SALKANTAY TRAIL VIA LLAQTAPATA TO MACHUPICCHU 5 DAYS/ 4NIGHTS

SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHUPICCHU 5 DAYS AND 4 NIGHTS VIA LLACTAPATA

This trek takes you around the stunning Mount Salkantay, which is the second largest mountain in Cusco region (6,277m / 20,577ft). On your first night, you will camp within the clear sight of the snowcapped peak of Salkantay Mountain. Second day will be the longest day of the trek, the most challenging, and you will climb a bit harder. However, the view at the top is stunning and unique.

The walk to the famous Apacheta pass which is at 4650m/15,088ft is not strenuous nor very steep. Afterward, it is mainly a descent into more tropical area passing Andenes and Chaullay. On your third night, you will camp at LLACTAPATA (2,700m/9,157ft) while enjoying the great views of Machu picchu,Wuayna Picchu mountains  and the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (Inca city). Ending at the most important mystic center of the world: Machu Picchu.

Program Description:

Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Marcco Ccasa - Soraypampa – Salkantaypampa

At 5:00am (Time in Peru), we pick you up from your hotel, then we drive in our private bus to Mollepata (2,850m/9,407ft) for 3 hours. Along the way there are spectacular views of villages such as: Iscuchaca and Limatambo, stunning valleys and snow-capped mountains such as: Salkantay, with a stop for breakfast at Mollepata. Then we continue by bus to Marcoccasa (3200m/10,557ft), where we meet our horsemen, horses and pack all our equipment onto the horses. Afterwards we start the gradual climb of 527 meters by walk through pristine Andean valley landscapes for about 3.5 hours before arriving to Soraypamapa (3850m/12,700ft) for lunch. After lunch, we continue gentle climb for 2 hours through more unspoiled Andean valley to our first campsite at Salkantay Pampa located at 4100m/13,527ft.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: camping facilities.

Maximum Altitude: 4100m/13,527ft.

Minimum Altitude: 2850m/9,497ft.

Walking distance: 12km approx

Difficulty:  Moderate.

Day 2: Salkantaypampa - Collpapampa

After an early delicious breakfast, we start trekking with a moderate climb for 3 hours to reach the Apacheta pass (4,650m/15,367ft). From here, we can enjoy the spectacular views of snowcapped mountains such as: Salkantay (6,277m/20,717ft), Humantay, Huayanay, white rivers, and small lakes.

At the Apacheta Pass, you can leave a piece of rock carried from the bottom as a present to the Apu Salkantay(Mountain god), During Inca times, the walkers used to leave their shoes, clothes, jewels or simply piece of rock as an offering. We continue walking for 2 hours downhill for lunch at Huayracmachay. Then depending on the group's trekking ability, weather and walking conditions, we will decide whether to walk for 2 to 3 hours downhill to reach to our second campsite at Colpapamapa (2,877m/9,497ft).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: camping facilities

Maximum altitude: 4,650m/15,367ft.

Minimum altitude: 2,877m/9,497ft.

Walking distance: 19km approx

Difficulty: Challenge.

Day 3: Colpapampa - La Playa – LLACTAPATA

On this day we walk for 3 hours through the beginnings of the rainforest; enjoying a myriad of flora and fauna including orchids, birds, coffee, cacao and fruit plantations. We arrive at La Playa (2,060m/6,797ft) for lunch, with free time to rest before climbing uphill for 3 hours through the Andean cloud forest to the Puncuyoc pass and then onto LLACTAPATA which is located at 2,700m/8,907ft  (an Inca site located straight in front of the citadel of Machu Picchu), which is our third evening´s campsite.

The panoramic view from our campsite is breathtaking; you can enjoy a different angles view of Machu Picchu, the Huanay Picchu Mountains, the citadel of Machu Picchu and the Aobamba canyon, where another Inca trail can be seen as well. We trek off the beaten track exploring places no one else does and we are the ONLY one camping at LLACTAPATA.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: camping facilities

Maximum altitude: 2,850m/9,407ft.

Minimum altitude: 2,000m/6,600ft.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 4: LLAQTAPATA – Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes.

After a late breakfast enjoying the spectacular views of Huaynapicchu, Machu Picchu Mountains and the citadel of Machu Picchu, we start walking downhill for 2 hours to Hidroelectrica for lunch. After lunch we walk to Aguas Calientes town through the national park of Machu Picchu, enjoying the surroundings of the iconic Machu Picchu and the wall which surrounds the Inca Citadel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Accommodation: Private hostel.

Maximum Altitude: 2,700m/9,157ft.

Minimum Altitude: 1,870m/6,177ft.

Walking distance: 12km approx

Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Rise early to take advantage of viewing Machu Picchu in the early morning light. This is the best time to view the 'Lost City of the Incas'. Join our local guide for a detailed interpretation of the site and Inca history without the pressure of other tour groups that arrive at midday with a lot of time for further exploring, photos and climb to Huanaypicchu or up to the Sun Gate. Then we head back to Aguas Calientes for buffet lunch. Later in the afternoon we return by train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and will then be transferred by van to Cuzco, arriving in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Maximum altitude: 2,440m/7,937ft.

Difficulty: Easy.

WHAT  IS INCLUDED?

Pre-trek briefing with your tour guide.

Collection from your hotel in the morning of the trek departure.

Private transport from Cusco to Mollepata-Marcoccasa (starting point of the trek)

Entry fee to Machu Picchu

English speaking, experienced professional guide

Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 3 person tent)

Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)

All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent

Bus ticket from Aguas Calientas to Machu Picchu and return

First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Poroy - Cusco

Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco

Celebration dinner in Aguas Calientes (touristic restaurant )

Hostel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom

Mules and horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen - 7 kilos of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag will be carried by our mules

Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants

Basic foam sleeping mattress

Guided tour within Machu Picchu 

Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

Walking sticks (rentable)

Sleeping bag adequate for temperature of minus 10°C (rentable for $20 for duration of the trek)

Lunch and dinner on the last day

Entry to Huanapicchu ($10)

Extra activities such as zip line and barbecues.

Additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal item allowance.

Optional up - grades (train and hotel)

Tips for the cook, horsemen and guide (Every Pureq Experiences staff receive a fair and decent payment immediately after they end their trip. However tips are optional and a great gesture of appreciation for them)