SALKANTAY TREK
This is one of the highest and most impressive mountains in our region. It is still considered as an Apu ( sacred mountain) for our ancestors. We also enjoy beautiful lanscape, one the branches of the inka road network, and the magic sensation to be close to this amazing snow capped mountain, as well as lagoons that leads to the wonder of Machupicchu. It is gorgeouse! It is amazing!
1st DAY CUSCO / SORAYPAMPA.
06.00 am. Departure by our private transport to Mollepata 2900mts. A beautiful scenic journey through Limatambo, with stops for panoramic views of the "Apu Salkantay" where we have breakfast. One can see awesome chains of magnificent snow capped mountains and the lush Apurimac River Valley.
After we arrive to our trailhead, called Cruzpata 3200mts. we meet our Arrieros " horsemen " and trekking staff, (Cook, and Assistants). We trek for about 3hrs before lunch through traditional Andean communities like Cruzpata, Challacancha where we stop for lunch. We continue walking for approx 2 hrs through unspoiled Andean villages to Soraypampa 3850mts, our first campsite.
Lunch, Dinner + Camping facilities. (Walking distance approximately 10 km.)
2nd DAY SORAYPAMPA / RAYAN-NIYOC or CHAULLAY.
After an early breakfast we start trekking from approx 07:00am for 3 hours to start our ascent of the Apacheta pass 4590mts. From this point we can appreciate the spectacular views of the Mountain Salkantay, a stunning snow capped mountain (6264 mts) the second highest peak in Cusco's region, and also the mountains Humantay and Huayanay, white river, small lakes and moraines.
2 hrs downhill to lunch in Huayracpunku, and then a further 2-3 hrs downhill walk to Camp in Rayan-niyoc at 2890 mts or Camp at Chaullay 2920 mts for experienced trekkers . To be decided by the guide depending on the groups abilities and weather and walking conditions.
B L D + Camping Facilities.
(Walking distance approximately 16 Km to Rayan-niyoc or 23 km. to Chaullay for experienced hikers)
3rd DAY RAYAN-NIYOC or CHAULLAY / LA PLAYA.
We start the trek 07:00 am. 3 hours easy hiking to Uscamayuc, where we will be introduced to a high Jungle niche called Ceja de Selva, we will see different kind of plants, fruits, flowers, birds ect. here coca and banana crops can be observed, time to shower in a waterfall, take amazing pictures, with luck we can observe the famous Peruvian National Bird " Gallito de las Rocas " stop at Wiñaypoq'o for Lunch + free time to rest .
3 hour walk to our last campsite in La Playa 2350 mts .A small village is located here with electricity and a shop!
Dinner + Camping Facilities B L D (Walking distance approximately 15 km.)
4th DAY LA PLAYA / AGUAS CALIENTES.
Approx 07:30 am we begin our trek to the village Lucmabamba, here we see the remains of an Inca trail, we follow this rising trail, from which we will see plantations of coffee, banana, passion fruit and a lovely view of the Santa Teresa Valley. We follow the Inca trail climbing up for 4 hrs to Llactapata 2700 mts. From here, we can see Machupicchu (Inca city) and enjoy some free time to rest, 2 hrs. Downhill to the hydroelectric plant 1870 mts. where we have the last lunch with all staff. At 15:20 pm. we will take 45 minute train journey to Aguas Calientes town 2000 mt. Special Dinner and great beds in the " Hostal Viajeros ", optional hot spring baths. B L D. ( Walking distance approximately 12 km.)
* Walking poles recommended for the 2 final hours downhill.
5th DAY MACHUPICCHU / CUSCO.
Early walk or bus for 25 minutes to the Citadel of Machupicchu, guided tour for 3 hours and plenty of free time for further exploring, photos and optional climb of the mountain Huayna Picchu, Temple of the Moon, or the Gate of the Sun. Generally around 1pm people walk down the steps back to Aguas Calientes for the Buffet lunch and at approx 16:00 hrs we take our return train to Cusco arriving around 9:00 pm to Cusco City. B L
INCLUDES; Private transport, Camping equipment tents , rolls matts , all 13 meals during the tour, donkeys or porters, English speaking guide, cooks, all entrance fees, and Back Packer Tourist train return back to Cusco, 3 nights in tents and 1 night in a Hostel Private Rooms.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
Sleeping bag rent for 4 days HOLLOFILL OR HOLOFIBER weigh 2 kg minus 4 degrees Celsius
DOWN SLEEPING BAG 1.8 kg minus 10 degrees Celsius
Mattress included weigh 800gms.
The bag and Mattress will be returned to Cusco for you on day 4 as you have hostal accommodation with bed and bedding provided in Aguas Calientes.
Unless you hire an extra horse / porter you need to carry your back pack, sleeping bag and the mattress
Regarding horses that carry personal items. You will need to carry with you a daypack with your Camera, water bottle, snacks, cold weather clothing and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in Dry season - May to October)- but as a precaution) and anything you will need before lunch as horses do not walk alongside you. You will meet up with your bag at lunch and then it will be waiting for you in your tent at campsites.
We can provide you with a big rice sack for extra luggage to be carried by porters but you might prefer to put everything up to 20kgs in one backpack so that you dont have 2 large backpacks in your tent and it is easier for you to bring your stuff back on the train etc from Aguas Calientes.
RETURN OPTIONS FROM MACHUPICCHU (AGUAS CALIENTES) THE PACKAGE INCLUDES: RETURN BY BACKPACKERS TRAIN (approx 4 PM) TO CUSCO or TO OLLANTAYTAMBO WITH PRIVATE BUS CONNECTION TO CUSCO FROM OLLANTAYTAMBO, BOTH ARRIVING ABOUT 9PM TO THE CUZCO PLAZA.
RECOMMENDED TIME OF YEAR FOR THIS TREK : MAY TO OCTOBER
This trek is rated a moderate to difficult hike considering the high altitudes and length of walking especially on the 2nd Day. You need to acclimatize in Cusco for at least 3 days before trekking.
LARES TREK TO MACHUPICCHU
TAKE THE UNTOUCHED TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU! AVOID THE CROWDS AND EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF THE LARES TREK.
At 7:00 PM Tour Orientation the night before your trekking )
DAY 1.- Cusco -Calca Totora Canyon - Lares hot springs - Huacahuasi .
Meet at the Plaza Regocijo near Cusco´s main Plaza de Armas at 06.00 am, where you'll meet your group and guide, before boarding the bus. Always carry a copy of your passport and your ISIC student card ( which you scanned through with your booking) Please cooperate so as not to alter the ecosystem and respect the local customs.
We journey through Pisac to Calca for about 2hrs where we stop for breakfast. From here you will observe beautiful views of the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas and the farmed terraces of Pisac. Just after passing Machacancha thermo-medicinal springs we will start a nice soft hike for 2-3 hours through an old Inca road of Totora Canyon, which is good for acclimatization to the altitude, from this point we can see the stunning ranges of the snow capped Vilcanota mountain range. There is an abundance of local flora and Andean medicinal plants along this trail such as Molle, Retama, Muña, Marku, Kuñuco etc Then our private transport will take you to Lares Hot Springs to relax and enjoy lunch. After lunch we will walk for 3 more hours to Huacahuasi ( 3,700 mts ), where we will make our first camping near this community. We can inter-act with the local people especially with the kids dressed in colorful Andean clothing. Bring very warm clothes for the nights camping and dinner. ( Walking distance approximately 8 km.)
DAY 2 Huacahuasi - Ipsaychocha Pass 4,400m - Ipsaycocha Lake-Patacancha
Wake up at 6:00 am for an early breakfast so we can start walking around 7:00am. We will stop for a short visit of Huacahuasi community, where your tour guide will help you to understand better the traditional lifestyle Andes. He will explain to you about the ancient customs and traditions, ancestral secrets for farming activities, how to preserve their products, the modus-vivendus of their villagers , the process of weavings with their significances . Those who have bought some school supplies for the children will be able to give them at this point. Moderate climbing until we arrive to the pass, where there are wonderful views of the mountains and stone houses and enclosures lie scattered along the valley bottom. Then we continue climbing for 3hrs ½ on to Ibsaycocha pass ( 4,400 meter ) From here the views are again fabulous and for the first time we have a clear view of mount Veronica standing at 5682 mts. We then begin the descent to Ipsaycocha lake for our lunch and then we have to continue for 3 hrs more to get to the Patacancha community. As we walk we pass children herding llamas and alpacas high in the mountains near our second night camping.(3,700.meters). ( Walking distance approximately 11 km 5-6 hours .)
DAY 3 Patacancha - Willoq - Marcaqocha - Ollantaytambo- Aguas Calientes
After breakfast we have a 5hr walk down to Ollantaytambo ( 2900 m) passing local farmers tending llamas, alpacas and their famous terraces of crops. We enjoy lunch in the Pumamarca or Ollantaytambo. Willoq is famous for her people clothed in the famous red ponchos, the first porters for the inca trail ages ago and most of them they only speak Quechua the language of the Incas. After lunch we board the train and have a wonderful, scenic journey to Aguas Calientes (approx 90 minutes journey.) On arrival we check into our hostal for the night with hot showers! or we can enjoy the hot springs before buffet dinner in the same hostal. ( walking distance approximately 12 km.)
DAY 4 Aguas Calientes - Hot springs Machupicchu - Cusco
Early breakfast (05.00 am) before taking the early bus directly to Machupicchu at (06.00am). Optional for those still able to walk!: leave 04.30am and walk up to Machupicchu arriving approx 06.00am. It's still 15 mins walk up from here to the famous view from the terraces at the end of the trail. Early tour of Machupicchu with your guide who will unfold the mysteries of this magic place , showing you the best of it, especially temples and special sectors for about 2 hours relating to you interesting and amazing stories. Your tour of Machupicchu should finish between 10:00am and 10:30am and you have free time to take your photos before the 10:30 crowds arrive. Also opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu (90mins). Inca bridge or Sun's gate. We provide you a box lunch in Machu Picchu so you can have plenty of time to enjoy. Then the walk down to Aguas Calientes it will take you between 45 mins to an hour. Optional bus down to Aguas Calientes. US $6 Train return to Cusco with arrival back in the plaza Regocijo in Cusco approx 9pm
SUGGESTIONS OF WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE:
BACKPACK & DAYPACK :
- 8 C SLEEPING BAG : ( Can be rented at our office )
HIKING BOOTS( Runners shoes are not recommended )
WALKING POLES
WARM CLOTHES : LAYERS for variable temperatures specially at night.
FLASH LIGHT :
CAMERA AND EXTRA FILM & Batteries
SUNPROTECTION : SUNSCREEN : SUN HAT : SUNGLASSES
THERMALS : WOOL SOCKS : AND WOOLEN HAT FOR COLD NIGHTS:
INSECT REPELLENT :
RAIN PONCHO : A GOOD RAIN JACKET :
TOILETRIES / TOILET PAPER / SMALL TOWEL
BATHING CLOTHES for the hot springs.
GLOVES / SCARF : Trekking Pants or similar.
WATER BOTTLE : WATER PURIFYING TABLETS :
PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT :
ORIGINAL PASSPORT AND ORIGINAL ISIC STUDENT CARD IF APPLICABLE
EXTRA MONEY FOR SOUVENIRS, DRINKS & TIPS.
LARES - YANAHUARA
This is another trekk which let us enjoy the geographical feature of the mountains of the Cordillera de los Andes, and share unforgotable experiences with the local inhabitants of the communities a long the way.
DAY 1 - Departure from Cusco by private van to Lares. After approximately 1 hour of travel, we will arrive in the town of Calca. Here we stop for about 30 minutes to visit the church and take some photos of the charm of the main square. We will then continue by van for 2 hours to the thermal baths of Lares. Here we will stay for about 2 hours to enjoy the baths and have lunch.
After we have enjoyed the medicinal resources, we will sample a delicious tea, then continue by walking towards the town of Wakawasi. The ascent is gradual and along the way we will observe typical Quechan vegetation. We will also see snow capped mountains, alpacas, llamas, sheep, and pigs. There may be many dogs along the way which help the young shepherds in their daily tasks. At night we will enjoy a delicious dinner. (L,D)
DAY 2 - After a wakeup call and a welcome tea or coffee, we pack up our duffels and have breakfast. There are beautiful views of the town and the surrounding hills. We will also see animals grazing in all directions.
Today we will reach the highest point of our walk as we gradually ascend to the Wakawasi pass at 4,750 m.a.s.l./ 15800 feet. Here, there is a unique view of the pass and the Aruraycocha lagoon below. We will descend to the shore of the lagoon where we will have lunch. We then follow the path down to our campsite in the community of Matay. Tea and dinner included. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 - After breakfast, we begin our final day of this adventure. We will walk through a precious forest of Qewñas (polylepis), considered as our national tree and very much appreciated by our ancestors the Inkas. We will arrive at Yanahuara where our car is waiting to drive us to the town of Ollantaytambo. Here we will visit the living museum of the Inka. (B)
CUSCO - PATABAMBA - HUCHUYQOSQO
DAY 1.- After departing Cusco city towards the community of Patabamba, where the trek begins. We will visit the Center of Handicraft production. We will enjoy a highly educational weaving demonstration, learn about wool spinning, natural dies, traditional patterns and weaving techniques used in this region of the Andes. Then we are heading to Huchuyqosqo appreciating a beautiful Andean Landscape surrounded by holy mountains worshiped by ancestors ( tutelary gods of the region).
We stop in a small plain to enjoy of a delicious lunch and a spectacular scenery of the highest peaks of the Urubamba range.
After we have recovered our strength and energy we continue toward Huchuyqosqo, a long the way we will appreciate cultivated fields and we will see shepherds looking after their llamas, alpacas, sheep as well as we will see Pukamarka another archeological site where an inka trail will lead us to our camp site.
DAY 2.- We will take a walk by Huchuyqosqo which is a good example of the inca architecture build on the top of the mountain seeking the ecstasy of the Andean landscape and found in this complex one of the greatest expressions.
Then we will descend to the town of Lamay located on the foot of the mountain from where we will be driven to the mineral baths of Lamay
