Travel Peru

 

 
PERU VACATIONS GUIDE - ALL TRAVEL PERU
COMPLETE TOURIST INFORMATION, CUSCO PERU TOURS AND HOTELS RESERVATIONS
OUR PURPOSE DEDICATED TO PROMOTE TRAVEL AND TOURISM TO MACHU PICCHU, CUSCO,
LIMA AND PERU
All our Tours can be Fully Customized

 

Salkantay 7 Days

 

Edition 2009

   
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Trip Report

 

Payments Online

PAYMENTS ONLINE
100 % Secure

 

 

SALKANTAY TO MACHU PICCHU 7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS

 

Itinerary Trek - Inclusions - Not Inclusions - Details - Price - Book Now

 

Day 1: CUSCO
Assistance at your arrival to Velazco Astete Airport (CUZ) and transfer to your Hotel after a quick tour of the beautiful Plaza De Armas. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 02 : CUSCO - MOLLEPATA - SORAYPAMPA (B)(L)(D)
We will leave from Cusco approximately between 4:30a.m. and 5:00a.m. A local bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level) where we will arrive approximately at 8:15 in the morning to have breakfast. During the trip we will have panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay, other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River. We will meet with our support staff, and they will load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 9:00 a.m., we will begin our walk toward Sayllapata (3200 meters above sea level). About 1:00p.m., we will have a Peruvian lunch. After lunch, we will continue hiking toward the Soraypampa villages (3850 meters above sea level). Around 5:30 in the afternoon we will arrive to our camp where the tents will be ready for you as well as your dinner.

Day 03 : SORAYPAMPA - CHALLWAY (B)(L)(D)
Today, nature will change drastically from dry sceneries to snowy peaks and tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, we will start the most difficult part of the trek. We will start the hike around 7:00 in the morning. We will hike to a place called Pampas Salkantay, then go toward the left side of the snowy peaks of Umantay located next to the Apu Salkantay. At midday, we will be on the highest point ( 4600 meters above sea level). We will appreciate spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay (6264 meters above sea level) which is known as the second highest point of the Cusco region. Around 1:00 p.m., we will have our lunch, in the area called Huayracmachay. After a trek of approximately 3 hours, we will arrive to our camp in Challway (2920 meters above sea level). Around 7:00p.m., we will recuperate from the trek and eat dinner.

Day 04 : CHALLWAY – LA PLAYA – SANTA TERESA (B)(L)(D)
Around 7:00a.m., we will start our trek. We will walk for about 6 hours toward Playa Sahuayaco and during this period; we will observe a town called Collpabamba, also called the “Forest Cloudy Brow” where waterfalls, thermal hot springs, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. If we are lucky, we will be able to observe the famous bird called the “Cock of the Rocks”. Once at Playa Sahuayaco, a private transfer will drive you to your campsite located at the hot springs of Santa Teresa (It is recommended to bring a bath suit.) Here you will eat dinner.

Day 05 : SANTA TERESA – LLACTAPATA – HYDROELECTRIC - AGUAS CALIENTES (B)(L)(D)
After an early breakfast, a private transfer will drive you to the LLactapata access. This is an hour ride. Once at the Llactapata entrance, you will start an ascent hike towards the ruins of Llactapata. On the way you will observe coffee plantations, beautiful landscapes as well as diverse flora and fauna. After three hours, you will arrive at Llactapata where you will have an amazing view of Machu Picchu. Here you will have time to rest and enjoy the scenery. A descending trail will take you to the Hydroelectric of Santa Teresa where you will eat lunch at a local restaurant. A local train will take you to Aguas Calientes in about 45 minutes. Upon arrival, you will be accommodated at the hostel or hotel of your choice (included on this package). You will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant at about 7:00p.m.

Day 06: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO (B)
Today, you will be able to choose between waking up at 5:30a.m. and walking up to Machu Picchu or taking a bus to Machu Picchu at 7:00a.m. In Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour for about two hours and after that you will be free to explore the Citadel and take pictures, or if you desire, ascent toward the Huaynapicchu Mountain. At 6:03p.m., you will be taking a train to Ollantaytambo and from there; a bus will drive you to your hotel in Cusco.

