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The Inca Trail is the most famous hike in South America. Although the total distance is only about 39km, the ancient trail laid by the Incas from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu winds its way up and down and around the mountains, snaking over three high Andean passes en route, which have collectively led to the route being dubbed ‘the Inca Trail.’ The views of snowy mountain peaks, distant rivers and ranges, and cloud forests flush with orchids are stupendous – and walking from one cliff-hugging pre-Columbian ruin to the next is a mystical and unforgettable experience.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an alternative to the Inca Trail. It is considered by most to be the best alternative route. We think it’s the best route! Not only because of the rampant beauty you will encounter, but also because of the lack of people. Because it is more rugged and remote, the Salkantay Trek is significantly less populated than the Inca Trail. With formidable views and awe-inspiring vistas, this path less traveled has an unquantifiable value. It is truly, as deemed by the Inca, sacred.
Machu Picchu is consistently the #1 travel destination in the world. Why? The answer is simple: the experience is mesmerizing and unique. You aren’t merely driving up to the lookout, getting out of the car, and snapping a few photos; you are traveling to the depths of South America, into the heart of the Andes. Stumbling onto the Lost City of the Incas is just one part of the journey.
The Inca Trail is the most famous hike in South America. Although the total distance is only about 39km, the ancient trail laid by the Incas from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu winds its way up and down and around the mountains, snaking over three high Andean passes en route, which have collectively led to the route being dubbed ‘the Inca Trail.’ The views of snowy mountain peaks, distant rivers and ranges, and cloud forests flush with orchids are stupendous – and walking from one cliff-hugging pre-Columbian ruin to the next is a mystical and unforgettable experience.
Vinicunca — also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors, or more simply Rainbow Mountain — was discovered four years ago when the snow covering it melted, revealing the natural beauty of the rock beneath. Formed by weathering, environmental conditions and sedimentary deposits over time, the mountain’s unique minerology created a marbling effect, with layered hues of gold, lavender, red and turquoise towering into the sky.
The former capital of the mighty Inca Empire, Peru’s city of Cusco is a fabulous base from which to explore fascinating archeological and historical sites, as well as enjoy time in nature. Although the city has much to be proud of, many of the area’s delights can be found beyond the city limits. Here are some of the best day trips to take from Cusco for a fabulous Peruvian adventure to remember.
Machu Picchu Inca Trekking is one of Peru’s leading tour operators. We are trusted for our professional, efficient, and friendly services. With a focus on exploration, cultural immersion and personal achievement, our adventure travel packages will challenge and inspire you as you bond with other like-minded travelers who share a love for exploring new places and cultures.
Duration
4 Days / 3 Night
Price
from: $450
3035 m / 9957 ft
Up to 10 people
Camps
Moderate
Discover the architectural jewel of the Incas on a trek that will challenge your physical and mental limits to renew yourself from head to toe. If you’re addicted to physical activity, you love nature, and you’re passionate about the history of ancient civilizations, this route is perfect for you.
At 5:00 am we will pick you up from your hotel and we will leave Cusco in our private van that takes us to the town of San Pedro de Cachora (2800m). There you have plenty of time to try a local breakfast (not included in the package, although the price is quite reasonable). We will meet with the rest of our team (cooks and muleteers) and we will begin our long walk of the day, it will take us between 7 and 8 hours in this mountainous region. On the way we will observe various typical landscapes of the different climates of the area with views such as the snow-capped mountain of Pedroyoc or even the diversity of flora and fauna that enhance our experience.
Finally we will arrive at the Capulichayoc viewpoint from where we will be able to observe the deepest canyon in the world, the Apurímac, with the Apurímac river at the bottom. Here we have our first lunch and our first views of Choquequirao. Once we rest, we continue descending to Chiquisca (1800m) where we set up the tents and spend the night surrounded by wonderful landscapes.
Meals: Lunch – Dinner
At 5:00 am we will pick you up from your hotel and we will leave Cusco in our private van that takes us to the town of San Pedro de Cachora (2800m). There you have plenty of time to try a local breakfast (not included in the package, although the price is quite reasonable). We will meet with the rest of our team (cooks and muleteers) and we will begin our long walk of the day, it will take us between 7 and 8 hours in this mountainous region. On the way we will observe various typical landscapes of the different climates of the area with views such as the snow-capped mountain of Pedroyoc or even the diversity of flora and fauna that enhance our experience.
Finally we will arrive at the Capulichayoc viewpoint from where we will be able to observe the deepest canyon in the world, the Apurímac, with the Apurímac river at the bottom. Here we have our first lunch and our first views of Choquequirao. Once we rest, we continue descending to Chiquisca (1800m) where we set up the tents and spend the night surrounded by wonderful landscapes.
Meals: Lunch – Dinner
After a good breakfast, we begin a strenuous 5-hour hike until our lunch in Marcapata. Here we will have a guided visit to Choquequirao (the "Golden Cradle"), considered the Sister City of Machu Picchu for the many similarities they share. Choquequirao is 1500 meters above the Apurímac canyon, while Machu Picchu is towards the Urubamba canyon, they have the same latitude, and both are large citadels of more than 8 hectares, and so far only a third has been discovered.
Archaeologists make new discoveries every day. We will explore the three levels of the excavated ruins, appreciating the various houses, terraces and other elements of this late Inca town. We will camp next to Marcapata.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch – Dinner
After a good breakfast, we begin a strenuous 5-hour hike until our lunch in Marcapata. Here we will have a guided visit to Choquequirao (the "Golden Cradle"), considered the Sister City of Machu Picchu for the many similarities they share. Choquequirao is 1500 meters above the Apurímac canyon, while Machu Picchu is towards the Urubamba canyon, they have the same latitude, and both are large citadels of more than 8 hectares, and so far only a third has been discovered.
Archaeologists make new discoveries every day. We will explore the three levels of the excavated ruins, appreciating the various houses, terraces and other elements of this late Inca town. We will camp next to Marcapata.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch – Dinner
We can see the sunrise over the ruins at dawn and after a good breakfast, we begin to go down using the same path that we arrived on, until we reach our camp in Chiquisca.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch – Dinner
We can see the sunrise over the ruins at dawn and after a good breakfast, we begin to go down using the same path that we arrived on, until we reach our camp in Chiquisca.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch – Dinner
An early start today will help us avoid the worst of the heat in the canyon and guarantee magnificent views of Apurimac and the surrounding peaks. On our journey, we reached the Capuliyoc viewpoint for the last time, where we said goodbye to the fabulous views of the Choquequirao ruins. We will also see the majestic snow-covered peak of Padreyoc overlooking the Apurimac Canyon while being surrounded by the special flora and forms of this area. Then we will ascend to our final destination of San Pedro de Cachora to return to Cusco by bus.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch.
An early start today will help us avoid the worst of the heat in the canyon and guarantee magnificent views of Apurimac and the surrounding peaks. On our journey, we reached the Capuliyoc viewpoint for the last time, where we said goodbye to the fabulous views of the Choquequirao ruins. We will also see the majestic snow-covered peak of Padreyoc overlooking the Apurimac Canyon while being surrounded by the special flora and forms of this area. Then we will ascend to our final destination of San Pedro de Cachora to return to Cusco by bus.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch.
Sleeping bag US $ 25.00 rental for the entire trip.
Sleeping bag US $ 25.00 rental for the entire trip.
Do not hesitate to call us. We are a team of experts and we will be happy to talk to you.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu Inca Trekking will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
We give advice and recommendations that are right for you
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as easy as possible. In this section, you will find speedy answers to all those questions you had about trekking Salkantay in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
Has another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line, and we will get back to you asap!
Briefing or informative meeting
All information meetings are held in your hotel at 5:00 p.m., one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another time at the Salkantay Trekking offices. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Payment of Trek Balance (in Cusco)
The trek has to be paid for in full by at least 7.30 pm two days before departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, then you must come to our office before 7.30 pm on Monday.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 8% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Storing your luggage at our Office.
Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office(you can organize briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you are not going to need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags, put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (In the unlikely case of theft many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pickups:
Salkantay Trekking can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pickup time will be coordinated with your guide in the briefing. The pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, therefore, it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Group tours:
Group tours are made up of different types of people. Physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route. It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if said modifications can be made.
Strikes and demonstrations:
Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent in Peru and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects:
You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.
Do not hesitate to call us. We are a team of experts and we will be happy to talk to you.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu Inca Trekking will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
We give advice and recommendations that are right for you
Total Price
US$450
per person
Pre Payment
US$250
(Required)
Balance
US$200
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Please note that PayPal charges an 8% fee, which we ask the customer to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is for online deposits only, so you will pay the remainder in cash (on the day of the briefing) with no fees.
Nro of Persons: |
Pax 1 = $250.00 USD Pax 2 = $500.00 USD Pax 3 = $750.00 USD Pax 4 = $1,000.00 USD Pax 5 = $1,250.00 USD Pax 6 = $1,500.00 USD Pax 7 = $1,750.00 USD Pax 8 = $2,000.00 USD Pax 9 = $2,250.00 USD Pax 10 = $2,500.00 USD |
Please, after your deposit, send us the transfer number to sales@machupicchuincatrekking.com; only after that, we’ll be able to confirm your deposit and reservation.
Do not hesitate to call us. We are a team of experts and we will be happy to talk to you.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu Inca Trekking will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
We give advice and recommendations that are right for you
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Cusco by Machu Picchu Inca Trekking Trekking. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Cusco.
Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 984 071 742 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu Inca Trekking will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
We give advice and recommendations that are right for you
Queshua Street N° 129, Cusco, Cusco - Perú
Monday - Friday
9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Due to the rainy season and trail maintenance, we don't offer this trek during the whole month of february. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, we are working to provide you a better service!
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