Salkantay Trek 5/4n

This alternative Inca Trek takes you through the Andes on a journey with spectacular scenery where you reach Salkantay , the highest peak of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, part of the Peruvian Andes. It is located in the Cusco Region, about 60 km (40 mi) west-northwest of the city of Cusco. "the most spectacular peak of the region with great vertical relief, particularly above the low valleys to the north, which are tributaries of the Amazon River".The name Salkantay is from sallqa, a Quechua word meaning wild, uncivilized, savage, or invincible, and was recorded as early as 1583. The name is thus often translated as "Savage Mountain". Directly to the north of Salkantay lies Machu Picchu, which is at the end of a ridge that extends down from this mountain. Viewed from Machu Picchu's main sundial.

Day 1: Cusco (3,350m) - Mollepata (2,900m) - Markocasa - Soraypampa (3,850m)

An early rise at around 5am! We drive from Cusco by bus for approximately 4 hours to Mollepata – we can stop here for a short while and have breakfast in a restaurant if you desire (not included in cost). We drive a further 30 minutes to Markocasa from where our trek begins. Here we meet up with our wranglers and their horses. We commence walking for approximately 1 hour before reaching Cruzpata, from where we get our first view of the magnificent snow mountain of Humantay (5,917m). We pass many rivers continuing on our trek for about another 3 hours before reaching the small community and picturesque spot of Checchicancha. We stop here to take a break and have our lunch. In the afternoon we continue walking for about 3-4 hours to reach Soraypampa, which is nestled in-between the snow mountains. We camp here overnight. (L / D)

Day 2: Soraypampa – Chaullay (3,050m)

An early start to the day as we have a steep climb ahead of us. Our ascent takes around 3 hours until we reach the high pass at 4,800m near the magnificent glacier peaks of Salkantay (6,271m) and Humantay (6,100m). After admiring the beautiful landscape, we begin our descent to Wayracmachay (3,800m) where we have our lunch and a good rest. After lunch we continue walking for around 3-4 hours until we arrive at our campsite at Chaullay. (B / L / D)

Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa (2,200m)

We leave from Chaullay early as well, after our breakfast, and pass through Collcapampa. In this part of the trek we will walk on a narrow trail on the mountainside, finding some species of orchids and other kinds of native plants, and some cornfields and fruit fields. We have the opportunity to see the most beautiful waterfall on the trail. After walking for 5 hours we will reach La Playa. In the evening we have dinner at our campsite and rest up for the night. (B / L / D)

Day 4: Llactapata - Puente Ruinas

We will have breakfast at 6:30am and leave our campsite to head for Llactapata (3 hours of steady climbing). Llactapata is an incredible Inca fort from which we will see Machu Picchu! After taking some photos and having a rest we will continue walking dowhill for a further 2 hours, passing a variety of crop plantations such as coffee, coca, banana etc. until we reach the hydroelectric station. At about 4pm, we will go by train to Puentes Ruinas (near Aguas Calientes) where we will spend the night. In Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the hot springs in the town (entrance not included).

Alternative for Day 4 - please discuss with your guide
Early in the morning a taxi will take us to the Cola de Mono zip line. For those who do not want to take on the challenge of the zip line you have the option of taking a forest walk at Cola de Mono. After lunch in Santa Teresa, we will drive to the Hydroelectric Station. Here you have the chance to see a small but interesting Inca ruin then arrive at Aguas Calientes. En route you can look up and see Machu Picchu above you.

We will stay the night in Aguas Calientes and enjoy a celebratory dinner in a local restaurant. (B / L / D)

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu - Cusco

It is an early start to get to Machu Picchu to see the sun rise over this magnificent ancient city! We take the first bus up to the ruins of Machu Picchu and have a fully guided tour of around 2 hours. After the tour you have plenty of time to explore the citadel on your own, and climb Huayna Picchu or the Inca Bridge. Afterwards it is optional as to whether you walk down to the town of Aguas Calientes or take the bus back. In the afternoon we take the train back to Cusco/Ollantaytambo. If Ollantaytambo we transfer you back to Cusco in private transportation, dropping you at your hotel. (B)

What's included?
Professional, bilingual Tour Guide
Collection from hotel
Return transportation (bus to start of trail and tourist train back to Ollantaytambo)**
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
Dining tent with tables and chairs
Cook
2-people tents
Sleeping mattresses
Horseman and mules (they carry cooking and camping equipment and up to 8 kilos of tourist’s belongings)
1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Extra oxygen
First Aid kit
Vegetarian/special diet options available on request

**Train included in all tours is the backpacker train. Times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. We will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus).

What is not included?
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Last lunch
Entrance to hot springs

We recommend that you bring:
Original passport and Student card
Sleeping bag (can be hired from us)
Walking boots
Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Warm jacket
Hat and gloves
T-shirts
Comfortable trousers
Sun hat
Sun protection cream
Insect Repellent
Water
Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended)
Toiletries
Personal medication
Camera and films
Torch with spare batteries
Optional items to take:
Shorts
Walking stick
Plasters and bandages
Sandals
Extra money
Bathing suit for hot springs in Santa Teresa or/and in Aguas Calientes.

Prices Per Perosn: 2023

• 2 people :  US$750.00 per person
• 4 people :  US$700.00 per person
• 6 people :  US$650.00 per person
• DISCOUNTS
  18 to 25 years old: $30 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
  Under 18 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  Under 11 years old: $40 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  Group of 5 or more: $30 USD – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
  EXTRAS
  Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
  Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
  Walking Poles -$20 USD per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)
  Personal tent- $35 USD – (Tent is for single trekkers only)
  Vistadome Train Upgrade –$75 USD per person (Return Only)
  Huayna Picchu Mountain –$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  Machu Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
  Single supplement-$35 USD per night (for solo travellers with single room)
  **Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
  ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
  TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
  DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price!
  BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail
  OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
  EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be ridden if you get tired or sick
  PLASTIC RAIN poncho made by Inca Land Adventures is included.

• TIPS FOR OUR PORTERS
  IMPORTANT: Some of the reasons that our price may be higher than that of other agencies are the following:

  We ALWAYS book the maximum number of porters possible (according to Inca Trail regulations) so that our porters are not overloaded.

  Also, We are the only travel operator in Peru that supplies porters with proper tents, sleeping pads and adequate food for this type of activity.
  We always we take care our hosremans and horses during our alternative treks so tiping it will be the seim as for the porters

  Beware of this when booking they might be cheaper because of this!

  2 people (minimum group size) should have a maximum of 7 porters and 16 people (max group size) should have 22 porters.
  ** Tips for porters, cooks or guides are optional and are NOT included in our price. However our advice is that you tip our staff based on their performance, service and knowledge. Our guidelines for tipping our staff is the following:
  Each porter gets 100 Soles, each assistant cook 150 Soles, the Main Chef gets 300 Soles.make sure to tip more if your trip it is more than 5 days or if it is luxury treks
  Assistant Tour guides can be tipped collectively by the members of the group, we suggest a 5% of the total cost of the tour.
  Main guides are tipped on a one on one basis and based on their performance. Tour guides are professional people who spend a lot of time training in different other fields such archaelogy, history and WFA. We suggest people to consider tipping our guide a 10% to 15% of the value of your tour.
  Train included in all tours is the Expedition train (to Ollanta). Train times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. The earliest train you could take is the 2:55 PM and the 9:20 PM being the last train (high season June to September). We will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus).