Salkantay Trek to Machu picchu Only Women
7 Days / 6 Nights
Our exclusive women-only trip is a 7-day package that begins in Cusco with a tour of the Sacred Valley. Here, you’ll visit the most remarkable sites to explore and learn about the culture of Cusco and Peru.
From there, we’ll drive directly to the glass cabanas for a two-night stay, during which you’ll visit the Humantay blue lagoon and hike in the area of Salkantay mountain. Next, you’ll trek through the cloud forest and finally reach Machu Picchu.
The adventure includes a night at both a hobbit house and the Llactapata campsite. Throughout this hike, you will be accompanied by Andean women as your guide, porters, and chef, providing a unique opportunity to learn about their lives and share cultural experiences. We require a minimum of 4 people to open a group for this package.
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Tour Price
Salkantay Trek to Machu picchu Only Women 7 Days / 6 Nights
Price $ 995 USD Per Person
Group Size Up to 16
Activity Level Moderate
Trip Details
Itinerary
Day 01: Sacred Valley tour - Soraypampa ( Glass Cabanas )
Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 AM to embark on a captivating journey through the Sacred Valley. This region, once a crucial center for the Inca Empire, offers a rich tapestry of history and stunning landscapes, setting the stage for your upcoming adventures.
The first stop is the ancient ruins of Pisac. Here, you’ll delve into the fascinating Inca culture and explore the local handcraft market. This vibrant market is an excellent opportunity to pick up unique souvenirs and artisanal goods.
Following your visit to Pisac, you’ll enjoy a scenic one-hour drive to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our chef will be ready to serve you a delicious lunch, allowing you to savor local flavors before continuing your exploration.After lunch, you’ll tour the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins, which were constructed during the height of the Inca Empire. These well-preserved ruins offer a glimpse into the architectural brilliance of the Incas and their sophisticated urban planning.
The day concludes with a scenic drive of approximately 3 hours to Soraypampa, where your accommodation awaits in luxurious glass-roofed cabins. These unique lodgings offer a cozy retreat and the perfect opportunity to stargaze from the comfort of your bed, capping off a day filled with history and exploration.
Day 02: Hike to the Famous Humantay Lagoon.
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll set off on a memorable hike that leads to one of the most stunning natural wonders of the region.
The trek to Humantay Lagoon begins with a steady ascent through the awe-inspiring Andean landscape. As you climb higher, the air becomes crisp and the surroundings more majestic. The path, though challenging, is well worth the effort, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and serene alpine meadows.
After approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at the pristine Humantay Lagoon, situated at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). Here, you’ll be greeted by the lagoon’s striking turquoise waters, which contrast vividly with the surrounding snow-capped Humantay Mountain. The lagoon’s color is a result of the mineral-rich waters reflecting the sky and the ice, creating an ethereal and tranquil scene.
Take a moment to absorb the serene beauty of this natural wonder. The lagoon, framed by dramatic mountain peaks, offers a perfect spot for reflection and photography. The silence of the high-altitude environment is broken only by the gentle whispers of the wind, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere.
Your guide will share insights into the cultural and natural significance of the lagoon, including its revered status in local traditions and its role in the region’s ecology. After exploring and savoring the breathtaking views, you’ll begin your descent back to Glass Cabañas, where you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
The journey to Humantay Lagoon is not just a hike but a deeply enriching experience, allowing you to connect with the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Andes. Then you have free afternoon to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Andes.
Day 03: SorayPampa- Salkantay Pass, Wayracmachay.
After a good night’s rest, you’ll wake up around 5:30 AM to enjoy a hearty breakfast, grab snacks and water, and have time to organize your day pack and duffle bag for the hike to the highest point of the trek. Then your guide will introduce you to the trekking team, including the chef, assistant, porters, and horseman, helping you get to know your team and feel more like family.
The hike begins with a gradual ascent for about 2 hours to Salkantaypampa, where you’ll enjoy outstanding views of the surrounding snow-covered mountains—these views are a highlight of the journey. The trail then becomes steeper, taking approximately another hour to reach Soyroccocha, where you’ll have lunch.
After a meal prepared by your Alpaca Expeditions chef and a well-deserved rest, you’ll continue the hike. This next portion lasts about 1 hour until you reach Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters above sea level, the highest point of the trek. The group will rest here and enjoy hot drinks while taking in the views.
