Classic & Salkantay Hike (5D/4N) & Puno

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Lima

Our representative will meet you at the Lima airport to take you to your hotel in Lima. * An extra day in Lima can be added upon request. Please ask our agent for activities in Lima

Day 2: Fly to Cusco, City Tour (B)

One-hour flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas, located at 11,100 feet above sea level. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. You will have the remainder of the morning to rest and freshen up. It’s best to take it easy this morning to let your body adjust to the altitude. Some find enjoying a cup of hot coca tea a real help in adjusting to the high elevation and that is what the locals traditionally use coca for. Both lunch and dinner are on your own today as there are so many choices available at reasonable price either in or near your hotel. * Depending on which domestic flight you choose you will have more or less time to rest.

After lunch you will set out on grand tour of Cusco, the former capital of the once vast Incan Empire. The city’s Spanish Colonial architecture both overlays and is interlaced with the earlier Incan architecture. We walk Cusco’s impressive Plaza de Armas and visit both the Spanish cathedral and Incan temple of the sun, Qoricancha. The Spanish conquistadores destroyed significant portions of the Inca civilization while leaving their mark on Cusco. Ornate cathedrals, adobe walls, carved balconies, hidden courtyards and cobblestone streets add to the historic richness of the ancient Incan capital.

Next, we set out to visit the ruins above the city that were considered an essential part of the ancient capital. We start with one of the most impressive of them all, Sacsayhuaman. This is where Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, is held during the Summer Solstice. Some of the stones used to build the site weigh up to 70 tons yet are fitted so precisely–without the use of mortar–that one cannot slide even the thinnest object between them. Some believe that the site forms the head of puma or jaguar and that the huge triangulated walls form its teeth, or symbolize lightening. Tambomachay, the Temple of the Sacred Waters, is another site we will visit and is a marvel of hydraulic engineering. Its waters still flow today. At Q´enqo we’ll see the remains of a ceremonial site used for fertility rites and for celebrations of the solstice and equinox. In the evening, you will be met at your hotel by one of our representatives, where you will receive a very brief, yet important informational briefing regarding the Salkantay Hike. The briefing will provide you with all the information you will need in order to be ready, such as what and how much you can bring, what times you will be picked up at, etc. Take this opportunity to ask anything you might be wondering about the trail to your guide. * An extra day in Cusco can be added upon request. Please let us know if you like us to add additional activities.

Day 3: Free Day in Cusco (B)

You will have the unique experience of enjoying the wonders of Cusco at your leisure. This will be your chance to explore at your own pace, the wonderful local markets, shops and café’s, or if you prefer, use the day for rest and relaxation prior to your Salkantay Hike adventure. In the evening, you will be met at your hotel by one of our representatives, where you will receive a very brief, yet important informational briefing regarding the Salkantay Hike. * If you prefer to relax on your first day in Cuzco, you could use this day to do your city Tour.

Day 4: Salkantay Hike: Cusco/ Sayllapta/ Soyrococha (B, L, S, D)

After an early wake up call, you will depart from your hotel in Cusco directly to the village of “Mollepata”, where once you arrive, will enjoy a healthy breakfast to provide you with plenty of energy for the hike. We will then load horses with our equipment to begin the Trek to “Cruz Pata” where, once we arrive, will break for a light lunch. Following lunch, you will continue on the hike up to “Soraypampa” at 12631 ft (3850 m) where we will arrive in the late afternoon/early evening. At this point we will set up the first campsite, and will end the day with a delicious and restorative dinner.

Day 5: Salkantay Hike: Soyrococha/ Huayraqmachay/ Colpapampa (B, L, S, D)

Early morning, and shortly after breakfast, you will begin the most difficult part of the Trek, walking through the site known as “Pampa Salcantay”. On this portion of the trek, the route will take you through the left side of the “Umantay” glacier, and you will continue on this scenic route, passing beside the Salcantay glacier. Around noon, we will be at the highest point, Salcantay Umantay at 14763 ft (4500 m). At this point, you will have time to watch the Salcantay glaciers in all their natural beauty. After an hour of rest, we will have lunch in the area called “Huayrac Pampa”, which is a great spot to feel at one with nature. After lunch, we will then continue walking down for 4 hours to “Chaullay” located at 9514 ft (2900 m) where we will set the camp for the second night, and end our eventful day with a nice dinner.

Day 6: Salkantay Hike: Colpapampa/ Playa (B, L, S, D)

After an early breakfast, we will embark on a 5-hour walk through the village called “Collpabamba”, located in the rainforest area. You will have the chance to see waterfalls and a wide variety of plants and flowers before arriving to the area called “La Playa”, where we will break for a well-deserved lunch. After lunch, we continue on our trek where we will walk for about 2 hours until we get to the camping area at “Santa Teresa” at 5413 ft (1650 m). It is here that you will be able to go to the thermal baths and freshen up. After this, we will set up camp for the night, followed by dinner.

Day 7: Salkantay Hike: Playa/ Hidroelectrica/ Aguas Calientes (B, L, S, D)

Shortly after breakfast, we will begin a one-hour walk to the “Oroya” (hanging cables system to cross the river). On the way, you will get your first glimpse of a distant Machu Picchu, across the way. After crossing the river, we will walk for roughly one more hour, to get to the Hydroelelectric Central train station, were we will rest and have lunch. In the afternoon, we will take the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes where, once we arrive, you will be picked up and transported to our hotel for a nice dinner.

Day 8: Salkantay Hike Machu Picchu/ Cusco (B)

After breakfast, you will enjoy a guided tour of the citadel of Machu Picchu (about 2 hours 30 minutes), visiting the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, the Royal Quarters, the temple of the Three Windows and the cemeteries. You will also have free time to stroll around the citadel or to hike the Huaynapichu. Lunch today will be at a local restaurant, on your own. In the afternoon, you will catch your return train back to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be met and accompanied back to your hotel in Cusco in order to rest after your amazing experience. * If you are interested in hiking the Huaynapichu, please see note below.

Day 9: Bus to Puno (B, L)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up, and taken to the bus terminal in Cusco, where once you arrive; you will embark on your way to Puno. During this excursion, you will see the following towns and sites:

Andahuaylillas: A beautiful and charming town. The unique Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas is the most popular tourist attraction for visitors. Built at the beginning of the 17th century, the church walls are decorated with beautiful murals that depict the roads to glory and to hell. Raqchi: This town is located following in route to Puno. The Raqchi town has a unique church that dates back to the Colonial period church. The local craftsmen produce beautiful pieces of clay pottery to sell during the town fair. Four kilometers past this town, you will arrive at the archaeological site of Raqchi, an Inca sanctuary built by Pachacutec after his victory over the Chancas Nation. This is a gigantic construction. The most outstanding features of the construction are two rows of round columns, unique in Inca architecture, and a large longitudinal wall that runs parallel to the buildings. In this site, there is also a small museum managed by local residents as part of the complex. La Raya: Is a community dedicated to sheep farming. There are hot springs in the area. This is the highest point on the route of Puno and the doorway to this Department. Pucara: This is a quaint village in the Vilcanota Valley. The potters of Pucara are famous for the small ceramic toritos or bulls they make. Traditionally, Cuzquenian people build their houses with the help of the community.  When the house is finish, the padrino (godfather) puts one of these toritos on top of each house.  You can see examples of this all over Cuzco.  The area is also well-know for the pre-Inca Pucara culture. Architectural ruins and stone monuments of this important culture period, the intermediate formative (between the 3rd and 8th centuries A.D), are situated close to the San Cayetano precipice. At the conclusion of your journey, you will be met by a representative from our team will be there to meet you and take you to your hotel in Puno. * Optional train or flight to Puno could be arranged.

Day 10: Uros & Taquile Tour (B, L)

After breakfast, we will pick you up for your guided tour of Uros Island. The residents of Uros islands are Aymaras who have inherited the way of life of the long-gone Uros. Their livelihood is based on the benefits of a unique plant: the totora reed. They use it to build their homes, boats and even the floating islands they live on, periodically adding new layers of reeds. After this visit you will be transfer to Taquile, where you will enjoy lunch. Finally you’ll set out on a grand tour of Taquile Island. Its inhabitants speak only Quechua. Farmers, fishermen and weavers, they wear distinctive outfits. Heirs of the ancient, commune-like system called ayllu, Taquile has several hills and many archeological ruins. After the tour, you go back to Puno where dinner is on your own. There are many places in Puno you can explore this night. * An extra day or two in Puno can be added upon request. Please ask us about other tours in Puno. **Also visit to the private island of Suasi is one of our client’s favorite, please ask us and we will send you an itinerary including that visit.

Day 11: Flight back to Lima (B)

Your journey to Peru winds to a close as we transfer you to the Juliaca airport for the flight back to the coast. Flight time will depend on your flight time back home.

Not exactly what you want?

Remember that Magical focuses on providing the best available options and can work with you on customizing your tour to better fit your interests and budget, without compromising the quality of your tour. Just contact us with your questions and preferences and we can modify this tour based on your expectations and requests.

Important Notes:

About MachuPicchu Entrance Tickets

As the popularity of MachuPicchu has increased in the last few years, and in order to preserve the ancient paths of MachuPicchu, the Peruvian Cultural Institute (INC) has restricted the number of people that could enter MachuPicchu to 2,500 people per day. This means that, once the 2,500 tickets are sold out, no further entrance tickets will available. Also, please note that to avoid a secondary market for these tickets, all tickets are issued with the name of the passenger, his/her passport number, nationality and date of birth. Therefore, tickets are non refundable and non transferable.

About Huaynapichu Tickets

Entrance tickets to Huaynapichu are not longer free, entrance tickets are now US$12.00 per person. There are two scheduled visits per day, with a limit of 200 people per visit (Total of 400 per day). If you are interested in hiking the Huaynapichu, we will need you to let us know at the same time you book your trip since the Huaynapichu tickets need to be purchased in conjunction to the MachuPicchu tickets.

Price

This tour (*) is available from:

USD$1254.90 per person – Group with Private Transfers

For single supplement and prices in a private service, please contact us!

* Based on double occupancy, 4 people, Budget Accommodations

IMPORTANT: As price depends on each passenger choices, please contact us to send you an updated price based on your specific request. Please send us the following information and we will respond within 24 hours with your updated price.

• Number of people in your party
• Level of accommodation (3,4,5*). Please see options
• Choosing a Private or Group Tour?
• Train choice. Please see options
• Adding options: if you like to add day tours, extra days, meals, etc
• Need domestic or international flights?
• Have a special request (ie: special diet, wheelchair, children, senior, etc)

What’s Included?

• Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Cusco). Upgrade to Vistadome and Hiram Bingham upon request
• Bus to Machu Picchu roundtrip
• Touristic Bus from Cusco to Puno
• Expert leadership / guides & support personnel
• Accommodations: 1 night in Lima, 3 nights in Cuzco, 4nights Camping, 2 nights in Puno.
• Meals as noted (B = Breakfast, S = Snack, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Plentiful, nutritious meals during the trail (Vegetarian option available). We can add any meals upon request
• Land excursions as noted including entrance fees (BTG, Cathedral, Qoricancha, MachuPicchu and Uros & Taquile Island)
• Private Transportation: Lima Airport/Lima Hotel, Lima Hotel/Lima Airport, Cusco Airport/Cusco Hotel, Cusco Hotel/Salkantay Star Point (Sayllapata), La Playa/Santa Teresa, Train Station/Cusco Hotel, Cusco Hotel/Cusco Bus Station, Puno Bus Station/ Puno Hotel, Puno Hotel/ Juliaca Airport.
• Cook  (In charge of meal preparation)
• Muleteers and mules to carry camping equipment and food
• 1 extra horse in case of emergency
• Porters to carry your backpack (6 kilos/12 pounds) 2 people in each 3-person-capacity tent
• Mattress (sleeping pad)
• Dinner tent, special biodegradable bathroom tent, kitchen tent, tables and chairs, table settings, first Aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.

What’s Not Included?

• Airport taxes: Local ($5-6) and International ($31) departure tax of payable in local currency by each passenger at Lima International Airport upon departure (if applicable)
• International and domestic airfares, usually quoted separately
• Excess baggage charges
• Insurance of any kind: mandatory evacuation insurance; suggested cancellation insurance, interruption, baggage loss, damage and delay
• Visas. Please be advised that some citizens other than Canadians and US may need visa to travel to Peru. Please advise us of your nationality to help you or check with the Peruvian Consulate
• Tipping & Gratuities (Guides $4 per person per day / Drivers $1 per person per day)
• Excess baggage charges
• Medical immunizations
• Items of a personal nature (clothing, sodas, liquor, snacks, laundry, etc.
• Feather sleeping bag US$6 per day
• Synthetic sleeping bag US$5 per day
• 1 Extra porter (12 kilos) US$95
• 1/2 Extra porter (6 kilos) US$55

Important Notes for Trekkers

• Participants need to be in good physical health and condition. It is good for travelers who are in condition to hike up to seven hours, with breaks in a single day to enjoy the Inca Trail. The trekking will be difficult if you have not exercised regularly before your trip. To fully enjoy an Inca Trail adventure, we advise passengers to get into an exercise program for their own safety and enjoyment. If a passenger suffers from any medical condition, we advise him/her to consult a physician prior to joining an Inca Trail Expedition.
• Remember to take your original passport on the Inca trail because without it, you will not be able to do the hiking and take only the necessary items for the 4 days trek (8-12 Kilos), the rest of your luggage you can leave it at your hotel in Cusco (most of hotels has an storage where to keep until your return)

We suggest for Salkantay Trail

• Drinking lots of liquids
• Personal sleeping bag
• Warm Jacket or sweater, raingear (specially from November to April)
• T-shirts, shorts, long pants, layers.
• Back pack, Day pack, trekking shoes, sandals
• Sun hat, wool hat, sunglasses
• Water bottle, flash light
• Insect repellent /Sunscreen
• Water Purification Tablets (optional)
• Hand Towel, toilet paper
• Extra US$50 changed in soles for any emergency and for tipping the porters

Domestic Tickets