Private Services: These services are arranged just for you and your party, and offer the possibility to choose the departure date, the group size and the duration of the trek. This not only has the advantage of adapting the pace to your physical condition, but also usually means enjoying quieter campsites and meeting less travelers along the route. All private groups include additional services, such as extra porters/wranglers to carry your personal gear, among other benefits.
Reception at the Cusco’s airport with transfer in to your selected hotel in Cusco. Free time to relax and acclimatize for the altitude also we have 2 – 3 hours walking tour around city, visiting Koricancha “ the Inca temples in the city” and Cuscos main square.
In order to have good performance in our trek, we have 5 hrs. a soft hike walk out of the city with a good introduction to the Andean terrains and acclimate for the altitude. We drive for 20 minutes out of the city to the Sacsayhuaman archeological park and hike for about 5 hours back to the city to have a good afternoon rest and have good time to pack all your belongings for your adventure in Salcantay mountain. In this tour we have briefing for your trek while you visit the following places; TAMBOMACHAY; Located 8 km from the city of the Cusco, this temple of the water demonstrates a high quality of Inca stonework. PUCA PUCARA; This tambo is built in a more rustic style and would have been used to rest by “chasquis” the famous Inca runners. QENQO;Located near Sacsayhuaman, is thought to have been a ceremonial center of great importance in Inca religion and had a very important role at that time and finally we visit SACSAYHUAMAN, a masterpiece of engineering and the site of the first rebellion against the Spanish. We finish our hike at the main square where there are many options for good lunch. 7 am to 1pm (make sure to have good snacks and water).
We will pick you up from your hotel around 8.00 am and drive from Cusco towards the sacred valley of the incas visiting the following places PISAQ: We visit the Inca remains perched above the town walking one and a half hours before descending in the bus and exploring the town’s famous market where we have lunch at one of restaurants in the town. OLLANTAYTAMBO: We visit this traditional town known as “the living Inca city”. People live today in the houses and narrow streets built by the Incas with many still taking their water from the water channels that run through the town. We will take a guided tour of the Inca fortress which dominates the town, keeping watch over the sacred valley and hear about one of the greatest love stories of Inca times which took place here, this is a very beautiful traditional town known as “one of last incan living towns”. CHINCHEROS: We stop to explore the colonial church and visit the Inca palace of Tupac Yupanqui. We have a chance to buy handicrafts and textiles directly from weavers who explain about all the process of it.
SALCANTAY TREK 5 DAYS – 4 NIGHTS / Lares trek / Inca trail or any other trek of preference.
Early departure by our private transport to Mollepata town. A beautiful 3-hour scenic journey through Izcuchaca and Limatambo, with a stop for breakfast in the colorful village of Mollepata. We then head to the starting point of our trek. During the drive, enjoy the impressive views of Salkantay and Humantay Mountains. In Challacancha, we’ll meet up with the porters, mules and horses that will be helping us along our journey. The trek begins now. We’ll hike to Soraypampa in the glacier valleys where we’ll eat lunch and relax a bit. After lunch, we continue the challenging walk up to Humantay Lake where the reward will be breathtaking views of the turquoise glacier water. Our day ends back in Soraypampa where we camp for the night.
After an early breakfast we start to climb for 3-4 hours to reach the heist point of this adventure, Apacheta Pass or Salkantay Pass (4650m / 15,255 ft). This is a challenging ascent. From this point we can appreciate spectacular views of Cusco’s second highest peak, the stunning snowcapped Mount Salkantay (6,264 mts / 20,551 ft). We continue 2 hrs downhill to lunch in Huayracmachay, we continue our journey along a wide trail through stunning mountain landscapes and thick forest 3-4hours approx. Be prepared to see plenty of native flora and wild fauna. We finish the day’s hike in the village of Chaullay (2920 m / 9580 ft), where we’ll set up camp in the beautiful high jungle.
Today we continue our hike with an easy walk along the Salkamayo River, surrounded by lush vegetation, passing by waterfalls and passion fruit and coffee plantations. We stop for lunch and camp at Lucmabamba at 2100 m / 6890 ft, an organic coffee farm, where you’ll be able to savor the delicious coffee from this region and, if you’d like, purchase some Peruvian coffee beans to enjoy at home. There is also an option to take a relaxing soak in the nearby hot springs of Colcalmayo (45minutes driving from camp by local transportation) Optional bath in the hotsprings of Cocalmayu
We begin our trek early in the morning from Lucmabamba where we see the remains of an Inka trail. We follow this rising trail after climbing for 4 hrs to reach Llaqtapata 2,700 m / 8860 ft. we can observe in the distance Machupicchu (Inca city). Then 2 hours continuous downhill to the Hydroelectric Plant at 1,870m where we have the last lunch with our staff (So here is our chance to say goodbye and express our appreciation). There is a train station here, aptly named Hidroelectrica. We’ll follow the train tracks until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes which sits at the foot of Machu Picchu 3hrs aprox. We’ll be staying in Aguas Calientes for the night so we’ll check into our accommodation, take a warm shower, refuel with a delicious dinner and a good night’s sleep.
NOTE: (1) You have the option to take the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. (2) During the rainy season, the hike up to Llactapata can be dangerous and might not be feasible for safety reasons.
After an early breakfast, we take the bus up to Machu Picchu, arriving well before the majority of tourists. You will have a guided tour of the site for two hours, visiting this impressive archaeological site and leads you through all the most important areas, miradors, temples, residences, best spots and all archaeological sites with the insights of your private guide before having a bit of free time and making your way back on the bus to Aguas Calientes in time for some lunch before boarding the afternoon train back to sacred valley then a private transportstion back to Cusco to your selected hotel.
TICKET FOR HUAYNAPICCHU or MACHUPICCHU MOUNTAIN. – For hikers who want to add a climb to Huaynapicchu mountain once you finished the tour at Machu Picchu tour, please let us know far in advance to secure spots… the cost of the ticket is US$ 80.00 pp extra.
Let’s have an easy day to recover the energy after our adventure hiking the Andes and be ready for another adventure but this time… the Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley next day…!
8:00 am we pick you up from your selected hotel in Cusco, we visit the following places; MORAY the Greenhouse farming laboratory, The Incas used these circular terraces located west of Cusco, like an agricultural “research station” By a freak of climate and terrain, the average temperature on the lower terraces is much cooler than on the higher ones, thus enabling researchers to test different crop strains for different climates. MARAS/ SALINERAS (Salt mines) located 7 miles from Moray at altitude of 3, 380 m is a small village, as a model of a miniature city. Famous for its salt mines, made up of about 3000 small wells with an area average size of about 5 m ². These were already exploited since Inca times as a means of economic exchange and securities. Very interesting to see how the salt is recovered from these mines and the lives of those who work here. This is a good place to purchase some Peruvian pink salt at the gift shop for your own pantry or as a unique gift for someone back home!
04:00 am departure time to be ahead of the crowds! We drive for about 2 hours on a private transport to Cusipata then we drive on a dusty and bumpy road for 1.5 hrs. to our trailhead the Community of Wasi Pata located at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft. We start our hike from this to RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (Cerro Colorado, Montaña de Colores or “Vinicunca”) with your private professional guide, here we can see the stunning colors that are natural formations of minerals since ages that give colors to the mountain. Beautiful views of red and colors mountains, streams and herds of alpacas and llamas and the south side of Ausangate ranges of mountains. We will hike through small traditional Andean villages a see the local people with their colorful dresses and a unique andean landscape south of Cusco near the Apu Ausangate mountain 6,384 m 20,945 ft. – the 5th highest mountain in Peru. After a total hike of approximately 2.5 hours, we finally will reach to this mirador spot to have an impressive views of Rainbow Mountains located at 5,100 m / 16,732 ft. A good rest and great photos of this beautiful mountain, we descent but instead of hiking the same route as all the crowds do, we do prefer to hike to another lookout point and see the spectacular Red Valley and continue with our hike through this valley that many hikers say that it is outstanding experience even nicer than Rainbow Mountain (because the crowds)! It is about 3-4 hours mostly downhill to the end of the trail, which is near where we started the hike. A good rest to enjoy your box lunch. afterwards, it will be another 3 hours’ drive back to Cusco to your selected hotel around 5:30 – 6:00 pm.
* Please note the driving and walking times, time at each site, and departure/arrival time are
approximate and depend upon many factors such as road conditions, weather, van size, group
pace, etc.
It depends your flight, we pick you up 2 hours earlier than your flight’s departure from your hotel and take you to the airport in Cusco.
Recommendations:
Our treks; Inca Trail, Salkantay trek, Ausangate, Lares trek, Choquequirao trek, etc. are moderately difficult, lengthy and traverse rough mountain terrain. We kindly recommend that if you want to immerse and hike the Andes to be in relatively good physical condition and acclimatization.
We suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. Also, we suggest you arrive in Cusco at least two/ three days before your trek to allow yourself time to acclimatize. The more acclimatized you are the more you will enjoy the trek.
Altitude sickness is caused by ascending too rapidly, which doesn’t allow the body enough time to adjust to reduced oxygen and changes in air pressure. Symptoms include headache, vomiting, insomnia and reduced performance and coordination.
Arrive in Cusco at least 3 days prior your trek to have time to acclimatize, avoid rapid ascents specially on your first day and get enough sleep/rest. Drink plenty of fluids / water and stay hydrated is vital (coca tea, a local remedy). Eating light/ small meals will help your body digest food more efficiently at high altitudes. If you feel symptoms of altitude sickness, descend to a lower altitude immediately and rest until you feel better. Please consult your doctor if you have concerns about being at altitude. There are many medications that they can be provided.
Cusco’s climate is divided into two seasons: the rainy season, from November to March (the heaviest rains generally occur between January and March); and the dry season, from May to September.
Along the Inca Trail (May to September, high tourist season), temperatures range from 15° – 20ºC (59°F-68°F) during the day if it is sunny, and from 05-10ºC (41°F-50°F) during the day if it is not sunny and from 0-05ºC(32°F-41°F) during the night in between the first and second campsites. In Wiñaywayna and Machu Picchu, which is a subtropical zone, at a lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer, although warm clothing is still recommended at night.
Temperature: Machu Picchu is located in a tropical cloud forest and rain is present throughout the year, even in the dry season months. The average temperature ranges between 54ºF and 75ºF (12ºC and 24ºC). On the hottest days, it is possible to reach 79ºF (26°C).
According to the Resolution #002-2004-UGM-CD, published on Nov 12, 2004, the Inca Trail Regulation that refers to Inca Trail space bookings, bookings will only be guaranteed by the governmental institutions when providing full names, nationalities and passport numbers of passengers, and when having paid the full amount for passengers and staff (cook and team of porters) entrance fees.
Due to the popularity of the Inca Trail, we highly recommend that you book as far in advance as possible in order to secure a place. There are only a limited number of permits issued per day. We do of course have many other exciting treks to should you be too late to secure a permit.
For hikers who want to add a climb to Huaynapicchu mountain once you finished the tour at Machu Picchu tour, please let us know far in advance to secure spots. There is a limit number of permits issued per day!
We water at our private transportation for all of our tours and boiled water along our treks. We insist on a “Leave no trace” tourism by implementing plastic-free tours. Everyone should carry their canteens to reduce the use disposable bottles. (Eco friendly Attitude, we provide the water and you bring the bottle!)
We always make sure to have the best equipment on our treks. On the basic trek, you will always find sleeping tents (double occupancy), dining tents (with tables, stools, and dining tools) and cooking tents (where our staff will prepare delicious meals).
Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light rain gear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required in the first two campsites, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the third day (if sunny) and in Machupicchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machupicchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the Pack List.
We genuinely believe that when our staff is treated well and everyone is equipped with quality hiking equipment, clothing, and anything else they may need to do their job the very best they can, everyone wins. If you have equipment or clothing you may not use again, you can donate it to a porter! Headlamps, sleeping bags, trekking poles, clothing are all greatly appreciated.
Certainly, any baggage that is not necessary for your trek may be stored in your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer this service free of charge). However, In the case that your hotel may not provide this service, we will store your baggage safely in our office free of charge.
Nowadays, we are all concerned about the environment and care of Mother Nature (Pachamama), we understand the potential harm that can come from taking groups through many of the delicate environments, we are licensed operators and we do insist in a policy of …” “Leave no trace tourism”. our tours are plastic-free; everyone should carry their canteens to stop using disposable bottles.
Please ensure you have adequate travel insurance to cope with any medical emergencies, any costs incurred due to delayed or cancelled flights and for loss or delay of baggage.
People visiting Peru can buy travel health plans to protect themselves and their traveling companions from large out-of-pocket expenses due to unforeseen injury or illness. Although health concerns are the primary reason people purchase trip insurance for Peru. we recommend World Nomads™ – Travel Insurance Peru
