Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Salkantay Mountain
The trip will start this Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu from the city of Cusco, and from there we will depart at 5:00 AM to travel to Soraypampa. The duration of the trip is approximately 3 hours. We will have a delicious lunch with local organic products, and then continue our walk to the Humantay lagoon, where we will spend the night at the foot of the Salkantay mountain located at 3800 meters in comfortable tents.
Walking distance: 18 km
Elevation of the camp: 3,700 mts
Climate: Cold, rainy
Day 2: salkantay camp – collpapampa
We will start the day with an Andean coffee or a coca tea in the same Inca style, and enjoy the best Andean breakfast. surrounded by magnificent mountains. From there, we will start the walk towards the Salkantay Pass at 4730 meters, for about 3 hours. Along the way, we will have a stop to enjoy lunch prepared by local cooks, then descend to the Collpapampa camp.
Walking distance: 18 km
Elevation of the camp: 2,600 mts
Climate: Cold, rainy
Day 3: Collpapampa Camp – Llactapata
The day will once again start with a coffee or a cocoa tea as Andean breakfast is prepared. Once breakfast is done, the trek continues to the first stop of the day, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch. From there, we will continue to our camp where we will spend the night.
Walking distance: 16 km
Elevation of the camp: 2,800 mts
Climate: Hot, cold at night.
Day 4: Llactapata – hydroelectric – Aguas Clientes
The fourth day of the journey will begin in front of the Machu Picchu mountain, where we will have a hearty breakfast. From here, we will then continue with our hike to the hydroelectric plant and arrive at Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night and have dinner at a local restaurant, and enjoy the sights and hot springs.
Walking distance: 16 km
Elevation of the camp: 2,300 mts
Climate: Hot, cold at night.
Day 5: Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, we will take the first bus to Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise before more travelers begin to pour in and the foot traffic picks up. We will explore every corner of Machu Picchu and once the visit is finished, we will return to Aguas Calientes. From there, we will take the expeditions train to Ollantaytambo and then return to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel.
Meals Included: Only Breakfast
Included/Not Included
Included
Professional Guides: Highly trained guides for high mountain terrain and Inca history
Briefing: We will have an information session and briefing held in our office or hotel at 6:30 PM on the night before your trip starts. Briefings will last 20-30 minutes but we are always available for questions. You will receive a travel bag at this briefing, the contents of the bag must not exceed 13 lbs and must include a sleeping bag and air mattress.
Permits: All permits are guaranteed according to availability. As soon as we receive your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits.
Porters: We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag.
Transportation: Transportation is included in the entire journey, both bus and train, from the point of departure to the point of return. If you have any suggestions or preference for a train service, please let us know. Additionally, your round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu will be included.
Equipment: We have excellent camping equipment, dining room, and two person dormitory tents
Food: Our meals are traditional and cooked by our staff cook, giving you a taste of typical Peruvian food. We respect all food restrictions, please just let us know ahead of time. All our meals are served in a family style. 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.
Hotel: This trek included a one-night 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes Village. We have a selection of hotels, great service and accommodation (if you have any suggestions let us know).
Water: From your first day you will be provided with water for your journey. This water is boiled, and it is necessary to bring personal water bottles.
First Aid: Our team is trained in first aid. In case of emergency we follow an emergency plan to provide the fastest possible attention.
Extras: We believe that personalized attention is a plus for us, so small details are very important. We are committed to creating the most authentic experience towards Machu Picchu.
Travel bags: You will be given our travel bags, where you will carry your clothes and other personal items, sleeping bags and a mat. With a maximum weight of 7 kilos
Transfers Airport: Free roundtrip airport transportation.
Satellite Phones: For us security is very important, and keeping our customers safe is our priority. We have satellite phones for emergencies or any situations that may require them.
Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in the listed price.
Not included
Huayna Picchu: The mountain that is next to Machu Picchu. This trek has a duration of about 50 minutes and is quite the walk. It has a cost of 75 USD, and for us to be able to get permission for this mountain, you must let us know a month in advance due to its popularity.
Rentals: Every traveler needs to have their own sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks are recommended. These items are not part of the tour package so if you do not wish to bring any of own the above items, you may rent them following these ratest:
Inflatable air mattress : $ 15
Walking sticks: $ 10
Sleeping bag: $ 20
Backpacks for the Day: the agency does not provide backpacks, so you must bring your own. Note; Machu Picchu does not allow backpacks over 25 lb.
Flashlights (lamps): it is recommended to bring flashlights for the campsites or headlamps.
Tips: Tips are always welcome, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not mandatory).
Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended, but not mandatory. Normally many people get sick with altitude sickness, so we recommend adapting 1 day or 2 days before starting a trek.
Packing List
Essentials:
- Immigration card
- Backpack ( small)
- Water bottles
- Mountain shoes ( light on recommendation)
- Passport
- Student card ( if you booked as a student)
Duffel:
- Absorbent shirts
- Pants (for walks)
- Warm jacket (preferably feather)
- Hat (For sun)
- Flashlight (personal use)
- Waterproof jacket
- Garbage bag (trash)
- Sleeping bag (preferably feather)
Toiletries:
- Repellents
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- Sunscreen
Price
From March to December, the Salkantay Trek can depart on any day of the week. This trek is not offered in January or February.
Price Group Tour
This means the journey is open for other Altitude travelers to join you. Our guide is prepared for different walking rhythms.
Price Private tour
depends on the size of the group
- 2 Trekkers: $960 per person
- 3 Trekkers: $925 per person
- 4 Trekkers: $870 per person
- 5 Trekkers: $815 per person
- 6 Trekkers: $760 per person
- 7 Trekkers: $705 per person
- 8 o más Trekkers: $650 per person
Required pre-payment: $ 200 per person
Balance in Cusco: commonly pay in cusco after the briefing
Student discount
The student discount only applies for people who present a valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Minors 17 years old or younger. We need you to send us a copy of your university ID Tt award the discount. For children 17 years old and under, we need a copy of passport.
- Discount: $ 30 per person
Vistadome Train
All our services include the regular train service, Expeditions or Voyager. The vistadome train or panoramic train is an upgraded train.
- Vistadome train: $ 75 per person
Huayna Picchu
This mountain is a 50 minute walk to the top and another 50 minutes return. If you are planning to do this hike on your own, your guide will give you all the information you need. An additional ticket is required for this hike and we can reserve it for you.
- Ticket to Huaynapicchu: 75$ per person
Important Information
Getting to Cusco
All international passengers by plane must disembark in Lima and pass through Customs because the airport in Cusco is currently only for local flights. You must pick up your luggage in Lima and then check them back in, even if your trip from there to Cusco is on the same day and with the same airline.
The best way to go to Cusco is by plane, and there are many airlines to choose from. Although LAN generally offers the most options and flights, it is also the most expensive. Be prepared for flight delays or cancellations.
Weather in Cusco
Of course, the weather is erratic. In Cusco, the dry season typically lasts from April through October, but be prepared because it can rain in June or get sunny in December.
Please make sure you have rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves, no matter what month you are taking the journey.
Consider the four seasons as well. You should be prepared for all four seasons as many of the climbs over the Andes entail numerous microclimates.
Always wear layers since they make it simple to adapt to changing temperatures. Please be ready with a heavy, winter-weight jacket because evenings will always be chilly.
Luggage Storage
Your luggage allowance is still restricted owing to railway regulations even if this is an overnight train vacation. To be transported to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), all bags must fit in a carry-on.
While you trek, you can leave any additional luggage in Cusco at your hotel or with us at the AltitudExperience Peru deposit. On the morning of your tour, we will collect from you and return after you have reached Cusco. Make sure your baggage are identified in some way so they can be found easily.
Altitude in Cusco
People begin to worry about altitude sickness as soon as they reserve their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco. Because there is less oxygen in the air at high altitudes than at sea level, your body must work harder to obtain oxygen. Your body becomes accustomed to the lower oxygen content of the air over a period of days at a high altitude.
This is why we always advise staying in Cusco for at least two days before to starting any hike. It would be ideal if you had more time. You won’t get bored in Cusco because it is a fantastic city with lots to do.
These symptoms will typically be modest. Always ease into action gradually to give your body time to acclimate. Drink a lot of liquids, such as coca tea or water. Since ancient times, coca tea has been used to help avoid altitude sickness.
Coca plant leaves contain alkaloids that help your body get more oxygen into your blood and stave off altitude sickness. A lot of alcohol and caffeine should be avoided. They’ll make you urinate more frequently and dehydrate you. Don’t smoke.
Your body has a harder time getting oxygen when you smoke. Don’t use sleeping medicines. Your body may have a harder time absorbing oxygen when you sleep as a result of their potential for shallow breathing at night.
Keep in mind that the journey to Machu Picchu is not a race. When people rush to the mountain’s summit too rapidly, even those in the best form will experience altitude sickness. Your body will have more time to become used to the mountain if you move gently.
To assist prevent altitude sickness, your doctor may recommend medications like acetazolamide and dexamethasone. Two days before you travel to a high altitude, begin taking the medication. While you are at a high altitude, keep taking it.
You must keep in mind that this is your vacation and that worrying about becoming sick is unnecessary. Drink plenty of water, move slowly, and take pleasure in the coca tea. In the unfortunate event that something goes wrong and you become ill, inform your guide right away. All ALTITUDEXPERIENCE guides have received training on how to assist you in navigating it.
Briefings
All briefings take place at our office starting at 6:30 p.m. You must arrange a different time with a member of the ALTITUDEXPERIENCE office staff if you are unable to make this appointment. Briefings last between 30 and 45 minutes. Your duffel bags will be delivered here.
Duffle Bags
Your duffel bag will be handed to you at your briefing. The porters will transport these luggage for you and deliver them back to you at each campground. They are 65 cm long by 35 cm wide, or two feet long by one foot.
The maximum weight for a duffel is 7kg. Your clothing and other personal stuff will each weigh 4 kilograms. The remaining 3 kg will be used for our supplies, including your mat and sleeping bag.
Pick Up
One of the few businesses that will pick you up from your hotel is ALTITUDEXPERIENCE. We’ll schedule this pickup depending on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing as long as your accommodation is in the heart of Cusco City. Depending on the amount of traffic and the period between pickups, pick-up times may vary by 30 to 45 minutes.
The alleys and alleyways in Cusco’s historic center are cobblestoned. Small accommodations like Air BNBs and hotels are frequently found on impassable streets.
First Aid
AltitudExperience guide has completed a physician-led first aid course. Every February, we hold a training session that is required for all ALTITUDE guides. When guiding you, they’ll have oxygen and a first aid pack for common medical emergencies including traveler’s diarrhea and cuts and scrapes.
In the event that anything unforeseen occurs and you feel you are unable to finish the walk, they will plan the fastest and safest route off the trail to a clinic. You won’t ever be on your own; a team member will accompany you at all times until you reach a doctor in a safe location. We’ll make sure you still have the opportunity to see Machu Picchu and get back in touch with your group when you’re feeling up to it.
Environmental Impact
AltitudExperience carries all of our trash back to Cusco and uses biodegradable soap. Our staff are taught to maintain the trail and collect any trash left by other groups. Additionally, we employ chemical portable restrooms that allow us to pack trash out. Leaving no trace is something we highly support.
