Trekking & Expeditions Specialists

SalkantayTREKKING

"The experience of a lifetime awaits you”

“The Best Salkantay Trek Tour Operator in Peru”

Salkantay Trekking is a reputable and professional trekking company based in Cusco.Our focus is entirely on the Salkantay route. We have been conducting this trek with precision and passion for many years and would like to share the experience with you.Discovery. Exploration. Adventure. This is why we were created. We are here to facilitate the discovery, exploration and adventure of our country and its culture. With us, you will be able to dive right into the country and explore its archaeological sites as though you were the leader of the expedition.Our treks are done in smaller groups to minimize our impact on the environment and ensure the greatest degree of quality and attention to each and every passenger. Every tour is operated by our highly accredited and experienced guides who take you along the world famous Salkantay route to Machu Picchu..

"The experience of a lifetime awaits you”

The Salcantay trek to Machupicchu, it is the best alternative hike to the Inca Trail, designed for those who still wish to hike to Machupicchu. The ecosystem has a wide-range biodiversity. Come and see yourself an outstanding mountain scenery, biodiversity, and an old-living culture off the beaten path.

DESCRIPTION

Ÿ The adventure r at ing ! The Salkantay Trek I definitely one of the best hiking adventures you will have in Peru. Not only can you experience the ancient Inca paths, but you will also see breathtaking views and hike through the dense jungle.

Ÿ After the Inca Trail the Salkantay Trek is the second most popular trek to Machu Picchu, and a lot less crowded. Here you can have your own fun and experience in the Andes. You take your backpack and explore these vast mountain ranges, meet new adventurous people and have cool campsites under the beautiful Andean night sky.

Ÿ The hike alongside the magnificent Apu Salkantay and the arrival at the ruins of Machu Picchu is one of the be s t e xper i ences known to mankind.

Ÿ The sight of the Andean mountain r a n g e f r o m V i l c ab a m b a t o Salkantay is truly breathtaking.

Ÿ The trek is ideal for adventure seekers, couples, friends, nature lovers and intrepid people.

Ÿ See natural bridges, snowcapped mountains, cascades, wildlife and cloud forests.

Ÿ The Salkantay trek is listed among the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.

Ÿ Camping with less people to make your own trip and have the best look on these incredible mountains.

HIGHLIGHTS

Day to day Itinerary

Total Duration: 4 days / 3 nightsDestination: Machu PicchuDeparture Dates: Daily departuresDifficulty Level: Moderate to ChallengingMax. Altitude: 4,650 m at Salkantay PassGroup Size: 2-12Trip Category: Trekking and Cultural

CUSCO - MOLLEPATA - SORAYPAMPASALKANTAYPASS - CHAULLAY

DAY 1:

Today’s Highlights: Walking from Challacancha to Soraypampa with not too many tourists. An afternoon visit at the Humantay Lake and views of the enigmatic ‘Apu’ Salkantay. The campsite is exclusively just for our group

We start the day with picking you up at your hotel or hostel at 05:00 am. We’ll drive for around 4 hours, crossing Anta, Mollepata and end up at Challancha. Through the windows of the bus you can clearly see the white snowcapped mountains of Salkantay and Huamantay: the holy Gods of the Incas. But also the spectacular scenery of the higher situated areas and the lower valleys with colorful landscapes. After two hours driving there will be a quick stop in Mollepata town. At Mollepata there are toilet facilities, souvenirs shops and an optional short breakfast. When this short break is over we wil l soon continue to Challacancha, which is the start of our trail. There we will meet with our support staff. The staff will organize all the equipment, horses and mules. Around 9:30 am. we will start our trek to

Soraypampa (3850 MASL – 12631 ft). The first section of the path is a hike over a few deep valleys. At some parts of the trail the old water channel can still be seen. The channel still supplies water to the farmers in the lower valleys. The beginning of the trek is 7km (4.35miles) hiking in 3 hours to Soraypampa, where we will have our lunch at the basecamp. After the lunch and a quick nap we continue hiking up to the Humantay Lake (4200 MASL – 13779 ft). This is a 5km (3.1miles) round trip which we will walk in a total of 3 hours. At the Humantay Lake the bottom of the glacier can be seen, and also the most spectacular views of the background with the valley at sunset. Soraypampa is located in the middle of the glacier valleys and at night the sky is so immensely clear that we can really appreciate the stars, constellations and even shooting stars.

Walking Distance – 12km / 7.45 milesStarting Elevation – 3350 meters / 12477 feetHighest Elevation – 4600 meters / 15090 feetCampsite Elevation – 3850 meters / 12477 feetDifficulty: ModerateMeals: Lunch, Dinner (Snack and afternoon tea)Accommodation: Camping

DAY 2:

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA - SALKANTAY PASSWAYRACPUNKU - CHAULLAY

Highlights of today: Hiking along the Salkantay trail with the top view of the biggest peak. Views of the Salkantay Mountain and incredible views of the cloud forest and tropical jungle in Chaullay. Around midday we stand on the middle of the South America Andes mountain range. (Click Here to see our CHAULLAY CAMPSITE)

After an early wake up with the first daylight at 05:30 am. and a quick breakfast we soon start hiking up to the highest point of the trail: the Salkantay Pass (4650 MASL – 15,255 ft). The distance is a 7km (4.34miles) tough ascent in 3 hours, between the rocky valley bottom and the magnificent Salkantay Mountain (6200 MASL– 20,341 ft). When we finally reach the top we can and definitely will appreciate the spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay and Pumasillo. The Salkantay Mountain is the second highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the Inca Gods called

“Apu”. After reaching the top of the pass there is a 5km (3.1miles) and 2 hours downhill hike towards the camp for our lunch. The walk downwards is on a serpent shape trail and a rocky gravel path to get to the Huayracmachay lunch spot. In the afternoon we will enter the upper part of the amazon jungle, which is also called “the cloud forest”. This is a 10 km (6.2miles) hike in 3 hours on a wide trail in the thick forests. This hike is truly beautiful, there are decorated the hills with colorful sceneries and a lot of wildlife and native plants. The forests are most times of the year warm or have a temperate temperature. When finishing this magnificent hike we finally arrive at Chaullay Village (2900 MASL – 9,514 ft), our base camp in the jungle.

Walking Distance – 22 km / 13.7 milesStarting Elevation – 3800 meters / 12467 feetCampsite Elevation – 2750 meters / 9022 feetMaximum Altitude: 4650 meters / 15255 feetDifficulty: Challenging - Moderate.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Snack and afternoon tea)Accommodation: CampingAdventure: Absolutely

DAY 3:

DAY 3: CHAULLAY - LA PLAYA - SANTA TERESAHYDROELECTRIC - AGUAS CALIENTES

Highlights of today: We leave as early as possible to enjoy an empty trail and appreciate the landscape, scenery and wildlife. While trekking through the jungle you can find loads of different wild fruits like: banana, avocado, passion fruit, etc. There are also waterfalls and water streams where you can refresh your feet in. Lunch in La Playa, afterwards we will take a private car to Hidroelectrica where we will start 3 more hours of walking. Optional: Train ride from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes.

At 6:00 am. we will start our trek to La Playa through the Santa Teresa valley. We will be hiking approximately 6 hours. During the hike we’ll see: waterfalls, wild orchids, but also coffee, banana and avocado plantations. Here you can taste the famous passion fruit and granadilla fruit. We will see a village called Colpapampa, also called the “forest cloudy brow” where waterfalls, thermal hot springs, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora and birds can be observed. If we are lucky, we will be able to see the famous bird called “the Cock of the Rocks” this bird is the national bird of Peru. After lunch at La playa, we will catch a local transportation to the Hidroelectrica train station. Here you will have two options: 1) If you are exhausted you may take the train to Aguas Calientes. 2) If you are still eager to hike you may walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes for about 3 hours along the train track. Once in Aguas Calientes we will go to the accommodation which is included in the tour. At 7:00 pm. we will have dinner at a local restaurant.All the expenses in Aguas Calientes are covered by the company. Including: breakfast, lunch, dinner and the overnight at a hotel.

Walking Distance – 26km / 16.1 MilesStarting Elevation – 2750 meters / 9022 feetCampsite Elevation – 1600 meters / 5249 feetDifficulty: EasyMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: CampingAdventure: Absolutely

DAY 4. THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY – MACHU PICCHU!

Highlights of today: Early morning arrival at Machu Picchu so you will have more time to explore this truly magnificent World Wonder with not as many tourists. You will even be there before The Inka Trail trekkers arrive! Enjoy the beautiful sunrise. Two hours guided tour of the mystical Machu Picchu ruins. Plus an optional climb to Huayna Picchu or the Machupicchu Mountain (if you have pre-booked tickets.) The highlight of the trek, Machu Picchu! We will wake up early at the hotel. This is better for visiting Machupicchu, before the mass of people arrive. The Machu Picchu entrance check point is open from 6:00 am. until 17:00 pm. We will hike up to Machupicchu (a bus ride is optional for $12.00) and enter the city really early with a lot fewer tourists than during the midday. Here we will have a 2 hours guided tour through this incredible ancient city. We will visit temples, palaces, priest houses, a sundial, the industrial sector and the farming fields. After this guided tour you are free to climb up to Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu Mountain (book in advance to get your tickets!). Both mountains take approximately 3 hours to hike up and down. Or for the less adventurous you can trek to the sun gate, which is the main entrance of the Inka Trail. You’ll stay and enjoy the city for more than 7 hours in the afternoon. We will organize the train ride at 18:20 pm. back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then a bus ride to Cusco to arrive at approx. 22:00 pm. The bus will drop you off at your hotel/hostel in Cusco.

Ÿ Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your guide and group in our office, for an orientation trek and provide you the duffle bags which will be carried by our horses. meeting at 7:00 PM the evening before the trip begins.

Ÿ Transport: Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transportation to Challacancha (starting point of the trek).

Ÿ Experienced Guide: English speaking professional and official tour guide.

Ÿ 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. Kailas, Pro aconcagua and Rei 4 Outfitter tents are employed when double accommodation is requested.

Ÿ We offer private campsites: that are just for our customers. Like our ancestors we are very considerate with the Pachamama (mother earth). Therefore our campsites (CHOZAS) are adapted to the environment without generating visual impacts.

Ÿ Our campsite consists of several huts which are made of a material (Ichu and wood) that will guarantee protection during cold nights and a pleasant rest. (Click Here to see photo).

Ÿ Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs.

Ÿ Foam mats or sleeping pads: to put under your sleeping bag (carried by horses)

Ÿ Accommodation: 2 nights in tent and 1 night accommodation in selected hotel in Aguas Calientes with Breakfast.

Ÿ Hotel in Aguas Calientes: double or triple rooms, private bathrooms, hot showers, wifi, and storage while you visit Machu Picchu.

Ÿ 1 Duffle Bag: Where you can put your personal belongings (7 kilograms = 15 lbs) which includes

your sleeping bag.Ÿ Cargo Mules: From day 1 to 2 to carry the all

camping equipment and your personal baggage (7 kilos).

Ÿ Trekking Cook: In charge to prepared all the meals along the journey, over 6 people cook assistant

Ÿ Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 dinners and Snacks (Vegetarian, vegan or special menus are available at no extra cost)

Ÿ Wake up tea: Every morning at the campsite we will wake you up with a cup of coca tea our support staff will bring the coca tea to your tent in order to wake you up.

Ÿ Tea time = Happy Hour: Every afternoon 1 hour before dinner the cooks will let on the dining table pop-corn, biscuits, coffee, chocolate, different type of teas, hot water, etc. this is because after a day of hiking many are hungry and it is a bit annoying to wait till dinner that why we provide tea time.

Ÿ Daily snacks - Days 1, 2 and 3: Our Snacks consist of local fruits, biscuits, chocolate, Caramels we will give this snack at the beginning of each day trek in a cloth bag to avoid environmental contamination.

Ÿ One textile snack bag per person: to avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment

Ÿ Water grooming: Each morning warm water with towel

Ÿ 1 Blanket or LinerŸ 1 Pillow per personŸ Medical kit: Our crew bring the First-aid kit

including emergency oxygen bottleŸ Train t ickets : From Aguas Cal ientes to

Ollantaytambo (expedition service)Ÿ Transport: Transfer from Ollantaytambo Train

Station to hotel in Cusco(Day 4)Ÿ Salkantay Trekking´s Certificate of Appreciation

and Succesful Completion of the Salkantay TrekŸ 24-h guest service: please ask for the emergency

number available during your time of visitŸ Rain Ponchos (Made in Cusco by Salkantay

Trekking)Ÿ We will create a the trip of a Memorable Lifetime

Experience for you.Ÿ We are Direct operators & local owners with the

best trekking team on the hike.

