Sacred Valley & Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
6 Days / 5 Nights
Salkantay trek Peru 6 days 5Nights:
In just 6 days, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to explore two amazing tourist attractions that seamlessly combine culture and nature. The cultural aspect of your journey involves immersing yourself in our traditions and delving into the history of the Incas. You’ll visit two famous Inca sites, Pisaq Archaeological Site and Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress, both of which are stunning in their own right.
Both of these sites were once thriving Inca villages, featuring religious areas, farming terraces, living houses, storehouses, water channels, and more. When you explore these places, you’ll gain valuable insights into the history of the Incas, which will prepare you for the Salkantay Trek. Both Inca sites also showcase unique Inca architectural styles. For instance, Ollantaytambo boasts the second-largest rocks from Inca times, transported from a distance of about 5 kilometers. It’s truly incredible how they moved these massive rocks to construct their temples.
During your journey through the Sacred Valley, you’ll also visit a local village where you’ll learn about agriculture and local traditions. After a full day exploring the Sacred Valley, you’ll head directly to the Salkantay Trailhead, where you’ll spend the night in our glass cabins. You’ll be all set to start your hike early in the morning, with the goal of reaching the Blue Lagoon around 6:30 am. Here, you can enjoy the sunrise amidst the mountains without the company of other hikers, as most will arrive later, departing from Cusco. Our glass cabins are nestled at the base of the Humantay Glacier peak, just about 1.5 hours from the Blue Lagoon. Following this, you’ll continue the Salkantay Trek en route to Machu Picchu.
Tour Price
Sacred Valley & Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 6 Days / 5 Nights
From
$
870
Per Person
- Hotel
- Included
Group Size
minimum 2 people
Activity Level Challenging
Trip Details
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Day 1: Visit Local Community, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo
Start: Pickup from the hotel at 7 am.
Activities: Visit Cacacollo community, Pisac Inca site, and Ollantaytambo.
Accommodation: Glass Cabanas at Soraypampa.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner included. -
Day 2: Hiking Begins - Soraypampa to Wayracmachay
Morning: Introduction with Alpaca Expeditions Staff and start hiking.
Highlights: Humantay Lagoon, Salkantay Pampa, Salkantay Pass (highest point at 4,650 meters).
Weather: Cold, windy, rainy in the wet season. -
Day 3: Wayracmachay to La Loreta (Hobbit House)
Trek from Wayracmachay to Ccollpapampa and then to La Loreta.
Accommodation at private campsite with hot shower and Jacuzzi options.
Walking distance: 18 km. Elevation descended: 1,400 meters.
Weather: Warm and humid. -
Day 4: Loreta to Camp in Front of Machu Picchu
Morning: Visit to a local organic coffee farm.
Afternoon: Hike along a section of the Inca trail to Llactapata.
Highlights: Views of Machu Picchu, exploration of Llactapata Inca site.
Accommodation: Campsite with views of Machu Picchu.
Distance: 12 km hiked.
Weather: Hot and humid during the day, chilly at night. -
Day 5: Llactapata to Aguas Caliente
Morning: Downhill hike to Hydroelectrical Station and Intiwatana.
Afternoon: Hike to Aguas Calientes.
Activities: Visit hot springs, final dinner with trekking chef.
Distance: 14 km hiked.
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes. -
Day 6: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
Morning: Early bus to Machu Picchu, guided tour, optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike.
Afternoon: Return train to Ollantaytambo and drive to Cusco.
Final drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.
