport
Transport from your Cusco hotel to the trail head and buses to and from Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes
are provided. On the last day of the tour you will return to Cusco by train, and be transferred to a hotel of your
choice on arrival.
Meals
Excellent nutritious meals will be provided by the cook while on the trek (if you have specific dietary requirements or would prefer vegetarian options please specify this when booking the tour). While on the trek is
very important to maintain a balanced diet due to physical effort involved. A good balance of proteins and
carbohydrates are provided in all our meals, for example a normal breakfast would include oats or cereal,
milk, eggs, bread, butter, jam and hot chocolate. Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day after
returning to Cusco are not provided. See itinerary for additional details: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
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What is not Included
• A warm Sleeping Bag (these can be hired locally)
• Travel Insurance is not included – a good policy covering all tour activities and possible health emergencies
is highly recommended and should be considered a priority.
• Some money for staff tips (generally expected in Peru, although not essential).
• Alcoholic beverages
Things to Bring
Note: On this trek mules will carry up to 10 kg of personal gear per client, so please try and keep baggage to a
minimum.
• A good strong day back (around 30 litres is a reasonable size)
• Good hiking boots.
• Sandals for relaxing around camp at night.
• Wind and water proof jacket (Gore-Tex is good)
• Water bottle. Water purifying tablets
• Camera (water proof case is useful)
• Extra batteries for camera
• Extra money for your own expenses
• A photocopy of your passport/travel documents
• A copy of your travel insurance
• Mosquito repellent (DEET is good)
• Sun block. Sunglasses. Sunhat
• Flashlight with extra batteries. Swimsuit
• Binoculars (good for wildlife watching!)
• International Student Card (for trail discounts)
Weather/Altitude/Geography/Temperature.
Weather: May to October is generally considered the dry season (best time to visit) in the Peruvian Mountains and Jungle, however it can be cool and misty on the Peruvian coast at this time of year. Altitude means that even within the tropics it can be very cold high up (above 2000m) – bring warm cloths
and light clothes for lower, more tropical parts of the tour. Temperatures can range from below freezing in the highlands to around 35 ̊C in the tropical lowlands. On arrival in high altitude areas clients should drink plenty of water and relax for the first couple of days until fully acclimatized.
Culture/language.
Peru possesses a mix of both Colonial European and Indigenous Cultures. Spanish is almost universally spoken, with the Indigenous Languages of Quechua, Aymara and other languages used within ethnic groups.
Health/precautions.
This is quite a demanding trekking tour and clients should possess a good standard of fitness and some hiking/
country walking experience. Don’t drink tap water – purify or buy bottled water (water will be boiled on the trek).
Consult your doctor for the latest advice regarding regional health risks/immunisations. Although a generally
safe country, always be aware of the possibilities of theft/robbery – consult local staff for further information.
Machete Tours Contact details/emergency phone number.
Cusco office phone: +51 84 224829
Lima office phone: +51 964150238
Europe phone: +46 760461860 (Sweden)
24 Hour emergency numbers:
+51 1 964150238 (Lima),
+51 84 984226912 (Cusco)
[email protected] www.machetetours.com
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