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The Salkantay to Machu Picchu Trek

The mountains of the Cordillera Vilcabamba rise to form a ragged chain between the regions' two great rivers, the Urubamba and the Apurimac. Along the Cordillera's northern side, massive snow peaks collide with tropical rain forests to create a brilliant contrast between lush vegetation and lofty desolation.

Located northwest of Cusco, Nevado Salkantay, the cordillera's tallest peak, is at the eastern end of the chain and rises to 6271 meters in height. The name Salkantay means Savage Mountain, which may refer to the clouds that rise up from the jungle lowlands and engulf the peak.
Mollepata, an attractive village built on a mountainside overlooking the deep citrus producing valley of the Apurimac, is the starting point for the trek.

Salkantay Premium Private Service 7 days (ST702)

Salkantay to Machu Picchu

Prices are per person 2008: 2 persons US$955, 3 persons US$790, 4 persons US$725, 5 persons US$675, 6 persons US$625, 7 persons US$595, 8-10 persons US$545, 11-12 persons US$515, 13-16 persons US$495.

We can offer a US$35 discount to students with a valid International Student Identity Card ISIC and children under the age of 12 years old.

Group Size: Please note that this is a private group trek. This means that if there are just two of you interested in doing this trek, the trek will be organized just for you i.e. US$955 per person. Obviously with more people in your group the cost per person becomes more economical. We do not add other people to you trek and unfortunately it is not possible to join another group.

Departures: To suit group requirements (except the dates that does not appear in the information below, as on those dates the park is fully booked, so please note spaces are running off, better you decide when to depart and book on the still open dates, thanks)

Denote, Very Important News :

If you do not find a right date to depart to the Salkantay to Machu Picchu Trek 7 days Private Service, down below to work with your plan and schedule on your escape trip to Cusco, so you may decide to have a look and take one of our best alternative options to hike a 4 days or a 5 days trek program options, both ones ends at Machu Picchu, having on the last day a full day time between 7 a.m. till 2 p.m. to completely enjoy the great Inkan City, that means you will see and be at Machu Picchu before the crowded trains arrive, good for pictures of the scenery without all those people and enough time for those looking to climb the holy mountain of Huayna Picchu (1:40 minutes round trip approx.), or a quiet hike to the temple of the Moon which is located behind Huayna Picchu mountain (1 hr 50 min. round trip approx.).

They are Wonderful options Instead the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days, we offer 5 departures per week, by groupal services or by private service as well, of course with very flexible bookings police, remember with those options we don't need to be worry about spaces getting off quickly as on the inca trail because there is not a regulation to limited the people who wants to hike on those areas, that is why you can count as great options to booked and enjoy the stunning andean scenaries, great views of the snow peaks on the sacred valley of the incas such Mount Veronica (5750m) and on the vilcanota mountain range the Mount Salkantay (6,262 m), and hike on remote region that offers to the trekker an insight into the real lives of the Andean farmer, dressed in their traditional brightly colored ponchos. You’ll have the opportunity to see thatched stone houses surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas. Inside the houses you’ll see guinea pigs running loose.

Our Alternative happy options:

1.-The Lares Trek - Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, 4 days/ 3 night Service:

please click here: http://www.andeanlife.com/lares_valley_to_machu_picchu_4_day_trek.htm

2.-The Salkantay Trek - Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, 5 days/ 4 night Service:

please click here: http://www.andeanlife.com/salkantay_to_machu_picchu_5d.htm

Departures: To suit group requirements (except the dates that does not appear in the information below, as on those dates the park is fully booked, so please note spaces are running off, better you decide when to depart and book on the still open dates, thanks)

Salkantay to Machu Picchu Trek 7 days Private Service Departure Dates 2008

June to September 2008	INCA TRAIL DEPARTURES: Sorry to Inform that there are 00 spaces during the months of June to September 2008!!) Note:The information shown is taken directly from the government trek permit database and shows the real-time availability of trek permits for the Inca Trail. Please check to Our Alternative Inca Trail hikes to Machu Picchu, we do have confirmed group departures, then find the right One for your plans, they are great ones, becoming very popular and very flexible in terms of dates of departure as well !! Remember with those options you can depart on any date during the months of April, May, June, July, August and September as well. Example Salkantay Trek is been considered as one of the best 15 hikes of the world!! ALTERNATIVE TREKS 2008: SEE MORE DETAILS AND CHECK CONFIRMED DEPARTURES GROUPS, AT THE LINKS BELOW: LARES TREK, 4 DAYS/ 3 NIGHTS: http://www.andeanlife.com/lares_valley_to_machu_picchu_4_day_trek.htm SALKANTAY TREK, 5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS: http://www.andeanlife.com/salkantay_to_machu_picchu_5d.htm CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK, 4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS: http://andeanlife.com/choquequirao_4_day_private_trek.htm
October 2008	INCA TRAIL DEPARTURES: 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31. Below are the Dangerous dates as spaces are running off very quickly, so you better make your booking As Soon As Possible if planning to depart on one of the dates below: (Note: The information shown below is taken directly from the government trek permit database and shows the real-time availability of trek permits for the Inca Trail) October 25 - there are only 039 spots left October 26 - there are only 084 spots left
November 2008	INCA TRAIL DEPARTURES: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30.
December 2008	INCA TRAIL DEPARTURES: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,31. * Special Departure on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21, as departing on those dates you will return on day before or at least on the same evening of Chrismas eve and of course join to enjoy chrismas eve with the friendly and great local people, big festival at the Main square of Cusco city, buy in advance your fire works!! * Special Departure on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28, as departing on those dates you will return on day before or at least on the Evening of Chrismas eve and of course join to enjoy New years eve with the friendly and great local people, bigger festival at the Main square of Cusco city, buy in advance your fire works and be careful with the happy drunk guys around the square!!!

What is included:

Collection from your hotel in the morning
Private bus to the start of the trail (Mollepata)
Inca Trail & Machu Picchu entrance fees (US$84 value 2008)
English speaking professional guide (two guides for groups over 9 persons)
Igloo tents - 2 persons in each 4-person capacity tent with plenty of space for your backpacks
Double thickness foam mattress
Cook and Cooking equipment
Meals (06B,06L,06D) - food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude.
Teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn)
Horses days 1-4 (for equipment and personal items and 1 emergency horse) + horsemen,
Porters days 5-7 (to carry tents, cooking equipment and food)
Dining tent with camp tables and chairs
Kitchen tent
Accommodation for our porters and cooks
First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Bus from Machu Picchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes
Train ticket (Backpackers service) from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
Transfer from the train station to your hotel.

What is not included

Breakfast on the first morning.
Meal in restaurant in Aguas Calientes on day 7 of the trek.
Entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes US$3
Sleeping bags (4 season) can be hired in our office for US$25 for the 7 day trek.
Tips for the guide, cook and porters

What you need to bring/carry:

Backpack
Sleeping bag 4 season (can be hired from our office for US$25 for the 7 day trek)
Sleeping mattress (we will provide you with this)
Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few dollars)
String, comfortable footwear
One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of clothing if you hire a personal porters, see options below)
Sweater and jacket (something warm)
Water bottle and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco)
Flashlight and batteries
Hator cap to protect you from the sun
Sun block (sun protection cream)
Insect repellent
Toiletries towel and toilet paper
Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc,
Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries
Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the trek)
You also need to bring your original passport on the trail.

Options:

Salkantay to Machu Picchu

(1) Personal porters (days 5-7) can be hired to help carry your personal items such as clothes, sleeping bag etc. They can be hired for $100 for all 3 days and will carry up to a maximum of 18kg (usually 1 porter between 2 persons is more than sufficient). You can hire the services of a half a porter to carry up to 9kg for US$50. However, even with a personal porter, you will still need to bring a day pack for essential items.

About 30% of the group usually have personal porters to help them. If you hire a porter we will provide you with a sack to put your items in to give to the porter. This extra porter will help you carry: duffle bag or sack (we will provide you with this), sleeping bag, mattress (we will provide you with this), clothing, sweater, jacket, woolly hat, scarf, gloves (something warm for at night), flashlight and batteries, toiletries. Your personal porter, however, will not walk at your side so you will still need to bring a day pack for essential items. You will meet up with your porter at lunch time and at the campsite late in the afternoon. Equipment to be carried by yourselves: small day pack, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, warm sweater, broad-brim or peaked cap, sun protection cream, insect repellent, toilet paper, selection of small snacks for the day etc, camera, lightweight plastic poncho just in case of rain (can be bought in Cusco for US$1)

Important note: You must decide if you want to hire the services of a personal porter in advance when making your trek reservation since we need to purchase the porter's trekking permit. You cannot decide to hire an additional porter once you arrive in Cusco.

(2) An extra night in Aguas Calientes can easily be arranged for you if required. Hotels costs and costs associated with returning to Machu Picchu the following day are additional to trek costs. It is best to make your hotel reservation directly. The web page www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/hotels/machupicchu has some good recommendations and contact details.
(3) Vegetarian Meals. We can provide vegetarian meals or cater for special diets with no extra cost. Just let us know at least 2 days prior to trek departure.
(4) Sleeping bag hire. If you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the the to Peru with you then we have sleeping bags in our office for rent. The price is US$25 per person for the 4 day trek.

Reservation details: All trek reservations must be made at least 4 weeks in advance (however 6-10 weeks in advance is recommended especially during the months of June, July, August and September)

Payment details: We will require a non-refundable trek deposit of US$200 per person payable within 3 days of Andean Life confirming your trek booking. The deposit is to be paid by Our VISA Payment On-Line, Western Union money transfer and Mail Order System, these are our fastest & most secure form of payments in Peru. Further details of how to send the deposit are included with our trek booking confirmation email. The remaining balance is to be paid in our office at least two days prior to your trek departure date. Payment can be made in cash US$, local currency (Peruvian Soles), or American Express Travel Cheques (3%) or by VISA (6% surcharge - VISA's cost not ours).
For a trek deposit Payment On-line by Amex and Master Credit Cards, please let Us know by email and we will send ASAP further details about how to proceed with it, thanks.

Other information:

(1) 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 office.
(2) Time of arrival in Cusco. Unless you plan to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, you will return to your hotel in Cusco for approximately 9pm on the 7th day of the trek.This tickets are subject to availability and at times of high demand we may have to change your departure to an alternative service / departure time without prior notice departing on the someday as stated in your service voucher. This alternative service may run only as far as Ollantaytambo, in which case we will provide transport for you back to your hotel in Cusco. If the service is more expensive Andean life will pay additional cost. This applies to return by train only and Andean life will not be responsible for additional costs associated wit returning to Cusco in any other form. If it is your decision to change to a different service or different date you must inform us at the time of purchasing the trek and pay any additional cost yourselves.

(3) VERY IMPORTANT:

Exchange Rate. The Inca Trail trek price of 2 persons US$955 (as an example ) is based on an exchange rate on the 01 January 2008 was 1 USD = 2.95 Peruvian Soles. Although we accept payment for the trek in US dollars the majority of our expenses are in Peruvian Soles (trek permits, wages, food, taxes). Andean Life will absorb any change in costs up to 15 points difference from 2.95. i.e. if the exchange rate falls to 2.80 we will not ask you to pay any additional surcharge. If however the value of the US dollar falls below 2.80 we will ask you to pay a US$15 surcharge, if the value falls below 2.70 we will ask you to pay a US$20 surcharge, below 2.60 we will ask you to pay a US$25 surcharge etc etc. Of course exchange rates can go both up and down so if the value of the US dollar increases against the Peruvian Sole we will refund you the following amounts: exchange rate greater than 3.10 we will refund US$10, greater than 3.20 we will refund US$15, greater than 3.30 we will refund US$20 etc etc. Andean Life will have to show any calculations to clearly justify such surcharges.

If any of the third party costs listed above change to increase the cost of the trek we will immediately update the trek price listed on our website (apart from the exchange rate which can continue to go up and down throughout the year so the website will not be updated to reflect these cost changes). Clients will be liable for paying any increased cost of the Inca Trail trek upon arrival in Cusco.

Andean Life Trek Cancellation Policy

1. The trek deposit must be paid prior to the date shown on the trek confirmation email. Clients must email Andean Life to confirm that they have paid the deposit. Failure to pay the deposit and/or inform us of the deposit payment details before this date will result in automatic trek cancellation.
2. The trek balance must be paid in the Andean Life office prior to 8pm, at least 2 days prior to trek departure. Failure to pay the trek balance prior to this time will result in trek cancellation.
3. Trek cancellations made between payment of trek deposit and 8pm, 2 days prior to trek departure date: Return of all payments made, less the trek deposit of US$200 per person, less any costs associated with receiving and returning the payment.
4. Trek cancellations made after 8pm, 2 days prior to trek departure: No cash refund. However we will give to your Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance ticket, your bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and your return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (approximate value US$150). Please note that the client will be responsible for changing the dates of any of these tickets (if necessary) and any costs associated with such changes.

In all instances of trek cancellation by the client Andean Life will provide written confirmation of the cancellation and details of any payments lost so as to be used in the event of any insurance claim made by the client.

Important note about possible changes to trek prices in 2008:

The price of our standard 4 day Inca Trail group service as listed on our website is based on the following costs:
(a) Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fee is 238 Peruvian Soles (approx US$73) per tourist and 39 Peruvian Soles per porter (approx US$12)
(b) The price of the train service from Aguas Calientes to Cusco in Backpackers class is US$46 per person (2007)
(c) The price of the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes is US$6 per person
(d) The current rate of Peruvian sales tax (IGV) is 19%
The above costs are based on all information currently available. Although the government has not confirmed the price of the Inca Trail andMachu Picchu entrance fee (trek permit) in 2008.
An increase to any of the above third party costs are completely outside of the control of Andean Life and will be passed directly on to our clients. As soon as we are aware of any such increase we will immediately update our website and the price of our trek increased accordingly. Clients be be asked to pay any differences to the cost of the trek when paying the trek balance upon arrival in Cusco. The actual cost of the trek permits / train tickets and bus tickets is clearly marked on the respective tickets so it will be very clear to our clients that an increase to any of the above costs has occurred. We appreciate you understanding in this matter.

