Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7 Days / 6 Nights

This trek takes you around the impressive Mount Salkantay which is the second largest mountain in Cusco region (6,277m / 20,577ft). On your first day, you will enjoy the spectacular views of the snowcapped peaks such as: Salkantay Mountain and Humantay Mountain. The appeal of this trek to MACHU PICCHU is the stunning combination of Inca vestiges, magnificent mountains, exotic vegetation and extraordinary ecological variety. The trail goes through the National Sanctuary up to the Sun Gate with unforgettable views of the citadel and the cloud forest, ending at the magnificent wonder of the world: Machu picchu.

Have a look at the Inca Trail Availability in 2016

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Marccoccasa – Salkantaypampa

We drive from Cusco by bus for approximately 4 hours to Mollepata for breakfast. Afterwards we drive to Marccoccasa in our private van. Here we meet up with our wranglers and their horses that will carry our equipment during the trek. The trail climbs for approximately 2 hours before reaching Pajonales from where we get our first view of the magnificent snow-capped mountain of Humantay (5,917m).
We pass many beautiful rivers continuing our trek for about another 2 hours before reaching the small community and picturesque spot of Soraypampa. We stop here to take a break and have our lunch. In the afternoon we continue walking for about 2 hours to reach Salkantaypampa, which is nestled in-between the Snow Mountains. We will camp within the clear sight of the snow-capped peak of Salkantay Mountain (6277mt).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time & Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Maximum Altitude: 4,100m/13,657ft.
Minimum Altitude: 3,170m/10,557ft.
Distance to walk: 10km approximately
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Pampajaponesa

We continue walking today off the beaten track for about 3 hours uphill. We stop to have lunch along the way and proceed with our trek for 3 more hours to reach our campsite which is approximately 1km away from the snow-capped mountain Salkantay. On the way we will enjoy the magnificent views of all the surrounding snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes and beautiful valleys. We will have high tea and hot toddy at the camp in Pampajaponesa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, High tea & Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Maximum Altitude: 4,400m/13,657ft.
Minimum Altitude: 4,100m/13,657ft.
Distance to walk: 13km approximately
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 3: Pampajaponesa – Sisaypampa

Our day begins with a slow uphill climb of approximately 4 hours to reach the Incachiriaska Pass (4,880m) which means in quechua ‘the place where the Inca cools down‘. Around this area, in the rocky crags, lives the Condor, the world’s largest land bird. From here the trail levels off downhill and we reach our campsite for the night at Sisaypampa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, High tea & Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Maximum Altitude: 4,400m/13,657ft.
Minimum Altitude: 4,100m/13,657ft.
Distance to walk: 13km approximately
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Sisaypampa – Wayllabamba – Llulluchapampa

We continue to the end of the valley which then enters a wider valley named Pampacahua, where we find an Inca canal that is still in full use by the local farming settlements. At the end of the plain, we find our first Inca archaeological site named Paucarcancha and we proceed towards Wayllabamba for lunch. In the afternoon we walk for 3 more hours through the Llullucha Valley to reach our campsite at Llullucha Pampa. There we can enjoy our high tea and dinner in front of all the great views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, High tea & Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Maximum Altitude: 3,800/12,657ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2,977m/9,917ft.
Distance to walk: 13km approx.
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5: Llulluchapampa – Pacaymayu – Phuyupatamarca

Early in the morning we take our breakfast and afterwards start our climb for about 2 hours following an original Inca stone path and trek up to the Warmiwañusqa Pass (4,217m/14,047ft). There we have a magnificent view of our ascent and the trail ahead of us. We descend on a reconstructed Inca Trail down to the Pacaymayu River where we have lunch. Then we walk uphill for 2 more hours towards Runcurakay Pass; from here we may enjoy the breathtaking views of all the surrounding mountains. Afterwards we descend for 3 more hours to Phuyupatamarca where we spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, High tea & Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Maximum Altitude: 4,217m/14,047ft
Minimum Altitude: 3,650m/12,157ft.
Distance to walk: 16km approx
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge

Day 6: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna – Aguas Calientes

Today is the most beautiful day of our trek. We have our breakfast early in the morning enjoying the sun rise over the Urubamba Canyon, the Machu Picchu Mountain and the stunning citadel, After time to enjoy all this beautiful scenery, we descend for 2 hours through the cloud forest to Wiñaywayna for lunch. then we walk for 1 hour more to the Sun Gate. From here you may enjoy the gorgeous views of Machu Picchu and all the surrounding mountains. Afterwards we continue to the citadel and we take our bus to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night in a hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Maximum Altitude: 3,650m/12,157ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2,400m/7,997ft.
Distance to walk: 13km approximately
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 7: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We leave our hotel after a very early breakfast to take the bus for the journey up to Machu Picchu vestiges. Once inside the citadel, we start the guided tour for three hours visiting all the important places such as: the temples, sundials, sun temple, cemeteries, enclosures and much more. After that we will have plenty of time for further exploring, taking photos and eventually climbing Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains. Then it will be time to head back to Aguas Calientes and take our return train to Ollantaytambo with a bus connection to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the evening.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Camping facilities
Maximum Altitude: 2,400m/7,997ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2,040m/6,797ft.
Difficulty: Easy