Day 07: CUSCO (B)
Morning transfer to the airport for the return flight to Lima. This marks the end of our services. Trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Lima or Cusco can be arranged.

(B)=Breakfast ; (L)=Lunch ; (D)=Dinner

Salkantay Trek

 

Salkantay to Machu Picchu

 

MACHU PICCHU

 
Included in the Package
- Transfers in/out Cusco
- Accommodation in Cusco (2 nights)
- Accommodation in Machu Picchu | Aguas Calientes (1 night)
- Salkantay Trek 4 days Package
- Weight Allowance: 8 Kilograms per trekker (weights to be carried by horses)
- Transportation to head of Salkantay trail.
- English/Spanish speaker professional guide
- Personal pad (double foam)
- Tents
- Cook and cooking equipment
- Horses (to carry the tents, toilet and cooking equipment)
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Guided visit to Machu Picchu.
- Bus ticket Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu (rt)
- Backpacker Train ticket hidroelectrica/aguas calientes/ollantaytambo (Vistadome upgrade available)
- Transfer Ollantaytambo train station to hotel
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (6B, 4L, 4D)
- Vegetarian food available on request with no extra charge.
- First Aid equipment

Note: Horses will carry the heavy gear; you will hike carrying only your personal pack, sleeping bag and pad.
If you are considering bringing some photography equipment or other heavy accessories, or just simply don't want to carry anything, please request an additional horse (US$ 95) to carry your personal belongings, this way you will freely enjoy the hike. (This is highly recommended if you have never hiked over 10000 feet). Cooks handle all the kitchen chores.


Not included:
. Personal trekking gear, sleeping bag, tips to guide and support staff, city services.
. Domestic air LIM/CUZ/LIM: around US$ 240 (subject to change)
. Single Tent supplement: US$ 25
. Sleeping bag (optional): US$ 25. All sleeping bags are laundered between each trek. Please request this rental well in advance.
. Airport departure taxes: US$ 6.05 for domestic flights in Peru, and US$ 30.25 for international departures.

† Vistadome train upgrade : USD 45.00


 
 

Package Details - Planning Your Trip to Peru

The high tourist season in Peru is between June and September (winter) with July and August being the busiest months. This is because these months coincides with summer holidays in Europe, North America, Canada etc. Book hotels or flights well in advance. This is also the dry season in the sierra and jungle regions (Cusco, Machu Picchu, Titicaca Lake, Puerto Maldonado, Amazon jungle) with days being typically sunny and warm with little chance of rain.

Because of the proximity to the equator and the high altitude, the sun is very intense, bring good sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses and a hat. Trekking in shorts and t-shirts is pretty comfortable, however the temperature can drastically drop when the sun goes down. Always have a sweater or jacket and long pants at hand. Temperature at nights can drop to below freezing (27°F/-3°C) in August.

The summer months in Peru from December to March, offer daytime temperatures to 85°F/30°C, milder nights (typically to 45°F/8°C) and plenty of rain. Waterproof clothing is highly recommended for this time of the year. Cusco gets kind of quieter during these months with hotel prices dropping a little although clubs like Mama Afrika or Mithology keep throwing parties every night.


Festivals you might want to attend while in Peru :
Peru celebrates some 3,000 festivals a year. Most of them are held in homage to a patron saint and are part of the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar adopted in colonial times, although they have blended with the magical beliefs of ancient forms of worship. The most important festivals in Peru are:

New Year / January 1st.
Feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria (Virgin of the Candles), Puno / February 2nd
Virgin of Chapi, Arequipa / May 1st
Anniversary of Cotahuasi, Arequipa / May 4th
Inti Raymi, Cusco / June 24th
Anniversary of Huaraz / July 25th
Independence Day July / 28th
Anniversary of the city of Arequipa / August 15th
Peruvian Pace Horse National Contest, Trujillo / September 29th.


Clothing:
The golden rules for your trip to Cusco are to travel light and to pack for a variety of conditions. Expect a wide range of temperature and precipitation, be prepared to deal with inclement weather, intense heat of the high altitude, cold Andean nights and humidity during the unique jungle transition area. We recommend to dress using several layers to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection rather than one thick and heavy jumper, this way you can add or remove a layer to remain comfortable as conditions change throughout the day. At all times, carry rain-gear in your day-pack.

Basic clothing list: underwear, thermal underwear (tops and bottoms), wool socks, lightweight hiking boots, sneakers for around camp, convertible hiking pants are useful, T-shirts, long-sleeved shirt, light rain gear (waterproof jacket or rain poncho), sun hat, bathing suit, gloves and ski-type hat.

Other Gear: Well broken-in trekking boots, Day pack, sleeping bag, water bottle, flashlight, sunglasses, sunscreen, personal toiletries, medicine/first aid, insect repellent. Sealable bags are essential. They will keep your t-shirts dry from moisture and will trap odors from your stinky socks at the end of the day. Your electronics should be in a sealable bag as well.

Optional: Walking sticks with rounded and rubber end, sewing kit, pocket knife, camera and film, binoculars, snacks and/or energy bars. Sleeping pad, tents, cooking equipment, water filter and communal camping gear will be provided.

Food during the Salkantay Trail
You will be surprised of the excellent high-energy meals served during the Salkantay Trek, this does not mean you should eat voraciously. Trekking at these altitude is very tricky and can affect your body in many ways, including your digestive system. We can provide vegetarian meals or cater for special diets at no extra cost. Please detail any dietary restrictions or requirements when making the Salkantay Reservation and review these with the operations staff during the trek orientation meeting. Strict diets that includes speciality items must be provided by you as some of these items are unavailable in South America.

A variety of freshly-prepared foods are served during the program. Breakfast will usually be a selection or all of the following: scrambled eggs, hotcakes, bread, butter, jam, coffee, hot chocolate, english-tea or a selection of herbal teas (mate de coca for sure). For lunch and dinner you will always have a bowl of soup followed by a main course (chicken, beef or fish with rice or pasta). A dessert and herbal drink will be provided.

Snacks: You will be given - a piece of fruit, a chocolate bar, biscuits, hot drinks, popcorn, bread and jam.

Know What You Are Buying
To reserve a space on the Salkantay Trek you don't need to wire money or pay other fees for transactions, the price you see published is the final price you will be paying. The fact that we offer online payments and have Visa, MasterCard and American Express authorization, our INRENA and Cusco Government Tour Operator Certifications gives you the guarantee of our seriousness.

One day prior to the trek, you will receive an important orientation meeting, we'll review trek arrangements, trail gear and packing tips, tipping and other cash needs, and trail documentation requirements. We collect any balance unpaid from you at this time in cash. Bills must be in good condition (no rips or missing corners please).

If you have last minute change of plans due to airline or bus delays, you must advise us immediately. Please contact us or our Cusco office directly for alternative arrangements.

In order to qualify for a student or child (15 years and younger) discount, we must receive a digital version (.jpg) of your ISIC STUDENT card.

The best way for us to receive your documentation is by email as a digital file attachment (.jpg).

Optional Extras / Add ons:
Hotels and airport transfers in Lima are available and can be easily arranged upon request. We are pleased to assist you with additional tour extensions prior to and following your tour.

Other Expenses
* When leaving Lima you will need to pay a $30.25 airport tax for the International flight and $6.05 for the domestic flight in cash at an airport counter.

* Tipping your guide and trek support staff is optional but customary. Bring along between US$25-$40 in local currency for this purpose.

Porters appreciate receiving donations of used clothing or toys that are in good condition, including children's clothes.

Note: We reserve the right to make changes where necessary for the safety and comfort of trek participants. Additional expenses caused by circumstances beyond the control of the operator will be the responsibility of the trek participant.

Social and Environmental Responsibility

At Inca Trail Reservations / Salkantay.org we firmly believe that responsible tourism is the only way of guaranteeing the sustainable development of this activity for present and future generations. We support the efforts of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary Authority (UGM) to protect the environment within the park by measures which include limiting the daily capacity of the route, and enforcing a policy of 100% carry in/carry out.

As a result of this belief ever since we started, we involved the local communities and worked with them as suppliers of goods and services, helping them by contributing with medicines, school materials and sanitary issues. Tied in with this, was our commitment to the environment trying to minimize footprint and respecting the traditional way of life of the peoples through whose territory we passed.

Annually review our quantifiable goals to reduce to the maximum possible levels the generation of solid waste, pollution of water courses, the risks of fire and the disturbance of wildlife caused by our activities, products and services.

Whenever possible, we hire local employees and suppliers, purchasing local and environmentally friendly products for our operations.

Preparation - How fit you need to be
To trek you do not need to be an Olympic athlete nor a mountaineer but it is important to be relatively fit and in good physical condition before you start the Salkantay Trek. A few weeks of training, prior to arriving in Peru, will enhance your experience.

Try to spend an hour a day on the road. Walk upstairs rather than taking the elevator, if possible, walk or cycle when you would normally drive or ride a bus, take the dog for a walk around the neighborhood. Better yet, go on hikes in your area. Plenty of cardiovascular training is essential.
Being able to run a few miles each day without issues is probably the best single physical activity you should consider. Spend time on the stepper; you will be glad later when you are literally climbing up and down thousands of ancient steps.

While you are training you can also be breaking in those new trekking boots that may otherwise give you blisters when hiking the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu.

High altitudes affect everybody in different ways, even a marathon runner may feel debilitated. When in Cusco, go visit some ruins in the surroundings, have a little jog, you will probably notice heavy breathing. This is due to the thin air at altitude, not your lack of fitness.

After a day or two of acclimatization, you'll learn how much food your body can handle in a day, whether coca tea helps, or if acetazolamide is appropriate. Once on the trail, take your time, catch your breath, the Salkantay trail is not a race nor a competition.

Special Prices 2009 Based in Double / Matrimonial Accommodation
(Reserve your Spaces in 2 Step)
We have availability all the Year

Type of
Service
Hotel
in Cusco
Hotel in
Aguas Calientes
Prices If you Need Some Question Before to Reserve Reserve Now
(2 Step)
First Class Novotel Machu Picchu Inn 580.00 USD Contact to Our
Sales Departaments
Cusco Book
Tourist Class Sueños del Inka La Cabaña 460.00 USD Contact to Our
Sales Departaments
Cusco Book
Backpacker Class Qori Ñusta Royal Inn Machu Picchu 400.00 USD Contact to Our
Sales Departaments
Cusco Book
 

 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

Salkantay 7 Days
Salkantay 5 Days
Salkantay 4 Days
Map of Salkantay
Salkantay FAQ

 

 

  

 

Cusco Tours

 

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

 

TESTIMONIALS 2009

Susan & Steve (USA)Dear, Jakeline
The time that spent in Peru was wonderfull, Your tours was fantastic and the guides was helpfull and very interesting in their explanations about the main atractives in Cusco and I learn a lot about the inca culture I hope return to Peru. We Reccommended your Company
Susan & Steve (USA)


Willian & Sam (Canada)Dear, Jakeline
The tours that offered me your company was very fine organizated and I enjoy every one, the transportation was very comfortable and your guides was very kind.
Garland Dovel (USA)
gdovel@hotmail.com 


Tammy and Family (USA)Hola Joao,
Como van ustedes? Ya hace casi um mes que yo regresé de mi tan soñada viaje hasta Machu Picchu y todo lo que está acerca. Un mes y aun que estoy facinado con todo lo que vi y aprendi por estes dias. Tengo muchos amigos que ya hicieran este camino pero hay muchos que ahora van a decear hacerlo certamente despues que yo hablé de todo, y también por dejarlos seguros de que todo sucederá excelente si contactaren a ustedes.
Bién, dejé en mi blog http://carbio.multiply.com un poco de mis experiencias por este camino sagrado que me gustaria mucho de volver, quiças el Camino Salcantay.
Saludos y Novamente, Muchas Gracias por todo!
Ricardo
ricardo.yoshimura@gmail.com


See more testimonials....
 
 

 

 

 

  Mail: sales@travel-peru.org - Web Consulting: webmaster@travel-peru.org
Copyright 2000 - 2009 All Rights Reserved
Office in Cusco: Portal Comercio 129 OF: 1 Main Square / PLAZA DE ARMAS
Telephone - +51 84 772974 - Emergency Phone +51 84 984710128
APUS WORLD PERU E.I.R.Ltda - 10 Years Building Your Travel Dreams

Trust to All Travel Peru