Trek Itinerary: For a detailed description of our 7 day trekking itinerary see below.

To Make a Trek Reservation CLICK HERE

Salkantay Trek Itinerary

Day 1. Bus from Cusco to Mollepata (approx. 4 1/2 hours). On the way to Mollepata we'll briefly stop off at the ruins of Tarawasi - an Inca temple with one of the finest examples of Inca polygonal masonry in a long retaining wall. On the upper level are 28 tall niches possibly used for displaying the mummies of the Inca nobility. This area was the site of a battle between the Spanish and the Incas. Hernando de Soto and his soldiers were resting here on their way to Cusco when they were attacked by nearly 4000 Inca warriors; 4 Spaniards were killed and many injured.

Arriving at Mollepata in the early afternoon we'll walk up hill out of town ascending through valleys filled with flowering shrubs buzzing with hummingbirds, across streams and past isolated houses.
After about 3 hours walking we'll set up camp in pastures close to an irrigation canal.

Day 2. Today we'll hike from the pastures to just above the village of Soray. In the morning you'll have magnificent views of Nevado Humantay (5917m). After about 5 hours trekking we'll arrive at the small settlement of Soray where the valley broadens and flattens and Nevado Salkantay comes into view. To hike from Soray to the camp in the upper valley requires about one hour.

Day 3. It's a 4 hour trek to the Incachiriaska pass (where the Inca cools down) which lies at 4880m. The hummingbird inhabits the lower valleys around Nevado Salkantay, but here in the rocky crags is the home of the Andean Condor, the world's largest bird.
The trail continues east down through a long broad valley to Pampachuana, a small village some 4 hours from the pass. We'll camp just above the village.

Day 4. In the morning you will see that the valley begins to narrow and the river becomes a canal. The Incas frequently cut canals through valleys to increase the agricultural land - this is an excellent example. From Pampachuana it's a 3 hours hike down the narrow, steep valley to the Inca fortress of Inkaracay (also known as Paucarcancha). This is a site well worth exploring.
It's about another 1/2 hours walk down to the small village of Wayllabamba. where you join the Royal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Depending on the progress made by the group on the previous days, we may camp the night at Wayllabamba or continue a few hours further along the Inca Trail. Our mules and horsemen will return to Mollepata and be replaced by porters.

Day 5. (12 km)
Up at 0600, breakfast at 0630, wide awake and full of enthusiasm (!) to commence trekking at 0700.
The trail from Wayllabamba to the 1st pass of Warmiwañusca (4200 m highest point) climbs nearly 1200 m. and takes about 5½ hours. Lunch is provided 10 minutes after the pass.
It’s another 1½ hours (easy walking) to our camp at Pacaymayu (3600 m), near to Runkuraqay, where we’ll cook dinner.

Day 6 (15 km)
Leaving the camp at 0700 you’ll walk another 15 km (approx. 7 hours) to the ruins of Wiñaywayna (2600m) passing the smaller ruins of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca on the way, as well as stopping for lunch and snacks.
At Wiñaywayna we’ll set up camp and have dinner. There’s also a place to take a hot shower (US$1.5 extra) and a small restaurant for those who may wish to participate in the consumption of alcoholic beverages !

Day 7 (5 km)
Up at 0430, breakfast for 0500 and back on the trek to Machu Picchu early to arrive at Inti Punku (the sun gate) just prior to sunrise at approx. 0645 with beautiful views of Machu Picchu (depending on you luck with the weather).
We'll arrive at Machu Picchu ruins (2400m) at 0730 and have a guided tour of the Ruins for about 2 hours followed by some free time. This is an ideal opportunity to climb the mountain of Wayna Picchu offering great views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valleys.

In the early afternoon we'll return to Aguas Calientes by tourist bus for a meal in one of the many restaurants. You can also enjoy a relaxing soak in the town's hot thermal springs.

Return by train back to Cusco. End of trek.

(Note that this is a typical itinerary and may be subject to change depending on speed of the group, group size and availability of camping space allocated by the UGM. Alternative campsites may be used.)

KeyWord Reference:

Salkantay, Salcantay , Machu Picchu.

Andean Life Tour Operator

Main Office N° 1 : Calle Santa Teresa 381, Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru
Office N° 2 : Calle Plateros 372, Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru
(Both ones located just half block from the main square of Cusco City)
Fax Telephone: 00-51-84-261269
Emergency Mobil Phone: 00-51-84-9673544

Licensed Inca Trail tour operator, specialists in trekking in the Andes (Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and other treks)
©Andean Life 1999 - 2005. All material within this web site is original work and subject to national and international copyright laws and cannot be reproduced without the written permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved.

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