The Apu Salkantay (6,264 masl) is a sacred mountain in the Vilcabamba range, located to the south of the Sacred Citadel of Machu Picchu.
This mountain, together with the Southern Cross, served as a point of reference for astrological observation developed by the Incas (from Machu Picchu), especially during the June and December solstices. Its location supports the concept of “sacred geography”, under which the Incas developed Andean civilization.
Temperatures range from -5º C to 23º C with a scarce chance of rain. The maximum altitude we will reach is 4643 meters above sea level at the Salkantay pass, with the minimum altitude being 2000 meters above sea level in the town of Aguas Calientes.
Ecological levels we will experience will vary from Quechua (2500m. to 3500m.), Suni (3500m. to 4000m), Puna (4100m. to 4800m.) and Janca (4800m. to 6768m) with all their characteristic flora and fauna.
We recommend following the basics of ecotourism. We must respect and protect the environment, as well as the archaeological complexes and local customs.
The best time of year to visit the Apu Salkantay is during the winter, from April to October.
Note:
People who want to visit Huayna Picchu paid extra $25.00. According to the rules of the Inca site, there is a limit of 400 people going each day divided in to groups – at 07:00 am and 10:00 am.
IMPORTANT:
- Your passport number
- If you have any special diet ( ex. Vegetarian)
- The hotel and address you stay
- If you have any special dieses that we should be aware of (you are responsible to bring your own medicine).
- We will provide basic first ad kid and personal oxygen.(pharmacy)
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: 4 moderate
DURATION: 5 days and 4 nights.
Day 1: Cusco (3350m) – Mollepata (2900m) – Soraypampa (3900m)
At 05:00 am we pick up from your hotel in Cusco. We leave Cusco to the town of Mollepata by private transport and will take approximately 4 hours. We will travel to the northwest, crossing the Pampas de Anta or Yawar Pampa (Blood Pampa), named after the fierce battle that took place here between the Incas and Chancas, for control of the city of Cusco. We continue to the town of Limatambo, and Mollapata.
Upon arriving at Mollepata, we will enjoy a scenic journey through beautiful places we stop for panoramic views of the Apurimac valley. After that we will continue for one hour at 3,550 meters above industry Sayllapata sea level, where we start our trek and we will find our “wranglers” (riders).
- Meals: Lunch Dinner
- Total distance: 10 km
- Estimated time: 6 hours
- Positive unevenness: 3350m.s.n.m – 3900m.s.n.m (+550 m)
- Mislevelments Negative: 0
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Soraypampa (3900m) – Chaullay (2920m)
On the second day, after breakfast around 7:00 am we start climbing to the highest point of our trek for 3 hours to Salkantay Pass, 4600 meters above sea level. From this point you can see the points of view of the mountain special Salkantay, a stunning snow-capped peak (6264 meters).With spectacular views of the Umantay (3473m.) And Huayanay mountains,Then descend we odseving small lakes until we reach our lunch spot, Huayraqmachay (3900 meters). Then we continue descending for 3 hours, until the Chaullay industry (2900m.). Where will be our second campsite.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Total distance: 18 km
- Estimated time: 8 hours
- Positive unevenness: 3900m.s.n.m – 4600m.s.n.m (+700 m)
- Mislevelments Negative: 4600m.s.n.m – 2900m.s.n.m (-1700m)
- Difficulty: Hard
Day 3: Chaullay (2900m) – Playa (2200m) – Lucmabamba (2000m)
After a breakfast (06:00 am), we will continue with our trip, about 7 hours easy walk, we will descend all the time we will enter in the high jungle. where we will see plantations of coffee, coca , fruit plantations, variety of birds, variety, insects and other animals.
If we’re lucky, We can see the famous bird called “ Cock of the rock “ then “. Our lunch will be in Playa Sahuayaco, Lucmabamba Then we go to spend the night.
- Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
- Total distance: 16 km
- Estimated time: 8 hours
- Positive unevenness: 0
- Mislevelments Negative: 2900m.s.n.m – 2200m.s.n.m (-700m)
- Difficulty: Difficult
Day 4: Lucmabamba (2000m) – Llactapata (2700m) – Hydroelectrica (1900m) – Aguas Calientes (2000m)
After a delicious breakfast (6:30 a.m.) starting our four-day trek, climbing almost 3 1/2 hours in a recently discovered Incan place called Llactapata (2,700 m.), Or “high city” in Quechua. From there we have the first view of Machu Picchu, free time to enjoy the scenery, then descend to the hydroelectric train station (Km 116), where we will have a delicious lunch. Then we continue with the walk for 03 hours at Aguas Calientes (2,000 m.). Upon arrival, we will stay in a basic hostel (included in this package). Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant then we will have a briefing for the visit to Machu Picchu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Total distance: 19 km
Estimated time: 9 hours
Positive unevenness: 2000m.s.n.m – 2700m.s.n.m (+700 m)
Mislevelments Negative: 2700m.s.n.m – 1900m.s.n.m (-800m)
Difficulty: Hard
Day 5: Aguas Calientes (2000m) – Machu Picchu (2400m) – Cusco (3350m)
Early morning (05:00 am) took the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu archaeological site. We have the opportunity to climb the difficult path to the top of the mountain Huayna Picchu, the pyramid-shaped peak that overlooks Machu Picchu, which offers spectacular and different views is even possible to see the Apu Salkantay.
The tour of Machu Picchu allows us to appreciate the high level of development achieved by Andean civilization through the Incas.
A supremely religious site, Machu Picchu demonstrates the superior knowledge achieved in astronomy and astrology. This knowledge of measuring the rainy and dry seasons through the solstices is indispensable for the development of agriculture, life-source of the Andes. After our visit, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where we can enjoy a relaxing bath at the local hot springs.
The train leaves from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo 6:20 p.m. for 1 ½ hour approx: In Ollantaytambo Cusco will transport it takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Meal during the day: Breakfast
INCLUDED:
- Transportation Cusco – Sayllapata
- Train tourist Service: Aguas Calientes –Ollanta /Poroy train station.
- Entrance fee: Machu Picchu.
- Bus ticket: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Local bus: Playa –Santa Teresa.
- Hotel: Double accommodation in Aguas Calientes (4th day).
- Guide: Professional English and Spanish speaking guide.
- Cook: In charge of meal preparation
- The horses or mules to carry food, camping equipment.
- Emergency Horses for groups of 5 passengers in shared groups / emergency horse from a passenger in private groups
- The horses or mules to carry personal thing Passenger 5 kilos for standard service and 7 kilos for private service, the company will provide the bag daffles at the time of the briefing, to put their personal things
- Meals: 4 Breakfasts/4 Lunches/4 Dinners/3 Snacks and afternoon tea
- Equipment: tents (2 people in each, 3-person-capacity), dinner tent, kitchen tent, tables and chairs, table settings.
- First aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
NOT INCLUDE:
- Breakfast the 1 first day, and lunch last day.
- Train ticket Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes US$ 40.00
- Admission to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes
- Sleeping bag US$ 5 for each day
Below you will find a list of equipment we recommend you bring with you.
- Original passport.
- Backpack.
- Sleeping bag.
- Strong footwear.
- Change of clothes; Jacket; Clothes for cold weather.
- Good socks.
- Camera, films and extra batteries.
- Water bottle, ideally non disposable canteen (boiled drinking water will be provided).
- Torch / flashlight, plus extra batteries.
- Broad – brim or peaked cap.
- Sun block.
- Insect repellent.
- Toiletries & toilet paper, small towel.
- Swimsuit, for the hot springs.
- Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits, energy bars etc.
- Cash in soles and US$ Dollars.
- Binoculars.
- Optional: walking Poles/sticks (rubber covers necessary).
