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.

Pack horse included!
***This price includes an extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos. We will provide you a duffel bag in which you can put your things.

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).

ZERO PLASTIC BOTTLES ON THE INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU 

Due to New goverment 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 dissapointment at the check points along the Inca Trail and in the Machu Picchu citadel.