Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu

Salkantay Trek is a passionate team of travel specialists who boast a reputation for delivering premium travel experiences to places like Salkantay Mountain, the Inca Trail, Choquequirao, Huchuy Qosqo, the Lares Trek, and Rainbow Mountain

Transcript

1. T H E C L A S S I C SALKANTAY TREK T O M A C H U P I C C H U 5 D A Y S | 4 N I G H T S
2. The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an alterna ve to the Inca Trail. It is considered by most to be the best alterna ve route. We think it’s the best route! Not only because of the rampant beauty you will encounter, but also because of the lack of people. Because it is more rugged and remote, the Salkantay Trek is significantly less populated than the Inca Trail. With formidable views and awe-inspiring vistas, this path less traveled has an unquan fiable value. It is truly, as deemed by the Inca, sacred. Our five day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is perfect for adventurers who are looking to experience Peru’s ever- changing landscapes. Day by day you will travel through changing ecosystems and scenery: from sweeping, magical landscapes and snowy mountains to a tropical jungle paradise. Along the way, you will see a wide variety of wildlife, medicinal plants, and flower varie es. Witness, with your own eyes, a living, and ancient, culture in remote villages hardly ever visited by foreigners! We will be hiking through the Cordillera Vilcabamba. This is an impressive mountain range that runs for over 260 km. The snow-capped mountain, Salkantay (or Salcantay), rises to 6271 MASL (20574 FASL) in height. Salkantay’s prominent peak is located less than fi y miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south-central Peru. It is viewed as a sacred mountain by many locals and has been climbed by professional mountaineers since 1952. Due to her high al tude and steep slopes, you will need a reasonable level of fitness to complete the Salkantay Trek. But age shouldn't be a barrier! The most important thing is to be well-acclima zed to the al tude. The highest point you will reach on the trek is (4, 650 MASL – 15092 FASL). We recommend at least two days of acclima za on before your journey. This is an ideal me for visi ng the city of Cusco, its nearby Inca ruins, and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. DESCRIPTION HOME MAP FULL ITINERARY INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED BEFORE YOU GO ACCOMMODATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
3. DAY 1 Cusco Mollepata Challacancha Humantay Lake Soraypampa DAY 2 Soraypampa Salkantay Pass Huayracmachay Chaullay DAY 3 Chaullay Collpapampa La Playa Lucmabamba DAY 4 Lucmabamba Llactapata Hidroelectrica Aguas Calientes DAY 5 Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu DAY BY DAY Hike to the Jewel in the Mountains The Stunning Salkantay Pass and Descent to the Jungle Jungle Adventure and Coffee Experience The Day of Incan Ruins and Your First Glance of Machu Picchu Tour of the Incredible Incan Fortress: Machu Picchu HOME MAP FULL ITINERARY INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED BEFORE YOU GO ACCOMMODATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
4. SALKANTAY SKY CAMP “IMPRESSIVE PARADISE IN THE MOUNTAINS” Salkantay Sky Camp Jungle Domes Andean Huts MACHU PICCHU 2400 mt. | 7872 ft. HIDROELECTRICA 1771 mt. | 5809 ft. CUSCO 3370 mt. | 11021 ft. MOLLEPATA TOWN 2857 mt. | 9371 ft. SAYLLAPATA 3550 mt. | 11646 ft. CHALLACANCHA 3651 mt. | 11979 ft. CANAL INCA 3750 mt. | 12303 ft. SALKANTAYPAMPA 4154 mt. | 13625 ft. HUMANTAY MOUNTAIN 5,950 m. | 19,521 ft. SUYROQOCHA 4491 mt. | 14730 ft. WAYRACMACHAY 3906 mt. | 12812 ft. AGUAS CALIENTES (Standard hostel) 1900 mt. | 6232 ft. OLLANTAYTAMBO 2750 mt. | 8950 ft. SALKANTAY PASS 4638 mt. | 15213 ft. LIMA CUSCO “THE TRAIL OF THE 7 SNAKES” SALKANTAY LAKE THE SAVAGE MOUNTAIN TREK TO MACHU PICCHU Lake Pass Railroad Vehicle Transportation Bus Lunch & rest area Standard Hostel Train Archaeological site Hot springs LEGEND N SORAYPAMPA 3869 mt. | 12690 ft. HUMANTAY LAKE 4221 mt. | 13845 ft. SALKANTAY MOUNTAIN 6,264 m. | 20,550 ft. ANDENES 3489 mt. | 11447 ft. CHAULLAY 2870 mt. | 9414 ft. LORETA 2166 mt. | 7104 ft. PLAYA SAHUAYACCO 2064 mt. | 6771 ft. LUCMABAMBA 2017 mt. | 6616 ft. LLACTAPATA 2736 mt. | 8974 ft. AOBAMBA 1785 mt. | 5856 ft. H “COFFEE & EXPERIENCES” INCA STARBUCKS COCALMAYO HOT SPRINGS 1600 mt. | 5249 ft. ANDEAN HUTS SALKANTAY TREK JUNGLE DOMES “PARADISE ON THE EARTH” Electric power Shower Treks & Expeditions Specialists TREKKING H HOME MAP FULL ITINERARY INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED BEFORE YOU GO ACCOMMODATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
5. FULL ITINERARY Salkantay Trek Classic 5 Days
6. Visit to the Humantay Lake nestled at the base of Apu Humantay mountain. Take in your first views of the enigma c Apu Salkantay. Spend the night in our exclusive glass-topped Sky Camp while gazing at the stars from the comfort of your bed. Lake HUMANTAY DAY 1 F E A T U R E D D E S T I N A T I O N O F T H E D A Y
