Salkantay Trek Short Inca Trail 5/4

Description

Salkantay Trek Short Inca Trail 5/4

This unique Salkantay Trek Short Inca Trail 5D/4N and specially designed Wilderness Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, take you around the stunning spectacular peak of Mount Salkantay while trekking off the beaten track!
Salkantay Trek Short Inca Trail 5D/4N Explore the brilliant turquoise glacial Humantay Lake which is one of the most well-known lakes in Peru, Salkantay Trek Short Inca Trail 5D/4N as well as one of the top day trips from Cusco.Hike through the first section of the Classic Inca Trail in which you will visit some amazing Inca ruins like Paucarmarca and Patallacta.
Salkantay Trek Short Inca Trail 5D/4N Continue on your path to Machu Picchu, hiking the Short Inca Trail! Walk in the footsteps of the Inca through the Sun Gate to the New 7 Wonder of the world and UNESCO World Heritage Site: Machu Picchu!
Day 1 – CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE – SALKANTAY PAMPA – PAMPA JAPONESA
Your Andean mountain adventure begins at 4:30am when we pick you up from your hotel and drive in our private van for 3 hours to the Soraypampa trailhead. As we travel along curvy roads in the Andes, you will have views of the villages Iscuchaca and Limatambo, the surrounding valleys and the famous snow-capped Salkantay Mountain. At the Soraypampa trailhead, we have our delicious and hearty breakfast while enjoying the spectacular views of the Humantay Mountain (5,900m/ 19,356ft) and Salkantay Mountain (6,217m/ 20,396ft) glaciers.
After breakfast, you will give your duffel bags to our horsemen and begin your trekking adventure on the Salkantay trek by hiking up to Humantay Lake. This hike up takes about 1.5 hours and will take you to the base of Humantay Mountain, where you get to take in the beautiful, crystalline-blue waters of the Humantay Lake. Take some time to be mesmerized by the beauty of such an incredible creation of nature, then hike back down to the starting point to continue with your trek to the place, where you will enjoy a hot lunch. The next part of your hike takes about 2 hours as you descend to Salkantaypampa at (3,900km/12,795ft) arriving at about 1 p.m. Salkantaypampa is located on the base of the Salkantay glacier mountain and has some incredible views of the Salkantay Mountain. After lunch, you will gradually hike uphill for around 3 hours to the campsite of Pampa Japonesa at 4,250m/13,943ft. Hot drinks and appetizers will be waiting for you and your tents will already be set up. After dinner, you get to sleep under the unforgettable star filled night sky at the base of the majestic Salkantay Mountain.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Walking distance: 14km
Trailhead elevation: 3,800m/12,467ft
Campsite elevation: 4,250m/13,943ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Day 2 – PAMPA JAPONESA – CONDOR PASS – INCA CANAL – PAUCCARCANCHA
Your guide will wake you with a hot mug of tea or coffee to enjoy in your sleeping bag before you get up for breakfast. Take your time today, stopping to enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding glacier peaks and mountains. From Pampa Japonesa, you will slowly ascend for the next 3 hours until reach the Inca Chiriaska, pass located at 5,100m/16,732 feet. Chiriaska means ‘getting cold’ in Quechua. This place is truly cold at most times of the year, but it has some of the best views of the Salkantay glacier peaks. After admiring the breathtaking scenery, you will get to enjoy a hot drink before continuing on your trek. The hike from the pass to Sisaypata, our lunch spot, will take around 3.5 hours, but it is all downhill. At Sisaypata, you will enjoy lunch as you take in the beauty of the Paltayoc peaks.
