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Day 1 – Cusco – KM 104 – Wiñaywayna – Aguas Calientes

Our trip starts very early in Cusco, after 2 hours of travel in our private transport we will arrive at Ollantaytambo where we will take the train to kilometer 104 of the railway line located at 2270 meters above sea level (starting point of our trek). After a few minutes of walking we will arrive at the archaeological site of CHACHABAMBA. After visiting this place, our walk will be a path that will lead us through wet valleys full of orchids, bromeliads and a waterfall. Then the road will become slightly steeper until you reach WIÑAYHUAYNA at 2700 masl (Fabulous archaeological site formed by large Inca agricultural terraces and a group of houses that stands imposing on a rocky outcrop with a dominant view of the valley). At this place we will enjoy breakfast and then continue our walk along the great mountain Machupicchu until we reach INTI PUNKU (The Sun Gate). From this point we can contemplate a beautiful sunset over the Inca citadel of MACHU PICCHU, then we will descend approximately 45 more minutes until we reach the entrance gate of Machupicchu where we will take the bus to go down to the town of Aguas Calientes and spend the night in a beautiful hotel (This day we will only pass through Machupicchu and take some pictures from the viewpoint). Dinner, rest and arrangement included for the next day. The thermal baths are a good option (Bring your bathing suits and 10 soles).

DAY 2- Machupicchu – Cusco

At 4:30 in the morning breakfast will be ready. At 5:30 a.m. we ride up to Machu Picchu on one of the first buses to watch the sunrise and enjoy the guided tour for 2 to 3 hours; in which our guide will teach us about the Inca life in Machu Picchu their cults and ceremonies, the function that fulfilled in it’s splendor , its diverse temples, dwellings and it’s secrets. At the end of the tour you will have free time to walk and contemplate Machu Picchu at your own pace. In the afternoon at the indicated time we will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), after lunch we will take the train back to the town of Ollantaytambo, from this point we will transfer you by tourist bus to the city of Cusco.

NOTES:

1. Huayna Picchu: To visit the mountain Huayna Picchu, it is necessary to book months in advance since the spots are limited. The cost of the ticket is $70.00 additional USD. (We can reserve for you).

2. Extra porter service: According to the law (26702) and supervised by the ministry of labor, we provide the service of a carrier under legal conditions according to the need of our client. For example; The client’s luggage, should not exceed 12 kg., since the carrier is allowed to carry a maximum of 20 kg. The service costs $130.00 USD, it includes transportation, entrance to the Inca Trail, food and camping equipment for the carrier.

3. Tips: for guides (if there is an additional carrier) they are always welcome.

4. Student card: To receive the student discount of 20 USD you must have a valid university card at the time of booking (not only when you arrive in Cusco), the validity date must be in progress throughout the entire year. To reserve, we need a copy of your card. The Ministry of Culture is very strict in it’s control.

5. FOR LAST MINUTE CANCELLATIONS, ALL EXPENSES MADE BY THE AGENCY WILL BE RAN ON YOUR ACCOUNT.

INCLUDES:

* Meeting to receive instructions at 6:00 p.m., 1 or 2 days before the start date of the tour (Must confirm at the time of booking the tour).

*Transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo in private tourist transport.

*Tourist train service from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 and return train from Aguas Clients to Ollantaytambo (second day).

*Transfer by tourist bus from the train station to the center of the city of Cusco (Plaza San Francisco or Plaza Regocijos).

*Entrance tickets to Inca Trail and Inca City of Machu Picchu.

* Bus to go down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and to ride up the second day).

* Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English)

* Excellent meals during the excursion (1 breakfast course, 1 picnic, 1 dinner course – vegetarian option on request)

* First Aid and oxygen tank.

DOES NOT INCLUDE

* Breakfast on day one and lunch on the last day.

* The entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (10 soles).

* The bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes after the tour on day 2 – possibility of walking downhill for 1 hour and a half or by bus at $12.00 per person.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

* A backpack and a poncho for the rain.

* Sufficient clothes for cold weather and warm weather (The weather can be cold and humid, therefore your wet clothes will not be able to dry from one day to the next).

* Jacket and rain pants and rain poncho.

* Trekking shoes

* Sandals and bathing suit (to bathe in the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes).

* Sunblock, insect repellent, alcohol gel, water bottle and toilet paper.

* Photographic camera

* Flashlight and extra batteries.

* Snack: chocolates, cereal bars, dry fruits and nuts. etc.

* Original passport, original student card (if admitted).

* Extra money in soles.

1. We require an immediate deposit of US $ 300.00 for all reservations (per person).

2. For all Tours and Treks, the balance must be paid 30 days before the start of the program. We accept cash and PayPal. Failure to pay the balance of the walk results from the cancellation of the tour.

3. For student discounts, we need  a copy of a valid ISIC student card. In the event that we do not receive the scanned copy of the card along with your reservation form, we will process your reservation with the full price.

4. The Client may cancel the reservation of the package at any time provided that the cancellation is communicated in writing to info@aitaperu.com. Cancellation charges are applied as shown below, calculations from the day you receive the written notification through info@aitaperu.com. All reservations canceled less than 30 days prior to the date of departure of the tour are subject to a cancellation fee:

Period before the game. The notification is received. A cancellation fee is received as a percentage of the price of the party.
+ 30 days $ 300.00
30 – 15 more than 80%
7 days or less 100%

5. The permission of the Inca Trail is not transferable.

6. The duration of the program the traveler leaves the excursion as a demonstration by him or her, no refund will be made nor will any claim be accepted.

7. Certain services may be interrupted or even canceled due to weather conditions, natural disasters or other disturbances. These are the hotels, service providers, AITA Peru and its partners and, therefore, no refund will be granted.

Tour Type: Biking,Raffting, Adventure, History, Culture

Good For: Those who enjoy biking,raffting and hiking and have a moderate level of fitness.
Difficulty: Moderate, But Challenging

DAY 1.-Cusco – Santa Maria (STA. MARIA TOWN). 

At 6:00 in the morning you will be pick up at your hotel in Cusco city or Sacred Valley, we will drive to the town of Chinchero for 1 hour approximately. Accompanied by our expert tour guide you will do mountain bike from Chinchero (3800 meters) until the town of Ollantaytambo (2800 meters) 40 km approximately through stunning landscapes located in the beautiful mountains of Sacred Valley. After the bike tour our car will transfer us to Santa Maria valley where you will have organic powerfull lunch. In the afternoon you will do Rafting in the Urubamba river  located at high jungle of Amazon rainforest, Included all equipment’s for Mountain Bike tour and rafting. Come only with sport clothing and swimming suit.

DAY 2 .-Santa Maria – Santa Teresa. 

The sounds of the nature wake us up and we get ready for an early breakfast, a breakfast prepared using local crops, a nutritious meal that will help us to start this beautiful day.

At approximately 8:00am in the morning, we start the 8 hours hiking experience. Only after 2 hours of walking we will be on the highest point of this day, in this section of the hiking we are going to explore a segment of the amazing Inka trail located at the mountain side. Our guide will provide you with vital information to understand the flora and fauna of the region. At noon we will arrive to the town of Q`ellumayu for lunch. After, we will continue our hike along the Urubamba river valley which leads towards the therapeutic QOCALMAYU hot springs, a great opportunity to swim and bathe in it, only 45 more minutes of walking we arrive to our hostel in SANTA TERESA town.

DAY 3.-Santa Teresa – Machupicchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). 

After a nutritious breakfast, around 8:00 am in the morning we are going to start our next experience. Zip – Line that consist crossing  over the Urubamba River via 5 Cables over 150 m. hight . Later our tour guide will show you the way for about 15 minutes of hike until we arrive to INTIWATANA TOWN (hydroelectric train station) lunch place. In this small community we have an opportunity to appreciate some Inka remains dating back to 1500s, the next part of the trek consists of 3 more hours all the way along the rail line until AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN (hot springs town) The trek finishes at the hotel.

DAY 4.-MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO. 

The most expected day of the tour. Very early in the morning at 4:30am we start the hike up to Machupicchu Inkan city. A challenge of 1300 steps that connect Machupicchu from the river side through the jungle. It will be 1 hour and half time until we finish the climb. We will go through the check point at 6.00 am and hoping the admire the sunrise in Machupicchu we start entering into the Inkan complex. After the natural experience our guide will proceed to explain and lead you through this magnificent and mystical place for about 2 hours.  You will have plenty of time to explore the site by yourself afterwards, always bearing in mind the train time table return.

Finally, we will take the train from Machupicchu village to Ollantaytambo and a tourist bus from AITA PERU will drive you to the city of Cusco.

The additional service of the day (optional) is the ascent to Huaynapicchu. Ask us about the availability.

Inclussions:

• Briefing pre-tour meeting at the hotel
• Transport in tourist bus from Cusco to Abra Málaga pass, and assistance during the first day
• Bikes with front suspension, helmets, gloves, elbow and knee pads
• 3 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 breakfasts
• 2 nights at a guest house, basic services
• 1 night (last night) at a hostel (private bathroom and hot water)
• Admission ticket to Machupicchu
• Bilingual professional guide during the 4 days
• Train back from Machupicchu village to Ollantaytambo and tourist bus to Cusco
• Guide assistant (for more than 8 passengers)
• First aids
• Vegetarian meals if necessary, with no additional cost
• Zip Line in Santa Teresa (optional)
• River rafting first day (optional)

Exclussions:

• Bus Ticket to Machupicchu (19.00USD) on this tour our group walks up to Machupicchu
• Breakfast (first day and last day lunch)
• Snacks and additional meals
• Ticket to the thermal baths of Santa Teresa S/. 5.00
• Mineral water during the tour
• Ticket to Huaynapicchu 16.00USD (optional)

WHAT TO BRING

• Warm clothes for the first and last day
• Sport clothes (2 of each: t-shirt, trousers, socks…)
• Trekking shoes
• Camera or video camera and extra batteries
• Mosquito repellent
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Rain coat
• Extra money in soles
• Backpack
• Sunscreen

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa

We depart at 5.00 in the morning from the city of Cusco in tourist bus, passing through the towns of Izcuchaca and Limatambo; we will arrive at the town of Mollepata around 7.00 hours where we have the last chance to get a breakfast. Around 8:00 am we will take our bus one more hour in orther to arrive to MARQOK`ASA where we will start our trekking surrounded by a typical landscape of the Peruvian Andes. At noon the lunch is going to be ready at soraypampa the camping place, in the afternoon after a short break. We will have  a  chance to climb to the  HUMANTAY LAGOON located very  close to the glasiers accompanied  by  our guide ,this  last  as a training  for the next day. After this challenge is time to go back to the camp site where we will fish our activities this day with a delicious dinner.

DAY 2: SORAYMAPA – COLLPAPAMPA

Early in the morning, we will taste our breakfast compound by some panqueques, bems cream ,batter, marmalade, etc. after the breakfast we will start to  climb toward  the highest  point of our trip, EL PASO SALKANTAY which is located over 4,600 meters above sea level. After a break and enjoy the panoramic views. We start the descent to the valley of Chaullay. Along the way you will notice the changes of the landscapes, and see the formations of rivers from glaciers that become tributaries of the great Urubamba River, along the trail We will also see a variety of orchids, bromeliads, etc. We arrive in the afternoon to Chaullay where will do the second night camping.

DAY 3: COLLPAPAMPA – AGUAS CALIENTES

After a hearty breakfast, we start our trek; along the hike we will appreciate many varieties of local crops, including coca plantation considered sacred plant from our ancestors. This last section will be easy to hike till Playa Sahuayaco. There, we will have a typical Andean lunch prepared by our chef.  From this point we will take a local transport for about one hour toward hydroelectric the next village. . In the afternoon we will arrive to Machupicchu, popularly known as “Aguas Calientes”. That’s where we spend our last night in a hotel at the foot of the Great Machupicchu (Inca citadel

DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (walk and visit the Inca citadel)

At 4.30 am we will get ready to head to the Inka citadel of Machu Picchu, following an ancient trail through the jungle. The plan is  to  be  some  of the first  in machupicchu and have lot of chances to enjoy the  sunrice , once the group  gets together  we start  to visit the most important  temples  of machupicchu inca city accompanied by our professional guide who will share their knowledge for about two hours. Then our clients will have free time to do some more hikes around the Inca citadel. In the afternoon, the tourist train returns from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo, where we pick you up in our buses. As an additional service we offer the climbing to Huayna Picchu, the trek to the Inca Bridge, the mountain Machu Picchu, etc. See the available spaces.

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR:

TRANSPORTATION: are included the following transportation services required completing the tour on every package we have; Here we detail including transport depending on the itinerary of each package.

• Pick up passengers from their respective hotels and then transported to the beginning of the excurcion which is marqoq`asa, this applies to all three packages.
• Shuttle bus la playa sahuayaco to Santa Teresa.
• Transport of Santa Teresa to hydroelectric power.
• Transporting from the train station in Ollantaytambo to your hotel.

ENTRY TICKET: detail tickets that are included in the tour for the aforementioned packages:

• Entrance ticket to the Inca citadel of machupichu.
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo

CAMPING EQUIPMENT: all necessary camping equipment are included for all packages mentioned here detail the following:

• 1 tent for two people,the  tents that we provide are spacious with seating for 4 people but we use it only for 2 people (Doite kailas 4 and Doite pro aconcagua4)
• 1 mat for each person, the mats we use are doubles to allow relaxation.
• 1 pillow for each person.
• Dining tent and cosine with the respective tables and chairs.

ACCOMMODATION: accommodation we include in the package is a standard hotel in Aguas Calientes.

• This included a night in a hotel that has the following services:
• All rooms with private bathroom and shower.
• 24 hours hot shower
• Buffet Breakfast.
• WE-FI Internet.
• TV-LCD. DIRECTV satellite signal.
• Check in. 12:00 p.m. to 23:00 pm- check out at 9:00 am.

SUPPORT STAFF:

• 1 Professional bilingual guide for every 12 passengers.  1 guide assistant plus a guide assistant for 16 passengers per group.
• 1 Andean cooker and an assistant for every 8 passengers
• Horsemen and horses to carry all camping equipment, kitchen and 5 kilos of personal belongings of each passenger.

MEALS: includes all nutrients required during the trip.

• All food is buffet service offer.
• Three power breakfasts
• Three nutritious lunches
• Three delicious dinners
• Three snacks
• Awake each morning tea in camps

SECURITY:

• Oxygen
• Radio communication
• First aid kit
• Guides certified in first aid and mountain rescue.

TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDES

• First breakfast
• Lunch and dinner on the last day of trip
• Bus Service from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Sleeping bag
• Transportation and entrance to the hot springs of Santa Teresa

EXTRA EXPENSES

• Extra services we offer for the trip:
• Rental sleeping bags
• Mountain Canes
• Individual tent service
• Service simple room in hot water
• Bus ticket  to Machu Picchu
• Train ticket hidrolectrica – Aguas calientes town
• Ticket to huaynapicchu mountain
• Ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Private transport Ollanta to Cusco
• Extra Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Zip-line in Santa Teresa town

IMPORTAND TO BRING

• Warm clothes for days 1, 2 and 5
• Sportswear (2 pairs each)
• Walking shoes
• Camera or camcorder with extra battery
• Mosquito repellent
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses (optional)
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Extra money in soles
• Standard Backpack Trip
• Sunscreen
• Flashlight

Day 1: Hike and visit to the beautiful Humantay lagoon, you will be part of the Andean ritual to the Pacha Mama and the Apus (sacred god of the mountain), camping near the snowy Salkantay.

Hiking distance: 8.1 km

Average trekking time: 6 hours

Elevation gain: 408 meters

Day 2: This day you will arrive at the Salkantay pass at 4664 masl (15100 ft.); you will enjoy impressive landscapes of the highlands. You will see the snow-capped peaks of Humantay, Salkantay and Pumacillo and descend to the village of Chaullay (2950 masl).

Hiking distance: 19.8 km

Average trekking time: 8 hours

Elevation gain: 800 meters.

Day 3: Hike from Chaullay to Lucmabamba through the valley of the Salkantay River. In the afternoon, enjoy a delicious traditional organic coffee that you prepare with your own hands with the help of our expert. Along the way taste local fruits and share unforgettable moments with the local people.

Walking distance: 18.2 km

Average walking time: 6 hours

Elevation gain: 300 meters

Day 4: Hike to the Inca ruins of Llaqtapata; take your first picture of Machupicchu from here. In the afternoon, you will have a nice hike along the Urubamba River surrounding the Huaynapicchu Mountain until you reach Machupicchu Pueblo.

Walking distance: 22.8 km

Average walking time: 9 hours

Elevation gain: 500 meters

Day 5: Explore Machupicchu, take some of your favorite pictures, and learn all about Machupicchu and what it was like in the past. You will return to Ollantaytambo in a panoramic train enjoying incredible views, from Ollantaytambo we will provide transportation to return to your hotel in Cusco city.

Day 1: Cusco – Ch’allacancha – Humantay Lagoon – Soraypampa Camp.

At 5:00 a.m., your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco, and then you will travel to Mollepata in our tourist transport. In the town of Mollepata, the group will take a short break to have breakfast, improve acclimatization and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

The hike will begin in the village of Ch’allacancha at 3750 masl, from this place we will walk 7 km in the middle of a landscape of flowers and native trees until we arrive to Soraypampa (3900 masl) where we will have lunch. In the afternoon, after a revitalizing rest you will climb 1 km away until you reach the slopes of the snowy Humantay, in this place you will find the beautiful Humantay lagoon (4350 masl.) where the group will take enough time to relax and enjoy the beauty of this place. Later we will return all the way back to the camp and enjoy the sunset with coffee and hot chocolate.

After dinner by a campfire you will witness and participate in an Andean religious ceremony (payment to the Pacha Mama and the Apus), you will have the opportunity to learn the mystical secrets of the Quechua culture and the Incas.

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass (4664 m.a.s.l.) – Huayraqmachay – Chaullay

This day we will hike to the top of the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of our entire trip, located at 4664 m. above sea level. From each resting point, you will be able to take unforgettable pictures of the landscapes and the gigantic snow-capped Salkantay. After a rest and the satisfaction of having reached this altitude, the group will offer respect and a special present to the snow-capped Apu Salkantay using the sacred Apachetas. Then descend to Huayraqmachay where our Andean Chef awaits us with lunch.

In the afternoon, we continue our trek downhill leaving the typical Andean landscapes in the distance, this time we will enter a new ecological floor known as cloud forests until we reach the village of Chaullay at 2900 masl where we will camp for the night.

As always; every evening you will enjoy delicious coffee and hot chocolate by a campfire where our guide will tell you traditional Andean stories.

Day 3: Chaullay – Sahuayaco village – Lucmabamba (2000 m.a.s.l.)

As usual every morning we offer you a hot tea, you will have time to pack your personal equipment and have breakfast.

