The Dreamed Adventure through the Andes
One of the least known routes to the incredible Machu Picchu is the Ancascocha trail. It’s far less crowded than other tourist treks, and not many people travel along the route. In fact, not a lot of companies offer the tour because it’s so off-the-beaten-path. Despite these facts, it’s still considered one of South America’s best treks and was declared as one of the 20 dream hikes by National Geographic on their best walks in the world list.
Along the route, you’ll spot Inca constructions and quaint villages, as you’re accompanied by the beautiful mountain views of the Vilcabamba and Urubamba mountain ranges. Spectacular landscapes are everywhere, and you’ll get some fantastic photo opportunities. This trip combines high altitude Andes hiking, fascinating history, fantastic cultural elements, and rare solitude on arguably the best route to Machu Picchu.
The Classic Ancascocha Trek 5 Days Map
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Before You Go
- Packing List
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
The adventurous Classic Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu is a wonderful 5-day trail that’s managed to stay off-the-beaten-path even though it’s so close to the Classic Inca Trail that’s traveled by thousands every year. It’s a relatively new route. If you want a true adventure away from the big crowds, this trek is an excellent choice.
Other names for this route include the Super Inca Trail or Hidden Inca Trail. It’s a strenuous trek, but you’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful views. You’ll be surprised to see so many people when you hike a part of the Classic Inca Trail on day 4, although they’ll be heading in the opposite direction.
On your journey, you’ll pass high waterfalls, Inca constructions, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable views. You’ll also experience Quechua farming communities up close and observe how locals live in these more remote parts of Cusco. Their culture and customs haven’t changed for centuries, and it allows you to better imagine what life was like back in Inca times. We’ll pass through traditional villages like Ancascocha (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). The highest point we’ll reach is at Huayanay Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft).
We’re sure the highlight will be ending your incredible hike with a wonderful visit to the Loca City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. It’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll enjoy a spectacular guided tour before we take you back to your accommodation in Cusco. Every detail is taken care of by us, so all you need to do is enjoy every minute.
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day 01
Cusco | Soqma - Perolniyoc - Racaypata - Rayan
We’ll pick you up and take you to the starting point where you’ll walk to the Perolniyoc waterfall to cool off. Next, you’ll go to the Inca Archaeological site of Racaypata and have lunch. In the afternoon, descend to spend the night in Rayan.
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Day 02
Rayan | Kuychiccasa Pass - Chancachuco - Ancascocha
First thing, we’ll ascend to the Kuychiccasa Pass and enjoy spectacular views before lunch. In the afternoon, descend to the Ancascocha community while enjoying more wonderful landscapes to spend the night in the village.
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Day 03
Ancascocha | Huayanay Pass - Incaracay - Quesqa - Paucarcancha
Hike up to the highest point this morning, Huayanay Pass, and enjoy breathtaking surroundings. After, head down to the Quesqa community, and Paucarcancha Inca site for a tour, and to spend the night at our camp there.
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Day 04
Paucarcancha | Piscacucho, KM 82 - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Enjoy walking along the Classic Inca Trail in the morning to KM 82. In the afternoon, take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and enjoy a delightful dinner in a restaurant before going to bed early.
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Day 05
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Today we´ll start the day before sunrise to visit Machu Picchu. At the complex, we´ll have a guided tour of approximately two hours. In the afternoon, we´ll return to Aguas Calientes to board the train to Ollantaytambo, from where private transportation will be waiting for us to return to Cusco.
What's it like
Highlights
- Trek through the glorious Andes in solitude and enjoy the peace and quiet.
- Enjoy guided tours of different Inca sites along the way.
- Trek along with one of the World’s best routes, according to National Geographic.
- Visit Quechua farming communities that still practice customs that are centuries old.
- Observe rural Andean communities and see how they live so far from the nearest town.
- Hike accompanied by the most wonderful scenery and grand landscapes all the way.
- End your trek with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and New Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu.
Why Travel with us
Cusco | Soqma - Perolniyoc - Racaypata - Rayan
Highlight of the day: Cooling off in the refreshing waterfall and exploring Racaypata.