After lunch, we continue trekking for another 3 hours downhill to the campsite for the night at Paucarcancha at 3,770m/12,370ft. Your hot drinks and appetizers will be waiting for you once again and your tents will be set up and ready for you to settle in before dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
Walking distance: 18km
Highest point of the trail: 5100m/16,732ft
Campsite elevation: 3300m/10,827ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3- PAUCARCANCHA – LLACTAPATA – KM 82 – OLLANTAYTAMBO
After another hot mug of tea or coffee in your sleeping bag, followed by breakfast, you will visit the Inca archaeological site of Paucarcancha before continuing on with your trek. This day you get to trek on a section of the Classic Inca Trail which is still the original stone laid down hundreds of years ago. As you are trekking, you will be enthralled by the stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Plus, you will also get to experience a bit of the famous Inca Trail by visiting the Llactapata Inca archaeological site. This site is known for having been an Inca village characterized by its houses, water channels, and many farming terraces gently bordering the mountain side. From Llactapata, we will trek for about 1 hour and then stop for another hearty and delicious lunch. After lunch, you will hike for about another 2 hours until you reach Km 82 where you will meet up with our private van and be transferred to the town of Ollantaytambo. In Ollantaytambo, you will get to enjoy dinner and stay that evening in Ollantaytambo in anticipation of starting the Inca Trail the next morning.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Walking distance: 15km
Campsite elevation: 3300m/10,827ft
Trail end elevation: 2700m/8,858
Aguas Calientes elevation: 2000m/6560ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodations: 2* Veronica View or Tunupa Lodge
DAY 4: CUSCO – 104 kms – WIÑAYHUAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU
We start this exciting day early; your guide will leave the hotel with you at 5:30. When you arrive at the train station, your guide will give you your lunch to add to your daypack. Your train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10am and you will have just over an hour on the train to enjoy the scenery and have breakfast (not included), Your hotel can provide you a picnic breakfast to take with you or you can pack your own breakfast. You get off the train at the famous Km104, where your trek begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level). After crossing the Urubamba River on a picturesque foot bridge, you will show your passport at the checkpoint and visit your first Inca site nearby. The first hour and a half are a gentle upward climb. Along the way, you will stop at several outlooks where you have an expansive view of the Urubamba River. You also pass through several microclimates, including cloud forest, so be ready for damp or even rain at any season of the year. The next hour and a half are a slightly steeper uphill with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end of the hike! When you cross the bridge below the waterfall, be sure to take some time for photos and as you do you will find yourself gazing up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna! (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level) These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. Your guide will tell you all about the ruins, plus the incredible flora and fauna of this microclimate and answer any questions you have before the short 5-minute walk to your lunch spot.You have lunch at a covered shelter at the Wiñay Wayna campground, which is the last campground for those hiking the Classic Inca Trail. Nearby are outdoor sinks to wash your hands and also restrooms. Take your time enjoying your hearty, gourmet lunch and admiring the tropical flowers around the campground. Be sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book!

