SALKANTAY – INCA TRAIL 6D/5N

DAY 1.- CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAYPAMPA

You will be picked up at your hotel between 6:30 and 7:00am where we will be taken by private bus to the town of Mollepata, which is approximately a 3 hour trip located at 2,850 meters above sea level, which is considered to be the Andean summit. Before we reach the halfway point, we will visit the archeological site to Tarawasi, the site of the last battle between the Incas and the Chancas. Afterwards, we will continue onward to the town of Mollepata. Here we will have a light breakfast (not included), then travel towards Challacanca, where we will arrive at the starting point for the hike to the Inca canal and arrive at our lunch spot in Soraypampa. Here we will be able to take in the valleys as well as the first snow-capped mountain called Humantay. After a short break we will continue our hike for 2 hours to the Inca canal and arrive at Soraypampa (3,850m /12,631ft).
Our cook will be waiting for us with lunch to replenish some energy, then after a short rest, we will ascend for about 2 hours to the lagoon of Humantay, where we will see the snow in all its immensity. Then we will descend and continue to our camp at Salkantaypama where we will camp on the slopes of the mountain. We will spend our first night here and enjoy an afternoon tea and a delicious dinner.

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camp
• Maximum Altitude: 3,850 m / 12,600 ft.
• Minimum Altitude: 3,658 m/ 11,979 ft.
• Hike Distance: 14 km / 8 miles
• Approximate Hike Duration: 6 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 2: SALKANTAYPAMPA – STEPS OF INKA CHIRIASCA – SISAYPAMPA

On this day we will have hot coca tea at dawn and then we will take our breakfast to start hiking about 3.5 hours upstream, where we will reach the Salkantay pass (5,200m / 17,060 ft.), but if you feel tired or very agitated, don’t be concerned. We have an emergency horse for you. You can mount up and continue our fabulous journey to get to the summit, where you will have one of the most beautiful views of the area, as well as the mountains of Soray (5,420 m / 17,109 ft), Tucarhuay (5,455m / 17,896 ft) and Humantay (5,215m / 17,109 ft.), and other smaller peaks throughout the mountain range. From here it is possible to see condors in the area, as well as guanacos and vizcachas and the surrounding lakes and valleys. We will then start our descent for through hours on a pleasant and meandering path to Sisaypampa (3750m / 12,303 ft) appreciating the change of climate and flora of the high Andes along the way. We will have lunch at our camp in the middle of nature and surrounded by a tranquil environment, then we will have a free afternoon to rest and replenish our energy. For the evening we will enjoy a beautiful dinner and appreciate several constellations in this place.

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camp
• Maximum Altitude: 5.200 m / 17.060 ft.
• Minimum Altitude: 3,750 m/ 12.303 ft.
• Hike Distance: 16 km / 9.92 miles
• Approximate Hike Duration: 6 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 3: SISAYPAMPA – INCA CANAL – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA

Leaving our camp after having breakfast, we will descend for 3 hours until we reach the end of the valley. Along the way we can fully appreciate and admire the imposing Andean topography. During the tour we will find an Incan canal that is still in active use by the local agricultural settlements. At the end of the Pampa, we will find our first Inca archeological site called Paucarcancha and proceed to Wayllabamba for lunch. Here we will leave our muleteer and horses to change with carriers will finish the hike to avoid damage to the Inca trail. After lunch, we will have a short rest and then start our hike up to our camp at Ayapata where we will enjoy our hot tea and a delicious dinner.

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camp
• Maximum Altitude: 3.300 m / 10.80 ft.
• Hike Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
• Approximate Hike Duration: 4 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4: AYAPATA – WARMI WAÑUSCA – CHAQUI COCHA

After a very early breakfast, we start our ascent for 4 hours until we arrive at the highest point in the Inca trail called the Warmi Wañusca (Dead Woman) pass, located at (4,200m / 13,779 ft.), then when we arrive at the summit, you can see the majestic landscapes. It is a very dry place with very little vegetation where you can see some llamas along the path. Then we will descend to the valley of Pacamayo by a paved road where we will have lunch. After enjoying lunch, we will restart our hike to the 2nd highest point located at (3,950m / 12,959 ft). Before the midpoint of the hike we will visit the archeological site of Runcuracay, where we will have a guided tour, then resume the hike until we reach the 2nd highest peak. Here we will enjoy views of the valleys and some mountains. After crossing this place, we will start to descend to Yanacocha (Black Lagoon). Here we will take in the stunning natural landscape, and after 30 minutes arrice at the archeological site of Sayamarka which is a pre-Hispanic complex with narrow streets, erect dwellings of different levels, ceremonial fountains and pations. After this visit we will have 30 minutes to arrive at our camp in Chaquicocha, but along the way we can again appreciate the variety of flora and fauna that radiates through this protected area and see very beautiful orchids of the site as we have a beautiful sunset.

