Peru Salkantay Trek Peru

In brief: A fantastic alternative to the Peru Machu Picchu Inca trail: The Salkantay Valley. A great trek combining all the elements that make Peru such as unique destination; a great diversity of terrain from jungle to high mountain passes, a sense of Inca history gleaned from rarely visited sites and complete immersion into the lives of the Quechua communities.

The most adventurous way to reach the magical Machu Picchu.

Everyone is familiar with the wonderful image of the Machu Picchu sanctuary situated on a knife-edge ridge surrounded by vast mountain splendour and the trails leading to it draw thousands of eager trekkers each year. The trail is justifiably famous but today with numbers being restricted and 6 month waiting lists being drawn up, alternative and indeed equally fascinating and unique options are being discovered. This itinerary is designed to incorporate adventure by taking a little known approach to Machu Picchu capturing the real essence of this beautiful area and avoiding the crowds.

We will be based in the historic Cusco and from here fully explore not only the famous sanctuary but the wild and varied countryside surrounding it.

The real Peru awaits you.

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart UK from London Heathrow.

Day 2

After your international flight to Lima we will jump on a plane for the scenic one hour flight in the Andes to Cusco. This is the stunning old capital of the Incan Empire. Conquered by the Spanish in the 15th century, many Incan foundations are still there holding up the Spanish colonial buildings that range from magnificent cathedrals to sadly neglected courtyards. We can also visit the local markets and try some of the unusual fruits that come from the jungle not so far away, and the chocolate too.

This evening's meal could will include a tasting of the local delicacies such as stuffed hot peppers, guinea pig and fish. (Hotel)

Day 3

Today we will take a hike through the amazing countryside surrounding Cusco. This will give us time to acclimatise to the relative high altitude. The options are boundless and include ambling through old Incan ruins, local farming country and passing through small villages with their colourful clothing and traditional houses. Lunch will be eaten somewhere with a view to tire the cameras and inspire us for the next day.

We will return to Cusco for the evening and prepare ourselves for the coming adventure. (Hotel. B/L)

Day 4

Today we'll get up as the sun rises. A private transfer will bring us to the mountain village of Mollepata (approx. 2,900m) where we will have breakfast whilst our mules are loaded for the start of this five day adventure. Today's walk of about five hours will ease us into the surroundings of the Andes and its inhabitants.

This evening's campsite is at Soraypampa (3,850m) with Mount Salkantay standing at 6,271m and Mount Huamantay (5,910m) not so far away. Tonight's campsite is the coldest but with a good 3 course meal, sleep will envelope us for sweet dreams. (Camp. B/L/D)

Day 5

Early to bed, early to rise. After a hearty breakfast we set off for four hours up towards the impressive Mount Salkantay taking a set of switchbacks known locally as the Siete Culebras (seven snakes). Salkantay pass (approx 4,700m) is our highest point on this trek and gives us amazing views of both Mount Salkantay and Huamantay. We descend into the often kinder climates of the cloud forest and our lunch spot (approx. 3,750m).

The afternoon sees the scenery change from mountain to more tropical and after three hours trek our night's camp will be at Huayracmachay (3,800m). These camps are far warmer than our first night so no need for the long-johns anymore. (Camp. B/L/D)

Day 6

Today we head down to the Colpapampas Valley into the full tropics. The walking is easier heading downhill and leaving the Huaracmachay plain we will start an impressive descent into the deep canyon of the Salcantay river. The highland landscape suddenly turns into an amazing cloud forest with grass, bushes and trees covered with beautiful bromelias. After three hours we will reach the small settlement of Challway. Another hour hike will take us to Colpapampa village where we will enjoy a hot lunch. From here the Salkantay River turns into the Santa Teresa River before we move across to the Totora River and the nearby hot springs in which we can enjoy a good soak.

We continue along the north side of the river for about three hours past the stunning Coripacchi Falls to our camp at Winaypoko to enjoy a good dinner around the fire (2,800m). (Camp. B/L/D)

Day 7

On our last trekking day we will hike for three hours down to La Playa. This trek takes us along the north side of Santa Teresa River. On the way down we pass plantations of banana, coffee, granadillas (a typical fruit from the area) and avocado trees to the sound of parrots and on the river we may be lucky enough to spot kingfishers. After our arrival at La Playa, we cross the river to finally reach Cochapampa village from where a truck will transport us to the town of Santa Teresa. The truck ride is really very impressive.

From Santa Teresa we take a vehicle to Lucmabamba and we head uphill once again to climb through tropical jungle with our goal the Incan site of Llactapata (2,700m), up above the Urubamba River - the same river that flows through the Sacred Valley and on past Machu Picchu. This site not only lies on a most scenic ridge but affords a rarely admired view of Machu Picchu.

The descent to the Hidroelectrica train station takes us past the overflow of the hydro-electric project that provides much of the electricity for Cusco. From the station we either take the train (unreliable) or far better walk the beautiful two hours along the Urubamba river to our final destination of Aguas Calientes, the hometown of Machu Picchu and our hotel for the evening for a well-earned rest. (Hotel. B/L)

Day 8

Refreshed from a night in Aguas Calientes we awake early and take an early morning bus to Machu Picchu, for the very keen you can always walk up the hill. Here we can explore not only the main site with our expert guide but also any number of sites close by: Huayna Picchu (this is the big mountain often in the background of the photos of Machu Picchu), the Inca bridge, Machu Picchu Mountain, the Temple of the Moon or even Putukusi Mountain (a two to three hour hike up and back from Aguas Calientes). An afternoon train after lunch will bring us back to Cusco in time for a good night's rest. (Hotel. B/L)

Day 9

You will have the rest of the day free to explore Cusco and visit the markets and shops to buy some unique souvenirs. As evening approaches it will be time for celebration.

Day 10

Rest of the day is free for further exploration and to help unwind from the previous night?s celebration before catching your flight home to the UK.

Day 11

Arrive UK.