7. e start the day by picking you up Wfrom your hotel at approximately 04:00 AM. A er the first two hours of driving, we will stop in a small town called Mollepata for a quick op onal breakfast. Then, we will con nue for another hour to Challacancha, the star ng point of our trek. As we drive, and as the sun begins to peek over the mountains, the white, snow-capped peaks of Apus Salkantay and Humantay, two colossal gods of the Incas, will start to materialize. A er arriving at Challacancha we will meet our support staff. The support staff consists of a head chef, a sous chef, and horseback riders. Day to day, they will strap all the luggage and equipment to mules and ride ahead of us to set up camp and prepare the food. At around 09:30 AM, we will begin trekking to Soraypampa (3850 MASL – 12631 FASL), the first campsite on our journey at the base of the Humantay and Salkantay Mountain. Besides, at the very beginning, the first sec on of the path is rela vely flat and snakes through a deep glacial valley. Much of the trail follows a restored Incan aqueduct, which s ll supplies water to farmers in the lower valleys. For the next three hours, we will travel 7 km (4.35 miles) to Soraypampa, where we will have our lunch at the base camp of Salkantay. A er lunch and a short rest, we do the climb up to the unforge able Humantay Lake (4200 MASL – 13779 ). This is a 5 km (3.1miles) round-trip hike, which will take a total of 3 hours. Humantay Lake is one of the most beau ful loca ons in all the Andes with unbelievably blue-green water, which reflects the mountain glacier of Apu Humantay. It’s truly like something out of a fairy tale! A er we enjoy dinner back at camp, the background of the valley at sunset creates the most peaceful scene with an energy that can only be felt and not described!, Because Soraypampa, is located far from the hustle and bustle of any city lights, at night the pitch-black sky lights up with thousands of stars, constella ons, and comets. As you lay in bed, gazing at the expanse that is unfolding before you, you will be overcome by feelings of peace and tranquility as you are humbled by the glory of all the beauty that has been created for us to enjoy. Hike to the Jewel in the Mountains Cusco Mollepata Challacancha Soraypampa Humantay Lake THE CLASSIC SALKANTAY T R E K T O M A C H U P I C C H U 5 DAYS 4 N I G H T S Meals: Lunch and Dinner Accommoda on: Sky Camp Difficulty: Moderate Walking Distance: 7.45 miles Highest Eleva on: 4600 m / 15091 Campsite Eleva on: 3920 m / 12861 DAY 1 HOME MAP FULL ITINERARY INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED BEFORE YOU GO ACCOMMODATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
8. Hike along the winding Salkantay trail with the mountain’s tallest peak in front of your eyes all morning! Around midday, you will be standing in the middle of the Andes mountain range! We make our way into the incredible cloud forest and tropical jungle around Chaullay. Spend the night in our exclusive Andean Huts. Pass SALKANTAY DAY 2 F E A T U R E D D E S T I N A T I O N O F T H E D A Y
9. er an early wake-up with the first Adaylight at 05:30 AM and a quick but energizing breakfast, we will start trekking up to the highest point of the trail: the Salkantay Pass (4650 MASL – 15255 FASL). The distance is a 7 km (4.34 miles) of difficult ascent in 3 hours between the rocky valley base and the magnificent Salkantay Mountain (6271 MASL– 20574 FASL). When we reach the top of the pass, we will appreciate the spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the imposing snowy peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay and Pumasillo mountains. Salkantay Mountain is the second highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the Inca gods called “Apu”. Con nuing from this climax of today’s trek, there is a 5 km (3.1 mile) downhill walk to the site for lunch. The walk downwards is on a serpent-shaped, rocky, gravel path which leads to the Huayracmachay lunch campsite. To rest on the way down, there is a perfect valley outlook that is absolutely stunning! In the a ernoon a er our meal, we will enter the upper part of the Amazon jungle, which is also called “the cloud forest”. This is a 10 km (6.2 mile) hike completed in 3 hours on a wide trail in the thick and magical tropical forest. During this part of the trek, you will no ce a drama c change in landscape and the earth’s energy as we move from Andes to Amazon! This hike is truly beau ful; the hills are decorated with colorful scenery, wildlife, and na ve plants. The forests are warm and tropical most of the year with temperate climates. At the end of this outstanding hike, we arrive at Chaullay Village (2900 MASL – 9514 FASL) for a much-deserved reward of rest from our long day of trekking! This is our base camp in the jungle as we con nue to make our way to Machu Picchu. The Stunning Salkantay Pass and Descent to the Jungle Soraypampa Salkantaypampa Salkantay Pass Huayracmachay Chaullay Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommoda on: Andean Huts Difficulty: Challenging Walking Distance: 13.7 miles Highest Eleva on: 4650 m / 15255 Campsite Eleva on: 2750 m / 9022 DAY 2 THE CLASSIC SALKANTAY T R E K T O M A C H U P I C C H U 5 DAYS 4 N I G H T S HOME MAP FULL ITINERARY INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED BEFORE YOU GO ACCOMMODATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