Day of Inca History and Beautiful Scenery
We’ll set off early today and take you to the starting point of the trek. From there, you’ll enjoy a 3-hour hike to the Perolniyoc waterfall while you’re surrounded by corn, wheat, and quinoa fields all the way. When we get there, you’ll have the chance to cool down in the refreshing waterfall and take some great photos. After, we’ll continue for another hour to the Inca Archaeological site of Racaypata, where you’ll enjoy a fascinating guided tour and learn about Inca history. You’ll also have your first delicious lunch here.
In the afternoon, we’ll walk downhill for another hour to reach our comfortable camp for the night in Rayan. You can spend the early evening watching the constellations and shooting stars in the Andean sky before enjoying a great dinner and some quality shut-eye in your tent.
We’ll start our exciting journey today as we collect you from your hotel early in the morning. We’ll travel for an hour and a half to the starting point of our trek (3,000 m / 9,843 ft). You’ll find our transport extremely comfortable and be able to use the cozy blankets we provide to catch a little more sleep on the drive if you need to.
Before we set off, we’ll enjoy a bit of breakfast and meet our cooks and horsemen who’ll accompany us along the trek. Our hike starts with a 3-hour stretch to the Perolniyoc waterfall. On the way, you’ll spot corn, wheat, and quinoa fields all around you. Once we get to the falls, you’ll have the opportunity to cool off in the falling water or stay on the side and capture some amazing shots.
After another hour of walking, we’ll get to the Inca Archaeological site of Racaypata, which was constructed on the side of a cliff and boasts amazing views of the surrounding valley. Every one of our guides is an expert in the Incas history, so you can expect a wonderful history lesson and learn all about the culture. We’ll also enjoy our first lunch there, and you can try the great food our chefs prepare in the middle of the mountains.
In the afternoon, we’ll descend for about an hour to our campsite in Rayan (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). The clear nights in the middle of the Andes are astounding. As you wait for dinner to be served, you can rest your legs and look up at the beautiful constellations and shooting stars. After another tasty meal, you’ll be able to head to your comfortable tent for a good night’s rest.
Rayan | Kuychiccasa Pass - Chancachuco - Ancascocha
Highlight of the day: Enjoying some of the most amazing views you’ll ever see from a great height.
Enjoy Spectacular Views of the Surrounding Valleys
Enjoy being woken up with a hot cup of tea or coffee before eating a reenergizing breakfast to get you going. We’ll then head off for a 2-hour ascent to the Kuychiccasa pass and enjoy stunning views as you walk. There’s no need to rush as the high altitude can affect you more if you try to do anything too strenuous. After, we’ll enjoy some time to relax and enjoy incredible views of the Chancachuco Valley and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We’ll head on for one more hour to eat lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll keep heading uphill to take in more incredible scenery of La Veronica glacier before we start our 4-hour descent to the community of Ancascocha, where you’ll find out camp. You’ll spend this evening in the most wonderful setting in the middle of a gorgeous valley with a crystal stream running through the middle. Enjoy some dinner before getting a good night’s rest.
When you travel with Salkantay Trekking, you don’t need to worry about setting your alarm clock. We always wake you up with a warming cup of hot tea or coffee. Then, you’ll head to enjoy breakfast with the rest of the group before setting off for the day.
This morning, we’ll go uphill for about 2 hours to the Kuychiccasa Pass (4,500 m / 14,764 ft) and enjoy some more wonderful views along the way. You can expect to see cultivation fields, alpacas, sheep, and if you’re lucky, even the flight of a condor with the perfect backdrop of Andean snowy mountains behind.
You don’t need to rush to get to the top. It’s not a race, and remember that you’ll be at a high altitude, so slow and steady is always the best way to go. We’ll take a break and enjoy spectacular views of the Chancachuco Valley and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You’ll then need to continue for another hour to get to our lunch spot (4,350 m / 14,272 ft), where our chefs will be waiting with another incredible feast.
This afternoon, we’ll continue ascending to enjoy some more astounding landscapes and enjoy stunning views of La Veronica glacier (5,682 m / 18,642 ft). We’ll then begin a well-welcomed descent for 4 hours that’ll take us to the Ancascocha community (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), which is where the trek is named after.
