Ecological Sustainable Adventure Travel Tours
Quechuas Expeditions Authorized Inca Trail Adventure Tour Operator
Under Local Mountain-Jungle & Cultural Multilingual Guides Management
QUECHUAS EXPEDITIONS Highly Recommended By:

SOUTH AMERICAN EXPLORERS / LONELY PLANET / FROMMERS / NYTIMES / TRIP ADVISOR / REAL TRAVELERS REVIEWS. SPECIAL DISCOUNTS 2013 (for tour that Includes Machupicchu only ( By Quechuas Expeditions) • SAE MEMBERS: US$20.00 discount 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 • STUDENTS DISCOUNTS: US$20.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Green Card (ISIC) ( click here to get your isic card) and must be below 26 years of age. Please beware that Youth Travel Cards are not valid). If the trips go to Machupicchu only. • TEENAGERS: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings). • CHILDREN: US$ 45.00 (up to 10 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings). 1.-QUECHUAS EXPEDITIONS GROUP TOP QUALITY SERVICE: (GROUP SIZE 02 Min - 08 Max) our most popular trek and offers to visitors the most economical method to trek the Inca Trail and alternative Inca Trails to Machu Picchu. you'll be joining a group of other hikkers like you coming from overseas, a great opportunity to have fun and make new friends. 2.-PRIVATE SERVICE: (GROUP SIZE UPON REQUEST) for Families, Honeymooners and Couples. special trek program just for you, and you can depart any day you wish and choose the group size, we don´t add any people, is arranged just for you. All private groups include additional services, such as: extra porters, horses to ride and to carry your personal gear( for alternate treks), First class Vistadome train, Machupicchu bus up & down, 1st breakfast & last lunch, sleeping bags, walking poles and among others.      Write us at: privateservice@quechuasexpeditions.com 3.-LARGE GROUPS SPECIAL DISCOUNTS: 02 Guides Over 08 people If you are a group  of 06 people or more Please contact us at: info@quechuasexpeditions.com VERY IMPORTANT !!!: If you are using a SPAM filter, Our E-mails could be caught in your filter. Please check your filter if you do not receive the E-mail within 5 minutes.Some of our passengers E-mail us saying our confirmation E-mails are placed to their spam folder rather than their inbox. We recommend to modify your JUNK or SPAM FILTER SETTINGS to receive our E-mails of Quechuas Expeditions: info@quechuasexpeditions.com, reservations@quechuasexpeditions.com, quechuasexpeditions@hotmail.com on the correct inbox. You may also want to add this email address to your list of known contacts. This will prevent our responses from being filtered into your Junk or Spam mail folder.

 This salkantay trek Was Recently Named among the 25 best Treks in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.

SALKANTAY TREK / ALTERNATIVE INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU (7D / 6N)

A remote and ancient footpath in the same region of the Inca trail, but less traveled and offering more spectacular views. This route provides a magnificent wilderness alternative for those who wish to escape the more congested trekking routes.
On the trail, we pass through an amazing progression of ecological zones, from sparsely vegetated alpine meadows flanking two spectacular 20,000' glaciered peaks, down through subtropical forest into the Inca salkantay Trail. We arrive later to the "Lost City of the Incas¨, Machu Picchu.

This lovely and varied salkantay trek hike (about 50km) is the "soft option" from Soray since the pass is lower (though still a tough 4,750m (15,580ft) and then is mostly downhill through forested valleys, above deep ravines, ending at 1,500m.

The trek on the second day from Soray goes steeply uphill for half an hour, then comes to a series of zigzags (Siete Culebras is the local name of this stretch). At the top of the seventh switchback the terrain levels out under Salkantay lateral moraine, and drops gently down to the small laguna Soirococha. The pass you see above is, alas, a false one; the main pass is a little further on, but the view of Salkantay looming above you more than compensates for the effort. The real pass at 4,750m is reached after 3-4 hours from the moraine, and is marked by a pile of stones , "well know as Apacheta by the locals", which grows daily as each traveler adds his pebble to thank the APUS for a safe trip.

