Trek and Adventure

HIGHLIGHTS:

We have a great 5-day program option, ending at Machu Picchu, having on the last day a full daytime between 07:00 am and 14:00 hrs. to completely enjoy the great Incan City. That means you will see Machu Picchu before the crowded trains arrive, good for pictures of the scenery without all those people and enough time.

His lovely and varied hike (about 50km) is the “soft option” from Soraypampa since the pass is lower (though still a tough 4,600m (15,092ft) and then it is mostly downhill through forested valleys, above deep ravines, ending at 1,500m.

The trek on the second day from Soraypampa goes steeply uphill for half an hour, then comes to a series of zigzags (Siete Culebras is the local name of this stretch). At the top of the seventh switchback, the terrain levels out under Salkantay´s lateral moraine, and drops gently down to the small lake of Soirococha. The pass you see above is, alas, a false one; the main pass is a little further on, but the view of Salkantay looming above you more than compensates for the effort. The real pass at 4,600m is reached after 3-4 hours from the moraine, and is marked by a pile of stones, well known as “Apacheta” by the locals, which grows daily as each traveller adds his pebble to thank the APUS for a safe trip.

Then the trail descends to the left-hand side of the valley, becoming indistinct in swampy areas. And then comes a place named Huayrajmachay, “eye of the wind”, from here, we will have a great chance to see the beautiful pyramid shape of Humantay behind as you drop below the tree line, known as LA CEJA DE SELVA (“Eyebrow of the Jungle”), and walk through groves of bamboo with many orchids and other flowers and lots of hummingbirds, spectacular waterfalls, a small hot spring at Collpapampa, the right place to look out for the parakeets that abound in this area as well.

Then on the 4th day, we will climb 500m. up from Lucma to Llactapata to enjoy a great lookout point and get a first view of Machu Picchu; then we will go down to Hydroelectric in order to take the local train to Aguas Calientes town, where we will spend the night.

Then, the next morning, we will enjoy Machu Picchu (please read our full itinerary below, thanks).

OVERVIEW:

This amazing trek runs beneath the magnificent Salkantay mountain (6.271m/20575ft), one of the highest and most stunning in the Peruvian Andes.

Your first two days are dominated by the impressive «Apus» of Salkantay and Huamantay, as you pass through the high puna landscape.

On the third day, you descend to the warm cloud forest to reach Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. The impressive Sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu is visited on the last day of the program. This tour is an interesting alternative for those not found spaces on the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Trek was recently named among the 25 best Treks in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.

This trek perfectly combines cultural and natural beauty; we will enjoy the magnificent Nevado of Salkantay (4600m / 20575ft)… This is the God of the mountains, and you can observe this God in Machu Picchu. This route will bring us back to the time of the Incas, accompanied by the spirits of other mountains, such as the Tucarhuay and the Humantay, which peak higher than 5000 meters (16404 ft).

Timing: 5 days and 4 nights
Start point: Cusco hotel
Finish point: Cusco hotel

DAY 01: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA (MARCOCCASA) – SORAYPAMPA.

We start to pick up you on the hotel around 05:00 am. We will leave Cusco at 05:30 am; the bus driving taking 4 hours to Anta-Mollepata, passing by the towns of Izcuchaca and Limatambo.

From the bus is clear to see the white snowcapped mountain like Salkantay and Huamantay, the holy Gods of the Incas, and the spectacular scenic on the upper and lower valleys with colorful landscapes.

We head towards Marcoccasa (3400m/11154 ft), passing the Mollepata town (3000m/9843 ft) our first stop (there are toilet facilities, souvenirs, and an optional short breakfast).

In Marcoccasa, we will meet with the horsemen and the rest of the group and start our trek. We start hiking within a magnificent valley, surrounded by the most important snow-capped mountains such as the Humantay (5217m/17116ft) and the Salkantay (6264m/20551ft). Our campsite will be at Soraypampa (3700m/12139ft).

Soraypampa is located in the middle of the glacier valleys; at night clear appreciate the constellations in the sky.

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Maximum Altitude: 3700 masl
• Minimum Altitude: 3400 masl
• Climate: Cold
• Transport time: 4 hours
• Hiking time: 6 hours

DAY 02: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – CHALLWAY.

After breakfast, we will prepare to continue our walk, we will set off towards the Salkantay pass (4600m/15092ft, considered the strongest of the trip) which offers an exceptional view of the snow-capped Salkantay (6264m.). Thereafter, we will descend again and will have time to enjoy the increasing vegetation of the ecosystem. After our lunch, we will continue our trek up to Challhuay (3000m/9842ft); this is our second camp, amidst the tropical forest.

• Climate: warm with mosquitoes
• Hiking time: 8-9 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Maximum Altitude: 4600 masl
  Minimum Altitude: 3000 masl

DAY 03: CHALLWAY – WIÑAYPOCO – LA PLAYA.

Around 06:00 am. Wake up with coca tea; this day will be memorable for the great variety of Flora and Fauna.

After descending to a dense forest and enjoying the diversity of species of orchids, bromeliads, and many other plants, we will see coffee being grown, cacao and fruit trees, bananas, pomegranates, and avocados.

Moreover, we will have the pleasure of meeting local families of Wiñaypoco (2650m/8694 ft) and La Playa (2100m/6890 ft); our third camp will be in La Playa.

• Climate: warm during the day with mosquitoes
• Hiking time: 6 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping
• Maximum Altitude: 2650 masl
• Minimum Altitude: 2100 masl

DAY 04: LA PLAYA – LLACTAPATA – AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN.

Early in the morning, after our breakfast, our trail leads us to the archeological complex of Llactapata (2650m/8694ft) located amidst an electric array of vegetation. From here, we will have a beautiful view of the Machu Picchu Mountain.

Afterwards, we will continue down to the hydroelectric station (1950m/6398ft). Here, we will take the train towards Aguas Calientes (2050m/6726ft), where we will spend the night in a hotel.

• Climate: warm with some insects
• Hiking time: 6 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Maximum Altitude: 2650 masl
• Minimum Altitude: 2050 masl

DAY 05: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO.

After breakfast at 05:30 am, we will leave our hotel and head for Machu Picchu (2400m/7874ft) by tourist bus.

We will arrive at the citadel around 06:00 am. Afterward, we will have a guided tour around the archaeological site for two hours by the same professional guide who accompanied us during the trek, including information about the life and culture of the Incas; you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750m/9022ft) on your own, take pictures, among others.

The same day, we will leave Aguas Calientes by train either at 14:55 hrs. or at 18:10 hrs. back to Cusco (by train to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco).

Until then, you will have time to have lunch in one of the nice restaurants.

Moreover, you can visit the Hot Springs in the town of Aguas Calientes to relax a bit.

• Climate: warm
• Hiking time: 2 hours
• Meals: Breakfast
• Maximum Altitude: 2400 masl
• Minimum Altitude: 2050 masl
• Tour: Visit to Machu Picchu

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• Arrival / Departure Transfer in Cusco
• Transportation: All scheduled transportation: bus and train (Expedition train ticket to Cusco or tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco), private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to Mollepata.
• Tourist train from the hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes.
• Bus ticket up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
•  Camping equipment: We provide four people capacity tent for two persons, brand-new four-season tents, Therm-a-Rest, dining room tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, seats, tables, tent for Guides and helpers, kitchen gear.
•  Accommodation: 03 nights camping, 01 night hotel in Aguas Calientes.
•  Entrance fees: To the National Park of Salkantay and Machu Picchu.
•  Meals: 4 breakfasts; 4 hot lunches; 4 hot dinners. Delicious meals prepared by a professional chef; food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, snacks, hot drinks including coca leaf tea, which is excellent for the altitude. Teatime every day (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn); we offer a vegetarian option if you request it; we provide boiling water each morning for your water bottles.
• Guides: Spanish- and English-speaking professional and Official tourist guides, 2 guides per 8 people.
• Cook: Professional chef and Chef Assistants, carrier.
•  Horseman and Mules: For camping equipment, food, and kitchen gear in duffel bags that we provide; Muleteers, for up to 8kg. Of a customer’s personal equipment (1).
• Insulation.
• Mattresses.
• Others: First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Sleeping bag: can be rented in our office for US$25.00 for the entire trek (every sleeping bag is washed prior to each use).
• Meals: Breakfast on the first morning. Some hotels offer early morning breakfast service. If not, we stop at Mollepata for your breakfast, and also you can buy some items for the trek.  / Lunch and Dinner last day in Aguas Calientes; you must consider a budget of US$ 15 to 20 on average at a restaurant.
• Entrance to the Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes (optional) US$4.00
  Extra costs.
• Tips for porters, cooks and guides (staff).

OPTIONAL:

• Personal porter for four days of walking
• Overnight in Aguas Calientes additional
• Sleeping Bag

Return in Vistadome (First Class)

Aguas Calientes is a small town with restaurants and hotels at the bottom of the mountain of Machu Picchu; it is normal that a traveler wishes to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes. Generally, this option is for when they wish to visit Machu Picchu for the second time. If the travelers want to visit again, they should pay a new entry fee to Machu Picchu and a bus ticket too.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING:

• Backpack for medium to large with rain cover.
• Suitable shoes for trekking
• Sleeping bag (if you don’t have one, you can rent one in Cusco)
• Raincoat (may be purchased in Cusco)
• Clothing for warm and cold climates, like a waterproof jacket, rain pants, and        Lightweight pants.
• Slippers or sandals (for showers and Hot Springs).
•  Woolen or synthetic socks and a sweater.
• Long- and short-sleeved polo´s/T-Shirts.
•  Rain poncho and a hat.
• Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
•  Water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
• Flashlight (we recommend two pairs of batteries).
•  Sunscreen and insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel.
• Some snacks like Chocolate bars and dried fruit, sweets, etc.
• Personal things and towel.
• Original passport, original ISIC student card, and extra money in soles.
• Camera (wrapped in a plastic bag), batteries, etc.
• Since the weather can be very cold, your clothes, once gotten wet, won’t dry at night. So take some clothes to change.

