One day trip Sacred Valley
The trip is Sacred Valley, the daily trip is wonderful, the guide Grobert and the driver are nice. We enjoyed the full trip.
From $787.00 / Person
This unique and specially designed Wilderness Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu takes you around the stunning spectacular peak of Mount Salkantay while trekking off the beaten track.
Explore the brilliant turquoise glacial Humantay Lake which is one of the most well-known lakes in Peru, as well as one of the top day trips from Cusco.
Hike through the first section of the Classic Inca Trail in which you will visit some amazing Inca ruins like Paucarmarca and Patallacta.
Continue on your path to Machu Picchu, hiking the Short Inca Trail! Walk in the footsteps of the Inca through the Sun Gate to the New 7 Wonder of the world and UNESCO World Heritage Site: Machu Picchu!
Your Andean mountain adventure begins at 4:30am when we pick you up from your hotel and begin the 3 hour drive to the Soraypampa trailhead. As we travel along the winding roads in the Andes, you will have views of the villages Iscuchaca and Limatambo, the surrounding valleys and the famous snow-capped Salkantay Mountain.
At the Soraypampa trailhead, we have our delicious and hearty breakfast while enjoying the spectacular views of the Humantay Mountain (5,900m/ 19,356ft) and Salkantay Mountain (6,217m/ 20,396ft) glaciers.
After breakfast, you will give your duffel bags to our horsemen and begin your trekking adventure on the Salkantay trek by hiking up to Humantay Lake. This hike up takes about 1.5 hours and will take you to the base of Humantay Mountain, where you get to take in the beautiful, crystalline-blue waters of the Humantay Lake.
You will be enchanted by the beauty of this glacial lake, tucked away high in the mountains. The hike back down takes us back to the starting point, from where we continue trekking until we arrive at our lunch spot, Salkantaypampa.
Salkantaypampa is located on the base of the Salkantay glacier mountain and has some incredible views of the Mountain. After lunch, you will gradually hike uphill for around 3 hours to the campsite of Pampa Japonesa at 4,250m/13,943ft.
Hot drinks and appetizers will be waiting for you and your tents will already be set up. After dinner, you get to sleep under the star filled night sky at the base of the majestic Salkantay Mountain.
Your guide will wake you with a hot mug of tea or coffee to enjoy in your sleeping bag before you get up for breakfast. Take your time today, stopping to enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding glacier peaks and mountains.
From Pampa Japonesa, you will slowly ascend for the next 3 hours until reach the Inca Chiriaska, pass located at 5,100m/16,732 feet. Chiriaska means ‘getting cold’ in Quechua. This place is truly cold at most times of the year, but it has some of the best views of the Salkantay glacier peaks.
After admiring the breathtaking scenery, you will get to enjoy a hot drink before continuing on your trek. The hike from the pass to Sisaypata (our lunch spot) will take around 3.5 hours, but it is all downhill. At Sisaypata, you will enjoy lunch as you appreciate the beauty of the Paltayoc peaks.
After lunch, we continue trekking for another 3 hours downhill to the campsite for the night at Paucarcancha at 3,770m/12,370ft. Your hot drinks and appetizers will be waiting for you once again and your tents will be set up and ready for you to settle in before dinner.
After another hot mug of tea or coffee in your sleeping bag, followed by breakfast, you will visit the Inca archaeological site of Paucarcancha before continuing on with your trek. Today you get to trek on a section of the Classic Inca Trail which still has the original stone laid down hundreds of years ago.
As you are trekking, you will be enthralled by the stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Plus, you will also get to experience a bit of the famous Inca Trail by visiting the Llactapata Inca archaeological site.
This site is known for having been an Inca village characterized by its houses, water channels, and many farming terraces gently bordering the mountain side. From Llactapata, we will trek for about 1 hour and then stop for another hearty and delicious lunch.
After lunch, you will hike for about another 2 hours until you reach Km 82 where you will meet up with our private van and be transferred to the town of Ollantaytambo. In Ollantaytambo, you will enjoy dinner and head to bed ready to tackle the Inca Trail the next morning.
We start this exciting day early; your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 5:30. When you arrive at the train station, you will be given your lunch to add to your daypack.
The train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10am and you will have just over an hour to enjoy the scenery and have breakfast (not included). Ask your hotel to provide you a picnic breakfast or pack your own.
We exit the train at the famous KM104, where your trek begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level). After crossing the Urubamba River on a picturesque foot bridge, you will show your passport at the checkpoint and visit your first Inca site just a few steps from the checkpoint.
The first hour and a half are a gentle upward climb. Along the way, you will stop at several outlooks where you have a panoramic view of the Urubamba River. You also pass through several microclimates, including cloud forest, so be ready for damp or even rain at any time of the year.
The next hour and a half are a slightly steeper uphill climb with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end of the hike! When you cross the bridge below the waterfall, be sure to grab some photos and as you do you will find yourself gazing up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level).
These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. Your guide will tell you all about the ruins, plus the incredible flora and fauna of this microclimate and answer any questions you have before the short 5-minute walk to your lunch spot.
You have lunch at a covered shelter at the Wiñay Wayna campground, which is the last campground for those hiking the Classic Inca Trail. Nearby are outdoor sinks to wash your hands and restrooms. Take your time enjoying your hearty, gourmet lunch and admiring the tropical flowers around the campground. Be sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book!
After lunch, you have a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, from which you have your first view of Machu Picchu. Though the hour-long walk is a gentle rolling up and down, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca.
