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Prices
for - Peru Trekking and Adventures
Backcountry Trek to Machu Picchu
From Cusco drive north across Antapampa into the Apurimac
watershed. Mollepata is the starting point of our five day trek across the
Cordillera Vilcabamba, past Mt. Humantay and Salkantay into the headwaters of
the Santa Teresa valley. Hiking down this cloudforest area we ascend to the Pass
of Paltallacta in whose vicinity we camp. Great views of Machu Picchu from a
different perspective. Hike into the Aobamba Valley and arrive near the
hydroelectric works, downriver from the citadel, board the train to Aguas
Calientes where we will spend the night. Next morning we will visit Machu Picchu
ruins before heading back to Cusco.
Day 1 CUSCO / MOLLEPATA / SORAYPAMPA / SALKANTAYPAMPA
(Sunday)
Drive over Tika-Tika pass with a first view of Mt. Salkantay
and Humantay in the horizon. Cross the plateau of Anta (Antapampa), an area
that's considered the breadbasket of Cusco, important for grains and cattle. We
reach the pass of Limatambo with an amazing view of both mountains and the
panorama of the lush agricultural valley below. We visit the ruins of Tarawasi
with its long asymmetric Inca stone wall. Continue on the paved road for a short
while and turn off on a winding road which zig-zags uphill until reaching
Mollepata at 2,900m (9,454 ft). We continue on a narrower track for another hour
passing Cruzpata, Oncopata and Checchicancha getting our first view of Mt.
Humantay close up, with a view of Mt. Yanantay. The last part of the track
brings us to 3,900 m (12,815 ft) at Soraypampa where there are small settlements
of cattle herders. We continue up to the Pampa (esplanade) below Mt. Salkantay
where we camp at 4,145 m (13,599 ft). (Trekking: 3 - 4 hours).
Day 2 SALKANTAYPAMPA / APACHETA / WAYRAHMACHAY / CHAYHUAY
(Monday)
Leaving our campsite we head towards the terminal moraine,
from here the trail begins to ascend past boulders, reaching a scree slope which
we traverse to reach Apacheta Pass at 4,636 m (15,210 ft), a great opportunity
to look towards the other pass at Incachiriaska, into a small lake below Mt.
Salkantys ice flute and the huge expanse of the moraine. The trail winds its way
through the landscape downhill towards a large pampa called Wayrahmachay (3,919
m / 12,858 ft). We begin our descent all the way to the Sta. Teresa River and
arrive at our campsite in Chayhuay (2,950m / 9,678 ft). (Trekking: 8 hours,
Distance: 12 kms).
Day 3 CHAYHUAY / WIÑAY POQO/ LUCMABAMBA (Tuesday)
We walk down towards the headwaters of the Santa Teresa Valley
where the trail slowly borders the valley and the vegetation changes from cloud
forest into small plots of farmers growing coffee and tropical fruits upon
reaching the meadow of Wiñay Poqo. We continue our descent along the St Teresa
Valley, passing by San Ignacio, and the road junction at Playa at an altitude of
2,135m/ 7,002ft. We cross the river and reach Lucmabamba (2,048 m / 6,719 ft)
where we camp for the night. (Trekking for 8hrs over a distance of 11kms)
Day 4 LUCMABAMBA / PALTALLACTA / HIDROELECTRICA / MACHU
PICCHU (We
Today we begin our ascent to the pass of Qelloqasa at an
attitude of 2,875m/9,430ft. Traversing dense cloud forest with a chance to hear
bird calls, we pass a pre-Inca site, surrounded by an immense avocado tree that
gives the area its name. From here we get a magnificent view of Machu Picchu of
its southern face. We continue our descent to the junction of the Aobamba and
Urubamba valleys and arrive at the Hydroelectric station, from where we will
take a short train ride to Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night at a
local hotel, dinner on your own. (Trekking: 7 hours Distance: 10 kms)
Day 5 MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO (Thursday)
This day you can explore Aguas Calientes at leisure or take an
optional guided tour to the famous citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu, perched
above the Urubamba River gorge in the heart of the Sanctuary. Optional hikes to
the sun-gate (Intipunku) or Wayna Picchu, the hill overlooking the saddle where
the site is located. Afternoon train ride to Cusco, arrival and transfer to your
hotel.
SERVICES INCLUDED: Transportation by vehicle to start
and from the end of trek to your city of departure, two-man tents including
sleeping pads, pack animals, kitchen crew and commissary gear with all meals
included during the trek as well as a bilingual guide on the trek, who will
handle the first aid kit.
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED: Mollepata Entrance fee (US$45
aprox), guided tour of Machu Picchu, hotels in Cusco, hotel in Aguas Calientes,
lunch and dinner in the cities and villages, alcoholic beverages, extras, tips,
laundry service, additional tours, insurance and airline tickets (where
applicable), sleeping bags, hiking boots and other personal gear.
Things to bring
Official Papers:
Valid passport, International Student Identity Card ISIC (if you are a student)
Luggage:
Large duffel bag, Daypack, 2000-2500 cu. in. to carry your camera, water
bottles, sweater, etc.
Sleeping bag:
minimum -5°C
Clothing:
Midweight fleece or wool sweater, fleece pants or tights, midweight thermal
underwear tops and bottom, synthetic or wool, hiking pants, hiking shorts,
long-sleeve shirts, T-shirts, underwear and casual socks, hiking socks, liner
socks, swimsuit, sun hat, bandana, wool or fleece gloves, rain poncho.
Footwear:
Sturdy hiking boots, sandals for use in town or campsites
Trekking
accessories:
2 one-quart water bottle(s) or hydration system, flashlight, pocket knife or
multi-tool, 1 roll of toilet paper, sunglasses and retainer strap, sun block and
lip balm, toiletry kit, personal first-aid kit (personal medication), insect
repellent, several Ziploc plastic bags to put all your clothing and accessories
Optional Field Gear:
Camera, film and spare batteries, reading and writing materials, binoculars.
Important:
Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival
Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you
upon receipt of final payment.
All itineraries are
subject to change without prior notice.
Prices
for - Peru Trekking and Adventures
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