| HOLIDAY NAME | : | Inca trail via Salkantay Trek Jungle Tour 15/D 14/N |
| DURATION | : | 15 /D 14/N |
| DEPARTURE | : | BOOK IN ADVANCE AT LEAST 4 MONTHS |
| SEASON | : | MARCH TO JANUARY |
| GROUP SIZE | : | 02 MIN AND 08MAX |
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:
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SOUTH AMERICAN EXPLORERS / LONELY PLANET / FROMMERS /NYTIMES / CUSTOMER LIVE COMMENTS 2009. | Fixed Departures 2010 | Terms & Conditions | Methods of Payments | |
Inca trail via SalkantayTrek Jungle Tour 15 /D
This trip combines two of the main regions of Peru for a fascinating taste of what this stunning country has to offer. Start in Lima and then onwards to Cuzco, the heart of the Inca Empire, then hike through the Andes along the little-travelled Salkantay Trail towards Machu Picchu. Finally, explore the Amazon rainforest from a lodge deep in the Peruvian jungle, located near to the town of Puerto Maldonado.
The Salkantay Trek is a fantastic hike for trekkers wanting to combine a quieter less trodden route with a visit to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Located northwest of Cusco, Nevado de Salkantay, the Cordillera's tallest peak, is at the eastern end of the chain and rises to 6271 metres above sea level. The name Salkantay means 'Savage Mountain' which may refer to the swirling clouds that rise up from the jungle lowlands and engulf the peak. Our adventure begins on the slopes of Mt. Salkantay with its glaciers, lagoons and 5000m pass, home to the majestic condors and Andean chinchillas. From here we descend to the high Andean plateaus - breeding areas for alpacas, before entering the famous Inca Trail to the lost city of the Incas: Legendary Machu Picchu.
The trek is only a little more difficult than the Inca Trail but really worth it. Horses can be used for the first 4 days to carry food and equipment, although, as horses are not allowed on the Inca Trail, you'll swap over to using porters for this final section.
From Cusco, fly from the Andes to Puerto Maldonado, a jungle town in the lowlands of the Amazon. Travel by motorized canoe to our eco-lodge in the Tambopata Rainforest Area. Get lost in this wonderful place and observe the noisy and joyful parrot flocks, as well as the more than 1200 bird species. Learn and explore with our expert local guides.
Trek permits are required for the Inca Trail section of the trek therefore it's advisable to reserve a space at least 5 months in advance.
Inca Trail via Salkantay to Machu Picchu/ Jungle Tour – BRIEF ITINERARY
Day:1: Arrive Lima (Overnight in Lima hotel).
Day:2: Arrive Cusco (Overnight in Cusco hotel).
Day:3: Tour of the Sacred Valley (Overnight in Cusco hotel).
Days:4-9: Inca Trail via Salkantay (Camping) PERMIT REQUIRED BOOK IN ADVANCE options instead of classic inca trail Lares trek/Salcantay trek/inca jungle
Day:10: Arrive Aguas Calientes (Overnight Aguas Calientes hotel)
Day:11: Visit Machu Picchu (Overnight Cusco).
Day:12- 13: Ecological jungle tour. (Overnight Eco Lodge).
Day:14: Arrive Lima (Overnight Lima hotel).
Day:15: Depart Peru
| NUMBER OF PEOPLE | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6-10 | 10-16 PEOPLE |
| PRICE US$ PER PERSON | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ |
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY: Walking and journey times are approximate
Day 1: Arrive Lima (Overnight in Lima hotel). Transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax.
Day 2: Arrive Cusco (Overnight in Cusco hotel).Fly from Lima to Cusco and transfer to hotel where you will meet your tour leader who will be with you during the trip. The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatise. Take a look round Cusco’s beautiful Main Square with its colonial architecture or take an optional city tour (this can be arranged at our office).
Day 3:Tour of the Sacred Valley (Overnight in Cusco): Travel through the Sacred Valley and visit the towns and Inca ruins of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo. Get a chance to learn a little about the local people, their way of life and their traditional weaving techniques. Return in the evening to Cusco where your guide will give a briefing on the Salkantay trek.
Day 4: Start the Salkantay Trek: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – MARCOCCASA : After an early morning start our panoramic bus ride (about 3 hours) brings us to the village of Mollepata where we meet up with our wranglers. From here we start gently, climbing rural paths through the crops of the locals towards Marcoccasa (3450 mts/11’400 ft). After lunch we continue hiking for another hour uphill to our first camp at Hornadapata (3500 mts/11’550 ft) from where we have some fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Approx. walking time 3 hours
Day 5: M ARCOCCASA - SALKANTAY PAMPA: After breakfast we have a short ascent to the Pakiswaraka Ridge (3665 mts/12’100 ft), from where we continue on an easy path towards the water canal built by the community. From this point we can enjoy beautiful views into the valley and towards the majestic Mt. Humantay. We continue on a nice flat path along the canal into the valley until lunchtime. In the afternoon we have another 1-2 hours of gentle climbing to our camp at Salkantay Pampa (3900 mts/12’900 ft) right below Apu Salkantay, offering some breathtaking views of this spectacular mountain (prepare for a cold night). Approx. walking time 3 ½ hours
Day 6: SALKANTAY PAMPA - ACCOBAMBA: In the morning we start refreshed for our climb, passing glaciers and lakes on the way up to the Salkantay Pass (5000 mts/16’500 ft and highest point of our hike). From the summit we descend for approximately 3 hours into the valley where we camp at Accobamba, beside an Inca canal. This is a famous alpaca breeding region and with luck we may observe large flocks of these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. Weather permitting we will have the most spectacular views of Mt. Salkantay above us.
Day 7: ACCOBAMBA-HUAYLLABAMBA: Today we leave the cold heights of Salkantay behind us and descend into warmer regions, following the Inca canal and later the Cusichaca creek, passing local farms. We stop at the restored archaeological group of Paucarcancha for lunch, with time to explore the site and rest. Here we say goodbye to our wranglers and meet up with the Quechuan porters who will accompany us for the rest of our adventure. A short hike brings us mid afternoon to the start of the Inca Trail at the village of Huayllabamba where we camp for the night (3000 mts/9’900 ft).
Day 8: HUAYLLABAMBA-PACAYMAYO: After an early breakfast we start our long and steep climb up to Warmiwañusca Pass (4200 mts/13’900 ft) which is the highest point on the Inca Trail. The ascent leads through different ecological levels that offer a variety of orchids and birds (many endemic to the area). From the summit we can view the next pass, the ruins of Runcuracay and our camp down in the valley which we will reach after a 2 hour descent. On a clear day the camp offers fantastic views towards the glaciers of Mount Veronica. Approx. walking time 7 hours
Day 9: PACASMAYO – PHUYUPATAMARCA: Today is the most diverse day of our adventure. We start in the morning with the climb up to the third pass at Runcuracay (3900 mts/12’900 ft) with fantastic views of the Vilcabamba Range with its glaciers. A 2 hour descent brings us to the fascinating archaeological site of Sayacmarca. After exploring this beautiful construction we continue - now on original Inca stone paths - through high cloud forest with its lush vegetation, offering glimpses of waterfalls, valleys, canyons and the glaciers of Salkantay. In the afternoon we arrive at our campsite at last high pass of Phuyupatamarca (3600 mts/11’900 ft) from where we will get our first glimpse of Machupicchu. Weather permitting we will have the most spectacular views of the surrounding snow peaks and far way down the Urubamba River. Approx. walking time 6 hours
Day 10: PHUYUPATAMARCA - MACHUPICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES (Overnight Aguas Calientes): After breakfast we say goodbye to our Quechuan porters and start the long and steep descent (over Inca staircases) towards the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, considered one of the most beautiful sites in the area due to its location and architecture. We visit this magnificent site and enjoy lunch in fantastic surroundings before we continue our hike through high cloud forest with its diverse flora and fauna towards the famous Sungate or Intipunku. From here we can enjoy the first and best view of the Lost City of the Incas: legendary Machupicchu (2400 mts/8’000 ft). A short walk brings us down to the entrance from where we continue by bus to the village of Aguas Calientes. Here we can choose to relax in the natural hot springs and stay overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Day 11: Visit Machu Picchu (Overnight Cusco): After an early breakfast we take the first bus up to Machu Picchu to enjoy sunrise in this magical place before other tourists arrive from Cusco. The morning is dedicated to exploring the extraordinary site of Machu Picchu, where your guide will be on hand to explain and give you an insight into the life of the Incas at Machu Picchu. For the keen, there’s also the opportunity to climb the sacred peak of Huaya Picchu. In the afternoon, we take the train and bus back to Cuzco and to our hotel.
Day 12: Ecological Tour, Puerto Maldonado (Overnight Eco Lodge): Fly out to Puerto Maldonado in the Peruvian Amazon. From here we transfer to boats and begin our magical journey along the Madre de Dios River. Enjoy welcome drinks at the lodge and then with the help of our specialized guide we will visit Monkey Island, located only five minutes from the lodge. On the way to the island, we pass many beautiful landscapes with all the flora and fauna that they host. Return to the lodge for dinner and the amazing jungle sunset.
Day 13: Eco Lodge (Overnight): After breakfast we start our journey with a hike into the depths of the jungle. Along the way our knowledgeable guide will keep us informed on the native flora and fauna. We continue on our walk and arrive at the LOST COCHA (COCHA PERDIDA). The Lost Cocha is a refuge and feeding ecosystem for a tremendous diversity of animals.
There, we’ll have the opportunity to observe otters, caimans, turtles, sachavacas, birds of every colour, the majestic jaguar and a variety of fish. This is a unique area, as it belongs to the Ecoamazonia Reserve and remains utterly intact, with large marshes and natural springs. We ascend to an extraordinary vantage point, from where we’ll have a chance to observe the magical jungle. We enjoy a pleasant canoe ride around the lake, before returning to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, we offer an optional visit to the botanical gardens. If you’d rather relax, you can enjoy the Amazonian Pool and dinner.
Day 14: Arrive Lima (Overnight Lima hotel): Say goodbye to our jungle hosts as we transfer back to Puerto Maldonado and catch our flight to Lima. Your tour leader leaves you and the rest of the day is free to spend in Lima as you wish. You may want to book a city tour.
Day:15: Depart Peru: Transfer to airport to catch your international flight.
WHAT TO BRING :
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
Checklist:
• Original Passport (and some copies)
• Travel insurance (and some copies)
• Airline tickets (and some copies)
• USD cash and travellers cheques
• Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• Camera and films
• Rechargeable batteries and adapters
• Reading/writing material
• Binoculars
• Cover for backpacks
• Pocketknife.
• Fleece top
• Windproof/waterproof jacket
• Small towel and swim wear
• shirts/t-shirts
• Sun hat
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 pairs of long trousers *zipp off
• 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
• Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
• Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge)
• Sport hiking sandals
• Sun block
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (biodegradable)
• Watch or alarm clock
• Water bottle
• Purifying tablets or filter
• Flashlight head light recommended
• Money belt
• Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
RECOMMENDED IF YOU DO INCA TRAIL- SALKANTAY- LARES TREK – INCA JUNGLE – CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU - AUSANGATE AND OTHER TREKS THAT LAST MORE THAN 2 DAYS
Sleeping silk liner (for sleeping bag)
Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof)
Rain poncho ,plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
Sleeping bag (it can be hired form us )
Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
Thermal underwear
Money Exchange: Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit cards or debit cards will actually work in Peru. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash, travellers cheques and cards is best, although you will usually be charged a commission or given a less-favourable exchange rate for travellers cheques. Always take more rather than less.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
The Price Includes: Tour GUIDE leader (who is your guide in the Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and Cusco), cook who is charge of making the food , 4 season (MOUNTAIN HARD WEAR Tent performance elevated retailer ) 4 man tent for 2-people so there will be plenty of space to set up your backpacks ,THERM-A-REST Sleeping mattresses ( a whole new way to sleep in comfort.), equipment (double-, dining- and kitchen-tents, mats, table, chairs etc.) entrance and guided tour of Machu Picchu. English speaking local tour guides at Colca Canyon and Puno. All internal transport connections.
Group Size: 4 – 16
Group Leader: Bilingual tour leader from Arequipa to Cusco.
Accommodation: Hotel (10 nts), camping (3 nts), homestay – basic with the locals (1 nt)
Transport: Train, bus, plane, boat, hiking
Meals Included: All meals while on the Inca Trail. This includes snacks and fresh drinking water. Meals while on the island tour. Breakfasts included when staying in the hotels.
Meal Budget : Allow approx. US$10 /$15 for every meal not included.
Not Included:*Sleeping bags, blow up mattresses, alcoholic drinks, tickets for the hot springs at Aguas Calientes, tips for the guides, porters and other staff. Lunch and dinner whilst staying at hotels. City tours of Lima and Cusco. All airport departure tax - Lima International Departure tax is approximately $30 USD and Lima Domestic Departure tax is approximately $6 USD. Travel insurance and things of a personal nature – laundry and telephone calls, personal taxis, souvenirs etc.
*Sleeping bags, air mattresses and hiking poles can be easily rented in Cusco at a price of $4 per day. Just ask your tour leader.
