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Peru Tours and Travel

Suggested Packages / Amazon / Cusco / Lima / Lake Titicaca / Arequipa / Nazca
Trujillo & Chiclayo / Chachapoyas / Trekking / Multisport / Rafting / Biking

Alternative Trek To Machu Picchu

Alternative Inca Trail to MP 5 days (over Chillca)
Salkantay / Chillca / Machupicchu by train 5 days

The mountains of the Cordillera Vilcabamba rise up between the Cusco region's two great rivers, the Urubamba and the Apurimac, their desolate slopes contrasting with the lush vegetation of the lowland forests. The extraordinary altitudinal range of the Machupicchu Historical Sanctuary, from 6,271 metres at Mount Salkantay to 1,725 metres at the Aobamba River, makes the sanctuary one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, with ten distinct life zones contained within its narrow confines.
The white peak of Salkantay (6,271 metres), wreathed in the white clouds which rise from the jungle lowlands, dominates Machupicchu and its approach via the Inca Trail.

Day 1: Cusco / Mollepata / Soraypampa
We journey west through the Anta Valley. Descending into the warm and dry Apurimac Valley we visit the Inca temple of Tarawasi. A little further along the road we climb to the village of Mollepata, where our mule drivers will be waiting to load the horses or mules. We will then walk to a nearby valley where we will camp at Soraypampa 3250 m (10,660ft).

Day 2: Cruz Qasa
We climb a summit above the Rio Blanco. It is common to see condors along this section of the trail. We continue our steep ascent of the enormous glacier, arriving at the pass at 4825 m (15,826ft) below the south face of Salkantay (6247 m / 20,600ft) the highest peak of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Our path continues down to Cruz Qasa, where we camp at 4490 m / 14,727 ft.

Day 3: Inca Raqay
A short hike takes us to Cruz Qasa pass at 4715 m / 15,465 ft. with exceptional views of the Ocobamba (5126 m / 16,813ft). We camp at Inca Raqay (4600 m / 15,088 ft).

Day 4: Chillca
Crossing the final pass just 200 m / 656 ft above our camp the trail descends to the narrow Chillca gorge and the most fertile area of the region - the Urubamba Valley - where we camp at 2800 m / 9,184 ft.

Day 5: Machupicchu
Today we leave the camp early and take a short walk to the train station for the ride to Machupicchu. The citadel, at the top of a steep, forested hill overlooking the Urubamba River, was hidden by dense vegetation for centuries until Hiram Bingham began to clear the site in 1911-12. Today the city has been completely restored and even if it has lost some of its mystery it still remains an unforgettable sight. Our tour includes a visit to the temples, plazas, palaces, watercourses and residential areas and will also leave you time to explore the ruins on your own. Return to Cusco by train, transfer to hotel.

2010 price per person: Shared services (min. of 2) = $933 with return by vistadome, $834 with return by backpacker. + $103 for permit

$60 single supplement
private services:
return by vistadome = $839 each for 3, $747 each for 4 + $103 for permit
return by backpacker= $779 each for 3, $689 each for 4 + $103 for permit
further price reduction for larger groups

SERVICES INCLUDED IN TREKKING SERVICES:
Private bus outbound and return.
English speaking tour guide
Trekking services, including: camp cook, porters and camp assistant(s).
Single supplement includes: single tent on trek.
All group camping equipment, double tents and Thermarest, kitchen and/or dining tent, and toilet tent.
Food: hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner as described in the above itinerary (B.L.D.)
All our trash produced during the trek, returns to Cusco.
First-aid kit.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED: Entrance fees ($104), Tips to guides, Tips to the staff., Drinks, Travel insurance. Please ensure that passengers have adequate insurance, Personal expenses: clothing and sleeping bag, laundry, telephone calls, etc., Meals not included in the program.

What to bring on the trip:
Passport, (bring additional photocopies of your passport).
A big frameless backpack or duffle bag for your things which will be carried by our porters.
A small backpack for daily personal items (to be carried by Passenger)
Sleeping bag
Warm clothing for Andean region.
Rain jacket
Long sleeved shirts (cotton). Shorts for walking (optional)
Cap and sunglasses
Insect repellent and sun block cream
Digital camera or 35mm film camera
Binoculars for bird watching enthusiasts
Well broken in hiking boots, or waterproof sports shoes
Walking poles; if you are used to walking with poles, ensure they are not metal tipped.
Bathing suit and sandals (if you wish to visit thermal baths in Aguas Calientes)
Flashlight. Knife (Remember to pack this in your main luggage for flights)
Bags for garbage.
A bottle of mineral water for the first day only (you can buy this locally) (We provide drinking water on subsequent days)