12-Day Cusco-Salkantay-Short Inca Trail Explorer

Inclusions

Highlights

Fine Print

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Itinerary

Highlights

• Starts Lima/Ends Lima

• Small group experience; Max 12 people

• Fully escorted by a bilingual tour leader/local guide

• 4 days acclimatisation in Cusco and surroundings before the start of the trek

• Introductory to Moderate pace delivery

• Hike along one of the top twenty-five trekking destinations in the world

• Explore the Short Inca Trail and descend to Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. Two day visit to Machu Picchu

• Selected departure dates

• Fully customizable - Private tour option

• Twin share and single traveller supplement option. Shared room available option for single travellers

• Comfortable hotel accommodations and unique camping experience

• Early morning guided tour to Machu Picchu - beat the crowds

• Explore Cusco city - Once capital of the Inca Empire

• Enjoy the natural beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas

• Experience the iconic train ride Machu Picchu-Ollantaytambo

• Free time to enjoy Cusco and surroundings at your own pace or enjoy our optional tours

• Prior departure information session provided by experienced local guide based in NSW or Cusco

Itinerary

Welcome to Peru. Your tour starts either at Lima's or Cusco's International airport. On arrival, one of our representatives will pick you up from the airport. If you arrived at an earlier date, please make your way to our accommodation and join us. A first welcome meeting will be scheduled in the afternoon where you will meet your fellow travellers. Essential information about the trip will be thoroughly discussed in this meeting. Tonight is free for everyone to explore at their own pace.

Elevation: Lima (sea level) - Cusco (3400 mts/11150 ft)

Activity: Transfer to Hotel/Sightseeing

Explorer Moment: Do not miss the initial welcome meeting held upon arrival. Meet your fellow travellers and get detailed information about the itinerary and upcoming activities.

Accommodation: San Agustin Premium or similar.

Meals: None

Today we will catch a mid-morning flight to Cusco. We will initially meet our fellow travellers prior to the beginning of our activities in this magical city. We will first explore our accommodation surroundings and catch the first glimpses of Cusco city centre and its impressive architecture on an easy escorted walking tour. We will find our way around by finding essential services nearby such as money exchange, banks, souvenirs, laundry services and dining options, Tonight, feel free to explore the city at your own pace or enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience with your group. Cusco at night becomes a vibrant destination filled with music, dancing and entertainment for everyone.

Elevation: 3400 mts/11150 ft

Activity: Sightseeing/Guided Walk (1.5 kms/2 hrs)

Explorer Moment: Do not miss the guided walking tour today. Be amazed by walking through the Main Plaza and witness the marvellous Inca masonry blended with colonial architecture, with arcades, carved wooden balconies and Inca walls.

Accommodation: San Agustin Premium or similar.

Meals: Breakfast

Active' acclimatization starts today! After breakfast, we will drive above Cusco City Centre to Tambomachay Inca site (3700mts/12140ft) to start our first acclimatization walk. We will descend 6.3 kms back to our accommodation. Our path will take us through few other Inca ruins and stunning landscapes as we descend to Sacsayhuaman Inca fortress. After exploring its imposing presence and enjoying its surroundings, we will continue our way down to Cusco city along ancient Inca cobblestones and traditional Andean structures. Today's walk is easy-to-follow to facilitate a gradual acclimatization to the altitude.

Elevation: 3700-3400 mts (12140-11150 ft)

Activity: Sightseeing/Trekking (7 kms/6 hrs)

Explorer Moment: Enjoy Cusco's best views from above. Find the best spot and get your camera ready. Be amazed with the imposing greatness of Sacsayhuaman fortress and find out how important the site was for the Incas

Accommodation: San Agustin Premium or similar.

Meals: Breakfast/Packed Lunch

We will drive 45 minutes to Chinchero known as the most traditional and picturesque town in the region. We will first stop by Ccorccor village regarded as the oldest community centre in the area and currently a famous traditional weaving cooperative. Once in Chinchero, we will begin our acclimatization walk by briefly visiting the local church and walking through impressive Inca terraces. Our path down towards Urquillos valley (3 hours) will take us along a restored Inca Trail still used by local farmers and nowadays settlers. After reaching Urquillos village (located at the bottom of the Valley), our bus will drive us back to Cusco along the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Elevation: 3700m/3000/3400 mts (12140,9850,11150 ft)

Activity: Sightseeing/Trekking (3 hrs)

Explorer Moment: Walking along the remains of an old Inca Trail as well as enjoying the landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Visiting Ccorccor village and witnessing their traditional way of living and how tourism has positively impacted the livelihood of the locals.

