Salkantay Expedition & Inca Trail

Itinerary

Salkantay + Inca trail – Itinerary

Day 1 Cusco- Cruz Pata – Salkantaypampa
Very early in the morning we will peak you up from your hotel, and then we will travel on our private buss to the trailhead of Cruspata (3300m / 10,826ft.) We very quickly will repack our hiking staff before we begin this adventure trip, we will go on a gentle route for three hours until Soraypampa (3800m / 12,388ft.) there we will have our lunch with amazing towering Humantay Mountain, by the afternoon we will continue trekking for two more hour until Salkantay pampa (4000m / 13123ft.) our campsite. Along the route you really enjoy the amazing landscape.

DAY 2 Salkantaypamapa – Paso Salkantay – Sisaypampa
Today is going to be a spectacular adventure for us, early by 06.30 in the morning after a hot breakfast we begin with a gentle climbing to Pampa-Japonesa (Japanese Climbers Base-camp set 3 decades ago), after 4 hours hiking through the pass of Salkantay close to the snowcaped Mountain we will reach the Incachiriaska Pass located at (5200m / 17060ft.) This pass is a wonderful spot for sightseeing because it is surrounded by majestic snow-peaks such as Humantay (5217m), Tucarhuay (5450m) and Soray (5428m), the Cusichaca valley, lakes and moraines. After the pass we will start descending all the way down for 20 minutes to Ichupata (Andean grass place) where we will stop for Lunch, afterward we will continue descending until Sisay pampa Campsite (3790m / 12434ft.) at this section we will be able to fully appreciate and take in the imposing Andean topography, very quiet and cozy place where you can see Llamas, Alpacas and condors. Campsite is near the local kid’s school.

DAY 3 Sisaypampa – Paucarcancha
From the campsite after breakfast we start our trekking descending in a beautiful valley with native flowers and amazing views for 3 hours to Pampacahuana community near the Incan canals restored few years ago by Kendall Project, helping the local farmers and shepherds, we get to stop for our lunch, and then we continue the final 3 hour to Paucarcancha an old Inca site where we will stop for some history leson, pictures and also this is where we will set up our camp for tonight.
DAY 4 Paucarcancha – Llulluchapampa
After breakfast we start walking down to Wayllabamba (3000m / 9842ft), today we will enter into the national Park, connecting our trek to the famous Inca trail to Machupicchu. Our porters will welcome us to continue the Inca trail, we start our gentle climbing 3 to 4 hours to Llulluchapampa (3800m / 12467ft.) Valley past a rushing stream and through enchanted native polylepis woodland. Crossing the rim of a small plateau, we abruptly find ourselves in the puna, the treeless grasslands of the high Andes and look back to the sweeping snow peaks and valleys of the Huayanay mountain. Llulluchapampa is a spectacular campsite, probably we might be the unique campers at this amazing site. Time for pictures and relax because we will arrive 1 hour before it gets dark.

DAY 5 Llulluchapampa – Chaquicocha
Today is fairly a big adventure as we have to make our way over 2 passes, luckily we’ve camped fairly close to the first so it’s not as hard as for most Inca Trailers who are camped in the valley far below. The highest point of the Inca Trail is (4200m / 13780ft.) Dead Woman pass.

Today we will travel with fantastic views, we see the high mountain ranges as we cross the 2 passes and will have the chance to visit 2 Inca sites (Runcuraccay and Sayacmarca), we will also see a variety of plants and Animals, as we are arriving to the area known as the cloud forest. Our campsite tonight is at Chaquicocha (3600m / 11800ft) which is one of the quietest campsites and affords beautiful views of the sunsetting over the mountains.

DAY 6: Chaquicocha – Wiñaywayna
today we travel relatively short distance, we hike on the most preserved path along what is known as Inca flat (gentle ascents and descents) we get to enjoy the lush and verdant cloud forest and spectacular views of the Andes.

We will visit 3 Inca sites (Phuyupatamarca, intipata, and Winay Wayna) this is by far one of the most impressive days of the trekking. Our campsite for tonight is Wiñay Wayna (2680m / 8792ft), this is a beautiful place to enjoy our free afternoon and get to have an extended guided tour of Wiñaywayna the most beautiful and intersting inca site from the whole trip.

DAY 7 Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu
On our last day trekking we will wake up at 03:30 in the morning, and after breakfast we will quickly go to the last check point from our trip, as soon as we pass the control gate we start our one hour hike to the sun gate, once we arrive there you will have the first view of Machu Picchu, it is the main entrance to the amazing lost city of the Incas, At this point we can relax for a while, taking pictures, and finally we continue all the way down to reach the recognized as one of the seventh wonders of the world.

It was just a legend for long time, until 1911 when the American explorer Hiram Bingham discovered it only after many expeditions in the area. Machu Picchu rises to a height of 2430 meters above sea level, in the middle of a tropical forest sourronded by extraordinary mountains. It was without any doubt one of the most amazing hand works. Its massive buildings, terraces and temples are a masterpiece. we will have a guided tour for about two hours; visiting the most impressive temples, and palaces of this beautiful Inca city, and then you have extra time to explore by yourself. After enjoy Machu Picchu we take the Buss to Aguas Calientes town, and then cash the train back to cusco. At the schedule time, our transfer will be waiting at the train station, and transfer you in hotel.

Additional options: If your legs, lungs and energy still hold up after our seven days hiking, it may be possible to climb the peak of Huayna Picchu, behind the main site. However, a special permit is required and it is issued in limited quantities. So if you are interested book at the same time with your trek.

Inclusions

What is Included on the Salkantay + Inca trail?

Pick up from the Airport/Hotel
English Spanish speaking tour guide
Professional cook
Entrance Fee to the trail and Machu Picchu
Briefing the night before the trek
Duffle bag
sleeping pad
Emergency horse
Horses to transport all the camping equipment along the Salkantay trail portion
Extra porter
Porters to transport the camping equipment along the Inca trail portion
Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the trailhead
4-man tent for every 2 people
Dinning tent
Kitchen tent
Train ticket, expedition class at 16:22 hours
Pick up from the train station and drop off into your hotel – Cusco
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Meal: 6 breakfast, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
Water: we will provide you water every day at breakfast time, at lunch time and at dinner time

What is not Included in the 4 days Inca Trail?

Sleeping bag
Hiking poles
Huayna Picchu mountain $70
Machu Picchu Mountain $70
First day morning breakfast
Last day lunch
Extra expenses
Tips

Prices

Salkantay + Inca trail – Prices

We warmly welcome to you, and we really want to make the best experience for you on this adventure trip. Our departure treks can be any day of the week as long as permits remain with the government; permits are only needed for your start date.

Priced by party size – Only private service

The Salkantay trek + Inca Trail is one of the best trek to Machu Picchu, even better if you do just with your friends or loved ones. Our private trek can start with any size and we will do all our best to make unforgetable experience for you.

2 Hikers US$1150 per person
3 Hikers US$1050 per person
4 Hikers US$940 per person
5 Hikers US$900 per person
6 Hikers US850 per person
7+ Hikers US$800 per person

Student discount: $20 per student. To aply to student discount you shoud follow the below govenment requirements

Students from 18 to 25 years old get discount of $20

Students from 12 to 17 years old, they get discount of $20.

Children from under 11 years all they get discount of $20.

The Ministry of Culture has changed its regulations regarding student discounts for entrances to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail permits. For anyone wishing to obtain a student discount, the following requirements must be met: (1.- Must be under 25 years of age 2.- Must have a valid institutional student card with A.- Photograph B.- Student´s full name C.- Expiry date in 2019 that includes the date of reservation and the date of visit to Machu Picchu). Please note ISIC cards or any alternative documents proving student status will not be accepted. Unfortunately, if you fail to meet any of the above criteria we will not be able to offer the student discount.

Some considerations

For example, if you book your trek at the age of 17 but, you turn 18 before you start your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.

Please send all documents to info@inkatrailexplorer.com

Upgrades

Salkantay + Inca trail – Optional Extras

Optional Extras

Sleeping Bag US$35
Walking Pole US$12
Inflatable Mattress US$35
Single Tent Supplement US$35

Additional Upgrades

Vistadome train.- (One Way): $70 per person
Huynapicchu.- $70 per person

Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu, is a stunning mountain that sits directly behind Machu Picchu, this is the infamous sugar-loaf mountain which sits at an elevation of 2,720m and 300m above the Machu Picchu Inca Citadel. For the 4 days inca trail hikers we highly remmend climb the Huayna Picchu Mt in the Second session from 10am to 11am.
There are some archaeological remains as the Moon Temple and other precincts that are interconnected with authentic trails, steps, tunnels and natural formatted caves which made the view more interesting, without any doubt, Huayna Picchu mountain can be the highlight of your trip to Machu Picchu.
The last stretch to get the summit is very steep, narrow, and in some parts, you are required to use your hands for balance. There are some stone ladders to climb up the cliff face along the way. if you have problems with the heights this may not be the hike for you. The summit itself is not flat but is instead rocky, therefore when the crowd picks up it can be a bit difficult to move around.

Difficulty – Due to the complexity and gradient of the trail, the hike is rather challenging.
Duration – The round trip can take between 1.5 to 2 hours in average.
Elevation – The mountain’s summit sits at 2,693masl, while the climb itself is 353m.

Additional Free Tours

If you are traveling with the family or friends and you are 4 or more people in your group, you automatically get for free one of our additional tours what you like more from the List down below. Plese, we do not include the entrance feeds, we include the transportation and a professional tour guide.
Do not worry single travelers, if you book any treks with us, you get a special discounts on any of our additional tours

South Valley tour
Sacred Valley Tour

Important Info

Important Information

We know planning an adventure vacation is no small decision, so we’re here to make the process as easy as possible for you. We’ve been doing this for quite a while, so we’ve got the answers to everything you need to know!

Upon your arrival in Cusco City
You will be welcomed by one of our transfers at Cusco airport and then you will be transferred into your hotel. Find out your transfer in Cusco airport holding our Inka Trail Explorer logo. Please you should provide us your flight schedule before you leave home.

The briefing
Your guide will meet you in your hotel 1 or 2 days prior you start the 4 day Inca trail trek. your guide will explain everything concerning the Salkantay +Inca trail tours in detail. This includes the 7-days Inca trail schedule and a few tips on how to make the Inca trail easier. You also will receive a duffel bag which is meant to contain all of your personal belongings and it will be carried by our porters.

How big needs to be my daypack?

If you hired your extra porter, then you only need to bring a small daypack (25 to 30 Lts max). Big enough to pack you rain gear, snack, water, camera, fleece jacket and some small items that you might need for the day trek. Remember, you will have access to your duffel bag every day at the camping place and sometimes at the lunch place.

Can I leave my Suitcase in your storage?
Usually most of the hotels in Cusco city offers a free storage but, definitely you can leave your suitcase in our storage while you go on trek or tour, we offer a free storage.

How do I Pay my final Balance?
Your final balance should be paid in cash and it can be done in American dollars or in the local currency (Peruvian soles). We kindly request pay your final balance at least 24 hours prior you start the trek. You also can pay your balance via PayPal 10 days prior you start the trek. To pay your final balance via PayPal, you need to log into your PayPal account using our e-mail address – peruinkatrailtours@gmail.com

Can I cancel my trip or change my departure date?
As soon as you make your confirmation by paying your deposit we proceed to purchase the Inca trail permits, Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets. According the government regulations, the Inca trail and Machu Picchu permits or tickets cannot be canceled, changed of date or transferred into other traveler and unfortunately there is not a refund.

Do I need my Original passport when I travel into Peru?
Very important to bring the original passport with you. If you are a foreigner, you need a passport to enter Machu Picchu. Not just any passport. It has to be the passport you used to book your trip in Peru or buy your entry tickets to different attractions in Cusco – Peru.
If you renew your passport after you booked your trip in Peru, you must travel with both the old and the new passports. You also can send us via e-mail a copy of your new and old passports and we will be able to upgrade your new passport information.

How fit do I need to be to hike these trails?
As long as you enjoy hiking, you’ll love these trails – you’ll be hiking about eight miles a day, but there’s no rush, you can take it at your own pace. In fact, the slower the better I say, as that way you get plenty of time not only to enjoy your surroundings, but let your body acclimatize to the altitude as well.
We recommend doing plenty of exercise before you start the Inca trail tour, as the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy your hike. We suggest you try to go for a short walks or running 2-3 times a week. If you have access to some walking trails that go over hills then go and explore, Hit the gym if you can’t do outdoor activities.
That said our trips are designed for regular active people, so you don’t need to be a triathlete or anything – though if you are you won’t be bored!

What if I need a special diet?
We cater all the food restrictions you might have; we work with responsable retaurants and cooks who will take care of you. You also can specify your particular requirements when you fill up our booking form.

Vegan (no meat or animal products)
Vegetarian (no meat products)
Fishatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
No red meat (eat chicken & fish)
Gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
Lactose intolerant (no dairy products)

Do you recommend buying travel insurance?
You should have full travel insurance cover – please be aware that some insurance companies require insurance to be purchased within 7 days of deposit payment. It is imperative for you to have medical cover and emergency repatriation and we strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that also includes trip cancellation and other travel mishaps (e.g. flight cancellations or delays, trip interruption, theft or loss of luggage and personal effects).

Packing List

Salkantay + Inca Trail – Packing List

Essecencials

Passport
Valid, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

What I need to pack In may Duffle Bag?
Remember you are packing for 6 nights of camping. Horses and Porters will carry up to 8 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

4 wicking t-shirts
3 hiking pants
5 sets of undergarments.
5 sets of hiking socks
2 Fleece
1 Warm, down jacket: this trek includes 4 cold nights camping
1 wool hat
Headlamp: essential
Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
Comfortable shoes for camp
Walking boots
Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean
Battery Charger: There is not place to plug in while trekking!
Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

Toiletries:

1 Rain jacket and pants
Face moisturizer
Handsanitizer
Wet wipes
Toothbrush and paste
Toiletpaper
Personal medication
First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

Should I need bring my own Daypack?
We highly recommend bring your onw daypack and it can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend small one and pack in the list from down below. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.

Original Passport, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)Good daypack (the smaller, the better)Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.

Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Sunhat
Rain gear
Fleece
Camera
Handsanitizer
Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
Personal medication
Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips