DAY 1: ARRIVAL TRANSFER IN CUSCO

On arrival in Cusco, transfer to the hotel.

Cusco Walking City Tour

Today we explore the wonders of Cusco, the ancient Inca capital city on foot. With your private guide, explore the city’s fascinating history, from the Inca times to colonial rule to the present day. Winding through narrow cobble-stoned streets and markets, this half day tour will show you the baroque Cathedral, which took 96 years to complete commencing in 1550. The Cathedral includes many priceless colonial religious paintings including the Black Christ. Cusco is famed for its mix of Colonial and Inca architecture, and you will also sample impressive Inca constructions at the Korikancha ruins - the Inca temple of the Sun. With the entire city a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this tour will be one of the highlights of your adventures in Peru.

Cusco

Cusco, set at an altitude of 3,400 metres in the Peruvian Andes, was once the capital of the Inca Empire. It is known for its Spanish colonial architecture and Incan remains. Narrow, cobble-stoned streets lined by Inca walls stretch out from the main plaza in every direction. Many of the colonial buildings were built on top of Incan foundations and the stonework is unparalleled in its precision and beauty.

DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY PRIVATE TOUR

Today, explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This fertile river valley was home to many important sites for the Incas, both strategic and religious. The first stop is the village of Pisac, with its famous market and Inca Ruins. There is free time to wander the colourful market stalls before heading uphill to the Pisac, Intihuatana, Q’allaqasa and Kinchiracay ruins. Enjoy a fine buffet lunch in gardens overlooking the Valley. 

Continue your journey along the River Urubamba, to Ollantaytambo. The town, which is dominated by a giant Inca fortress, is perhaps the best surviving example of Inca town planning and was the scene of a rare Inca victory over the invading Spanish. Transfer to your hotel for the night or should you be returning to Cusco, visit Chinchero en route, an important Inca town with a colonial church and plaza. 
 

Day 3: SALKANTAY TRAIL: MARCOCASA – SORAYPAMPA (trekking)

We pick you up from your hotel and then we go the bus station and travel by bus for about 3 hours to Mollepata where we wil have breakfast this firs breakfast need to be order in a local restaurant in Mollepata after that we take aagain the private transport until Marcocasa where is going to start our trek. A 3 hour walk will take us to Challacancha where we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120m/13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft) – just the start! We will begin our trek towards Soraypamapa, our first campsite (3800 m/11750ft; the highest and coldest campsite of the trip) taking in the beautiful landscape along the way  as optional visit we will go to Humantay lake  which is 1 hour walking from Soraypampa our first Campsite

Day 4: SALKANTAY TRAIL: SORAYPAMPA - CHAULLAY

We will have breakfast at around 5.30am and begin our walk to the highest pass on this trek (4650m/15200ft) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible. There is a possibility of snow here.
After a rest, we will continue our walk (downhill) through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch. We hike again after lunch in the direction of the start of the jungle until we reach our second campsite, chaullay or Colcapampa (3000m/9800ft).

Day 5: SALKANTAY TRAIL: CHAULLAY – LUCMABAMBA (The Coffee Plantation)

After breakfast, at 6.30am, we start trekking for the day through the upper jungle crossing the Lluskamayo River and a variety of little brooks to reach La Playa walking about 6 hours where we will Camp at a coffee plantation where we will learn about the process of the coffee so we will harvest, toast and ground the coffee as part of this trek. Today we will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits, plants and as soon as we are at la playa place where we are going to camp at a coffee plantation, on the other hand the horses will go back to Mollepata. from here there are an optional thing to do so we  can take a local bus to drive one hour to get Santa Teresa where we can enjoy the natural hot spring ( bus fares and entrance fees to the natural hot spring is not included in this tour)

Day 6: SALKANTAY TRAIL: LUCMABAMBA - Llactapata -Aguas Calientes

We will have breakfast at 8am and leave our campsite at Lucmabamba so we will do the original Inca Trail of Lacctapata from this place we can see Machupicchu and Huaynapicchu from far, after we arrive to Hydroelectric where we are going to have our lunch then we continue walking, passing a variety of crop plantations, coca, banana we will be walking about two and half hours along the train road till reaching Aguas Calientes town where we will spend the night in a hotel.
In Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the thermal springs in the town (entrance 10 soles) a real treat after finishing the trek

Day 7: MACHUPICCHU

We wake up early morning about 4 am to then to 4:30 to have the breakfast and leave to walk up to machupichu which takes one and half hours up to Machupicchu but there is another option to catch the first bus which leaves 5:30 to Machu Picchu (25-minutes long) in order to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun is rising.

