SALKANTAY TOUR - THE INCA TRAIL
7 Days / 6 Nights

Highlights

1. Highlights of Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail

   If you have a little more time to visit Cusco and experience hiking and camping in the Andes, then this is your best option. It will be an amazing hike to Machu Picchu, where you can enjoy the green landscapes that the Andes of Peru offer, along with glacier peaks, lagoons, rivers, cloud forests, Inca sites, Inca villages, and the cherry on top is arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate on foot after 6 days of activity.

   Basically, for the first 4 days, you will be hiking in the Salkantay area, known as off the beaten path with fewer crowds. Of course, this route is not the classic Salkantay route; instead, it’s another trail that leads to the Inca Trail, so there will always be fewer people along the way. Then, on day 4 of the hike, you will enter the classic Inca Trail. You’ll even arrive close to the first campsite of the classic Inca Trail on the first night. The hike will continue along the classic Inca Trail until the Machu Picchu day.

   This combination of Salkantay and the Inca Trail allows people to have a complete hiking experience. You will get to see some amazing landscapes along the way. The views of the Salkantay glacier peak and Humantay glacier peaks are magnificent. The views from the campsites are unique. You will be able to do stargazing, especially from the second campsite at Ichupata, which is the highest campsite and closest to the Salkantay mountains.

   EXPERIENCE THE HIKE ALPACA EXPEDITIONS STYLE (HIGHLIGHTS):

   • Visit Humantay Lagoon: Early in the morning, you will arrive at Humantay Lagoon. This famous turquoise lagoon has become the newest natural attraction where hundreds of people visit each day. During this hike, you will visit in the morning without many people and enjoy the sunrise. This hike will be visited on day 2 of the trek.
   • Camp near Salkantay Mountain on the second night, making this hike unique. You will have an amazing time stargazing in a small group, and you may even hear avalanches from the Salkantay glacier.
   • Survive the Inka Chiriska pass at 5100 meters above sea level, higher than any mountain on the Inca Trail. Surviving this pass makes this experience unique, and the feeling of hiking in the Andes is incredible.
   • Experience the feeling of hiking the Inca Trail with amazing campsites along the way.
   • Visit unique Inca sites along the way with your guide and explore each Inca site, all of which were built by the Incas for different purposes and are still intact today, providing valuable insights into Inca history.
   • Arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate on foot after 6 days of hiking in the Andes, making this trek even more rewarding.
   • The Salkantay part offers mostly natural beauty and unique views of the glacier peaks and blue lagoons, while the Inca Trail part offers more historical sites to explore.
   • Alpaca Expeditions includes personal duffel bags, allowing you to hike with only your daypack.
   • All meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hours, are included along the way, except for the last lunch.
   • Portable toilets are provided for our groups.
   • A shower is available on day 4 before entering the Inca Trail.
   • On day 4 of the trek, before entering the Inca Trail, you can separate some of your dirty clothes and send them back to Cusco with the horsemen. For the first 4 days, our team transports logistics by horses, and the rest of the days along the Inca Trail are supported by porters, as it’s not allowed to use animals on the Inca Trail.
   • Alpaca Expeditions provides satellite phones, a first aid kit, and oxygen tanks just in case.
   • Emergency horses are available for day 2 and 3 for the difficult parts of the trail.
   • Join us and have the best trek possible.
   • Enjoy visiting villages with Alpacas and Llamas on day 3 of the trek, where you will see local houses with grass-thatched roofs.

   DAY-BY-DAY OVERVIEW:

   DAY 0 (6 PM AT CUSCO OFFICE):

   • Briefing at 6 pm to meet your guide and the group. You will receive your duffle bags to pack for the porters.

   DAY 1: CUSCO – MARCOCCASA – SORAYPAMPA (Sleep in a tent)

   • Elevation: From 2,900 to 3,800 m
   • Walking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
   • Considered: Moderate
   • Weather: Warm to hot

   DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE – ICHUPATA (Sleep in a tent)

   • Elevation: 3,500 – 4,300 meters
   • Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
   • Considered: Moderate to difficult
   • Weather: Cold

   DAY 3: ICHUPATA – INCA CHIRIASCA PASS – INCA CANAL (Sleep in a tent)

   • Elevation: 4,300 – 5,000 meters, then to 37,500 meters
   • Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
   • Considered: Difficult
   • Weather: Cold

   DAY 4: INCA CANAL – PAUCCAR CANCHA – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA (Sleep in a tent)

   • Elevation: 3,750 – 3,000 meters, then to 3,300 meters
   • Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
   • Considered: Moderate to difficult
   • Weather: Cold in the morning, warm in the afternoon

   DAY 5: AYAPATA – WARMI WAÑUSCA- CHAQUICOCHA (Sleep in a tent)

   • Elevation: 3,300 – 4,200 meters (the pass), 3,600 meters (the lunch) and again, 4,000 meters (the pass), 3,600 meters (the camp)
   • Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
   • Considered: Difficult
   • Weather: You will experience the four seasons, all in just one day

   DAY 6: CHAQUICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAY WAYNA (Sleep in a tent)

   • Elevation: 3,600- 2,600 meters
   • Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
   • Considered: Warm and humid

   DAY 7: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

   • Walking Distance: 5 km /3 miles
   • Machu Picchu Elevation : 2400 meters
   • Sungate elevation : 2700 meters
   • Return train Included on expeditions class
   • Drop off Included at the hotel

Inclusions

1. Included

   • Professional Guides: All of our Salkantay Tour guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in the Cusco region, and are committed to teaching others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe and happy.
   • Permits: As soon as we receive your details and your Salkantay Tour deposit, we will purchase your permits (pending availability, check our Inca Trail Availability). These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They can´t be changed once confirmed. Only your passport number is allowed to be updated. The permit includes an entrance to Machu Picchu.
   • Briefing: The night before your Salkantay Tour, you will come to our office for your briefing. You will receive your duffel bag that will stay with your porters, while you hike. This bag should not exceed 7kg/14 lbs and does need to include your sleeping bag and air mattress.
   • Porters: We include a personal porter, who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this. You will not have access to your duffel bag until your evening campsite.
   • Transportation: You will have transportation included in this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel around 4 a.m. and brought to the trailhead, Marccoccasa (3,300 meters). Also included will be the Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes. You may also upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, we will take you back to your hotel in Cusco. Additionally, your round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu will be included.
   • Equipment: Alpaca Expeditions has the best equipment. We use Eureka Timberline 4 tents that are shared by only two people. You will have a spacious dining tent to enjoy your meals in.
   • Food: The Alpaca Expeditions chefs cook delicious meals that many previous trekkers have loved. We honor all food restrictions, so be sure to add any that you have on your booking form and let your guide know at your briefing. Food is typically all served family-style.
   • You will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day for the trek along with a happy hour of tea and snacks. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch the last day is not included.
   • Water: Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, Alpaca Expeditions will supply all the water needed. This water is boiled, filtered, and then cooled before distributing. You must bring your water bottles and or camelback. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. You will be able to refill your water at each meal.
   • First Aid: Every Alpaca Expeditions guide has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory training sessions every February, which every single Alpaca tour guide must attend. Your tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. We will get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible, if needed, and ensure you get directly to a clinic for treatment.
   • Extras: We believe it´s the attention to small details that separates us from other tour companies. Every trekker receives a small pillow to sleep with, a foam mattress for insulation, a day pack cover to protect their things while hiking, and a rain poncho. We will work hard to create your best vacation.
   • Satellite Phones: Our top priority will always be the safety of our clients and our team. While all our guides are prepared and trained to deal with most issues clients have on the mountain. Being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps everyone feel assured that they are safe. Radios, which all our guides have, are limited in how far they can reach, so Alpaca Expeditions has added Satellite Phones to every trek. Every guide will have a fully charged phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to connect us anywhere in the world. And they can be used by our clients for non-emergencies as well. While they are not cheap to use, they are available just in case you need to check in on the puppy you left at home with grandma.

2. Not Included

   • Rentals: Every trekker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but encouraged. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent:
     Sleeping Bag: $35
     Inflatable Air Mattress: $30
     Walking Sticks (Pair): $30
   • Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.

Price

1. We can depart any day of the week, as long as permits are available. Please remember, permits are needed for your fourth day.

   • $1,150 Per person

2. Student Discount

   • $35 off per person

   Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.

   Please send all to info@alpacaexpeditions.com.

   More Information about STUDENT CARD

3. Additional Item

   As you see in our Additional Options for several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices:

   Huayna Picchu: $75 per person
   Vistadome Train (one way): $75 per person

Travel Info

1. Getting to Cusco

   The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.

   The best way to get to Cusco is by air, and there are several options in airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land, and any acclimate weather will stop air traffic. Bus travel is always available, and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.

2. Luggage Storage

   Any extra luggage you have with you can be left safely in Cusco at either your hotel or with us at the Alpaca Expeditions while you trek. We will store your luggage on the morning of your trek and return it once you are back in Cusco. Make sure your bags have tags on them, so they are easy to locate.

3. Altitude

   As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so if you have more time to acclimate, you won´t be bored.

   With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office, and we will help you get to a doctor.
   Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee, since they will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.

   Remember, the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication such as Acetazolamide and Dexamethasone to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to high altitude, and continue to take it while you are at high altitude. You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly and drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea. If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. Alpaca Expedition guides are trained to help you get through it.

4. Weather

   Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December, so just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.

   Also, be ready for four seasons. Treks in the Andes involve various microclimates, and you will need to be prepared for each one. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.

5. First Aid

   Every Alpaca Expeditions guide has received training in first aid from a physician. We conduct mandatory training every February, and every single Alpaca guide attends. When guiding you, they will have with them a first aid kit for basic medical situations (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. They will take good care of you.

   In case something unexpected happens, and you feel you can no longer complete the trek, they will figure out the safest and quickest way off the trail and to a clinic. You will never be left alone; you will have a member of the team escort you every step of the way until safely with a doctor. When you are feeling up to it, we will make sure that you still have the chance to visit Machu Picchu and re-connect with your group. This way, you can finish your trip, traveling by train comfortably.

6. Travel Insurance

   To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Getting travel insurance before you leave home is strongly encouraged and very easy. We work with a great agency in the United States, that has helped to make it easy and affordable. What an excellent way to protect yourself while you are visiting Peru.

   If interested in booking through our trusted partner, Ahart, Frinzi & Smith, CLICK HERE.

7. Environmental Impact

   Alpaca Expeditions uses biodegradable soap and transports all our garbage back to Cusco. Our porters are trained to look after the trail and pick up any waste from other groups as well. We also use environmentally-friendly portable chemical toilets that allow us to carry waste out. We believe in leaving no footprint behind.

8. Community

   Alpaca Expeditions is proud of the work we do for our community, as this is the main focus of our company. We have worked with villages directly to help supply them with the needs their families were missing. We have supported local schools by giving them computers and books. Alpaca Expeditions also sponsors a teacher at the village where most of our porters come from and ensures their children have the best opportunity for education.

   We buy all our food from local farmers and markets and serve the freshest ingredients. We provide English classes for all our team: guides, porters, chefs, and drivers. We are also building a house for our porters. By giving them a safe and comfortable place to stay before and after our treks, they no longer need to sleep on the floor at a friend’s house.

   And twice every year we bring our porters and their families to Machu Picchu. The men and women who work tirelessly have never visited the Lost Citadel of the Incas. So that makes this trip our favorite to-do. It is an honor to show them this place.

   We are always looking to do more and for partners. Please let us know about your ideas, and we will work to help.

9. Personal Porter Included

   All of our camping treks include porters, who are responsible for carrying and setting up all equipment. They will additionally carry the duffel bag you receive at your briefing the night before your trek. Each duffel bag can not exceed 7kg/14lbs and must include your sleeping bag and air mat. Alpaca Expeditions gives each porter a proper uniform, salary, and insurance. They are the backbone of our company.

Packing List

1. ESSENTIALS

   • Passport
   • Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
   • Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
   • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
   • Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
   • Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

2. FOR YOUR DUFFEL

   Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

   • 4-5 wicking t-shirts
   • 3-4 hiking pants
   • 7 sets of undergarments.
   • 7 sets of hiking socks
   • 1 Fleece
   • 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
   • 1 Rain jacket and pants
   • 1 sun hat
   • 1 wool hat
   • Headlamp: essential
   • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
   • Comfortable shoes for camp
   • Walking boots
   • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
   • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
   • Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
   • Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
   • Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
   • Earplugs

3. TOILETRIES

   • Sunscreen
   • Face moisturizer
   • Bug spray
   • Handsanitizer
   • Wet wipes
   • Toothbrush and paste
   • Toiletpaper
   • Personal medication
   • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

4. INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS

   Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates. Some items are listed above and can be a personal choice if you want in daypack or duffel.

   • Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
   • Sunhat
   • Rain gear
   • Fleece
   • Camera
   • Music (IPhone)
   • Handsanitizer
   • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
   • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips