AAPT05 Mount Salcantay – Machu Picchu 6D/5N

This trek in the beginning similar to the previous one, but adding 1 extra day to reach the Inca Ruins of Llactapacta, interesting remains located at an amazing view point from where we can observe the north-west side of Machu Picchu. Finally we will trek down to the hydroelectric power plant area from where we get to the small town of Aguas Calientes for a well deserved rest in a comfortable hotel. Next day we will enjoy a full day tour to visit the amazing "Lost City" of the Incas: The fabulous Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Marcocasa - Soraypampa.

At 05:00 a.m. starts the tour with private transport from the city of Cusco. We will pass the localities of Izcuchaca and Limatambo and after 02 hours drive we will arrive to Mollepata (2950m/9676ft) where we stop for a short rest and have a coffee. Afterwards we continue our drive (1 hour) towards the small settlement of Marcocasa at 3300m/10824ft. From here we start our first day trek (6 hours) towards our camp at Soraypampa (3850m/12628ft). During the first part of the trek you will enjoy fine views of the surrounding valleys of Curahuasi and Apurimac. Soraypampa is an Andean valley located at the foothills of the beautiful Mount Tucarhuay (5910m/19385ft). Enjoy the first views of the impressive Mount Salcantay.

LB, D.

Day 2: Soraypampa – Huayracmachay.

From Salcantaypampa we start our 4 hours trek towards Soyrococha at 4400m/14432 where we will have our first lunch while enjoying great views of the impressive west face of Mount Salcantay (6264m/20546ft). After lunch a 3 hours hike will take us down to our camp at Huayracmachay. On the way on we first reach the Salcantay pass at 4750m/15580ft and then we trek down to our camp at Huayracmachay settlement. During our hike we will have the permanent view of the amazing Mount Salcantay. With luck we can also observe the flight of the amazing Condor bird known as the "King of the Andes". During our descend from Salcantay pass we will also have the opportunity to observe the remains of an ancient Inca Trail, a road of approximately 6 meters wide and also observe the beautiful Salcantaycocha Lake. Camp at 3800m / 12464ft. (B, LB, D).

Day 3: Huayracmachay camp – Wiñaypoko Camp.

After a hearty breakfast, at 08:00 a.m. we will be ready to continue our 7 hours trek heading northeast down to the Colpapampa´s Valley (3200m/10496ft). Leaving the Huaracmachay plain very soon we will start an impressive descend into the deep canyon of the Salcantay river. The highland landscape suddenly turns into an amazing cloud forest with the typical grass, bushes and trees covered with beautiful bromeliads. After 3 hours we will reach the small settlement of Chaullay and from here another 40 minutes-1 hour hike will take us to Colpapampa village where we will enjoy a hot lunch. From Colpapampa the Salcantay River turns into the Santa Teresa River. After a rest we will continue our descent down to the shores of the Totora River where we can enjoy a soak in the nearby hot water springs. Then following along the north side of the Santa Teresa River we will continue (3 hours) until we reach our next camp at Wiñaypoko settlement (2800m/5904ft). Just 30 minutes before Wiñaypoko we will have the opportunity to observe the beautiful Coripacchi waterfalls. In the evening at our camp we will enjoy a good meal with some wine around a camp fire. (B, LB, D).

Day 4: Wiñaypoko - La Playa – Lucmabamba.

We take it easy in the morning before we start our trek down to the place known as La Playa. This trek takes us along the north side of Santa Teresa River. On the way down we will observe plantations of banana, coffee, granadillas (a typical fruit from the area), avocado trees, etc. The sound of flock of parrots will accompany us during the hike and on the river perhaps we can observe the fast fly of king fisher birds. After our arrival at La Playa, we cross the river to reach Cochapampa and then go to the small settlement of Lucmabamba where we will place our last camp (1700m/5576ft). B, LB, D.

Day 5: Lucmabamba – Llactapacta – Aguas Calientes.

Our last trek day, will take us following an Inca road, (3 hours) from Lucmabamba towards the Inca Ruins of Llactapata (2800m/ 9184ft) where we will spend about 1 hour visiting this interesting archaeological site with terraces, agriculture storage areas, etc. From here and weather permitting we can observe the northwest side of the Machu Picchu citadel and the summit of Huayna Picchu hill. After having our box lunch and following a steep mountain side, we will then continue our trekking (2 hours) down to the place known as La Hidroelectrica (operation area of the hydroelectric power plant). Here we will have time to rest and later on board the local train to the town of Aguas Calientes (2012m/6600ft) where we will arrive after a 1 hour ride. Then our guide will take you to your hotel for a well deserved rest. B, LB, D.

Day 6: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

In our last day an early morning awake up will be followed by breakfast in the hotel and then a public bus transport will take you up to the main entrance of the Machu Picchu City. A guided tour will show you this beautiful Inca City, one of the most famous in the world. You will visit the Intihuatana, the temple of the 3 windows, temple of the moon, the terraces, the ceremonial fountains, the sun gate and other sectors of the impressive citadel. In the afternoon we take the public bus down to Aguas Calientes and by train you will return to Ollantaytambo from where our transport will take you back to Cusco. Transfer to your hotel in Cusco. End of our program. (B).

Gross Rates per Person in US$:
Pax Number 2 3 4 5 6 7/8 9/10 11/12 13/14 15/16 SS
Gross us$ pp 900 717 600 550 505 480 465 445 415 395 65

Included:

Private transport from Cusco to Marcocasa + Noted Meals during the trekking (B= Breakfast, LB= Lunch Box, D= Dinner) + Complete camping equipment + emergency horse + mules for the transportation of heavy equipment + muleteers + professional bilingual English/Spanish speaking guide + cook + helpers + first aid kit + local train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes + hotel accommodations in Aguas Calientes based in double or twin bed rooms + local public bus Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes + private transfer from the train station to the hotel in Cusco.
Not included: Entrance fee to Salcantay trek and Machu Picchu (us$ 100.- pp); one way train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Vista Dome: us$ 71.- pp; Tourist Class train: $50.-pp), international and domestic flights, airport taxes, extra horse (us$150.-), tips, personal trekking gear, extras.

Grading: moderate - hard

Personal weight allowance per passenger: 10 kgs (this to be carried by horses)