In this package enjoy one of best alternative treks to Machu Picchu through LLACTAPATA plus Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Do not miss this opportunity to enjoy an adventure of a lifetime!
Cusco with its special beauty and charm, is considered the archeological capital of South America. It has several archeological sites to explore, old majestic cathedrals, markets and lots of museums. The Sacred Valley is tucked under the tawny skirts of formidable foothills. The beautiful Río Urubamba Valley, has long been the home of attractive colonial towns and isolated weaving villages such Pisac and Moray historic sites. In Moray the unusual Inca ruins, consist of several enormous terraced circular depressions, used to create micro-climates with a sophisticated irrigation system and the Pre-Inca Salt Mines of Maras are a fascinating site to discover.
Conquer the exotic snow capped Salkantay Peak dubbed as the most spectacular peak in the Andes, as you walk in the shadows of this spectacular outstretched mountain, and visit two turquoise glacial lakes. You will hike through the puffs of cloud forests and be nurtured in mother natures warmth in the natural hot springs. Finally explore the forgotten Llactapata Inca Ruins and collect your front row tickets to Machu Picchu. Trek through the original Inca Trail to embrace your long awaited dream of seeing the sunset and sunrise over the majestic Machu Picchu. Take your time exploring the majestic Machu Picchu, the Inca ruins rich in history and feel the thriving culture of the people who once resided there.
Be greeted at the airport and transfered to your hotel. Receive a short briefing and the rest of the morning to acclimatize.
After lunch pick up will be at 1pm from your hotel for your city tour. Cusco is a great example of the mix of Andean and Spanish culture. The tour will start at Santo Domingo Church, which is built on the foundations of Koricancha, the main temple in Cusco for the worship of the Sun God, Inti. Travel outside of Cusco to the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Inca site located above Cusco. Later continue on to the Inca sites of Qenqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay. Return to your hotel in Cusco.
Pick up from your hotel at 7am and in our van travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, traveling to Pisac. We stop at the animal sanctuary and see many native animals to Peru, like the Condor, Llama, Alpaca and Puma. Next stop is the Taray Mirador and have the best views of the Urubamba Valley, the terraces and the river below. Later travel on the Pisac ruins and have a guided tour with your guide. See the cemetery with more than 2000 tombs. Admire the farming terraces that are carved into the mountainside. Spend around 2 hours exploring the ancient site.
After we have finished at the ruins, drive down to the colorful market of Pisac, do some shopping and travel to Urubamba for lunch. Our next stop is the Pre Inca Salt Mines at Maras. Travel further to the archeological site of Moray. If that wasnt enough culture we finish in the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. Explore the town and the archeological site for around 2 hours, take in the water fountains, the Sun Temple, the Incahuatana and the store houses. Later drive back to Cusco.
At 5am pick up from your hotel and drive in our private van for 3.5hours to Soraypampa. Along the way you can enjoy some spectacular views of villages, Iscuchaca, Limatambo, stunning valleys and the spectacular Salkantay snow-capped mountain. At the trail head (Soraypampa) eat breakfast while enjoying the exhilarating views of Humantay (5900m/19,356ft) and Salkantay (6217m/20,396ft) mountain glaciers. Puting on our comfortable shoes we take a 2.5 hour return hike up to see the turquoise Humantay Lake.
We continue with a gentle ascension for 1.5 hours to Salkantay Pampa where our trekking chefs have our delicious lunch waiting in front of the beautiful glacier. Next a one hour uphill by switchback we arrive at our first campsite at Soroccocha located at the foot of the great Salkantay Mountain. Replenish your body with a coffee or hot chocolate. The views on this day will be truly breathtaking.
After breakfast, a moderate climb for day 2, within an hour reach the highest point of the trek (4,650m/15,367ft). From here experience nature at it’s purest form, feeling at one with the massive snowcapped mountains, Salkantay (6,217m/20,717ft), Humantay, Huayanay and the diversion of white lively rivers, and small humble lakes. As a side line we take half an hour to enjoy the panoramic and truly exquisite turquoise Salkantay Lake. Continuing down to Rayanniyoc for lunch and toward our finish line for the day, we trek for 2 more hours to the small village of Colpapampa to spend the night.
This morning within 3 hours of walking, we are enjoying the beginning of the lush tropical rainforest, the bountiful fruit bearing trees, coffee and cacao trees, and the undulating fruit plantations with their flowering orchids and always plenty of birds to see. We arrive at Lucmabamaba for lunch with free time to rest.
After lunch, we have an incredible experience touring a coffee plantation adjacent to the campsite. Begin by browsing the fields, learning about the different types of beans and picking our own beans. It doesn’t end there. Engulfed in the fields of tomatoes and avocados are multiple ecosystems from beginning to end. We pick our fresh produce which our trekking chef will use for our dinner.
Then by 3pm, we will take the local transport for 30mins to the natural hot springs at Cocalmayo, where we bath in the natural resources mother earth provides us. Upon our return our trekking chef with be creating his specialty with our fresh produce from the day.
After a last delicious breakfast by our chef, continue along the ancient and remote Inca Trail for 3 hours uphill to the Puncuyoc Pass (2700m/8,858ft). Along the way marvel at the fantastic views and authenticity of these unique valleys and fruit plantations. Later we arrive to Llactapata Inca Ruins, located right in front of Machu Picchu where we enjoy the strategic view of the Citadel of Machu Picchu from far away and it’s surrounding mountains Huyana Picchu, Machu Picchu and the Aobamba Canyon.
Next descend for 2 hours to the Hydroelectric plant and have lunch. The last leg of the journey we will walk to Aguas Calientes through the National Park of Machu Picchu. Feel your adrenaline pumping as you come closer to the iconic Machu Picchu, the Inca Citadel.
Wake up early to a new day of adventure to the majestic Machu Picchu. Following in the ancient and remote footsteps of the of the Incas, listen carefully to the history without the crowds who arrive at midday. Afterwards, we return to Aguas Calientes, have a late lunch and take the 4:22pm Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo where we take our private van back to your hotel in Cusco arriving around 8pm.
After having breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your remaining time in Cusco city then in the afternoon we will drop off at the airport to take your plane back to Lima.
“This unique Salkantay Trek Tour to Machu Picchu can be done on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers”
This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs, for that we will provide you a duffle bag, in which you may put your things.
“Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and the trek to Machu Picchu”
You will be greeted at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to trek´s start. Look out for our representative holding an orange board of INCA TRAIL HIKE at the arrival terminal.
It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm at our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2and Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO.
Of course! During the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are for free.
FIRST, to book your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Package we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Package entrances and train tickets without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of info@incatrailhikeperu.com.
Unfortunately the answer is generally “No”. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. With alternative treks we may be able to change dates for a fee depending on what has been already purchased. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
If you cancel your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Package, the deposit is not refundable at all!
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check your passport when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter, Machu Picchu or get on the train. They are very strict about this here!!
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to forecast. BUT you will have many different seasons as you pass through the numerous microclimates and will depend on the location. We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack. Dressing in layers is very helpful!
In general if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you should be just fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
We offer Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our day tours on our Main Page.
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Usually our groups are between 2-6 persons. INCA TRAIL HIKE specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14p. Your team of porters will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.
The Salkantay Trail which is part of this package is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
It has been highlighted by most of our clients, especially by the female ones who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet!! INCA TRAIL HIKE toilet facilities have an individual tent and a “camping toilet with a seat.” Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
There are hot water pools to soak in and relax on the 3rd day of your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu natural hot springs at Cocalmayo. Be sure to bring your bathing suit.
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, INCA TRAIL HIKE will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to original plan.
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we wil pick you up there !
It will depend on the train availability (high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore you we usually book the train at 4:22pm.
You may upgrade to Vistadome train which has slightly nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered some snacks and a dance show will take place on board. The price is US$57 per person which includes the transfer from Poroy train station to your hotel in Cusco. It is 2 hours by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then another 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Cusco by bus. If you upgrade to Vistadome, all the way back to Poroy (Cusco), the trip lasts 3.5 hours, then 25mins by taxi to your hotel. Usually our clients are back at the hotel by 8pm. If you plan to take the bus to Puno on the same night, that is totally possible.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many INCA TRAIL HIKE destinations. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you feel it, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
Cusco
