Choque & Mapi: The Fast Route
Discover the two greatest of all architectural wonders of the Incas on a 7-day trek that’ll challenge your physical and mental limits. You’ll feel reenergized and like a new person at the end of it all. If you're addicted to adventure, you love wildlife, and are passionate about the ancient civilizations’ history; this route is ideal for you.
This route was chosen in 2015 by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful in the entire world due to the incredible natural beauty of the Andean and jungle landscapes that you pass through. The difficulty of this excursion is comparable to the trek to Mount Everest base camp. So, are you ready for the challenge of a lifetime? Join us on this incredible 7-day journey through time and varying landscapes.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Before You Go
- Packing List
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
Prepare to travel back hundreds of years as you leave the modern world and all your worries behind. Imagine a way of life where great importance was given to the community and where there was a deep love and respect for Mother Nature or Pachamama. You’ll sense the incredible connection between humans and nature on this epic trail. Does this sound like your ideal trek? Join us as part of a group or as a couple, and we’ll plan every little detail.
On this trek, you’ll pass through different landscapes and see some of the most stunning views imaginable. Immerse yourself into the snowy mountainous communities and a lush jungle full of vivid wildlife and unique flora.
If that doesn’t sound spectacular by itself, you’ll also get to experience wandering the stony streets of Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. On the first part of the adventure, you’ll be away from the crowds and explore in awe at the last resting place of the Incas that’s still unraveling the mysteries as we discover more about the site. On the second part, you’ll join other trekkers on a route to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.
If you want to learn more about the ancient Inca culture and hike through amazing landscapes, what are you waiting for? This is an astounding route in one of the most impressive tourist destinations on the planet! Join us on this life-changing trip and feel the magic of the Incas for yourself.
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day 01
Cusco | Capuliyoc - Chiquisca
You’ll start your adventure hiking through the Apurimac Valley and observe the rushing river and huge canyon. Tonight you’ll camp in Chiquisca.
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Day 02
Chiquisca | Playa Rosalinas - Santa Rosa - Marampata
You will walk to the deepest part of the valley, from where you will ascend to the village of Marampata, where we will set up our camp. Enjoy the amazing landscapes of the area.
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Day 03
Marampata | Choquequirao - Pinchaunuyoc
This day we will wake up early to observe the sunrise behind the complex and explore the Inca citadel of Choquequirao. We will walk through the cloud forest until we reach the ruins of Pinchaunuyoc, where we will spend the night.
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Day 04
Pinchaunuyoc | Maizal Minas Victoria - San Juan Pass - Yanama
In the morning, we will continue the trek to the deepest part of the valley of the Blanco River to begin the hardest part of the trek, we will ascend until we reach the San Juan Pass. Then, we will descend to our camp located in Yanama.
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Day 05
Yanama | Yanama Pass - Totora - Collpapampa
Walk to Yanama Pass, the highest point of the route. On the way, you will be able to observe the farmers in their fields. You will also appreciate the majestic snow-capped Salkantay. Tonight, we will rest in our exclusive Mountain Sky View in Collpapampa.
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Day 06
Collpapampa | Playa Sahuayaco - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
You’ll be trekking to the jungle today before we reach Hydroelectric. From there, you can walk or take the train to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have dinner in a restaurant and sleep in a hotel.
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Day 07
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
In the morning, you will explore the incredible Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. Come down around midday and board the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport will take you to Cusco.
What's it like
Highlights
- Explore the two largest and most important Inca archaeological sites that exist: Choquequirao & Machu Picchu on an epic adventure.
- Hike along ancient roads built by the Incas and visit other small archaeological centers along the way to learn all about this ancient culture.
- Enjoy a huge variety of landscapes and climates. Travel through the snow-capped Andean mountains, the intriguing cloud forest, and the warm jungle.
- Make the most of your time away from the crowds on a quiet and off-the-beaten-path trek to Choquequirao.
- Join other hikers on the trail to Machu Picchu to discover more Inca secrets.
- Get to know the Apurímac Canyon, the deepest in the American continent and which is located next to Choquequirao.
Why Travel with us
Cusco | Capuliyoc - Chiquisca
Highlight of the day: Soaking up the amazing scenery all around and observing the Apurimac valley, canyon, and river.
Take in the Amazing Scenery and Fresh Andean Air
We will pick you up early from your hotel to head to Capuliyoc, the starting point of the trek. You will enjoy a delicious breakfast and meet the trekking team before starting a three-hour downhill hike to Chiquisca, where we will spend the night. This afternoon, enjoy the scenery of the valley, the canyon and, perhaps, the majestic flight of the condor. In the evening, we will visit the tropical oasis of Chiquisca before having a delicious dinner and rest.
Our exciting adventure begins today! We will pick you up from your hotel around 7:00 a.m. and head to Capuliyoc on a four-hour drive. You will have a delicious breakfast that will give you the energy to start the epic hike. After exploring the area, we will head along a flat trail until we reach the Capuliyoc viewpoint (2,890 m / 9,482 ft). Here, we will enjoy the breathtaking views of the Apurimac Canyon and, if we are lucky, we will be able to witness the amazing flight of the condor.
We will begin to descend through a constant zigzagging under intense heat, where you can only hear the sound of the wind and the rhythmic songs of birds and cicadas. On the way, we will stop for a moment at Cocamasana, where the views are simply majestic.
After three hours of intense descent, we will arrive at the tropical oasis of Chiquisca (1,900 m / 6,234 ft), a place full of life in the middle of the arid canyon. We will walk around the area and learn a little more about the farming activities of the families that live in this beautiful place. In the evening, we will have dinner and rest in this magical oasis.
Chiquisca | Playa Rosalinas - Santa Rosa - Marampata
Highlight of the day: Arriving at Choquequirao and watching the sun go down behind the huge stones and surrounding mountains.
Enjoy the Unique Andean Wildlife and Observe an Amazing Sunset
We will start the day with a nutritious breakfast and begin the hike of a little over an hour until we reach the bottom of the valley. We will zigzag our way up to the small hamlet of Santa Rosa, where we will stop to taste Cambray, a popular liquor of the area. After enjoying a delicious lunch, you will have the opportunity to capture some incredible photos before continuing on to our campsite in Marampata.
In the evening, before enjoying a delicious dinner, you will appreciate a spectacular sunset behind the resort.
A hearty breakfast will be ready and waiting for you today to give you the boost you need to start our amazing hike. We set out on a path that winds its way up the mountainside. An hour and a half later, we will arrive at Rosalina beach and we will see the large pedestrian bridge that we will have to cross to continue our journey.
We will ascend in a zigzagging way for two and a half hours until we reach the small village of Santa Rosa (1,970 m / 6,463 ft), we will visit a family farm and learn about the elaboration of Cambray, a handmade liquor made from sugar cane grown in this place. After enjoying a delicious lunch and being part of this experience, we will climb for three more hours to reach Marampata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft). Here, you will appreciate the most spectacular views and take excellent photographs to remember your trip through the snow-capped mountains and canyon.
You will have a fantastic opportunity to see the brilliant sunset behind Choquequirao and the surrounding mountains. An orange glow will be cast over the giant rocks that will fill you with peace. Once it gets dark, we will enjoy a delicious dinner that will fill your hungry stomach and replenish your energy. Afterwards, you will head back to your tent to rest under the stars.
Marampata | Choquequirao - Pinchaunuyoc
Highlight of the day: Observing the glowing morning sun come up and shine its light on the complex.
Watch the Astounding Sunrise Behind Choquequirao
Early today, we will enjoy the sunrise with the sun's rays falling on the huge rocks of Choquequirao. We will have an excellent breakfast and say goodbye to this incredible place. We will ascend through the cloud forest to reach the Choquequirao Pass and then to the archaeological site of Pinchaunuyoc.
After tasting lunch, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Blanco River canyon and witness the local wildlife. Then, we will walk to reach our campsite in Pinchaunuyoc, where we will have dinner and spend the night.
Today we will get up early to enjoy one of the most spectacular sunrises you can imagine. The sun's rays will fill this place with color and life. Take a moment to thank Mother Nature for all the wonderful things she has given us. After breakfast, we will hike for an hour and a half through the cloud forest. You will really feel like you are among the clouds.
Once in Choquequirao, our guide will explain the history of this incredible place, also known as "the last refuge of the Incas". Around noon, we will enjoy a picnic lunch that the chef will bring to the complex. Then, we will walk until we reach the Usnu and have a better panoramic view of the area; with luck, we will be able to observe the condor flying through the Andean sky, we will also visit the terraces and the Pacchayoc waterfall.
After a magical experience in this enigmatic citadel, we will start ascending for an hour until we reach the Choquequirao Pass (3,270 m / 10,728 ft), then, we will descend to the next archaeological complex on our route, Pinchaunuyoc (2,420 m / 7,940 ft). You will be amazed by the platforms that appear suspended over the abyss of the Blanco River canyon. You will enjoy a short tour of the site before resting at our campsite.
Pinchaunuyoc | Maizal Minas Victoria - San Juan Pass - Yanama
Highlight of the day: Hiking among snowy mountain glaciers.
Hike Up to the High Andes and Witness a Change of Scenery
Birdsong will wake you up before heading towards the snow-capped mountains and glaciers. Along this section, you will stop at the Blanco River for a great dip and even visit an Inca silver mine. The hike is challenging and the breathtaking views will be your reward.
We will have lunch in the most beautiful surroundings. Then, we will descend again to the bottom of an immense valley. We will arrive at our camp in Yanama to be greeted with a fantastic dinner and another night of well-deserved rest.
After a nutritious breakfast, we will start descending to the Blanco River. During the hike, we will see many species of birds, different orchids, and plantations of the sacred coca leaf. We will cross the river and begin a strenuous climb to our lunch point, known as Maizal (3,000 m / 9,843 ft). Today is the most challenging day of all, but you will be able to rest your legs here before continuing the trek.
We will continue uphill for about three and a half hours until we reach the summit. This part of the trail is historically significant because of the many ruins that can be found along the way. We will pass the impressive Inca mines, called Minas Victoria, from which silver used to be extracted. Next, we will head towards the San Juan Pass (4,200 m / 13,780 ft).
Then, we will cross the intriguing cloud forest and the Andean puna, known for its famous ichu grass. We will enjoy lunch while contemplating the views of the Choquetacarpo and Padreyoc mountains. If you did not see the flight of the condors before this point, you may have the opportunity to see them here, depending on the season.
Finally, we will descend to our campsite at Yanama (3,600 m / 11,811 ft) located at the bottom of the valley, where a delicious dinner will be waiting for you before another beautiful night's sleep in the middle of nature.
Yanama | Yanama Pass - Totora - Collpapampa
Highlight of the day: Getting a glimpse of the famous Apu Salkantay and wandering among more glaciers.
Enjoy the Natural Beauty and How the Climate Changes
After breakfast, we will ascend for five hours to the highest point of the entire route, the Yanama Pass. On the way, you will be able to see the locals working in the agricultural fields and also catch a glimpse of Salkantay. We will stop for lunch in Totora. Then, we will walk for another hour until we reach Collpapampa. Once there, we will enjoy a nutritious dinner and rest in our exclusive Mountain Sky View.
Today, you’ll be woken up by jungle sounds and a relaxing waterfall. The locals who live in the Yanama community have preserved ancient traditions to this day, and it provides the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in their culture. You’ll be able to make some new friends and hand out gifts to the local children.
Once you’ve had a filling breakfast, we’ll start a 5-hour ascent to the highest part of the hike, the Yanama Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft). Along this part of the trek, you’ll see farmers working their land in potato fields. You’ll also spot Saqsarayoc and Padreyoc in all their snowy glory. You might even get to step on snow here, depending on the time of year. You’ll see the imposing Salkantay mountain in the distance for the first time, too.
Later on, we’ll descend for three hours along a fog-filled, mysterious path to the Totora community and have lunch along the way to replenish our energy. We’ll then hike for another hour to Collpapampa, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular dinner and a tranquil night’s rest in our exclusive Mountain Sky View in the middle of nature.
Collpapampa | Playa Sahuayaco - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
Highlight of the day: Hiking through the lush and lively jungle to get to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu.
Hike Down in the Intriguing Cloud Forest
After breakfast, we’ll make our way through the rainforest and enjoy jungle animals and tropical fruits. We’ll have our lunch in Playa Sahuayaco before making our way to Hidroelecrica. From here, you can hike to Aguas Calientes or take the train.
Once in the town of Aguas Calientes, you will have the afternoon free to explore or visit its relaxing hot springs. Tonight, we will have dinner at a nice restaurant before going to bed early to wake up and visit the majestic Machu Picchu in the morning.
Today’s your last day of hiking. You’ll enjoy a great breakfast before we continue our hike and cross the river to the other side of the valley. Five hours of hiking through the jungle await us, and you’ll observe plantations of passion fruit, banana, papaya, avocado, and coffee—of course, you can try the taste of these delicious fruits that this place offers us.
Once you reach Playa Sahuayaco, you’ll have time to rest and enjoy your last lunch made by our talented chef. We’ll then head to Hydroelectric in our private transport. From there, you can either hike alongside the railway through lush vegetation to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft) for around 3 hours or take the train.
When you get there, you’ll check into your hotel and then have the rest of the afternoon free. You can either relax in your room, explore the town, or go to the hot springs to relax and unwind after all the trekking.
We’ll meet for dinner in a nice restaurant and go over any last details about tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu. Then, it’ll be time to head to bed because we need to be up before the sun to get to the Lost City of the Incas.
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Highlight of the day: Wandering around Machu Picchu’s stony streets and imagining what life was like all those years ago.
Discover the Energy at Machu Picchu and Discover Inca Secrets
Make sure you set your alarm to wake up before sunrise to beat the crowds at Machu Picchu. You´ll have a guided tour of approximately two hours in the Inca citadel. You’ll need to head down a little after midday.
You’ll have time to find a place for lunch in Aguas Calientes before you head to catch your train to Ollantaytambo. Once there, our private transport will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation in the city of Cusco.
Your epic journey comes to a close today, with a visit to the New World Wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu. You’ll get to enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we set off early. We’ll board the bus from Aguas Calientes up to the archaeological complex to get there before the large crowds. This way, you can take advantage of the early morning light and watch the sun come up and cast its glow on the huge ancient rocks.
Once there, you´ll feel the energy of the place and you´ll see how the gigantic rustic stones become magnificent buildings that are always in peaceful harmony with nature. Our specialized guide will give you all the information you need to know about this sacred place. If you have booked additional tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, you can use them now to go up and get a spectacular view of the site.
After exploring this magical site from start to finish, around noon, we´ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a restaurant of your choice and head to the train station for Ollantaytambo. Here, private transportation will be waiting for us to return to Cusco.
Now it will be time to rest your legs after an epic seven-day adventure through the mountains and jungle. We are sure you will never forget this life-changing trek.
At Salkantay Trekking, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
What Is Included?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Entrance Ticket for Choquequirao Trek
Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site
Circuit 2
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure Briefing - The day before the trip, at 5:00 pm you will meet your trekking guide.
You’ll meet your trekking guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. There, we’ll provide you with the duffle bags, which our horses will carry. The meeting will be at 5:00 pm the evening before the trip begins.
Experienced Tour Guide - All our guides have professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness and passion, which will make your trip safe and comfortable.
English and spanish speaking official tour guide. All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. We choose them for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and sincere desire to proudly share in our culture and history. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time worry-free!
- Bilingual Tour Guide in group service or shared (English and Spanish)
Private Camping Equipment
You’ll have spacious dining and kitchen tents where you can enjoy your food without problems. All our equipment like tables, chairs, cooking equipment, etc., will be carried by our horses.
Portable Travel Toilet
One Duffle Bag
On the trek, you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7 kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
Inflatable mattress
Our camping mattresses will help you sleep comfortably whilst camping!
Medical Kit or First AID Kit - Our guides are trained to deal with basic emergencies.
All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers' diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
Extras Included in our Service
We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your backpack on the road and a rain poncho.
24/7 Customer Service - We have 24 hours a day telephone service.
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Salkantay Trekking leading up to your trek.
Satellite Phone - Each of our guides has a satellite phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to call anywhere in the world in case of emergency.
Our main priority will always be the tranquillity of our clients. All of our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains; however, being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps you feel more secure. For this reason, each Salkantay Trekking guide has a satellite phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to call anywhere in the world in case of an emergency.
Accommodation
4 Nights Accommodation in Tents
Salkantay Trekking uses the best equipment to ensure your safety and comfort. Every 2 people will share Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Wear tents with a capacity for 4 people.
Accommodation in Private Campsites
Day 5: You'll spend the night in our deluxe Mountain Sky View cabins.
Mountain Sky View
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 6: The last night of this trek is spent in a 2-star hotel in Aguas Calientes with a matrimonial, double or triple room, private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, breakfast, and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu.
Meals
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, and 6 Dinners
Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), so let us know if you have any particular allergies or restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.
Water on the trail - You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle for us to give you boiled, filtered and refrigerated water.
We’ll provide you boiled, filtered, and cooled water during your trek. For this, you need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 liters).
Wake up tea - Every morning at campig we will provide you with hot coca tea.
Every morning at the campsite, you'll be woken up with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will provide you the tea in your tent so that you will be warm from inside out before you start your day.
Tea Time or Happy Hour - Every evening, before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, cookies, coffee, tea, hot water, etc.
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you popcorn, biscuits/cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won't have to wait until dinner to relax, warm-up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
Snacks on the trail daily - You will receive a bag with cookies, fruit and more, to be refilled each morning.
Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.
One cloth snack bag per person
To avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we'll give you a cloth bag for your snacks.
Hygiene Products
You’ll be provided with a small towel and soap before each meal to clean your hands.
Transportation
Transport
- Day 1: You'll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and will travel in our private transportation to Capuliyoc, the trek's starting point.
- Day 7: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 7)
PeruRail Expedition Service
One-Way Consettur Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 7)
Cargo Mules
While trekking, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Our muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items, and they’ll hand them to you when you get to each camp.
What Is Not Included?
Sleeping Bag
You can rent one from our company if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
- US$ 35.00 per person
Walking Sticks
Walking Sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can rent a set from our company if you’d like.
- US$ 35.00 per person
Huayna Picchu Mountain - If you want to visit this famous mountain it has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person (remember to book at least one month in advance).
You can climb the famous mountain you always see in the photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s 45 minutes uphill, and coming back down can be scary if you fear heights. You can take this excursion once your guided tour to Machu Picchu ends. The permit must be issued at least two to three months in advance due to high demand. Consider that there could be changes to protect your integrity, mainly due to weather conditions.
- The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
Machu Picchu Mountain- If you want to visit this famous mountain it has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person (remember to book at least one month in advance).
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains that surround the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider, and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can secure for you if we have time in advance.
- The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Dinner in Cusco (Day 7)
Hiking Clothes & Gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Tipping is the norm on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do. Typically, group participants collect their tips to hand out to the horsemen and chefs together.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Salkantay Trekking in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
How many days do I need to acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?
