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4 Day Salkantay Trail to Machupicchu

This trek is ideal for travelers wishing to get off the beaten track but still take in the breathtaking ruins of Machupicchu. It is a wonderful trek and voted by National Geographic as one of the Worlds Most Beautiful Treks! We traverse through beautiful green valleys and cross right through the snow-capped mountain of Salkantay.  You will enjoy a wide variety of flora, fauna and wildlife. The most important factor is acclimatising to the altitude. We suggest that you spend at least 2 days in Cusco before attemptingto walk the trail. During this time you can explore the wonders of Cusco which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  


Day 1: Cusco(3,350m) - Mollepata (2,909m) - Soraypampa (4,000m) – Colcapampa (3,200m)
An early rise at around 4.30am!  We drive from Cusco by private bus for approximately 2.5 hours to Mollepata and then continue driving up to Soraypampa(1.5hrs) from where our trek begins. Here we meet up with our wranglers and their horses that will carry our equipment during the trek.  We start our climb ascending the mountains until we reach the high pass at 4,800m near the magnificent glacier peaks of Salkantay (6,271m) and Humantay (6,100m) the second highest peak in the Cusco area.  After admiring the beautiful landscape, we begin our descent to Wayracmachay (3,800m) – approx. 5hrs walking where we have our lunch and a good rest.  After lunch we continue walking another 3.5hrs until our campsite at Colcapampa –along the way we find some species of orchids and different kinds of plants and some cornfields and fruit fields.  (Lunch, Dinner) 

Day 2: Colcapampa– La Playa (2,050m)
An early rise, we take our breakfast and continue on our way!  Today we head for Lluscamayu where we will take our lunch – approx. 5-6hrs walking.  Today we will see a variety of fauna and flora (orchids, bromeliads, typical vegetation) upon entering into a micro-climate zone. We will also see many different kinds of birds, insects and butterflies. We descend to the small town of La Playa, a small village, with a very hot and humid climate where you can visit the local hot springs later in the evening if you wish.  We camp nearby. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 

Day 3: Playa –Santa Teresa (2,200m) - Aguas Calientes (1,900m)
We have breakfast and after a take a journey by bus (1 hour)to Hydro-Electric Station.  From here we start walking following the train line towards the town of Aguas Calientes for approximately 3 hours (10km).  Enroute we stop and have a box lunch.  On arrival in the town your guide will take you to your hotel.  We include dinner tonight in a restaurant. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)    

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu - Cusco
It is an early start to Machupicchu to see the sunrise over this magnificent ancient city!  We take the first bus up to the ruins of Machupicchu and have a fully guided tour of around 2 hours.  After the tour you have plenty of time to explore the citadel on your own, and maybe even climb Huaynapicchu or Inca Bridge.  Afterwards you can comeback down to the town for lunch.  Your extra time in the citadel is dependent on your return train time.  In the afternoon we take the train back to Ollantaytambo where our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco in Private Transportation leaving you in your hotel. (Breakfast)





GROUP SERVICES : US$ 770 per person   
We operate small groups between 2-10 persons. We pride ourselves in our personal service on your trek. Your guide, cook and porters are dedicated to your safety and enjoyment whilst hiking, looking after you every step of the way!  

PRIVATE SERVICES
Hike with only your family and friends!  Add on $100 per person to close your group

DISCOUNTS
Children – 1 to 17yrs of age : US$ 20  (copy of passport front page required for discount to apply)  

INCLUDED
Pre-departure briefing in our office
Collection from your hotel in Cusco and return in Private Transportation
Professional English Speaking Mountain Guide (two guides for groups over 8 persons)
Experienced Cook preparing delicious meals 3x a day
Meals:3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners (we provide generous amounts of nutritious meals and beverages and have vegetarian, gluten, wheat free options available)
Snacks enroute and tea time daily
Boiled water to replenish your supply from Day 1 – Lunch time onwards
Entrance fee into Machupicchu Sanctuary
Roundtrip Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu
Horseman to carry the camping equipment, ie tents, tables, chairs, etc.
Duffel bags to put your luggage into
Spacious good quality 4 man tents (for your comfort we put only 2 persons per tent).  Single tents are available at additional cost if you do not want to share.
Comfortable sleeping mats (inflatable mat available to rent)
First Aid Kit carried by the Guide
Hot water for washing in your tent every day
Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel
Emergency Oxygen bottle and first aid kit
Inca Rail or Expedition train ticket for group services
Hotel in Aguas Calientes (3-star) based on double occupancy (either La Pequeña Casita or Marco Wasi)

NOT INCLUDED
Breakfast on the first day and Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
Entrance to Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu Mountains – $30 per person payable via Paypal in advance so we can secure permits which are limited and therefore not guaranteed.
Single Tents (for persons not happy to share) - $65 per tent
Single Room Supplement if required - $45 per room  
Personal Insurance – We highly recommend that you take out your own Travel & Medical Insurance before you leave your country!  
Gratuities – In Peru it is customary to tip your Cook, Horseman and Trail Guide at the end of the trek, although this is entirely at your discretion.                

Guideline (based on total payment from group)              
Horseman: approx. Soles 60 per horseman                
Cooks: approx. Soles 80-100 per cook          
Guide: approx. Double of the cooks tip

OPTIONALS
Sleeping Bag - $30 per bag for entire trek
Walking Poles - $12 per pole  
Inflatable Mattresses - $25 per mattress  
Inflatable Pillows - $6 per pillow  
Saddle Horses – if you are unsure about walking the entire way we recommend hiring a horse - $90 per horse for entire trek (including horseman)
Single Tents (for persons not happy to share) -$60 per tent  
Thermal baths in Santa Teresa (10 Soles – price subject to change without notice) - taxi cost separate Thermal baths in Aguas Calientes (10 Soles -price subject to change without notice)  
Upgrade train service to Vistadome : the cost is US$55 per person (trains subject to availability)

Holiday or Election Increments
An increment of $35 per person is applicable leaving on or over these holiday periods or during election periods:  Christmas (Dec 22nd, 23rd, 24th,25th) New Year (Dec 29th, 30th, 31st, Jan 1st).

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