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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
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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.
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