Inca Trail - Salkantay Alternative
Day 1. Cusco - Soray
On the first day we leave Cusco early and drive to the sub-tropical town of Marcocasa (6 hour drive), situated in a citrus growing area. It is common to hear flocks of screeching parakeets as we trek northwards. It is here that we meet up with our mules that will carry our gear.
As we begin our trek the mountains and valleys open up around us, and we catch our first glimpse of the snow-capped peak of Humantay (5,917 metres). The path winds through the mountains growing gradually steeper until we reach our lunch spot, and the chance to cool down near the fresh mountain stream.
After lunch we follow a gentler path towards today's destination, the five family hamlet of Soray at 3500 metres, a distance of approximately 16 km, and 7-8 hours walk. We camp in the valley at the foot of the towering peaks of Humantay and Salkantay (6,271 metres).
Day 2. Soray - Chaullhuay
On the second day we wake up early and head towards our target, the pass at 4,830 metres, between Salkantay and Humantay, which is the highest point on our trek. We walk through the valley for an hour before the path begins its ascent.
A series of switchbacks take us to the highest point which is dotted with small piles of stones, or apachetas, left by locals and travelers to honour the mountain gods. From this point we can see glaciers on the mountains on either side of us. This is a tough but spectacular day's walking.
Our descent takes us through very different landscapes from screes, to high puna glasslands and finally to the beginning of the cloud forest, in Spanish appropriately named ‘ceja de selva’ - literally ‘eyebrow of the jungle’. 7-8 hours walking.
Day 3. Chaullhuay - Playa
On the third day we continue to descend through a verdant landscape, where there is a good chance of seeing exotic birds and animals.
We may take a welcome break at the natural hot springs by the edge of our path. The ice cold mountain river running alongside provides sharp contrast to the warm relaxing water of the springs. Fully revitalised, we continue on to the village of La Playa. Camp here. 7-8 hours walking.
Day 4. Playa - Aguas Calientes
Today we continue through sub-tropical vegetation to the village of Lucmabamba, where an original Inca trail remains. A gradual uphill climb through lush sub-tropical forest brings us to Llactapata (2,700m), from where we enjoy a back - side view of Machu Picchu and vistas of the surrounding peaks. In the afternoon we take the train from the hydroelectric plant to Aguas Calientes where we spend a night in a basic hostel.
Day 5. Aguas Calientes - Macchu Picchu - Cusco
On the final day of our expedition we visit Machu Picchu. We take an early bus to the site.
Here we will have a guided tour of approximately 2 hours. Then we have time to explore the mysterious remains on our own before returning to Aguas Calientes for lunch and the late afternoon or evening train back to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco.
Included services
Transfer to trek, large dome tents for 2 people, basic camping mat, dining tent with tables and chairs, kitchen tent, basic toilet facilities & a tap at each camp, English speaking guide, cook and equipment, horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food, cooking equipment and 8kg of personal luggage), meals whilst on trek, first-aid kit, entry and guided tour of Machu Picchu, bus to and from site, train / bus ticket back to Ollantaytambo / Cusco.
Not included
First breakfast, last lunch and dinner, sleeping bag, tips, items of a personal nature, hot spring entry (usd 3), trek entry (usd 10).
What you need to bring
A kit bag (to go on horses) with personal items max 8kg, a day rucksack (you will carry) with extra clothes and good rain jacket, strong footwear - ideally trekking boots, warm clothes, including jacket, fleece and sweaters, sleeping bag (can be hired at our Cusco office for usd 12), torch and batteries, camera, films and batteries, hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain or cold, sun block, insect repellent, toilet paper. Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, etc. 2 litre capacity water bottle and sterilizing tablets / water filter (ie. Micropur). Don't forget to bring a towel and swimsuit (recommended for hotsprings).
We operate this as a standard group trek, where you join others at GBP 330 per person, with weekly departures.
We also operate this as a private trek - with price dependent on the number of trekkers. |