After lunch, you have a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, from which you have your first view of Machu Picchu! Though the hour-long walk is a gentle rolling up and down, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca. Once you reach the stairs you will know that you’re almost at the Sun Gate! As you turn the corner from the Sun Gate, you will enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. So, take some time to savor the moment and take photos. The last 60 minutes down from the Sun Gate provide many opportunities to take more photos of Machu Picchu from this unique vantage point. There are also a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so make sure to go slowly, enjoy your time walking in the footsteps of the Inca on the Inca Trail and ask your guide questions about these historical places on the last bit of your hike to Machu Picchu. Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site, “House of the Guardians”where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. You will arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots. Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into your hotel. Your will have a delicious dinner, then have time to walk around this picturesque little town, visit the hot springs or just go to your hotel to rest after such an exciting day.

Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Accommodation: 3* Hotel Ferre´ Machu Picchu
Difficulty: Moderate.
*** You will leave your duffel bag at the train station, to be sent directly to Aguas Calientes. You will pick it up at the train station before you check into your hotel.

Day 5 AGUAS CALIENTES- MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes about two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up Huayna Picchu will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs. The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.

Difficulty: Easy
Meal included: Breakfast
***IMPORTANT:

On the 2 day Inca Trail, we will be doing the circuit #3 and there is no way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu.
You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $70 USD.
Early trains can be organized by requested and it has to be done by booking time.
The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
Permit for the Inca Trail and entrance to Machu Picchu
English speaking, experienced, professional guide
Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
Round trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Expedition Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to KM104 and Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo Station
Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
Celebration dinner at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
Hotel in Ollantaytambo & Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom (This applies ONLY if you are choosen the price which includes hotels)
Mules and horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. A duffel to carry 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bag etc.
Provision of an extra horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
Pillow and comfortable foam mattress.
Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
Hiking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (professional poles that can be extended)
Personal tent: US$30 – (Tent for single travelers only)
Vistadome Train Upgrade – US$70 per person (Return Only)
Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$75 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of Inca land adventures
**Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does 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.
**Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does 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.

**Pricing Per Person 2024
1 people US$1550.00 per person
2 people US$1100 per person
3 people US$1050 per person
4 people US$1000 per person
5 people US$950 per person
6 people US$900 per person
7+ people US$850 per person.

What’s Included?

Included Services:

Experienced Guides: Our guides at Inca Land Adventures are seasoned professionals who have studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They possess a deep knowledge of the region and are dedicated to sharing their heritage with you. Combining professionalism with a friendly demeanor, they ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey.

Permits and Machu Picchu Access: To trek the Inca Trail, you need permits obtained only through licensed operators like Inca Land Adventures. Shared Group Inca Trail Trek 4d/3nUpon receiving your details and deposit, we secure your permits, which include entry to Machu Picchu. These permits are non-transferable once confirmed, although passport number updates are possible.

Pre-Trek Briefing: The evening before your adventure, join us at our office for a comprehensive briefing with your guide and fellow trekkers. Here, you’ll receive your duffel bag, which our porters will transport while you hike. Remember, pack efficiently, as the duffel should weigh no more than 7kg/14 lbs and include essential items like your sleeping bag and air mattress.

Personal Porter: We provide a dedicated porter to carry your duffel bag throughout the trek, ensuring your comfort without any additional charges. Your duffel bag will be accessible only at the evening campsite and should adhere to weight restrictions.

Environmentally Conscious Porters: Our porter team at Inca Land Adventures is known for their dedication and hard work. Adhering to strict weight limits, they handle all camping equipment and food, while also assisting with camp setup and breakdown. We prioritize the well-being of our porters, ensuring fair treatment and supporting their families through various social initiatives.

Culinary Delights: Indulge in the culinary creations of our talented chefs, who craft delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From nutritious soups to hearty mains and delectable desserts, every dish is prepared with care. We accommodate dietary restrictions to ensure everyone enjoys their meals.

Hydration Support: Stay hydrated during your trek with our provided clean water at each meal. We prioritize your well-being by filtering and cooling the water to combat altitude effects. Remember to bring enough water for the first morning of the trail.

Quality Equipment: Inca Land Adventures utilizes top-tier equipment, including sturdy tents and dining facilities for your comfort. Each client receives a pillow and foam sleeping pad, while dining equipment and other essentials are provided.

Hotel-to-Hotel Service: Enjoy hassle-free transportation from your hotel to the starting point of your trek and back. Our comfortable vans ensure a smooth journey, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead.

Transportation and Train Service: Your trek logistics include bus tickets to Machu Picchu, as well as a tourist-class train journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. For those seeking upgraded amenities, we offer the option to upgrade to the Vista dome train for an additional fee.

First Aid and Safety: Your safety is paramount to us. Our guides undergo regular training by medical professionals and carry comprehensive first-aid kits and oxygen tanks. In case of emergencies, we ensure swift evacuation and medical attention.

Communication Facilities: Each guide is equipped with a satellite phone to address any emergencies beyond radio range. Additionally, clients can utilize these phones for non-emergency communication, providing peace of mind during the trek.

Additional Amenities: We pay attention to every detail to enhance your experience. From small comforts like pillows and rain ponchos to hot water bins for hygiene, we strive to create memorable journeys for our clients.

Taxes and Fees: Our pricing includes all taxes and permit fees, ensuring transparency with no hidden costs.

Inca Land Difference:

Ethical Treatment of Porters: At Inca Land Adventures, we prioritize the well-being of our porters, providing fair wages, essential gear, and support for their families. Our commitment extends to social initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life.

Promoting Equality: We champion diversity and inclusivity within our team, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds and genders. Our goal is to achieve gender parity, empowering women to excel in roles traditionally dominated by men.

Sustainability: Inca Land Adventures is dedicated to sustainable tourism practices, minimizing environmental impact and promoting responsible travel. We prioritize leaving no trace on our treks and support local communities through eco-friendly initiatives.

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 –$30 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)

Air Mattress –$25 USD per person per trek (Therma 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)

Vista dome 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 travelers 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– included in the trekking price!

BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail

OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek

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. Shared Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n

We always we take care our horseman’s and horses during our alternative treks so tipping it will be the seem 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 are the following: Shared Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n

Each porter gets 100 Soles, each assistant cooks 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 Shared Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n.

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 archaeology, 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 Ollantaytambo). Train times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. The earliest train you could take is the 2:55 PM  or 15:20 pmand the 08:30 PM being the last train (high season June to September). We will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus).

ZERO PLASTIC BOTTLES ON THE INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU

Due to New government regulations for the Inca Trail, it will be 100% PROHIBITED to TAKE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES. We believe that in the first days the new enforced regulations may NOT be 100% controlled however as the days go it will be more and more strict therefore, WE KINDLY suggest you getting your aluminum plastic bottles to avoid any disappointment at the check points along the Inca Trail and in the Machu Picchu citadel.

Inca trail trek 4d3n shared service to avoid using single-use plastic on the Inca Trail or any other hiking adventure, you can follow these environmentally friendly practices:

Water Bottles: Bring a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder. You can refill it at water stations along the trail or use water purification methods such as water filters or water purification tablets.

Inca trail trek 4d3n shared service Food Containers: Carry reusable containers for your snacks and meals. Use lightweight, durable containers that can be washed and reused throughout the trip Inca trail trek 4d3n shared service.

Cloth Bags: Pack your items in cloth or reusable bags instead of plastic bags. These bags can be used to store snacks, carry trash, or separate wet items.

Personal Care Products: Use eco-friendly alternatives for personal care items such as biodegradable soap, shampoo bars, and toothpaste tablets. Avoid single-use travel-sized toiletries that come in plastic packaging.

Straws and Stirrers: Skip single-use plastic straws and stirrers altogether. If you prefer using a straw, consider bringing a reusable one made of stainless steel, bamboo, or silicone.

Wet Wipes: Instead of disposable wet wipes, carry a small pack of reusable cloth wipes or a microfiber towel that can be rinsed and reused.

Trash Management: Ensure you have a dedicated bag for collecting and carrying your trash. Properly dispose of it in designated waste bins at the campsites or bring it back with you and dispose of it responsibly.

Inform and Educate: Share your commitment to reducing plastic waste with fellow hikers and local guides. Encourage them to adopt eco-friendly practices as well.

Remember, the Inca Trail and other natural areas are fragile ecosystems, and it’s important to leave no trace behind. By minimizing plastic waste, you can help preserve the beauty of these destinations for future generations.

HEALTH CONCERNS.- You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first aid training. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.

You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. Inca Land Adventures will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.

If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs low.

If you experience issues while hiking and cannot continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.

GROUP TOURS.- Group tours are made up of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you agree that some people might be slower or faster than you are. Everyone can go at their own pace for the trek, and the guide will work with the group to spend time with everyone. Groups might request some modifications to the tour, and the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision for the group Shared Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n.

STRIKES.- Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains stopped. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date. Under these circumstances, tours might need to be canceled. But our operations department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.

LOST ITEMS.- You are responsible for your items throughout the Tour. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, your tents, restaurant, etc. Do not leave anything unintended during your hike. Other trekkers or teams might pick it up not knowing whose it is.

TRAVEL INSURANCE.- Travel insurance is inexpensive and strongly recommended. With trips being planned months ahead of time, you never can predict what could happen. Adventure travel includes more risk than the average trip. Insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made on this journey. We can help recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed Shared Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n.

WEATHER.- Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically, the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant Shared Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n.

Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold Shared Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n.

It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.

ALTITUDE.- As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so if you have more time to acclimate you won´t be bored Shared Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n.

With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office, and we will help you get to a doctor Shared Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n.

Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep Shared Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n.

Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation Shared Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude Shared Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n.

You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly and drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea. If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. Land Adventures guides are trained to help you get through it Shared Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n.

GETTING TO CUSCO.- The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.

The best way to get to Cusco is by air, and there are several options in airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land, and any acclimate weather will stop air traffic. Bus travel is always available, and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive Shared Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n.

MACHU PICCHU ENTRANCE TIMES.- Machu Picchu now has two different time windows of when you can visit: either morning or afternoon. Your entrance ticket will be for only one session, morning session, and when your time window is over, the Rangers will ask you to leave Shared Group Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n.

MORNING SESSION: 6AM – 12PM

AFTERNOON SESSION: 12PM – 5:30PM

** If you have tickets to hike either Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will have some extra time until 2:30PM.

If you would like to spend the whole day at Machu Picchu, we can add an afternoon session ticket to your booking for $75 per person Shared Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n.

Packing List

ESSENTIALS.-

Passport

Vali, STUDENT 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 Camelbacks is encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.

Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

FOR YOUR DUFFEL.- Porters will carry up to 6 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 Shared Inca Trail Trek 4d/3n.

2-3 wicking t-shirts

2-3 hiking pants

4 sets of undergarments.

4 sets of hiking socks

1 Fleece

1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night

1 Rain jacket and pants

1 sun hat

1 wool hat

Headlamp: essential

Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)

Comfortable shoes for camp

Walking boots

Waterproof jacket/rain poncho

Quick dry towel. We provide small ones; you might enjoy something a little larger.

Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.

Battery Charger: There is no 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

The Local Payment (Payment of final Balance). – can be paid in cash and in US dollars or Peruvian soles (if paying in Soles it will be applied the exchange rate of the day).

Cancellations.- Deposit sent for is Non-Refundable nor transferable to any other date, person or tour (According to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Regulations).

Inca Land Adventures must be notified of any changes or cancellations to your trip as soon as you are aware of them, via e-mail so that we do not incur expenses not covered by deposit.

Once final balance has been paid, we will not be able to refund your trek payment in the case of cancellations. There will, however, be parts of your trip that you are able to use (Machu Picchu entrance fee, 1 train ticket, 1 bus ticket).

A claim letter for your insurance company can also be provided by us upon request.

Porter service hired can Not be cancelled (a fee is paid for booking this service).

Send us your main Departure date and back up date: By providing us with a main date and a backup date for your trek (classic Inca Trail, Lares, Salkantay, etc) you automatically authorize Llama Path to use either of these dates for your reservation. Llama Path within the next 48 hours (after you have sent us your booking form and confirm deposit was made) will send you an electronic receipt confirming your trek has been officially booked and also to confirm the exact departure date of your trek.

Sending your Personal Details for Booking: Your passport number and other information must be valid. Please advise if you change your passport number after booking the tour (especially for booking the classic Inca Trail as if we do not make a change in your official details, you may not be permitted to do the trek). Please Note changing passports’ numbers requires an extra fee (we are able to change passports numbers easily on our receipt but it’s also extremely important that we make the changes with the Inca Trail authorities) and please is important that the information that you send need to be exactly as appear in your passport.