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PERU ALTERNATIVE TREKS

If you loss oportunity to book your space for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu we recommend alternative trek through the mountainous range in Peru.

SALKANTAY TREK
LARES LLAMA TREK
AUSANGATE TREK
CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK
VILCABAMBA TREK
KEROS TREK
COLCA TREK
COTAHUASI TREK
LLAMA TREK
vOLCANOES VALLEY TREK
CERRO BLANCO TREK

T RAVEL REPORT

SALKANTAY TREK AND THE INKA TRAIL TREK TO MACHU PICCHU $1390 USD Per Person

Real Andean Trek Through Mountainous Range 6 Days - 5 Nights

Salkantay and Inka trail trek to Machupicchu takes 6 days combine the highest snow-peaks trek with the classical Inka trail and visit the Machupicchu ruins, this alternative trek combine hiking and camping in the cordillera Vilcabamba.
Salkantay is a Quechua name (Incan language) and means "savage mountain", this region of the Andes keep magnificent scenery and rarely flora and remote village of farmers living over 4000m. Salkantay and Inka trail trek to Machupicchu is designed for fit trekkers and demand good acclimatize before to begin the amazing trek.
PERU ADVENTURE TOURS strongly recommend book this amazing trek as far in advance as possible, prior you arrive to Peru. The permits are required 5 or 4 months to make sure your permit to hike in the classical Inca Trail to Machupicchu.
PERU ADVENTURE TOURS recommend to spend two nights in Cusco before to begin the Salkantay and Inca Trail trek to Machupicchu, two spending at 3400m (Cusco) will be great to aclimatize to the altitude.

6 Day Salkantay Trek To Machu Picchu - Trekking And Camping Salkantay - Trek Salkantay And Machu Picchu - Salkantay And IncaTrail Trek - Trekking To Machu Picchu - Hiking And Camping In The Inca Trail - Trek Camino Inca - Hiking Salkantay - Camping In Camino Inca To Machu Picchu - Trek To Machu Picchu Ruins

IMPORTANT: Concern about overuse leading to erosion has led the Peruvian government to place a limit on the number of people who may hike this trail per season, and to sharply limit the companies that can provide guides. As a result, advance booking is mandatory. A maximum of 500 people per day, including guides and porters, are permitted to begin the Trail every day. As a result, the high season books out very quickly.

NOTE: That the Trail is closed every February for cleaning.

SALKANTAY TREK AND INKA TRAIL TREK TO MACHU PICCHU TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1: CUSCO - MOLLEPATA - SORAYPAMPA - SALKANTAYPAMPA

At 7AM we'll pick you up at your hotel and take our private transportation to the town of Mollepata (3000m), On the way, we’ll pass through the picturesque towns of Pampa de Anta, Izcuchaca, Zurite, and Ancahuasi. Our trip will take us into the Limatambo Valley, where we will see the archaeological sites of Tarawasi. Mollepata meet the second part of our camp staff (cook, horsemen and horses), also here we will begin our hike. We’ll pass through the small village of Cruz Pata (3400m) where we’ll have the most spectacular sights of Mollepata Valley. Our campsite we wil set up in Salkantaypampa (3800m), the night will be in the most majestic and spectacular mountainous range of Salkantay snow-capped (6264m) and Humantay (5217m) and under starry sky (Lunch - Tee time - Dinner).

DAY 2: SALKANTAYPAMPA - SALKANTAY PASS (5200M) - SISAYPAMPA

After country breakfast prepared by our professional cook will start to climb to the highest pass of this amazing trek. After 3 hours of uphill we will reach the pass of Salkantay (5200M), during this ascend we have a emergency horse to ride. At the top will one of the best viewing of the surrounded snow-peaks as Soray Hill (5420Mm), Tucarhuay (5455M), Humantay (5215m) and other smaller peaks through the mountainous range. 3 hours of downhill on nice and serpentine trail to Sisaypampa (3750M). On the way down you will feel the change of the climate and flora of the high Andes and valleys into the canyons. Set up our camping in the middle of the nature and surrounded by peaceful atmosphere (Breakfast - Lunch - Tee time - Dinner).
Salkantay Trek Cusco Peru

DAY 3: SISAY PAMPA - CANAL INCA - WAYLLABAMBA

At 7AM breakfast with best view of the mountains and downhill towards the Incan canals and some ancient path in order to enter Huayllabamba (3000M). The trek will quiet easy and warmest of the day before. During our trek, we'll be able to fully appreciate and take in the imposing Andean topography. After 6 hours of trek we will connect to classic Inka Trail hike till our 3rd camping in Huayllabamba (Breakfast - Lunch - Tee time - Dinner).

DAY 4: WAYLLABAMABA - ABRA HUARMY WAÑUSCA - PAQAYMAYO

After breakfast, following the left bank of the Lluyuchayoc river for about 1 hour we climb up to three stones and cross a small bridge over the Wayruro river. There is a toilet facility. The stream is named after the Wayruro, an ornamental tree.
Hiking up 4½ hours, you will see spectacular views of Lluyucha Pampa (3680M). Continuing up you will get to the first and highest pass of the Inca trail, called Abra Huarmy Wañusca meaning "Dead Woman's Pass" (4200M). At the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail with a warm and delicious lunch. We then do an steady decent following the trail on the left side of the Paqaymayo valley. Our dinner and second campsite is at 3600 meters over sea level (Breakfast - Lunch - Tee time - Dinner).
Camping In Salcantay Trek

DAY 5: PAQAYMAYO - PUYUPATAMARCA - WYÑAY WAYNA

After breakfast we climb up for one hour to the ruins of Runkuracay. These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Paqaymayo valley. Another hour hiking we will be at the top of the second pass, called Abra de Runkuracay at 4000M. The descent down the steps from the pass is steep. This section of the trail is particularly beautiful as the path crosses high stone embankments and skirts deep precipices. After about one hour walking we will arrive at the pass called Sayaqmarca = "Inaccessible Town". This describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. No one knows the exact purpose of these ruins. After lunch, we level out into cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel.
We then climb up to the 3rd pass called Puyupatamarca = "Town in the Clouds" (3700M). Here excellent views are offered of several snow-capped peaks, Salkantay Mountain (6180M) and Veronica Mountain (5750M). Access to the ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six Inca Baths, probably used for the water ritual.
Leaving the site via an impressive Inca staircase leading from the west side of the ruins, you will descend a thousand steps. Take care with your knees. After three hours walking through cloud forests you will arrive to Wyñay Wayna. This is our last campsite before Machu Picchu. There is a restaurant, a patio bar to buy drinks and well deserved hot showers.
That afternoon we go to the ruins of Wyñay Wayna "Forever Young". The ruins located on a nice slope comprise magnificent agricultural terraces. There are many buildings of quality stonework, suggesting that the site was probably a religious center associated with the worship of water (Breakfast - Lunch - Tee time - Dinner).

DAY 6: WYÑAY WAYNA - SUN GATE - MACHU PICCHU - AGUAS CALIENTES - CUSCO

At 4AM we will wake early, have breakfast and hike up to the last pass at to Inti Punku "Sun Gate" to get Machu Picchu before sunrise. From here you will appreciate Machu Picchu ruins, Wayna Picchu and the low canyon called Aguas Calientes. We will spend an hour watching a spectacular sunrise over the ruins.
Continuing down the trail to the best views of the ruins, you will have plenty of time to take photos of Machu Picchu. We then descend to the main entrance, where you can safely check your large backpacks. Following a guided tour for two hours of the major sections, you will have free time to explore the ruins alone or to climb to Wayna Picchu (2 hours to go uphill and downhill).
At 1:30PM the entire group together hikes down through low jungle and continue hiking on left bank of the river to Aguas Calientes. There you will have a short time to buy some lunch, drinks or go to the toilet. The train departs at 4PM you will return back to Cusco about 8pm (Breakfast).
Machu Picchu Fortress