Highlights
This itinerary offers an immersive experience, combining challenging hikes with cultural insights and breathtaking scenery. Each day unfolds a new layer of the Andean landscape, culminating in the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
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Day 1 : Visit Local Community - Pisac - Ollantaytambo
We start our day with a pick up from your hotel at 7:30 to 8:00am. We will visit a local community of Cacacollo where Alpaca Expeditions support local Andean Women, Textiles and Agriculture are the daily work of many families and the economic livelihood for them, the enterprising women will show and teach us the elaboration of Andean textiles, we will also have the option to see the agricultural areas where they grow all kinds of vegetables, after that we continue our journey to Pisac Inca site where you will enjoy the beauty of the site and surounding area, Break for lunch at the local in Lamay. After lunch, will drive along the sacred Valley to get the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo, where we will visit famous inca site and appreciate how important Ollantaytambo was in the time of the Incas and nowadays. Once the tour is over, the guide will take you to the hotel where you will spend the night.
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Entrance Tickets: Included
Accommodations: 3 start Hotel in Cusco -
Day 2: Cusco to Soraypampa ( Glass Cabanas ) & Humantay Lake
The day begins early with a hotel pick-up in Cusco around 4:00 to 4:30 AM. We will head in the direction of the beautiful village of Mollepata, and will have the opportunity to pass through some quaint towns (Anta, Limatambo) and enjoy the view of the valleys and the Andes.
After about 2 hours of driving, we will arrive in Mollepata, which is a nice and calm town and we will stop at a local restaurant for breakfast. From there, we will continue on for another 1 hour to Challacancha, the beginning of our trek. Once we arrive we will have time to get organized and start our hike.
The first part of the trek is a gradual uphill trek which is perfect to warm you up and adjust to the altitude. After about 1.5 hours of transecting the hill, we arrive at Soraypampa where we will be located, or the Glass Cabañas, in the mountains. You will have a freshly prepared lunch from our chef which will give you an opportunity to recharge before the afternoon event.
Your afternoon event is a trek to the amazing Humantay Lagoon, which is about 1.5 hours into the trek. The trail is easy at the beginning, but then starts to incline more as you get close to the lagoon. Once you arrive at the lagoon, you will have time to enjoy the spectacular turquoise lagoon waters highlighting the glacier peak of Humantay at elevation 5960 m. You will be able to enjoy the moment, take a few pictures and relish in the beauty of nature.
Once you have finished at the lagoon, we will trek back to Soraypampa and arrivearound 4:00 PM. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy what you wish, either sit back and relax, explore, or lounge with the views from the Glacier Cabaña.
In the evening, you will join us for a cooking class and we will prepare a traditional Peruvian dish together. Afterword you will enjoy another delicious dinner, and settle down for your first night in the cozy Glass Cabañas under the stars.
Highlights of the Day:
• Humantay Lagoon’s turquoise waters
• Breathtaking glacier and valley views
• Sleeping beneath the stars at SoyrocochaTrekking Distance: 13 km (7.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation Gain: +500m (1,640ft)
Overnight: Glass Cabins -
Day 3: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayracmachay ( Glass Domes)
Today is the most difficult yet rewarding day of the trek. Get ready for stunning scenery and amazing memories! We will have an early breakfast by our chef at the Glass Cabañas with you at 5:30 a.m. Once you’ve had a warm meal, take the chance to eat more snacks and beverages and then we will make sure to fill our water on our trek to the mighty Salkantay Pass first.
We will start with an uphill climb of moderate incline, and hike on a well-defined trail. After about 2 hours we will arrive at Salkantay Pampa (4,100m / 13,450 ft), a beautiful place to rest with breathtaking views of the Salkantay glacier towering above. At this stop we will take a short break to hydrate and be amazed by the imposing presence of peaks surrounding us to connect with the mighty Salkantay glacier.
After this rest we will climb roughly an hour with a steep incline along zigzagging path. We will arrive at Soyrococha, nestled directly beneath Salkantay peak. At this spectacular spot you will be welcomed by our Chef after hiking about another hour for some much deserved and freshly prepared lunch nestled amongst the glaciers.
Once we have finished lunch, and water refilled, we will continue to climb for approximately one more hour to reach the highlight of the day, the Salkantay pass (4,630m / 15,190 ft) which is the highest point of the entire trek. At the summit we will stop to pay homage to Pachamama (Mother Earth) with a moment of gratitude to be able to see such raw impressive beauty on Earth. The views surrounding us are nothing short of astounding: snow capped peaks and icy ridgelines in all directions, and the vastness of The Andes.
The trail starts to descend from the pass. The first two and half hours are goofy downhill, gradually leaving behind all the alpine scenery, we will reach the green of the valley once again. Here our destination is the tranquil camp at Wayracmachay (3,800m / 12,467 fr) where we will settle into our famous Glass Domes.
From our Dome will have a panoramic view of Humantay and the lower slopes of the Salkantay Glacier. In the evening you will eat your dinner and cozy up under a sky of stars. The dry season here has some of the best night skies you may have ever experienced.
Highlights of the Day:
• Crossing the mighty Salkantay Pass
• Descending into the lush cloud forest
• Experiencing a dramatic change in ecosystemsTrekking Distance: 14 km (8.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Elevation Change: -2,530m (-8,300ft)
Overnight: Glass Domes -
Day 4: Wayracmachay – Rayanpata – Colpapampa – Loreta (The Hobbit House)
From today begins another dramatic change of scenery, as we depart from the high Andes and enter the lush high jungle, filled with warm breezes, vibrant vegetation and exotic wildlife. We will depart early for tea delivered to your room, followed by breakfast to fuel your body after our first days journey. After packing snacks and filling your water bottles, we will commence our hike for the day.
The trail is mostly downhill with beautiful scenery. After about 2 hours of hiking we will reach Rayanpata, which is when the jungle environment starts to creep in. At this point the weather warms, the air thickens with wildflower smells and we are surrounded by tropical vegetation.
We will take a short break to rest, hydrate, snack, and hear and see nature’s sounds surrounding us in the forest.
Then we will continue for another 2-hour hike to Colpapampa (2,950m / 9,678 ft) where our professional cook will be waiting to greet us with a delicious jungle inspired lunch and cold drinks.This is a beautiful view point, to relax, re-fuel, and prepare for the last leg of our days hike.
After lunch we will continue to hike approximately 4 more hours hiking deeper into the jungle along narrow paths, dropping down further into the jungle seeing waterfalls, orchids, and coffee fields which surrounds our astonishing destination.Our destination is Loreta, which is home to our unique little hobbit house hidden among the trees and nature, it has an eco-lodge style, designed as the Shire, with hot washing, soft bedding, and situated in a magical forest environment, this is one of the most memorable places to stay the trek. The sound of the jungle will surround you as you rest, refresh, and unwind, this is the perfect place to end the first full day of hiking.
Highlights of the Day:
• Authentic Peruvian coffee experience
• Hiking an ancient Inca Trail to Llactapata
• First breathtaking views of Machu PicchuTrekking Distance: 18 km (11 miles)
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Elevation Change: +600m (1,970ft) / -1,000m (-3,280ft)
Overnight: Hobbit House -
Day 05: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Today is dedicated to culture, history, and nature as we enjoy the original paths built by the Incas and will glimpse Machu Picchu from one of the rare and breathtaking viewpoints. We begin at the Hobbit House in Loreta with breakfast, eating amongst a lush canopy of trees with birds calling. After breakfast, we will take a scenic 30-minute drive to Lucmabamba where our hike begins.
From Lucmabamba, we will commence the uphill hike along a well-preserved section of the original Inca Trail that linked the sacred cities of Machu Picchu, Llactapata, and Vilcabamba. It will take us approximately 4 hours of uphill walking, through a forested path abundant with coffee, bananas, and avocado plants. The uphill scenery will place us within the realm of amazing jungle landscapes embedded with ancient stonework.
As we approach the peak of our hike we will finally reach Llactapata (2,700m / 8861ft) an archaeological site that provides an incredible panoramic view of Machu Picchu directly across the valley. Here, your guide will provide a short informative tour, but this less-famous view of the citadel will surely stay with you, especially as you can view the stunning location from the mountains and deep canyons.
After you soak in this incredible view, we will start to descend for approximately 1.5 hours on some relatively flat terrain to Hidroelectrica, where soon the trekking crew will have our final freshly prepared lunch waiting for us. This will be your last meal with the crew who journeyed with you. Here, if you wish to tip them or share some nice words of appreciation, this would be a suitable time to do so.
From Hidroelectrica we will resume our trek by following the railway tracks which lead through the famous Machu Picchu canyon, a much easier walk which will take about 3 hours and is located in a much more diverse ecosystem. Start looking for some of the native orchids and few butterflies and in possibilities the Andean cock-of-the-rock, the national bird of Peru. If we are lucky we will also get a glimpse of monkeys or in the distance some spectacled bears.
Though this section is not as rich or as diverse as the previous section, it does provide for an exciting and beautiful approach to the base town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). When we finish our trek you will check into your room, and be ready for your hot shower and resting period. Tomorrow we will start exploring one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.
Accommodation: Aguas Calientes Hotel– Your hotel in Aguas Calientes will be your final resting place before Machu Picchu. This exceptional hotel will have wifi, hot running showers, and a cozy place to wind down after hiking. Close by are local hot springs that is an entry fee of ten soles. In the evening Alpaca will provide your last dinner meal.
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Day 06: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
Today is the pinnacle of your Salkantay Trek, as you will be fully immersed in the fabled Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
After an early breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, we’ll take one of the first buses to the Machu Picchu Citadel. When we arrive, your guide will assist in the entry to the complex (ticket + passport required), and then the fun begins.
Important Tip: Be mindful to book this tour in advance, we strongly recommend 4-5 months so we can get you the most booked route, Circuit 2, which is by far the best for views, and where you’ll be able to enjoy a fully guided tour of the best parts of Machu Picchu!
Your guide will take you first to the upper part of the citadel where it offers the well-known postcard view of Machu Picchu; this is the best place for photographs and videos while you take in the vista of dreamy Peru before the bulk of tourists arrive.
After soaking all of that in we will continue on to the guided tour of the best highlights of the 7 Wonders, where your expert guide will provide us with lots of interesting details about the architecture, history, spirituality and engineering abilities of the Incas.
If you booked the Huayna Picchu Mountain add-on (must be booked beforehand), your guide will direct you to the optional 2-hour hike portion after your guided tour of Machu Picchu. The climb is steep but provides an amazing reality of Machu Picchu from above, and the views of the surrounding mountains and the valley.
Once your time at Machu Picchu is completed, we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you will have some free time to explore Aguas Calientes town and/or shop for souvenirs or enjoy a local lunch at a local restaurant (not included).
In the afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo (we typically will use the 2:55 PM service, but this will be dependent on availability). You will want to be at the station 30 minutes before your rolling departure time.
Once you arrive in Ollantaytambo your private driver will meet you at the train station, and we will transfer you to your hotel in Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of 7:30-8:00 PM.
Price
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Price per person
- $870 per person
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Student Discount
- $35 off per person
Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.
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Additional Items
Below is a quick list of prices, but check our Additional Options section for more details.
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Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Even when you will do this hike on your own, your guide will still show you the trail entrance. This trek is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with advance notice.
Your tickets will be purchased to coincide with when you need to start the trail. Tickets are either for the First Session from 7-8 AM or Second Session from 10-11 AM. We purchase the Second Session for our clients for you to enjoy your tour of Machu Picchu before you begin. This window is only your start time, and you may take your time up and down, so no rush.
- The ticket is $75 per person.
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Machu Picchu mountain
* Only possible to do if you have an extra day to visit Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu mountain is the other mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu ruins. It offers even more stunning views than Huayna Picchu but takes an hour and a half to reach the top. For this trek, it will be an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you.
Tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain are now also within a timeframe of when you can begin – which is between 9-10 AM. Due to this limited time frame, it is not possible to hike the Inca Trail and hike Machu Picchu Mountain. You can, however, schedule a second visit to the citadel on the next day.