INCLUSIONS

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Transfer from the airport to your hotel for free.
Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
Entrance fee to the Inca Trail
Entry fee to Machu Picchu
English speaking, experienced professional guide
Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
All the gear for our porters and cook
2 Bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Expedition Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the last day
Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kilos of your personal items such as extra clothes, you need to include the sleeping bag in the 7kgs, carried by our mules)
Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
Thick Foam Mattress
Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
Taxes
Survivor T-shirt

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Sleeping bag 15°C – US$25
Air Mattress – US$25
Walking Poles – US$20
Dinner on the last day
Entry to Huaynapicchu – US$75
Entry to Machu Picchu Mountain – US$70
1 way bus ticket from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes, it can be hiked.
Extra activities such as zip line and barbecues.
Additional horse for extra personal luggage in addition of the one for personal item allowance.
Optional upgrade (train and hotel)
Tips for the cook, horsemen and guide (SAM TRAVEL PERU´s staff receive decent wages immediately after they end their trip. However tips are of great appreciation for them)

PRICE

The Salkantay Trekking & Inca trail Hike to Machu Picchu is available on any date that is best suited to you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers

PRICE – US$997 per person
Personal porter included!

***This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs, we will provide you a duffle bag, you may put your things.

DISCOUNTS

Students with ISIC CARD: US$25. Please send us a copy of your ISIC at the time of booking.
Under 18 years old: US$40 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 12 years old: US$60 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Group of 5 or more: US$30. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
Personal tent: US $30 – (Please request when you book your Trek)
Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From US $60 (depending on availability)
Vistadome Train Upgrade – US$57 per person (For the return to Cusco)
Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$75 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
Machu Picchu Mountain – US$70 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
Single supplement: $30 2* hotel

ADDED VALUE WITH SAM TRAVEL PERU

EXTRA PORTER: you will receive a small duffle bag at your trek briefing held the evening before you start the trek to pack your clothes and sleeping bag for 3-4 days. Your team of porters will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail.
HOT SHOWER – only at the 3rd campsite (Wiñaywayna).
BOILED WATER – for drinking included along the Inca Trail.
PLASTIC RAIN PONCHO made by SAM Travel Peru is included.
SMALL GROUPS – average group 4 to 6 with a maximum of 8 hikers.
FLUENT ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE.
DUFFLE BAG – for your belongings.

IMPORTANT

“Please read carefully the following informations; it will help you clarify all your queries and questions about our services and the treks to Machu Picchu”

WELCOME TO CUSCO: You will be welcomed at Cuzco airport, please ensure that you advise your full flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to trip start. Look out for our representative holding an orange board with your name at the arrival terminal.

The rest of the day is at your leisure until 6pm, when your SAM Travel Peru representative will meet you at the lobby of the hotel, who will give you all the information about your trek or tour.

DEPARTURE: Any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers

GROUP SIZE: Small Groups from 2 – 8 people (could be 2, 4, 5 …), a small group will make your experience different with a personalized attention from the whole team, where you can also enjoy the route according to its rate hike.

NOTE: Big group can be organized by request.

TRAIN SCHEDULES: At the end of the Trek or Tour we will take the 2:55pm or 6:35pm train leaving Aguas Calientes. It takes 2 hours till Ollantaytambo and then we will transfer you back to Cusco and your hotel. Train tickets depends on availability.

HOTEL: For treks that include accommodation at Aguas Calientes, we stay at “Hostal Machu Picchu or El Presidente Hotel” which is a very nice place to rest after several days of walking! In comparison to other companies, we will not be staying in basic shared rooms or sharing showers. Our hotels depend on availability.

However, if you would like to have a better accommodation just let us know the accommodation of your preference and we will let you know how much the extra fee will be.

HUAYNAPICCHU MOUNTAIN: Please, if you are thinking of climbing Huayna Picchu mountain you must book this at the same time as your trek or tour to Machu Picchu. Only 400 people can hike Huayna Picchu per day. You will climb it on your own after the tour in Machu Picchu around 10 .00 am. The price is $25 per person.

HORSES, COOK & ASSISTANT COOK: On this trek we provide horses and mules to carry the food, the camping equipment and your belongings up to 7 kilos.