SALKANTAY TREK AND INKA TRAIL TREK TO MACHU PICCHU INCLUDES

Official English-Speaking guide
Private transfer by van from Cusco to Mollepata (Private Service only)
Public bus transfer From Cusco to Mollepata (Backpacker Service)
Entrance to Salkantay trail
Entrance to Machu Picchu ruins (day 6)
Permit to climb the Wayna Picchu Mountain (day 6)
Horses to carry gear during day 1 till day 3 (Salkantay trek)
1 emeregency horse to be ride in case you feel sick or tired (Private Service only)
Horsemen to care and drive horse during day 1 till day 3
Porters to carry food and camping equipment during day 4 till day 6 (to carry tents, cooking equipment and food)
Experienced cook whole trek
Cooking equipment
Teatime everyday (coffee, tea, popcorn, biscuit)
4 capacity tent (four season tent) - 2 persons per tent with plenty space for backpacks
Double thickness foam sleeping mattress
All meals on the trail (5 breakfasts - 6 lunches - 5 dinners), vegetarian food under request
01 night of hotel in Aguas Calientes; private bath and hot shower (3* category - Day 6)
Water supply (boiled) after every dinner or breakfast
Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Backpacker train)
Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes village (Not all tour operators include this service)
Dining tent with camp tables and chairs
Kitchen tent
Porters insurance
Accommodation and meals for our porters
First aid kit and oxygen bottle for any participant and our camp staff

RECOMMENDATION
If this is your first time going to the Andes or High Mountains we recommend getting information about the ALTITUDE SICKNESS, see below some websites recommend by High Mountain doctors and scientists from over the world.
ISMM – International Society For Mountain Medicine
MEDEX – Medical Expeditions

SEE OUR CAMPING GEAR, Click here...

PERU ADVENTURE TOURS recommend to book this trek 5 or 4 months prior your arrive to Peru, without reservation and 80% of payment we can't guarantee your permit to hike the classic Inca Trail.

PRICE FOR SALKANTAY, INKA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU TREK
DATE	TOUR	COST
Any day (Except Dec. to Jan)	SALKANTAY TREK AND THE INKA TRAIL TREK TO MACHU PICCHU $1390 USD Per Person Real Andean Trek Through Mountainous Range 6 Days - 5 Nights	Backpacker Service (Join a group) 1 to more participants $1390 USD each one Private Service (Private guide) 2 participants $1928 USDeach one 3-4 participants $1500 USD each one 5 to more participants $1400 USD each one
Discount 3%: Tour Operators or Travel Agencies Only Students: $5 USD of discount only with valid green ISIC card
Organized Groups: We offer private and any time departure - All prices stated above are subject to change.
Backpacker Service Group Size: 8 Participants per tour guide Private Service Group Size: Just participants, tour guide and camp staff
BOOK HERE: We highly recommended to book this trek prior you arrive to Peru

NOT INCLUDED

Optional entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes ($3 USD last day)
2 soles for towel to use in the hot spring
Alcoholic drinks
Last day lunch is not included
Porters to carry your personal items (see below)
Sleeping Bag can be hired in our local office in Cusco $5 USD per day
Breakfast on the first day before to be collected from your hotel, if your hotel dont offer early breakfast service, we stop at Ollantaytambo village to have breakfasta for additional cost
Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes before the train back to Cusco
Tips for guide and camp staff
Optional night in Aguas Calientes can be arranged easily

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING/CARRY

Backpack 65Lt
Sleeping bag -15ºC (can be hired from our office for $5 USD per day)
Rain jacket or poncho (December - April)
Strong comfortable and waterproof footwear
One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of clothing if you hire personal porters, see options below)
Sweater and jacket (something warm)
Bottle of water and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco)
Flashlight and batteries
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
Sun block (sun protection cream)
Insect repellent
Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits, etc
Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries
Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the trek)
You also need to bring your original passport on the trail
Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)

IMPORTANT

Every night keep everything locked up in your tents to prevent any problems with robberies.

DEPARTURES

Daily departures are available all year, except every February. The Inca Trail is close for maintenance.

PRIVATE SERVICE

With this service, we provide a private official tour guide and assistant to make your trip as comfortable as possible and you can explore much more every ruins in the old Inca trail and Machu Pichu complex.

MAKING A TREK BOOKING

Prior to making a reservation with PERU ADVENTURE TOURS it is important to read through our Inca Trail FQA`s (Frequently Asked Questions), there you will find answer any queries that you may have about this trek.
Inca Trail Faqs

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This site is operated by PERU ADVENTURE TOURS a legally constituted company to the Peruvian government, which operates from offices in Arequipa and Cusco in Peru. In accordance with the relevant statutory provisions referred in Peru Tourism law, its regulations, its decrees and other legislation applicable in both the country and abroad are issued these general conditions and responsibility as outlined below, which govern the provision of services on the one hand between the passenger or user of services "CLIENT", by other hand the "TRAVEL AGENCY" by the other hand the entities of the service providers such as airlines, hotels, restaurants, transport, guides and other tourism-related services and in connection with this contract.
For more information about full information of terms and conditions CLECK HERE.

STAY AN EXTRA NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES?

Stay an extra night at Aguas Calientes? Yes, if you want to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes after Inca Trail Trek this can easily be arranged. We will purchase your train ticket to return to Cusco the following day. You need to let us know at the time of making the trek reservation so we can reserve your train tickets in advance. Obviously if you stay an extra night then you will have to pay for your accommodation.

SALKANTAY AND INKA TRAIL WEATHER

Dry season (April - November)
Day temperature 20ºC/25ºC
Night temperature -1ºC/7ºC
Wet season (December - March)
Day temperature 17ºC/22ºC
Night temperature 4ºC/10ºC

PORTERS to carry up to 12Kg = $450 USD ($75 USD per day) for the full duration of the tour from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. Regarding porters who carry personal items. You will need to carry with you a daypack with your Camera, bottle of water, snacks, a fleece or something warm and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in dry season but as a precaution) and anything you will need before lunch as porters do not walk alongside you. Your bag will be waiting for you in your tent at campsites.
Best to put everything up to 12kgs in one backpack for the porter so that you don't have 2 large backpacks in your tent. We can provide you with a big rice sack that is not heavy but also not water proof so use plastic bags around your gear. The porters have large ponchos to cover them and the bag.
On day 2 you can hire a porter from the village of Wayllabamba to carry your pack over the pass to the second campsite approximately $75 USD.

IMPORTANT NEW TRAIL REGULATIONS INC (Instituto Nacional De Cultura) Please note the INC has confirmed a 50% increase on the Inca trail fee for trekkers and porters but from August not January 2007 as previously indicated.

A - Limited number of people can enter the trail each day (500 PEOPLE PER DAY) and hikers require permits obtained in advance by a licensed tour operator to do so.
B - Your passport details and ISIC student card if applicable must be presented to the UGM park control to obtain a permit. You most scan / fax your valid ISIC card at the time of booking and carry these documents on the trail or risk loosing your permit. YOUTH TRAVEL CARD or ISTC is not accepted by the control.
C - We have daily departures for the 4 day Inca trail (except in all February - the trail is closed) and from May to October (high season) you need to confirm your booking at least 3 months in advance if you do not have flexibility in a departure date.
D - For lower season dates November to April there are often many dates with permits available so just make your reservation (minimum 1 month before) through the website and confirm by email the deposit booking.

CONTACT US
For more information about the tour or you request a new date to departure for this tour, please contact us....

Some of our clients e-mail us saying our confirmation e-mails are placed to their spam folder rather than their inbox. We recommend to modify your JUNK or SPAM FILTER SETTINGS to receive our e-mail peruadventurestours@hotmail.com on the correct inbox. You may also want to add this email address to your list of known contacts. This will prevent our responses from being filtered into your Junk or Spam mail folder.

References Of Travel Guide Books To Peru

ADDITIONAL BOOKING SERVICES

PERU TRAVEL INFORMATION

PERUVIAN GASTRONOMY INFORMATION

TYPICAL DRINKS OF PERU

INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
May 26th, 2007
Hi Saul,
I had a great time on the Inca trek tour, the food was fabulous. and the guide was great, and the camping gear gear was in good shape. Thanks for 3 awesome trips, I loved my entire trip!
Angie Kondrat - Usa

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