10. Enjoy a serene and empty trail and appreciate landscape, scenery, and wildlife, including the roaring river below us in the valley us for much of the day. While trekking through the luscious jungle, you will find countless wild fruits such as banana, avocado, passion fruit, and granadilla. Have a comfortable night in our private camp - Jungle Domes in Lucmabamba. Experience COFFEE DAY 3 F E A T U R E D D E S T I N A T I O N O F T H E D A Y
11. t 06:00 am, we will start our trek to the Asmall town of La Playa through the Santa Teresa valley. You will be able to soak up this new, lush landscape during our 6 hours of hiking today! During the hike we will see rivers, waterfalls, wild orchids, and planta ons of coffee, banana, and avocado. You can taste the famous passion fruit and granadilla fruit along the way! We will see a village called Colpapampa, also called the “brow of the cloud forest,” where waterfalls, birds, hot springs, fruit-bearing trees, and flora and fauna can be observed. If we are lucky, we will even be able to see the beau ful bird called “The Cock of the Rocks,” the na onal bird of Peru! A er a hearty lunch at La Playa, we will hike for approximately 1 hour to our base camp called Lucmabamba (2400 MASL – 7874 FASL). We will explore the tropical forest for a li le while and visit at an organic coffee farm. If you are a coffee lover, this will be especially heavenly for you – you can taste coffee freshly prepared by the local people! If not, you can s ll enjoy the decadent aroma of freshly roasted and ground coffee wa ing through the air! Coffee is the main farming industry of the local people here in the jungle, and they farm many acres of coffee to export to the USA, Asia, and Europe. Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia, but it wasn’t un l the Spanish invaded Cusco that it was brought to this region. We will also explore an orange planta on and an avocado planta on this a ernoon. Jungle Adventure and Coffee Experience Chaullay Collpapampa La Playa Lucmabamba Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommoda on: Jungle Domes Difficulty: Easy Walking Distance: 11.8 miles Highest Eleva on: 2750 m / 9022 Campsite Eleva on: 2400 m / 7874 DAY 3 THE CLASSIC SALKANTAY T R E K T O M A C H U P I C C H U 5 DAYS 4 N I G H T S HOME MAP FULL ITINERARY INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED BEFORE YOU GO ACCOMMODATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
12. We get to travel along part of the famous Inca Trail! On this path, we will come to the impressive archeological site of Llactapata right in front of its more well-known big brother, Machu Picchu. You will meet some of the na ve people who live their day-to-day lives in the area. Don’t forget to turn around and see Apu Salkantay again in the background before you look forward to have your first glance at the glorious Machu Picchu!. Archaeological Site LLACTAPATA DAY 4 F E A T U R E D D E S T I N A T I O N O F T H E D A Y
13. ike previous mornings, the chef of the Ltrek will wake you up early with a hot cup of coca tea served in your bed. You will get ready for today’s ac vi es while enjoying your last prepared breakfast by the talented trek chef. We will begin the hike early, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy a small part of the famous and highly-acclaimed Inca trail! A er a climb of 2 hours with amazing views of the Santa Teresa valley we will arrive at the Llactapata Inca site right in front of Machu Picchu. This will be the first archaeological site we will see of the mysterious Lost City of the Incas! It is a very special place to enjoy together and spend me learning a bit more about this land’s roots and history. We will be able to see not only the ruins of Machu Picchu from this spot, but also Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain. We will explore this Inca site with the guide, and he will con nue telling the history of the Incas who used and worshipped this land. Of course, you will have plenty of me to take as many photos as you want to capture these memories and share with your friends back home! A er the Llactapata ruins, we will con nue our trek with a 2-hour downhill hike. On this part of the trail, you are always able to view Machu Picchu un l we arrive at the Hidroelectrica train sta on to have lunch. One of the most impressive sites in this area is the 300-meter-tall natural waterfall which generates electricity for the en re region of Cusco! A er lunch, we will arrive at In watana, a famous ancient rock used as a sundial in the Incan era. According to history, In watana worked together with the famous sundial stone in the Machu Picchu site. The people used these two stones to measure and read the winter sols ce, which was the beginning of the new farming season for the Incas. A er passing this interes ng Inca site, we will reach train tracks which lead to the town of Aguas Calientes. Here you will have two op ons: 1) If you are exhausted, you may take the train to Aguas Calientes ($34.00 extra). 2) If you are s ll eager to hike, you may walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes for about 3 hours along the train track. Next to the tracks, there is a nice path we will through the warm paradise of the cloud forest. This is the same trail used by the American professor Hiram Bingham who rediscovered Machu Picchu a er centuries of it being lost to the outside world! Note: During the rainy season, the hike up the Llactapata Trail is not 100% guaranteed due to safety concerns. When heavy rains are frequent, this trail becomes very dangerous. The Day of Incan Ruins and Your First Glance of Machu Picchu Lucmabamba Llactapata Hidroelectrica Aguas Calientes Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommoda on: Comfortable Hostel Difficulty: Challenging Walking Distance: 13.7 miles Highest Eleva on: 2700 m / 8858 Campsite Eleva on: 2000 m / 6561 DAY 4 THE CLASSIC SALKANTAY T R E K T O M A C H U P I C C H U 5 DAYS 4 N I G H T S HOME MAP FULL ITINERARY INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED BEFORE YOU GO ACCOMMODATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
14. You will have plenty of me to explore this truly magnificent World Wonder while you enjoy the beau ful sunrise from this once-in-a-life me viewpoint. You can opt to climb Huayna Picchu or Machupicchu Mountain (if you have pre-booked ckets) or walk to the Sun Gate. Archaeological Site MACHU PICCHU DAY 5 F E A T U R E D D E S T I N A T I O N O F T H E D A Y
15. oday we arrive at the long-awaited finale Tof our trek, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Machu Picchu! We will wake up early a er a refreshing night at our hostel to beat the crowds to the top of Machu Picchu and enjoy its serenity in the so morning light. The Machu Picchu entrance check point is open from 06:00 AM un l 17:00 PM. We will hike up to Machupicchu (a bus ride is op onal for $12.00) and enter the hidden Royal Citadel of the Incas. Here we will have a 2-hour guided tour through this incredible ancient city to visit temples, terraces, palaces, priest’s houses, the sundial, the industrial sector, and the farming fields. Be amazed at the engineering ingenuity of the Incas which was so far ahead of their me and s ll par ally a mystery today! Without having modern tools or even steel and iron to work with, the people who built this city were genius in organizing this community in a sustainable and beau ful way on the side of a mountain, even bringing water in canals through its streets for the people to use. When a Peruvian guide showed this site to Hiram Bingham, it was almost unrecognizable, covered in thick vegeta on and in a state of disrepair. It has since been cleaned and restored and is now protected and treasured by the world at large! A er this tour, you are free to climb up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Be sure to book in advance to get ckets for these!). Each mountain takes approximately 3 hours to hike up and down. Another lower-impact op on for which you do not need an extra cket is to trek to the Sun Gate, the main entrance from the Inca Trail (this takes about 2 or 2.5 hours round- trip). Another op on is walking to see the Incan Bridge. You will be able to stay and enjoy this magical city for more than 7 hours before hiking back down to Aguas Calientes for the train ride between 01:37 PM and 06:20 PM (subject to availability) to Ollantaytambo. A private bus will pick up our group and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco at about 20:00 hrs. Rest your feet and your body now, but we can assure you your heart will s ll be soaring for weeks and years to come! Tour of the Incredible Incan Fortress: Machu Picchu Machu Picchu Meals: Breakfast Touring Level: Easy Hike Level: Strenuous Machu Picchu Eleva on: 2430 m / 7972 DAY 5 THE CLASSIC SALKANTAY T R E K T O M A C H U P I C C H U 5 DAYS 4 N I G H T S HOME MAP FULL ITINERARY INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED BEFORE YOU GO ACCOMMODATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
16. INCLUSIONS Included / Not Included
17. WHAT IS INCLUDED? Pre-departure briefing You will meet your trekking guide and group in our office for an orienta on before your trek. At this me, we will provide you with the duffle bags which will be carried by our horses. The mee ng will be at 5:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. Experienced Guide All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the Na onal University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. Our guides are chosen for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and a desire to share in the experience. They’ll make sure you are safe and happy. Camping Equipment Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (all carried by the horses). Medical Kit All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (al tude sickness, traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment. Customer Service 24/7 We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communica on and prepara on with the agency leading up to your trek. High Quality Service & Safety Accommoda on Personal Accommoda on in Private Campsites Like our ancestors, we are very considerate of the Pachamama (Mother Earth). Therefore, our campsites and lodges are adapted to the environment to avoid genera ng nega ve impacts. Hostel in Aguas Calientes The last night of this trek is spent in a hostel in Aguas Calientes with a double or triple room, private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, breakfast, and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu. Sky Camp Andean Huts Jungle Domes Meals Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets(Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost ), so let us know if you have any par cular restric ons on your reserva on form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addi on to hot drinks and snacks. Wake up tea Every morning at the campsite, you will wake up with a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day. Tea me daily Every a ernoon before dinner, the cooks will provide popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. A er a long day of hiking, you will not have to wait un l dinner to relax, warm-up, and enjoy a bite to eat! Snacks on the trail daily Every morning we’ll give you your snack to enjoy it during the walk; our tour leader will provide you a Cloth bag with local fruits, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc. We will give this snack to you at the beginning of each day in your cloth bag. One cloth snack bag per person To avoid the usage of plas c bags that contaminate our environment, we will give you a cloth bag for your snacks. Products for hygiene You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to clean your hands. HOME MAP FULL ITINERARY INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED BEFORE YOU GO ACCOMMODATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
18. Entrance Ticket for Salkantay Trek Entrance cket to Machu Picchu Archeological Site. Permits & Entrance Tickets Transport • Day 1: You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and will travel by private transporta on to Challacancha, the star ng point of the trek. • Day 5: Private transport from Ollantaytambo train sta on to your hotel in Cusco. Train Ticket Day 5: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Cargo Mules On days 1, 2, and 3, cargo mules carry all the camping equipment and your allowance of personal baggage (7 kgs/15.4 lbs). We believe that a en on to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your backpack on the road, and a rain poncho. Satellite phones Our main priority will always be the tranquillity of our clients. While all of our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps you feel more secure. Each Salkantay Trekking guides has a satellite phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to call anywhere in the world. You can also use it even if it’s not an emergency. EXTRAS included in our service. Transporta on & Tickets HOME MAP FULL ITINERARY INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED BEFORE YOU GO ACCOMMODATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
19. WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED? Rental All our travellers need a sleeping bag to camp and walking s cks (with rubber ps) are op onal, but highly recommended. If you do not have them, don’t worry, you can rent them with Salkantay Trekking: • Sleeping bag: US $ 25.00 • Walking poles (pair): US $ 25.00 Huayna Picchu You can climb the famous mountain that’s always seen in the photos, behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s 45 minutes uphill. Going down can be scary if you fear heights. You can take this excursion once your guided tour to Machu Picchu ends. The addi onal cost is US $ 30.00. The permit must be issued at least 1 month in advance due to high demand. To protect your integrity, there may be changes due to weather condi ons. Day 5: Last Lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes Personal clothing and gear Travel Insurance Tips for our staff Tips are usual on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our en re team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do. Typically, group par cipants collect their ps to hand out to the porters and chefs together. Addi onal costs or delays out of control of the management Landscape, bad weather condi on, i nerary modifica on due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, poli cal instability/strike, etc. HOME MAP FULL ITINERARY INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED BEFORE YOU GO ACCOMMODATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
20. BEFORE YOU GO Is it for me?
21. We want to make your trip to Peru as amazing and as easy as possible. On this sec on you will find speedy answers to all those ques ons you had about trekking Salkantay in one place. Please read carefully the following informa on – it will help you with any ques ons you may have about our services. Have another ques on that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line and we will get back to you asap! The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a great alterna ve for the Inca Trail trek and be er suited for more adventurous trekkers who are able to handle higher al tude and longer distances. Ascending to reach the famous Apacheta Pass at 4650 MASL - 15088 FASL is not too strenuous since it is at the beginning of the trek, neither is it very steep, but it does require stamina and a li le me in Cusco to acclima ze to the al tude before beginning the trek. It is very important to be well acclimated to the al tude before exer ng yourself on a trek. We do recommend that you arrive to Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek starts to help you become acclima zed and avoid possible problems with al tude sickness while on the trek. If you have already been in another area of Peru at high al tude before arriving in Cusco, we s ll recommend you have a complete day in Cusco to rest, recover from your travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before depar ng for the trek. Here some sugges ons for ac vi es to do in the Cusco vicinity before star ng your adventure trek: BEFORE YOU GO Is it for me? How many days do I need to acclimate in Cusco before the Trek? City Tour Sacred Valley Rainbow Mountain This mee ng will take place the night before the trek’s departure at 5 PM at our office which is located at Triunfo Street 392, Office 212 (second floor). We are 1 block from the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) of Cusco. 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 8% 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 ventas@salkantaytrekking.com 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 7 kg/15.4 lbs. Our horseman will carry your duffle bag for you together with the food and camping gear. It is important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag un l the end of each day as the horsemen and horses will always be ahead of the group. During the travel, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, raincoat, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually, a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient. Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both free of charge. The Briefing What about the balance? Daffle Bag for Salkantay Trek Classic 5 Days Can I store my luggage at your office? HOME MAP FULL ITINERARY INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED BEFORE YOU GO ACCOMMODATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
22. ACCOMMODATION Private & Exclusive Campsites
23. Our incredible Sky Camp is located in front of the impressive mountains Humantay and Salkantay. This campsite allows for the perfect union of sky and earth. It allows you to sleep calmly under a deep, blue sky starred with an excep onal view of the constella ons. At the same me, you can enjoy all the comforts of a first-class vaca on home. PRIVATE & EXCLUSIVE CAMPSITES Loca on: Soraypampa Al tude: 3900 mts. Igloos: 26 Capacity: 2 people per Igloo Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner SKY CAMP Like in the mes of our ancestors, our commitment is to our Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (Mountains). Our campsite ANDEAN HUTS is adapted to the natural environment without genera ng any audiovisual impact, constructed of the elements, surrounded by the mountains and rivers, and under the shine of the stars. Loca on: Chaullay Al tude: 2900 mts. Andean Huts: 20 Capacity: 2 people per Igloo Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner ANDEAN HUTS From the comfort of our domes, you can be in in mate contact with the surrounding nature, hearing the wind or the rain or gazing at the stars through the central dome from your comfortable bed. The conceptual design of our domes invites you to see one of the most beau ful landscapes in the world from your window. Loca on: Lucmabamba Al tude: 2000 mts. Igloos: 16 Capacity: 2 people per Igloo Meals: Breakfast, Dinner JUNGLE DOMES HOME MAP FULL ITINERARY INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED BEFORE YOU GO ACCOMMODATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
24. TERMS & CONDITIONS
25. TERMS AND CONDITIONS The terms and condi ons set out below in this document are mandatory and binding. They apply to all reserva ons and ac vi es made through our website, via email or face-to-face. The use of any of these channels implies the knowledge and acceptance of them. Acceptance and Knowledge of our Terms and Condi ons Modifica on of the terms of use Salkantay Trekking reserves the right to make modifica ons or updates to our terms of use at any me. It's the responsibility of the customers to review them. Reserva on confirma on Once the client sends his reserva on request, the confirma on to this will be subject to the payment support according to the request, detailing all the services included and not included. If no response from the client is received, the acceptance of our terms and condi ons will be assumed. In this sense, Salkantay Trekking is not responsible for any extraordinary situa on. Obliga ons of passengers established according to Policies of SALKANTAY TREKKING. Respond clearly and precisely to responses and requests, such as forms to be filled out by your assigned Experience Designer. Follow the instruc ons of the team en route. Compulsory a endance at the informa ve mee ngs, which are held prior to your tour, are essen al to begin the experience en route. Comply with all the obliga ons set forth in these Terms and Condi ons. Payment Policies We use PayPal so that you can make your deposit, which makes it easier to use a credit card. There's an 8% fee for using PayPal for interna onal transfers. We also use Western Union which have different rates. The amount of the deposit will depend on the type of i nerary that the client reserves, as shown below: Inca Trail: For Inca Trail packages we need a deposit of US $ 350.00 per person. Remember that these deposits are not refundable nor transferable to another person. There are no excep ons. For the treks: Salkantay, Lares, Huchuy Qosqo, Choquequirao, Inca Jungle, Ancascocha and Cachicata, and the tours that take more than 3 days, a deposit of US $ 250.00 per person will be made. Remember that these deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. There are no excep ons. Rainbow Mountain: For Rainbow Mountain packages we need a deposit of US $ 100.00 per person. Remember that these deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. There are no excep ons. Humantay Lagoon: For the day tour to Humantay Lagoon we need a deposit of US $ 100.00 per person. Remember that these deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. There are no excep ons. Sacred Valley: For Sacred Valley packages we need a deposit of US $ 50.00 per person. Remember that these deposits are not refundable nor transferable to another person. There are no excep ons. City Tour: For the half day tour in Cusco we need a deposit of US $ 25.00 per person. Remember that these deposits are not refundable nor transferable to another person. There are no excep ons. For groups greater than 08 people we accept bank transfers. If you want more informa on about this possibility, send us an email to info@salkantaytrekking.com Policies for payment methods in person Cash, Credit Card, Western Union, and PayPal will be accepted for final payments. No passenger can start their tour un l payment has been completed. Cash payments are due the day before your tour and can be made during the pre-briefing. We accept US dollars and soles (Peruvian currency) for cash payments. Ripped or torn bills, no ma er how small, will not be accepted. PayPal payments are due one week before the tour or trek departure. If the balance is not paid 2 days before the departure of the trip, the commission will be 10%. And not 8% All bank commissions will be covered by the client. For more informa on you can contact your assigned Experience Designer. HOME MAP FULL ITINERARY INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED BEFORE YOU GO ACCOMMODATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
26. Cancella on Policies Cancella on request The cancella on request must be made via email by the person who made the reserva on and paid the deposit to sales@salkantaytrekking.com Cancella on fees: Cancella ons made 30 days in advance have no addi onal charges except for excursions on the Inca Trail. If the client cancels between 10 and 30 days before their trip, they must pay 50% of the total cost of the trip. If the client cancels between 10 and 3 days before their trip, they must pay 80% of the total cost. If the client cancels 2 days or less before their trip, they must pay 100% of the total cost. In the rare event that a client decides to leave once the trek has started, no refund will be given. The client must also pay for the addi onal expenses incurred by her own decision such as food, accommoda on, and transporta on. If they wish, the client can join the group and par cipate in the Machu Picchu tour on the last day if they wish. If the client is unable to par cipate in the trek due to illness or physical problems, no refund will be given. The client must also pay for the addi onal expenses incurred such as food, accommoda on, and transporta on. If they wish, the client can join the group and par cipate in the Machu Picchu tour on the last day if they wish. In the event that a natural disaster or an act of God prevents a service from being completed, the client will receive a 50% refund, considering administra ve expenses. In the event that a natural disaster or act of God causes the change in the route of the walk, there'll be no refund. In considera on of the last pandemic that was experienced globally, we include that, in case the service is not performed due to a pandemic or act of God, no refund will be made, but an open cket will be given so that you can receive the service on another date subject to availability. For more informa on, check the following: Safe Experience Policies and Our Responsibility with Health and Safety. Failure to appear at the informa onal mee ngs will be considered a no show. Failure to appear on the assigned tour will be considered a no show. In no case will there be a refund op on. There'll be no refund in case of no show. Permits for the Inca Trail are processed with the name and passport number, in no case may they be transferable to another person. The change of dates is also not possible once the permit has been acquired. These are not refundable or transferable. Please note that this is a Peruvian government regula on and not Salkantay Trekking. In the extreme case that the Inca Trail is declared closed for security reasons, or causes it to escape our responsibility, Salkantay Trekking will replace your excursion with an alterna ve route. If you book the Inca Trail tour with a Student Card. During the walk the original must be carried along with the passport. The personnel of the Ministry of Culture will prohibit entrance if the student card is not shown, a situa on that will escape our responsibili es. Inca Trail Tour Modifica on policies To modify the date of the excursion, other than the Inca Trail, there's a fee of US $ 50.00 per person, if the modifica on occurs more than 30 days in advance. If the modifica on occurs between 21 and 30 days before the excursion, the rate is US $ 75.00 per person. If the modifica on occurs between 10 and 20 days before the excursion, the rate is US $ 100.00 per person. For modifica ons made with less than 10 days in advance, different rates will be applied that will be calculated at the me of making the change, according to availability and date. Modifica ons must be made for another group excursion with a minimum of 2 people. If a single traveler needs to change dates and there's no op on on the required date, the change will not be possible. Travel insurance We recommend travel insurance for all our clients. Coverage must include lost luggage, accidents, emergency air rescue, and trip cancella on. The trip cancella on insurance must reimburse non-recoverable air or land expenses if you cancel your trip due to a personal or family illness, as well as cover the expenses of medical evacua on if the situa on requires it. In the event of illness or injury in one of our circuits, we are trained to provide emergency first aid and organize transporta on to a suitable medical facility. However, we are not responsible for the cost of transporta on services or medical care. HOME MAP FULL ITINERARY INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED BEFORE YOU GO ACCOMMODATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
27. About the PASSPORT IN MACHU PICCHU, HUAYNA PICCHU, AND INCA TRAIL Once the tour reserva on is confirmed, we will send the informa on immediately to the Inca Trail reserva on office and the LLaqta Machu Picchu reserva on office so that the permits are issued and we guarantee the tour. The original passport must be carried for all services. Photocopies will not be accepted. The informa on that we will send to the reserva on office of the Llaqta Machu Picchu includes full name, passport number, na onality, gender, and age. This informa on cannot be modified. The only excep on is in the case of passport numbers that could be changed due to renewal. To renew passport it is suggested to also carry the old one. If the passport number changes between the reserva on and the start of the tour, both the old and new passports must be carried. If the passport informa on does not match the informa on provided to us above, you will not be able to start the tour. If the client does not report the existence of a new passport upon arriving in Cusco, it will not be the responsibility of Salkantay Trekking. Therefore: Salkantay Trekking should be informed of any medical problems or allergies that you may have. Good physical health is essen al. Otherwise, the client should consult a doctor. If you are over 70 years old, you must present a valid medical cer ficate that a ests to your health in condi ons of being able to travel. Policies for adventure travel It will be the complete responsibility of the client to assume the addi onal expenses that are generated such as transporta on, food, lodging, and other expenses when returning to the city of Cusco, or to the place of origin of the Tour. In none of the cases men oned, Salkantay Trekking will assume any responsibility for reimbursement or modifica on of the tour, considering that everything is organized and subject to government policies. 1 2 Force Majeure or Causes of God This includes any event that is outside the scope of Salkantay Trekking, such as threat of war, pandemic such as the Coronavirus, riots, civil strikes, terrorist ac vi es, industrial disputes, diseases, natural disasters, adverse weather condi ons, fires, or the like. In any of these cases, Salkantay Trekking will limit itself to the use of responsibili es and will not assume what does not correspond. Risks By booking any of our adventure trips (Salkantay, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Lares, Ausangate, Choquequirao, Rainbow Mountain, and more) the client assumes the risks associated with personal accidents, medical emergencies, problems with air travel, etc. Before any of these disagreements Salkantay Trekking is not responsible. The guide must be informed if you want to leave the group or the camping area to go hiking or sightseeing on your own. If you have any problems during the tour, you must no fy the guide immediately. All balances must be paid by cash, credit card, or PayPal. To receive a discount for being a student, the valid student card must be sent to Salkantay Trekking at the me of booking. This document must have a name, photo and valid expira on date. No card without expira on date will be accepted. You must carry the original student card for the excursion. Remember that you will not be allowed to go through the checkpoint without the original card. At the entrance control point to the Inca Trail, you will be asked to show the original passport (not a copy) with which the reserva on was made. If the reserva on was made with an expired passport that was later renewed, both must be carried, in this way the iden fica on will not be rejected. Cancella on Policies Adventure Travel The deposit is 100% NON-refundable (CHECK CANCELLATION POLICIES) Permits for the Inca Trail are issued with a name and cannot be transferred to anyone under any circumstances. Changing dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. The permits are not refundable or transferable. Please note that this is a regula on of the Government of Peru and not of Salkantay Trekking. HOME MAP FULL ITINERARY INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED BEFORE YOU GO ACCOMMODATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
28. HOME MAP FULL ITINERARY INCLUDED | NOT INCLUDED BEFORE YOU GO ACCOMMODATION TERMS & CONDITIONS All adventure treks include transporta on to Cusco. The return train will depend on availability. If the walk cannot con nue, due to illness or injury, one of our representa ves will accompany the affected person to a place where they can receive immediate assistance. Air transport by helicopter and medical assistance are the responsibility of the trekker. If you cannot complete the walk, you can join the group for the visit to Machu Picchu, only if you wish. Salkantay Trekking will take all possible precau ons to avoid accidents, illnesses and loss of personal property. For this reason, it only hires trained and qualified personnel. Salkantay Trekking is not responsible for unfavorable weather condi ons, natural catastrophes, pandemics, strikes, accidents, illnesses, injuries, loss of personal items, etc. It is the client's responsibility to carry insurance that covers this type of event. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen condi ons men oned above. In extreme cases when the Inca Trail is declared closed for security reasons, Salkantay Trekking may replace the excursion with an alterna ve excursion subject to availability. Right to use images The client accepts and grants Salkantay Trekking the right to use images, photos, and videos during the par cipa on in any of our packages for any type of adver sing, at no cost.
29. W W W . S A L K A N T A Y T R E K K I N G . C O M 24 HRS. EMERGENCY CALL: +51 958191179 [Opening hours – 9 am to 8 pm] Phone: +51 958191179 Email: sales@salkantaytrekking.com Skype: salkantay.trekking Mailing Address: Triunfo Street 392, office 212, 2nd floor - Main Square of Cusco