- This ticket is $75 per person.
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Vistadome Train
All our tours include the Expedition Train. This train is usually booked at 4:22 p.m., leaving from Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome Train is an upgraded train that offers slightly larger seats, windows, and even some entertainment. Usually, the Vistadome train is booked for 4:43 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. While this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel.
- This train is $75 per person.
Travel Info
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BRIEFINGS
All briefings are done at our office at 6:00 PM the night before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Alpaca Expeditions office team. Briefings are approximately 30 -45 minutes long, and where you will receive your duffel bags.
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DUFFEL BAGS
You will receive your duffel bags at your briefing. Your porters will carry them and have them returned to you at each campsite. They measure 66 cm long X 36 cm wide/2ft long X 1ft wide.
Every duffel has a maximum weight of 7kg. Remember 4kg will be for your clothes and other personal items. The remaining 3kg will be for your sleeping bag and pad.
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PICKUPS
Alpaca Expeditions is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. As long as your hotel is in the center of Cusco city, we will coordinate this pickup based on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing. Pick up times may vary 30 – 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pickups.
Cusco is an old city with cobblestoned streets and very narrow passageways. Smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars can´t pass through. They also are frequently on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to carry luggage. We highly recommend that you book accommodations with better access. We have a list of hotels that are all comfortable with easy access to pick up and drop off. HOTEL LIST HERE.
Some treks will allow for pickups in the Sacred Valley, which is outlined below.
The following chart refers to possible locations we can pick you up from when beginning the tour.
Trek Possible Starting Locations Inca Trails Cusco, Urubamba, Yunahuara & Ollantaytambo Salkantay Treks Only Cusco Lares Trek Only Cusco Huchuy Qosqo Trek Only Cusco Ausangate and Rainbow Treks Only Cusco Day Tours Cusco, Urubamba & Ollantaytambo -
RETURNING TO CUSCO
Leaving Machu Picchu requires a lot of logistics, which are all included in your tour.
- From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, you will take a 25-minute bus down to the village. Buses are first come first serve and run all day.
- You will take a train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. Your guide will give you your train tickets with train time. Make sure you get to the platform 30 minutes ahead of time.
* Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is 2 hours
* Train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy is 3.5 hours - Once you arrive to the train station, look for a gentleman wearing green with an Alpaca Expeditions sign. He will then drive you to San Francisco square, Cusco
* Van ride from Ollantaytambo to nearby San Francisco square is 2 hours
* Van ride from Poroy to nearby San Francisco square is 30 minutes - Once you arrive nearby San Francisco square, you will separate into separate pre-paid taxis and driven back to your hotel.
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MACHU PICCHU ENTRANCE TIMES
Machu Picchu now has two different time windows of when you can visit: either morning or afternoon. Your entrance ticket will be for only one session, morning session, and when your time window is over, the Rangers will ask you to leave.
MORNING SESSION: 6AM – 12PM
AFTERNOON SESSION: 12PM – 5:30PM
** If you have tickets to hike either Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will have some extra time until 2:30PM.
If you would like to spend the whole day at Machu Picchu, we can add an afternoon session ticket to your booking for $50 per person.
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HUAYNAPICCHU & MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN
Viewing Machu Picchu from above is a truly spectacular experience, which is why hiking one of the surrounding mountains is a popular optional add-on.
Huayna Picchu (circuit 3A)
This is the famous peak seen behind the citadel in classic photos. The trail is steep but rewarding, taking about 45 minutes up and 45 minutes down.
Huayna Picchu entrance tickets are sold in specific time slots, which determine when you must begin the hike:
• Entry times are at 7:00 AM and 9:00 AMWe typically reserve a later morning session, giving you time to enjoy the full guided tour of Machu Picchu first. The hike is done independently, but your guide will bring you to the trail entrance.
Machu Picchu Mountain (circuit 1A)
This mountain offers broader panoramic views and a longer climb, roughly 1.5 hours up and 1.5 hours back down.
Entry times are:
• 6:00 AM or 8:00 AMDue to these early start windows, this hike cannot be combined with the full guided tour included in the 4-Day or 7-Day Inca Trail itineraries on the same day. You would need a second entrance ticket and an additional visit on the following day.
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HEALTH CONCERNS
You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first aid training. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. Alpaca Expeditions will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.
If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs low.
If you experience issues while hiking and can not continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.
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GROUP TOURS
Group tours are made up of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you agree that some people might be slower or faster than you are. Everyone can go at their own pace for the trek, and the guide will work with the group to spend time with everyone. Groups might request some modifications to the tour, and the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision for the group.
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STRIKES
Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains stopped. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date. Under these circumstances, tours might need to be canceled. But our operations department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.
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LOST ITEMS
You are responsible for your items throughout the Tour. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, your tents, restaurant, etc. Do not leave anything unintended during your hike. Other trekkers or teams might pick it up not knowing whos it is.
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TIPS
Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please know that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured into this.
Typically the participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The amount recommended is different per trek and listed below. For the guide, this is more personal and needs to be decided based on your relationship with them and done separately from the group. Porters and Chefs prefer soles if possible. Guides are happy with U.S. dollars, Peruvian Soles, or even your credit card 😉
Trek Per Porter Chef Inca Trails (4, 5 and 7 Days) 60 – 80 soles 150 soles 2D/1N Inca Trail with Camping 50 soles 100 soles Salkantay Treks 100-120 soles 200 soles Lares Trek 100-120 soles 200 soles Huchuy Qosqo Trek 50 soles 100 soles Ausangate 100-120 soles 200 soles * These numbers refer to what each member of the Green Machine should receive after the group pools their money. This is just a reference guide.
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TRAVEL INSURANCE
To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Getting travel insurance before you leave home is strongly encouraged and very easy. We work with a great agency in the United States, that has helped to make it easy and affordable. What an excellent way to protect yourself while you are visiting Peru.
If interested in booking through our trusted partner, Ahart, Frinzi & Smith, CLICK HERE.
Alpaca Expeditions Travel/Trip Insurance offered through AFS – Ahart, Frinzi, & Smith
Protect yourself from a medical emergency while travelling to Machu Picchu. -
WEATHER
Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.
Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.
It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.
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ALTITUDE
As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so if you have more time to acclimate you won´t be bored.
With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office, and we will help you get to a doctor.
Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.
Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.
You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly and drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea. If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. Alpaca Expedition guides are trained to help you get through it.
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GETTING TO CUSCO
Cusco’s airport (Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport) currently operates domestic flights only. All international travelers must first arrive in Lima, where you’ll go through immigration and customs. Even if you have a connecting flight to Cusco on the same airline, you’ll need to collect your checked bags in Lima and recheck them for your domestic flight.
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Cusco is by plane. Major airlines such as LATAM, SKY Airlines, and JetSMART offer multiple daily flights between Lima and Cusco (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes). Because of Cusco’s high altitude and mountain weather, flight delays or cancellations can occur, so it’s best to plan some buffer time in your itinerary.
If you prefer to travel overland, comfortable long-distance buses are available. The journey from Lima takes about 20–22 hours, while routes from nearby cities such as Arequipa or Puno take between 6–10 hours. Peruvian bus companies such as Cruz del Sur and Oltursa are known for their safety and comfort, with reclining seats and onboard service.
Packing List
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ESSENTIALS
- Passport
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
-
FOR YOUR DUFFEL
Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.
- 2-3 wicking t-shirts
- 2-3 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments.
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
- Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
- Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
- Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
-
TOILETRIES
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Handsanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toiletpaper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
-
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25L will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside citadel gates. But don´t worry, they have a secure storage facility.
- Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
- Sunhat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (IPhone)
- Handsanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
Salkantay Trek Peru – 6D/5N
Please fill in our BOOKING FORM carefully with your correct personal details.
The Alpaca Difference
Alpaca Expeditions is a 100% peruvian, indigenous owned company. Started by Raul Ccolque, a former porter and tour guide, Alpaca Expeditions separates ourselves by our dedication to both our customer and our team. We work very hard to make sure that all our clients needs are taken care of throughout the tour with us. At the same time, we never forget about our brothers and sisters working tirelessly for us to make all of this possible. Responsible and sustainable tourism that gives as much to our community as to our clients.
Meet the AE Trekking Team!
Everyone on the Alpaca Team is from Cusco region, living the traditions and history they share with you while on one of our tours. Our guides are all graduates of university studying tourism, history and english. Our chefs are trained every February by a professional cooking team learning new meals, adding varieties of entrees for all types of eating. And all our porters are from HUARQUI, HUACAHUASI, PATACANCHA, QUISWARANI, CANCHACANCHA, QUEYUPAY, UMACHURCO and CCACCACCOLLO villages, very often working this job on top of maining their farms back at home. Most of our team has been with us for years, as we have the most loyal, hard working, happy employees in Cusco. We know how lucky we are to have the best team trekking and you will immediately fall in love with all the men and women who call Alpaca Expeditions their home.
AE súper porters
Our Porters represent the Peruvian people, both men, and women who are at the heart of our...
Equality Matters
Alpaca Expeditions aims to promote gender equality and empower women, hiring first Peru Wo...
Our Guides
Travelling and trekking along the mountains is one of the best activities in the World. Co...
Our Chefs
Trekking along the mountain on your way to conquer Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime ex...
What do we do for our porters?
Alpaca Expeditions would not be where we are today without these hardworking men and women. We could not imagine a harder job and our team does it smiling. We do our best to thank them for their hard work and loyalty by doing as much as we can to make their lives and their families lives better. All our porters receive all their equipment for free from warm winter hats to proper hiking boots. They sleep in proper tents and are given warm sleeping bags for night. They enjoy the same food we serve our clients and all leftovers are donated to their families. We visit their villages with doctors and dentists, donate school supplies and sports equipment. And our favorite time of the year is when we bring a group of porters and their families to Machu Picchu to visit the ruins for the first time.
AE súper porters
Our Porters represent the Peruvian people, both men, and women who are at the heart of our company. It is not possible to ...
Equality Matters
Alpaca Expeditions aims to promote gender equality and empower women, hiring first Peru Women as Porters opening the door ...
Free Medical Assistance to Porters
In 2019, we hired our first Alpaca Expeditions Medical Doctor to help tend to our guides, drivers, chefs…
Our Porter’s bus
We treat our porters with the same dignity and respect as we do our clients. Just as our clients enjoy our…
Our Porter’s House
As we mentioned above, our Porters like many Peruvian people come from distant villages to work our treks…
Tents and Sleeping bags
Again, this is something unique that Alpaca Expeditions provides, and sad others are not doing. We supply…
Proper Equipment for our Porters
Every porter of ours receives proper equipment. That includes moisture-wicking long/short sleeve shirts…
Nutritious Meals for our Porters
A general comment from trekkers on an Alpaca Expeditions tour is that we serve too much food. Well…
Videos of our Porters
Extra information
Alpaca Expeditions is always ready to make your trip safe and as easy as possible for you. Because these trips are a bit more complicated than your typical tour, we have put together some notes on logistics, storage, and even recommendations on where to stay in Cusco. And of course our team is ready to answer any other question, as we promise to be your partner from the moment you first contact us to our last goodbye in Cusco.
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Alpaca Expeditions Recognitions
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.
World Travel Awards
Alpaca Expeditions is internationally recognized as a leading tourism company in Peru. As proof, we have been awarded the World Travel Award for Peru´s Best Tour Operator 2021 for the second time.
TRIPADVISOR RECOGNITIONS
Our goal at Alpaca Expeditions is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.
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Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items, which must include your sleeping bag and air mat (if you bring or rent one). From us, these two items weigh a combined total of 3.5 kg.
