Day 1: MOLLEPATA - SORAYPAMPA – WAYRACMACHAY

• Maximum altitude: 4650 Mt / 15255ft
• Minimum altitude: 2850 mt / 9350ft
• Trail distance: 12 km / 7 mi
• Approximate walking time: 7 hours

We will pick you up from the hotel around 4:00am. The trip takes three hours in our private transport Heading toward the town of MOLLEPATA, where you can have you breakfast. Then we will continue with our transport for 2 hours to Soraypampa (3950mt / 12959ft), where we will start to walk. We start with a gentle rise by about 3 - 4 hours to Soyrococha, (4400mt / 14435ft), Stunning area for lunch at the base of the Salcantay Mountain with time to relax overlooking the glaciers. From Soyrococha we continue climbing for 1 hour until Salkantay pass (4650mt / 15255ft). Where you will practice our ancient custom and leave your offering for our Andean Gods. From here we descend for 2 to 3 hours to the base camp of Wuayracmachay (3900mt / 12900ft) here is our first camp under the mysterious beauty of Salkantay.

Day 2: Huayracmachay - Challway - Lucmabamba

• Accommodation: camping
•  Maximum Altitude: 3900 mt / 12900ft
• De minimum altitude: 1750 mt / 5741ft
• Trail distance: 13 km / 8 mi
• Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours

After early breakfast we will leave our campsite around 7:30 am, descending about 5 hours to Arrayanniyoc (3350mt / 10990ft). From here we will be able to see the vegetation change, indicating the upper area of the jungle and the forest called Eyebrow Jungle and we often see hummingbirds and varieties of orchids, different types of plants, flowers, trees and birds. Our lunch will be in the town of Challhuay (2950mt / 9678ft). After our lunch we will take our transport that takes 1 hour to get our base camp of Lucmabamba (1750mt / 5741ft) where we can appreciate the coffee crops and banana typical of the area. We may also do some living tourism; you can harvest, process and taste the organic coffee in the area.

Optional visit the natural hot springs of Cocalmayo (extra transportation).

Day 3: Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Aguas Calientes

• Accommodation: camping
• Maximum Altitude: 2900 mt / 9514 ft
• Minimum altitude: 1700 mt / 5741
• Distance: 23 km / 14 mi
• Approximate hiking time: 8-9 hours

Approx. 6:00 am. We begin our trek towars the town of Hydroelectric, the trail we take will be for ancient remains of an original Inca Trail. Follow this rising trail, from which we will see coffee, banana, coca plantations, an exciting and beautiful view of the valley of Santa Teresa. After climbing for 3 hours to Llactapata (2650mt / 8694ft) we can enjoy some free time to relax and see finally the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and part of this sacred city site from afar away. After 2 and half hours downhill to Hydroelectric town at (1850mt / 6069ft), where we have the last lunch with our staff. We will continue our trail to Aguas Calientes for 3 hours walking in an easier way. Where you will enjoy a special dinner and finally, a comfortable bed in the hotel.

Day 4: Machu Picchu - Cusco

This last day we get up early to take a hike approximately 1.5 hours uphill from Aguas Calientes or bus 30 minutes to Machupicchu, guiding tour for 2.5 hours and plenty of free time to explore the sanctuary, take pictures and optional climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, the Temple of the Moon, the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge. After exploring the entire city of Machupicchu return to the town of Agua Calientes for lunch. Then you will move to the train station at 18:00 hrs. And take our train back to Ollantaytambo, where our transfer will wait for you to take the bus to Cusco arriving around 22:00.

Included:

• Pick up from your hotel
• Professional adventure and cultural guide.
• Private transportation by bus from Cusco to Mollepata.
• Horses to carry expeditions and personal equipment,
• Horsemen responsible for horses
• A professional chef
• Kitchen equipment, dining tent, chairs, tables
• Camping tents
• Thermarest
• Meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
• Boiled water to fill your bottle
• Hostel or Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom
• Entrance to Machupicchu
• Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• First aid kit, emergency oxygen and radios.

Not included

• Entrance to Huayna Picchu, has an extra cost of US $ 30
• Sleeping bag (can be rented at our office in Cusco)
• Water purification tablets
• Lunch and dinner on the 4th day in Aguas Calientes
• Extra horse to ride: US $ 50 per day.

You need to bing

• Comfortable clothes for the trip
• Shorts - shirt
• A jacket
• Hot thermal bag
• Woolen caps (Chullo), gloves and scarf.
• Sweater (recommended for Cusco)
• Rain jacket & rain poncho
• Socks
• Hiking pants & shirts
• Good hiking boots - after the walk other shoes (sandals)
• Towels
• Sleeping bag
• Mineral water & purification tablets (optional)
• Sunglasses
• Flashlights - Batteries
• Book, notebook & pen
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera & Batteries
• Knife set
• Repellent and sun block
• Walking stick and protector (optional)
• Personal Cleaning Kit
• Extra money
• Small backpack & rain cover

Personal first aid kit: bandages, antibiotics in general, pitting, anti-diarrheal, re rehydration salts, personal medications.

We carry an extensive first aid kit & Oxygen for the whole trip, but usually only for emergencies

NOTE:

Mules carry all the heavy camping gear because it is an inaccessible location.

During the day please carry a small backpack to carry your personal stuff (water purification tablets, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, flashlight, rain jacket).

Some kind of change or buy what you can do in Cusco stores or at your hotel.

ESSENTIALS:

• Passport
• Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• 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:

Remember you are packing for 2 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel. Porters will carry up to 8 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 wicking t-shirts
• 2 hiking pants
• 4 sets of undergarments.
• 3 sets of hiking socks
• Bathing suit for Hot Springs
• 1 Fleece
• 1 Warm, down jacket: this trek includes 2 cold nights camping
• 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 recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.

PassportValid, STUDENT card (if you booked as a student)Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)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)

• 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

• Hire of sleeping bag 5 season                  $25.00
• Walking stick highly recommended!       $15.00
• Single supplement                                       $60.00
• Additional night at 3 star hotel                  $85.00

Is the trek difficult? Do I need to be in good physical condition?

All our treks (Inka Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, Lares, etc) are moderately difficult, lengthy and traverse rough mountain terrain. We kindly recommend that if you plan to conquer any of these routes to be in relatively good physical condition, plus acclimatization. These means arriving to Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible! To Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible!

Are vegetarian, vegan, and/or other special diet needs available?

Of course! Without any additional costs! When you make your reservation, please inform us of any dietary needs or requirements, including allergies!

Vegetarian foods will be absent of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.

Most of our main meals are a buffet-style, leaving you the option to avoid anything undesirable to you.

If there are any food items or veggies that you cannot stomach, perhaps onions, tomatoes, mushrooms.. etc, upon your request we will ask our chef to leave them out or separate this item.

We can also attend lactose-intolerant or gluten-intolerant diets. We cannot accept individuals with serious allergic or life-threatening reactions.

I have a food allergy. May I still participate?

Every day we receive many clients with food allergies to nuts, wheat, etc. Please inform us in detail of your condition upon making your reservation.

We kindly ask that you declare the severity of your reaction and any medication that you take in case of emergency.

If your allergy is severe, we ask that you be accompanied by a friend or individual conscious and fully responsible of your situation and ready with any medication.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT CLIENTS WITH LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES

When must I arrive in cusco or arrive to your office?

We require that all clients arrive to Cusco at least 48 hours before the start of your trek, although 03 nights before is ideal. You must pay your remaining balance two days before your departure for your trek. This will assure that all individuals are acclimatized and adjusted to the high altitude conditions to begin your trek comfortably. Please note that your remaining balance must be paid in cash in our office and cannot be paid before your arrival.

Our office hours are Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm, 4:00pm – 8:00pm. (Please aim to arrive 7:30pm at the latest!)

Are hiking sticks or poles necessary?

For this trek more than any other, we do recommend hiking sticks, especially for those with any known knee problems. The poles will assist your balance and reduce the impact on your knees.

Inca Footsteps Company will rent hiking sticks for $25

Where can I store my baggage that I dont need for the trail?

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). In the case that your hotel may not provide this service, we will store your baggage safely in our office free of charge.

What is the weather like during the trek?

The best time for making the trek with good weather is between the months of April – October when there is minimal rainfall and clear skies. The driest months are June – August, which is winter in the Andes.

January to March is summer in Peru, which means rainy season for Cusco and especially the Inka Trail, which is located mostly in the tropical cloud forest.

Where do I have to be the morning of the start of my trek and where will I finish at the end?

We will pick you up from your hotel to begin your trek and upon finishing, we will also leave you at your hotel.

I wish to have a train company or train option different to that which Inca Footsteps Company offers, is this possible?

If you wish to change your train company or option (such as Vistadome de Peru Rail, to Ollantaytambo or the whole route to Poroy), or your departure time, additional fees may apply. You must speak with one of our sales agents to inquire about availability and the additional costs.

The Salcantay snowcapped mountain (Andean God) is the custodian of Cusco with 6271 meters / 20574 ft. The Salcantay is located in the northwest of Cusco, is the highest peak in the Andes, lies at the eastern end of the chain, the name Salcantay means aggressive or wild Mountains, which may refer to the swirling clouds that rise from lower floors of the jungle. The Salcantay is a new alternative trail for adventure lovers. This alternative leads to Machu Picchu between landscapes, lakes, snowy mountains as Humantay and Salcantay, a route of our ancestors Quechua where we can see a progression of many ecological zones, crossing rivers, mountains chain, hot springs, entering the region of the cloud forest of tropical vegetation, appreciating orchids, hummingbirds and jungle parrots. The Salcantay snowcapped mountain is part of the Vilcanota range, which is beautiful and lonely. Dominated by the same Apu Salcantay has many snowy mountains as Tucarhuay (5910mt / 19389ft), Veronica o Huacayhuillca (5682mt / 18700ft) among others. Geography is difficult and capricious around this attractive mountain. The Salcantay is surrounded by deep valleys and gorges, making your journey interesting and impressive. The last day of trekking you will visit the Sacred City of the Incas -. Machu Picchu.