Active and Adventurous Circuit + Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 13 days

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The circuit that we present below was idealized for those people who want to know the wonders of southern Peru, its archaeological and cultural heritage and centers of great concentration of energy power, in this adventure you can also enjoy the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu that was of great importance to the people of the Andes.

Wonders of Peru is one of the best alternatives for excursions and is well known throughout the world, so it is satisfying and comforting for those who want to break away from the traditional, putting a little more effort to know this enigmatic culture surrounded by landscapes and sacred mountains.
Enjoy also the highest navigable lake in the world and the rural families that depend on it.
Program:

 

Trip Observations:

Itinerary may change according to availability, weather and health status of hikers.
Good physical condition is required as the Inca Trail includes walks of up to 9 hours a day.
The train schedule may change according to the availability of the train company.
There are only 500 spaces per day on the Inca Trail (approximately 200 for passengers and 300 for porters, cooks and guides)

ITINERARY

Day 1: LIMA

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Welcome, reception and transfer to the selected hotel

Overnight in Lima.

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Day 2: LIMA - AREQUIPA

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Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Arequipa.

Upon arrival in Arequipa, we will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel. We will have as an option the rest of the day to enjoy the beautiful streets, fantastic Main Square and Museums of the White City of Arequipa. It will also be possible to take the Arequipa Countryside Excursion described below.

Optional Excursion to the Arequipa Countryside
Around 2:00pm, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your tour of the Arequipa countryside. This interesting tour begins with a visit to the most beautiful architectural monuments and natural viewpoints that surround the white city.

We will then head to the outskirts of the city where we will visit the beautiful Mirador de Sachaca, which will offer us a spectacular natural panorama of Arequipa and its volcanoes.

Our vehicle will continue towards the Founder's Mansion, a beautiful construction from the colonial period, where the founder of the city of Arequipa García Manuel de Carvajal lived in the 15th century. Finally, we will travel through a spectacular Andean landscape and arrive at the Molino de Sabandia, a majestic construction made of volcanic rock known as sillar, where we will appreciate an old stone mill that was built in 1785. The excursion ends at 06:00pm in the center of the city.

Overnight in Arequipa.

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Day 3: AREQUIPA - CHIVAY (THERMAL BATHS OF LA CALERA AND CHIVAY)

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Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00am - 08:30am

At the scheduled time of departure to Chivay. We will begin the tour by the road to Yura, where we will admire the natural and cultural landscape of that zone. We will border the majestic volcano Chachani and we will continue by the National Reserve of Salt mines and Aguada Blanca until arriving at Pampa Cañahuas, where the guide will explain on the flora and fauna of the zone, we will be able to appreciate the natural habitat of the South American camelids within them LA VICUÑA. We will continue with the tour until arriving at a small stop in Patahuasi (house in the high) to take the hot coca tea, very for the height in where we will be. We will continue the trip towards the bofedales where they inhabit different species from birds as much local as migratory to the zone according to season, we will continue with our trip until arriving at Patapampa, highest point of the trip located to 4900 m.s.n.m approx. Which also how with the Viewpoint of the Andes, here different volcanos like Misti, HualcaHualca, Sabancaya, Ampato, Ubinas and Chachani can be seen.

At midday, we will be arriving at the town of Chivay where we will have lunch and then we will go to the hotel. We will have some time to rest and then we will meet and visit the thermal baths of La Calera. The baths that are outdoors have medicinal thermal water where you can enjoy a very relaxing moment, after the morning bus tour.

After a prudent hour, we will return to the hotel to be able to rest and spend the night in the town of Chivay.

Overnight in Chivay

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Day 4: COLCA CANYON - PUNO

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Breakfast at the hotel.

06:00 am. approx. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will start the day's excursion to the Cruz del Condor lookout point, where you will be able to observe the majestic flight of the condors and the depth of the canyon. On this trip, we will stop in the town of YANQUE to observe its colonial church, Wititi dances and the typical costume of the area. On the way back to Chivay we will visit the towns of PINCHOLLO, MACA, ACHOMA, where the guide will explain to us the different customs of the area as well as the Lito models, colonial churches and terraces.

11:30 am approx. Arrival to Chivay.

11:45 am approx. Lunch

01:30 pm approx. We will take the bus to Puno. During the trip, the bus makes small excursions along the route, where we will be able to appreciate a little more of the fauna and flora on the way to Lake Titicaca.

Upon arrival in Puno, we will be assisted and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight in Puno

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Day 5: PUNO: FULL DAY TO TITICACA LAKE (UROS & TAQUILLE ISLANDS)

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Breakfast at the hotel.

At 7:00 am, our staff will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the Lake Titicaca port. Our local guide will be waiting for you with the boat to start our great adventure on Lake Titicaca. We will leave in the direction of Uros, on the way our guide will explain to us important points of this majestic lake, soon after we will arrive at the famous floating islands of the Uros.

We will make the excursion on the island of Uros, visiting its inhabitants and learning about the customs of these communities that live for years in the highlands.

After visiting these magical islands, we will return to the boat and continue our journey towards Taquile Island.

We will sail for approximately 3 hours on the Titicaca in the direction of Taquile, an enormous island that is characterized by its magnificent and beautiful textiles. Here you will have the opportunity to observe how the people of the island make splendid textiles such as ponchos, belts, gloves and other typical high Andean clothing, all hand-made. After appreciating these beautiful hand-made works, we will continue until we reach the top of the island, where we will walk along a beautiful, somewhat sloping path that offers spectacular views of the lake. The most advisable thing is to walk slowly, take it easy and enjoy as much as possible, since you are walking over 3800 meters high in a place of the world.

Approximately 45 minutes later, we will arrive at the center of Taquile, where we will finally rest and visit a small on-site museum, which through photos shows important aspects of the life of the people of Taquile. We will have lunch in a typical restaurant around the square. After lunch, visitors will have free time to visit the weaving workshops and take pictures with the friendly locals.

In the afternoon, we will descend to the dock and start our return trip to Puno, arriving in the city at approximately 05:00pm.

Overnight at hotel in Puno.

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Day 6: PUNO - CUSCO

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Breakfast at the hotel.

Around 06:15am you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the bus station in the Puno terminal

Our tour to Cusco will last 10 hours approximately. Where we will have 4 excursions and guided visits to the most interesting places of the south of the altiplano visiting the temple of Andahuaylillas or Sistine Chapel of America, the Inka temple of Raqchi, the pass of La Raya at 4335 meters above sea level and the Inka Aymara museum of Pukara. Each visit lasts from 20 to 40 minutes, where you can ask questions, take pictures and explore the attractions of the place, making this an unforgettable experience.

We will arrive in Cusco at 4:30pm, be picked up from the train station and be transferred to the hotel where we will spend the night

Overnight in Cusco

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Day 7: CUSCO: CITY TOUR + 4 NEARBY RUINS

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Breakfast at the hotel.

Free morning to acclimatize or do some shopping.

City tour in Cusco
Our transfer will visit you at your hotel to take you to the starting point of your tour, between 13:00 hrs and 13:30 hrs. The tour starts at the Cathedral of Cusco, decorated with fine carved woodwork and impressive altars and beautiful paintings, made by the hands of local artists from the Cusco School, who keep hidden elements of indigenous thought.

Then we will take a short walk through the streets of the historical center towards the Qoricancha or Temple of the Sun considered an indigenous religious sanctuary. Where we will appreciate the fine work of lithic technology made by the Incas, with the highest level of cutting in hard stone without being able to insert a sheet of paper and that in spite of the earthquakes remain stable to date. After the visit to the Qoricancha we will board the bus that will take us to Sacsayhuaman located 3km. from the city of Cusco,

Sacsayhuaman offers us a panoramic view of the city of Cusco, Sacsayhuaman was built with large blocks of limestone weighing from 25 to 130 tons. It is integrated by three terraces superimposed in a serpentine form (zigzag).

We will also arrive at Qenqo, which means labyrinth, is located one kilometer from Sacsayhuaman, establishes a construction based on limestone that shows stone sculpture in 500 mts2 accompanied by structures that according to historians served for the study of astronomy, religion and embalming and / or mummification.

Then we will know Puca Pucara: coming from two Quechua words that mean Puca (red) Pucara (fortress) "red fortress", strategic place for control and surveillance of access and exit of the Imperial city of Cusco, which was used as a territorial border to divide the regions and establish the regimes of displacement.

Finally, we will visit Tambomachay: a resting place, located 9 km from the city of Cusco, better known as the Baths of the Inca because of the water sources, or also known as the waters of eternal youth because of the constant flow of its waters, which offers us part of the Inca trail that goes from Cusco to Machupicchu. This city tour in the city of Cusco ends at 6:30 pm approximately near the Plaza de Armas.

Overnight at hotel of your choice in Cusco.

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Day 8: CUSCO: SACRED VALLEY

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Breakfast at the hotel.

08:00 am - Pick up time.

We will start the day by picking up our participants from their hotels in Cusco. We will visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which is located on the bank of the Vilcanota River; we will visit the Inca citadel of Pisac, where we will appreciate platforms and architectural structures located on the slopes of that place and at the top of the mountain. We will return to the traditional village of Pisac to visit the Indian market, where we can learn about the customs of its inhabitants.

We will have lunch in one of the traditional restaurant located in Urubamba, Sacred Valley of the Incas. In the afternoon, we will visit the Fortress and citadel of Ollantaytambo, erected to guard the entrance to this part of the valley and protect it of invasions of the people from the eastern jungle. On the way back to Cusco, we will visit the picturesque traditional village of Chinchero, where the remains of the royal Tupac Inca hacienda are located Yupankee.

We will appreciate its very well preserved Inca Walls in the main square and you will appreciate the beautiful colonial temple with interesting frescoes in the portico, built on the foundations of an Inca construction.

Overnight in Cusco.

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Day 9: TREKKING KM 82

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• Meals: Lunch, snacks and dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping facilities.
• Distance: 11kms / 6.8 mls (6 hours more or less of walking)
• Difficulty: Easy / moderate.
• Walking time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch on the route)
• Hiking and terrain: Hiking on open and steep trails.

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Breakfast at the hotel, at a coordinated time you will be picked up from the hotel to be transferred by ITEP transport from Cusco through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, finally we will arrive at Km 82 "Entrance to the Inca Trail".

Trekking Km 82 "Piscacucho to Wayllabamba”

After breakfast, we leave our hotel in Cusco in a private van, heading towards the start of the walk at km82. Upon arrival, the client will go through the formalities to enter the Inca Trail and begin the trek.  We will start at 2400 m.a.s.l. and ascend little by little. After two hours of walking, you will arrive at the archaeological ruins of Llactapata (2650 meters above sea level). Then, we will continue our journey towards the semitropical Valley of Wayllabamba.

After two hours, we will arrive at the archaeological zone of Wayllabamba, visit the site and then camp in the surroundings of the place. There we will have dinner and spend the night.

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Day 10: TREKKING

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• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping facilities.
• Distance: 16kms / 10mls (9 hours or so of walking time)
• Difficulty: Moderate.

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Early, after breakfast, we will begin the most difficult and demanding part of the route, with an exhausting climb of three to four hours, to reach the first pass called Warmiwañusca ("dead woman"), with an altitude of 4,200 m.a.s.l. At this point, we will be able to admire an impressive view of the entire Huayllabamba and Pacaymayo valley.

Where you will feel at the top of the world, it is in this place where the guide will perform a small ceremony of payment to the snowy mountains of Veronica and Wayanay, after the ritual with the coca leaves we will be descending the mountain for a period of one and a half hours to reach Pacaymayo (3,600 m.a.s.l.)

After lunch, the second steep two-hour climb to the Runkuraqay pass begins (almost 4000 m / 13,123 ft). We arrive at our campsite at 5:00pm. Temperatures in this camp are 4°C (41°F) at night.

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Day 11: TREKKING

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• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Accommodation: Camping facilities and cold-water showers.
• Distance: 10kms / 6.2mls (5 hours or so of walking)
• Difficulty: Moderate

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After breakfast, we will begin to ascend to the second pass of the Inca Trail, after an hour of walking we will arrive at the archaeological group of Runcuracay, place that was discovered in 1915 by the American explorer Hiran Binghan, the same one that we will visit. Then we continue ascending the mountain and we will reach the second pass, from this place, we will be able to appreciate the valley of Pacaymayo, Aobamba and the snow-capped mountains of the Pumasillo (6,000m).

We will then descend the mountain to reach the third archaeological group of the Sayacmarca trail (3540 m.a.s.l.), which will be visited to continue the hike. After 30 minutes, we will arrive at the campsite of Chaquicocha, where we will have lunch. After a siesta we will continue to the pass of Phuyu Patamarca (3650 m.a.s.l.), from this place we will see the impressive mountain of Machupicchu where we will be taking a small break and you will be able to take some pictures.

After 10 minutes of descent we will arrive to the archaeological group of Phuyupatamarca, Intipatay Wiñayhuayna from this place we will descend the mountain approximately 1,000 meters. In the course of the journey, we will be enjoying the best example of the stone Inca road as well as the diversity of flora and fauna to finally, arrive to the camp of Wiñayhuayna, place where we will be spending the third night.

Approximately 12°C. A few steps from our camp is the famous Inca site of "Wiñay Wayna" ("Young forever"). Even if you feel tired after the hike, it is a moment you cannot miss, as it is the most impressive site on the Inca Trail.

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Day 12: REKKING

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• Meals: Breakfast
• Distance: 8.9kms / 5.5mls "By bus in 25 minutes”
• Difficulty: Easy

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Very early at 4:00 a.m. we will have breakfast to start the hike to Machupicchu at 5:00 a.m. on the way we will be able to see a diversity of flowers, begonias, orchids, ferns, etc, after an hour and a half of walking we will arrive at the door of the sun (INTIPUNKU) 2490 meters above sea level. It is one of the most impressive viewpoints of Machupicchu, 1 km from the archaeological group; it is the first point of view of the archaeological group of Machupicchu.

Then we will descend the mountain to arrive at the control of Machupicchu, where you will have a small free time so that you can use some services and you can leave your suitcases in the wardrobe, later you will visit with the guide the archaeological group of Machupicchu for a lapse of 2 hours approximately. Finally, you will have a free time to explore the place and to take the bus of return to the town of Aguas Calientes.

Where you will be able to have lunch by your own and if the time allows it, a relaxing bath in the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes is not included, it costs 10 soles, and finally you can board the train back to Ollantaytambo where we will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco.

You will also have time to enjoy some of the following activities on your own if you wish (not included in the price)

• Climb the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there.
• Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or bathing in the hot springs.

Return to Cusco: You will descend to Aguas Calientes and then board the Expedition train to the Ollantaytambo train station. "The train departure time may vary depending on the schedule and availability of the train". At the Ollantaytambo train station, you will meet our transport and be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

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Day 13: CUSCO - LIMA

Breakfast at the hotel

At the appropriate hour, transfer out.

Flight Cusco - Lima (not included and optional)

 

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End of our Services

INCLUDES

LIMA

• Transfer in/out airport - hotel - airport
• 01 night accommodation in Lima with breakfast

AREQUIPA

• Transfer from the airport to the hotel
• 01 night accommodation in Arequipa with breakfast
• 01 night accommodation in Chivay with breakfast
• Colca Canyon Tour 2D/1N with Lunch and Dinner in Chivay the first day and only lunch the second day.
• Tourist bus Chivay - Puno via 4M

PUNO

• Transfer in/out from the bus station - Hotel - bus station
• 02 night accommodation in Puno with breakfast
• Full Day Titicaca Lake Excursion + Local Tourist Lunch
• Excursion of the Route of the Sun Puno - Cusco + Buffet Lunch

CUSCO

• Transfer in/out bus station - hotel - airport
• 04 nights accommodation in Cusco with breakfast
• Excursion City Tour Traditional Cusco with income and guided tour to Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay and Pukapukara.
• Full Day Sacred Valley + Buffet Lunch. Entrance fee and guided visit to Pisaq, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.
• Pre-departure information: You will meet your guide and royalty group of the Inca Trail in our office to get an orientation before your hike. At this time, we will provide you with the canvas bags that will be carried by our Porters. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the afternoon before the trek begins. In case you cannot come at this time, please "let us know" to arrange another time.
• Tourist Transportation: We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and you will travel by private transportation to Piscacucho, the starting point of the Royal Inca Trail to Machupicchu.
• Experienced Tourist Guide on the Royal Inca Trail: Professionally educated and official English-speaking tourist guide with tourist certification. All grew up in this region and have a true passion for teaching others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, healthy and comfortable on your hike so you can enjoy your time along the Inca Trail and make sure you are safe and happy.
• Experienced Machupicchu cultural tour guide: Speaks English, professional, with tourist certification. To visit the sacred city of Machupicchu.
• Private campsites: Each camp is carefully chosen to have a very personalized experience
  • Night 1: Enjoy the first night in Wayllabamba and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are for 4 people, but ONLY 2 sleep, leaving plenty of room to spread out comfortably and store your canvas bags. They also include a small lobby at the front, which gives you extra space outdoors to leave your boots and poles so you do not have to bring in dirt.
  • Night 2: Enjoy the second night in Pacaymayu on the Royal Inca Trail and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are for 4 people, but ONLY 2 sleep, leaving plenty of room to spread out comfortably and store your canvas bags. They also include a small lobby at the front, which gives you extra space outdoors to leave your boots and poles so you do not have to bring in dirt.
  • Night 3: Enjoy the third night in Wiñay Huayna on the Royal Inca Trail and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are for 4 people, but ONLY 2 sleep, leaving plenty of room to spread out comfortably and store your canvas bags. They also include a small lobby at the front, which gives you extra space outdoors to leave your boots and poles so you do not have to bring in dirt.
• Note: It is not usual for accommodations or hotels to change after confirmation; however, it may vary according to government regulations and authorizations due to bad weather conditions and perhaps the physical condition of our visitors: Any changes and ITEP will be informing you in advance and as soon as possible.
• Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs and cooking equipment (all carried by our porters and horses).
• Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail
• Entrance ticket to the Inca site of Machu Picchu
• One canvas bag: You can keep your personal luggage; this bag will be carried by the passengers themselves. The porters can take your equipment but it will be an additional cost.
• Professional trekking chef: A professional chef specialized in cooking on the way, with an assistant, will prepare all your delicious meals along our trip on the way to replenish your energy every day. You will never go hungry!
• Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners (vegetarian, vegan or special menus available at no extra cost) Please note (first breakfast and last lunch not included)
• Boiled water: from your first lunch to your last breakfast, Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all the necessary water. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before being distributed. You must supply your own water bottles. We recommend that you bring about 3L.
• Waking up with tea: Every morning at camp, you will wake up with a cup of coke tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent to warm it up before the day starts.
• Teatime every day during the walk: Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will serve you popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of walking, you will not have to wait until dinner to relax, and enjoy a bite to eat!
• Hygiene products: You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to wash your hands and every morning there will be a bucket with warm water to wash up.
• Medical kit and oxygen bottle: Our team will bring a first aid kit, which includes an emergency oxygen bottle.
• Bus Consettur to Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes
• Train tickets: From Machupicchu village station to Ollantaytambo train station (departure time is confirmed on the day of the meeting and is subject to availability) and Vistadome train on return for 4 and 5 star category.
• Transfer back to Cusco: Private tourist transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco (Day 4)
• 24-hour guest service: We have a 24-hour telephone service available to facilitate communication and preparation with the agency leading to your trip.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• International and national air tickets
• Food not mentioned in Lima and Cusco
• Sleeping bags: You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18°C (0°F). They are shaped like mummies and include a sleeping pad. The bags are cleaned after each use.
• Walking sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you wish.
• Day 1: Breakfast on the Inca Trail: Approximately USD 5.00 to USD 10.00, the price may vary according to your selection.
• Last day on the Inca Trail: Lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes. Approximately USD 20.00 to USD 25.00, the price may vary according to your selection.
• Personal clothing and equipment
• Travel Insurance
• Tips for assistance staff: Please note that our agency staff is well paid, so please feel free to tip or not as you wish "Recommendation USD 6 to USD 8 per day per traveler for all trekking staff"- Again this is optional and may vary according to your satisfaction.
• Additional costs or delays out of management control (landscape, bad weather conditions, modification of the itinerary for security reasons, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.).

Extras

• Canes (USD 15 for a pair of canes).
• Extra porter for personal items (USD 80 for 7 Kilos - max. 7 Kilos).
• Upgrade to the Vistadome train (USD 50).
• Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu or Sacred Mountain of Machupicchu (USD 75) - There is a limited space in Huayna Picchu (400 people per day), so it is a good idea to book in advance.

YOU NEED

• Original passport
• Sleeping bag (not included, but can be rented at our offices)
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
• Wool warm-up jacket, hat and gloves
• T-shirts or polo shirts
• Comfortable pants
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
• Reusable plastic bottle or metal water container or camel bags.
• Water (only for the first 4 hours of walking, then we will give you the previously boiled water
• Insect repellent
• Toiletries
• Personal medication
• Camera and films
• Flashlight with spare batteries (headlights are useful)

Something else:

• Shorts
• Cane (with rubber tip)
• Bandages
• Sandals
• Extra money
• Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)

RESERVATIONS

For availability of spaces for this service, please contact us info@salkantaytrek.org or by WhatsApp (+51) 970 506 205 and we`ll send you detailed information, prices, terms and conditions.

Please keep in mind that significant price reductions are available for groups. All our tours are fully guaranteed, departure every day. Contact us for more information for the tour that you are choosing, or to begin customizing your own itinerary. recommendations:

"Inka Trail Expeditions Perú is a tour operator travel agency in Peru and the city of Cusco, We really know what we do and offer, We are well managed, with several offices in Peru and a long list of travel destinations, offering all travel alternatives in Perú, from family trips, honeymoon trips and luxury travel, including adventure tours and exploring trips to the jungle, for almost any budget”

NOTE: Inka Trail Expeditions Perú, specializes in organizing the ideal travel plan to Peru, with hotels and destinations that you choose, because we have all confidential and promotional rates. For guidance on how to organize your custom package. Please write us.