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2009 The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days / 4 Nights

Wonderful best option Instead the Classic 4 days Inca Trail

(A program well known as Hike from Salkantay - Soraypampa – Llactapata – Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes Town and Next day a Full Day tour at Machu Picchu Inkan City)

Salkantay to Machu Picchu

We have a great 5 days program option, ending at Machu Picchu, having on the last day a full day time between 7 a.m. till 2 p.m. to completely enjoy the great Inkan City, that means you will see Machu Picchu before the crowded trains arrive, good for pictures of the scenery without all those people and enough time for those looking to climb the holy mountain of Huayna Picchu (1:40 minutes round trip aprox.), or a quiet hike to the temple of the Moon which is located behind Huayna Picchu (1:50 min. round trip Aprox.)

Introduction

This lovely and varied hike (about 50km) is the “soft option” from Soray since the pass is lower (though still a tough 4,750m (15,580ft) and then it is mostly downhill through forested valleys, above deep ravines, ending at 1,500m.
The trek on the second day from Soray goes steeply uphill for half an hour, then comes to a series of zigzags (Siete Culebras is the local name of this strech). At the top of the seventh switchback the terrain levels out under Salkantay´s lateral moraine, and drops gently down to the small laguna Soirococha. The pass you see above is, alas, a false one; the main pass is a little further on, but the view of Salkantay looming above you more than compensates for the effort. The real pass at 4,750m is reached after 3-4 hours from the moraine, and is marked by a pile of stones , “well know as Apacheta by th locals”, which grows daily as each traveller adds his pebble to thank the APUS for a safe trip.

Then the trail descends to the left –hand side of the valley, becoming indistinct in swampy areas. And then comes a place named Huayrajmachay “eye of the wind”, from here we will have a great chance to see the beautiful Pyramid-shape of Humantay behind as you drop below the tree line, know as LA CEJA DE SELVA (“Eyebrow of the Jungle”), and walk through groves of bamboo with many orchids and other flowers and lots of hummingbirds, spectacular waterfalls, a small hot spring at Collpapampa the right place to lock out for the parakeets that abound in this area as well.

Then on the 4th day we will climb 500m. up From Lucma to Llactapata to enjoy a great lookout point and get a first view of Machu Picchu, then we will go down to Hydroelectric in order to take the local train to Aguas Calientes town where we will spend the night.

Then next morning we will enjoy Machu Picchu (please read our full itinerary below, thanks)

Please Note: We do offer two options of Services:

1.-Private One
2.-Shared Service
Please find the differences below, thanks.

1.-Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Private Service, 5 Days/4 Nights Program (STMP5)

Prices per person 2009: 2 persons: US$460, 3 persons: US$440, 4 - 7 persons: US$420, 8 -12 persons: US$370, 13-16 persons: US$350.

We can offer a US$15 discount to students with a valid International Student Identity Card ISIC and children under the age of 12 years old (University ID or Youth Travel cards NOT valid)

Departures: To suit group requirements March - December
Minimum 02 passengers at the time of departure (actually we are o.k. if you are 02 people, we can leave any day which is fine for your plans)

Group Size: Please note that this is a private group trek. This means that if there are just two of you interested in doing this trek, the trek will be organized just for you i.e. US$450 per person. Obviously with more people in your group the cost per person becomes more economical. We do not add other people to you trek and unfortunately it is not possible to join another group.

Departures are available throughout the year. However, due to weather conditions, the recommended period for this trek is between March - November.

THIS IS FOR YOU: We do have this great 5 days hike Option, ending at Machu Picchu, having on the last day a full day time between 7a.m. till 2 p.m. to enjoy well the great Inka City, that’s means you will get Machu Picchu before the crowded trains arrive, good for empty Pictures and enough time for those looking to climb the holy mountain of Huayna Picchu (1:40 min. round trip aprox.), or a quiet hike to the temple of the Moon which is located behind Huayna Picchu (1:50 min. round trip aprox).

Payment details: We will require a non-refundable trek deposit of US$150 per person payable within 6 days of Andean Life confirming your trek booking. The deposit is to be paid by Our VISA Payment On-Line, Western Union money transfer and Mail Order System, these are our fastest & most secure form of payments in Peru. Further details of how to send the deposit are included with our trek booking confirmation email. The remaining balance is to be paid in our office at least two days prior to your trek departure date. Payment can be made in cash US$, local currency (Peruvian Soles), or American Express Travel Cheques (3%) or by VISA (6% surcharge - VISA's cost not ours).

