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Peru Tours Packages
Cusco, Sacred Valley & Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
7 days / 6 nights
This amazing trek runs beneath the sacred Salkantay mountain (6.271m/20569ft), one of the highest and most stunning in the Peruvian Andes, passing through Quechua communities and lesser-known Inca ruins, to finally reach Aguas Calientes on the last day. The impressive Sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu is visited on the last day of the program. This itinerary is an interesting alternative for those not having found spaces on the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Cusco & Half Day City Tour
 Transfer airport – Cusco hotel
Cusco city tour and nearby archaeological sites: Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay.
The tour will show you the amazing colonial city built on the foundations of the Inca palaces. You will visit the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun, where you can appreciate the incredible masonry of the Incas, the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral with its carved woodworks, altars and paintings. Then you will be driven to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, to the underground cave and temple of Kenko, Puca Pucará and to Tambomachay, known as the Baths of the Inca.
Overnight: In Cusco City
Day 2- Full day Sacred Valley
Full day guided tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo) including lunch.
You will be driven through a scenic landscape to the Urubamba Valley, the "Sacred Valley of the Incas". Arriving at the town of Pisac, an hour drive from Cusco, you will visit the colorful Pisac Market, where the local indians meet to sell their merchandise as they have done it for centuries. There is also a handicraft market. The tour continues to the town of Ollantaytambo from where you will climb up to its imposing Inca fortress at the top of the mountain.
Overnight: In Cusco City
Day 3: Salkantay Trek - Cusco to Huayracmachay
We leave Cusco at 04.00 am in a private transport and start a scenic morning bus-ride to our trek starting point at Soraypampa. Along the four-hour drive, we drive through the town of Limatambo (2100m/6888ft), an important point of access to the city of Cusco during the time of the Inca Empire, where the archaeological remains of Tarawasi are located. The road continues up a beaten track along the right shore of the Apurimac River and crosses the town of Mollepata (2800m/9184ft) and the small community of Cruzpata (2750m/9020ft) to finally reach Soraypampa (3800m/12464ft), the starting point of the trek where we meet our wranglers and horses. After a short introduction and a quick breakfast, we start our hike towards the base of Mt. Salkantay (6271m/20569ft), crossing Salkantaypampa, and then starting a 2 hrs steep ascent to Soyroccocha, just next to the impressive glacier of Salkantay (4200m/13776ft). Continuing uphill, we reach the Abra Huayracmachay (4525m/14846ft), the highest mountain pass in the program where, besides enjoying stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range with the south face of Salkantay towering above us, we may also observe chinchillas and condors in their natural habitat. From this point, we start descending towards a more tropical climate and into the so-called cloud forest. Along the route, we can see the remains of an ancient Inca path, which is approximately 6 meters wide. A long though easy descent brings us late afternoon to our first campsite at Huayracmachay (3,850m/12628ft).
Meals:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Salkantay Trek - Huayracmachay to Lucmabamba
Today we continue our hike with an easy downhill walk along the Salkantay River, enjoying the increasingly lush vegetation, passing waterfalls, passion fruit and coffee plantations. The arid highland landscape begins to transform into a cloud forest filled with trees and bromeliads. After 3 hours we arrive at the settlement of Chaullay, and after another hour and a half, we pass the town of Colpapampa. From Colpapampa, the Salkantay River becomes the Santa Teresa River. After a rest, we continue our descent to the banks of the Totora River where we can enjoy a delicious dip in the thermo-medicinal waters. Following the Santa Teresa River, we pass the waterfalls at Coripacchi, the settlement at Wiñaypoko and finally our second camp at Lucmabamba (2,100m/6888ft). At dinner we can enjoy a glass of wine by the light of the camp-fire.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Salkantay Trek - Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we walk to La Playa along the north side of the Santa Teresa River. On the way we can see plantations of banana, coffee, and avocado, as well as exuberant local flora. We enter spectacled-bear territory and we will probably be accompanied by flocks of parrots as we descend. From La Playa, we cross the river and start climbing for 2-3 hours up to El Mirador or Abra Q’elloqasa (2860m/9381ft) from where we have an exceptional view of the Lost City of the Incas, the legendary Machupicchu, from a different angle. We enjoy a last lunch in nature at the lookout point of Llaqtapata (2650m/8692ft) from where we can view both Machupicchu and the Salkantay Mountain and take a good rest, enjoying the added value of the Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored. A 2-hour descent towards the Aobamba River crossing lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations brings us to the hydroelectric plant of Machupicchu from where we board a train that takes us to Puente Ruinas (short, scenic 30-minutes train ride), a campsite located just at the basement of the Machupicchu Mountain. We camp and dine at this place.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Salkantay Trek - Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu to Cusco
We wake up early and board a bus to Machupicchu where we begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb up the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: In Cusco City
Day 7: Transfer to Cusco Airport
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer Cusco hotel – airport
Inca Trail Notes
* Departure and arrival times are approximated.
** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the
governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our
guide’s criteria and the group progress
Difficulty degree of this
hike
Challenging: An acclimatization period of at least 2 days in Cusco or at
elevations above 3000m/9840ft is recommended
Salkantay Trek -
Departure dates 2010
We have the following fixed departures dates scheduled, for which no minimum
group size is required (please contact us info@perurooms.com to check our
scheduled departures to alternatives routes).
• May: 10, 17, 24, 31
• June: 7, 14, 21, 28
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July: 5, 12, 19, 26
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August: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
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September: 6, 13, 20, 27
Departures are available along the year although due to weather conditions, the
recommended period for this trek is April to November. Groups may be confirmed
on any given date provided a minimum group size of 6 people is achieved upon
booking and the booking is confirmed at least 1 week prior to departure.
All private service departure dates are adapted to your request.
Group Size
Maximum 12, no minimum required
Price Information
Prices per person 2010 – Standard Pool service Adult:
on a basis of Double Occupancy at specified hotels
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3 
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Cusco |
Price per person |
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San Agustin International |
USD 920.00 |
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B.Western Los Andes de America |
USD 935.00 |
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Casa Andina Classic |
USD 945.00 |
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Sonesta Posada del
Inca |
USD 964.00 |
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4
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Cusco |
Price per person |
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San Agustín El Dorado |
USD 958.00 |
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Picoaga |
USD 986.00 |
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Novotel |
USD 1,014.00 |
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Casa Andina Private Collection |
USD 1,014.00 |
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5
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Cusco |
Price per person |
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Libertador Palacio del Inka Cusco |
USD 1,175.00 |
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Hotel Monasterio
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USD 1,547.00 |
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Casona Inkaterra |
USD 2,014.00 |
NOTE: Prices are subject to changes according to the increase/decrease of
suppliers costs
Available discounts (these discounts are not cumulative):
• Students:
USD 40.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card. Please
note that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
• Teenagers:
USD 40.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
• Children:
USD 80.00 (up to 7 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
Additional discounts (that may be added to the above-mentioned):
• SAE:
5% on full program price (valid South American Explorers Club membership card
required). This discount may not be applicable in case a promotional price is
offered
What is included
Assistance
Transfers as specified in
the itinerary
Guided tours as specified in
the itinerary
3 nights in Cusco City
including breakfasts at hotels
Salkantay Trek 4days/3nights
(camping)
Backpacker Tourist Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (one way)
All entrance fees included
Transportation as specified
in the itinerary
Bilingual (English/Spanish)
official guide during your itinerary
Shared/Group Services
Included in the 4d/3n
Salkantay Trek
Pre-departure briefing
Collection from your hotel
in the morning and transfer in private transportation to Soraypampa (starting
point of the trail)
Personal tents: 2 people in
each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of
backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, highly maintained to ensure an excellent
performance in field
One foamy sleeping pad per
person
Dining tent with tables and
chairs
Kitchen tent
Toilet tent with
biodegradable toilet facilities
English speaking
professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
Chef and cooking equipment
Pack animals (to carry tents,
food and cooking equipment) – days 1 to 3
1 emergency horse every 6
persons – days 1 to 3
Wranglers – days 1 to 3
Accommodation for all our
staff
Meals (04 breakfasts, 03
lunches, 03 dinners + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day).
Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
Others: hot water every
morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water
bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time
ahead
First-aid kit including
emergency oxygen bottle
Train ticket from the
Hydroelectric power plant to Aguas Calientes / Puente Ruinas (day 5)
Round trip Bus ticket Aguas
Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (day 6)
Transfer from the Train
Station to your Hotel
What is NOT included in
the 4d/3n Salkantay Trek
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Meals not specified in the
itinerary
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After the guided tour at
Machu Picchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to
have lunch either in Machu Picchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense.