A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your Guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top.
You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) to be given your train tickets back to Cusco or Ollantaytambo. The first train usually leaves at 15.55 and we will arrive back in Cusco at about 20.20.or the second train which leaves 16:20 and goes to Ollantaytambo where someone will be waiting for you with your party name who will take you to Cusco.
If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes town can be arranged. (Please let us know whether you would like to stay an extra night when booking your tour.)

DAY 8: CANOPY – NATIVE FAMILY – SANDOVAL LAKE

*Early in the morning fly to Puerto Maldonado

Pick up from the airport, transfer to the river port (capitania port) one hour on boat river down, Then we will visit the native family where they'll tell us about their culture and show us weapon souvenir, Then we will to the restaurant for lunch, after lunch a journey of about 30 minutes to reach a tower of 27 meters high, very comfortably climb the tower, which will allow us to reach a suspension bridge, and the launch pad, first cross the bridge over trees reaching 89 meters long at a height of 37 meters in the middle of the main branches of an ancient tree, great opportunity to see animals that are impossible from the ground, an unforgettable experience, then the more the audience guide will prepare us for feel pure adrenaline, using all safety equipment will make a slip by a cable and we feel like a bird flying over the jungle, over 190 meters in a few seconds, then assured another suspension bridge 75 meters long at a height of 27 meters, and then have a shot more in another line, this time will be 160 meters long. We guarantee 100% safety, fun and lots of adrenaline produced by the adventure. Then by motorized boat take us to the Sandoval oxbow lake port, from there we will enter to national reserve (TAMBOPATA CANDAMO) by walk. After checking, we start to walk about one hour and we will arrive to the Maloka Sandoval Lodge where will accommodate in our rooms, near the lake. The lodge has private bathroom and shower and it is located into the reserve zone what difference with the other lodges is. Where we guaranty you will see more flora and fauna and be in touch with the nature, after accommodate we will have dinner and we can spot caimans around the lake

DAY 9: MACAW PALM LICK – SWIMMING IN THE LAKE

We will get up very early to go to see macaw palm lick, this is a special place around the National Reserve where different types of macaws and parrots go to eat in the dead palms, the palms are rich in minerals as: calcium, sodium, potassium, etc. which is very important for the digestion. Then we will back to the lodge for the breakfast. After breakfast we will go for walking to see the amazing flora, and in the way we can see some mammals like: monkeys, deer, peccaries, tapirs, sloth, anteaters, etc. Then we back to the lodge for lunch. After lunch we can swim in the lake without danger. After that we are going to visit the Sandoval Lake on canoe where we will see the diversity of flora and fauna around the lake. Then we go back to the lodge for dinner. After dinner we can take a hike to see nocturnal animals as: night birds, insect, spiders, tarantulas, scorpions, frogs, etc. We overnight in our comfortable lodge.

DAY 10: LAKE SANDVAL – PUERTO MALDONADO – AIRPORT

Early morning after breakfast we will walk in the same way back to Puerto Maldonado and then to the airport or bus station, if you don't have an early flight or bus, can stay on site Tarantula Eco-Hostel in Puerto Maldonado.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Internal flies Lima – Cusco – Puerto Maldonado - Lima
• All Transfers as mentioned in the Travel Program
• 3 Nights Accommodation in Cusco & 1 night in Aguas Calientes (double, twin or triple room)
• Top hotels in each category with all hotels based on US Standard
• All tours mentioned in the travel program
• All Entrance Fees included Machupicchu
• Professional English Speaking Guides
• One way Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollamtaytambo
• One way Private transport From Ollamtaytambo To your Hotel in Cusco
• 4 Breakfasts (in hotel), 2 lunches (included on Full Day Tours) and food During the Salcantay trek
• One way  Flights (Lima- Cusco) (Cusco-Puerto Maldonado) (Puerto Maldonado-Lima) we have the right  to provide you the flight tickets in any company we considered good for the Agency

