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Salkantay Trek 3 Days / 2 Nights
Salkantay trek 3 Days / 2 Nights, was designed for people who have limited time in Cusco. It gives people 2 days to trek Salkantay through magical changes of biodiversity and landscapes plus one day to explore Machu Picchu. This trek is for experienced trekkers, people in reasonable shape and for trekkers looking for a moderately challenging trek. Our team of experts will be with you at all times to support you in this trek and will happily help you with all of your needs.
Overview
Salkantay trek 3 Days / 2 Nights, it is the best alternative hike to the Inca Trail, designed for those who still wish to hike to Machupicchu. The ecosystem has a wide-range biodiversity. Come and see yourself an outstanding mountain scenery, biodiversity, and an old-living culture off the beaten path.
Highlights:
Challenging trail rating
The main pilgrimage trail to Machu Picchu
Salkantay is the second most popular trek in the region
Offers a real connection with nature and Andean communities
Ideal for adventure seekers, couples, friends, nature lovers, and the intrepid
Full adrenaline and adventure for 3 days with our amazing crew
See natural landscapes, snowcapped mountains, cascades and cloud forest
The Salkantay Trek has been named the best alternative trek to Machu Picchu
Incredible campsites at the base of Humantay and Salkantay Mountains
By booking Salkantay trek 3 Days / 2 Nights, with Cusco Journeys you are choosing the best. Don’t believe us? Check out our reviews onTripadvisor.
Itinerary
Itinerary:
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay.
Early in the morning (4:30am) we’ll pick you up from your hotel, and transport you to Soraypampa (3850 m). We stop briefly for breakfast, be sure to look out your window for spectacular views of Humantay and Salkantay Mountains. After introducing ourselves to the group, we’ll prepare for the trek and start out steadily uphill to the pass (4650m/15,255 ft). You’ll be impressed by Salkantay and the surrounding Andes. Upon arrival at the pass, we’ll be very close to the base of the mountain where we’ll have some stunning views. Afterwards we’ll follow a rocky serpentine trail down to the village of Huayracmachay and we’ll have lunch. In the afternoon, we descend further into a lush tropical ecosystem, the high Jungle; the temperature increasing as we go.
Starting point elevation: 3,500 m
Campsite at Challway (2900 m /9,514 ft)
Meals: L, D
Accommodations: sleeping tents
Maximum Altitude: 4650 m
Minimum Altitude: 2900 m
Walking distance: 22 km to Chaullay
Day 2: Chaullay – La Playa – Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
At 6:00 am. we will start our trek to La Playa through the Santa Teresa valley. We’ll hike approximately 6 hours passing waterfalls and wild orchids, we’ll also see coffee, banana and avocado plantations. We’ll take a moment to taste Peru’s delicious passion and granadilla fruits before moving on to a village called Colpapampa, also called the “forest cloudy brow,” where waterfalls, hot springs, fruit-bearing trees, varied birds and plant life can be observed. If we’re lucky, we’ll see the famous cock of the Rock, Peru’s national bird. Today’s lunch will be at La Playa then afterwards we catch our ride to the Hydroelectric train station.
Here you will have two options:
1) If you’re tired, you can opt for the train to Aguas Calientes.
2) If you are still eager to trek you may walk from the hydroelectric plant to Aguas Calientes for about 3 hours along the train track. Once in Aguas Calientes we will check in to our rooms to get some rest or explore the town at your leisure; then at 7:00 pm we’ll meet for dinner at a local restaurant.
Walking Distance: 26 km/16.1 Mi
Starting Elevation: 2750 m/9022 ft
Campsite Elevation: 1600 m/5249 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hostal
Adventure: Absolutely
Day 3: The Big Day – Machu Picchu!
After an early breakfast, we will board the bus which will take us to the most mysterious city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. As part of our itinerary the same professional guide from the Salkantay trek 3 Days / 2 Nightswill teach you about all the history of this mysterious and inspirational place. We will visit the Sun Temple, Royal Palace, Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Intihuatana sun dial. You’ll have an unforgettable experience. After the guided tour, we’ve left some free time for you to explore on your own.
If you have booked the Wayna Picchu hike, you’ll need to coordinate with our guide regarding your scheduled time to take this additional hike. For people not hiking Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, there are other optional activities you can do on your own:
Hike to the Sun Gate: You will have an opportunity to walk (approx. 2 hours up and down) up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to see Machu Picchu from a different angle.
Trek to the Inca Bridge: The Inca Bridge offers a dose of adrenaline and while not a strenuous trek it is death defying as the trail is very narrow with steep drops and not for people with vertigo.
Return to Cusco; in the afternoon, you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival to train station you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast
Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/6,691 ft
Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/8,052 ft
Includes
Includes:
Pre-trek briefing with your guide
Professional local trekking guide
Second tour guide for groups of 9 or more
Private transportation and professional driver (to the starting point of trek at Soraypampa)
All entrance tickets and permits for Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu Citadel
Horses or mules and indigenous horsemen to carry camping equipment, client tents, dining and cooking tents, table, stools, cooking gear, stove, gas container, cutlery, plates, food and fresh vegetables
Train ticket from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo Village (Expedition Tourist Train)
One trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Citadel
Guided Machu Picchu tour (3 hrs.) plus personal time at the citadel
Porterage up to 7 kg/15 lb. (you just need to carry your daypack with everything you will need during the day)
1 nights camping
Spacious tents / sleeping mat
1 night lodging in Aguas Calientes
1 duffle for personal items.
1 Cook
All meals on the trek (2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners)
Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking (vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request)
Tea time before dinner (tea, coffee, cocoa, biscuits, popcorn)
Boiled water provided from day 2 (for drinking)
Wake up coca tea in your tent
Daily hot water for basic washing in your tent
Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel
Cusco Journeys & Adventure uses walkie-talkies on all treks
Oxygen tank & first aid kit
All local taxes
Does Not Include
First breakfast & lunch on the last day
Optional Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (US$75)
Optional hot springs (S/15.00 Soles)
Sleeping bags
Train Ticket From Hydroelectric to Aguas calientes town (US$38)
Extra activities such as zip line and barbecues
Additional horses for extra personal luggage above that of the personal item allowance
Train or hotel upgrades
** Tips for porters, cooks or guides.
What you need to bring
A good day pack such as Eagle Creek Afar Backpack (Appropriate pack to carry your personal belongings.)
Original passport
Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not required)
Light trekking boots (with good ankle support)
2 pairs of trekking pants (not jeans), 1 hiking, 1 cotton–which is just enough. Please spray both pairs with an insect repellent spray before the trip
Layers for variable temperatures especially at night
1 rain jacket: The first night the temperature can be as low as – 5 degrees C/23 F, this can be helpful, because there are rainy days even in the dry season!
1 warm/winter jacket & thermals: wool socks/gloves, scarf and woolen hat for cold nights
2 pairs of underwear, 3 pairs of socks (bamboo or cotton/nylon-blend socks dry faster than 100 percent cotton, which lose their softness when air-dried) It is nice to have a couple of extra pairs of socks to change into at night when you’re not hiking. Also, we recommend bringing both heavy hiking socks and lighter socks as well as the weather is variable, so you want to make sure you’re not too cold or too hot
2 shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts
1 good sleeping bag liner which is super lightweight and easy to pack, this is definitely worth it
Travel-size tissues and wet wipes–The air is cold and damp, so your nose is going to run a lot. Everyone seems to run out of tissues by the end of the trek. Also, most bathrooms do not have toilet paper (if you even get a bathroom), so wet wipes are key.
Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness, people on the trek have may varying degrees of altitude sickness and both remedies (in addition to the coca tea) are very helpful in alleviating the symptoms
Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended)
Bug spray with 30% DEET, which you need, although it doesn’t work very well. The issue with Cusco outdoors is that most of the bugs are not mosquitoes. We have these small flies you can’t even see that leave weird bites that first look like you pricked your finger and then blow up into itchy red bumps. Unfortunately, these bugs seem to bite you no matter what kind of spray you put on, so bringing some anti-itch ointment could be more helpful
Re-usable plastic or metal water container or a hydration pack such as Camel-back
Water (Only for first day of the trek, as we will provide you with water throughout the rest of the trek
Camera with extra batteries and storage
A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with spare batteries
Bandages or moleskin
Flip flops to change into at night, your toes will thank you!
Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste/floss, shampoo/conditioner, brush/comb, Vaseline (great for potential blisters on the feet), feminine hygiene products, deodorant, nail clippers/file/tweezers, spare glasses and/or prescription, mini-eyeglass repair kit, contact lenses and supplies, hand sanitizer etc., pack what you need, but pack light
Medication (Imodium AD or something for your stomach), some people get an upset stomach on the trek, also, Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen can be helpful to help with aches and pains after 8-10 hours of hiking each day
Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes
Something to read in the evenings
Extra money for drinks
Tips in Peruvian Soles (S/.) for cooks, horsemen, guides
Emergency money at least 300-450 extra Soles (USD$ 220)
Prices
Prices:
Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Trek prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2022 through January 2023. All prices quoted are $USD
Group Price:$479USDPer person
* We need a minimum of 3 people to run the tour in group service. We guarantee that your tour will be limited to a maximum of 8 people.
Private Tours:
Private tours are available and priced by party size.
Number of paxs
2 person
3 persons
4 persons
5+ persons
Price per person
$600
$545
$485
$455
Discounts:
Student Discount: US$20.00 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.Please send all to info@cuscojourneys.com.
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
Upgrades:
Hotel Upgrades:
The hotel is 2-star and is based on sharing a room – either double, matrimonial, or triple. There is a single room surcharge of $30 if you are booking alone. Rooms all include private bathrooms, with hot showers and wifi. We can also upgrade your hotel if you prefer something fancier. Please remember that the service you receive in Aguas Calientes may not be comparable to that in Cusco. Below is a list of possible upgrade options, although we can usually work with most hotels in Aguas Calientes.
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (5 star hotel) – US $580 per person per night (double occupancy)
Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (4 star hotel) – US $345 per person per night (double occupancy)
Hotel Santuario (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy)
Train Upgrades:
Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Need to book in advance)
Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $485 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy
Rentals:
Hiking poles – US$15.00
Sleeping bag – US$15.00
Private Tent – US$20.00
Terms & Conditions
By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.
Booking:
Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.
Cancellations:
Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.
Cancellation By
Terms
91 days or more before departure
we will retain 50% of your deposit.
90 – 30 days before departure
we will retain 75% of the total tour cost.
29 – 0 days before departure
we will retain 100% of the total tour cost.
Inca Trail Tours:
Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.
Medical Information:
You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
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. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.
Tours and Treks:
All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee. You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
All tours are done in English.
Delays:
Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.
Thank you so much for choosing Cusco Journeys!!!
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