Salkantay 5 days 4 Night

5 days / 4 Nights
(Ask about our departure days)

Salkantay is known amongst the localers as the "Route of the Gods" because of the diversity that it has to offer. In just one trail, you can experience low altitudes and mountainous terrain and this raise up to stand just under the snowy cap of an immense mountain. Salkantay is the 2nd biggest mountain in all of southern Peru, and now you´ll have the chance to experience it yourself.

Day 1: Cusco - Soraypampa

After meeting at our offices at 6.00 am, we will load up onto our private transport and begin the journey in the direction of our starting point, Cruzpata.  On the way, we will pass through Limatambo, where it will be possible to take a short break, in order to take pictures of the string of magnificent, snow capped mountains and the might Apurimac River that can both be seen in a beautiful panoramic view.  We will also catch a marvellous view of the apu, Salkantay from this point, where we will also have our first breakfast of the journey.

Upon our arrival to our trailhead, called Cruzpata (3,200 meters), we will meet our porters, who will be waiting there with the horses and all of the equipment.  We will trek for about 3 hours, passing along the  way the rural communities of Cruzpata and Challacancha, which is where we will have our lunch. After lunch it will be another 2 hours walking through unspoiled andean villages such as Soraypampa (3,850 meters), where we wil set up our first campsite. ( First Day walking distance= 10 km)

(The INC indicate that they will charge an additional fee at a control in Soraypampa ($10) which will be the same for students and adults alike.)

Day 2: Soraypampa - Rayan-Niyoc or Chaullay

After an early morning breakfast, we will begin trekking at about 7 am.  It will be a 3 hour ascent towards the  Apacheta Pass (4,590 meters).  From here, we will be able to appreciate the stunning views of the majestic Mount Salkantay (6,264 meters) in all of it´s snow capped glory.  We will be looking at the 2nd biggest mountain in all of sourthern Peru.  Soak in the panoramic views of the mountains, with rivers weaving through them and small lakes peppered throughout the zone. We will then descend for 2 hours to have lunch in Huayracpunku.  Then it will be an additional 2 - 3 hours descent to the camp in Rayan-Niyoc (2,890 meters) or Chaullay (2,920 meters) for experienced trekkers, which will be decided by the guide depending on group ability, weather, and walking conditions. (Second Day walking distance= 16 km ((Rayan-Niyoc)) or 23 km (Chaullay).

Day 3: Rayan-Niyoc or Chaullay - La Playa

We will begin our trek (approx. 7.00 am) with a easy 3 hour hike to Uscarnayuc, where we will be introduced to a high Jungle niche called Ceja de Selva. We will see a large variety of plants, fruits, flowers, birds ect. We will also get a chance to see coca and banana crops.  We will try to make some time to shower in a waterfall, take amazing pictures, and with a little luck, we will be able to see the famous Peruvian National Bird,  the breathtaking, "Gallito de las Rocas".  We will make a stop in Wiñaypoq to have our lunch for the day and to have a bit of a break.  Afterwards, it will be another 3 hour walk to arrive at our final destination for the day, La Playa (2,350 meters).  Here we will find a small pueblo with electricity and a shop to make some small purchaces.

(Third Day walking distance= 15 km)

Day 4: La Playa - Aguas Calientes

At about 7.30 am, we will begin our trek towards the pueblo, Lucmabamba, where we will get to see the remains of an ancient Inca Trail.  We will ascend this trail, seeing on the way Coffee, Banana, and Passion Fruit plantations and a breathtaking view of the Santa Teresa Valley.  We will follow the Inca Trail, climbing up for 4 hours, until we arrive to Llaqtapata (2,700 meters).  From here we will enjoy our first views of the Sacred City of Machu Picchu while we take a short break before continuing.  From there, it will be another 2 hour downhill walk to the Hydro Electric Plant (1,870 meters).  Once here, we will enjoy our last lunch with the all of the staff.  At abour 3.20 pm. We will take a 45 minute train journey to the pueblo, Aguas Calientes.  Here , we will have some free time before dinner time.  With this free time, you will be able to visit the waterfalls of Mandor, or go to the natural hot springs for a quick dip, or you can trek up the immense Putukusi mountain to have a fantastic view of Machu Picchu.

Day 5: Machu Picchu - Cusco

For this, the last day of the journey, you will have the option to take an early morning walk to Machu Picchu or take the 25 minute bus.  Once there, you will have a 2 ½ hour guided tour, where-in our guide wil regale us of the history of this magical city.  Afterwards, you will have some free time to explore the site or, if you still have the energy, you can take on Waynu Picchu.  If you choose to walk the Waynu Picchu route, then it is recommended that you start it immedietly after the guided portion of the tour. At this point, we will all walk down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes for lunch and a break before our train leaves back towards Cusco.

Price Includes:

• Private Transport
• All camping equipment
• Roll out mattress
• All 13 meals during the tour
• Donkeys or porters
• A professional, bilingual tour guide
• Cooks
• All entrance fees
• Backpacker Train return to Cusco
• 3 nights camping and 1 night with hostel accomodations