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For those who want a more intense experience and a deeper connection to the mountains, we have opened a new route to Macchu Picchu. The route, lasting five days, four nights, is more strenuous than any other route due to the class of terrain that we cross. It involves crossing a pass of 5,000m in altitude with an ice climb of 300m at 60 to 80 degrees, a rappel of 300m and walking through large mountain morraines. Due to the difficulty of the route and its remoteness, few people see this side of the sacred Apu Salkantay. And the rewards are great. Ice climbing, rappeling, high alpine and jungle scenery, waterfalls, unexcavated Inca ruins; It is a complete adventure like no other.
The itinerary is as follows:
DAY 1:
From Cusco we take a private car passing Mollepata to Soray Pampa at 3800m. From there we walk for 5 hours to Abra Salkantay at 4600m and camp next to Laguna Salkantaycocha.
DAY 2:
We awake at 5am and begin our climb so we can cross Paso Upallay at 5,000m by approximately 9am. After rappeling 300m we will walk out the morraine for the rest of the day and arrive at our camp by a grove of Queuña Trees at the feet of Nevado Salkantay (Polylepis spp) at 4200m by about 4pm.
DAY 3:
We awake at 7 am and descend Quebrada Rayancancha for 5 hours until the junction with the Rio Ahobamba. For the rest of the day we can relax and enjoy the unexcavated Inca ruins. At night we will camp nearby at 4100m.
DAY 4:
We awake at 7am and descend the Quebrada Ahobamba all day until Hidroelectrica. From there we walk the railroad tracks 2 more hours to Aguas Calientes and stay the night in a hotel.
DAY 5:
We awake at an hour of your choosing to visit the ruins of Macchu Picchu. At night we return by train to Ollantaytambo and then by collectivo to Cusco.
Included in the package:
- Transportation (Cusco to Soray Pampa and Aguas Calientes to Cusco).
- All climbing/camping equipment.
- High Mountain Guide.
- Porter/Cook (will carry food and cookware).
- Food from Lunch Day 1 until Lunch Day 4. (Dinner day 4 and food Day 5 Not Included).
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance and Guide in Macchu Picchu.
Due to the objective hazards of the route there is a limit of 1 guide for 2 clients. Also there is a limit of 4 clients that may cross Paso Upallay per day due to the dangers of the vertical terrain. In Qechua "Sallqa" means wild, savage or uncivilized, and passing the ridge of Salkantay should be treated as such, with nothing but the utmost respect. There is dangerous terrain and unpredictable elements, from the beginning until the end of the route and unneccessary risks should not be taken.
A client should be acclimatized and in good physical condition. You must have a good backpack and pair of trekking boots, along with clothing for cold and hot climates. It is neccessary to carry your personal equipment, which includes crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet,headlamp, clothing and all other personal items. Your backpack will probably weigh around 15 kilos, so pack light. We will have an extensive briefing before leaving Cusco.
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