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LICENSED INCA TRAIL OPERATOR
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SALKANTAY-5 DAYS
This unique itinerary was designed for trekkers desiring a trail
less traveled. As other Inca circuits have become popular, part of
the mystery of being amidst rapidly changing ecosystems is somewhat
diminished. In contrast, on this tour you’ll rarely see other groups
as you hike from the banks of a rushing river to the lush
cloud-forests and treeless puna highlands—all within sight of
towering snow-capped peaks. You’ll see newly discovered Inca ruins,
luxuriate in natural hot springs, and conclude your adventure with a
tour of the incomparable Machu Picchu.
 TRIP
AT GLANCE
Difficulty: Challanging Tour
Code:
SAL5
Activities:
Camping and hiking
Departures:
Every Tuesday
Season:
April-December
Start-End:
Cusco
Includes Machu Picchu
and backpackers train back to Cusco.
PRICING
Group Service: $495 minimum of
6 persons
Private Service:
1 person:
$1,569, 2 persons: $850, 3 persons: $640,
4 persons: $560, 5 persons: $510, 6-10 persons: $490.
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1:
Cusco - Soraypampa
Day 2:
Soraypampa
- Collpapampa
Day 3:
Collpapampa - La Playa
Day 4:
La Playa - Aguas Calientes
Day 5:
Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Cusco
_____________________________________________________________________
 TRIP
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco -
Cancha Cancha Community (3,800 mt/12.464 ft)
<TOP>
We'll pick you up from your hotel at 6:00 a.m. for the drive to
Pisaq and Huaran Creek (2,950 mt/9,676 ft). We hike for three hours
on an original Inca trail, pausing to examine and photograph exotic
flowers and wildlife. At Cancha Cancha (4,000 mt/13,192 ft.),
residents welcome us with samples of traditional cuisine while
sharing stories of their history, culture, and daily life in the 21st
century. We will make camp (Duration: 3 hours / Distance: 6
Km/3.8mil). Meals: L, D.
Day 2: Cancha Cancha
- Quiswarani (3,800 mt/12,464 ft)
<TOP>
After breakfast, we hike slowly uphill to Accopata, an extension of
the Cancha Cancha Community, where shepherds live in typical stone
and ichu (straw) roof huts. Here we begin a rather steep ascent
toward Pachacutec Pass (4,697 mt/15,406 ft), with gorgeous views of
the unusually pale, blue-green Azulcocha and Suerococha lakes. From
the pass, we follow a trail that slowly descends, with panoramic
vistas of Colque Cruz, Pitusiray, Sawasiray, Sirihuani, and Chicon
peaks. We traverse Collaycocha Lake (4,200 mt/16,000 ft.), reaching
a waterfall near the Community of Quiswarani (3,902 mt/12,798 ft.).
Here we rest and make camp, enjoying traditional cuisine and the
company of local children and women weavers. Be sure to bring extra
cash to purchase their exquisite artistic creations. (Time: 6 hours
/ Distance: 9 km/5.5mil). Meals: B, L, D.
Day 3: Quiswarani -
Cuncani (3,800 mt/12,464 ft)
<TOP>
As we leave our campsite heading toward the Huillquijasa Pass (4,457
mt/14,618 ft.), we’ll have wonderful views of the Chicon and Colque
Cruz glaciers and the seven lakes teaming with Andean geese, ibis,
and flamingos. Over the summit, we continue downhill until we reach
the Community of Cuncani (3,886 mt/12,746 ft.), a picturesque
village similar to the previous campsite. This was the last refuge
of the Royal Panakas, a fascinating Inca sect. After our picnic
lunch, we continue through a narrow valley full of spectacular
gigantic boulders, to reach the Trapiche Valley floor. In the
afternoon we continue through the ever-changing puna with lakes,
farms, and roaming deer, until we arrive in Cuncani 3 hours later,
where we will have a hearty supper and settle in for the night..
(Time 6 hours/Distance 9 km/5.6mil). Meals: B,L,D
 Day 4: Cuncani –Lares
– Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
<TOP>
We leave Cuncani at 8.00 a.m. to walk through a fertile valley with
lush vegetation and farming communities. Few places in the world are
home to such a rainbow of begonias and wild orchids. After this
delightful 2-hour walk, we arrive in Lares (3,261 mt/10,696 ft.),
capital of the district of the same name. The principle attraction
is its hot springs, where hikers enjoy a leisurely and soothing dip.
After lunch, a private car takes us to Ollantaytambo where we catch
the train around 4:00 p.m. to Aguas Calientes. We’ll spend a restful
night in a real bed in a hotel. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 5: Machu Picchu
- Cusco
<TOP>
In order to see Machu Picchu at its best, this day begins with an
extra-early wake-up call at 5:30 a.m. We will eat a hot breakfast
and store our luggage at the hotel. The early tourist bus takes us
to Machu Picchu. At dawn, the ruins are not as crowded, so we’ll
have the best chance to experience their magic. After a guided tour
of about 2-½ hours, you will have approximately 3 hours to explore
the whole site by yourself. There is time to climb Huayna Picchu
mountain to get the best view of Machu Picchu, as it takes little
more than 1-½ hours round trip. Or you may choose to
visit the Temple of the Moon, located behind Huayna Picchu. Meals: B
_____________________________________________________________________
Included:
*
Pick
up from your hotel in Cusco – Mollepata
*
Bus
from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
*
Return train to Cusco (Backpacker)
*
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
*
1
night at Aguas Calientes hostel
* Large, double-occupancy tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, latrine
tent
*
Sleeping bag/mat ($30 refundable deposit)
*
Horses for our camping and kitchen equipment and horsemen.
*
1
emergency horse.
*
Meals as in itinerary: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4
dinners
*
Cook
and cooking equipment.
*
English speaking guide
*
Emergency first aid kit
*
Oxygen tank
Not included:
* Breakfast 1st day/Lunch in Aguas Calientes/Dinner last day
* Tips, taxes, international airfare and personal expenses
* Hotel accommodations in the city
Gear list:
* Passport
* Backpack or duffle bag
* Warm clothing/thermals
* Trekking shoes
* Sandals
* Raincoat
* Sunscreen
* Flashlight
* Insect repellent
* Bottled water
* Personal first aid kit
* Bathing suit and towel
* Hat
* Sunglasses
* Camera, film and batteries
* Change of clothes/shorts, T-shirts, pants, long sleeve shirts,
socks and
underwear.
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