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camp
• Maximum Altitude: 4.236 m / 13.894 ft.
• Hike Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
• Approximate Hike Duration: 9 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 5: CHAQUI COCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA

On this day we will also have an early start and enjoy the sunrise after having our breakfast, then make our way to the cloud forest, full of orchids, hanging mosses and ferns, passing by an Inca tunnel. As we walk we will have the opportunity to enjoy the majesty of the Salkantay, which is the second highest mountain of our region, as well as a panoramic view of the Vilcamba mountain range and the mountain of La Veronica, which forms a part of the cordillera de Vilcanota. When we reach the summit of Phuyupatamarca (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), we will climb a small mountain where we will have spectacular views like the Urubamba river which was very important in Incan times, as was the mountain of Machu Picchu. From Phuyupatamarca (city in the clouds), we will descend for about 3 hours by some steep stairs where it is very important to carry walking sticks in order to protect your knees and be very careful until we reach our final camp in Wiñay Wayna. Before arriving, we will pass by the archeological site of Inti Pata (sun terraces). Here we can appreciate the Urubamba valley, the immense mountains that surround it, and make out our camp in the distance, where we will stop for lunch. Fort the afternoon we will make our way to the archeological site Wiñay Wayna which is also very close to our camp, and is considered one of the most beautiful places for tourists. After our visit, we will return to our camp where we will camp for the last night and share our final dinner, dismissing our carriers and cooks for their great effort and work carried out.

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camp
• Maximum Altitude: 4.236 m / 13.894 ft.
• Hike Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
• Approximate Hike Duration: 9 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 6: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO

This will be our most important day in which after our early breakfast, we will make our way to Machu Picchu. On the way we will appreciate some birds that are very common to the area, and the best views of the mountains in all their glory. We will pass by the Inti Punku (Door of the Sun), also known as the gateway to the citadel of Machu Picchu where you will have a panoramic and marvelous view of everything. Afterwards, we will have a guided tour for approximately 2 hours, including the most important areas such as: enclosures, agricultural center, ceremonial fountains, squares and the urban sector. After the visit, you will have free time to explore much more of this place and take classic photos of the Citadel, then your guide will meet you in the village of Aguas Calientes for our last lunch in a local restaurant. This is optional since it is not included in the lunch allocated in the train tickets, so if you choose to skip this option, please try to get lunch before leaving Machu Picchu. Then we will go to the train station which will take us to the town of Ollantaytambo where we will wait for our private van to take us back to the city of Cusco where we will leave you at your hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Hike Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
• Approximate Hike Duration: 2 hours
• Level of Difficulty: Easy

Discounts:

• Student discount (only with an active green ISIC card) US $20.00
• Under 15 years old pay as a student: US $ 20.00
• Under 7 years old discount: US $ 35.00

AVAILABLE FOR RENT

• Walking Sticks $ 20.00 USD (pair) for the entire trip.
• Sleeping Bag $ 35.00 USD
• Private Tent $ 40.00 USD

Huayna Picchu: If you are interested in ascending to this famous mountain of Huayna Picchu, where you can see a beautiful view of the entire citadel of Machu Picchu, there is an additional cost of $75.00 per person to be able to buy your entry ticket. These spaces are limited and you must confirm and thus be able to reserve your ticket of entry depending on the availability of spaces that the Ministry of Culture grants.

Additional Night in Aguas Calientes: After the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail for 6 days, several people like to spend the night and relax in Aguas Calientes before returning to the city of Cusco after the tour. This option can also provide more time to enjoy the sanctuary of Machu Picchu and relax in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes without having to worry about the time y return the next day. Please contact us at info@cuscoandesadventure.com for more information about this option.
VistaDomeTrain: Our price includes a return train ticket in the expedition service, but if you want to improve your service to the Vistadome train the price is $55.00 USD per person.

Includes

• Briefing one day before your trek.
• Private transportation from Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha.
• Admission tickets to Tarawasi.
• Cook and cook’s helper.
• Muleteer (mule handler).
• Baggage Check 7 kg / 15 lbs per passenger.
• Pack horses for food and camping equipment.
• Emergency horse.
• Return train tickets Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Expedition Train).
• Admission ticket to the Citadel of Machupicchu.
• Admission tickets to the Inca Trail
• Bilingual Professional Guide (English-Spanish) throughout the tour.
• Porters (only for food and camping equipment).
• An extra porter to carry our things (max. 7 kg / 15 lbs)
• Pillow and blanket for the trek.
• Hot water for washing in your tents.
• Meals: 05 breakfasts, 05 lunches, 05 dinners.
• Bus descent from Machupicchu – Pueblo de Aguas Calientes
• Private bus from Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
• Bath tent and portable toilet.
• Camping equipment: 2 or 4 person tents (according to your required accommodation), mattress, dining tent, kitchen tent, chairs, tables, menagerie
• First aid equipment oxygen tank, emergency kit and radios.
• Vegetarian option at no additional cost.

Not Included:

• Sleeping bag, can be rented in our office ($ 35.00 for the entire trip).
• Walking Sticks, can be rented in our office ($ 20.00 for the entire trip).
• Ascent to Wayna Picchu and mountain of Machupicchu (add $. 75.00)
• Upgrade your train to Vistadome (add $. 55.00).
• 1st breakfast and last lunch
• Horse to ride.
• Tips (guides, cooks and muleteers)
• Additional costs.

Note:

Times depend a lot on the train schedule you are given. You have to arrive at least half an hour before your train’s departure at the station. Rates are subject to any increase or readjustment as determined by the Ministry of Culture and PERU RAIL S. A (railway company).

What you should take:

Passengers should carry the following personal items:
Travel insurance, personal items, first aid kit, fever/ upset stomach/altitude sickness pills, water purifier, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, rain ponchos, canes, hiking boots, camera, cap for the sun and the cold, thermal clothes for in the night and light clothing for the day, money (at personal discretion) and original documents: Passport, DNI, and for students, their original ISIC card.