ALTERNATIVE INCA TRAIL: SALKANTAY – MACHUPICCHU (5D-4N)

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata . Soraypampa
Walking time: 5 to 6 hours
We’ll pick you up at your hotel between 4:30 and 5:00am and take a private tour bus to Mollepata, at 3,900m above sea level. Today, we’ll enjoy a scenic trip to Limatambo with panoramic views of the “Apu” Salkantay and then reach Cruzpata, our trek’s starting point. Having walked about three hours, we’ll stop in Challacancha for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our trek toward Soraypampa at 3,850m above sea level, crossing through three distinct ecosystems. As such, we’ll easily observe the environmental changes around us. Finally, we’ll spend the night in Soraypampa.

Day 2: Soraypampa – Chaullay
Walking time: 5 to 6 hours.
After breakfast, we’ll make an early start, hiking for three hours to arrive at Apacheta Mountain Pass, at 4,590 m.a.s.l. From the pass, we’ll appreciate the view of snow-capped Salkantay (6,264m.a.s.l.), the second highest peak in the Cusco region, as well as views the Humantay and Huayanay mountain peaks. We’ll have lunch in Huayracpunku. In the afternoon, we’ll set off for a two to three-hour walk toward our camp in Chaullay (2,920m.a.s.l.), where our tents will already be set up for us to spend the night.

Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa
Walking time: 5 to 6 days
Today, we’ll begin our trek at 7:00am, traveling along the rainforest’s edge toward Uscamayoc, As we hike, we’ll observe a wide variety of plants, fruit, flowers, coca fields, birds, etc. We’ll have lunch in Wiñaypoqo and enjoy an opportunity to rest. Afterward, we’ll continue on our trek for about three hours, passing by a small hamlet in the La Playa area and finally making camp after a short distance of 15km.

Day 4: La Playa – Aguas Calientes
Walking time: 5 to 6 hours
After Breakfast, we’ll begin walking toward Lucmabamba, following a path that leads to Llactapata at 2,700m.a.s.l. From Llactapata, we’ll already catch a glimpse of the Historical Sanctuary of Machupicchu. Descending for about two hours, we’ll reach the hydro-electrical plant, where we’ll pause for lunch. Afterward, we’ll continue our trek toward Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu’s neighboring village) in order to settle at our hostel.
Optional: There are thermal baths you can enjoy in Aguas Calientes.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes - Cusco
After breakfast, we’ll ascend (hiking or by bus, according to your needs and wishes), to the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour of two and one-half hours, followed by free time to ascend Huayna Picchu, visit the Temple of the Moon, or hike to Intpunku (the Sungate). Later on, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Cusco, arriving at about 8:30pm.

Includes:
• Private bus Cusco–Mollepata
• Professional bilingual guide (English–Spanish)
• Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners—including vegetarian options
• Bus driver and equipment
• Mules and/or horses to carry gear (food, tents, kitchen gear, etc.)
• Hostel in Aguas Calientes
• Entry to Machu Picchu
• “Backpacker” class train ticket Aguas Calientes–Cusco
• Four and two-person tents with camping mattress
• Dining and kitchen tents
• Oxygen tank
• First aid kit

Does not include:
• Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last
• Entry to Salkantay

Recommendations:
• A backpack and change of clothes
• A raincoat or plastic poncho
• Trekking shoes or boots
• Photo and video camera
• Hat
• Sun block and insect repellent
• A water bottle and water purifying tablets (Micropur)
• Original passport
• Optional: Crackers, energy bars, etc.

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