8 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (land only)
Cusco, Salkantay mountain, Machu Picchu,...
Only Land
This breathtaking Salkantay trek takes you through diverse landscapes and altitudes, as we trek around the skirts of Mount Salkantay (6271m/20,568ft) and camp within sight of the snowcapped peaks. We ascend to reach the famous Apacheta Pass at (4,600m/15,088ft) and descend into a tropical area passing Andenes and Chaullay on the far side of the mountain.
This Salkantay trek includes: a train ride from the Hydroelectric Dam. Afterwards, you will spend the rest of the 4th evening relaxing in town and the hot springs of Aguas Calientes. Early on the 5th morning, you will take the bus (or walk if desired) up to Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views. Although there are breathtaking views throughout the entire journey to the top, hiking Machu Picchu is an experience of a lifetime. Then, we will take a late afternoon train and catch a bus back to Cusco towards the evening.
Ratings:
Physical / Difficulty:
Cultural rating:
Wildlife Expectation:
Accommodation:
Hotel: 4 nights
Campsite: 3 nights
Requirement: 2 participants as minimum
Transportation:
Bus: Yes
Train: Yes
Countries:
Peru
Highlights
Price Includes:
- All pick-ups from the airport to the hotel and vice versa
- All hotel accommodations (the 3 star Casa Andina Cusco classic or similar standard)
- All breakfast in the accommodations
Salkantay Trek 5 days includes:
- Professional bilingual tour guide
- Pick up from your hotel
- Private transportation to the start of the trail, along the sacred valley with nice views
- One night accommodation at Aguas Calientes
- Round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Transportation by train back to Ollantaytambo train station
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station back to Cusco
- Entrance fee to Salkantay trek
- 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 afternoon snacks (hot drinks, biscuits and popcorn) and 3 dinners
- Water (You will only need water for the first morning then we will provide you hot or cold boiled water)
- Dining tent with table and chairs
- Professional chef
- Horsemen and mules (they carry cooking and camping equipment and up to 7 kilos of tourists' belongings)
- 3-man tent (per 2 people)
- Foam mattress (carried by the horses)
- Oxygen bottle
- First Aid kit
VEGETARIAN OPTION IS AVAILABLE AT NO EXTRA COST in the Salkantay trek !!!
Not Included:
- Single Supplement $400 USD(solo travelers)
- Excess baggage charges
- Additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Travel Insurance
- Laundry services
- Sleeping bag (can be rented)
- Walking stick (can be rented)
- Entrance ticket to the hot springs (15 soles)
- First breakfast and last lunch at Aguas Calientes.
- Meals that are not stated otherwise
- Sacred valley tour and entrance fees
- Gratitude for your crew (cooks, horsemen, guides, etc)
Itinerary
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After your arrival, you will then spend the remainder of the day at your leisure while exploring Cusco's nightlife or sampling some of its many restaurants.
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Optional: Full day Sacred Valley tour (Highly recommended).
You will be provided breakfast which is included and picked up from your hotel at 8:15am. This will be a full day excursion to the Urubamba Valley, visiting the colorful native marketplace in Pisac. Where you can appreciate the mixture of colors, traditions and have an opportunity to test your bartering skills, interact with the local craftsmen and purchase their hand-made souvenirs. Pisac is located at the entrance of the Sacred Valley. The Valley is approximately 31km/19miles from Cusco and at an altitude of 2,970m/9,700 ft. After Pisac, we will head towards Urubamba, where we will have a delicious lunch buffet at Tunupa restaurant.
Then, we continue through to Ollantaytambo, the oldest continuously occupied town in the South American continent. The narrow streets of Ollantaytambo, along with its canals, have not changed much from the time of the Incan Empire. They preserved their ancestral inheritance and give you a feeling of what it was like to live during those times. The last visit will be the Chinchero marketplace. Chinchero is believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow! Its major attraction in tourism, is its colorful Sunday market, which is less tourist-orientated than the market at Pisac. At the end, we return you to the Plaza de Armas in Cusco around 6:30 pm. The night is free for you to eat in any restaurant of your choosing; although we always have plenty of suggestions should you require them.
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Mollepata - Soraypampa
On day 3, we pick you up at 5:00am and travel by bus to Mollepata. We will hike for about three hours to Cruzpata, where we will have lunch enjoying panoramic views of the beautiful snow-capped mountains of Humantay (4120m)/(13500ft) and Salkantay (6271m) / (20575ft). Our trek will begin towards Soraypamapa, our first campsite at (4000m)/(12750ft). This is the highest and coldest campsite of the whole trip!
