DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE

We will leave Cusco around 4:30 am by bus to the town of Mollepata (2,900 meters) where we will arrive about 8:00 am. Here we will stop for last minute supplies, a quick stretch and restroom break. Here we continue upwards by bus to our trek starting point at Challacancha. At Challacancha we will meet with our support staff, load our equipment onto horses and mules, and by 9:00 am, we begin our walk towards Soraypampa (3,900 m). During this part of the trek we already can have (weather permitting) panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay and Humantay mountains.  By mid-day it’s time for a classic Peruvian lunch. After lunch our trail continues upwards toward Humantay Lake, turqoise waters right at the foot of the glacier. Upon descending back to our camp, our tents will be ready for you, as well as dinner.

• Lodging: Campsite

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – CHALLWAY - CHALLWAY

Today, nature will change drastically from barren alpine to snowy peaks and tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, we will start the most difficult part of the trek. We will start the hike around 7:00 am. We will hike to a place called Salkantay Pampa, continuing left upwards towards the face of Salkantay. By midday we will reach the highest point of the trek (4,600 m).midday we will reach the highest point of the trek (4,600 m).

The views from here are literally breathtaking – not only Salkantay (6,264 m) but also the surrounding peaks and valleys below. Around 1:00 pm, we will have lunch in the area called Huayracmachay. After a trek of about 3 hours, we will arrive to our camp in Challway (2,920 m). Later in the evening we will rest from the trek and share dinner together.to our camp in Challway (2,920 m). Later in the evening we will rest from the trek and share dinner together.

• Lodging: Campsite

DAY 3: CHALLWAY – LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA (B)(L)(D)CHALLWAY – LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA

Early in the morning we will start our trek through the high jungles. After about 5 hours we will arrive to Playa Sahuayaco near the town of Collpabamba, traversing an altitude known as the “eyebrow of the Amazon,” where waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, and diverse flora and fauna manifest in absolute abundance. If we are lucky, the famous Andean bird known as the “Cock of the Rocks’ may appear to bless us with its beauty. Once at Playa Sahuayaco we will rest and have lunch. In the afternoon, continuing downstream a few more hours, we arrive to the town of Lucmabamba, which is our last camp site and also the beginning of the Inca Trail to Llactapata. Lodging: Campsite

DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

This morning we will gradually hike upwards for about 2 hours to the archeological site of Llactapata, an impressive center with connections to Machu Picchu and Sayacmarka. We will have plenty of time to explore this beautiful Inca site before descending to the Hydro-Electrica (hydro station) which takes roughly 1.5 hours. From here, a gentle 3-hour walk will bring us to the town of Aguas Calientes where we will check in to a hotel for the night. After check in and freshing up, we will meet up again for dinner together at one of the many restaurants in town.freshing up, we will meet up again for dinner together at one of the many restaurants in town.

• Lodging: Hotel *** or similar

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Our last day together starts very early – we will wake up at around 5:00 am for breakfast and catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. It is important to start early today to avoid the main crowds and also see the citadel during the first rays of morning light. Our guide will start the day with a tour of the most important locations, altars and constructions around Machu Picchu. During this walk he will also share with you what we know about the history of this place and the people who lived here. Following the tour you will have free time to explore the site on your own. If you still feel like you have energy after the previous days, now is the time to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. We will also share with you what we know about the history of this place and the people who lived here. Following the tour you will have free time to explore the site on your own. If you still feel like you have energy after the previous days.

Once you feel complete with your visit of Machu Picchu, a bus will take you back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. After lunch we will board the train to Ollantaytambo and from there continue by bus to Cusco.of Machu Picchu, a bus will take you back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. After lunch we will board the train to Ollantaytambo and from there continue by bus to Cusco.

INCLUDED:

• Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your guide and group in our office for orientation. Here we provide you with duffle bags that will be on horse-back during the trekhorse-back during the trek
• Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
• Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+.
• Professional Cook
• Horses to carry all equipment and 7 kg of your personal items
• Pick-up and transportation from your hotel
• Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own).
• 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Afternoon Snacks and 4 Dinners. If you have a dietary request (vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free, etc) or allergy please advise us upon booking and re-confirm the day of our briefing
• Wake up tea: Every morning our staff will bring tea to your tent
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• 4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Double thickness foam sleeping mattress
• Oxygen bottle
• First aid kit
• Entrance to Machu Picchu
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (round trip)round trip)
• Train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
• Transportation Ollantaytambo-Cusco.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us). US$25.00
• Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 5.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain US$35.00
• Tips.
• Travel Insurance (We highly recommend insurance for your entire trip)

WHAT TO BRING:

• Original Passport
• Current University Card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket / rain ponchojacket / rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts
• Comfortable Trousers
• Sun hat
• Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
• Insect repellant
• Toiletries and hand sanitisersanitiser
• Personal medication
• Camera and film

Torch with spare batteries or Head lamps.Head lamps

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)

FOR YOUR DUFFEL:

Remember you are packing for 2 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel. Porters will carry up to 8 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 wicking t-shirts
• 2 hiking pants
• 4 sets of undergarments.
• 3 sets of hiking socks
• Bathing suit for Hot Springs
• 1 Fleece
• 1 Warm, down jacket: this trek includes 2 cold nights camping
• 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

TOILETRIES:

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

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.

PassportValid, 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)

• 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

• Hire of sleeping bag 5 season$25.00
• Walking stick highly recommended!$15.00
• Single supplement$60.00
• Additional night at 3 star hotel$85.00

Is the trek difficult? Do I need to be in good physical condition?

All our treks (Inka Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, Lares, etc) are moderately difficult, lengthy and traverse rough mountain terrain. We kindly recommend that if you plan to conquer any of these routes to be in relatively good physical condition, plus acclimatization. These means arriving to Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible! To Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible!

Are vegetarian, vegan, and/or other special diet needs available?

Of course! Without any additional costs! When you make your reservation, please inform us of any dietary needs or requirements, including allergies!

Vegetarian foods will be absent of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.

Most of our main meals are a buffet-style, leaving you the option to avoid anything undesirable to you.

If there are any food items or veggies that you cannot stomach, perhaps onions, tomatoes, mushrooms.. etc, upon your request we will ask our chef to leave them out or separate this item.

We can also attend lactose-intolerant or gluten-intolerant diets. We cannot accept individuals with serious allergic or life-threatening reactions.

I have a food allergy. May I still participate?

Every day we receive many clients with food allergies to nuts, wheat, etc. Please inform us in detail of your condition upon making your reservation.

We kindly ask that you declare the severity of your reaction and any medication that you take in case of emergency.

If your allergy is severe, we ask that you be accompanied by a friend or individual conscious and fully responsible of your situation and ready with any medication.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT CLIENTS WITH LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES

When must I arrive in cusco or arrive to your office?

We require that all clients arrive to Cusco at least 48 hours before the start of your trek, although 03 nights before is ideal. You must pay your remaining balance two days before your departure for your trek. This will assure that all individuals are acclimatized and adjusted to the high altitude conditions to begin your trek comfortably. Please note that your remaining balance must be paid in cash in our office and cannot be paid before your arrival.

Our office hours are Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm, 4:00pm – 8:00pm. (Please aim to arrive 7:30pm at the latest!)

Are hiking sticks or poles necessary?

For this trek more than any other, we do recommend hiking sticks, especially for those with any known knee problems. The poles will assist your balance and reduce the impact on your knees.

Inca Footsteps Company will rent hiking sticks for $25

Where can I store my baggage that I dont need for the trail?

Any baggage that is not necessary for your trek may be stored in your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer this service free of charge). In the case that your hotel may not provide this service, we will store your baggage safely in our office free of charge.

What is the weather like during the trek?

The best time for making the trek with good weather is between the months of April – October when there is minimal rainfall and clear skies. The driest months are June – August, which is winter in the Andes.

January to March is summer in Peru, which means rainy season for Cusco and especially the Inka Trail, which is located mostly in the tropical cloud forest.

Where do I have to be the morning of the start of my trek and where will I finish at the end?

We will pick you up from your hotel to begin your trek and upon finishing, we will also leave you at your hotel.

I wish to have a train company or train option different to that which Inca Footsteps Company offers, is this possible?

If you wish to change your train company or option (such as Vistadome de Peru Rail, to Ollantaytambo or the whole route to Poroy), or your departure time, additional fees may apply. You must speak with one of our sales agents to inquire about availability and the additional costs.

05 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – Group Service

The Tour 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an ancient and remote footpath located in the same region as the Inca Trail where massive snowcapped mountains mingle with lush tropical rain forests.

In this journey you will trek from 3,900m/12,800ft to 2,100m/6,900ft, traversing across magnificent mountain passes near enormous majestic snow-capped peaks, immersing in nature in its purest form and exploring more than 15 different ecosystems all within 5 days. This journey also offers opportunities for ethnic and cultural exchanges as we pass through communities and meet locals who are willing to share with open minds their rich cultural heritage they still honor and practice to this day.

Group Size: Small Groups not more than 08 people.

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE (L)(D)

• Walking Distance – 12 mt / 7.45 mi
• Starting Elevation – 3,350 mt / 10,990 ft
• Highest Elevation – 4,600 mt / 15,091 ft
• Campsite Elevation – 3,920 mt / 12,861 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – CHALLWAY (B)(L)(D)

• Walking Distance – 22 km / 13.7 mi
• Starting Elevation – 3,800 mt / 12,467 ft
• Campsite Elevation – 2,750 mt / 9,022 ft
• Maximum Altitude: 4,650 mt/ 15,255 ft
• Difficulty: Challenging

DAY 3: CHALLWAY – LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA (B)(L)(D)

• Walking Distance – 18km / 11.2 mi
• Starting Elevation – 2,750 mt / 9,022 ft
• Campsite Elevation – 2,400 mt / 7,874 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA – LLAPTAPATA -HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

• Walking Distance – 18 km / 11.2 mi
• Starting Elevation – 2,450 mt / 8,038 ft
• Campsite Elevation – 2,000 mt / 6,561 ft (Aguas Calientes hotel)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (B)

• Activity Overview: Private Tour in Machu Picchu with optional hike ” Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
• Activity Level: Moderate to Difficult (with Huayna or Machu Picchu Mtn)