INCLUDED SALKANTAY

• Profesional tour guide
• Andean ceremony, offering to the mother earth
• Collection from your hotel (we pick you up from where you are staying)
• Private transport to Mollepata ( trailhead)
• Tourist train back to ollantaytambo.
• Private transport back from Ollamtaytambo to Cusco
• Entrence fee Machu Picchu
• Food: B, L, D, snacks (hot drinks, biscuits and popcorn)
• Professional chef
• 3-people tents capacity jus for two paxs only to have more space to store your luggage ( 4season tent)
• Camping equipment (tent, cooking and eating tent. Chairs and tables)
• Thermarest(air mat) sleeping mat
• Horseman , mules or porters (they just carry cooking stuff and camping equipment)
• 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carry by the horses
• 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes(private room, cable TV, Wi-Fi
• First Aid kit
• *Vegetarian/special diet options available

DO NOT INCLUDED

• Entrance  fees to Waynapicchu.( if you take this entrance it will be charge 20 dollars to the original price)
•  Breakfast on first day and lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
• Entrances to the hot spring waters or transportation to get there.
• Bus ticket from Aguas calientes to Machu Picchu (optional) $24 dollars round trip (one way 12 dollars and you can buy it at the Aguas Calientes bus station).
• Extra horse to ride or for any extra backpack.
• Sleeping bag
• Entrance fees to Waynapicchu ( if you want this service you will have to add 20 dollars to the original price of this package)

WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE

•     Original passport and Student card (ISIC) green card
•     Insurance card is essential
•     Hiking water proof boots (with ankle protectors )
•     Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
•     Warm jack
•     Sleeping bag
•     Hat and gloves
•     T-shirts
•     Comfortable trousers
•      Rain pants
•      Sun hat, Bathing suit (for hot springs in santa teresa and Aguas Calientes)
•      Sun protection cream ( factor 35 recommended ) sun is strong
•       Insect Repellent  40 % deet ( for mosquitos )
•       Water bottle
•       Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended)
•       Toilet paper
•       Personal medication
•      Camera and films
•      Torch with spare batteries (flashlight)
•      Extra contribution suggested money for tipping porters, cook and guide. and for any emergency (300 soles)
•      Walking poles ( black diamont or leki brand)

OPTIONAL ITEMS TO TAKE

•         Short pants
•         Walking poles (with rubber tips) they can also be hired from us.
•         Plaster and bandages

INCLUDED UN PUERTO MALDONADO

•         Guide (English and Spanish speaking)
•         Cook
•         Rubber boots
•         Mineral water in the lodge
•         3 nights lodge ( private room) (double, twin or triple room)
•         All entrance included
•         Sandoval lake ( in Tambopata reserve)
•         First aid kit
•         3 meals per day
•         Canopy bridge walking
•         zip lining

WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE

•         Repellent with a minimum of 40 % deet
•         Toilet roll
•         Binoculars
•         Camera with extra batteries
•         Flashlight with extra batteries
•         Sun lotion
•         Pocket money
•         Daypack
•         Water bottle
•         Sun hat
•         Sandals
•         Airport tax ($10)

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 4 nights of camping and 5 night in a Lodge

. 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.

• 6 wicking t-shirts
• 3 hiking pants
• 5 sets of undergarments.
• 7 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.

On this trip you will be able to break through the sacred places of our ancestor, where you will feel the breeze of our sacred Mountain Salcantay and finally reaching the lush jungle of our country. This is one of our most popular packages for passengers who have short time in Peru. These 10 days and 9 nights package includes: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Salcantay trek Machu Picchu and finally Puerto Maldonado Jungle tour. These destinations are a must for all those visiting Peru and the Cusco Region; Puerto Maldonado ending in Lima.