Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 days

6D/5N Group Service

Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Lake – Salkantaypampa

At 5am, we will pick you up at your hotel and we drive in our private van towards Soraypampa for 3.5 hours. Along the way, you can enjoy some spectacular views of villages such as: 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 Humantay (5,900m/19,356ft) and Salkantay (6,217m/20,396ft) mountain glaciers.  We take a 2.5 hour roundtrip hike up to see the turquoise Humantay Lake and later on, we gently ascend to Salkantaypampa, where we will camp. We enjoy our afternoon tea time,  coffee, or hot chocolate. The views on this day are truly breathtaking.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea Time & Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 13kms/8.1 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Salkantaypampa – Pampajaponesa

Today, we continue walking off the beaten track for about 3 hours uphill. We stop to take lunch along the way and continue our trek for 3 more hours to reach our campsite, which is approximately 1km away from the snow-capped mountain Salkantay. On the way, we will enjoy the magnificent views of all the surrounding snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes and amazing valleys. We have afternoon tea or coffee at our campsite.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea & Dinner
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 14kms/8.7 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 3: Pampajaponesa – Sisaypampa

Our day begins with a slow uphill climb of approximately 4 hours to reach the Incachiriaska Pass (4,880m/16,010ft) which translates to the place where the Inca cools down.  Around this area in the rocky crags, lives the Andean Condor, the world’s largest flying bird. From here, the trail levels off downhill and we reach our campsite for the night at Sisaypampa.

• Meals: 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 start hiking to the end of the valley, which then enters a wider valley called Pampacahua. There, we find an Inca Canal that is still in full use by the local farming communities. At the end of the Pampa, we find our first Inca archaeological site named Paucarcancha that we pass by.  Afterwards, we will arrive at Wayllabamba for lunch. After lunch, we walk for 4 more hours to KM 82. From there, you will take our private van towards Ollantaytambo and get dropped off at your hotel.  Later that evening, you will 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

With a compacted 2 days of excitement ahead, we pick you up from your hotel by 5:30am, and drive you to the train station nearby.  You will have an hour and 20-minute ride by Expedition train to KM 104 (2,100m/6,927ft), where you will begin your trek and show your passport at the first checkpoint. Afterwards, we initiate a moderate climb for three hours to the chiseled remnants and remote archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650m/8747ft). Admire the fountains that have been flowing for hundreds of years and gaze down the spectacular, sheer mountainside, plunging down to the Urubamba River. After enjoying the architectural wonder of this ancient Inca site, we merge onto the traditional four day Inca Trail. We have lunch at the Wiñay Wayna campground, then continue onward towards the Sun Gate (2,730m/9,007ft). Following the ancient remote footpath, we finally get our first spectacular view of Machu Picchu in all its brilliance and majestic monumentality. As we move closer to the Citadel of Machu Picchu, you will enjoy views of the enigmatic ruins the whole length of the trail. Then we take our bus to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in our hotel.

• Meals: Box Lunch, Dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
• 2* Accommodations: Inti Punku Tambo or Wiracocha Hotel
• Difficulty: moderate

DAY 6: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

This is the day you’ve been waiting for! We take the early bus to Machu Picchu archeological site, making sure we tour every nook and cranny of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The Citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu, what an unforgettable experience! On your 2.5 hours private tour, your guide will expertly direct you through the enigmatic ruins and its most important sites. You will see the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry, the House of the Inka, the urban areas, agricultural terraces and many different types of architecture.

You may wish to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own (not included in the price):

• Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain– appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from above. These extra hikes sell out and must be requested at time of booking.
• You will be given some time to walk to the Sun Gate, also called Inti Punku. (No additional fee)
• Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs. (entrance fee)

When you are ready, you will descend to Aguas Calientes, have a leisurely lunch on your own, and later on board the train at 14:55 for the return trip with the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo train station where you will catch our private van back to Cusco and your hotel. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 19:00.

• Meals:Breakfast

WHAT IS 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
• 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
• Thick Foam Mattress
• Meals as indicated on the itinerary
• Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes
• Taxes
• Survivor T-shirt

WHAT IS 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
• Entry to Machu Picchu Mountain –$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

**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do 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. 

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)
• Machu Picchu  Mountain – $75 USD per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)

**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do 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. 

“The Salkantay & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu its available on any date that its best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers”

PRICE: $897 USD per person

*** This price includes the extra porter who 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 duffle bag to put your belongings in.  

***We provide large Eureka 4 man 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 at booking is required & 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)
• Machu Picchu  Mountain – $75 USD per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)

**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do 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 PORTER: 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 porters will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail
• BOILED WATER – for drinking  included along the Inca Trail
• PLASTIC RAIN PONCHO   made by SAM Travel Peru is included
• SMALL GROUPS  – average group 4 to 6 with a maximum of 8 hikers
• FLUENT ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE
• DUFFEL BAG – for your belongings

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 1oo% 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 having a reputation as being 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 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: Salkantay/Inka Trail ! July 14th to 20th 2016  Trek de Lares 4 hours, “It’s the journey, not the destination…”, Lares Pass – Day 3, Trekking in the Sacred Valley.

SMALL GROUPS

In an effort to provide a more personalized service to our passengers, 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 Incan 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 Incan and Andean culture. Our crew is fun loving, great sportsmen and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archaeology, 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 man 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 MATTS: They are included to separate and insulate you from the ground. Additional 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!

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 your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board SAM Travel Peru 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 Santa Teresa  Nº383 ; office 107 (second floor). We are next to Subway sandwich shop and share a lobby with Hotel Casona Corrales.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Of course! During the Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, your luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, both are for free. Please only pack things you will need for your trek.

HOW TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY + INCA TRAIL ?

FIRST, to book your Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, 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

*** We required copies of passport at the time of booking. They will be needed in order to book the Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (we accept US dollars or Peruvian soles). We have many ATMs within the historical center.  You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL.  To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of samtravelperu@gmail.com. 

MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS 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 after the permit has been bought. Permits are  not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL?

Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport you sent to us to book your Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit. Passports will be check at Machu Picchu, the Inca trail and before boarding 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 send us a copy of your new passport. Please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.

The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. See our detailed information about Altitude Sickness under FAQS.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are between 2-6 persons. Sam Travel Peru specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.

DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK 

The evening before you start your Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, 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 SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Salkantay Trek & Short Inca 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 in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimated to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE TRAIL?

There are toilets on the Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but only those offered by local persons, which charge a fee of a sole to use.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?

In the 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.

ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?

Absolutely!! Hotel pick ups and drop offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary, 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 would like, 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 locally sustainable & responsible tourism operator. That incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU

• Original Passport (the same you have used for booking your trek)
• 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
• Couple Fleece/ Thermals
• Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
• 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
• Personal first aid kit

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 stop.  Please bring your water bottles.
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Headlamp: essential
• Wool hat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
• Coca leaves
• Rain plastic poncho (provided by SAM)
• Gloves
• Camera
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips