Salkantay & Short Inca Trail 5D /4N
DESCRIPTION:
The Salcantay & Short Inca Trail trek is a spectacular path with diverse ecological zones filled with an enormous variety of plants and bird life, beautiful snowy mountains, unique turquoise lagoons, and it connects with part of the classic Inca Trail and the short Inca Trail, The ancient and remote foot path passes you through to the sun gate, from where you can enjoy the stunning view of the sacred Machu Picchu citadel.
DAY 1: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE – ICHUPATA
Pick up from your hotel at 04:00 AM, our private van will take you until Soraypampa village (3800m / 12.467 ft.); the beginning of our adventure, where we will meet with our support team muleteers.
- Walking Distance: 12 Km. / 7 miles.
- Estimate Walking Hours: 5 – 6 hours.
- Our lunch spot: Salkantaypampa with the view of the majestic Apu Salkantay snow mountain.
- High Altitude: 4300 m. /14.104 Ft.
- Campsite Altitude: 4300m. / 14.104 Ft. surrounded by high Andean mountains.
- Meals: snacks, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Turquoise Humantay Lake.
- Huge snow peaks.
- Andean wild life.
- Andean flora.
- Local farmers.
DAY 2: ICHUPATA – INCACHIRIASCA – PAMPACAHUANA “INCA CANAL”
Today is a day of adventure to conquer the Inca chiriasca Pass (4850m / 15.908ft).
- Walking Distance: 14 Km. / 8 miles.
- Estimate Walking Hours: 8 hours.
- Our lunch spot: in Sisaypampa, a flat area from where you can enjoy the stunning Andean Valleys.
- High Altitude: 4300 m. /14.104 Ft.
- Low Altitude: 3800 m. /12.467 Ft.
- Campsite Altitude: 3700m. / 12.136 Ft. surrounded by local Andean local farmers.
- Meals: Breakfast, snack, Lunch, afternoon tea, Dinner.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Stunning view of the Mather nature from the heights pass.
- Snowcapped mountains.
- Inca channels.
- Settlement communities.
- Change to see the Andean condor.
- Beautiful Andean valleys.
DAY 3: PAMPACAHUANA – WAYLLABAMBA TO KM 82– CLASSIC INCA TRAIL – OLLANTAYTAMBO
Today is a day to enjoy Inca constructions and walk part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Walking Distance: 15 Km. / 9.3 miles.
- Estimated Walking Hours: 6 – 8 hours.
- Our lunch spot: at Wayllabamaba valley, a beautiful Andean village.
- High Altitude: 3700 m. /12.136 Ft.
- Low Altitude: 2800 m. /9186 Ft.
- Campsite Altitude: 2800 m. /9186 Ft. Hotel at Ollantaytambo Inca settlement town.
- Meals: breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner at chosen restaurant.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Amazing Inca sites.
- Beautiful local communities, farming areas.
- Walk part of the classic Inca trail.
- Walk on the sacred valley of the Incas.
- Enjoy exotic varieties of flora and fauna.
- Sleep at hotel, in Ollantaytambo Inca settlement town.
DAY 4: OLLANTAYTAMBO – SHORT INCA TRAIL – SUN GATE – MACHUPICCHU
Today is the most beautiful day, first travel by train then enjoy walking along the original Inca path until Machupicchu.
- Walking Distance: 12 Km. / 6 miles.
- Estimated Walking Hours: 6 – 8 hours.
- Our lunch spot: close to Wiñayhuayna Inca site, with plunging view of the sacred valley.
- High Altitude: 2700 m. /8858 Ft.
- Low Altitude: 2080 m. /6824 Ft.
- Campsite Altitude: 2000 m. /6561 Ft. Hotel at Aguas Calientes town.
- Meals: breakfast, snack, box lunch, dinner at chosen restaurant at Aguas Calientes town.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Enjoy traveling by train.
- Walk on the original Inca trail.
- Enjoy the tropical weather and landscape.
- Fell the excitement of reaching at sun gate.
- Enjoy the enigmatic, religious, sacred, amazing citadel of Machu Picchu.
DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Today dreams come true enjoying one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and returns to Cusco full of magic.
- Walking Distance: 6 Km. / 3 miles.
- Estimated Walking Hours: 2 hours (inside Machu Picchu guided tour)
- Machupicchu elevation: 2400 m. /7.873 Ft.
- Aguas Calientes elevation: 2000 m. /6.561 Ft.
- Meals: breakfast at your hotel.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- One of the Seven Wonders of the World for you and feel the energy of this magical place.
- Walk all around sacred Machu Picchu
- guided tour with reach Inca history
- Fell the excitement of reaching at sun gate.
- Enjoy the enigmatic, religious, sacred, amazing citadel of Machu Picchu.
ONE DAY BEFORE THE TREK:
Briefing/ Machupicchullamaperu Cusco office.
It will be in our office which is located at Street Wasahuara A – 4
All travelers are required to visit the Cuzco office for a mandatory briefing on your trek one day prior to departure at 6:00 pm. At this meeting you will receive detailed information on the route, a list of what to bring, confirm your pick-up for the morning of the trek and be able to ask questions. However, if you wish to receive all the information in your hotel, let us know and our guide will kindly approach your hotel for the informative meeting.
DAY 1: CUSCO – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE – ICHUPATA
Our transfer will pick you up early in the morning at 04:00 AM. From the hotel in a private van and will take you for around 2 hours to Mollepata town, here we will take breakfast (not included), after we will continue driving for 1 more hour until Soraypampa village, here is the beginning of our trek, from where you will enjoy the amazing views of Humantay (5900m/19,356ft) and Salkantay (6217m/20,396ft) glacier Mountains.
We take a 2-hours round trip hike up to see the turquoise Humantay Lake and later on we gently ascend for around 5 to 6 hours until the camp Ichupata, but we stop in Salkantaypampa where we will have our lunch with the view of the majestic Apu Salkantay snow mountain, Apu Pumasillo, Apu palcay, small rivers, if we are lucky we will see some Andean wild animals such as: Andean fox, Andean deer, Andean chinchilla, Andean condor and much more. Once we reach to the camp Ichupata we enjoy our afternoon tea time, coffee, or hot chocolate. The views on this day are truly breathtaking.
- Distance: 12 Km. / 7 miles.
- Walking Hours: 6 -7 hours.
- Low Altitude: 3800 m. /12.467 Ft.
- High Altitude: 4300 m. /14.104 Ft.
- Campsite Altitude: 4300m. / 14.104 Ft.
Inclusions: Cuzco Accommodation Pick-Up, Bus Cuzco Soraypampa (starting point of trek), 1 Night Camping.
Meals: 1 Lunch / 1 Dinner, (Plus afternoon tea time).
Trekking: 12 kilometers / 7 hours.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate.
DAY 2: ICHUPATA – INCACHIRIASCA – PAMPACAHUANA “INCA CANAL”
After a delicious breakfast, the panoramic views are very beautiful, and today is a day of adventure to conquer the Pass (4850m / 15.908ft). We continue walking up 3 hours to the Inca chiriasca pass, which is approximately 1km away from the snow-capped mountain Salkantay, then we will descend 2 hours until our lunch spot in Sisaypampa, a flat area from here you can observe the Salkantay neighboring stunning Valleys. This is a place where we can see condors. After lunch we continue for 3 hours to the community of Pampacahuana, there we will find an Inca Canal that is still in full use by the local farming settlements. We have afternoon tea or coffee at our campsite, here is our camp to spend the night.
- Distance: 14 Km. / 8 miles.
- Walking Hours: 8 hours.
- Low Altitude: 3700 m. /12.136 Ft.
- High Altitude: 4850 m. /15.908 Ft.
- Campsite Altitude: 3700m. / 12.136 Ft.
Inclusions: 1 Night Camping.
Meals: 1 Breakfast / 1 Lunch / 1 Dinner, (Plus snacks and afternoon tea time).
Trekking: 14 kilometers / 8 hours.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Advanced – Moderate.
