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Salcantay & Inca Trail Hike, Visiting the Summit of Salcantay Pass
Duration: 12 days
4-12 Travelers: $3165 per person
2-3 Travelers: $3795 per person
This Peru tour takes you through the magnificent Vilcabamba range, all the way to the glacier-capped summit of Mt. Salcantay, worshipped for thousands of years by Quechua Indians. The Mt. Salcantay trek offers the ultimate challenge in adventure travel. Our Peru travel begins in colonial Cusco, where you will explore Peru's culture as you visit markets, museums and ancient ruins. From the Sacred Valley, you take a seven-day trek, making your way through majestic mountain passes, glacier-studded valleys and fields of wildflowers. Accompanies by an experienced Peru tour guide, you will trek the three-day Salcantay wilderness and connect with the Inca Trail all the way to Machu Picchu through the legendary Intipunku Sun Gate. This Peru vacation combines the popular route with the road less traveled, making it the alpine adventure of a lifetime.
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding details and private departure costs.
Salcantay & Inca Trail Hike Itinerary
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Day 1 (Sat) LIMA
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Your Peru tour kicks off as we pick you up at the airport upon arrival in Peru's capital city, Lima. From here, we take you to the hotel to get settled. We can arrange tours in Lima, including museum visits, if you arrive early and want to explore.
Begin Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Day 2 (Sun) LIMA - CUSCO
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In the morning, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to your first tour destination, Cusco, center of the Inca Empire. We pick you up at the airport and provide a quick tour of the striking Plaza de Armas. After hotel check-in, you're free for the remainder of the day. Relax, explore and get used to the altitude (10,856 ft). (B)
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Day 3 (Mon) CUSCO
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Start the day with a guided walking tour through the craft markets of Cusco, the colonial cathedral and Koricancha, the dramatic Temple of the Sun. Have a lunch of tasty local cuisine before departing for an afternoon tour of many Peru travel highlights: Cusco's temples and Inca landmarks such as the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, with its massive stone terraces; Kenko, with its carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; the small fortress of Puka Pukara that protected the royal capital from attacks; and the water temple, Tambo Machay. In the late afternoon, return to the comfort of your hotel to relax or explore Cusco on your own. Later in the night, meet with your guide at the hotel for a briefing for the upcoming trek. (B)
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Day 4 (Tue) CUSCO - PAROBAMBA
Camp - Life on the Inca Trail
Rise early for a scenic drive to Mollepata on this culture-rich day of your Peru tour. On the way, visit the ruins of Tarawasi with their long asymmetric Inca stone walls. Arrive in the afternoon at Mollepata (9,512 ft). From the village, hike for about an hour, until you reach the campsite at Parobamba (10,496 ft). (B,L,D)
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Day 5 (Wed) PAROBAMBA - SORAYPAMPA
Camp - Life on the Inca Trail
You'll begin with an hour hike on a sharply climbing trail to Cruzpata (10,660ft.), where you'll find the first magnificent view of Mt. Humantay (19,410 ft.). The last part of trail brings you to Soraypampa (12,815 ft.), with its small settlements of cattle herders. We camp here in the shadow of Mt. Salkantay. (B,L,D)
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Day 6 (Thu) SORAYPAMPA - SISAYPAMPA
Camp - Life on the Inca Trail
Depart early on a slow uphill climb that takes you to Salcantaypampa, below the terminal moraine of Mt. Salcantay (20,575 ft). A breathtaking stop on our Peru tour, this spectacular mountain will loom before you the entire day. Make a steep ascent, slowly reaching Incachiriaska pass (15,908 ft) before making a steep descent to your campsite at Sisaypampa (13,776 ft). (B,L,D)
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Day 7 (Fri) SISAYPAMPA - PAUCARCANCHA
Camp - Life on the Inca Trail
Today the trail continues to a wider valley called Pampacahua, where you will connect with the famed Inca Trail. Continue hiking to the first Inca site and campsite at Paucarcancha (10,332 ft). (B,L,D)
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Day 8 (Sat) PAUCARCANCHA - LLULLUCHAPAMPA
Camp - Life on the Inca Trail
In the morning pass the village of Huayllabamba (9,025 ft), continuing up to a forest of Queñua trees, a native species difficult to find except in isolated areas. Coming out of the forest, today's Peru tour concludes as you reach your campsite at Llulluchapampa (12,300 ft.). (B,L,D)
Inca Trail Hike Details:
4.37 miles | 5 Hours
Altitude:
from 9,600 ft. to 12,700 ft.
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Day 9 (Sun) LLULLUCHAPAMPA - PHUYPATAMARCA
Camp - Life on the Inca Trail
After a steady ascent up to the Warmiwañusqa pass (13,776 ft.), you are rewarded with fantastic views. Another descent and ascent bring you to the ruins of Runkuraqay and the second pass (13,284 ft). From here, trek down to the ruins of Sayacmarca (12,628 ft), and glimpse the cloud forest ahead. Continue along a fascinating section of the Inca Trail to the beautiful ruins of Phuyupatamarca (12,000 ft) and camp nearby. (B,L,D)
Inca Trail Hike Details:
8.75 miles | 8 Hours
Altitude:
from 12,700 ft to the pass 13920 ft. and to over night at 11850 ft.
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Day 10 (Mon) PHUYPATAMARCA - MACHU PICCHU
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Leaving Phuypatamarca, traverse a ridge with magnificent views of the surrounding cloud forest. This trail takes you past the newly opened site of Intipata, ending at Wiñay Wayna (8,855 ft), where you will eat lunch. Continuing on through the Intipunku, the Sun Gate, you'll view a highlight of any Peru tour: spectacular Machu Picchu (7,800 ft) for the first time. Stay overnight at a hotel in nearby Aguas Calientes. Tonight, you'll feast on local cuisine and have a chance to soak in the hot springs. (B,L)
Inca Trail Hike Details:
8.12 miles | 8 Hours
Altitude:
from 11,850 ft to 8040 ft. (in Machupicchu)
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Day 11 (Tue) MACHU PICCHU - CHINCHEROS MARKET - CUSCO
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The full morning can be dedicated to exploring this extraordinary site including a visit to Huayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking the ruins, the Sun Gate, or the Temple of the Moon. The early-afternoon train takes us to Ollantaytambo, where a private van is waiting and will transfer us to the Chinchero Textile Market. Here local artisans will show you their ancient craft and detail their refined process of turning raw alpaca wool into beautiful woven art pieces—some of the best quality in all of Peru. After taking advantage of this last-minute shopping opportunity, you will return to Cusco and transfer to your hotel. (B)
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Day 12 (Wed) CUSCO - LIMA
Morning transfer to the airport for the return flight to Lima and your connecting international flight, ending of Southern Explorations tour services and your Peru tour. Peru trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Lima or Cusco can also be arranged. (B)
Begin Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
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Inca Trail Trip Notes
Inca Trail regulations limit the number of people allowed on the Inca Trail to 500 people each day. Permits are given on a "first-come, first-serve" basis only, so booking early is essential. If you're considering booking an Inca Trail tour between May and October Southern Explorations require your full name, date of birth, nationality and passport number immediately.
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Details about hiking the Inca Trail
The Salcantay & Inca Trail Hike Tours consist of five to six hours of hiking per day. Plenty of time is allowed for you to set your own pace. You are expected to carry only a small daypack with your camera, spare film, water bottle, and rain gear. Porters carry additional clothing, personal effects, and the camping equipment. All trekkers are provided with a North Face tent and air mattress sleeping pad. Free from the weight of a large pack, you have more time for photography, observation, and exciting discovery on this Inca Trail Peru tour.
You will awake early in the morning to a fresh cup of tea brought to your tent, along with a bowl of hot water for washing. Expert trail cooks, with years of experience, will prepare your meals using fresh vegetables, beef, and chicken. Vegetarian offerings are also available.
Trekking begins around 8am and most of the day's distances are covered before lunchtime. We aim to arrive at the campsite by mid - afternoon, giving you plenty of time to unpack for the night and to enjoy your surroundings. You have ample time to walk at your own pace and take in the fascinating surroundings. This hike is a trekker's dream.
Itinerary Map
ARTICLES & INFORMATION ABOUT PERU
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2008 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 12 maximum
August
Contact Us!
September
Contact Us!
October
4-15
November
8-19
December
20-31
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
2009 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 12 maximum
January
3-14
February
Trail closed
March
02/28-03/11
April
4-15
May
2-13
June
6-17
July
11-22
August
8-19
September
8-19
October
3-14
November
10/31-11/11
December
5-16
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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- Professional, english-speaking local guides and camp staff
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- Meals as indicated
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- Plentiful, nutritious meals and snacks while on the trek (Vegetarian option available)
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- All hotel and camping accommodations (twin shared basis)
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- All transfers in private Van
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- Entrance fees for Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and all scheduled tours and archaeological sites
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- Porters to carry camping equipment and any excess gear
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- North Face tents - three person
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- Air mattresses
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- Kitchen, dining and latrine tent
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- Hot water in the morning for washing
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- Drinking water through out the trek
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- 2 tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
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- Train Ticket back to Cusco - Vista Dome train
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- Southern Explorations pre departure services
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- First Aid and Oxygen Bottle
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- Satellite Phone Communication
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Excluded in tour cost
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- International round - trip airfare to and from Peru
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- Airfare $295 (Lima/Cusco/Lima)
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- Airport taxes international (around $30) and local (around $5)
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- Tips and gratuities
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- Sleeping bag
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- Travel insurance
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- Continental breakfasts are included at all hotels. All other meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
PHYSICAL RATING
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Difficult - Strenuous
PERU ACCOMMODATION
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Salcantay & Inca Trail Hike Accommodation:
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5 nights hotels
4 nights camping
(North face 3 person tents for 2)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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Additional $370
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- Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.
Prices based on 3% cash discount
)
Duration: 12 days)
Start the day with a guided walking tour through the craft markets of Cusco, the colonial cathedral and Koricancha, the dramatic Temple of the Sun. Have a lunch of tasty local cuisine before departing for an afternoon tour of many Peru travel highlights: Cusco's temples and Inca landmarks such as the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, with its massive stone terraces; Kenko, with its carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; the small fortress of Puka Pukara that protected the royal capital from attacks; and the water temple, Tambo Machay. In the late afternoon, return to the comfort of your hotel to relax or explore Cusco on your own. Later in the night, meet with your guide at the hotel for a briefing for the upcoming trek. (B)
)
Depart early on a slow uphill climb that takes you to Salcantaypampa, below the terminal moraine of Mt. Salcantay (20,575 ft). A breathtaking stop on our Peru tour, this spectacular mountain will loom before you the entire day. Make a steep ascent, slowly reaching Incachiriaska pass (15,908 ft) before making a steep descent to your campsite at Sisaypampa (13,776 ft). (B,L,D)
