Salkantay Hike to Machu Picchu 5 Days $850 pp

One of the greatest legacies left to modern man by the Incan Civilization are the network of trails. Many travelers focus on the famous "Inca Trail" to Machu Picchu, but there are other equally glorious trails which take us to this famous destination. Starting in Mollepata,  we enjoy impressive views of high mountains, including Salkantay, before we descend to the cloud forest along Santa Teresa River. Walking on remnants of an ancient Inca trail, you'll be surrounded by native trees known as Queuñas and a variety of birds and insects. We'll trek through plantations bearing fruits, yucca, coca, coffee and cacao. A small part of the trek will be done by train up to Aguas Calientes, a town nestled near the base of Machu Picchu. Overnight is in a comfortable hotel and after an early morning breakfast, we will make our final ascent to Machu Picchu for a private, guided tour followed by free time to wander and explore the ruins on your own.

Itinerary - 5 days/$850 pp (includes 1 night hotel)

Day 1 Cusco/Soraypampa
After we pick you up at your hotel, we will drive about 3 hours to the village of Mollepata where we'll stop at a local restaurant for breakfast. Our food and camping equipment are prepared and loaded on horseback in preparation for our 8 hour hike. After 4 hours of hiking, we stop in Cruspata for lunch and rest. The remaining 4 hours ends at the Soraypampa campsite.

Day 2 Soraypampa/Qollpapampa campsite
We will trek about the same time as the previous day (8 hours). During the first 4 hours, prominent views of the snowy peaks of Salkantay and Humantay keep us occupied. Then we cross the highest point of the trek at 15,091 ft. above sea level (4,600 meters). We descend to Qollpapampa, with a lunch stop along the way. Once at the campsite, we can relax with a soak in the local hot springs.

Day 3 Qollpapampa/Lucmabamba
After breakfast we continue our trek to the village of Lucmabamba. During the journey, you'll have the chance to admire the undisturbed flora and fauna including giant hummingbirds and wild orchids. We won't even mention the assorted dramatic waterfalls or the sampling of local passion fruits and oranges.

Day 4 Lucmabamba/Aguas Calientes
Following breakfast, we will hike through coffee plantations to LLactapata, a mere 8,694 feet (2650 meters) where we'll see the the distant ancient ruins of Machupicchu. After lunch we will hike for 2 hours to the hydroelectric station, (some infrastructure to balance all that nature stuff) and in the afternoon, we will board the train to the town of Aguas Calientes (45 min.). We can plant ourselves in our hotel for showers, then meet in a restaurant for dinner.

Day 5 Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/Cusco
A bountiful Peruvian buffet breakfast will start the day before we board the early bus to Machu Picchu. Your guide will offer a private tour and then you will have private time to wander and explore the ruins. In the afternoon, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and then return to Cusco by train.

Choose your dates then contact us for availability. Please include the name of the trip, the number of people in your group and the time of year you plan to travel. We try to reply the same day.

4 Days/$795 pp/min 4 
Choose your dates, then contact us for availability

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Includes :

• Transportation from the hotel to the beginning of the hike.
• All the meals during the hike.
• Camping equipment (cooking utensils, tents, mattress)
• Wranglers who pack and organize the equipment Horses for carrying the equipment and luggage (5 Kg. limit per person for personal gear. Excess luggage will be stored in secure hotels)
• Guide and Cook.
• First-aid equipment
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom and hot water
• Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu National Park.
• Bus tickets from the town of Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
  
  Not included:
• International airfare to and from Lima.
• Domestic airfare from Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Lima.
• Personal equipment for trekking (sleeping bag, daypack)
• First breakfast, Last lunch
• Travel Insurance
• Tips

Note:

• Itinerary subject to change
• Ask about trip extensions to Amazon Jungle, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, Ecuador & Galapagos Islands