It’s very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before exerting yourself on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek starts to help you adjust and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while on the trek.
You might have already been in another area of Peru at a high altitude before arriving in Cusco. In that case, we still recommend you have a whole day in Cusco to rest, recover from your travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before departing for the trek.
Here some suggestions for activities to do in the Cusco vicinity before starting your adventure trek:
Briefing or Informative Meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held in our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate another time by email, by phone or at the Salkantay Trekking office.
Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)
If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it 2 days before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, it would be greatly appreciated if you could settle the remaining balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or the local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw funds from various ATMs located along Avenida Sol, offering both US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Alternatively, you have the option to pay using a credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler's checks as forms of payment for the balance.
Duffel Bag or Canvas Case
You’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. Our horses will carry them, and the horsemen will hand them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 7 kg / 15.4 lb is allowed for each duffel bag, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes, and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of guests
Please note:
- All pickups are within Cusco City, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center for its convenient location.
- Our guide or staff will confirm the pickup time the day before the tour.
- Due to traffic conditions, the pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes.
- Cusco is an old city and has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets without car access or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. For such reasons, we strongly advise you to book accommodation with good access.
Return to Cusco
Returning from Machu Picchu requires quite a bit of logistics, but don’t worry. Everything is included in your tour!
- In Machu Picchu, you’ll board a bus that’ll take you for 25 minutes to the small city of Aguas Calientes. The buses are boarded according to arrival.
- In Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo. Your guide will give you the train tickets where the boarding time will be shown. Make sure you’re on the platform 30 minutes early. The train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes 1:45 hours.
- Once you arrive at the station, our representative, identified with the Salkantay Trekking clothing, will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco or directly to your hotel. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes 1:30 hours.
- In Cusco, depending on your hotel’s location, we’ll take you to a smaller car from our company (Hyundai H1) to transfer you faster to your hotel.
Note: Your tour includes a One-Way Consettur Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a round-trip bus ticket, you’ll need to pay an extra of US$ 12.00.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, tents or restaurants. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
ESSENTIAL
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
"Choquequirao & Machu Picchu Route" can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We don’t operate this itinerary in February because of the rainy season & maintenance of the route.
2024 Land Cost
Group Price: US$ 1000.00 per person.
Required Pre-payment: US$ 400.00 per person.
Balance (Cusco): US$ 600.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing).
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Notice that PayPal charges a fee of 5%, which we ask the client to cover since it's due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits so that you will pay the remaining in cash (the briefing day in Cusco) without charges.
Hotel
All the related treks to Machu Picchu end in or before Aguas Calientes, so you’ll spend the last night in a hotel in the village rather than camping. This 2-star hotel is included in the trek cost and consists of a triple, double or matrimonial room. If you would like to upgrade your hotel, please consider that there will be an additional cost.
Extras & Upgrades
There are complementary services and upgrades you can include in this trip.
- Huayna Picchu: US$ 60.00
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$ 60.00
- Huchuy Picchu Mountain: US$ 45.00
- Single Supplement (Hotel at Aguas Calientes): US$ 30.00
- Extra Night at Aguas Calientes: US$ 50.00
- Vistadome Train (Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo): US$ 70.00
Extensions & Offers
There are several extensions you can include to your Peru Adventure.
- Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Sacred Valley: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- City Tour: US$ 50.00 US$ 40.00
Additional Items
There are additional items you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
- Sleeping bag:: US$ 35.00
- Walking poles (pair): US$ 35.00
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Student Discount
US$20.00 off
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of the passport at the time of booking. It must be valid and not expire within the travel dates. Please send it to info@salkantaytrekking.com.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Salkantay Trekking. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. The Salkantay Trekking Company will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 958 191 179 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
Note | Due to the rainy season and trail maintenance, we don't offer this trek during the whole month of february. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, we are working to provide you a better service!