DETAILS

What is Included?

Not Included:

Ÿ Sleeping Bags: (you can hire from our company), our sleeping bags are -18ºC-comfort (0ºF), mummy form and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.

Ÿ Walking Sticks: you can hire from our companyŸ Last Day: Lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes.Ÿ Personal clothing and gear.Ÿ Travel insurance.Ÿ Tips for our staff: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish.Ÿ Additional costs or delays caused by management out of control like landscape, bad weather condition,

in case of itinerary modification with a view to safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability raises strike, moment etc.

Thank you for choosing Salkantay Trekking! We will do everything within our means to take care of you and ensure an enjoyable trip of a lifetime

in Peru!

EXLUSIVE CAMPSITES: This year our company has implemented several types of services that really make us stand out with the Salkantay route. Among these services we offer private campsites that are just for our customers. Like our ancestors we are very considerate about Pachamama (mother earth). Therefore our campsites (Chozas) are adjusted to the environment without generating visual impacts or pollution.Our campsites consist of several huts which are made of wood and isolated with ichu (long grass) that will guarantee protection during cold nights and give a pleasant rest. Our company has been founded on the policy of responsible and sustainable tourism.This is what leads us to our slogan:

“We believe Responsible Tourism is a BETTER Way to See the WORLD."“We believe Responsible Tourism is a BETTER Way to See the WORLD."“We believe Responsible Tourism is a BETTER Way to See the WORLD."

This is what leads us to our slogan:

OUR HIKING TEAM

Your tour will be led by a trained and highly experienced professional with a very solid guiding background, years of hiking and wilderness experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into unforgettable adventures.They never stop learning so that they can be the best possible guides. They all speak English and of course they also speak Spanish and even Quechua, the Incan Language. They are all able to communicate with natives from around the area and will have lots of history to share with you. Check out the Meet Our Team page for staff bios.

Our Tour Guides

Our Cooks

After a challenging trek we know how important a good hot meal can be to prepare your body and warm you up. That’s why on every trek with Salkantay Trekking we employ chefs with years of experience cooking on the trails so that they provide filling and nutritious meals using fresh ingredients and a variety of flavors.Salkantay trekking has annual course to trained and getting better work and developed the cooking skill to create a new dished and caring the entire ingredient, let’s remember the menu is make by the expert Andean nutritionist, the local dishes are very nutritive and have a lot carbohydrate good for trek.

Every chef prepares different meals depending on what food is available as well using the families recipe to make more tasted and delicious each meal.

Our Meals

The food is one of the most important things on the trek, we bring balance and nutritive food along the trail, more than of our meals are buffet with a lot varieties of the local dishes to make special and unforgettable trips, who are the responsible on the food preparing are expert mountaineers cooks, some of our customers rates the meals provide on the mountain is much better meals of the traditionalist restaurants, the snacks for all our treks until the last dinner.

The food quality provided by Salkantay Trekking during the treks – are prepared by the Andean professionals chefs in a small tent on a small stove adapting to the area and trip conditions? Check out our reviews and you will see that our trekkers say it is excellent! The entire cook staffs are trained on the chef school as well by the travel agency to make tasted and delicious food, the best consistent breakfasts because are the base meal of the day to start a good journey on the day, lunches, dinners and snacks – all served with a smile! delicious buffet dinner that will undoubtedly exceed all your expectations.

"BEST MEALS IN THE ANDES”

Our Horseman & HorsesAll the Horseman are from Mollepata town the starting point to the trek, we employed to the responsible and serious people to do a great job in transporting all the crew items along the trail using the mules are in charge of all our gear and will always await us within the safe and comfortable camp sites. Our horsemen are happy working on the company with reasonable salaries and received benefice of the company on the end of the season, horseman can be very helpful on the emergency case because they know well the area and trail condition. Besides trekking and camping gear every horse carries a total of 40 kg of guest's belongings, Salkantay trekking provide all the mountain gear like horseman uniform and cargo staff for horses.You will have a personal allowance of 7kg/165lb for your gear.

TRIP MAP

HUAYNA PICCHUHuaynapicchu is one of the mountains that stands next to Machu Picchu ruins and has amazing views from above. This hike is done after your tour with your us and takes 45 minutes to the top and 45 minutes back down. Allow for time to take lots of photos, because the views are incredible. Your guide will direct you to where this hike begins and is done on your own.This is an additional entrance ticket that we will secure for you, but we need to have advanced notice as it sells out.Remember just 400 people can climb Huayna Picchu.Times:

7:00-8:00 am - 200 people10:00-11:00am - 200 PeoplePrice: $15.00

MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAINMachu Picchu mountain is the other mountain that stands above Machu Picchu ruins. It offers even more stunning views than the top of Huaynapicchu, but takes double the time to get to the top. It will be about 1.5 hours until you reach the lookout point and another 1.5 hours back down.This is an additional entrance ticket that we will secure for you, and is typically available whenever you decide to book. Remember just 400 people can climb Huayna Picchu.

Time:

7:00am to 11:00am 400 peoplePrice: $10.00

SLEEPING BAG RENTYou can hire from our company Our sleeping bags are -20ºC-comfort (0ºF), mummy form and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.

Price: USD $25.00 - 5 Days Hike.Price: USD $20.00 - 4 Days Hike.

WALKING POLESYou can hire from our company.Price: USD $20.00 - All the hike

EXTRA HORSEPersonal horse and hor

OPTIONAL & RENTAL

PAYMENT SCHEDULE BOOKING FORMThe booking system work with a deposit of 50% of the price trip that is $200 per person deposit is required to secure your spot and covert extra train and Machupicchu tickets. The balance is when do you arrive to Cusco city few days before or a night before the trek. Final acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all required forms, documents, and payment.

TRIP ITINERARIESAll Salkantay Trekking hikes are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including, Salkantay Trekking reserves the right to cancel or change any trip due to river, road, weather conditions, or political climate. We also reserve the right to cancel any trip due to client unsuitability because of age, ill health, poor fitness, intoxication etc.Any missed tours due to the above listed incidences (eg weather conditions or political climate) cannot be refunded or recuperated.The price and duration of a hiking trip will never change once you’re registered. Payments are not refundable for itinerary changes or public land closures. If a trip is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued.

CHANGE POLICY:If you wish to change the date of departure/ and or route of your trek after making the reservation/deposit, there will be a $50 per person fee to make the change, except if the change is made in the 48 hours prior to the trek, when the change will cost $100 per person..

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICYThe Salkantay Trekking reserves the right to cancel trips. If this is the case a full refund of the amount paid will be given, including the deposit. The Salkantay Trekking Company is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by preparing for the trip (for example: non-refundable advance purchase air tickets, clothing, equipment, visa fees, medical expenses, etc.).

If you cancel or leave a multi-day trip for any reason:Your Deposit of $200 is non-refundable deposit on booking for salkantay treks.Full payment is required 48 hrs prior to departure failure to do so or organise an alternative payment system can result in CANCELLATION of your tour.Cancellation up to 24 hours prior to departure, 10% refund of the total tour price.Cancellation in the 24 hours prior to departure, no refund.

MEDICAL RELEASESWe require medical releases for prospective guests over 70 years of age and for various circumstances such as history of cardiovascular disease, chronic illness, and other conditions and factors.Let know to the guides if you consume any medical tab, pill or chronic illness to prevent the any accident or emergency case, if you have the first aid kit bring for the trail will be very useful for member’s hikers.

TRAVEL INSURANCEFor your protection, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Travel insurance provides you with trip cancellation or interruption, travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, baggage and baggage delay coverage to protect your financial investment. Medical coverage purchased with your policy will also satisfy our requirement for health insurance..

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

We are a professional agency, and take care for our environment when we are working with groups and we provide a complete catered and guided service of the highest quality.Salkantay Trekking has many years of experience organizing tours & treks and only employ quality & responsible staff who you can trust.

Our administration base is in Cusco.

Our tour service and client support in Cusco is managed by our agency, we are TOUR OPERATORS,Ÿ We are committed to departing with 02 of you on our Tours we will never pass you onto another

operator!Ÿ We depart even if you are 02 people.Ÿ We are the sole operators of all our tours!

Our Staff:Ÿ All the guides we use are certified and issued licenses by the Cuzco Tour Guides Association and ourguides are trained every year.Ÿ We do not employ unlicensed or unaccredited guides and staff.

Sincerely.Edgar Catunta

Take the Adventure of a LIFETIME!A leading adventure & travel operator in the Salkantay since 2004...!!!

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR COMPANY