Once you reach the stairs you will know that you’re almost at the Sun Gate! As you turn the corner from the Sun Gate, you will enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. So, take some time to savor the moment and take photos.
The last 60 minutes down from the Sun Gate provide many opportunities to take more photos of Machu Picchu from this unique vantage point.
There are a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so make sure to go slowly, enjoy your time walking in the footsteps of the Inca on the Inca Trail and ask your guide questions about these historical places on the last bit of your hike to Machu Picchu.
Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site, “House of the Guardians”where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu.
You will arrive in the afternoon as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists. This gives you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots.
Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into your hotel. Your will have a delicious dinner, then have time to walk around this picturesque little town, visit the hot springs or just go to your hotel to rest after such an exciting day.
*** You will leave your duffel bag at the train station, to be sent directly to Aguas Calientes. You will pick it up at the train station before you check into your hotel.
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss.
Your guide will give you a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes about two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up Huayna Picchu will have time to enjoy those views on their own.
When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater.
You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.
***IMPORTANT:
Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel that does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour. Inclusions
WHAT IS INCLUDED
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Our 5 day Wilderness Salkantay Trek + Short Inca Trail may leave on any date that is best suited to you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers and permits are available! This price includes an extra pack horse which will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos. We will provide you a duffel bag in which you can put your things. We provide large Eureka 4 person tents for every 2 trekkers. Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour. Price & Availability
GROUP PRICE -$787 USD per person
PRIVATE SERVICE PRICES:
Pack horse included!
DISCOUNTS
EXTRAS
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
We are a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. We are a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders. Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE. We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family! We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients. To ensure a more personalized service for our guests we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups. Our itinerary is slightly different than the other trekking companies. Our camps are far away from others and we visit the 2 amazing glacial lakes when no one else is there. We hike up to Llactapata Inca ruins which looks across the valley to Machu Picchu and you can enjoy the guided tour into Machu Picchu in a small group. We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun loving, great sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology. Trekking the Salkantay Trail with us is a life changing experience where your comfort and enjoyment are our first priority. We make sure that you get the best experience for your adventure in Peru, while you share moments with the locals, explore fantastic sites and marvel at incredible mountain views. Our horsemen will take care of the pack horses, setting up your tents to avoid crowded campsites and take care of you while you sit back and relax. We provide the following items to our cooks and horsemen for free: Jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, canteen and girdle for protecting their spine, sleeping bags, mattresses and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired from isolated mountain communities and are given the opportunity to work with our company. In order to better their economic circumstances, we also provide help for their children’s education We ensure that all of our porters are treated like family. Our Fabulous Cooks have been highlighted by all our clients as providing delicious and abundant gourmet style meals. Peruvian and international cuisine are prepared by our professional and dedicated cooks from a mixture of local and exotic produce. If you have diet restrictions or food allergies, we can cater to your needs, just let us know at the time of booking. Our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our equipment are what really make us stand out from all the competitors. For all our adventures we hike we include the following items: We have always believed that we should give back to the local isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally. We are so proud to be able to support our local communities, not only employing them but also to go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. It makes us happy to have this wholistic approach with our highland employees and their families!Why SAM
WHY CHOOSE US?
SMALL GROUPS
BEST WILDERNESS SALKANTAY TREK MACHU PICCHU ROUTE
OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES
OUR SUPER COOL HORSEMEN
OUR COOKS
OUR EQUIPMENT
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and the Salkantay & Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu, You will be greeted at the Cusco airport and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to trek’s start. Look for our representative holding an orange board with your name or the company name at the arrival terminal. The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center. Of course! During the Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. FIRST, to book your Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click this link – BOOK NOW. Please be ready with the following information (for EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permits and entrance tickets without the following information: SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page. If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount. All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Unfortunately, the answer is no. Once the tickets have been bought, the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail, the deposit is not refundable at all! Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail entrances and reservations. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have copies of both your old and new passports to make the change. Before you change your passport, keep a copy of your old one. If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter Machu Picchu, or get on the train. The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions. In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days. The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness. The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are usually between 2-6 persons. We specialize in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provide a personalized service. You will have 1 cook per group. The number of pack horses depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 horses, 4 trekkers will have 6 horses, 6 trekkers will have 9 horses, 8 trekkers will have 12 horses. The evening before you start your Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the pack horses will always be ahead of the group. During the Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 40L backpack is sufficient. The Salkantay Trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and exercise regularly. To Prepare: Try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek. In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Sam Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance will be required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek. Generally those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to original plan. If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service. Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.Important Info
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SALKANTAY & SHORT INCA TRAIL TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
THE BRIEFING
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
HOW TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL?
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL 5 DAYS?
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL 5 DAYS?
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
HOW MANY COOKS/PACK HORSES FOR THE GROUP?
HIKING SALKANTAY TREK MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
TIPPING
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
As a Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight in your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear. 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.Packing List
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU:
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
TOILETRIES
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR SALKANTAY TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
From the terraces of Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, every step brings you closer to the lost city of the Incas.
Its agricultural terraces cover half the mountainside, making it a trail favorite. Its name means "Eternally Young" in Quechua.
The "Gate of the Sun" was the main entrance to Machu Picchu and gives you your first view of the citadel, a view you can only earn on the Inca Trail.
By far the most well known UNESCO world heritage site in Peru and the pinnacle of many people's visits to South America. This is where you wanted to be.
Real reviews from travelers who explored Machu Picchu and Cusco with us, straight from Tripadvisor, Google and Trustpilot.