DAY 3: PAMPACAHUANA – WAYLLABAMBA TO KM 82– CLASSIC INCA TRAIL – OLLANTAYTAMBO
After a delicious breakfast we start hiking for around 3 hours downhill to the end of pampacahua valley, in our tour we will visit a fascinating Patawasi Inca site and from the natural viewpoints we will observe Llactapata and Canamarka Inca sites. then we will arrive at Wayllabamba village for our lunch, after a delicious lunch we walk for 4 more hours to KM 82, on the way we will enjoy Amazing Inca buildings along the sacred valley of the Incas such as: Llactapata, Wilcarakay, Q´anabamba, will see the majestic Apu Wakaywilca snowcapped Mountain (5700m / 18.700ft.), and many varieties of native plants such as: Qéuña, Molle, Cactus, Muña, begonias and much more which adorns the Mather Nature (Pachamama). From km 82, our vehicle will take us to Ollantaytambo to our respective Hotel “40 minutes of travel”.
- Distance: 15 Km. / 9.3 miles.
- Walking Hours: 6 – 8 hours.
- Low Altitude: 2800 m. /9186 Ft.
- High Altitude: 3700 m. /12.136 Ft.
- Campsite Altitude: 2800 m. /9186 Ft.
Inclusions: 1 Night hotel.
Meals: 1 Breakfast / 1 Lunch / 1(Dinner in a restaurant), (Plus snacks).
Trekking: 15 kilometers / 8 hours.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Easy – Moderate.
DAY 4: OLLANTAYTAMBO – SHORT INCA TRAIL – SUN GATE – MACHUPICCHU
Today we will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel in Ollantaytambo, and drive to Ollantaytambo train station, 1 hour and 20 minutes of a scenic train ride to 104 km, point (2080 m. / 6824 Ft.). That will be the beginning of the trek, after pass the check point we will visit the first amazing Inca building of Chachabamba, after explore with our guide we begin a moderate climb for three hours to the archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna (2600 m. / 8,530 Ft.), from where you will enjoy the spectacular plunging views of the Urubamba Canyon, wiñayhuayna is one of the most impressive constructions along the Inca Trail, surrounded by huge mountains, flowers, orchids and tropical vegetation, you will have the opportunity to enjoy it.
We will continue onward towards the Sun Gate. (2700 m / 8,858 ft.) Following the ancient remote footpath which goes inside the Jungle, we will reach the viewpoint of the famous sun gate, from where is the first spectacular and magic view of the sacred Machu Picchu Citadel in all its brilliance and majesty, 45 minutes of descending we reach to Machupicchu, and then we will take a bus to Aguas Calientes town where we spend the night.
- Distance: 12 Km. / 6 miles.
- Walking Hours: 6 – 8 hours.
- Low Altitude: 2080 m. /6824 Ft.
- High Altitude: 2700 m. /8858 Ft.
- Hotel Altitude: 2000 m. /6561 Ft.
Inclusions: 1 Night hotel.
Meals: 1 Breakfast / 1 box Lunch (We can provide a vegetarian box lunch if you let us know ahead of time). / 1(Dinner in the restaurant).
Trekking: 12 kilometers / 8 – 9 hours.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate – Easy.
DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Waking up early, we will take the bus to Machu Picchu archeological site, for 30 minutes, New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The tour guide will teach you about all the history of this mysterious and mystical place of Machu Picchu, that will take approximately 2 hours, you will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.
When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or visit to the hot springs.
- Distance: 6 Km. / 3 miles by Buss
- Walking Hours: 2 hours (inside Machu Picchu guided tour).
- Low Altitude: 2000 m. /6.561 Ft.
- High Altitude: 2400 m. /7.873 Ft.
Inclusions:
Meals: 1 Breakfast at your hotel.
Trekking: 1.5 kilometers / 2 hours.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Easy.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Free Transfer from the airport to your hotel (only in Cusco).
- 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 Salkantay trail.
- 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, and kitchen tent.
- All the gear for our cook.
- 3 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, back to Aguas Calientes town.
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
- 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.
- Hotel in Ollantaytambo Inca settlement town.
- 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).
- Thick Foam Mattress.
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary (4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners).
- Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes.
- Taxes.
- Survivor T-shirt.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Sleeping bag 15°C – US$20
- Air Mattress – US$20
- Private tent US$30.
- Walking Poles – US$15
- Entry to Huaynapicchu Mountain – US$75 (at the time of booking the tour)
- Entry to Machu Picchu Mountain – US$70. (at the time of booking the tour)
- Optional upgrade (train and hotel)
- Last lunch and first breakfast
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the cook, horsemen and guide.
Tips for the staff (Machupicchullamaperu staff receives a fair and decent payment immediately after they end their trip.), Please remember that tipping is 100% optional and depends entirely on the service you received. It is customary to give tips in Latin America; however, it is NOT mandatory. If you do wish to give a tip, these are our recommended guidelines.
- Guide: 50 - 100 soles per trekker
- Assistant Guide: 40 - 50 soles per trekker (assistant guide from 8 to more tourist)
- Horsemen: 80 - 100 soles for each horseman from the whole group.
- Cook: 150-200 soles for the cook from the whole group.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent: US $30 – (Tent only for solo travelers)
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From US $60 (depending on availability)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$75 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – US$70 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
PRICE: US$800 per person
*** This price includes the extra horse who will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos except on the 2 day Inca Trail portion of the trek it is not possible, 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: US$30 Information required on student card: name of university, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking
- Under 11 years old: US$40 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Members of the South American Explorers: Receive USD10.00 discount.
EXTRAS:
- Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent: US $30 – (Tent only for solo travelers)
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – From US $60 (depending on availability)
- Entry to Huaynapicchu Mountain – US$75 (at the time of booking the tour)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the trek to “Salkantay & short Inca trail to Machupicchu”.
ABOUT THE BRIEFING:
All travelers are required to visit the Cuzco office for a mandatory briefing on your trek one day prior to departure at 6:00 pm. At this meeting you will receive detailed information on the route, a list of what to bring, confirm your pick-up for the morning of the trek and be able to ask questions. However, if you wish to receive all the information in your hotel, let us know and our guide will kindly approach your hotel for the informative meeting.
It will be in our office which is located at Street Wasahuara A – 4
WHERE CAN I LEAVE MY LUGGAGE SAFETY?
Of course! During the “Salkantay & short Inca trail to Machupicchu”, your large luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, both are for free. Please do not pack anything you will need for your hike.
HOW TO BOOK SALKANTAY & SHORT INCA TRAIL TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
FIRST, to book your “Salkantay & short Inca trail to Machupicchu”, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK HERE.
To book your “Salkantay & short Inca trail to Machupicchu”, we need 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
- Arrivall date
- Return date
- Upload Passport Picture
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$300.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the “Salkantay & short Inca trail to Machupicchu”. 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 or click here on the payment of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.
WHAT ABOUT THE PAYMENT BALANCE?
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 6% 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 machupicchullamaperu@gmail.com
WHO QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
Those passengers who booked their trip using the discounted price for ISIC Student Holders must bring their original and valid CIIU card (not a copy and not expired). This document must be shown at Machupicchu Control Gate. Unfortunately, if you do not bring your card, you will be denied entry to the Trail as the permits won’t be valid without your card.
SCHOOL STUDENT
With the passport or national ID – original ones, from 8 to 17 years’ old
- According to Peruvian Law you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu for example if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
- All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30.
- For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40.
- All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
UNIVERSITY STUDENT ABOVE 18 YEARS OLD
With the original student ID gives from the university in PVC material and it must have the next requirements: university information, personal student information, student picture, and expiration date valid only for one year, it year must coincide with the year that student visit Machu Picchu, the discount until 25 years old.
- Discount $30
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE?
Unfortunately, the answer is “No”. Once the tickets have been bought for the “Salkantay & short Inca trail to Machupicchu”. The government does not allow any changes, due to the strict regulations of the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu, once your reservation is made, you cannot cancel the reserved space that you have.
