SALKANTAY TO MACHUPICCHU
(5 days / 4 nights)
(Inca trail through the snow peaked Salkantay)

The snow peaked Salkantay, at 6,372 meters, is considered a sacred mountain since Inca times. The paths surrounding it are of Inca manufacturing, and form part of its marvelous view.  Impressive snow peaks and glaciers are experienced along the trail. The trek starts at a nice village called Mollepata. Throughout our ascent we see the snow peaks showing up along the valley. The first will be the Humantay, and then the impressive Salkantay. The trek ends across the mountains at a tropical valley of the river Vilcanota, close to Machupicchu.

TREK OUTLINE:

1ST DAY: CUSCO - MOLLEPATA (2985 m.a.s.l.) - SORAYPAMPA (4200 m.a.s.l.)                                   Pick up from your hotel at 4:30 am, followed by a three hours bus transport to Mollepata.  We begin our walk after a light breakfast and arrive to the first campsite at approximately 4 pm.                           

2ND DAY: SORAYPAMPA - HUMANTAY PASS (4800 m.a.s.l.) - CHALLHUAY CAMPSITE (3900 m.a.s.l.).
This day we will ascend to the passage of Humantay, through seven zigzags on a forty five minute walk. From this mountain opening it is possible to appreciate the valley of Santa Teresa, as well as its mountaintops, and lagoons. Through this valley we will ascend until a place named Challhuay, where we will camp for the night.

3RD DAY: CHALLHUAY - LA PLAYA - SANTA TERESA (1600 m.a.s.l.)
Continuing downhill for five hours, we arrive at La Playa.  At this agricultural village we will have our lunch, followed by a two hour bus ride to Santa Teresa. This small tropical village on the banks of the river Vilcanota was affected long ago by an avalanche originating in the snow peak of Salkantay, destroying the railway that connected the village with Cusco and Quillabamba. On the third day we shall stay here, camping near orange groves, banana plantations and other varieties of fruits grown in the area. The weather here is warm and pleasing.  The warm baths of Santa Teresa, when they are open to the public, are a great way to relax after a day of hiking.  This activity is optional at an exta cost.

4TH DAY: SANTA TERESA (2200 m.a.s.l.) - HATUN PAMPA (2000 m.a.s.l.) - AGUAS CALIENTES (2000m.a.s.l.) 
On the fourth day we will walk through the Vilcanota River valley, following the old train tracks towards the hydroelectric plant of Machupicchu. It will take us four hours to arrive there in order to have our lunch. After we eat we will continue our walk along the majestic new train tracks that lead to the village of Aguas Calientes. We will stay at a two star hotel, very nice and clean. 

5TH DAY: AGUAS CALIENTES - CUSCO
Early in the morning starts our visit to the sanctuary of Machupicchu. With the first light, we will begin our ascent to the archeological complex. The climb includes the famous stairway to Machupicchu, an uphill walk of about one hour and fifteen minutes.   Upon entering Machpicchu, we will start a guided tour of approximately two hours. After the tour, you may enjoy the site on your own, climb Waynapicchu Mountain and drink in this marvelous wonder of the world. In the afternoon, you will  return to Aguas Calientes by foot or take a bus at an extra charge, to catch the train back to Cusco. At the train station in Cusco, a bus will be waiting for you to take you to your respective hotels.

SERVICES INCLUDED:

extra discount with student card

++ MORE PACKAGES OF TREKKING

Incatrail 2d / 1n	Incatrail 4d / 3n	Choquequirao 4d / 3n
Ausangate 4d / 3n	Ausangate 6d / 5n	Salkantay 5d / 4n
Lares Valley 3d / 2n