Salkantay + Inca trail to Machu Picchu

Starting Point:Cusco

Ending Point:Cusco

Activities: Archaeological, Cultural, Ecological, Hiking

There are new regulations from the Peruvian government on the trail, in a bid to protect its fragile eco-structure from over-use. These proposals have been aimed at reducing the number of trekkers on the trail .Now there are only 500 persons allowed on the trail, in these 500 persons are all the guides , porters , cooks , for the 4 and 2 days trail included. That’s why we need your reservation in high season at least 30 TO 60 days in advance ! We recommend that you make a reservation for the Inca Trail as far in advance as possible. In the low season (Oct-Mar) we advise making a reservation 4 weeks in advance. For the months of May and September we recommend making a reservation 6 weeks in advance and for the peak months of June, July and August we recommend a minimum of 6-8 weeks in advance. If you don't make a reservation and pay your trek deposit in advance , we won't be able to buy your trek permits. Once we have confirmed your reservation and bought your permits then its not possible to change the date of trek departure and its prohibited to change the name or passport number on the permit. In high season there is sometimes a waiting list for more than 2 MONTH  ! It’s being impossible for visitors to purchase last minute spaces on the Inca Trail upon arrival (at least legitimately anyway). If you turn up in Cusco in the low season (November to April) you maybe still find space available5-7 days prior to the trek departure date if you take the risk and have the time to wait, but these rules are changing constantly!

In the morning, we continue our hike to start the four-hour steep climb towards the Incachiriasca pass (4850m/15908ft), the highest of the entire route, and from which we will have impressive views of the Salkantay snow peak. We then descend towards our lunch spot at Sisaypampa, a flat area from which one can observe Salkantay´s neighboring valleys .After lunch we continue towards the Pampacahuana community, located next to an original Inca canal, where we set our third camp and spend the night.
Meals: B, L, D

We leave camp after breakfast to start a downhill walk along the shores of the Pampacahuana River following its course towards the Wayllabamba community (3000m/9840ft). On the way down we visit the Incaracay archaeological complex (Paucarcancha) After approximately four hours, we arrive in Wayllabamba, where we stop for lunch. This is the point in which our trek joins the classical Inca Trail to Machupicchu. Since pack animals are not allowed in the Inca Trail, we say goodbye to our horsemen and instead, are introduced to our group of porters, which will accompany us until the end of our trek. In the afternoon, we leave Wayllabamba behind to start our way up the Warmihuañusca mountain pass (Dead Woman’s pass) through an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. We will only climb halfway up the pass, stopping at Llulluchapampa, where we will camp and spend the night. We will also cross an area of the so called cloud forest.Meals: B, L, D

Today we continue our hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail, reaching the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuañusca (4200m/13776ft) after about 2 hours. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), from which we then continue to climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals.

Meals: B, L, D

After an early breakfast we will continue up an easy climb, to arrive at the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain. We go through an Inca tunnel . This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley and the long descending stone steps along which we will continue on to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft). At this campsite we will find a lodge with a restaurant, bar and bathrooms with hot showers. Meals: B, L, D

* Departure and arrival times are approximated.
** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the group progress

Transportation to and from: Cusco - Mollepata
Train service:Aguas Calientes - Cusco
Entrance Ticket:Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
Bus ticket:Machu Picchu- Aguas Calientes
Guide: Professional English and Spanish speaking guide; 2 guides for groups over 10 people
Cook: In charge of meal preparation
Horsemen and horses (Salkantay segment): Carry tents, cooking equipment and also carry backpacks, sleeping bags and mattresses (Max. 8 kg/ per person)
Porters (Inca Trail segment): Carry tents and cooking equipment
Meals: 6 Breakfasts/6 Lunches/6 Dinners/Snacks and afternoon tea
Equipment:tents (2 people in each, 3-person-capacity), sleeping mat/ dinner tent, kitchen tent, , tables and chairs, table settings, first aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle

- Breakfast the 1st day, usually hotels offer this service
- Lunch  the last day
- Sleeping bag
- Personal porters (Inca Trail segment): carry backpacks, sleeping bags and mattresses (Max. 15 kg/ 33 lbs per person)

1. -if INC change the price of entrée for the Inca trail permit , or start charging for the Salkantay trek ,the client have to pay these entrée extra  maybe 130 SOL

- US$28.00  Sleeping bag rental( -10°C ) for the whole trek
- US$30.00  Single accommodation
- US$80.00 Extra Porter

CLIMATE

Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.

Along the Salkantay route and the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 10-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny or 0-05ºC at night. At Wiñaywayna and Machupicchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.

Date of birth

copy /Fax or scan of your ISIC student card (if you have one its 35 US less ) 

Departing date for the trail

30 % deposit at western union or at one of our accounts in Peru or Belgium ,the rest you pay at our office in Cusco.

• Your official international passport and student card, if you forget, you can’t enter the trail!
• Day- pack
• Trekking shoes
• Big water bottle
• Flash light,
• Sun Hat and sun crème
• Personal clothing for trek and clothes for rain
• Insect repellent
• Snack
• emergency money and money for the tip

OUR CANCELLATION POLICY :

If you should cancel more than 35 day's in advance PRIOR DEPARTURE  know that you will be refunded everything without the trekkers permit .The trekkers permit is never possible to change name , date and there is never a refund for the permit .
-your train ticket if you cancel between 20 and 15 day's in advance PRIOR DEPARTURE
-Nothing if you cancel 5 DAYS PRIOR DEPARTURE