Arrival in Cusco is estimated after
nightfall, dinner being at your own expense too.
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Visit to the hot springs in
Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek while
you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village
center. Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes.
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Tips: please note that our
agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish
Optional services to be
hired
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An extra hotel night in
Aguas Calientes can be booked for you at an additional cost
depending on the hotel you choose. Please note that if you wish to visit
Machu Picchu again the following day, the additional cost of the entrance fee is
not included.
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An extra horse to carry your
personal items at an additional cost for 3 days. A horse can carry up to 20 kg.
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Sleeping bag rent. Our sleeping bags are –18ºC-comfort (0ºF) and mummy form Sleeping bag
rent at an additional cost. Our sleeping bags are –18ºC-comfort (0ºF) and mummy
form and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after every use and have a
maximum usage of 30 trips.
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Therm-a-rest inflatable
sleeping pad rent at an additional cost.
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Massage sessions at an
additional cost. Our massage therapists have the highest recognition in Cusco
and offer the following treatments: relaxing massage, stress-relieving massage,
spinal column massage, energizing massage, Inca massage, altitude problems,
aroma therapy, therapy with honey, therapy with glass, therapy with stones, foot
reflexology, shiatzu, reiki and puddle of flowering. We recommend massage
sessions before and after your trekking program. Services are at the hotel and
are only available in Cusco.
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Vistadome Service train (First
Class) instead of the Backpacker one (Tourist train), at an additional cost. (*)
Pls note that our guide travels back to Cusco in the Backpacker train in all
group services, so if you wish to book this extra service, you will not be
accompanied by our guide.
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Hiram Bingham Luxury Orient
Express train instead of the Backpacker one (Tourist train), at an additional
cost. This train departs Aguas Calientes at 6.00pm and includes a gourmet dinner
on board, with an estimated arrival time to Poroy train station at 9.30pm. (*)
Pls note that our guide travels back to Cusco in the Backpacker train in all
group services, so if you wish to book this extra service, you will not be
accompanied by our guide.
What we recommend that
you bring
A backpack with a change of
clothes for the whole period of the trek
Rain gear (jacket and pants
if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
Strong footwear, waterproof
trekking boots recommended
Sandals or jogging shoes for
a higher comfort while at camp
Warm clothes, including
jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
Sleeping bag (please inform
our Reservations Department if you wish to book this extra service at the moment
of your booking)
Flashlight/headlamp and
batteries
Camera, films and batteries
(batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
Hat or cap to protect you
from the sun, rain and cold
Sun block
After-sun cream or hydrating
cream for face and body
Insect repellent – minimum
recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
Handkerchiefs
Toilet paper
Snacks: biscuits, energy
bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily
morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This
recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may
happen that it is not included in our selection
Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene
type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water -sterilizing tablets in
case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we
provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any
health problem so far
Small towel
Swimsuit (if you wish to go
to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Cash in soles and/or USD
Original passport
Original International
Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
Optional: walking sticks or
poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage archaeological sites)
Appropriate clothing
along the Trek
Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by
sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light
raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as
the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing
is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During
the third day (if sunny) and in Machu Picchu, convertible hiking pants are useful,
as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machu Picchu has a warm climate,
getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the
“What we recommend that you bring” list.
Weather
Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season,
from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January
– March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so
temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.
Along the Salkantay route, temperatures range from 10-20ºC during the day if
it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny and can drop below freezing
at night. In Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are
usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.
How to make a Booking
If you would like to make a reservation for this program, please go directly to
the Booking Online section of this website.
1. Once you have chosen your tour, please fill out and submit the Reservation
Form that you will find in the Booking Online section of this website.
2. In a maximum of two working days, you will receive an email from one of our
travel advisors confirming or denying your booking.
3. In case your reservation is confirmed, a money deposit will be requested to
secure your reservation.
4. Once we confirm the deposit reception, your booking is confirmed. A Voucher
of Services will be sent to you including all the details of your program.
In case you have any doubts, queries or require additional information, please
contact us, we will be more than pleased
assisting you.
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