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THE MOLLEPATA REGION
The
Vilcanota mountain range is a spectacular chain, and is
located between two great rivers of the region, the
Urubamba and Apurimac Rivers.
Snow-capped Salkantay Mountain is located on the Eastern
end of the Vilcanota chain and reaches an elevation of
6.270 meters over sea level.
RECOMMENDATIONS
This
part of the trek is different from the other days.
Whereas Mollepata is quite warm, hikers should be ready
for an ascent and the higher altitude and colder climate
when getting to the mountain pass. Hikers should have
spent at least 2 to 3 days acclimatizing to the higher
altitudes in the Cusco region prior to embarking on this
trek.
FIRST DAY
CUSCO-MOLLEPATA-SORAYPAMPA- SOROY COCHA LAKE
Leaving the hotel at 5:30 AM we will travel by bus to
Mollepata (2,100m altittude), stopping on way in the
archaeological complex of Tarawasi, an Inca Temple.
Mollepata is an attractive small town constructed on the
slopes of the upper part of the Apurimac river. From
Molllepata we will continue by bus to Soraypampa, where
we will begin our trek. Here we need to check our
luggage, pack the mules, and begin the long ascent to
our campsite next to Huayracpampa Lake. The ascent is
approximately 5 hours long, and on our way we will be
able to appreciate typical Andean flora and fauna. The
impressive Salkantay Mountain will be above us during
this stretch, and we will be camping just below the
Salkantay glacier. For this reason it is recommended
passengers bring a down sleeping bag, good or sub-zero
temperatures.
SECOND DAY
SOROY COCHA LAKE - QELQEMACHAY - COLCAPAMPA
We will begin this day by climbing for one hour to the
Huayracpampa pass (4.460m). After a brief break and
picture-taking session we will begin a long descent
towards Santa Teresa. We will lunch in Qelqemachay.
During this long descent we will be able to literally
see the changes in vegetation as we go from high
mountain areas down to tropical jungle with its dense
forest. We will camp in Colcapampa close to the thermal
baths.
THIRD DAY
COLCAPAMPA – LLUCMA BAMABA
The trail this day is very beautiful. The vegetation is
very dense and we will see a variety of orchids and
impressive water falls approximately 80 meters high. We
will camp in Sahuayaco.
FOURTH DAY
LUCMA BAMABA –LLACTAPATA – AGUAS CALIENTES
We will begin walking very early to Lucmabamba, a small
village from where we will be taken to Santa Teresa.
Santa Teresa boasts telephone service.
From here we will walk again, to the hydroelectric
station of Machupicchu, and from there take a train to
Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a
hotel.
FIFTH DAY
AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO
We take the first bus (6:00am) from Aguas Calientes to
the Machupicchu ruins. Our guide will thoroughly guide
you through the ruins, and In the afternoon we will take
the train to Cusco.
A representative of our agency will meet you at the
train station and take you to your hotel.
THE SERVICE INCLUDES:
-An expert guide familiar with the trail and customs of the
area, who will help you understand the environment and be in
contact with it.
-Warm meals during the trip. Meal schedule is as follows:
-Breakfast, snack, lunch, tea, dinner.
-Personal tents. (Eureka, with double floor)
-Bath tent.
-Kitchen tent (Eureka, with floor).
-Dining tent (Eureka with floor)
-Cooks and kitchen personnel
-Tables
-Benches
-Packhorses
-Riding horses
-Transport from train station to hotel
-First aid Kit
-Entrance ticket to Tarawasi
-Oxygen tank
-Mattress
-Duffel bag
-Assistant guide (depends on number of travelers)
-Entrance ticket to Machupicchu
SERVICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
-Lunch on the 5th day and dinner on day 4th
WE RECOMMEND BRINGING ON THE TRIP
-Down sub-zero sleeping bag
-Rain poncho (plastic)
-Thick sweater
-Thick jacket
-Sun block
-Hat for sun protection
-Sun glasses
-Hiking boots
-Change of shoes for evening (sneakers, sandals)
-T-shirts
-Thick socks
-Water bottle
-Flashlight
-Camera
-Personal medications recommended by your doctor.
-Insect repellent
THE TEMPERATURE
The high temperature`s 25 ºC and the low temperature`s 5 ºC.
The coldest month is June and down to 5 ºC. |
