Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

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10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS

This alternative Inca Trek takes you through the Andes on a journey with spectacular scenery where you reach Salkantay (Nevado Salkantay), the highest peak of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, part of the Peruvian Andes. It is located in the Cusco Region, about 60 km (40 mi) west-northwest of the city of Cusco. 

​Salkantay is a large, steep peak, "the most spectacular peak of the region with great vertical relief, particularly above the low valleys to the north, which are tributaries of the Amazon River." The name Salkantay is from sallqa, a Quechua word meaning wild, uncivilized, savage, or invincible, and was recorded as early as 1583. The name is thus often translated as "Savage Mountain." Directly to the north of Salkantay lies Machu Picchu, which is at the end of a ridge that extends down from this mountain. Viewed from Machu Picchu's main sundial, the Southern Cross is above Salkantay's summit when at its highest point in the sky during the rainy season. The Incas associated this alignment with concepts of rain and fertility and considered Salkantay to be one of the principal deities controlling weather and fertility in the region west of Cusco.

After your trek, you will visit Machu Picchu at sunrise and also do a special visit to a Quechua community where you learn about the local life directly from the men and women of this region. During your visit to the mountain village of Huilloc Alto, you will meet porters who have worked on the Inca Trail and their wives who are weavers.  This a great way to support the local community directly.

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Arrive in Cusco. Stay overnight in a hotel in Cusco

DAY 2

Cusco City Tour

DAY 3

Sacred Valley Tour

DAY 4

Day 1 of Salkanty Trek.  Cusco (3,350m) - Mollepata (2,900m) - Markocasa - Soraypampa (3,850m)

DAY 5

Day 2 of Salkantay Trek.  Walk from Soraypampa – Chaullay (3,050m).

DAY 6

Day 3 of Sakantay Trek. Walk from Chaullay – La Playa (2,200m).

DAY 7

Day 4 of Salkantay Trek. Llactapata - Puente Ruinas - Aguas Caliente

DAY 8

Day 5 of Salkanty Trek: Aguas Caliente-Machu Picchu-Ollantaytambo

DAY 9

Spend a day in Huilloc Alto where you meet the locals and the women weavers. Drive to Cusco in the evening.

​DAY 10

Fly out.

For daily hike details, see TREK SUMMARY.
TREK STYLE

This trek is STRENUOUS given the high altitude, the possible low temperatures, and the early start times for each day. You must be physically fit, in good health, and preferably with recent backpacking/hiking experience. Consulting with your doctor prior to joining the trip is recommended.  It is highly suggested that you familiarize yourself with the hazards and risks of high altitude trekking.  

2021 PRICING

PER PERSON FOR A GROUP OF 

4 persons or more: $1990

3 persons: $2150

2 persons: $2310

1 person: $2450

We limit our group to 8 to ensure comfort and personal attention.

DEPOSIT: $895  
A non-refundable deposit is required to book. Balance is due by 30 days before departure.

Single supplement: $350 for 6 nights hotel
For our join-in group departures, as a precaution with COVID-19, solo travelers will be provided with a solo tent. For solo hotel stay, a single supplement fee applies.

Private tours with your date of choosing are available upon request. Send us an email via equity@browngaltrekker.com.
Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS and LIABILITY WAIVER before booking.

Click on BOOK NOW to reserve your spot!

INCLUSIONS

  • Airport pick up and drop-off to and from hotel

  • Accommodations in Cusco (4 nights), Ollantaytambo (1 night), and Aguas Caliente (1night) (Note: Solo travelers must pay single supplement for hotel accommodations).

  • Service of a professional bilingual tour guide.

  • City Tour of Cusco

  • Sacred Valley Tour

  • Professional, bilingual Tour Guide

  • Collection from hotel

  • Return transportation (bus to start of trail and tourist train back to Ollantaytambo)**

  • Entrance fee to Machu Picchu 

  • Dining tent with tables and chairs

  • Cook

  • 2-people tents

  • Sleeping mattresses

  • Horseman and mules (they carry cooking and camping equipment and up to 8 kilos of tourist’s belongings)

  • Extra oxygen

  • First Aid kit

  • Vegetarian/special diet options available on request

 **Train included in all tours is the backpacker train. Times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. We will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus).

EXCLUSIONS
International airfare to and from Cusco, medical & emergency evacuation insurance; meals in Cusco and during Sacred Valley tour; tips; last lunch on the trek, and personal expenses. 

​ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
Wayna Picchu entry fee: $90

Single Hotel supplement for 6 nights: $350

Gear Rental:
Sleeping bag: $70
Walking Sticks: $50
Inflatable Mattress: $60

GEAR LIST See gear list here.

COVID-19 TRAVEL CONDITIONS

Peru’s travel restrictions have changed frequently. It is your responsibility to be aware of current COVID-19 travel restrictions. You can check the latest via the U.S. State Department website or the website for your embassy in Peru. Once you arrive in Peru, our local partners will be required to comply with the following COVID-19 safety measures:

  • The staff members including porters, cooks and drivers will go through a COVID-19 molecular test before joining the trek.

  • Mask use, temperature control and hand-washing are mandatory for the staff and travelers.

  • Guides will carry a personal first-aid kit including masks, gloves and thermometers, etc.

  • Latex gloves are optional for the clients but mandatory for the staff.

  • Social distancing protocols will be enforced.

  • Our vehicles will be disinfected as per the protocols via the Health Ministry in Peru before and after every trip.

  • There will be masks, hand sanitizer and a first-aid kit with oxygen masks, etc. inside the vehicles in case clients need such items.

  • Vehicles will be at 50% capacity in adherence with the the social distancing requirements.

FLIGHTS
International flights are excluded.  Clients must book their own flights and send a copy of their flight itinerary by e-mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date.

TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIRED
After making a deposit, you are required to obtain appropriate travel insurance through Global Rescue or other insurance of your choice that should cover at a minimum 100% of the trip cost (land & air), emergency medical and evacuation for high altitude trekking of up to 5000 meters.  Proof of travel insurance must be provided via electronic mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date.  Failure to obtain travel insurance by the trip balance due date will result in cancellation and no refund of your trip deposit and/or applicable cancellation fees as noted in the Terms & Conditions.

​Note: If you opt to buy your insurance from a company other than Global Rescue, please ensure that the insurance you purchase covers high altitude trekking as there are only a select number of companies that provide such type of coverage.

VISA

Please check ahead of time as to the visa requirements for the country of your choosing.  You are responsible for securing your own visa, if required.

​TRIP NOTES

Upon booking, you will receive trip notes that include the recommended gear list and  specific trek information.

Marinel DeJesus