Salkantay Trek Expedition
Description
Salkantay is known as the most impressive peak in the Peruvian Andes. Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the best alternative for the Inca Trail. If you do not want to be on a busy path, but want to have an excellent hike with brilliant natural surroundings, then a superb option is the Salkantay trek 5 days/4 nights. En route you will see the "Apu" Salkantay (Apu means spirit), the tallest peak near Machu Picchu, this frost-topped mammoth is still at the core of the beliefs of the Incas' heirs, the Quechua people of the high Andes. After an excellent hike we will arrive at the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
On the old Salkantay trek we went straight to Mollepata and stopped to camp in Soraypampa. On the second day we crossed the high Salkantay Pass and then descended to Colpapampa. The third day was a walk through the upper jungle region, to La Playa. From there we hiked to Aobamba where we camped the night, then hiked a further 4 hours to the Llactapata ruins from where we descended 3 hours to the hidroelectrica.
What to Expect
This Salkantay trek expedition takes you on a newly discovered route. On the new path you have the opportunity to see and learn more. On the first day we visit an Inca temple and we get to trek through the charming countryside of Ichupata, where the first campsite is located. On the second day we climb over the Rio Blanco, we have the chance to see condors around here, one of the most delightful aspects of this new Salkantay trek tour and then cross the Inca Chiriaska Pass, the highest peak of the Vilcabamba mountain range. The third day takes us to Cruz Qasa pass, which provides wonderful vistas of Mount Ocobamba, from where we will hike to Chuqueñana Pass and then continue on a gorgeous trek across the meadow to Aqoqasa. On the fourth day (the last day of trekking before reaching Machu Picchu) we will pass the ruins of Inca Raqay and the village of Ancasqocha, finally reaching the Urubamba Valley, the most abundant area of these part's, where we will camp.
Salkantay (6271m) is a glacial summit situated less than fifty miles northwest of Cusco city in the southern region of Peru by the Cordillera Vilcanota. Salkantay is a striking snow-topped peak, honored for thousands of years by the native Indians. The name Salkantay is a quechua word, meaning "Savage Mountain". It is the 38th tallest peak in the Andes and the twelfth tallest in Peru. However, as a sphere high point in deeply carved landscape, it is the second most geographically easily seen crest in the country, after Huascaran.
Quick Itinerary:
Day 01: Cusco- Mollepata - Soyraypampa
Day 02: Soraypampa - Chachani Qasa
Day 03: Chacani Qasa/ Aqoqasa
Day 04: Aqoqasa/Chillca
Day 05: Machu Picchu
Highlights of the Salkantay Trek Expedition to Machu Picchu:
- Guided Salkantay trail
- Salkantay Mountain
- Machu Picchu tour
- Observe the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Crew: A Tierras Vivas representative in Cusco and a professional bilingual tour guide, a cook and porters for the hiking the Salkantay trek expedition to Machu Picchu
Accomodation: 3x campsite, 1x hotel
Meals: 3x breakfast, 4x lunch, 4x dinner, 3x afternoon tea (Please allow USD 20-50 for meals not included).
Transportation: Transportation by private van, 1x train (Expedition Class).
Itineray Details
Day 01: Cusco- Mollepata - Huamantay Lake - Soyraypampa
Early morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in our private bus. We head west through the Anta Valley and stop at the Inca temple of Tarawasi. Then we continue our drive to the village of Mollepata, where we will enjoy a quick sojourn of this charming town.Then we continue our drive to Challacancha, it is head trail of the Salkantay Trek Expedition, we carry on our excursion, where our crew awaits us with mules or horses to begin our hike. We will trek through delightful terrains to Soraypampa (10,660 ft/3250 m), where our first campsite is located. In the afternoon, we walk up to Humantay lake, where you can see the beautiful crytal lake and Umantay mountain. Then we will return our campsite.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Maximum Altitude: Soyrapampa12,693 ft (3869 m)