*** If you cancel your “Salkantay & short Inca trail to Machupicchu”. The deposit is not refundable at all!
IS IT NECESRY MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE SALKANTAY & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU?
Yes, for sure! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book “Salkantay & short Inca trail to Machupicchu” permit. The rangers will check when you enter The Inca trail and Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us your old number to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number…if so, please send the new passport number as soon as possible.
HOW CAN I AVOID THE ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
For those trekkers that come to Cusco directly from places at sea level; we recommend arriving 2-3 days before your trek. Two of the most common health issues among tourists in Cusco are: The Altitude Sickness (Soroche) and stomach pain provoked by slow digestion.
In general, if you have regular exercise and spend a couple of days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
WHAT ABOUT THE DUFFEL BAG AND DAILY BACK PACK?
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 7kg/15lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffle 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 duffle 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. Usually a 30 to 50 liters back pack is sufficient.
HOW DIFFICULT IS SALKANTAY & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
“Salkantay & short Inca trail to Machupicchu” is located in the mountains and in the part of the Andes in Cusco region which make a moderate to advanced 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 acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
We offer the Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
WHAT HAPPENS IF SOME ONE IS UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health reasons, machupicchullamaperu will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. 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 they continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
WILL THE CAR IS GOING TO DROPP OFF US AT THE HOTEL?
Absolutely! Included in our packages is dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!
If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up there too.
WHAT ABOUT TIPPING?
Tips for the staff (machupicchullamaperu staff receives a fair and decent payment immediately after they end their trip.
**** (Please remember that tipping is 100% optional and depends entirely on the service you received. It is customary to give tips in Latin America; however, it is NOT mandatory. If you do wish to give a tip, these are our recommended guidelines.)
- Guide: 50 - 100 soles per trekker
- Assistant Guide: 40 - 50 soles per trekker (assistant guide from 8 to more tourist)
- horseman 80 - 100 soles from the whole group.
- Cook: 150-200 soles for the cook from the whole group.
ARE YOU PART OF THE SUSTAINABLE WORK?
Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator in that we incorporate the 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.
THINGS YOU MUST BRING WITH YOU
- Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Good daypack
- Water storage: 2-3 liters Camelbacks are encouraged.
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Machupicchullamaperu)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilette paper
- One warm / winter jacket (Thermals: wool socks/ gloves / scarf and woolen hat for cold nights).
- Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness.
- Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).
- Bug spray with 50% DEET.
- Flip flips to change into at night – your toes will thank you!
- Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips to your staff “Salkantay & Short Inca trail to Machupicchu 5 days"
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHY CHOOSE MACHUPICCHULLAMAPERU?
MACHUPICCHULLAMAPERU is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking mountains. MACHUPICCHULLAMAPERU 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.
MACHUPICCHULLAMAPERU 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 on TRIPADVISOR for yourself!
SMALL GROUPS:
To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at MACHUPICCHULLAMAPERU we 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 TOP TOUR GUIDES:
We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English and our local language “Quechua” 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: Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.
IMPORTANT INFO
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be greeted 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 a blue MACHUPICCHULLAMAPERU board at the exit from the arrival terminal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1-. ¿ how to avoid altitude sickness?
For those trekkers that come to Cusco directly from places at sea level; we recommend arriving 2-3 days before your trek. Two of the most common health issues among tourists in Cusco are: The Altitude Sickness (Soroche) and stomach pain provoked by slow digestion.
In general if you have regular exercise and spend a couple of days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
2-. ¿HOW DIFFICULT IS THe LARES TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
“Lares trek to Machu Picchu” is located in the mountains and in the part of the Andes in Cusco region which make a moderate 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 acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/10,990ft.) prior to starting the trek.
We offer the Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
3.- ¿WILL THE CAR IS GOING TO DROPP OFF US AT THE HOTEL?
Absolutely! Included in our packages is dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!
If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up there too.
4-. ¿WHAT HAPPENS IF SOME ONE IS UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health reasons, machupicchullamaperu will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. 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 they continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
5-. ¿ARE YOU PART OF THE SUSTAINABLE WORK?
Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator in that we incorporate the 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.
