Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu

This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the Medical and health information section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail., We strongly recommend that travellers arrive in Cusco 1 day prior to your trip starting to aclimitise to the high altitude, This trip involves a lot of walking to see the sites, there'll be strenuous hiking. The trip is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Please bring comfortable footwear suitable to hiking. See the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail., While on the Salkantay Trek, you'll be camping with basic facilities. The landscapes and scenery you will experience makes this way of exploring Peru worthwhile., According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations all visitors to Machu Picchu must follow a pre-determined circuit within the site as a way to relieve crowding. The circuit-based entrance tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. We will do all that is possible to get everyone traveling in a group on the same route, but be aware that it is possible that members of the same group might be visiting Machu Picchu on a different circuit and not be together during this visit. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.

1. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. The passport you travel with must match the booking details provided to us. This information is necessary to purchase entry permits to certain sites. Delays in providing this information could result in additional booking fees or changes to your itinerary.

2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

3. This trip starts at 2pm on Day 1. We strongly recommend that travellers arrive in Cusco 1 day prior to your trip starting to aclimitise to the high altitude

4. According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations all visitors must follow a pre-determined circuit within the site as a way to relieve crowding. The circuit-based entrance tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. We will endeavour to get everyone traveling in a group on the same circuit. Regardless of the circuit you will enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the site. 

Packing

Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible. You'll also need a day pack/bag for activities and day trips. In terms of weight, airlines generally allow a maximum of 20kg for check in luggage.

Other than the items and clothing you always need on a trip, below we have listed packing suggestions specific for this trip:

PERU TREKKING
Tents and sleeping mats are provided for the duration of your Peru trek.
At the pre-trek briefing you will be given a small duffle bag to pack your clothes for the trek, please note there is a 5kg limit, this includes your sleeping bag. The rest of your luggage will be stored in Cusco.

Passport:
You MUST take your passport, a photocopy is not sufficient. It's important the passport matches the details you provided us when booking this trip (Keep it in a plastic bag in case of rain)

Sleeping bag:
You will need a good warm sleeping bag for the trek. Sleeping bags can be hired for US20-25, please let your Tour Leader know at the trek briefing. A four season (or -10) bag is recommended especially for the winter months. At other times you will probably be fine in a 3 season (or -5) bag although this depends on how much you feel the cold and is given as a guideline only.

Pillow:

Pillows are not provided on the trek and it's your personal preference if you wish to bring one along. If you decide to bring a pillow then we do suggest packing a travel friendly option, something that can be easily packed into your small duffle bag.

Trek Poles:
Trek poles are not required, it's a personal preference. We recommend hiring these at the pre-trek briefing for approximately US$10 per pole as it will save you carting them around for the remainder of your travels.

Day Pack:
A day bag that has easy access to water bottles (external side pockets) or a day pack with a built in hydration bladder. This bag only needs to be large enough to hold the few things you need during the day (hat, water, camera, snacks, rain jacket etc)

Reusable Water bottle:
You should be carrying at least 2 litres of water daily, while trekking. Depending on whether you have a hydration bladder in your bag or not we recommend bringing two (1 litre) bottles that can be refilled on the trail with boiled water, which will be supplied daily.

Waterproof, well worn-in walking boots:
Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential. Whatever you wear on your feet the most important thing is comfort. It is vital to ensure your boots are well worn in and lightweight. Ankle support and waterproofing is recommended but if you already have something comfortable with good grip on rocks then don’t go rushing out to buy new boots – you are better off with your well-worn in pair!

Walking clothing in layers:
(E.g. zip off trousers, fleece, T-shirts). It’s a personal choice as to how many items you bring however please remember there’s a 5kg limit on the trek. We recommend the following;

• 2 Pairs of long Walking Trousers (Zip off are a very hand
choice but not a necessity)
• 3 T-shirts
• 1 Pair of shorts
• Rain Jacket or Poncho (A reusable Poncho will be provided for the trek)
• 4-5 Pairs of Thick socks

Warm clothing for evenings:
Fleece, long pants, woollen hat, gloves.

Thermal underwear: Thermal wear is highly recommended, being light, warm and will keep you warm at night.

Sunscreen, sunglasses and sunhat

Personal medication and basic first aid kit: Band-Aids, Imodium, Panadol, rehydration sachets.

Camera and spare batteries, memory cards or film
Please note: there are no electrical outlets on the trek so make sure you fully charge and or have spare batteries.

Snacks:
Chocolates, chips, biscuits, energy bars. Snacks are provided during the trek but you may like to bring one or two extras just in case. If you have a dietary requirement then we recommend bringing some suitable snacks from home. We will accommodate you for Breakfast, lunch and dinner however for snacks it’s recommended to bring some just to be safe.

Head torch or Standard Torch (flash-light)) and spare batteries.

Tropical strength insect repellent.

Antiseptic hand gel.

Flip-flops /sandals
Dry Bag/Plastic bags: To keep your belongings and clothes dry.

