This walk really takes in the beauties of nature, with a huge variety of archaeological, cultural and ecological sights, such as the snow caped mountains and the tropical forests, as well as the ruins, the remains of the rich Inca culture.  You will get to see daily life in the mountains and the small villages. The first 2 days of this walk are the most difficult; you will walk around the base of Holy Salcantay (6271m/20568ft), and go to the highest point Incachiriasca (4850m/15908ft) and then continue along a rocky path to the famous Inca Trail. At the beginning our support staff will be aided by donkeys and mules to carry our baggage, and then the last three days our belongings will be carried by porters who will help us make the most of our time in the Andean mountains and maximize our adventure. On this trip you will get to witness the fascinating cloud forests, ancient roads and enclosures built by a single civilization, the famous Incas. Of course the trip´s ultimate goal is to reach the Inca´s masterpiece, the fabulous lost city of Machupiqchu?

• Activities: Archaeological sight-seeing, experience the culture, learn about the ecological aspects of Peru, and Hiking.
• Distance: 68 km. (42.25 miles).
• Average hiking time: 07 hours per day.
• Duration: 06 Days / 05 Nights.
• Maximum height: 4.850 meters (15.908 feet) above sea level.
• Departures: book now.
• Number: Minimum 2 passengers.
• Months of Operation: All year except February.
• Service Type:
  Private: This service is exclusively for groups of friends, couples, families, coworkers, etc. And the itinerary is planned according to your requirements, and on the dates that choose
  Shared: Usually this is a large group where the tourists are all different nationalities and the itinerary is fixed.
• Degree of difficulty: Medium high.

OVERALL INFORMATION

Book ahead of time, during an average high season, 90 days before departure there are no spaces due to the influx of tourists wanting to come and see the ruins, so the government has imposed restrictions for environmental purposes, to prevent erosion and contamination of the road network of Inca roads and the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. There are 500 spaces available (tourists, guides, cooks and porters).

Important Please Read

DAY 01 : Cusco - Cruzpata – Salkantaypampa

We will pick you up from your hotel very early in the morning, and we will take you in our private transport from Cusco to Cruzpata, the trip takes around 4 hours. We cross the town of Limatambo (2100m/6888ft), then through a uneven road on the right bank of the Apurimac River, we will arrive at Mollepata (2800m/9184ft), a small district located 90 km from Cusco, then to Cruzpata (3100m/10168ft), to meet with the horsemen and their horses. From this point we then begin the ascent on foot towards Soraypampa, following an uneven road with that takes us both high and low to find the edges of small houses, typical Andean vegetation and small wild birds. We arrived at our camp in Salkantaypampa (3895m/12776ft). From here you can see the majestic Salkantay (6271m/20569ft).

Meals: L, D
Total distance:  10 km / 6, 21 miles.
Estimated walking time:   5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3850 m / 12628 ft.
Campsite altitude: 3,895 m / 12,779 ft.

Itinerary

DAY 02 : Salkantaypampa – Pampacahuana

We will start the morning with a good breakfast, and then we´ll continue on our journey and begin the four hour steep climb up to the pass of Incachiriasca (4850m/15908ft), the highest point of the whole route, which offers amazing views of the Salkantay. We then descend to Sisaypampa where we will have lunch, this is a flat area where you can see the natives of Salkantay (you can see condors in this area). After lunch we continue towards the community of Pampacahuana next to an original Inca canal, where we set up camp for our second night.

Meals: B, L, D.
Total distance:  14 km / 8, 70 miles.
Estimated walking time: 6 - 7 hours.
Maximum altitude point: 4850 m / 15908 ft.
Campsite altitude: 4210 m / 3,812 ft.

