Monday, November 8, 2010

SALCANTAY & THE INCA TRAIL

THE PERFECT COMBINATION: SALCANTAY TREK & INCA TRAIL
Salkantay, Wayllabamba & Machupicchu
06 days / 05 nights


The combination of the Salkantay trek and classic Inca trail is important to book far in advance, especially for the months May, June, July, August and September. This is because of the limit of 500 people per day permitted to start the Inca Trail, including guides, cooks and porters.
This trek perfectly combines cultural and natural beauty, we will enjoy the magnificence of the Salkantay (6264m / 20551f)… This is the most important divine symbol of the mountains…
We will not only be amazed by the great landscape, but also by the great variety of plants and flowers which have developed in the depths of the river basins having a pleasant climate. We also meet with the local farmer being an event of Andean life in the customs and traditions. After Wayllabamba, we will continue into the famous Inca Trail which leads towards the Majestic city of Machu Picchu…

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata (Cruz Pata) – Soraypampa – Salkantay pampa
Transport from the hotel to the town of Mollepata (3000m / 9843f), and Cruz Pata (3400m / 11155f), the place to meet with the group of horseman. We start hiking into a magnificent valley, mountains and the most important snow-capped such as the Humantay (5217m / 17116f) and the Salkantay (6264m / 20551f). Our campsite will be at Salkantay pampa (3900m / 12795f).
Transporting time: 4 hours
Hiking time: 6 hours
Moderate climate and cold during the night
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 2: Salkantay pampa – Salkantay pass – Sisay pampa
The morning is the best to start the highest climb of the trek, the Salkantay pass (5200m / 17060f), where we will have the presence of the magnificent mountains and beautiful scenery. After the top we will descent to the next camping place, called Sisay pampa (3700m / 12139f).
Hiking time: 7 hours
Moderate climate and cold during the night.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 3:Sisay pampa – Canal del Inca – Wayllabamba
Waking down amongst the mountains will give us emotional feelings however the trail is every time better and better restored by the INC institution (State). Wayllabamba (3000m / 9843f) will be the place to get on the Classic Inca Trail and our camping place.
Hiking time: 5 hours.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 4: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Pacaymayu
Early morning we will enjoy hiking through small tropical forests to Warmiwañusca pass (4200m / 13780f), accompanied by a professional guide. After a short moment at the summit we will continue walking down to our camping place know as Pacaymayu (3500m / 11483f).
Hiking time: 7 hours.
Cold climate.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 5: Pacaymayu – Runkurakay – Chaquicocha – Wiñayhuayna
During this day we will enjoy the challenges of the ecosystem. The Runkurakay pass (3900m / 12795f) is the place to observe the depth of the valley where the vegetation is increasing everywhere in the Inca Trail. Great attractive archaeological sites where we visit Sayacmarca (3600m / 11811f), Phuyupatamarca (3580m / 11745f) and finally Wiñayhuayna (2650m / 8694f), the place to camp.
Hiking time: 7 hours
Moderate cold climate and warm with mosquitoes.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 6: Wiñayhuayna – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes - Cusco
Early in the morning we will have the greatest moment of satisfaction at the Sun gate “Inti Punku” (2730m / 8957f); observing the phenomenal attraction of the sunrise over Machu Picchu. This is an unforgettable and favourable moment to take advantage of the time you will have to be informed about the secret lost city of Machu Picchu… The town of Aguas Calientes (2050m / 6726f), is the place where we are going to take the train back to Cusco.
Hiking time: 3 hours
Warm climate with mosquitoes.
Breakfast included.

What you need to bring:
Backpack, sleeping bag, clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket, sweater, trekking shoes and trousers, polo’s/ t-shirts, rain poncho, hat, sun block cream, insect repellent and disinfecting alcohol and gel, bottle of water and sterilizing tablet, camera (wrapped in plastic bag), flash light and batteries, some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit, original passport, ´ISIC´-student card and extra money in soles.
Group service to Salkantay, Wayllabamba & Machupicchu 6 days / 5 nights
*A minimum of 2 people is needed for this trek

Included:• Transport from the hotel to Mollepata
• High quality camping equipment (We use professional tents, Doite, Model Kailas 3, extra light / 4.5kgs or Doite, Model Cima 4, extra light / 4.5kgs, both are for 2 persons. Mattress, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).
• Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / Option vegetarian).
• Professional bilingual guide
• Cook and assistant
• Horseman and mules, for our camping and personal luggage of customer from Salkantay to Wayllabamba (8 kilos per person)
• Emergency horse during the hike of the Salkantay to Wayllabamba (for minimum of 2 persons)
• Porters in the Inca Trail for our camping equipment (From Wayllabamba to Machu picchu)
• Entrance to the Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
• Bus down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• First-aid kit, oxygen bottle and safety rope

Not included:
• Sleeping bag (If you don’t have this, we can offer it)
• Porters in the Inca Trail for the personal luggage (It must be carry by the customer)