Then the trail descends to the left -hand side of the valley, becoming indistinct in swampy areas. And then comes a place named Huayrajmachay "eye of the wind", from here we will have a great chance to see the beautiful Pyramid-shape of Humantay behind as you drop below the tree line, know as LA CEJA DE SELVA ("Eyebrow of the Jungle"), and walk through groves of bamboo with many orchids and other flowers and lots of hummingbirds, spectacular waterfalls, a small hot spring at Collpapampa the right place to lock out for the parakeets that abound in this area as well. And then we go to take a local bus in order to get Santa Teresa where we will enjoy the hot springs which is 45 minutes from this town .and then will see Machupicchu and waynapichu mountains and then the last day will see finally the Incan city of Machu picchu.

ITINERARY:

DAY BY DAY SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU ITINERARY

FIRST SALKANTAY TREK DAY: CUSCO - MOLLEPATA - SAYLLAPATA - SORAYPAMPA (3,800 M/12,500 FT)

After an early breakfast, we will come to pick you up at 6:00 am at your hotel in Cusco by your salkantay guide and an drive to mollepata but before we take a short break to visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo (approx. 1.5 hrs from Cusco). After leaving Limatambo, we pass through the mountain village of Mollepata where we stop for a short coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road to a place called sayllapata (1 hour from Mollepata by van).
Here, we will begin our trek to Soraypampa, on an old route called the "Camino Real" (Royal Path). This is a good opportunity for guests to acclimate and enjoy a mild & beautiful 4 hour trek on their first day. (Hiking level: moderate the "Salkantay") the 2 nd most sacred mountain in Inca mythology and, at 20,600 ft (6,270 m), the highest in the region.soraypampa is where we camp the first night

SECOND SALKANTAY TREK DAY: SORAYPAMPA - HUMANTAY SNOW MOUNTAIN - SALKANTAYPAMPA

This day is spent at leisure for rest or activities, depending upon guests' level of acclimatization. The most popular activity at Soraypampa is a half-day hike
(3-4 hours. Hiking level: moderate to challenging) to a glacial lake of Humantay where the more adventurous might take a very short swim! This activity is excellent for acclimatization and a first immersion into high-mountain trekking! In the afternoon after ou lunch we keep going 2 more hours to get salkantay pampa where we camp seconda night with a nice view of salkantay snow capped mountain,

THIRD SALKANTAY TREK DAY: SALKANTAY PAMPA HUAYRACCMACHAY (3,850M/12,600 FT) DAY

This is the big day: the start of the four-day trek to Machu Picchu. After an early start we will hike up the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from the Salkantay. The highest point on the trek is a pass at 4,600 m (15,000 ft). At the pass we stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, the south face of Salkantay towering above us. We will keep our eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area. From the pass we continue our descent toward the HUAYRACMACHAY or HUAYRACPAMPA ("Wayra": wind; ‘the place where the wind lives')

FOURTH SALKANTAY TREK DAY: HUAYRACCMACHAY - COLLPAPAMPA(2,800M/9,200 FT)

Following the long first day we enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Wayra campsite. We then begin our trek by hiking downhill above the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery. Our arrival at the next lodge encounters a "Pachamanca"-style lunch (subject to availability; traditional underground stone cooking). The Colpapampa campsite is located in an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers

FIFTH SALKANTAY TREK DAY :COLLPAPAMPA - LUCMABAMBA (2,100M/6,900 FT).

After an early breakfast we head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas with coffee plantations (said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world!), bananas, ‘granadillas', and orchards. We stop along the river for a hot picnic lunch. After another hour of trekking a private local bus arrives to take us to the beginning of the "Llactapata Inca Trail" (30-minute drive). From the head of the trail it is a short climb (30 min.) to the Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. We arrive in time to allow for exploration of the small village of Lucmabamba and possible meeting with members of the local community.

SIXTH SALKANTAY DAY :LUCMABAMBA LLACTAPATA HYDROELECTRIC TRAIN STATION - AGUAS CALIENTES (1,900 M/6,200 FT). DAY
After an early start and a hearty breakfast, we tackle the last day of our trek. We head uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata pass (2,700 m/8,900ft), where we come upon a distant but quite special view of Machu Picchu from the southwest, a view few tourists ever glimpse; an added value are the Llactapata quechuan site, which have recently been restored. Lunch is provided at the observatory, in view of Machu Picchu. We then begin our final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations (2-3 hour descent). Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are a short (30 minutes), scenic train ride away to get aguas calientes to spend the night and hostal

SEVENTH SALKANTAY TREK DAY: MACHU PICCHU(2,450M/8,000 FT) BACK TO OLLANTAYTAMBO AND CUSCO

We wake up early to have breakfast at the hotel and then make our way up by foot or by bus for the ride up to Machu Picchu (30 min). A complete guided tour of Machu Picchu will be provided (2 hours). Guests will have about 4 additional hours to explore the site on their own (there is a lot to do and see). Afterwards, we will return by walking down or by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and to go to the train station for the afternoon departure. The train takes us to Ollantaytambo (1½ hrs), where a private van will be waiting for you to take us to Cusco (1 ½ hrs). Upon arrival in Cusco (approximately 10 pm) we will drop guests off at the hotel of their choice.

IMPORTANT:

Note: All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions and flight schedules.

SALKANTAY TREK INCLUDES:
• Pre-departure salkantay trek briefing at Hotel or Office *Give us details of the place you are going to stay in cusco please.
• Professional Quechua Spanish and English speaking salkantay trek tour guide
• Collection from your hotel (we pick you up where you are staying from) from 4:30 to 5:00 am
• Private Transportation Van Cusco to Mollepata ( trailhead) molle pata
• Local Transportation from la playa to Santa Teresa (2 hours aprox. )
•Tourist train (cerrojo-backpacker ) back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (2 hours aprox.) and then bus back to Cusco(1 and half hours aprox. )
• Entrance fee to Machu picchu
• Salkantay trek Food: *6 breakfasts,6 lunches, 6 afternoon snacks (hot drinks, biscuits and popcorn) and 6 dinners (click here to see a sample of quechuas expeditions food)
• 4 seasons HIGH QUALITY PROPER MOUNTAIN TENT (Best Mountain Hardwear & kayla Doite Tents ) (We use only the finest quality aluminum tent poles)4 man tent for 2-people so there will be plenty of space to set up your backpacks(click here to see details of quechuas expeditions Camping Equipment)
• Camping equipment (tent for the staff, cooking and eating tents. portables chairs and tables )
• THERM-A-REST self-inflating air Sleeping mattresses ( a whole new way to sleep in comfort.)
(click here to see details of quechuas expeditions camping Equipment)
• Cook who is in charge of making the food,
• Horsemen, mules or porters Weight allowance: Our horses will carry up to 16 pounds or 7 kilograms of your personal belongings.
If you would like to hire a private horse, ( let us know at the time of booking)(they also carry cooking stuff and camping equipment )
• 1 emergency horse to ride every 5 persons - days 1, 2, 3
• 1 night accommodation in a hostel Aguas Calientes (click here to see the hostal in aguas calientes town)
• Health Insurance for our porters, cooks,guides, field crew and Quechuas Expeditions staff
• Wake up coca tea each morning in your tent for a gentle start
• Quechuas Expeditions Free duffel bag for your personal stuff
• Oxygen balloon for any emergency
• 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
• Two-hours guided tour upon your arrival in Machu Picchu( to explore every important temple of the Santuary).
• Single Tents and vegetarian meals available upon request with no extra cost
• Free "I survived " T-shirt and certificate (only for PEOPLE who successfully complete the trek!!)
• Transfer train or bus station-hotel in Cusco
• First Aid kit for Emergencies.
• Free Luggage storage. When you go on the trek it is best to leave any luggage that you are not going to need behind in Cusco.
Nearly all the hotels in Cusco provide a secure luggage deposit. Put any valuables in their safe. Very rarely do hotels charge for this service especially if you are returning to the same hotel after the trek. If there are any problems with your hotel we can arrange to store your luggage at our Quechuas Expeditions office.

Quechuas Expeditions Additional Things Include From March 2013 - January 2014

• Portables Tent & Biodegradable Toilet (toilet waste bags) Quechuas Expeditions allows you to bring the comforts of home along for an enjoyable trip.Having a toilet in your home away from home may be convenience at its finest. Camping. so you don't have to go out into the woods in the middle of the night to do your business.( Click here to see inca treks toilets)
• Responsible Tourism and Well-paid and well-treated porters(HOW YOU CAN HELP ENSURE PROPER TREATMENT)(Click here to see a detailed page)
• Quechuas Expeditions Bottle for free. Get one for free at the office.

Please help us to reduce or eliminate the generation of plastic waste by refilling this bottle in any of the water stations located throughout on the treks. This is part of our efforts towards a cleaner and healthier environment. Sponsored by Quechuas Expeditions (The Best Local Tour Operator) Get one of this Bottle for Fee at our Office!!!

NOTE: Train included in all tours is the Cerrojo-backpacker (Aguas calientes to Ollantaytambo) Train times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. The earliest train you could take is the 14:00 and being the 9:00 pm the last train. quechuas expeditions will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus).

Please Note: train times are subject to change depending on www.perurail.com click here to see timestable and availability.If organized in advance, the train can be upgraded to Vistadome (larger windows than the backpaker cerrojo train to ollantaytambo ) for an increased price.of US$ 40 let us know please.

(click Below to see Train details)
| Backpacker Train | Vistadome Train | Hiram Bigham Train |

SALKANTAY TREK DOESN'T INCLUDE:

• Breakfast on the first day at mollepata (ask at your hotel)
• Entrance to the hot springs water Santa Teresa / Colcalmayo 15 soles or Aguas Calientes 10 soles (click here to see hot springs)
•Sleeping bag (goose down) -15ºC-extreme it can be hired from us US$20 for all trek mummy form and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 25 trips
• Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu (optional/ instead of walking)  ( one way US$8 and you can Buy it at the Aguas Calientes bus station) aguas calientes to Machupicchu.
• Last Lunch in aguas calientes town
• Bus down tickets from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes town US$ 8 one way
• Local train From Hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes US$18 Optional instead of walking.
• Travel and health insurance.(bring copies with you please):Quechuas Expeditions highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING ON SALKANTAY TREK:

• Original passport and copies (and Student card (ISIC) green card if you are student ). Note ( you have to bring your student card to machu picchu because you are going to be required to show at the Machupicchu control point
• Travel Insurance card is essential
• Sleeping bag (not included)
• hiking water proof boots (with ankle protectors )
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Sun hat and gloves
• T-shirts / shirts
• Comfortable hiking zip off trousers
• Rain pants
• Bathing suit (for hot springs in Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes)
• Sun protection cream ( factor 35 recommended ) sun is strong
• Insect Repellent ( for mosquitos )15 % of deet at least
• Water bottle.
• Water purifying tablets (Micropur recommended)
• Toilet paper and wet wipes
• Personal medication
• Camera and films
• Torch with spare batteries (flashlight) we recommend headlights
• Extra contribution suggested in soles money for tipping horseman, cook and guide. and for any emergency.

OPTIONAL ITEMS TO BRING ON SALKANTAY TREK :

• Short pants , Plaster and bandages
• Walking poles (with rubber tips) they can also be hired from us
NOTE walking poles are not allowed into machu picchu city.

Antes de imprimir seleccione solo lo necesario y piense en el MEDIO AMBIENTE / Think of our environment and select only what is necessary before printing.