Accommodation: San Agustin Premium or similar

Meals: Breakfast/Packed lunch

Today we will visit the picturesque Sacred Valley of the Incas. A few miles above Cusco city, we will initially stop at the colourful village of Caccaccollo and explore its famous traditional weaving & textile Co-op. Our journey will continue for another 30 minutes to reach Pisac town located along the banks of the Vilcanota river. Pisac is renowned for its traditional market and its hilltop Inca citadel with ancient temples surrounded by extensive agricultural terraces. Then, our drive will take us through the amazing Sacred Valley of the Incas to Ollantaytambo, regarded as "The Last Living Inca Town". Prior to our return to Cusco (2 hrs), we will explore the archaeological site and walk through the ancient Incan cobblestones streets which make this place unique.

Elevation: 3400/2700/3400 mts (11150,8860,11150 ft)

Activity: Sightseeing/Exploring at your own pace (7 Hrs)

Explorer Moment: Be amazed by the "last Inca Living City" and its enchanting cobblestones and dwellings. The beauty of the Valley is more the "picture-perfect" moment, it is breathtaking!!

Accommodation: San Agustin Premium or similar

Meals: Breakfast/Buffet Lunch (Urubamba)

Our trek to Machu Picchu starts today! We leave Cusco at 4:30 am towards Mollepata town (3 hrs drive/2900 mts) for a chance to get our last-minute supplies before the start of the trek. After half an hour drive, we will arrive at the starting point of the hike at Soraypampa. Following a brief introduction to our support staff, we will start our first 3 kms steep climb towards Humantay lake (4200 mts), set among pristine glacial landscapes and turquoise waters by the foot of the stunning Humantay peak (5450 mts). From the lake, we will descend back down to Soraypampa to find our lunch spot in the area (3900 mts), standing in the lower ravines of the imposing Humantay peak. In the afternoon, we will continue our steady ascend to Salkantaypampa to find our campground for the night at Salkantayampa (4100mts)

Elevation: 3400/3900/4100 mts (11150/12800/13800 ft)

Activity: Trekking (12 kms/6 hrs)

Explorer Moment: A few places in the Andes are as stunning as the turquoise waters glistering against glaciers. Humantay lake is one of them.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Packed Snacks/Lunch/Dinner

After breakfast, we begin our steep ascend along the 'off the beaten path' section of our trek for four hours; initially surrounded by a giant mass of glacial moraine and set on the ridges of Salkantay mountain, to reach the mountain pass of Incachiriasca. At an elevation of 5100 (16320ft), Incachiriasca pass is the highest point in our trek, offering magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and the Apu Salkantay (6271 mts/20574 ft). Over the pass, our path will take us down into the south-east flank of Salkantay peak. After five kilometres we will reach the valley of Panpacahua. We continue our descend along the right bank of the valley where we will find the remains of an Inca aqueduct together with foundations of a previous Inca Trail. We will set up camp for the night in the area.

Elevation: 3900/4630/2920 mts (12795/15190/9514 ft)

Activity: Trekking (22 kms/9 hrs)

Explorer Moment: The sense of accomplishment after reaching the top of a mountain is simply beyond words. The beauty surrounding Incachiriasca Pass will leave anyone speechless!

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.

Leaving the camp site early, our descend will continue along the Izcuchaca Valley among colourful landscapes and farming areas. An hour before reaching the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu, we will find and explore the Inca site of Paucarcancha. Our path will join the ancient Inca Trail at Wayllabamba area where we will continue our descend towards the bottom of the valley. Right at the confluence of the Izcuchaca and Vilcanota rivers, we will visit and explore the surroundings of the stunning Patallaqta Inca site. After lunch, we will hike five kilometres upstream the Vilcanota river to find our campground in the community of Piscacucho (currently, the entrance to the Classic Inca Trail)

Elevation: 2920/2000/1900 mts (9514,6562,6235 ft)

Activity: Trekking (11 kms/5 hrs)

Explorer Moment: Explore and learn about the importance of the different entry points to the Royal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Witness the strategic location of Patallacta and Paucarcancha Inca sites.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

We will start our last day of the hike by driving 30 minutes to Ollantaytambo train station. After an unforgettable two-hour train ride to the start of the short Inca Trail at Km.104 by the banks of the Vilcanota river, we will start our steady climb to Winay Wayna Inca remains. After exploring and learning about the importance of this Inca site, our path will join the Classic Inca trail towards Machu Picchu. After ninety minutes of a gentle hike, we will reach the Sun Gate and capture the first breath taking views of Machu Picchu. From there, we will descend to Machu Picchu in our last 45 minutes stretch of the hike. We will find Machu Picchu's traditional view right at the end of the Inca Trail. We will spend plenty of time witnessing the marvellous Inca architecture from this lookout before making out way down (by bus) to Aguas Calientes where we will find our hotel accommodation for the night.