RECOMMENDED THINGS TO TAKE:

Sleeping bag, one liter of water, rain gear or poncho (plastic poncho can be purchased in Cusco), hiking boots (running shoes are not recommended), Sandals or jogging shoes for higher comfort while at camp, warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping, wind coat, T-shirts, shorts, long pants, sun hat, wool hat, flashlight, sun block, insect repellent, toilet paper, garbage bag, small towel, bathing suit (for hot springs), camera, extra batteries, snacks (such as chocolates, energy bars), emergency money, walking stick (optional) and personal things.

PLEASE NOTE:

(1)   We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary; however, it can change occasionally based on temporary park restrictions, campsite availability, weather, road closures, guest ability/injury, and natural events like fires and flooding.

(2)   From the first to the third day (from Marcoccasa to La Playa), we are accompanied by horsemen and mules that will carry all camping equipment and the customer’s private luggage (up to 8 kg). On the fourth day, all luggage will be transferred to the hydroelectric station by car.

(3)   Visit to Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu requires to booked long time in advance; however, we charge an additional US$15.00, and then we will guarantee your entrance to Huayna Picchu as well (This new State law began since the 18th of July 2011).

(4)   Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for a small donation, for example, clothes or school equipment for their children.

CONDITIONS & TERMS:

• Please note that the program deposit is non-refundable. The deposit is used to purchase the ticket for entrance to Machu Picchu and to book the train ticket and hostels. Moreover, once a space is purchased, it cannot be resold.
• Finders Peru will not give any refunds if a participant decides to cancel the trip before departure or during the trip (except for the entrances to the archaeological sites and the bus/train tickets).
• If Finders Peru doesn’t confirm the reservation, your payment will be refunded totally.
• All participants have to carry their own backpacks, including a sleeping bag and mattresses, unless they booked an extra porter or the service includes porters, horsemen, or mules.
• The Salkantay Trek is not a simple walk is an adventure at over 3800 meters. The first day can be stressful for some people. Before this can have problems with altitude and must be prepared for eventualities how are you headaches, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and even vomiting.
• A participant must declare if he/she has any sickness or medical disorder and must bring his/her own medicines (If you have any health problem that depends on some special attention, we recommend that you do not walk the Salkantay Trek because at least two days we will be outside of any care you may want).
• You must be in Cusco at least 2 days before the departure date to the Inca Trail. This is just to confirm their presence and also to allow basic acclimatization before starting the walk.
• All participants must bring their original passport and, if available, their original student “ISIC GREEN” card.
• It is compulsory that all clients have personal travel insurance. This insurance must cover personal accident, medical expenses, loss of effects, and all other expenses, which might arise as a result of loss, damage, or injury occurring to the client. Finders Peru can´t be accounted for any accident or loss of personal belongings the customer caused by his/her own.
• In case force majeure occurs, such as impossibility to operate the program or trek due to unusual or unforeseen circumstances outside Finders Peru’s control, such as extreme weather conditions, landslides, strikes not allowing operation or putting it at risk, sudden inaccessibility of route, etc. Finders Peru will propose viable solutions to operate the program within the available dates, or if impossible, will then propose an alternative program. If the alternative program chosen by the client is of lower value than that originally booked, then the client is entitled to a refund of the price difference. All costs incurred will be at the expense of the client. In case none of these would be feasible, Finders Peru would refund all the money paid except all the incurred expenses so far.
• Everything that you do not take to the trek can be left at our office in Cusco or the Hotel. Since our office has a warehouse.
• If you have any questions or concerns about this program, come in contact us by email, phone or msm.

PAYMENT DETAILS:

For this tour, we require a Prepayment (60%) of the total, payable via a secure online payment link that we will send you. Please note that an additional 5% fee will be charged to cover the cost of the payment link. On the day of the tour, you must pay the remaining balance in cash. We accept both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles (local currency).

NOTE: We can assist you in purchasing your flight tickets from Lima to Cusco. We are happy to customize your trip. You may combine the existing packages with your desires to create your perfect itinerary. Alternatively, complete the form below with your requests, giving us as much detail as possible, and we will provide a tailor-made itinerary.