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Details of the trip
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Lake – Salkantaypampa
This incredible adventure begins at 5am, the guide will pick you up at the hotel and drive in our private van to Soraypampa, which takes 3.5 hours. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of villages of Iscuchaca and Limatambo, stunning valleys and snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay. At the trailhead (Soraypampa), we have breakfast and enjoy the amazing views of the glacial mountains Humantay (5,900m/19,356ft) and Salkantay (6,217m/20,396ft). Give your duffel bag to the horsemen, keeping only a small daypack for the trek ahead. We take a 2.5 hour roundtrip hike up to see the turquoise Humantay Lake and later, we gently ascend to Salkantaypampa, the camp for the night. Hot drinks and appetizers will be ready in camp and the tents will already be set up, so you can settle in before dinner. The views on this day are truly breathtaking!
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 13kms/8.1 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Pampajaponesa
The guide will wake you with a hot mug of tea or coffee to enjoy before breakfast. Today, we continue walking off the beaten track for about 3 hours uphill. Stop for another delicious and hearty lunch along the way. We continue the trek for 3 hours to reach our campsite, which is approximately 1km away from the mountain, Salkantay. On the way, enjoy the magnificent views of all the surrounding snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes and amazing valleys. Appetizers and drinks will be waiting at camp. The amazing views of Salkantay will be towering over as you have a rest before dinner.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 14kms/8.7 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 3: Pampajaponesa – Sisaypampa
This morning a hot drink will help you brave the cold morning and a hearty breakfast will get you ready for the trek ahead. The day begins with a slow uphill climb of approximately 4 hours to reach the Incachiriaska Pass at 4,880m/16,010ft. Incachiriaska is a Quechua word which translates to “the place where the Inca cools down.” Around this area lives the Andean Condor, the world’s largest flying bird. From here, the trail levels off downhill and we reach the campsite for the night at Sisaypampa.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Distance: 10kms/6.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Sisaypampa – Wayllabamba- Km82 – Ollantaytambo
After a delicious breakfast, we hike to a valley called Pampacahua. There, we find a Inca Canal that is still in full use by the local farming communities. At the end of the Pampa we will visit our first Inca archaeological site named Paucarcancha that. Afterwards, arrive at Wayllabamba for lunch. Later, walk 4 hours to KM 82. From there, take the private van to Ollantaytambo and get dropped off at the hotel. Later that evening, have dinner in Ollantaytambo.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner
- 2* Accommodation: Veronica View or Tunupa Lodge
- Distance: 9 kms/6 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 5: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 – WIÑAY WAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU
We start this exciting day early by leaving the hotel with your guide at 5:30am. On arrival at the train station, receive your lunch to put in your daypack. The train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10am onboard enjoy the passing scenery and maybe even have breakfast (not included).The hotel can provide a picnic breakfast to take on the train, if requested the day before.
Get off the train at the famous Km104, this is where the trek begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level). After crossing the Urubamba River on a picturesque foot bridge, show your passport at the checkpoint and visit the first Inca site nearby. The first hour and a half is a gentle upward climb. Along the way, stop at several outlooks and have an expansive view of the Urubamba River. Pass through several microclimates, including cloud forests, which can be damp or rainy at any season of the year. The next hour or so are a slightly steeper, a beautiful waterfall is your reward at the end!
When you cross the bridge below the waterfall, be sure to take some time for photos, from here you will find yourself gazing up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna! (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level) These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. As you are close to Machu Picchu, now we are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. The guide will an informative talk about the ruins and the incredible flora and fauna of this area, he will answer any questions before the short 5-minute walk to where we have lunch.
Take your time enjoying your hearty, gourmet lunch while admiring the tropical flowers around the campground. Be sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book!
Later take an hour-long walk on a gentle up and down path, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca, known as the Gringo Killers. After the stairs turn the corner and enjoy the first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Take the time to savor this moment and take many photos. The last 60 minutes walk from the Sun Gate provides many opportunities for more photos of Machu Picchu from these unique vantage points. Make sure to go slowly and enjoy the walk down to Machu Picchu, ask your guide questions about the historical places along the way to Machu Picchu.
Once you reach Machu Picchu, take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site (Guard House), where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. Arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in the shots. Take the time to enjoy this magical experience before taking the bus down to Aguas Calientes and checking into the hotel. Have a delicious dinner, later walk around this picturesque little town, visit the hot springs or just go to the hotel and rest after such an exciting day.
- Meals: Box Lunch, Dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
- 3* Accommodations: Hotel Ferre´ Machu Picchu
- Difficulty: Moderate
You will leave your duffel bag at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes.
DAY 6: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Today is the day, Machu Picchu! After an early breakfast at the hotel, take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you will want to miss! The guide will give a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes about two hours. See many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel.
When you have had enough of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on the train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
The Expedition Train will take you to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. See Wiñay Wayna from the train, look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station and drive back to the hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. Expect to arrive at the hotel by 7:00pm.
Note After the tour, for those who have booked in advance the extra hike up to Huayna Picchu Mountain, the hike up to Huayna Picchu will be done without a guide.
- Meals:Breakfast
***IMPORTANT:
- On the 2 day Inca Trail, we will be doing the circuit #3 and there is no way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu.
