The new Inca trail - Salkantay trek

The Salkantay trek, also known as the "New Inca Trail", is located north of the city of Cusco. It reaches a height of 4,600 meters above sea level at its peak. The Salkantay trek consists of a total of 5 days, which are walked for 3 days and camped for the same number of nights. On the fourth day we will travel by bus and train and sleep in a hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes. Finally, on the fifth day, we will visit Machu Picchu early in the morning and return by train to Cusco in the afternoon. Below is a description of the route day by day.

Day 1: Cusco – Trek (Mollepata - Cruz Pata - Soraypampa) 7 hours of trekking (16km)

At around 5:20 am, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and be taken to the town of Mollepata (2,830 meters above sea level), which we will arrive to at 9:00 am or so and have breakfast. Then we will load load the equipment onto the horses to begin the walk to Cruz Pata, to which we will arrive at 12:00 and have lunch. Later, we will continue walking towards Soraypampa (3,700 meters above sea level), to which we will arrive at 17:30. Dinner and first camp.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 2: Trek (Soraypampa - Salcantay - Huayracmachay - Challway) 8 hours of trekking (28km)

At around 7:00 am, after breakfast, we will begin the most difficult part of the trek, crossing the place called Salkantay pampa. Then we will take the left side route of the snowy peak of Umantay which is located on the side of snowy Mount Salkantay. At around noon we will be at Salkantay Umantay, the highest point, 4,600 meters. We will observe the glaciers of Salkantay and after an hour of rest, eat lunch in the area called Huayracmachay. Later, we will continue walking for 4 hours and descend to Challway, 2,850 meters above sea level, where we will set up camp for the second night.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 3: Trek (Challway - La Playa - Santa Teresa) 7 ½ hours of trekking (16km)

After breakfast, at around 7:00 am, will will begin a 5 ½ hour walk. On the way we will cross the Colpapampa village, located in the rainforest, where we will see waterfalls and a variety of plants and flowers before arriving to the area called The Beach for lunch. Later, we will hike for about 2 hours to reach the campground in Santa Teresa, at 1,650 meters above sea level (temporarily under restoration); where you may go to the hot springs and relax all afternoon. Dinner and overnight camp.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Trek (Santa Teresa) - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes

At around 8:00 we will begin a one hour walk to the "Oroya" (system of overhead cables to cross the river). On the way we will be able to see Machu Picchu in the distance for the first time. After crossing the river, we will walk for an hour to the hydroelectric plant, where we can rest and have lunch . In the afternoon, we will take the 15:10 train to Aguas Calientes where we will arrive at 16:00. Night at the hostel.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

At 4:00 am in the morning we will go up to the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu to see the sunrise and take a guided tour of Machu Picchu (about 2 hours) during which we will see the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Solar Clock, the royal apartments, the Temple and cemeteries. You will then have free time to stroll along the Citadel or to visit Huayna Picchu. We will then return to Aguas Calientes to board the train to the Ollantaytambo train station and continue the journey back to Cusco by bus, ending the tour when we arrive to Cusco at approximately 10:30 pm..

Finishing the tour, you will be taken to your hotel

End of our journey.

INCLUDES:

• Pick up from your Hotel
• Transport Cusco - Mollepata
• Horsemen .
• Mules for camping equipment and kitchen .
• Load a horse of his stuff up to 6 kg per person
• First Aid Kit and oxygen bottle
• Train ticket from the Hydroelectric power station – town of Aguas Calientes
• Tent and matress
• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
• Professional Guide
• 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
• Entrance to Sanctuary
• 2 hours of guide in the Sanctuary
• Return train tickets Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
• Bus Ollantaytambo - Cusco

NOT INCLUDED:

• Sleeping bag
• Bus to the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Daily departure 5:20 a.m

NOTE: Due to the demand for train tickets, AGUAS CALIENTES – OLLANTAYTAMBO, times of arrival in the city of Cusco will be subject to change.

RECOMMENATIONS

• Bring your passport or ISIC card, if you are under 25 years.
• Cameras
• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
• Hiking boots.
• Flashlight
• Change light clothing.
• Allergy pills.
• Sunglasses.
• Rain coat.
• Items of personal use.
• Extra money.
• Bottle of water for the first day.