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We have breakfast at around 5:30am and begin our hike to the highest pass on this trek at (4650m)/(15200ft), located halfway between two huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From this pass, the view of the two snow-capped mountains is incredible! There is a possibility of snow here. After a rest, we will continue our walk downhill through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, also known as Huayracmachay, where we will have lunch. We hike again after lunch for about 3 hours towards the jungle until we reach our second campsite, Colcapampa (3000m)/(9800ft). We may reach the other campsites of Challway or Andenes (depending on the pace of the group).
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After breakfast (at 6:30am), we start trekking through the upper jungle crossing the Lluskamayo River and a series of small brooks and creeks. We shall pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits and plants. We will arrive to our campsite where we will spend the night. The climate is warm in La Playa which is at(2500m)/(8202ft). After a rest, we will go to the hot springs (optional) and enjoy a well-deserved soak in the soothing waters. A real treat after finishing the trek!
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We will have breakfast at 6:30am and then head towards Llactapata, a three hour steady climb. Llactapata is an incredible Incan fortress, from which you can see Machu Picchu! After some photos and rest, we will continue on a two-hour downhill hike passing a variety of plantations that produce coca, bananas, and more until we reach the hydroelectric dam for lunch. Then, we will walk a couple of hours until reaching Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night at the hotel.
Optional: In Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the hot springs in the town, (entrance fee is 10 soles).
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You will have breakfast and then your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel (approximately 5:40am). You will take the bus up to majestic Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise and begin your walking tour (2 hours) with your guide. After this, you will have time to explore the mysterious city by yourselves. You will meet with your tour guide in Aguas Calientes (by bus or on foot) to have lunch and be given your train tickets back to Cusco. Please, leave enough time so you can catch your train. It is a 20 minute bus ride from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and all buses leave when they are full. You are required to be at the train station in Aguas Calientes, 20 minutes before train departure. In Ollantaytambo, you will have a bus waiting to return to Cusco.
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You will be provided with breakfast in the hotel and we will pick you up and take you to the airport for your flight home.
Prices and dates
Click a date to book online... | Start day | Action |
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Option 1 : Depart on Dec 13, 2019 | Friday | Contact Us |
Option 2 : Depart on Dec 15, 2019 | Sunday | Contact Us |
Option 3 : Depart on Dec 17, 2019 | Tuesday | Contact Us |
Option 4 : Depart on Dec 19, 2019 | Thursday | Contact Us |
Option 5 : Depart on Dec 20, 2019 | Friday | Contact Us |
Option 6 : Depart on Dec 22, 2019 | Sunday | Contact Us |
Option 7 : Depart on Dec 24, 2019 | Tuesday | Contact Us |
Option 8 : Depart on Dec 26, 2019 | Thursday | Contact Us |
Option 9 : Depart on Dec 27, 2019 | Friday | Contact Us |
Option 10 : Depart on Dec 29, 2019 | Sunday | Contact Us |
Option 11 : Depart on Dec 31, 2019 | Tuesday | Contact Us |
Click a date to book online... | Start day | Action | |
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There are not available dates for this year.... | CONTACT US |
Prices may vary according to the season, availability, and client preferences. Certain transport costs may not be included. Please contact one of our expert travel advisors for more information.
Don't see a date that works for you? Click Here to request one.
Book Optional Tours / Activities
Optional Items for renting
Trip Preparation & F.A.Qs:
Tips to know before you go to the Inca Trail
Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind.
Please review the following information before your departure to the Inca Trail to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones.
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Know Before You Go
Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones.
Getting Ready to Go
Passports and Visas
It is each traveller's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry to Peru and a visa if required.
Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has unstamped visa pages.
Passport information must be submitted to Valencia Travel Cusco at least 30 days prior to departure. This information is necessary to issue Machu Picchu train tickets.
Trip Preparation
A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas and driver’s license) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal IDs and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while travelling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills. We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. As for the liquid containers, we suggest that you squeeze out excess air from those containers and place into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks.
Cell Phones and Calling Cards
You may wish to carry a cell phone while traveling. Check with your cell phone provider if your phone will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. U.S. service is dominated by the CDMA technology standard, while most of the world uses the incompatible GSM standard. Some U.S. providers do offer GSM, but you may incur high international roaming fees. With GSM, however, you can often choose to have your phone unlocked and then add a local SIM card for lower fees. If you can access the Internet as you travel, you can take advantage of email or a Skype Internet telephone (VOIP) account for the best value. Alternatively, you may investigate renting a cell phone before you leave or buying an inexpensive phone locally.