Itinerary

DAY 03 : Pampacahuana – Llulluchapampa

We´ll have our breakfast and then begin our descent down along the banks of the river Pampacahuana following its course towards the town of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft). On the way we´ll visit the archaeological complex of Inkaracay. After 4 hours hiking, we’ll arrive at Wayllabamba, where we´ll stop for lunch. This is the point where our journey joins that of the famous Inca Trail. Pack animals are not allowed on the Inca Trail, so we have to leave our mules and horses and instead we are accompanied by our group of porters who will take all our baggage. We go on from Wayllabamba to Llulluchapampa (3850m/12628ft), where we will camp and spend the night. Throughout the climb, the landscape changes from Sierra to Puna, and we will have the opportunity to see domesticated llamas and alpacas, animals that are typical of Peru.

Meals: B, L, D.
Total distance: 14 km / 8, 70 miles.
Estimated walking time:   6-7 hours.
Maximum altitude point: 3850 m / 12628 ft.
Campsite altitude: 4210 m / 13,812 ft.

Itinerary

DAY 04 : Llulluchapampa – Chaquiqocha.

We will wake up and have some time for breakfast and then hike to the highest point of the Inca Trail, reaching the mountain pass of Warmihuañusca or dead woman top (4200m/13776ft). Immediately after the pass, we descend into the valley of Pacaymayo (3600m/11808ft) where we’ll have lunch and then continue up to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway down, we stop to visit the complex of the same name (Runkurakay). This site is located 3800m/12464ft, and is a small structure that is believed to have been used as a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend down to Yanacocha (the black lagoon) and enter into the cloud forest to finally reach Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft) a beautiful complex consisting in semicircular buildings, all at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Just 20 minutes away is Chaquicocha, where we will set up camp.

Meals: B, L, D.
Total distance: 12 km / 7, 45 miles.
Estimated walking time: 7 hours.
Maximum altitude point: 4200 m / 13776ft.
Campsite altitude: 3650 m / 11,975 ft.

Itinerary

DAY 05 : Chaquiqocha – Wiñaywayna.

After breakfast we will have an easy climb that will get us to the third pass, Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can see and appreciate the magnitude of ancient Inca art, we go through a natural tunnel used by the Incas, and we’ll see an abundance of flora and fauna in the way to the archaeological Phuyupatamarca. This is one of the most complete and best preserved Inca complexes, and is at the peak of a mountain. Curiously called Phuyupatamarca,  which means “cloud level town” You can see a sophisticated complex consisting of water sources with solid foundations, and giving you breathtaking views of the Urubamba valley, we then follow a well-crafted staircase which leads us to Wiñaywayna (2650 m) where we will camp out for the night. In this site we’ll find a lodge with restaurant, a bar and bathrooms with hot showers. The camp has the same name as the complex located only five minutes from the lodge. Wiñaywayna is an impressive complex made from an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban area.

Meals: B, L, D.
Total distance: 14 km / 8, 70 miles.
Estimated walking time:  4 - 5 hours.
Maximum altitude point: 3,900 m / 12,792 ft.
Campsite altitude: 2650 m / 8,694 ft.

Itinerary

DIA 06 : Wiñaywayna to Machupicchu

On the fourth and last day we’ll need to get up at early at 4.00 am and leave Wiñaywayna an hour later to climb to the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This trip will take around an hour, hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in the highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we can see the sun rise over the sacred citadel of. From Intipunku we descend into, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves with the authorities and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel which will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of, the valleys and mountains that surround it (please note that only 400 visitors are allowed per day), or visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.

Notice: Occasionally the park authorities may designate campsites than those indicated below.
Meals: B
Total distance: 4 km / 2.49 miles.
Estimated walking time:  2 hours.
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft.
Machu Picchu altitude: 2,400 m / 7,872 ft.

Itinerary

• Your original passport, student card ISIC (if applicable)
• A Sleeping bag, a backpack for hiking, 2 pairs pants, 2 pairs of shorts, 4-poles (long and short), several pairs of socks, Sandals, towels, toilet paper, gloves, thermal jacket, a hat for cold days, sunglasses and sunscreen for when the sun comes out.
• A liter bottle of water.
• A Flashlight with spare batteries, matches, knives.
• Hiking boots (preferably waterproof with ankle protection).
• Insect repellent, cream to hydrate the face and/or body.
• A Raincoat (poncho for rain).
• Energy foods (dried fruits, candies, chocolates, cookies, etc...).
• Soap and other toiletries and clothes to change.
• Swimsuit (recommended for the hot springs).
• You should bring appropriate clothing for both hot and cold days of the tour.
• Also, depending on your interest, you could bring a camera or camcorder, binoculars, compass; all such equipment should be lightweight.
• Basic medical supplies.
• Extra money in soles and dollars.
• Optional: walking sticks.

WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING

• An orientation to clarify all the details of the tour, 1 or 2 days before departure.
• Private transportation from your hotel to Cruzpata.
• Entrance ticket to the Salkantay Trail and Machu Picchu.
• Guided Tour for the Salkantay Trail and Machupiqchu Sanctuary.
• Professional Guide: Bi-lingual, speaks both English and Spanish, 2 guides from more than 9 passengers.
• A Cook responsible for meals. (05 breakfasts, 05 lunches, 05 dinners) - Please notify us if you are a vegetarian.
• Horseman and mules will be in charge to carry the camping equipment and food during the first three days.
• Porters will be in charge to carry the camping equipment and food provisions during the last three days.
• Boiled water for each meal, and for the places where there are no shops to buy water.
• Bio-degradable personal hand soaps.
• Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our kitchen staff.
• Camping equipment: Tents 04 people capacity for 02 persons, sleeping pad, dining tent with table and chairs, kitchen tent, toilet tent, cutlery
• Toilet tent with bio-degradable toilet facilities.
• Mules will carry 5 kg maximum from your personal stuff.
• Bus down to Aguas Calientes town on the 6th day.
• Train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and bus service from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• Portable Radio (Walkie Talkies); Basic first aid and oxygen bottle.
• 24 hours assistance.

OUR SERVICE INCLUDED

• Meals: breakfast and lunch 1st day and 6th day.
• Sleeping bags (please note that you can rent them from us).
• Foods that are not listed.
• Admission to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
• Personal expenses.
• Tips.

We don’t Included

• Sleeping bag US$ 30.00 complete tour.
• Thermal-rest mattresses or inflatable sleeping pad for US$ 30.00.
• Discount of US$ 40.00 with International Student Card (ISIC Card).
• You can rent an extra horse if you are tired or you can`t walk any more for. US$ 40.00 per Day.
• You can hire an extra porter to carry your personal stuff for US$ 80.00 / 3 days. A porter can carry up to 16 kg. Or you can share the expenses with one or two more people.
• Bag pack for, US$ 15.00 whole tour.
• When you reserve and then specify the type and category of hotel (2 **, 3 ***, etc.). Prices range from US$ 25 to US$ 750. This will modify the published tour price.
• If you want to return to the ruins the next day, you have to pay admission again. (Only the first entry to Machu Picchu will be included in the tour).
• All our programs are with the Expedition train service (for a comfortable price), but if you want another type of service, like the Vistadone train service (first class service) or Hiram Bingham (exclusive luxury Orient Express service), each train service is a different price, which obviously modify the published tour price. We can customize your travel, all you need to do is contact us.

Optional

• We request that you give us all your relevant personal information to proceed with your booking.
• For each tour or service that you book, our online staff will send you an email of confirmation for your booking tour within 24 hours of you making the booking, which you must print and present before the beginning of the tour.
• Confirmation of your booking will be issued once the payment has been made. Upon our receipt of you payment, our on line staff will send you a Trip Boucher.
• Our staff on line will send you all the tour information you will require, such as office address, telephone number and name of the person who will provide you the services, by e-mail.
• ANDEAN TERRITORY EIRL is a tourism company with extensive experience in the tourism service and provides a high quality service, ensuring that our customers enjoy their respective trips or tours without having to worry about organizing and planning everything – We do that for you.

>> Andean Territory’s terms and conditions

Note