NOTE: We included an emergency horse for the group, which can be ridden if you’re feeling exhausted or are ill (only for alternative treks)

OUR GUIDES: They each speak English fluently and of course all of them speak Spanish and Quechua (the Inca Language). They are all able to communicate with natives from around the area and of course they will have lots of history to share with you.

MEALS: The food provided by the porters and cook is nothing short of amazing. Trekkers can expect a breakfast of omelettes or pancakes, a ‘takeaway’ snack pack of fruit or chocolate to eat mid morning, a two course lunch of soup and meat with pasta or rice, afternoon tea on arrival at camp with biscuits and popcorn and a three course dinner. Breakfast and dinner is accompanied by hot drinks (tea, coffee, chocolate) and lunch usually by cordial (other drinks e.g. soft drinks or beer are at your own expense and can be pricey on the trail). All food is prepared, served and cleared away by the cook and porters and the quality of the meals is quite something when you consider that all the ingredients and basic cooking equipment has been carried in. Trekkers will certainly not go hungry and special dietary requirements can be catered for if specified in advance. You will be able to buy bottled water on day 1 and 2 of the trek at various points along the way, after this you will refill your empty bottles from boiled water provided by the porters. Boiled water will be provided during the trek when it is possible to make camp.

OUR EQUIPMENT: We provide 4 man tents for only 2 people and INFLATABLE MATTRESS for everyone. Our dining equipment includes a spacious dining tent, tables and chairs, plates and utensils.

Please note that if you are over 1.95 meters / 6´4″ tall then you won´t be able to rent a sleeping bag in Cusco. In this case it is recommended to bring your own.

CULTURE SHOCK RATING: The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English isn’t common and the food will be quite different to home. It’s important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals’ standards of living may be confronting.

SPENDING MONEY: Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities, and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

TIPPING: If you’re happy with the services provided a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations.

Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

WEATHER: The wet season in this region is from December to March when heavy rains can cause disruptions to ground transport. Intrepid will monitor any situations that arise, and may need to change itineraries or activities in response to natural weather occurrences.

TRANSPORT: Train, Minibus

EMERGENCY CONTACT:

Telephone: (+51) (84) 630690, Telefax: (+51) (84) 630690 Cell Phone:(+51) (84 )992 126 224 (in english and spanish)

Address in Cusco: Calle Santa Terera n° 308 Oficina 303 3er Piso– Cusco – Peru

Business Hours: Monday to Sunday: (From 9:00am to 12:00pm) – ( From 15:00 – 20:00):

HIKING TO MACHU PICCHU: The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is 7kg/15p max. While you hike, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel in Cuzco.

Your team of porters will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group.

For during the trek, you need a day pack big enough to carry personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sun cream, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litres capacity back pack is big enough.

Sleeping bags can be hired locally for approximately US$20.
Hiking poles can be hired locally for approximately US$15
Rain ponchos can be purchased in Cuzco for a couple of dollars.

FITNESS: The Inca Trail is certainly not easy but you do not need to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it. Fitness is naturally important but the Inca Trail is the kind of trek that anyone with a positive attitude and determination can do. Obviously the more fit you are the more you will enjoy the trail and the more chance you will have to take in the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do some extra walking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip.

Many people worry whether they will be able to cope physically but complete failure is rare and would usually only result from severe altitude sickness or a person lacking even a basic level of fitness. People of all ages (from teenagers to pensioners) complete the trek and age itself is no barrier if you are positive minded and live an active lifestyle. Before departing for your tour, we recommend visiting your doctor who will be able to provide you with more information.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

When travelling on a trip, you won’t be permitted to join the trip until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by our local representative.

If you have credit card insurance our local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the bank’s name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? Yes, We are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principle of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. To this end, we have trained all our local staff that know, understand, feel and respect the place and the people.

ARE WE RESPONSIBLE?: Yes, We try to treat our hikers, our porters and all the local people from the villages with the upmost respect. We travel in small groups to give personalized tours to each traveller, we pay good salaries to our porters and follow the porters law. We provide all our porters with their hiking gear such as shoes, pants, jackets, t-shirts, hats, sleeping bags and most importantly, with health insurance.

STORAGE DURING THE TREK: During the trek to Machu Picchu your main luggage will be stored in Cuzco and you will receive a small duffle bag at your Inca Trail briefing (briefings are normally set for the evening before you start the trek) to pack clothes for 3-4 days. Your team of porters will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the porters will always be ahead of the group, you should therefore bring a day pack in which you can carry personal belongings such as your camera, water and sun screen etc. By Peruvian law the duffle bag carried by the porters must not weigh more than 7kg (14pounds). You can either store your luggage at your hotel or you can leave it with us.

BOOKING:The Inca Trail Trek is very successful so you must book it 5-6 months ahead during the high season and at least 3 months during the low season.

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