Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

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Highlights

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Itinerary

Highlights

• Starts Cusco/Ends Cusco

• Small group experience; Max 12 people

• Fully escorted by a bilingual tour leader/local guide

• Introductory to Moderate pace delivery

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

• Enjoy the best alternative trekking experience to the Inca trail 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

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

• Experience the iconic train ride Machu Picchu-Ollantaytambo

Itinerary

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 a short drive, we will arrive at the starting point of the hike at Challecancha. After a brief introduction to our support staff, we start our moderate climb to Soraypampa (3hrs/3900 mts) following the remains of a restored Inca channel. After lunch, we will continue our 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 campground in the area (3900 mts), standing in the lower ravines of the imposing Humantay peak.

Elevation: 3400/3900/4200 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 a 7 km steady climb; initially surrounded by a giant mass of glacial moraine and set on the ridges of Salkantay mountain, to reach the mountain pass of Salkantay. At an elevation of 4630mts (15190ft), Salkantay pass is the highest point in our trek, offering magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and the Apu Salkantay (6271 mts/20574 ft). Later, we will descend 6.5 kms to reach our lunch spot at Wayramachay. We continue our descend along the left bank of the valley into the cloud forest and witness the drastic change in landscape from the Andes to the Amazon. After this 3 hour descend and surrounded by vegetation, we set camp for night at Chaullay (2920 mts/9514ft)

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 Salkantay pass will leave anyone speechless!

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.

We will continue our descent into the tropical rainforest following the Santa Teresa Valley. We will first reach some rural populated areas amid lush landscapes of coffee, banana, passion fruit and avocado plantations. After 4 hours down deep into the valley, we will stop for lunch at La Playa located in the geographical area labelled as "The eyebrow of the Amazon" (2065 mts). In the afternoon, we will continue heading downstream to arrive at the town of Lucmabamba (2000 mts) and set camp for the night right at the start of the previous Inca Trail to Llactapata. Later in the afternoon, weather permitting, we may visit an organic coffee farm and taste delicious organic coffee grown in the surroundings.

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

Activity: Trekking (11 kms/5 hrs)

Explorer Moment: Enjoy the stunning change in scenery and landscape from the mountains to the rainforest. Visit an organic coffee farm and taste a delicious coffee in this one of a kind tasting experience.

Accommodation: Camping

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

We will start our last day of the hike ascending (2.5 hrs) along the remains of a former Inca trail in direction to the archaeological remains of LLactapata (2700 mts). From there, we will be able to catch the first glimpses of Machu Picchu and Sayacmarca Inca remains. After exploring the site, we begin our descend (2 hrs) to the Aobamba river through a lush tropical area of the valley with plenty bamboo and coffee plantations where we will find Hidroelectrica power station (1800 mts). To reach the end of the trail, we will gently trek along the side of the train tracks (3 hrs) to find our hotel stay in Aguas Calientes. There is also an option to catch a train from Hidroelectrica - to Aguas Calientes (optional/if available/not included)

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

Activity: Trekking (17 Kms/7 hrs)

Explorer Moment: From Llactapata Inca site, enjoy the distant amazing views of Machu Picchu from the southeast. This is the only spot in the mountains from where to admire this view!!

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: None

Meals: Breakfast

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

• 3 nights camping

• 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 (4 breakfasts/4 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. It is recommended to spend a few days in Cusco prior to the start of the trek. 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 the start of the trail by private bus, and we will be 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.

• 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. 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:

• Domestic 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 and trekking poles (rentals available in Cusco)

• 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 50% deposit of the total (See Terms & Conditions). The remaining balance is due two months prior to departure date.

• Flights. International/Domestic flights are not included in this service.

• Service Transfers. We will pick you up from your accommodation on day 1 and bring you back on day 5

• Camping. Outdoor camping (3nts). This service includes all camping equipment (except personal sleeping bag, 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. 4 breakfasts, 4 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

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Explore this unique trail between the Andes and the Amazon Rainforest

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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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