Inka Trail Connection Salkantay and Cusco 9 Days

This trek is spectacular for those travelers who wish to get off the beaten track but still join the original Inca Trail. It is a wonderful trek taking you right from the watershed of the Apurimac river to the Urubamba river and around the stunning Mount Salkantay, which is the second largest mountain in Cusco region (6,277m / 20,577ft). This spectacular trail twists and turns, ascends through high mountain ranges descends steep escarpments passing intimately through shrewdly placed misty cloud forest.

The wildest landscapes and distillation of the oldest traditions and finest building on the planet, where we have a number of diverse ecological zones filled with an enormous variety of plants and bird life. The ancient and remote footpath passes you through archaeological sites which lead you to the ethnic and cultural exchanges of Machu Picchu itself.

Then you will have the great pleasure and privilege to walk on the trail of the Incas and see the most important sacred places in South America, one of the new seven Wonders of the world: Machu Picchu.

• CUSCO ALTITUDE: 3350m/11022 ft
• CLIMATE: Hot and sunny by day and cold by night
• DRY SEASON: April to October
• RAINY SEASON: November to March

DAY 1: CUSCO CITY TOUR

Upon your arrival in Cusco, you will be welcomed by our Local Guide or MTE rep and transferred to your hotel. There you will receive a short briefing with the rest of the morning being at your leisure to rest and acclimatize. We will pick you up from your hotel in the afternoon and start to visit the Imperial Cusco City, a living example of the symbiosis of Andean and Spanish cultures.  Continuing our journey visiting the Santo Domingo Convent constructed over the Koricancha, as well as the ancient Inca Palace and the main worship centre of the Sun God. You will have time to enjoy these beautiful sights; proceeding to visit the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman with its military Inca architecture which dominates the city. Finally we go to the north east of the city to the archaeological  sites of Qenqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay. Afterwards we take you back to your hotel in early evening for a rest then you will experience Cusco by night in one of the many terrific restaurants surrounding the main square of Cusco

Day 2: Cusco – Soraypampa – Umantay Lake – Salkantaypampa

We pick you up at your hotel then you will open your senses to discovery and adventure, driving 3.5 hours to Soraypampa. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the local villages: Izcuchaca and Limatambo, stunning verdant valleys and mountain glacier of Salkantay. At the trailhead (Soraypampa) we have our breakfast enjoying the legendary views of Humantay (5900mt) and Salkantay (6217mt) Mountain glaciers.  We take a 2.5hour round hike up to see the turquoise Humantay Lake afterwards we gently ascend to Salkantaypampa where we will camp. Then enjoy your afternoon tea time with coffee and hot chocolate. The views on this day will be truly breathtaking.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea Time & Dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 12 kms.
• Difficulty: Moderate

 Day 3: Salkantaypampa – Pampajaponesa

We travel independently off the beaten track for about 3 hours uphill. We stop to take lunch along the way and continue our trek for 3 more hours to reach our campsite which is approximately 1km away from the sharp icy topped peak mount Salkantay looming above the rest dominating it´s domain. On the way we will enjoy the band aid of surrounding snow-capped mountains, glacial prehistoric lakes and the depths of amazing valleys. Upon arrival we have high tea and hot toddy at the camp.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea Time & Dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 14kms.
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Pampajaponesa – Sisaypampa

When we get half way of our trek our day begins with a slow challenging 4 hour ascension to reach the Incachiriaska Pass (4,880m) which translates to ‘the place where the Inca cools down’. Tracing through this area, in the rocky crags, lives the Andean Condor the massive bird who floats around in the mists above the Andes. Our trail plateaus and descends into the blanket of a safety to reach our campsite for the night at Sisaypampa.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea & Dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 10kms.
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 5: Sisaypampa – Wayllabamba- Llulluchapampa

After a delicious breakfast, we start hiking to the end of the valley, which then enters a wider valley Pampacahua. There we find an Inca canal that is still in full use by the local farming settlements. At the end of the Pampa we find our first Inca archaeological site Paucarcancha that we pass on and arrive at Wayllabamba for lunch walking for 3 more hours through the Llullucha Valley to reach our campsite at Llulluchapampa where we enjoy our high tea embracing the great views.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea & Dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 11kms.
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 6: Lluluchapampa – Pacaymayu – Phuyupatamarca

Early in the morning we take our breakfast and start our climb for about 2 hours following an original Inca stone path and trek up to the Warmiwañusqa Pass (4,217m/14,047ft) where we have a magnificent view of our ascent and the trail ahead of us. We descend on a reconstructed Inca Trail down to the Pacaymayu River where we have lunch and walk uphill for 2 more hours towards Runcurakay Pass (3,977m/13,127ft); from here we enjoy the breathtaking views of all the surrounding mountains.  Then we descend for 3 more hours to Phuyupatamarca (3,650m/12,047ft), where we spend the night.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea & Dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping facilities
• Distance: 16kms
• Difficulty: Moderate/Challenge

Day 7: Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna – Aguas Calientes

Today is the most beautiful day of our trek. We have our breakfast early in the morning enjoying the sun rise, Urubamba Canyon, Machu Picchu Mountain and the stunning Inca sites.  After we descend for 2 hours through the cloud forest to Wiñaywayna for lunch, walking for 1 hour to the Sun Gate; from here you can enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu and all the surrounding mountains. Afterwards we descend to the citadel and take our shuttle to Aguas Calientes where we spend the night in a hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea & Dinner.
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Distance: 12kms.
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 8: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Wake up early to rise to a new day of adventure and mindfulness sharing the day with our majestic Machu Picchu. Following in the ancient and remote footsteps of the ‘Lost City of the Incas’. Listen carefully to the etheric cultural exchange of history without the crowds who arrive at midday. You will be gifted with free time to explore, take photos, climb Huayna Picchu or visit the Sun Gate. After, we go to Aguas Calientes and in the afternoon at either 4:43pm or 5:27pm we return by the Vistadome train to Poroy (Cusco) where we take you back in our private van to your hotel in Cusco around 8:45 pm or so.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast
• Difficulty: Easy

Day 9: DEPARTURE FROM CUSCO

 After having breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your remaining time in Cusco City, then in the late morning or afternoon we will drop off at the airport in Cusco to take your plane back to Lima or bus station in Puno.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

 Transfer from the airport to your hotel

• Pick up at your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
• Cusco city tour and entrance tickets
• Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
• Entrance fee to the Inca Trail
• Entry fee to Machu Picchu
• English speaking, experienced professional guide
• Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Comfortable tents (sleeping 2 people in a 4person tent)
• All camping equipment: dining tent, table, chairs, kitchen and toilet tent
• All the gear for our porters and cook
• 2 Bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
• First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Vistadome Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Cusco train station)
• Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
• Horseman and mules, to carry all camping and personal equipment (7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, you need to include the sleeping bag in the 7kgs, it will be carried by our mules)
• Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure trek can be completed by all participants
• Thick foam mattress
• Boiled water for drinking
• Taxes

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Sleeping bag (minus 8 ºC) – US$20
• Air Mattress – US$20
• Walking Poles – US$15
• Wayna Picchu Mountain – US$85
• Machu Picchu Mountain – US$85
• Energy snacks – chocolate bars, dried fruits (recommended)
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• OPTIONAL UPGRADES for hotels to 4**** or more!
• Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of MTE

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK MACHU PICCHU

• Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
• Valid, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage:  2-3 liter Camelbaks are encouraged.
• Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
• Sleeping bag (can be rented from MTE)
• Headlamp: essential
• Toilet Paper

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFLE BAG FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK MACHU PICCHU 7 DAYS

As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and  INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing.

• 2 t-shirts
• 2 hiking pants at least
• 4 sets of undergarments
• 3 sets of hiking socks
• Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
• Couple Fleece/ Thermals
• Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º Celcious.
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Quick dry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
• Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
• Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
• Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us.
• Swimming Suit
• TOILETRIES
• Face moisturizer
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Personal medications
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR SALKANTAY TREK MACHU PICCHU 7 DAYS

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.

• Sun Hat
• Sunscreen
• Headlamp: essential
• Wool Hat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
• Coca leaves.
• Gloves
• Camera
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
• Valuable items

EXTRAS

• Sleeping Bag – US$20 per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
• Air Mattress – US$20 per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
• Walking Poles – US$15 per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
• Personal tent: US $30 – (Tent is for single trekkers only)
• Vistadome Train Upgrade  – US$57 per person (For the return to Cusco (Poroy) at 4:43 pm)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain  – US$35 per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Machu Picchu  Mountain –  US$30 per person  (Please request when you book your Trek)
• Single supplement US$30 per night (for solo travellers with single room)
• ADDED VALUES  FOR FREE
• TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
• DUFFLE BAG AND TRASH BAGS – included in the trekking price!
• EXTRA PORTER is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14p like sleeping bag, mattress, clothes etc.
• BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail.
• OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
• EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price which can be riden if you get tired or sick.

PRICE – USD $1400 per person min 2 person Personal porter included!

**** This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs, we will provide you with a duffle bag, to put your things.

***We provide tents for each 2 trekkers.

DISCOUNTS

• Students with ISIC CARD: US$25. Please send us a copy of your ISIC at the time of booking.
• Under 18 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Under 11 years old: US$40  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Group of 5 or more: US$30. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.