Toilet paper: Most important! Also small plastic bags or zip lock bags for rubbish which can then be thrown in the main rubbish bag provided by the porters. Please don’t dispose of your toilet paper on the ground!

Wet wipes and or Face wipes: These are an essential and will come in handy after a long day of trekking and no showers.

Small towel and basic personal toiletries

The physical rating on this trip is based on you selecting to trek either the Inca Trail or Quarry Trail. Should you wish to take the train option instead of trekking, you can consider the physical level a 2-3.

On Day 2 of the Inca Trail or Quarry Trail you will be walking uphill from 3000 to 4500 metres above sea level before descending steeply through big steps and difficult terrain. While this demanding walk is the main challenge our passengers face on this trip, it's also one of the highlights and worth every minute of it. You can find out more about the trekking options here:
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/inca-trail-vs-quarry-trail/

We recommend that you undertake regular aerobic exercise in the months before you travel, particularly if you are not in the habit of regular exercise. Doing mountain walks or climbing long staircases with a pack is good preparation. Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike are all good ways to increase your aerobic fitness, which will allow you to enjoy the trekking to its fullest. More information can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/trekking-training-guide-tips/

WALKING OR TREKKING AT HIGH ALTITUDE

This trip includes strenuous walking or trekking at altitudes over 4500 m (14,764 ft). You’ll need to have excellent health and fitness to take part in this trip and it’s essential that you commit to the appropriate training in preparation for joining.

Some advice on training can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/how-to-train-for-a-walking-trip

Inkarri Cusco Hotel, Collacalle 204, Cusco, PERU, Phone: +51 84242692

Inkarri Cusco has two beautiful colonial patios and a garden with a relaxing atmosphere. Clean, friendly, and welcoming. They have comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and hot water 24 hours a day, cable television, telephone, hair dryer, wi-fi, and heating. The rooms and facilities are spacious, bright, clean and safe.

Alternate Joining Point

There will be a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby at approximately 2pm. Be sure to take it slow while your body adjusts to the altitude (3,400 m).

Inkarri Cusco Hotel, Collacalle 204, Cusco, PERU, Phone: +51 84242692

Inkarri Cusco has two beautiful colonial patios and a garden with a relaxing atmosphere. Clean, friendly, and welcoming. They have comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and hot water 24 hours a day, cable television, telephone, hair dryer, wi-fi, and heating. The rooms and facilities are spacious, bright, clean and safe.

Alternate Finish Point

If you have a confirmed departure transfer your leader will advise your pick up time the day before your trip ends.

Alternatively, please ask your leader or hotel staff for assistance in arranging a taxi or instructions to reach the airport by public transport.

Breakfasts included: 6

Lunches included: 4

Dinners included: 3

Peruvian food is delicious and becoming more trendy and popular around the world. You are sure to some away from your travels with some new favourite dishes. Simple street food is a surprise for many of our travellers to Peru - see what is in store for you here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/peru-street-food/

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Please let us know your diet requirements before your trip starts. Generally speaking, in bigger cities/towns vegetarians can expect a reasonable range of vegetarian venues and/or vegetarian options within tourist restaurant menus. However, vegetarianism is not the norm in this part of the world so options can be limited when eating at homestays, small local restaurants, street stalls, markets, etc. More restrictive diet requirements (vegans, coeliac, gluten intolerance, fructose intolerance, lactose intolerance etc.) can also be accommodated along this trip but you should expect a lesser variety than what you can expect at home. We recommend that, if possible, to bring your own supply of snacks with you.

For those on strict Kosher or Halal diets please be aware due to cultural and language differences these are not always easy to convey when you are travelling. Your guide will do their best to assist you in translating your needs when eating out, but please be aware that these diets are not common in much of the continent and the best they may be able to accommodate is no pork or shellfish. If this will be a concern for you you may like to consider opting for vegetarian or vegan meals. We recommend researching kosher or halal options in your destination country prior to travel. 

See here for more information about the best times to trek in Peru: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/hiking-seasons-in-peru/

, FLOODING & LANDSLIDES:
The wet season in Peru is from November to April. During this time it can be rainy or even snow heavily in the Andes. There have been occasions of torrential rains and flooding in some parts of the country, including Cusco. During the wet season landslides and inclement weather can cause disruption to road and rail travel as well as trekking and hiking routes. These can include Cusco, the routes to Machu Picchu and the north of Peru.

EARTHQUAKES:
Peru is in an active earthquake zone and there are frequent tremors. If in a building when an earthquake strikes keep away from the windows and make your way to the safe zones marked in most buildings with an ‘S’ sign. If you are outside keep away from buildings and other areas where objects, like trees or power lines, could fall.

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time., For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us, In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

, Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +51 996 055559 Lima, +51 940 512701 Cusco

PERU
Due to local energy supply and infrastructure issues, please be prepared for some cold showers while travelling in Peru., CAMPING
On camping nights we stay in twin share tents, set up by our porters. If you have booked a single supplement, a single tent will be provided. Foam camping mats are supplied but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag. See the 'Packing' section for more information.