Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu
Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes, Peru
Cusco, Peru
$699
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu tour in Peru. This small group journey is perfect for those seeking an active and adventurous experience. Begin your trek from Cusco, traversing the breathtaking Andes, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks and lush subtropical valleys. Along the way, explore ancient Inca ruins and immerse yourself in the rich history of the region. Spend nights camping under the stars and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow travelers. The highlight of the tour is a guided exploration of the iconic Machu Picchu, where you'll uncover the mysteries of this ancient wonder. With private van, hiking, and train transport, and accommodations in hotels and campsites, this tour offers a perfect blend of comfort and adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: Hotel de la Villa Hermoza
Accommodation Name: Hotel de la Villa Hermoza
Arrive at any time.
Arrive Cusco at any time. There are no planned activities so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. Our best advice for exploring Cusco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map, and set off to explore! Meet the group at the welcome meeting, check for the start time on the welcome note at the hotel.
Additional Information: We highly recommended arriving at least one day prior to the tour in order to acclimatize to the altitude prior to the trek. A full day spent in Cusco (3249m), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water, is usually enough time for most people to acclimatize.
We strongly advise you to arrive at the hotel by 3:30pm on day 1 to attend the Trekking Briefing.
Additionally, please be aware that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
ACTIVITY: The adventure begins today. Feel free to explore, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Your G Representative will review the details of your tour.
Day 2: Cusco/Salkantay Trek
Location: Cusco, Salkantay Trek
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Cusco and transfer to the start of the trail to begin the Salkantay Trek. Stunning views and Inca ruins fill the days as you hike with views of the striking snow-capped mountains of Vilcabamba mountain range. Traverse high passes the highest point reaching 4,600m (15,092 ft) before descending into valleys nestled in the mountains. Spend the nights camping under the stars. Enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery and breathtaking views as the trek descends from the heights of the Andes to the lush subtropics surrounding Machu Picchu.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy G Adventures-supported handmade biodegradable soap products, for use on our treks. This G Adventures for Good project empowered local Cusqueña women to start their own business in order to reduce the environmental impact of treks in the region. Planeterra provided $10,000 of seed funding for two young entrepreneurs to register their biodegradable products in order to sell them to the tourism industry. "Esencia Andina" is now a successful business that produces biodegradable soaps, detergents, and natural products for travellers, guides, porters, and cooks on our treks.
ACTIVITY: Start trekking accompanied by support staff and horses/mules, pass by spectacular views of the majestic Salkantay Peak and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Start the ascent up until Salkantaypampa (3,900m/12,795 ft) where you'll stop for a scenic lunch. After lunch, ascend past snowy peaks to the highest point of the trek, Salkantay pass reaching 4,600 metres (15,092 ft) above sea level. From here the views are spectacular towards the mountains of Umantay and Apu Salkantay. Descend from the pass and hike down to the campsite for the night, Wayraqmachay (3900m/12,795 ft).
Day 3: Salkantay Trek
Location: Collpabamba, Chaullay, Playa Sahuayaco
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue the trek downhill, passing through the town of Collpabamba on the way to Chaullay. Hike along the Sahuayaco River through lush cloud forest to your campsite for the evening, Playa Sahuayaco.
ACTIVITY: Trek to the town of Collpabamba, keeping an eye out for flora and fauna along the way. Stop for lunch at the village of Chaullay (2,900m/9,514 ft). Watch the scenery change from mountain landscapes to lush, cloud forest as you descend down to the Sahuayaco River and walk alongside it to Playa Sahuayaco (2,100m/6,890 ft), the campsite for the night.
Day 4: Salkantay Trek
Location: Llactapata, Aguas Calientes
Accommodation: Hotel Wiracocha Inn
Accommodation Name: Hotel Wiracocha Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Hike to the Inca site Llactapata, where you can catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Catch the train in the afternoon to Aguas Calientes.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy one last hike up to the ruins of Llactapata and look out towards Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Explore the well-preserved ruins and learn more about the site thought to have been used primarily for crop storage and production.
Day 5: Machu Picchu/Cusco
Location: Machu Picchu, Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu then return to Cusco where the tour ends upon arrival.
Additional Information: Please note the tour ends upon arrival in the main square and does not include a post night in Cusco. If you wish to book a post night please contact a GCO or your agent for assistance.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
ACTIVITY: Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels (2 nts), camping (2 nts). -
Meals
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners -
Handmade Biodegradable Soap Products
Your G for Good Moment includes handmade biodegradable soap products.
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Salkantay Trek
Trek on the Salkantay route to Machu Picchu with a local guide, cooks, and porters for 3 days.
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Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
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Transport
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is provided.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
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International Travel
International travel is not included.
Transport
Private van, hiking, train.
Meals Included
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Accommodation
Experience a blend of comfort and adventure with two nights in hotels and two nights camping under the stars during the Salkantay Trek.
Group Size
Max 16, Avg 6
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. A typical breakfast may include toast, coffee and tea, however this may vary depending on the city. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.
Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients.
For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
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Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a private van, enjoy scenic hikes, and take a train journey to complete your adventure.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Important Notes
1. MACHU PICCHU REGULATIONS
Current and correct passport details are required at time of confirmation. For more details please see the following page . Please also note that regulations have been implemented for all visitors to Machu Picchu which require that different circuits be followed within the site as a way to relieve crowding. The new circuit-based entrance tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. We will do all that is possible to get everyone traveling in a group on the same route, but be aware that it is possible that members of the same group might be visiting Machu Picchu on a different circuit and not be together during this visit. Rest assured that regardless of the circuit you will enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the site.
2. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
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Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. ...more ...less
What to Take
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. Along the Salkantay trek, some campsites are at altitudes in excess of 3000m (9843ft) in the mountains. Because of this, please be prepared for variable temperatures and conditions. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential. ...more ...less
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Salkantay Trek?
The accommodation during the Salkantay Trek includes hotels for 2 nights and camping for 2 nights.
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What is the highest point reached during the Salkantay Trek?
The highest point reached during the Salkantay Trek is the Salkantay pass, which is 4,600 meters (15,092 feet) above sea level.
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What kind of transport is used during the tour?
The tour uses a combination of private van, hiking, and train for transport.
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Are there any environmental initiatives included in the trek?
Yes, the trek includes the use of G Adventures-supported handmade biodegradable soap products, which are part of a project empowering local women to reduce the environmental impact of treks in the region.
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What is the minimum age requirement for this tour?
The minimum age to travel unaccompanied on this tour is 18. Minors aged 12 and above can travel if accompanied by a guardian over 21 years old.
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What meals are included during the tour?
The tour includes 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
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What is the group size for the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu tour?
The maximum group size is 16, with an average of 6 participants.
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What should I be prepared for in terms of weather during the trek?
Due to the high altitude in the Andes, temperatures can be quite cold, especially at night. Some campsites are at altitudes over 3000m, so be prepared for variable temperatures and conditions.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu
5 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, Salkantay Trek, Collpabamba, Chaullay, Playa Sahuayaco, Llactapata, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
24588
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
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