This day you will cover a distance of 18 km walking along a path without much difficulty, along the way you can photograph beautiful canyons, flora and wildlife. You will also be able to taste some fruits grown by local families. At noon, you will taste the nutritious lunch of our Andean chef. In the afternoon you will visit the coffee plantations, learn the techniques they use to grow and process coffee. You will have the opportunity to experience the preparation of a natural coffee. In the afternoon, you will have free time to rest and relax your muscles.

Optional activities:

1) Visit to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs.

In your free afternoon, you can go to relax your muscles in the thermal baths of Cocalmayo located 30 minutes’ drive from our camp. You will need extra money (50 Nuevos soles to cover your transportation tickets and entrance fee).

2) Zip Line Adventure

From the zip lines, you will have a spectacular view of the Santa Teresa Valley. For this activity, you will be asked to accept and sign the risk documents, since this is an activity with a certain level of risk. You will need 30 US Dollars to participate in this activity.

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llaqtapata – Hidroeléctrica – Machupicchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)

This day we will climb to a natural viewpoint from where you can see the legendary Inca city of Machupicchu.

After breakfast, we will walk along an Inca trail until we reach Llaqtapata located at 2500 meters above sea level, an archaeological site more than 500 years old that is still covered by vegetation as Machupicchu was before it was discovered. From this place, you will be able to take some of the most beautiful pictures of the valley and the mountains surrounding Machupicchu. After an invigorating rest, you will descend to Hidroeléctrica located at 1900 masl where you will have lunch this day.

In the afternoon, you will walk the last 11 km. along the railway line, surrounding the mountain of Huaynapicchu. This section of the trail is relatively easy until you reach the village of Machupicchu where you will spend the night in a comfortable Hotel*** and have dinner in a gourmet restaurant.

Day 5: Guided tour of Machupicchu – Return to Cusco

Visit Machupicchu according to the schedule of your entrance ticket. During your tour the guide will tell you all about the history of Machupicchu, show you the most important sites, and you will have enough time to take pictures and enjoy your tour.

In the afternoon, you will travel aboard a tourist train to Ollantaytambo enjoying majestic views, other Inca cities like Choque Suysuy, Chachabamba, and Pata LLaqta. When you arrive to Ollantaytambo, our tourist transport will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Cusco city.

Note:

If you planned to climb Huaynapicchu Mountain or Machupicchu Mountain, you should know this:

• Only the ticket that indicates “LLaqta de Machupicchu” allows you to choose one of the four established circuits.
• The ticket that includes the Waynapicchu or Huchuypicchu mountains only allows you to go through CIRCUIT 4.
• The ticket that includes the Machupicchu Mountain only allows you to tour CIRCUIT 3.

TRANSPORTATION:

• Pick up of the clients in their respective hotels and transfer to the starting point of the excursion, which is Ch’allacancha.
• On the last day, transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.

ENTRANCE: All entrance fees are included:

• Entrance to the Inca citadel of Machupicchu.
• Entrance ticket to the regional conservation area Humantay Lagoon.

CAMPING EQUIPMENT: We include the following staff:

• Spacious high mountain tent with capacity for three people but we use it only for two people (Doite Pro Aconcagua 3 Model, Tatonka Sherpa dome PU 3).
• Inflatable mattress for each person.
• Dining tent and kitchen with their respective tables and chairs.

ACCOMMODATION:

• One night in Standard Hotel*** in Machupicchu Pueblo.

SUPPORT STAFF:

• One professional bilingual guide for every 12 passengers.
• One Andean cook and an assistant.
• Horseman and mules to carry all camping equipment, and 7 kilos of personal belongings for each Tourist.

MEALS:

• Four energetic breakfasts
• Four nutritious lunches
• Four delicious dinners
• Tea every morning at the campsites

SAFETY

• Oxygen
• Radio communication
• First aid kit
• Certified guides in first aid and mountain rescue.

BUS IN MACHUPICCHU

• Bus tickets up and down to Machupicchu.

TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Breakfast on day 1
• Lunch and dinner on the last day of the trip
• Sleeping bag
• Transportation and entrance to Santa Teresa hot springs.
• Silla horse if you need it
• Adventure in the zip line park in the valley of Santa Teresa.

• PACKING LIST FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK 5 DAYS
  • A backpack to carry water, some snacks, a camera, sunscreen, valuable things, Jacket, rain gear, etc. We recommend bringing a backpack of 25 – 30 liters, but if you like to can bring a daypack or any size of the backpack as long as you feel comfortable with it.
  • Sleeping bag at least – 5 cº. If you do not have one, you can rent from us for US 15 dollars for the whole trek.
  • Trekking Poles – We recommend for people with problems of knees, ankle, or you are used to using hiking poles. If you do not have one, you can rent from us a pair of trekking poles for  US 10 dollars from us.
  • Original Passports
  • Wool hat or beanie
  • Sun hat
  • Scarf
  • Gloves
  • 3 – 4 t-shirt, if you have long sleeve better
  • layers (sweater, fleece)
  • 2 – 3 pairs of long pants if you have leggings, you can do on leggings
  • Hiking shoes
  • 2 – 3 pairs of wool socks
  • Rain gear (Pants, jacket, if you do not have you can buy a rain poncho) is crucial, especially for the wet season.
  • A small headlamp
  • A small towel
  • Shorts
  • Sunglasses
  • Toothbrush and other personal toiletries
  • Toilet paper
  • sun block lotion
  • Insect repellent
  • Sandals / Flip flops
  • Waterbottle
  • bathing suits
  • If you have thermal clothing you can take them which is not that important, you will use them at least for the first night, which is at 3900 m.
  • Some snacks such as chocolate, cereal bars, candies, nuts, energy bars, etc.
  • Extra Cash in Soles

  IMPORTANT: Remember that we will provide you with a duffle bag on the briefing day, which you can use to pack 7 kilos of your personal belongings that you will take to the trek, which are going to be transported by the horse during the entire trek. It means that you will do the trek carrying your small backpack with things you need for the day hike and you will have access to the duffle bag at each camping place.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Salkantay Trek 5 Days

The Salkantay Trail connects Cusco to the Citadel of Machu Picchu and runs approximately 75 km/46 miles through high Andean peaks, cloud forest, and steamy jungle. The hike starts at the village of Mollepata, two hours drive from Cusco.

The Salkantay Peak – Savage Mountain – is located within the Vilcabamba mountain range, to the northwest of Cusco. Salkantay is one of the highest and most spectacular mountains in the Andes (6,271m/20,574ft).

National Geographic’s Adventure Travel Magazine named the Salkantay trek among the 25 Best Treks in the World.

How far do we walk each day?

The amount you walk each day varies. An average day is 5-8 hours, but on the summit, night combined with the following day you can walk between 8 and 11 hours. Have a look at the itinerary for a day-to-day account.

How difficult is the Salkantay Trek 5 Days?

For an average traveler or tourist, Salkantay is considered a challenging but certainly not impossible hike. Due to the physical demands, anyone who wishes to trek Salkantay should at least be moderately fit. Moreover, all trekkers should spend at least 2 days in Cuzco before the trek, to get acclimatized. To be extremely fit does not grant any immunity from altitude sickness.

The entire hike is approximately 72 kilometers (approximately 45 miles), and this hiking takes place for 4 days and 3 nights. The remaining 1 day of the trek is spent at Machu Picchu. In general, Salkantay is considered to be slightly harder than the Inca Trail. Other trails, such as Choquequirao, are considered to be slightly harder than Salkantay.

What is the most challenging section of the 5-Day Salkantay Trek?

The Salkantay Pass, at 4646 meters (14, 760123 feet above sea level), is the most difficult section on the trail. Expect wind and cold temperatures. Some hikers might experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Symptoms will disappear as soon as you start your descent. Oxygen will be provided if needed. The Salkantay Pass, at approximately 4,646 meters above sea level is the most difficult section in the trail. These challenges are a result of several factors: the challenge of uphill climbing, cold winds, low temperatures in general, and the fact that you are trekking at a low-oxygen altitude.

How old do I have to be?

Very young children may not enjoy this. They should be able to walk (without being carried) for 90 minutes without whining, (the whining part applies to children of all ages).

Can I hike the Salkantay at any time?

Weather conditions during the rainy season make the Salkantay trek a risky decision. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the availability of the Salkantay treks from mid-march to the end of February. If the weather is good, we will give the OK for a trek to start. If we think the safety of our porters and clients is being threatened, we will cancel the trek.

When is the best time to hike the Salkantay?

The dry season is the best time for this trek. In Cuzco, the dry season lasts from April to November, and the wet season is from December to March. June to September are the most popular months to do the trek, due to summer vacations in Europe and the US. It is generally thought that May and October offer the best weather conditions.

Can I make the trek by myself?

Yes, it is possible for a single traveler or a small group to hike the trek by themself, without guides or porters. However, the trail is not clearly marked at all points, which makes getting lost a high possibility. This is one of the biggest advantages of hiring a tour agency like Mystic Salkantay. Our guides know the route very well.

Can I do the trek with my kids?

Children under 14 years old are not allowed to do the trek, and children who are over 14 years old should be in good physical shape and used to hiking long distances.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone on the mountain?

You will get sporadic phone coverage during the trek and there will not be anywhere whilst trekking to charge your phone.

Will there be an international cell phone on the Salkantay Trek 5 Days?

One of the trek leaders will be carrying a satellite phone. However, this is for emergency use only.

What is the weather on the Salkantay Trekking 5 Days?