From Salkantay Pass, you’ll begin the final leg of the day’s hike, a 3-hour descent to the evening’s campsite, Wayracmachay. Upon arrival, your trekking staff will have your tents set up and your duffel bags ready.
The Alpaca Expeditions team will provide warm water for you to freshen up and change into warm clothes for the night. Then, there will be a happy hour with hot chocolate and coffee, followed by dinner. If the weather permits, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the clear night sky and a brief introduction to the visible Inca constellations.
Night two: Tent camping, Wayracmachay campsite– This campsite will be a night camped out in tents. The alpaca team will have these ready for you upon your arrival at the campsite along with your duffel bags. Our team will provide warm water for travelers to wash with and change into warm clothes for the night. Afterwards happy hour of hot chocolate or coffee is provided along with a warm cooked meal. At night be prepared to see visible Inca constellations in the sky.
Day 04: Wayracmachay – Colpapampa – Loreta – Hobbit House.
Your Alpaca Expeditions trekking team will wake you up early, around 5:00 AM, with a hot drink to start your day. As you open your tent, you’ll hopefully be greeted by the sunrise over majestic glacier peaks and clouds lifting from the green cloud forest. You’ll have time to pack up and enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by your local Salkantay trekking chef. This will be the second longest day of the trek, similar to the first, with a mix of long uphill and downhill hiking.
Around 6.30 AM, you’ll begin a 4-hour descent to the lunch spot at Ccollpapampa (2,700 meters above sea level). During this portion of the Salkantay hike, you’ll notice a change in micro-climate as well as shifts in flora and fauna. You’ll transition from cold glacier views to warm, lush jungle surroundings. Expect to see various species of orchids, ferns, begonia flowers, and even hummingbirds.
After lunch and a well-deserved rest, you’ll continue your trek to our unique Hobbit Houses, situated on the hillside along the Salkantay River (2,400 meters above sea level). This hike will take approximately 4 hours on gradually downhill terrain.
Along the way, you’ll explore beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and diverse flora and fauna. You’ll experience another tropical forest micro-climate where local people cultivate coffee, passion fruit, papayas, oranges, and avocados. Upon arrival at the evening’s glamping accommodations, your Salkantay trekking staff will be there to welcome you.
At the Hobbit Houses, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a hot shower and relax in a wonderful outdoor hot jacuzzi. The Hobbit Houses manager often has cold beer and soda available for purchase, so be sure to bring extra soles with you! There will also be a time to explore our ecological garden, where you can see local coffee, avocados, chilies, tomatoes, and pineapples. Dinner will be served at our building with views of the Salkantay River. As you retire for the night, you might hear the distant sound of the Salkantay River.
Night three: Hobbit House– On your way to the Hobbit Houses travelers will see beautiful flora and fauna, waterfalls, and rivers along the way. Upon arrival the accommodations of the Hobbit Houses can be likened to private rooms with sleeping bags. These unique and special rooms also include running hot showers, a hot jacuzzi area and drinks for purchase. Expect novelty hospitality from the workers to the room setups. Dinner is provided with views of the salkantay river and visible constellations for stargazing.
Day 05: Loreta - Sahuayacu – Inca Trail - Llactapata
After a delicious breakfast, get started on the shortest, but most interesting, day of the trek. Today you will experience the most beautiful sights along your trekking route to Machu Picchu, including a tropical forest and a visit to a local, organic coffee farm.
At the farm, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the orange and avocado plantations and taste some of the freshly-brewed coffee. Also at the farm, you will have a brief introduction regarding the coffee in this region and its importance as the main farming product to all locals. As you will learn, the coffee in this region was introduced to the region after the Spanish conquest and most of the harvested coffee is exported to countries including the United States, Asia and Europe.
After the coffee farm visit, you will continue with your trek to Llactapata by hiking along a section of the Inca trail for approximately 2.5 hours. On your way to the Llactapata Inca site, you will see amazing views of the Santa Teresa valley. At Llactapata, you will get the first glance of Machu Picchu – including the main archaeological site, Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu Mountain. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Llactapata Inca site along with your guide and take photographs for the books!
From here it will be an additional 15 minutes downhill to your lunch and campsite area. This campsite is owned by a local family, and only Alpaca Expeditions has permission to stay there. You will find the campsite to be a great place to enjoy the sunset and sunrise over Machu Picchu. After lunch, you will have some free time to enjoy the views and relax from the hiking.