When calling the U.S. from a Peru, you may also use a prepaid calling card; normally, the only additional charge (besides the prepaid long distance charges) is a local fee of a few cents and possibly a connection fee if you are using your card at your hotel. It is best to check with the hotel's reception desk prior to making phone calls to avoid unexpected charges.
Wireless Internet Access
Passengers traveling with WiFi enabled devices (such as a personal computer, smartphone, tablet, or digital audio player) may be able to connect to the Internet via wireless networks. Passengers requiring Internet access can often locate free WiFi hotspots such as libraries or coffee shops.
Staying Healthy While Traveling
All travellers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal health-care provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations.
There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
Watch what you eat. Try new foods in modest quantities, and depending upon your destination, you may want to avoid street foods, salad bars, raw vegetables and fruits, unless they have thick peels like bananas or grapefruit.Stay hydrated. Drink bottled water and avoid consuming ice cubes made with tap water.
If you have allergies to foods, medications or insect bites, or have any other unique medical issues, consider a medical alert bracelet and/or a physician's note detailing required treatment should you become ill.Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer.
Where appropriate, pack sunscreen and insect repellent (for both active and warm destinations).
You may also want to bring a small first-aid kit with band aids, antibiotic cream, pain killers, bug bite cream, digestive aids like antidiarrheal or anti-bloat medications, antacids, and cold medicine. This is in addition to any prescription medications to last for the entire trip.
Climate & Clothing
In Peru, the sun is strong, particularly in higher altitudes. Please, bring a sun hat that has a circular brim all the way around (not a baseball cap) and sunscreen. Bring comfortable, cushioned walking shoes for the hard cobblestone streets, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Remember that during your trip, you will be travelling between regions and will need to be prepared for all weather conditions. Winter months (May through October) are cold. During those periods, you will need a warm jacket, gloves, a hat and a scarf.
The highland regions of Peru (Cuzco, Puno, Urubamba and Machu Picchu) have a dry temperate climate that also experience two distinct seasons. The dry season (May through October) consists of sunny days and cold nights with very little rain. The rainy season in the highlands runs from December to March. Temperatures can change drastically during the day in this region, sometimes varying as widely as highs around 65°F and lows of 35°F during the same day.
IMPORTANT
Peru Average Temperatures
CityJan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Lima
Low
68
70
70
67
63
61
61
61
59
61
63
67
High
79
81
81
76
72
70
67
67
67
70
72
76
Urubamba
Low
46
46
46
43
39
36
34
37
41
45
45
46
High
68
68
68
70
70
68
68
70
70
72
72
70
Cuzco
Low
43
43
43
41
36
32
32
36
40
41
43
43
High
65
65
67
67
67
67
67
67
68
70
70
70
Puno
Low
39
38
38
34
29
25
21
25
30
34
37
38
High
61
61
61
63
61
61
61
61
63
65
63
63
Aguas Calientes
Low
45
45
42
41
37
34
32
36
39
43
43
45
High
66
66
66
68
68
66
66
68
68
70
70
70
Book & Film Recommendations
Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination, either in advance of their trip or while travelling, as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guidebook, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our tour managers and staff to recommend books and films that past guests may have enjoyed. The following list does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or movies; it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations.
Books
Machu Picchu:
Lost City of the Incas by Hiram Bingham (1948)
Machu Picchu Sacred Center by Johan Reinhard (2007)
Turn Right At Machu Picchu by Mark Adams (2011)
Machu Picchu: Unveiling the Mystery of the Incas by Richard L Burg (2008)
Incas: Book 3: The Light of Machu Picchu by A.B. Daniel (2003)
The Steamer Trunk Adventures #2: The Ghosts of Machu Picchu by R.M. Garcia (2006)General Peruvian Life / Exploration:
The Peru Readers by Orin Starn, Carlos Ivan Degregory, and Robin Kirk (2005)
The Art of Peruvian Cuisine by Tony Custer (2003)
Eight Feet in the Andes: Travels with a Mule in Unknown Peru by Dervla Murphy (2003)
Conversation in the Cathedral by Mario Vargas Llosa (1975)
Aunt Julia & the Scriptwriter by Mario Vargas Llosa (1977)
The White Rock - An exploration of the Incas heartland by Hugh Thomson (2001)Incas:
The Conquest of the Incas by John Hemming (1970, reprint 2003)
Narrative of the Incas by Juan de Betanzos (originally from 1550s, not discovered and published until 1980s)
The Secret of the Incas by William Sullivan (1997)
Incas: Books 1&2 by A.B. Daniel (2002-2003)Other Archaeology/sites:
Lost Tomb of Viracocha by Maurice Cotterell (2001)
Temple by Matthew Reilly (2002)Movies:
The Secret of the Incas (1957)
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
The Royal Hunt of the Sun (1969)
Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008). -
About Your Flights
Airline Seat Assignments
As a courtesy service, airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of passenger number. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows "N/A". Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on this display. At the time that Valencia Travel Cusco documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please email us at the following: info@valenciatravelcusco.com.
Luggage
Although luggage sizes are now fairly standard, each airline does have specific requirements based upon the route and aircraft size.
Valencia Travel Cusco land tour packages allow for one piece of luggage per person plus a carry-on bag. Valencia Travel Cusco is not responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings. Therefore, you must report any loss or damage items immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form must be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. Any cost to retrieve luggage will be your responsibility and you should retain receipts to submit to your insurance provider.Code-share Flights
If your flight itinerary displays a flight as "Operated By" another carrier, you should check-in at the desk of the "Operated By" airline. When you arrive at the airport, check the airport monitors for updated check-in desk listings.
Airline Flights
Please check in at least three to four hours prior to the scheduled departure time for international flights and two hours prior for domestic flights. Many airlines do not permit check-in less than one hour prior to the scheduled departure time.
Passengers connecting from another point within the USA should check their luggage through to their final destination. Although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage "interlining," and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. When you check your luggage, please verify where your luggage is being sent. If you are connecting from a domestic flight that is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares that carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must hold the airlines responsible for making alternate arrangements on your behalf, as Valencia Travel Cusco has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed.
The Transportation and Safety Administration
The (TSA) has increased security measures drastically since September 11, 2001. Plan to arrive no fewer than two hours prior to a domestic flight and three to four hours prior to an international flight. Check the TSA website www.tsa.gov for the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing.
About Business Class Airfares
Business Class service may not be available on all flights or aircraft types, and therefore some flights within an itinerary may not include Business Class seating. This includes, for example, some US domestic connections and/or short haul flights abroad. When Business Class service is not available, you will be accommodated in the best alternative class of service and seating. Please check your operating airline to determine the extra services you may receive in Business Class.Peru Domestic Flights
The airline tickets enclosed are for your international flights to/from Lima (provided that you purchased them from Valencia Travel Cusco). If tickets for your flights within Peru are not enclosed, you will receive your tickets (for example, Lima to Cuzco and vice versa) once you arrive in Peru. Please note that you may only bring a total of up to 50lbs of luggage per person on flights within Peru. This weight restriction may differ from your international carrier's and is subject to change.
A passport or picture ID is required to board all flights in Peru.Frequent Flier Programs
Passengers are responsible to contact their airline directly regarding mileage eligibility and accrual. Airline frequent flier programs determine whether to award miles in part or total based on their own rules, which are updated frequently. Some discounted or promotional airfares as well as some code-share flights are not eligible for mileage accrual.
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Oficial papers:
- Valid and Original passport
- Travel insurance - You are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
Sleeping Gear:
- Sleeping bag (can be hire from Valencia Travel Cusco)
- Thermal rest mattress ( To be upgrade)
Clothing:
- Mid weight fleece or wool sweater
- Fleece pants or tights.
- Mid weight thermal underwear tops and bottom, synthetic or wool.
- Hiking pants.
- Hiking shorts.
- Long-sleeve shirts.
- T-shirts.
- Underwear and casual socks.
- Hiking socks.
- Liner socks, synthetic.
- Swimminsuit.
Clothing accessories:
- Cap.
- Fleece hat.
- Bandana.
- Fleece gloves.
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Footwear:
- Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof, lightweight, broken-in, aggressive tread.
- Camp shoes such as tennis shoes or sandals or other comfortable footwear to use in our campsites.
Travel Accessories:
- Bottle of water or Camelback.
- Flash light.
- Watch with alarm or travel clock.
- 2 roll of toilet paper.
- Sunglasses and retainer strap.
- Sun block and lip balm.
- Toiletry kit.
- Small Washcloth.
- Personal first-aid kit.
- Hand sanitizer gel.
- Insect repellent and appropriate clothing for mosquitos.
- Several Ziploc plastic bags.
Extra money for:
- Drinks.
- Tip or gratitude to Guide, Cook, and porters.
- Souvenirs.