INCA TRAIL SALKANTAY 5 DAYS

DURATION: 5 days / 4 nights
SEASON: From January / to December 2015
DEPARTURE: Daily since 2 people
GUIDE SERVICE: Shared (Group)
RETURN: Expedition Train
Note: Upgrade to return in Vistadome available for an additional of US$45per person.

 

Upon request: Upgrade to return in Vistadome and accommodation on First Class
The famous Salkantay Trek (or Salcantay Trek), named among the 25 best Treks in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine, is a trek open to everybody, with no limitation on spaces or permits (at least for now). Connecting the city of Mollepata, Cusco with Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek is an ancient and remote footpath located in the same region as the Inca Trail where massive snowcapped mountains collide with lush tropical rain forests.

Located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south central Peru by the Cordillera Vilcabamba and rising to 6271 meters above sea level (20574 ft) Mt. Salkantay is an outstanding glacier-capped summit worshipped for thousands of years by local indians. The name Salkantay is a quechua word meaning "Savage Mountain".

This trek is better suited for more adventure some trekkers who are able to handle a little more altitude and distance. This trek takes you up and along Salkantay, which is the second largest mountain in the Cusco region (6280 msn). On the first night, you will sleep not too far away from the snow capped peak. The second day will be the hardest day of the tour. While you work a bit harder to get there, the views at the top are even more stellar. After you reach the 4,600 meter pass, it is almost pure downhill, descending into a more tropical area on the far side of the mountain. You will take the forty five minute train ride to Aguas Calientes from the famous Hydro Electric Dam and then spend the rest of the 4th evening relaxing in the town. In the morning you take the bus up to Machu Picchu for your tour.

*Participants need to be in good physical health and condition to be able to enjoy the excursion. The trekking will be difficult if you have not exercised regularly before your trip. To fully enjoy this adventure, we advise passengers to get into an exercise program for their own safety and enjoyment. If a passenger suffers from any medical condition, we advise him/her to consult a physician about joining an Expedition like this and plan to spend at least 2 full days in Cusco (3 days is better) prior to start the trek.
 

Early in the morning we pick you up from your hotel and transfer you in a private bus to Mollepata passing by traditional towns like Iscuchaca , Ancahuasi and Limatambo, as well highlands plateaus and landscapes with great views of snowcapped mountains that belong to the cordillera Vilcabamba. The bus ride will take 3 hours to Mollepata and then the hike will be about 6 or 8 hours . The trail climbs a little up from Mollepata pass through the pastures, farming lands, afterwards descending until the campsite through the high brush down to Soraypampa (3950 masl). (L , D)

Early in the morning you leave from Soraypampa and keep going up the beautiful valley walking just below the majestic snowcapped mountain named Salkantay (6270 masl) after 1:1/2 hours the trek becomes steep zigzagging for a while after that we get the pass named Salkantay pass, 4650masl from where you will be rewarded with superb views . The trail descends through an old moraine passing great pastures down to the camp of Huayroqmachay located at 4000masl. After lunch the way is going down to the second camp site at 2950 masl. (B, L, D)

You wake up with lovely mountain scenery and a good morning tea. Continue to the north down to the lush jungle through different ecosystems watching birdlife like hummingbirds, trashes, finches, tanagers, sparrows, guans, parrots, etc It will be a long descending day towards the cloud forest where people live taking advantages of nature, also you will pass great waterfalls. At the end of the day we will see passion fruit fields. The hike will last approximately 5 or 6 hours; the campsite is at the community named "La Playa "(1900 masl).
(B, L, D)

Leaving from the playa the trek continues through plantations of coffee, banana, and tropical fruits. Afterwards the trail climbs up to Llactapata (Archeological site and one of the best view of Machu Picchu. After you’ll descend until Hydroelectric ( 1800 masl) and continue to Aguas Calientes just below Machu Picchu Inca sanctuary, this afternoon you can go to have a bath in the natural hot springs a great place to relax after this challenging trek. Overnight at selected accommodation (B, L)

Early bus ride for 25 minutes to go to Machu Picchu city, guided tour for 3 hours and plenty of free time for further exploring, photos and optional climb of the mountain Huayna Picchu, Temple of the Moon, or the Gate of the Sun. An according time, we will go down to the Aguas Calientes town to return to Cusco City. Reception at the train station and transfer to your accommodation (B).

-Professional Bilingual Guide.
-Private bus from Cusco to Mollepata.
-Horses and cowboys (to carry tent, food, cooking equipment and your personal staff max. 5 kls per person)
-Cook
-Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, tables and seats cooking tent and eating tent).
-Excellent meals (04 breakfast / 04 lunches / 03 dinners).
-First aid kit and Oxygen balloon.
-Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
-Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
-Tourist Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Expedition)

-Sleeping bag
-Extra horses to carry extra luggage

A. Backpack & daypack
B. - 8 c sleeping bag
C. Hiking boots( runners shoes are not recommended)
D. Walking poles
E. Warm clothes: layers for variable temperatures especially at night.
F. Flash light:
G. Camera and extra film & batteries
H. Sun protection: sunscreen: sun hat: sunglasses
I. Thermals: wool socks: and woolen hat for cold nights:
J. Insect repellent:
K. Rain poncho: a good rain jacket:
L. Toiletries / toilet paper / small towel
M. Bathing clothes for the hot springs.
N. Gloves / scarf: trekking pants or similar.
O. Water bottle: water purifying tablets:
P. Personal medical kit:
Q. Original passport and original ISIC student card if applicable:
R. Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

NOTE: MAY TO NOV AND FROM DEC TO APRIL (rainy season) it’s possible to do this trek but it’s hard. This trek is rated a moderate to difficult hike considering the high altitudes and length of walking especially on the 2nd Day. You need to acclimatize in Cusco at least 2 full days (3 days is better) prior to start the trek.

STUDENT DISCOUNT:
Note: To apply to this discount It is necessary to send us your scan copy ISIC (International Student Identity Card) with your other information.
Without this copy we will not be able to make the discount.

This is the ONLY Student card to apply the discount

When booking a trek: The government has strictly limited the number of people permitted on the Inca Trail during 2009 (permits are issued to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters). We recommend that you make a trek booking as early as possible. In 2008 the trek permits for some dates sold out more than 4 months in advance!! However don't make a booking until you have all the group details (names, passport numbers, ages etc) and you are sure about your trek departure date since "these details cannot be changed after we have bought your trek permit"

* Participants need to be in good physical health and condition it is good for travelers who are in condition to hike up to ten hours, with breaks in a single day to enjoy the Inka Trail. The trekking will be difficult if you have not exercised regularly before your trip. To fully enjoy an Inka Trail adventure, we advise passengers to get into an exercise program for their own safety and enjoyment. If a passenger suffers from any medical condition, we advise him/her to consult a physician about joining an Inka Trail Expedition take only the necessary items for the 4/3 days trek, You can leave the rest of your luggage at your hotel in Cusco (most of hotels and hostals has an storage rooms to keep it until your return)

TRAIN SERVICES:
The Vistadome connect your senses through a sophisticated and sensory travel experience; is the ideal train for those who want to be in contact with the environment and appreciate the wonderful journey to Machu Picchu.
Surrounded entirely by glass and wagons with large panoramic windows offering incomparable scenic views and innumerous opportunities to capture amazing pictures, Vistadome travelers feel connected and part of the impressive landscape of Peru.

The Vistadome also has air conditioning and heating, leather seats that adjust the body to provide comfort and relaxation during the entire trip and has a different service, which allows the visitor to be immersed and feel the Andean culture through its landscapes, music, dance and even food carefully prepared with local ingredients

The Expedition is a travel experience with all the quality and benefits at a lower cost. Is a service designed for the traveler’s comfort, with four passenger seats located in front of each other, so you can share your experience, and for the faithful backpack that is always with you we offer racks placed above the seats. Also, this train has panoramic windows, air conditioning and heating, and Andean music that creates a cheerful atmosphere.


If you will take any trek with us. we ask you to fill the customer chart regarding the commentaries or otherwise you can inform to the Operations Department.
This is a very important requirement and necessary to do after take the tour to avoid problems regarding the quality of the service and help you to resolve it before you leave to your country otherwise our agency is assuming that all your services was ok therefore we are not going to accept any claims.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS
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Lima: 998181709 (+51 Calling from abroad)
Fax Number +51 1 2421273

Cusco: 998182455 (+51 Calling from abroad)
946320668 (+51 Calling from abroad)

 
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