Monday, 26 August 2013

Peru Treks Reviews, Salkantay Trekking, Lares Trek, Machu Picchu Holidays Peru

Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu 5D/4N VIA Llactapata - www.samtravelperu.com
Posted in Programs

www.samtravelperu.com - Tour Operator in Peru

SALKANTAY TREK 5D/4D WITH CAMP AT LLACTAPATA -  MACHU PICCHU TOUR PERU

This trek takes you around the stunning Mount Salkantay, which is the second largest mountain in Cusco region (6,277m / 20,577ft). On your first night, you will camp within the clear sight of the snow capped peak of Salkantay Mountain. Second day will be the longest day of the trek, the most challenging, and you will climb a bit harder. However, the view at the top is stunning and unique.
The walk to the famous Apacheta pass which is at 4650m/15,088ft is not strenuous nor very steep. Afterward, it is mainly a descent into more tropical area passing Andenes and Chaullay. On your third night, you will camp at LLACTAPATA (2,700m/9,157ft) while enjoying the great views of Machu picchu,Wuayna Picchu mountains  and the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (Inca city). Ending at the most important mystic center of the world: Machu Picchu.

Program Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Marcco Ccasa - Soraypampa – Salkantaypampa

At 5:00am (Time in Peru), we pick you up from your hotel, then we drive in our private bus to Mollepata (2,850m/9,407ft) for 3 hours. Along the way there are spectacular views of villages such as: Iscuchaca and Limatambo, stunning valleys and snow-capped mountains such as: Salkantay, with a stop for breakfast at Mollepata. Then we continue by bus to Marcoccasa (3200m/10,557ft), where we meet our horsemen, horses and pack all our equipment onto the horses. Afterwards we start the gradual climb of 527 meters by walk through pristine Andean valley landscapes for about 3.5 hours before arriving to Soraypamapa (3850m/12,700ft) for lunch. After lunch, we continue gentle climb for 2 hours through more unspoiled Andean valley to our first campsite at Salkantay Pampa located at 4100m/13,527ft.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: camping facilities.
Maximum Altitude: 4100m/13,527ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2850m/9,497ft.
Walking distance: 12km approx
Difficulty:  Moderate.

Day 2: Salkantaypampa - Collpapampa

After an early delicious breakfast, we start trekking with a moderate climb for 3 hours to reach the Apacheta pass (4,650m/15,367ft). From here, we can enjoy the spectacular views of snowcapped mountains such as: Salkantay (6,277m/20,717ft), Humantay, Huayanay, white rivers, and small lakes.
At the Apacheta Pass, you can leave a piece of rock carried from the bottom as a present to the Apu Salkantay(Mountain god), During Inca times, the walkers used to leave their shoes, clothes, jewels or simply piece of rock as an offering. We continue walking for 2 hours downhill for lunch at Huayracmachay. Then depending on the group's trekking ability, weather and walking conditions, we will decide whether to walk for 2 to 3 hours downhill to reach to our second campsite at Colpapamapa (2,877m/9,497ft).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: camping facilities
Maximum altitude: 4,650m/15,367ft.
Minimum altitude: 2,877m/9,497ft.
Walking distance: 19km approx
Difficulty: Challenge.

Day 3: Colpapampa - La Playa – LLACTAPATA

On this day we walk for 3 hours through the beginnings of the rainforest; enjoying a myriad of flora and fauna including orchids, birds, coffee, cacao and fruit plantations. We arrive at La Playa (2,060m/6,797ft) for lunch, with free time to rest before climbing uphill for 3 hours through the Andean cloud forest to the Puncuyoc pass and then onto LLACTAPATA which is located at 2,700m/8,907ft  (an Inca site located straight in front of the citadel of Machu Picchu), which is our third evening´s campsite.
The panoramic view from our campsite is breathtaking; you can enjoy a different angles view of Machu Picchu, the Huanay Picchu Mountains, the citadel of Machu Picchu and the Aobamba canyon, where another Inca trail can be seen as well. We trek off the beaten track exploring places no one else does and we are the ONLY one camping at LLACTAPATA.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: camping facilities
Maximum altitude: 2,850m/9,407ft.
Minimum altitude: 2,000m/6,600ft.
Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 4: LLAQTAPATA – Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes.

After a late breakfast enjoying the spectacular views of Huaynapicchu, Machu Picchu Mountains and the citadel of Machu Picchu, we start walking downhill for 2 hours to Hidroelectrica for lunch. After lunch we walk to Aguas Calientes town through the national park of Machu Picchu, enjoying the surroundings of the iconic Machu Picchu and the wall which surrounds the Inca Citadel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodation: Private hostel.
Maximum Altitude: 2,700m/9,157ft.
Minimum Altitude: 1,870m/6,177ft.
Walking distance: 12km approx
Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Rise early to take advantage of viewing Machu Picchu in the early morning light. This is the best time to view the 'Lost City of the Incas'. Join our local guide for a detailed interpretation of the site and Inca history without the pressure of other tour groups that arrive at midday with a lot of time for further exploring, photos and climb to Huanaypicchu or up to the Sun Gate. Then we head back to Aguas Calientes for buffet lunch. Later in the afternoon we return by train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and will then be transferred by van to Cuzco, arriving in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Maximum altitude: 2,440m/7,937ft.
Difficulty: Easy.