Again, we will serve a lovely happy hour, with tea and coffee, and your chef will prepare a delicious meal for dinner. Once the stars come out, you can enjoy the Milky Way and the Inca constellations – just like the Incan astronomers did to predict the weather.
Day 06: Llactapata - Hydroelectrica – Mandor Hiram BINGHAM FAMR - Aguas Calientes.
Your Alpaca Expeditions trekking team will wake you up early again (5:30-6am) with a hot drink to help you start the day. You’ll get ready for the day’s activities and then enjoy your last breakfast prepared by your local trekking chef.
The day’s hike will begin with a 2 hour downhill path with unbeatable views of Machu Picchu until the Hydroelectrical Station that was built to harness the natural 300-meter high waterfall, which generates electricity for the region of Cusco. This waterfall is one of the most impressive features of this area. here you will have the final lunch prepared by your Alpaca Expeditions’ local trekking chef and you’ll have a chance to say goodbye.
From the Hydroelectrical Station you’ll continue to the famous Intiwatana (sundial rock). According to history, this Inca stone once worked with the legendary sundial rock in Machu Picchu to signal the winter solstice, which meant the beginning of a new farming season for the Incas.
Once you’ve seen the famous Intiwatana, you’ll continue on the path that runs alongside the train tracks for approximately 3 hours. This leads to the town of Aguas Calientes located at the foot of the valley of Machu Picchu. This part of the hike will be interesting as it was the trail used by the American professor Hiram Bingham when rediscovering Machu Picchu.
On his way to discovering Machu Picchu Hiram Bingham met with local farmer Melchor Arteag who eventually guided him to Machu Picchu. On your trek, you’ll hike past Melchor Artaeg’s farm. Here you’ll see many species of flora and fauna and amazing local birds such as Peru’s national bird (called cock of the rock), Toucans, Oropendolas and Parrots. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes you’ll go to your hotel to enjoy a hot shower and then take the opportunity to visit the famous hot springs (10 soles, not included) of Aguas Calientes. dinner will be at restaurant by 7pm.
Day 07: Machu picchu – back to Cusco.
Embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the heart of the Inca Empire with our exclusive guided tour of Machu Picchu. Begin your day early with a hearty breakfast before catching one of the first buses departing for Machu Picchu at 5:30 AM, ensuring you arrive ahead of the crowds to fully immerse yourself in the mystique of this ancient wonder.
As the bus winds its way up the mountainside from Aguas Calientes, prepare to be captivated by the panoramic views of the Andean landscape. Upon arrival at the citadel, your expert guide will lead you to a prime vantage point to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Machu Picchu (weather permitting). This magical moment offers the perfect opportunity for photographs, capturing the ethereal beauty of the sun rising over the stone ruins and surrounding peaks.
Your guided tour will then delve into the rich history and cultural significance of Machu Picchu. Over the course of 2 hours approx, you’ll explore the main sectors of the citadel, including the Temples, ceremonial rooms, water fountains, channels, terraces, etc. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the architectural genius and spiritual significance of these structures, painting a vivid picture of life in the Inca Empire.
For those seeking an additional adventure, you have the option to hike Huayna Picchu*, a challenging yet rewarding ascent that offers spectacular aerial views of the ancient city. Alternatively, consider hiking Machu Picchu Mountain, a more strenuous trek that provides a panoramic perspective of the entire archaeological site and the surrounding landscape. Both hikes require advance booking and come with additional costs of $75 each ticket.
After your exploration of Machu Picchu, you’ll descend by bus to Aguas Calientes. Here, you’ll have some free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure (lunch not included). Afterward, prepare for the scenic train journey back to Ollantaytambo. The train ride offers additional breathtaking views of the Andean landscape, enhancing the beauty of your return trip.
Upon reaching Ollantaytambo, our Alpaca Expeditions staff will be waiting to transport you back to Cusco by car. The drive offers a final opportunity to take in the stunning scenery of the region, providing a fitting conclusion to your unforgettable journey through the heart of the Inca Empire.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Included
- Briefing: The night before your Salkantay trek you’ll come to Alpaca Expeditions’ office for your briefing. You’ll receive your duffel bag that will stay with your porters while you hike. Your bag cannot exceed 7 kg/14 lbs. and needs to include your sleeping bag and air mattress.
- Professional Guides: All of Alpaca Expeditions’ 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’re fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe and happy.
- Porters: Alpaca Expeditions provides a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this. You’ll not have access to your duffel bag until you arrive at your evening campsite.
- Hotel: The alternative treks all end in or before Aguas Calientes. Your last night will be in a hotel in the village instead of camping. Your 3-star hotel is included in the trek cost and based on a shared room. If you would like to upgrade your hotel or prefer a single room there’ll be an additional cost.
- Transportation: You’ll have transportation included in this trek. You’ll be picked up at 3 p.m. from your hotel or our office. Then you’ll meet your Alpaca Expeditions trekking team. From here we’ll head in our private van for a 3.5-hour drive to the Glass Cabañas in Soraypampa located at 3,800 meters above sea level. Also included will be the Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, we’ll 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’ll also 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. You can also inform your guide at your briefing. Food is typically all served family-style.
You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day for the trek along with a happy hour of tea, coffee 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 on the last day is not included. - Water: Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast Alpaca Expeditions will supply all the water needed. You need to bring your own water bottles and or camelback. We recommend carrying about 3L worth of water. You’ll 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 Alpaca tour guide must attend. Your Alpaca Expeditions tour guide will always have a first-aid kit for basic medical problems (traveler’s diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. We’ll get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible if needed and ensure you get directly to a clinic for treatment.
- Extras: Alpaca Expeditions believes 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 work VERY hard to ensure you have a once in a lifetime amazing trip to our country.
- Satellite Phones: Alpaca Expeditions’ top priority will always be the safety of our clients and our team. While all our guides are prepared and trained to deal with issues clients may have on the mountain, we also ensure you are never more than a phone call away from any doctor, hospital or friend. We have satellite phones on all treks. These can be used by our clients for non-emergencies in case you need to check in at home.
Not Included
- Rentals: Every Alpaca Expeditions’ 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: $30
Inflatable Air Mattress: $25
Walking Sticks (Pair): $25 - Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It’s a 45 minute hike to the top. Be warned that going back down is quite steep. So, if you are scared of heights this may not be a trek you’ll enjoy. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu and there is an additional fee of $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.
- Day packs: Day packs aren’t provided by Alpaca Expeditions. You must bring your own. Be sure you don’t bring anything too large, as you don’t want it to be too heavy while you’re trekking. Plus, Machu Picchu will not allow you to bring in a bag larger than 25L. If you have a large backpack it will need to be stored before your tour. Only essentials are needed while trekking. That includes water, snacks, camera, sunhat, warm layers, waterproof rain layers, insect spray, sunscreen and a first-aid kit.
- Headlamps: It’s strongly encouraged to bring a headlamp for your night camping. There’ll be no lights at the camping sites and it’s hard to get to your dining tent or your bathroom tent without one. Flashlights are acceptable if you don’t have a headlamp, but they make some tasks more difficult as you won’t have your hands free.
- Flights: Flying to Cusco can be tricky. Delays occur often and it’s not uncommon for flights to be cancelled. Please be sure to arrive in the city at least two days before your trek start date. LAN Peru is the most reliable of the airlines. Avianca and Peruvian Airlines are acceptable companies as well. You will not return from your trek until around 8 p.m. on the last day. Be sure your flight is not until the next day when leaving Cusco.
- Gratuities: Tipping is always appreciated and should be based completely on your satisfaction. Although tipping may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who’ll take care of you during your travels.
- Travel Insurance: This is not required but always recommended. For those of you who live at sea-level landing in Cusco will take an adjustment period. Most people need one or two days to adjust to the altitude. In case you have a hard time adjusting we suggest you get travel insurance to protect you financially from any missed tours.
- Rentals: Every Alpaca Expeditions’ 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:
Price
Price per person
- $995 per person
The Salkantay Trek can leave any day of the week, from March through December. We do not run this trek in January or February.
Hotel
The alternative treks all end in, or before Aguas Calientes. The last night is spent at a hotel in the village, rather than camping. This 3-star hotel is included in the trek cost, and is based on a shared room (double or triple occupancy). If you are a solo traveler we will charge $30 USD for a single room.
If you would like to upgrade your hotel there will also be an additional cost.
Additional Items
There are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices, but check our Overview section for more details.
Huayna Picchu: $75 per person
Montana: $75 per person
Vistadome Train (one way): $75 per person
Travel Info
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Briefings
All briefings are done at our office at 6:00p.m. the night before your trek. If you are unable to make this time you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Alpaca Expeditions office team. Briefings are approximately 30 to 45 minutes long. This is where you’ll receive your duffel bags.
* 2D/1N Inca Trail Trek with HOTEL does not include a briefing. Our office staff will review all details at your check-in time. -
Duffle Bags
You will receive your duffel bag at your briefing. These bags will be carried by the porters and returned to you at each campsite. They measure 66 cm long X 36 cm wide/2ft long X 1ft wide.
Every duffel has a maximum weight of 7kg. 4kg will be for your clothes and other personal items. The final 3kg will be for our logistics such as your sleeping bag and pad.
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Pick Ups
Alpaca Expeditions is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. As long as your hotel is in the center of Cusco City, we’ll coordinate this pickup based on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing. Pick up times may vary 30 – 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pickups.
Cusco is an old city with cobblestoned streets and very narrow passageways. Very small hotels and Air BNBs are often located on streets that cars cannot pass through. They’re also often located up on the hillside with long steep climbs to the property which is difficult to maneuver with luggage. We highly recommend that you do not stay at one of these places. We have a list of hotels that are all lovely and easy to pick up from.
Some treks will allow for pickups in the Sacred Valley, which is outlined below.
The following chart refers to possible locations we can pick you up from when beginning the tour.
Trek Possible Starting Locations Inca Trails Cusco, Urubamba, Yunahuara & Ollantaytambo Salkantay Treks Only Cusco Lares Trek Only Cusco Huchuy Qosqo Trek Only Cusco Ausangate and Rainbow Treks Only Cusco Day Tours Cusco, Urubamba & Ollantaytambo -
Returning to Cusco
Leaving Machu Picchu requires a lot of logistics, which are all included in your tour.
- From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, you will take a 25 minute bus down to the village. Buses are first come first serve and run all day.
- You’ll take a train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. Your guide will give you your train tickets with train time. Make sure you get to the platform 30 minutes ahead of time.
* Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is 2 hours
* Train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy is 3.5 hours - Once you arrive at the train station look for a gentleman wearing green with an Alpaca Expeditions sign. He’ll then drive you to San Francisco square, Cusco.
* Van ride from Ollantaytambo to nearby San Francisco square is 2 hours
* Van ride from Poroy to nearby San Francisco square is 30 minutes - Once you arrive near San Francisco square, you will be separated into different pre-paid taxis and driven back to your hotel.
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Machu Picchu Entrance Times
Machu Picchu has two different time windows to visit: either morning or afternoon. Your entrance ticket will only a morning session option. When your time window is over the Rangers will ask you to leave.
MORNING SESSION: 6AM – 12PM
AFTERNOON SESSION: 12PM – 5:30PM** If you have tickets to hike either Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain you’ll have some extra time until 2:30PM.
If you would like to spend the whole day at Machu Picchu, we can add an afternoon session ticket to your booking for $50 per person.
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Huaynapicchu / Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu is most beautiful when seen from above, which is why hiking one of the mountains next to the ruins is very popular to do after your guided walking tour.
Huaynapicchu is the most popular and must be booked in advance; it sells out very quickly. This hike takes approximately 45 minutes to the top and another 45 minutes back down. Tickets are sold in time sessions dictating when you can START this hike. The 1st session is from 7 to 8 a.m. and the 2nd session is from 10 to 11 a.m. Again, this refers to when you can begin your hike. We usually book the second session so you can enjoy your tour with your guide first. This hike is done on your own, but your tour guide will show you where to begin.
Machu Picchu Mountain is a bit longer and a bit less popular. It takes 1.5 hours to the top and another 1.5 hours to the bottom. Again, there are two time windows – from 7 to 8 a.m. and 9 to 10 a.m. and we normally purchase the second time window. 4 Day and 7 Day Inca Trail Trekkers CANNOT do this hike and enjoy a tour of the ruins. Time will not allow for this.
Hiking either mountain will allow you to have some extra time at the ruins once you complete your hike, as listed above.
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Health Concerns
It’s important that you are honest with your guide about any health concerns you may suffer from. While guides are not medical professionals, they’re trained in First Aid. Alpaca Expeditions also works with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.
You’re responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. Alpaca Expeditions will not provide medical advice. It’s your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.
If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking and you wish to still visit Machu Picchu. We’ll work with you to coordinate this trip by train. This will be a new trip and may require additional fees. We’ll use as many of the purchased logistics from the original tour to keep fees low.
If you experience issues while hiking and cannot continue, a Alpaca Expeditions’ porter will accompany you to the closest road. They’ll also wait while a car comes to pick you up to bring you to the nearest health clinic.