- An upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
- Early trains can be organized by request and bit it has to be done at booking time.
- The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Included
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel for free
- Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
- Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
- Entrance fee to the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Entry fee to Machu Picchu
- English speaking, experienced professional guide
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4 person tent)
- All camping equipment such as: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen tent and toilet tent
- All the gear for our porters and cook
- 3 Bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Expedition Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
- 3* Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
- Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kilos of your personal items such as extra clothes, you need to include the sleeping bag in the 7kgs, carried by our mules)
- Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
- Camping pillow and foam mattress
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary
- Boiled water for drinking and washing purpose
- Taxes
Not Included
- Sleeping bag 15°C –$20 USD
- Air Mattress –$20 USD
- Walking Poles -$15 USD
- Lunch on the last day
- Entry to Huayna Picchu –$75 USD
- Additional horse for extra personal luggage in addition of the one for personal item allowance
- Upgrade to Vistadome train – $67 (return only)
- Optional upgrade (train and hotel)
- Tips for the cook, horsemen and guide
EXTRAS:
- Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent- $30 USD – (Tent only for solo travelers)
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on availability)
- Hotel upgrade (price depends on category and availability)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade -$67 USD per person (Return Only)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
***Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
Price & Availability
The Salkantay & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on any date that its best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers and Inca Trail Permits for the 2 day Inca Trail.
*** This price includes the extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos except on the 2 day Inca Trail portion of the trek it is not possible (including the sleeping bag : 2kgs), we will provide you a duffel bag to put your belongings in.
***We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for each 2 trekkers.
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent –$30 USD – (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From $60 USD (depending on availability)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade -$67 USD per person (For the return to Cusco)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek
***Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
ADDED VALUE WITH SAM TRAVEL PERU
- EXTRA PACK HORSE: you will receive a small duffel bag at your trek briefing held the evening before you start the trek to pack your clothes and sleeping bag for 3-4 days. Your team of pack horses will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail
- BOILED WATER – for drinking included along the Inca Trail
- SMALL GROUPS – average group 4 to 6 with a maximum of 8 hikers
- FLUENT ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE
- DUFFEL BAG – for your belongings
- CAMPING PILLOW AND FOAM MATTRESS
WHY CHOOSE SAM TRAVEL PERU?
SAM Travel Peru is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. SAM Travel Peru is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
SAM Travel Peru knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create your adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on, TRIPADVISOR for yourself! Also we are highly recommended on Conde Nast Travelers, Lonely Planet and by many blogs like: Trek de Lares 4 hours, “It’s the journey, not the destination…”, Lares Pass – Day 3, Trekking in the Sacred Valley.
SMALL GROUPS
To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, we at SAM Travel Peru have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
OUR TOUR GUIDES
We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun loving, great sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.
OUR EQUIPMENT
Our team (guides, cooks and horsemen) and our equipment are what really makes SAM Travel Peru stand out from all of our competitors. For all our adventurous hikes, we include the following items:
- OUR TENTS: Enjoy a good night sleep in our 4 season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4 person tents, ONLY 2 will sleep in them, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- OUR FOAM MATS: They are included to separate and insulate you from the ground.
- AIR MATTRESSES can be rented for $20 USD.
- OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at meal times. This is a great time to sit back relax and catch up for a chat.
- OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining room includes tables and chairs with two doors on each side, adapting to the day’s weather.
- DUFFEL BAGS: Will be provided at briefing time the night before the trek.
- MORE: Pillows, backpack rain covers, survivor t-shirts, hot shower and bio chemical toilet are all provided on the trek.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
SAM Travel Peru have always believed that we should give back to the local isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.
SAM Travel Peru is so proud to be able to support these people, not only employing them but go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. It makes us happy to have this holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!
Important Info
Please read carefully the following information as it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be welcomed at the Cusco airport and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange SAM Travel Peru board at the arrival terminal. You must exit the terminal in order to find our representative (they cannot enter inside).
THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 207 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Inca Trail Tour 5 day, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please pack only what you will need for the 5 day trek!
HOW TO BOOK THE INCA TRAIL ?
FIRST, to book your Inca Trail Tour 5 day, 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 Inca Trail permit without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
*** Copies of each participant’s passport will be required at the time of booking.
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Inca Trail Tour 5 day. 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.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within 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 fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address samtravelperu@gmail.com.
MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is No. Once the permits have been bought the Peruvian government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any date(s) after the permit have been bought. Permits are not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Inca Trail Tour 5 day, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE 5 DAY INCA TRAIL TREK?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport as it is very important that it is the same passport, you sent to us at the time of booking your permit. Passports will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and board the train. In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. Please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK
The evening before you start your 5 day Inca Trail trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters and animals. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad (foam or air). This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear. Your team of porters will carry your duffel 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 duffel 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. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The 5 Day Inca Trail Trek is a 42km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 4,217m/13,907ft. On the second day of the trek, we climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?
In the unlikely scenario, that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health reasons, Sam Travel Peru 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 continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you want, 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.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates 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.
PACKING CHECK LIST
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid student card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3L (Camelbaks are encouraged)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from SAM Travel)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG
As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter, who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15lbs including your sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L 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.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
- Sun Hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool Hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