For a trek deposit Payment On-line by Amex and Master Credit Cards, please let Us know by email and we will send ASAP further details about how to proceed with it, thanks.

2.-Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Shared Service, 5 Days/4 Nights Program (STMS6)

Prices per person 2009: US$420.
Minimum 02 passenger at the time of departure, maximum 08 people size group.

We can offer a US$15 discount to students with a valid International Student Identity Card ISIC and children under the age of 12 years old.

Group Size: Please note that this is a shared service group trek and offers visitors the most economical method to trek the Lares Valley to Machu Picchu. A Shared service is basically a group that you can just join. You'll be trekking with like-minded hikers from all over the world, a great chance to meet new friends and travel companions.

Fixed Departures 2009: Every Day

Jan '09, Every day	01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31.
Feb '09	01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

March - '09	01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31.
April - '09	01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30.
May - '09	01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31.
June - '09	01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30.
July -'09	01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31.
August - '09	01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31.
September - '09	01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30.
October - '09	01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31.
November - '09	01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30.
December - '09	01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31.

Payment details: We will require a non-refundable trek deposit of US$150 per person payable within 06 days of Andean Life confirming your trek booking. The deposit is to be paid by Our VISA Payment On-Line, Western Union money transfer and Mail Order System, these are our fastest & most secure form of payments in Peru. Further details of how to send the deposit are included with our trek booking confirmation email. The remaining balance is to be paid in our office at least two days prior to your trek departure date. Payment can be made in cash US$, local currency (Peruvian Soles), or American Express Travel Cheques (3%).

For a trek deposit Payment On-line by Amex and Master Credit Cards, please let Us know by email and we will send ASAP further details about how to proceed with it, thanks.

What is Included: ( in both options,1,2 )

Collection from your hotel in the morning
Transportation by bus to the start of the trail (Mollepata - Cruzpata)
English speaking professional guide
Igloo tents
2 persons in each 4-person capacity tent with plenty of space for your backpacks
Double thickness foam mattress
Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes (while hiking)
Accommodations: 3 nights camping, 1 night hotel
Cook and Cooking equipment
Excellent Meals (04B,04L,04D)
food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude
We supply boiled water to fill in your water bottle all the time, if requested with enough time ahead (while hiking)
Teatime the first three days (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn)
Horses days 1-4 (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen
Dining tent with camp tables and chairs
Kitchen tent
Accommodation for our crew
First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
local train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes town
accommodation in a hostel at Aguas Calientes town on the 4th night
Bus from Machu Picchu ruins up and down to the village of Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu entrance fee
Train ticket (Backpackers service) from Aguas Calientes to Cusco, subject to availability of spots
Transfer from the train station to your hotel.

What is Not Included: (in both options,1,2)

Breakfast on the first morning.
Lunch and Dinner in restaurant in Aguas Calientes on day 5 of the program.
Entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes US$4.00
Sleeping bags (4 season) can be hired in our office for US$15 for the 5 day trek.
Tips for the guide, cook and porters
Personal equipment
The INC, the officials in Peru decided to charge from 15 July 2008 entree fee to the Salkantay trail, 127 soles adult price and 64 Sol for students with an ISIC student card ! These are not our rules but from INC, they start charging without notice in advance.This entree price is not included in the price of the 5 days Salkantay trail, So you have to pay this seperatly at the entrance of the trip.

What you need to bring/carry:

Backpack,
Sleeping bag 4 season suitable for temperatures down to -5C (can be hired from our office for US$15 for the 5 day trek)
Sleeping mattress (we will provide you with this)
Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few dollars)
Strong, comfortable footwear
One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of clothing if you hire a personal porters, see options below)
Sweater and jacket (something warm)
Water bottle, ideally non disposable canteen (boiled drinking water will be provided)
Torch / Flashlight and batteries
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
Sun block (sun protection cream)
Insect repellent
Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits, energy bars etc,
Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries, cash in soles and US$
Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the trek)
Optional: walking Poles /sticks (rubber covers necessary)
You also need to bring your original passport on the trail.

Options:

Salkantay to Machu Picchu

(1) Personal horse for riding while on the trek with and extra cost of US$45, you can have a personal horse to ride any time you may need.
(2) Single room at Aguas Calientes town (evening on day 4) the accommodations at Aguas Calientes on the 4th night is based on double or triple occupancy
(DWB or TWB). If a client would like to have a single room, need to add US$15.00 to the base price of the tour. You must decide if you want to have a single room in advance and let Us know when making your trek reservation since we need to purchase the hotel booking in advance as well. You cannot decide it at a later date or once you arrive in Cusco.
(3) An extra night in Aguas Calientes can easily be arranged for you if required. Hotels costs and costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the following day are additional to trek costs. It is best to make your hotel reservation directly. The web page www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/hotels/machupicchu has some good recommendations and contact details.
(4) Vegetarian Meals. We can provide vegetarian meals or cater for special diets with no extra cost. Just let us know at least 2 days prior to trek departure.
(5) Sleeping bag hire. If you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the the to Peru with you then we have sleeping bags in our office for rent. The price is US$15 per person for the 5 day trek.

Reservation details: All trek reservations must be made at least 07 days in advance (however 35 days in advance is recommended especially during the months of June, July, August, September and October)

Other information:

(1) Luggage storage. When you go on the trek it is best to leave any luggage that you are not going to need behind in Cusco. Nearly all the hotels in Cusco provide a secure luggage deposit. Put any valuables in their safe. Very rarely do hotels charge for this service especially if you are returning to the same hotel after the trek. If there are any problems with your hotel we can arrange to store your luggage at our office.

(2) Time of arrival in Cusco. Unless you plan to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, you will return to your hotel in Cusco for approximately 8:30pm on the 4th day of the trek. This tickets are subject to availability and at times of high demand we may have to change your departure to an alternative service / departure time without prior notice departing on the someday as stated in your service voucher. This alternative service may run only as far as Ollantaytambo, in which case we will provide transport for you back to your hotel in Cusco. If the service is more expensive Andean life will pay additional cost. This applies to return by train only and Andean life will not be responsible for additional costs associated wit returning to Cusco in any other form. If it is your decision to change to a different service or different date you must inform us at the time of purchasing the trek and pay any additional cost yourselves.

(3) If any of the third party costs listed above change to increase the cost of the trek we will immediately update the trek price listed on our website (apart from the exchange rate which can continue to go up and down throughout the year so the website will not be updated to reflect these cost changes). Clients will be liable for paying any increased cost of the Inca Trail trek upon arrival in Cusco.

(4)Andean Life Trek Cancellation Policy (in both options,1,2, Private Service and Shared Service)

1. The trek deposit must be paid prior to the date shown on the trek confirmation email. Clients must email Andean Life to confirm that they have paid the deposit. Failure to pay the deposit and/or inform us of the deposit payment details before this date will result in automatic trek cancellation.
2. The trek balance must be paid in the Andean Life office prior to 8pm, at least 2 days prior to trek departure. Failure to pay the trek balance prior to this time will result in trek cancellation.
3. Trek cancellations made between payment of trek deposit and 8pm, 2 days prior to trek departure date: Return of all payments made, less the trek deposit of US$150 per person, less any costs associated with receiving and returning the payment.
4. Trek cancellations made after 8pm, 2 days prior to trek departure: No cash refund. However we will give to your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, your bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and your round trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back to Cusco (approximate value US$150). Please note that the client will be responsible for changing the dates of any of these tickets (if necessary) and any costs associated with such changes.

In all instances of trek cancellation by the client Andean Life will provide written confirmation of the cancellation and details of any payments lost so as to be used in the event of any insurance claim made by the client.

(5) Trek Itinerary: For a detailed description of our 5 day trekking itinerary see below.

Trek Itineray 2009

DAY 01.- Cusco (3400 m.a.s.l.) – Mollepata – Soraypampa. ( 05.30 hours aprox. Time of hike) We pick you up from the hotel at around ( 7 am ) and travel by private Bus or by Car to Mollepata District (2800m). which is a small community located down along the main road from Cusco to Abancay, then we keep travelling to Cruzpata (3050m) arriving approximately at 10:00 am, and here we start our trip and meet our arrieros “horsemen” and trek crew to help us to make easy our hike.
During the morning we walk approximately 2.30 hours going up appreciating the diversity of the flora and fauna typical from this ecological site, and then we stop to enjoy our delicious lunch at Chuñuna which is a quiet spot.
And then in the afternoon we will hike for about 3 hours and after a funny and relaxing hiking we arrive to our first campsite which is at Soraypampa (3800m) , where we have our dinner and pass the first night.

DAY 02.- Soraypampa – 7 snakes Pass – Challhuay.
( 08.30 hours aprox. Time of hike)
We wake up very early then after a good breakfast, we leave from Soraypampa ( altitude 3800 m.s.n.m. ) this is the harder day because we have to climb to the 07 snakes PASS ( in this point we get 4600 m.s.n.m. of altitude), the highest part in our trip to MACHU PICCHU, where we can see the spectacular view of the second highest peak Named Salkantay a stunning snow covered mountain (6,271 m) and great views of Humantay and Huayanay mountains as well, small lakes and morraines too and of course the flora and fauna typical from this region( 05 hours aprox.).

Later going downhill we will find some streams and many kind of birds, in the afternoon finishing our hard walking we arrive to CHALLHUAY. Where we have dinner and pass the night in ours tents, from this point starts the cloud forest region where the mosquitos exist, besides the semitropical weather and native people.

DAY 03 .- Challhuay – La Playa. ( 06.00 hours aprox. Time of hike)
After and early breakfast approximately at 6:00 am. We begin our third day hiking until Wiñay Poqo. Where we have our lunch.
Hiking down hill is pretty easy and here you will be introduced to a high jungle niche very well know as Ceja de Selva where you will have the chance to find coca, coffee and several native fruits plantations.
In the afternoon walking more than two hours again down hill and we arrive to LA PLAYA village, we have dinner and the night in tents.

- Option for shower at the creek of Santa Teresa River, good One.

DAY 04 .- La Playa - Aguas CalientesTown.( 06.30 hours aprox. Time of hike)
From La Playa we take a local transportation for approximately 20 minutes to Lucma ( or just hike if not local transport is available), from here we start our climb of about 03 hours to Llactapata ( newly discovery Inca Site ) which is famous for a “great condor view of Machu Picchu”, then we enjoy our picnic box lunch then we hike down hill for about 2.30 hours to the Hydroelectric Station by 3:00 pm. Aprox. We will take the local train to Aguas Calientes which will lasted 45 minutes,
You may also wish to pay a visit to the town's famous thermal springs which feel great after finishing the trail. Entrance to the springs is a small fee of $US 3.00. Allow 3 hours to really enjoy them, which is open Until 9.00 p.m.
In the evening we have dinner at Gringo Feliz Restaurant, Accommodation in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes. Accommodation based in a DWB or TWB.

The Fabled City
For centuries the Lost City has been the most durable of myths about ancient Peru. Hundreds of gold-hungry Spaniards died looking, all in vain. The irony was that there were lost cities buried in the forested regions of the Andes. The 20th century has seen the discovery of more than one but none more famous and awe-inspiring as the fabled Machu Picchu.

DAY 05 .- Machu Picchu – Cusco.
Early wake Up (by 05: 30 a.m.), Breakfast and after to leave our Luggage at the Hotel, we will take the early Tourist bus Up to Machu Picchu, of Course with a guide English speaking, Usually we use to get Machu Picchu by 6: 50 a.m., so from this time we will be able to visit Machu Picchu of course at this time Machu Picchu is pretty empty and we will have the best chance to enjoy the beauty and the magic of Machu Picchu, because at this time is quiet.

A guided tour of about 2: 30 hours, and then you will have "happy hour time", to explore by yourself the whole site for about 3 hours and there is time as well to climb Huayna Picchu mountain and get the best view over Machu Picchu it takes 1: 40 minutes round trip time, or option to go to the temple of the moon which is located behind Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Then We suggest that after visiting Machu Picchu that you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes by 13:00 p.m. at the latest (assuming train departs at 15:00). Buses depart every 15 minutes. Check with the guide for actual times.
Getting Cusco city by 19:20 p.m aprox, there we will provide transfer to Your Hostel, End of the services.

There is a new shedule for trains, so the time of arriving into Cusco migh change depending on availability.

- Lunch can be taken at Aguas Calientes town before to take the tourist train back to Cusco
- Optional stay 01 extra night in Aguas Calientes. Cost of Hostel : 15 - 20 u.s. per person.

To Make a Salkantay 5 day Group Trek Reservation CLICK HERE

KeyWord Reference:

Salkantay, Salcantay , Machu Picchu, Machupicchu, Machu-picchu, Inca Trail, Inka Trail, Peru Treks, Peru Trekking.

Andean Life Tour Operator

Main Office N° 1 : Calle Santa Teresa 381, Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru
Office N° 2 : Calle Plateros 372, Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru
(Both ones located just half block from the main square of Cusco City)
Fax Telephone: 00-51-84-261269
Emergency Mobil Phone: 00-51-84-9673544

Licensed Inca Trail tour operator, specialists in trekking in the Andes (Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and other treks)
©Andean Life 1999 - 2005. All material within this web site is original work and subject to national and international copyright laws and cannot be reproduced without the written permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved.

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