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Group Tours
Group tours are for all different types of people with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you must understand that some people might be slower or faster than you. Everyone can make their own pace for the trek and the guide will work through the group to spend time with everyone. Groups might request some modifications to the tour and the Alpaca Expedition guide will work with everyone to make the best decision for the group.
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Strikes
Unfortunately strikes are very common in Peru and can cause a lot of disruption to our Tours. Roads are often blocked as well as trains stopped. Alpaca Expeditions does everything possible to operate your Tour including leaving the night before your start date. Tours may need to be cancelled under these circumstances. Alpaca Expeditions’ Operation Department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.
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Lost Items
You’re responsible for your personal items throughout the trek. Please be diligent about where you leave your things. Always remember to remove all items from our vans, tents, restaurant etc. Don’t leave anything unintended while hiking. Other trekkers or teams may pick it up not knowing who it belongs to.
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Tips
Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While Alpaca Expeditions pays very good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please know that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured into this.
Typically, the participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The amount recommended is different per trek and listed below. For the guide this is more personal and needs to be decided based on your relationship with the guide. This is done personally and not as a group together. Porters and Chef prefer soles if possible. Your guide is happy with US dollars, soles.
Trek Per Porter Chef Inca Trails (4, 5 and 7 Days) 60 – 80 soles 150 soles 2D/1N Inca Trail with Camping 50 soles 100 soles Salkantay Treks 100-120 soles 200 soles Lares Trek 100-120 soles 200 soles Huchuy Qosqo Trek 50 soles 100 soles Ausangate 100-120 soles 200 soles * These numbers refer to what each member of the Green Machine should receive after the group pools their money. This is just a reference guide.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is inexpensive and Alpaca Expeditions strongly recommends it. These trips are planned months ahead of time and you can never predict what’ll happen. Adventure traveling includes more risk than your normal trip. Insurance is a way to protect the investment you’ve made on this amazing journey. We can help to recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed.
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Weather
Of course, weather is unpredictable. Typically, the dry season in Cusco is from April through October. However, this doesn’t stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December. The best plan is to just be prepared. No matter what month you’re doing the trek please be 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 prepare for four seasons. Many of the treks through the Andes involve many micro-climates and you’ll need to be prepared for all seasons. Layers are always key as they’re easy to adjust to the different temperatures. And evenings will always be cold so please be prepared with a warm winter weight jacket.
It’s also important to note that weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable and Alpaca Expeditions’ guides will be forced to rework the itinerary for your safety. -
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 oxygen. Over several days at high altitude your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. This is why we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek. If you have more time that’s even better. Cusco is an amazing city with a lot to do so 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, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe please contact Alpaca Expeditions’ office and we’ll 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 which helps bring oxygen into your blood therefore helping your body avoid altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They’ll 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 when they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Going slowly will give your body time to adjust to the mountain.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.
You must remember that this is your holiday and you don’t want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick. Do everything slowly, drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea. If anything does happen and you unfortunately get sick let your guide know right away. All Alpaca Expeditions guides are trained in how to help you get through it.
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Getting to Cusco
The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights. 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.
Packing List
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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)
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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.
- 2-3 wicking t-shirts
- 2-3 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments.
- 4 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
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- 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
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TOILETRIES
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Handsanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toiletpaper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
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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.
- 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
- Earplugs
EQP & Food
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Equipment
Every Alpaca Expeditions’ camping tour includes a spacious 4 man tent that will be shared by only two people so you can spread out a bit. These are all Eureka Timberline Tents made for all seasons. Our rentals are top of the line: Black Diamond Adjustable Walking Sticks and Thermarest Luxury Air Matts. Sleeping Bags rented from us are mummy style down bags for -15C and liners are always included.
For more information on our equipment, CLICK HERE.
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Food
Every Alpaca Expeditions’ trek includes a local chef that has been trained in culinary school. They’ve learned the magic of mountain cooking and you’ll be amazed. The food is part of your cultural experience so there is a lot of pride involved. You’ll enjoy a full hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We also include Happy Hour with snacks and some hot tea or coffee before dinner. The key to feeling good and having the best experience on a trek like this is eating well and staying hydrated.
Meals are all served family style with large plates for everyone to take what they like. And all food restrictions are honored. Doesn’t matter if you’re vegetarian or gluten free you’ll always be well fed.