Weather is very varied on this trek, because it winds its way through wildly different terrain at different altitudes. The only place where the weather is a serious concern is the Salkantay Pass and the nearby areas. Temperatures here, and at the nearby Soraypampa campsite, can fall below freezing. The other camps are much warmer, due to their proximity to the cloud forest.

How difficult is the Salkantay trek 5 Days?

On our tours, the Salkantay trek is easy. It is not a difficult trek in the Cusco area, although it is a route of ascents and descents, it implies some physical effort, for that our guides will be there to assist you.

Is the Salkantay trek closed?

Due to weather conditions, the Salkantay Trek is closed from January 31 to the end of February every year and we start again operation on the 01 or March, outside this date range, the hike is open and has the best conditions to enjoy it.

Can you do the Salkantay trek without a guide?

If it is possible if you have previous knowledge of the route and you can carry all your equipment; it can take you more time according to your physical condition; the most advisable is to do it with our experienced guides, besides we have exclusive camps, and you will only carry what you need.

Which is better Inca Trail or Salkantay trail?

The classic Inca trail hike, originally is part of the Inca Road system interconnecting the Inca Empire. This classic trek hike through diverse scenery. On the other hand, the Salkantay trek is more strenuous and famous for its mountain scenery.

Day 1: Cusco – Huchuyqosqo- Lamay – Machupicchu

First day of our unforgettable trekking, AITA PERU will pick you up at your hotel at 7:00 am in the morning, our private transport will take you to the shores of the crystal lagoon Qoriqocha (The golden lake) for one hour. From the most elevated section of the mountains we will begin this beautiful trek led by your professional trekking guide. During your journey we will appreciate wonderful landscapes and we will walk along an Inka trail, one of hundreds that existed during the Inkan era, this visible trail still leads directly to the palace of the Inka Wiracocha. After visiting this impressive structure, we will descend to the Andean village of Lamay where our tourist transport awaits to take us to Ollantaytambo train station. A remarkable train journey through the Andes will take you to Machupicchu town where you will spend the night.

Day 2: Machupicchu – Ollantaytambo- Cusco

Visiting Machupicchu early is a good idea, so you can enjoy this remarkable monument more peacefully. Machupicchu town is at 2000 meters above sea level where we will walk along a zigzagging road until 2440 meters above sea level where Machupicchu Inkan city is located. Accompanied by our professional tour guide you will start exploring such extraordinary Inkan city. In the afternoon you will return by train enjoying the beautiful landscape of wild forests and farming areas along the Urubamba river valley until you reach Ollantaytambo. From here our private transport will take you to your hotel in the city of Cusco.

Inclussions:

• – A pre tour meeting with one of our representatives to describe and receive instructions, at 18:00 hours, preferably 1 or 2 days before the start date of the tour (Must be confirmed at time of booking).
• – Transfers in Aita Peru’s tourist transport
• – Tourist train service from Ollantaytambo to Machupicchu town – Ollantaytambo
• – Admission ticket to Huchuyqosqo
• – Admission tickets to the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
• – Bus to descent from Machu Picchu complex to town where the train station is located
• – Professional bilingual tour guide for 2 days (Spanish and English).
• – One box Lunch
• – First aid kit and portable oxygen tank.

Exclussions:

• – Breakfast and Dinner on the first day and lunch and dinner on the last day.

WHAT TO BRING:

• – A backpack of 15 litres with rain cover.
• – Sufficient clothing for cold weather
• – Trekking shoes.
• – Sunscreen, insect repellent, antibacterial gel, canteen, and toilet roll.
• – Camera
• – Snack: chocolates, cereal bars, fruits and nuts. etc.
• – Original passport, original student card (if admitted).
• – Extra money in soles.

DAY 1: CUSCO – CACHORA- CAPULIYOC – CHIQUISQA- CAMPAMENTO SATA ROSA

We leave Cusco at 5:30 in the morning, we travel in our tourist transport for 4 hours until we reach San Pedro de Cachora place to stop for breakfast, after 30 more minutes of travel, we will arrive at HUANCACALLE (place of beginning of the walk). Once the walk begins in a few minutes we will arrive at the Capuliyoc viewpoint (3006 masl), from this place we can contemplate the valley of the Apurimac River and the mountains of Vilcabamba, most of them exceed 6000 meters. From this point, we will begin to descend through a landscape with little vegetation, as we go down the temperature increases as also increases the presence of mosquitoes, we will arrive for lunch at CHIQUISQA At 1880 masl (a small village with fresh water and can be buy mineral water). Another hour’s walk away is the Rosalina beach (1460 masl), where we will cross the Apurimac river and then start climbing up to SANTA ROSA (2000 meters above sea level) where we will spend the night.

DAY 2: CAMPAMENTO SANTA ROSA – MARANPATA – CHOQUEQUIRAO

After a consistent breakfast prepared by our Andean chef, today we will begin to walk uphill until we reach MARANPATA (2842 masl), passing the challenging stretch of the 18 curves. After a short and well-deserved rest, we will head towards the Inca city of CHOQUEQUIRAO. Along the way the vegetation will change from a dry forest to a subtropical mountain forest, the temperature is already cooler, we will already see Inca terraces very close to the cliffs and we will arrive at the CHOQUEQUIRAO camp for lunch. After lunch we will go to explore the city of Choquequirao throughout the afternoon. We will visit the royal palace, the llama sector and we will also have the opportunity to experience the sunset in Choquequirao. We will return to the camp and spend the night.

DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO – SANTA ROSA – CHIQUISQA

After another night in the heart of the Andes, we will visit the CASA CAIDA DE AGUAS sector. Finally we will undertake our return. At noon we will have lunch at SANTA ROSA prepared by our swift Andean chef. In the afternoon we will continue descending to the ROSALINA beach, where we will cross the powerful APURIMAC river, and then start climbing until we reach the CHIQUISQA camp and spend our last night in the mountains.

DAY 4: CHIQUISQA – CAPULIYOC – CUSCO

We will walk the last leg of return. After a fortifying breakfast, very early we will start climbing the slope with the aim of reaching our final destination, CAPULIYOC, always enjoying the rocky landscape and dwarf forests. When we get to CAPULIYOC we will taste our last lunch and board our minibus to return, we will arrive approximately 4 in the afternoon to the city of CUSCO. END OF OUR TRIP.

INCLUSIONS:

• Pre tour Meeting, 1 or 2 days before starting the trip in our office at 4:00 pm (client chooses the day at the time of confirmation of the reservation)
• Transportation Cusco – Capuliyoc plus a round trip service.
• Professional bilingual guide throughout the trek.
• Specialist chef and kitchen team. The meal includes (3 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners).
• Mules service to carry the camping equipment, food and 6 kilos of luggage from our clients.
• Camping equipment (DOITE double tent, model Kailas 3, Doite model Himalaya and Eureka tents, inflatable Matra, dining tent with table and chairs).
• Admission tickets to the Inca city of CHOQUEQUIRAO.
• SWOT (Bags to pack the 6 kilos that the mules will carry for you).

EXCLUSIONS:

• The first breakfast and dinner on the last day
• Sleeping bag.
• Canes
• Mineral water (can be purchased on the way at rest sites).
• Horse saddle (if required, the cost of a saddle horse is USD 80

WHAT TO BRING

•  A personal backpack with rain cover.
•  Sleeping bag resistant to -10 ° C / 14 ° F.
•  Sufficient clothes for cold weather and warm weather (Since the weather can be cold and humid, therefore your wet clothes will not be able to dry from one day to the next).
•  Rain jacket, rain pants and rain poncho.
•  Trekking shoes.
•  Flips flops
•  Sunblock, insect repellent, alcohol gel, canteen, and toilet paper.
•  Photographic camera
•  Flashlight and extra batteries.
•  Snack: chocolates, cereal bars, jungle fruits and nuts. Etc.
•  Original passport, original student card (if admitted).
•  Extra money in Peruvian soles

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4.00 am and transfer by tourist transportation to the train station, reception in Aguas Calientes, bus up to inka citadel, tour guided during 02 hours approximately, then you will have free time to stay in Machupicchu, in the afternoon bus down to Aguas Calientes.  At 19.00 hours train back to Ollantaytambo , from here we will pick you up with bus and transfer to Cusco City, We will leave you  next to main square in Cusco City around 22.00  hours.

INCLUDED SERVICES

• Profesional tour guide
• Bus service up and down in Machupicchu
• Tourist transport services Cusco – Ollanta – Cusco
• Train ticket round trip (expedition or inka rail)
• Entry ticket to Machupicchu

Things to pack with you:

• Original passport
• Rain gear
• Personal bag pack
• Money in soles
• All the tickets that AITA PERU provides you.
• Sun glasses, insect repellent, sun screen.

Day 1: Journey Cusco  – Machupicchu Pueblo

 In the morning we will pick you at the hotel with our private transportation to take you to the train station. There we will take the train to the village of Machupicchu, known as “Aguas Calientes”. At our arrival we will go to our hotel to spend the night but before, during the evening, you will have the chance to visit the village’s hot springs or other places.

Day 2: Guided tour in Machupicchu – back to Cusco

 We will get up around5.00 am and at 6.00am we will take the bus to the inka citadel of Machupicchu, to be the first group to arrive at 06.20 and enjoy the sunrise up there. Our professional guide will show you the wonderful Machupicchu for 2 hours and later you will have some more time to explore the place on your own. We encourage you to visit Huaynapicchu, Inti Punku, the Templeof the Moon, and the mountain of Machupicchu. Depending on the train schedules w will take the bus back to the village on a specified time,and then we will take the train to the city of Cusco.