Elevation:1900/2700/2000 mt (6235/8860/6560 ft)

Activity: Trekking (17 Kms/7 hrs)

Explorer Moment: Reaching Machu Picchu from the Sun gate is truly an amazing experience. As you get closer to the citadel, it becomes easier to understand why it is one of Wonders of the World!!

Accommodation: Hotel Mapi or similar.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

Our visit to Machu Picchu is today. Leaving early (6:00 am), we will catch a bus to take us up the mountain to the Inca citadel (2400 mts). We will enjoy a guided tour (2 hrs) through the most important areas of the monument including temples, royal houses, terraces, and water fountains. Following the new regulations to protect and preserve Machu Picchu, visitors are limited to a predetermined route and time during their visit. Visitors must be always accompanied by a licensed guide during this time. There is an optional service to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (The availability of tickets for these options is quite limited). After our visit, we will catch our bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and our final look around in town before catching a late afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. From this train station, our private bus will drive us back to our hotel in Cusco (8-9 pm arrival)

Elevation: 2000/2400/3400 mts (6560/8000/11150 ft)

Activity: Sightseeing/Exploring at your own pace

Explorer Moment: Enjoy every moment of your visit to Machu Picchu. It is unique and magical

Accommodation: San Agustin Premium or similar

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a relaxing day in Cusco city. It is the perfect day to rest and relax or perhaps to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. This is great chance to buy your last-minute souvenirs before heading back home or add another extra activity to your itinerary. We have a list of add on activities that you may be interested in on this day. For our last night as a group, we will find a nice spot for dinner and share those unforgettable moments prior to the end of our journey.

Elevation: 3400 mts(11150 ft)

Activity: Explore at your own pace

Explorer Moment: Take the walk up to San Blas (10 minutes off the main square) and find the famous Inca 12 angled stone

Accommodation: Hotel San Agustin or similar

Meals: Breakfast

Our service concludes today at check out time 10:00 am. We will organise a shuttle service to take you back to the airport if needed. Otherwise, feel free to leave at any time.

Elevation: 3400 mts(11150 ft)

Meals: Breakfast.

• Andean Explorer Tours leader and bilingual local guides where applicable.

• 8 nights comfortable Hotel accommodation (twin share) - Solo traveller option $800pp and 3 nights camping

• Domestic flights. Lima-Cusco return

• Airport transfers and all ground transportation to and from tours and activities

• Machu Picchu entry permit (circuit 2) and early morning guided tour (2-2:30 mins tour)

• Return bus ticket Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes

• Train tickets Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo (Vistadome upgrade for $200/ticket return)

• Duffle Bag for personal belongings- during hike

• Group camping equipment - during hike

• Pack animals or Porters to carry personal gear (7kgs/person max) - during hike

• Water on the trail

• First aid kit including oxygen tanks for altitude sickness prevention

• Meals as specified in the itinerary (11 breakfasts/5 lunches/3 dinners)

Included:

• Altitude. Cusco city is located at 3350 metres above sea level. Some visitors may experience and develop altitude sickness. The most common symptoms include tiredness, headaches, shortness of breath and in some instances loss of appetite/nausea. People tend to acclimatize in diverse ways. If you initially experience any altitude related symptoms, we recommend taking your time during activities, resting, and drinking plenty of water. This tour has been carefully crafted to provide an easy acclimatisation during your stay in Cusco and surroundings. For the first four nights prior to the start of our hike to Machu Picchu, we will stay in Cusco city. We will progressively get used to the altitude by doing a short-easy pace acclimatisation walk daily while visiting some iconic destinations in Cusco and surroundings. This time is crucial before hitting the mountains and reach Salkantay Pass at 4600 mts (15190 ft) on day 2 of our hike. Alternatively, all our tour operations carry emergency oxygen tanks for severe altitude sickness prevention. Your dedicated Andean Explorer Leader will provide Oxygen supply if required.

• Pace and Mobility. This tour is expected to run at a moderate pace. We will reach most points of interest in our itinerary by private bus or trekking through high altitude areas. There might be some long travel days between destinations (2-3 hrs) and long hiking days through remote high-altitude mountain & tropical areas (7-9 hrs). We will be camping three consecutive nights in basic conditions. Some guided visits require walking up and down uneven cobblestone pathways and stairs. Trekking for this trip will rarely involve flat terrain. The guided tour in Machu Picchu is 2-2.5 hours long. It is only done on foot and scheduled to run at a fixed time limit. This trip is unsuitable for visitors with impaired mobility. You will be required to move about unassisted, including handling your luggage, getting on and of vehicles and lining up at check points. Our itinerary is crafted to spend two or more days at each destination. However, we will stay only for one night at Machu Picchu's adjacent town prior to our visit to the citadel.

• Trip Grading: This trip is rated Introductory to Moderate. It involves a combination of introductory acclimatisation walks and moderate trekking through remote areas. The terrain includes steep undulations, rocky surfaces, and uneven cobblestone grounds. You will need a reasonable level of fitness-good health and be comfortable camping for consecutive days in basic conditions.

• Suggested Preparation: The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy this trip. At least a few months prior to departure, you should try an active exercise routine on a regular basis. This should include hard walking, jogging, leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. Please discuss the right exercise routine for you with your fitness instructor.

• Flexibility. This trip will be conducted as outlined in the itinerary. This includes plenty of time to explore at your own pace. All activities are optional and flexible arrangements can be discussed with your Andean Explorer Tours representative. Refer to our Terms and Conditions for further details.

• Trip Logistics: The Salkantay trek is only possible due to the hard work and dedication of our horsemen. They transport on mules all the outdoor equipment needed and all hiker's personal belongings. There is an allowance of 7 kilos (including sleeping bag) per hiker to bring along the hike. You are required to pack your personal items for the hike with the duffle bags provided the night before the start. Luggage storage will be provided in Cusco for all your equipment no needed during the hike.

Explore the Facts:

• International flights

• Comprehensive Travel Insurance (compulsory)

• Visas

• Huayna Picchu entry permit ($85/pp - please enquire)

• Add on activities or excursions not listed in the itinerary

• Sleeping bags /trekking poles (rentals available in Cusco)

• Laundry and alcoholic drinks expenses

• Meals not listed in the itinerary

• Items of personal nature

• Gratuities for porters/local guides

Not Included:

Inclusions

The Unexpected Element

Adventure travel in third world countries involves a degree of unpredictability. Tour operations in remote areas are also subject to this degree of uncertainty and itineraries may be changed. Basic standards in remote areas in this trip are significantly different than the ones at home. For those situations outside your comfort zone, your flexibility, positive attitude, and sense of adventure is a must have. This is how unforgettable lifetime experiences are made of!

• Payment Terms. You can secure your booking with an initial non-refundable $500USD deposit of the total (See Terms & Conditions). The remaining balance is due two months prior to departure date.

• Flights. International flights are not included in this service. Domestic flights are included: Lima-Cusc0- Lima.

• Airport Transfers. This package includes airport transfers in both directions. Cusco airport-accommodation-Cusco airport. Detailed transfer details will be included in your pre departure information booklet.

• Accommodation. Hotels - Lima (1 night), Cusco (6nts), Machu Pichu town (1 night). The accommodation type and Hotel name for each point of interest is listed in the daily itinerary description. Please note, any changes to the listed accommodation will be of a similar or higher standard. The standard room configuration is twin share. Additional bedding configurations may be requested and confirmed prior to departure. Changes to these configurations during the trip are always subject to availability. The options available for Solo Travellers include: The Single Supplement Option ($400USD pp) or The Shared Accommodation Option (opt to share the room with a fellow traveller of the same gender).

• Camping. Outdoor camping (3nts). This service includes all camping equipment (except personal sleeping bag and pad, trekking poles).

• Horsemen & Horses: During the hike, mules will carry all outdoor equipment and hiker's equipment (7 kilos per hiker including sleeping bag)

• Transport. Private vehicles, shared transfer buses, train.

• Group Leader. This is a fully escorted service. A bilingual Peru Explorer Tours representative always accompanies this trip. A certified bilingual speaking local guide will provide the guided tour in Machu Picchu.

• Travellers and Group Dynamics. There is a minimum number of travellers to run this trip. The maximum number of travellers for this trip is twelve. This trip will run following the activities listed in the itinerary. However, at any time, feel free to stay and explore our destinations at your own pace.

• Travel Insurance - A comprehensive travel insurance cover is compulsory for this trip. Copies of travel insurance certificates will be collected prior to departure.

• Passport & Visas. All travellers are required to have a valid passport (minimum 6 months). It is the traveller's responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Contact your local embassy or consulate for all your visa requirements.

• Meals. 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners are included. Meals are not included where there is a choice of eating options. Food in Peru is affordable and tasty. Please advise of any dietary requirements

• Tipping. Tips are not included in this package. While tipping is not compulsory, it is of customary practice and given as a token of appreciation for great customer service.

Fine Print

Cusco/Salkantay/Short Inca Trail Explorer

Explore this unique trail along stunning landscapes and the last stretch of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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"From the breathtaking landscapes to the rich cultural experiences, our tour with Peru Explorers was truly one-of-a-kind. We can't wait to come back!" —

Denise C.

★★★★★

Reviews

"An unforgettable experience! The tour guides were incredibly knowledgeable, and we felt immersed in the culture and history of Peru. Highly recommended!" — Andrew P.

★★★★★

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