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Water
Water is provided by Alpaca Expeditions at every meal. We will boil, filter and cool down all water before distributing it to our clients to ensure that it’s healthy for drinking. Because of this process you do need to provide your own water for the very first morning of your trek. We won’t have a chance to get you clean water until lunch on Day 1.
You should always begin your hike with 2-3 liters of water. Be sure you bring a large enough water bottle or camelback to store this.
Salkantay Trek to Machu picchu 7D/6N Only Women
Please fill in our BOOKING FORM carefully with your correct personal details.
The Alpaca Difference
Alpaca Expeditions is a 100% peruvian, indigenous owned company. Started by Raul Ccolque, a former porter and tour guide, Alpaca Expeditions separates ourselves by our dedication to both our customer and our team. We work very hard to make sure that all our clients needs are taken care of throughout the tour with us. At the same time, we never forget about our brothers and sisters working tirelessly for us to make all of this possible. Responsible and sustainable tourism that gives as much to our community as to our clients.
Meet the AE Trekking Team!
Everyone on the Alpaca Team is from Cusco region, living the traditions and history they share with you while on one of our tours. Our guides are all graduates of university studying tourism, history and english. Our chefs are trained every February by a professional cooking team learning new meals, adding varieties of entrees for all types of eating. And all our porters are from HUARQUI, HUACAHUASI, PATACANCHA, QUISWARANI, CANCHACANCHA, QUEYUPAY, UMACHURCO and CCACCACCOLLO villages, very often working this job on top of maining their farms back at home. Most of our team has been with us for years, as we have the most loyal, hard working, happy employees in Cusco. We know how lucky we are to have the best team trekking and you will immediately fall in love with all the men and women who call Alpaca Expeditions their home.
AE súper porters
Our Porters represent the Peruvian people, both men, and women who are at the heart of our...
Equality Matters
Alpaca Expeditions aims to promote gender equality and empower women, hiring first Peru Wo...
Our Guides
Travelling and trekking along the mountains is one of the best activities in the World. Co...
Our Chefs
Trekking along the mountain on your way to conquer Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime ex...
What do we do for our porters?
Alpaca Expeditions would not be where we are today without these hardworking men and women. We could not imagine a harder job and our team does it smiling. We do our best to thank them for their hard work and loyalty by doing as much as we can to make their lives and their families lives better. All our porters receive all their equipment for free from warm winter hats to proper hiking boots. They sleep in proper tents and are given warm sleeping bags for night. They enjoy the same food we serve our clients and all leftovers are donated to their families. We visit their villages with doctors and dentists, donate school supplies and sports equipment. And our favorite time of the year is when we bring a group of porters and their families to Machu Picchu to visit the ruins for the first time.
AE súper porters
Our Porters represent the Peruvian people, both men, and women who are at the heart of our company. It is not possible to ...
Equality Matters
Alpaca Expeditions aims to promote gender equality and empower women, hiring first Peru Women as Porters opening the door ...
Free Medical Assistance to Porters
In 2019, we hired our first Alpaca Expeditions Medical Doctor to help tend to our guides, drivers, chefs…
Our Porter’s bus
We treat our porters with the same dignity and respect as we do our clients. Just as our clients enjoy our…
Our Porter’s House
As we mentioned above, our Porters like many Peruvian people come from distant villages to work our treks…
Tents and Sleeping bags
Again, this is something unique that Alpaca Expeditions provides, and sad others are not doing. We supply…
Proper Equipment for our Porters
Every porter of ours receives proper equipment. That includes moisture-wicking long/short sleeve shirts…
Nutritious Meals for our Porters
A general comment from trekkers on an Alpaca Expeditions tour is that we serve too much food. Well…
Videos of our Porters
Extra information
Alpaca Expeditions is always ready to make your trip safe and as easy as possible for you. Because these trips are a bit more complicated than your typical tour, we have put together some notes on logistics, storage, and even recommendations on where to stay in Cusco. And of course our team is ready to answer any other question, as we promise to be your partner from the moment you first contact us to our last goodbye in Cusco.
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Alpaca Expeditions Recognitions
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.
World Travel Awards
Alpaca Expeditions is internationally recognized as a leading tourism company in Peru. As proof, we have been awarded the World Travel Award for Peru´s Best Tour Operator 2021 for the second time.
TRIPADVISOR RECOGNITIONS
Our goal at Alpaca Expeditions is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.
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