Our camp is located in a truly stunning location in a beautiful valley with a crystal clear stream running through the middle. Spend the evening unwinding after a long day of hiking and enjoying a tasty meal before settling in for the night in your tent.
Ancascocha | Huayanay Pass - Incaracay - Quesqa - Paucarcancha
Highlight of the day: Defeating the hike up to the trail’s highest point and being rewarded with stunning views.
Trek Up to the Highest Point of the Trail
Begin the day with a great breakfast before we climb for an hour to enjoy some breathtaking views. We’ll then keep going to the highest point of the whole hike at Huayanay Pass and enjoy a break and some more astounding landscapes. We’ll then keep going to the Incaracay Inca site and enjoy a tour and a bite to eat.
In the afternoon, the walk will be far less challenging, and we’ll descend to the Quesqa community and then to the Paucarcancha Inca site. You’ll enjoy another guided tour and notice how the climate and vegetation change to be warmer and greener. You’ll also see the original Inca Trail in the distance. Spend the night in this area and enjoy another lovely dinner.
After another amazing breakfast to get you going, your hike starts with a 1-hour climb today. You’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular landscapes and breathtaking views of surrounding glaciers, Inca archaeological sites, and the brilliant blue of the Ancascocha Lagoon.
We’ll then keep climbing up for 2 hours to the highest point of the entire route, Huayanay Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft). After your grand effort, we’ll make sure we have plenty of time to rest at the top and take in the gorgeous surroundings from the summit before we continue to the Incaracay Inca site and have our lunch.
The walk in the afternoon will be much easier on your legs as we descend to the Quesqa community and then onto another Inca site, Paucarcancha (3,120 m / 10,236 ft). You’ll notice how the landscape and climate change at this altitude as the vegetation becomes greener and thicker. From here, you’ll get an amazing view over some of the original Inca Trail in the distance and the quaint, remote villages of the Quesqa Valley.
Once we get to Paucarcancha, your guide will take you on a tour to get to know more about the site and its relevance to the Inca empire before settling in at our camp. Of course, there’ll also be another delicious dinner waiting for you.
Paucarcancha | Piscacucho, KM 82 - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Highlight of the day: Trekking along the Classic Inca Trail.
Hike Along the Classic Inca Trail
Today is the easiest day of trekking, which might give you some comfort. We’ll be walking for 5 hours along the Classic Inca Trail in the direction of KM 82, where Inca Trail trekkers begin their hike. We’ll see the archaeological sites of Llactapata and Canabamba on the way before having lunch at KM 82. From there, our transport will take you to Ollantaytambo.
In Ollantaytambo, you’ll board the train to the small town at the base of Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes. Here, you’ll check in to your hostel and relax or explore the town before we head to a great restaurant for dinner. Make sure you go to bed early this evening to be up before the crack of dawn
You’ll be pleased to hear that our last day of trekking is the easiest of them all. You’ll be enjoying a 5-hour hike along the Classic Inca Trail to KM 82, which is where those that hike this route starts from. You’ll be walking in the opposite direction to all the other trekkers. Along the way, we’ll pass through little villages and get to see the large archaeological site of Llactapata. On the other side of the river, you’ll see the Inca citadel of Canabamba. You’ll enjoy your last nutritional lunch made by our chef at KM 82 before saying goodbye to our hiking team.
From there, we’ll transfer in private transport to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft), which is a quaint Inca town in the Sacred Valley. You’ll catch a train here to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft) at the base of Machu Picchu. Along this train ride, you’ll be able to enjoy the mountainous landscape from a different perspective and get some excellent opportunities for some wonderful photos to take home as memories.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we’ll take you to your comfy hostel, where you can enjoy a hot shower and relax until dinner. Alternatively, and if you still have energy, you can explore the small town or head to the hot springs to relax your tired muscles. We’ll meet for dinner in a top-quality restaurant and chat about tomorrow before heading to our rooms early to get some rest. We’ll need to be up bright and early in the morning.
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Highlight of the day: Exploring the Wonder of the World Machu Picchu.
Enter the Incredible Fortress - Machu Picchu
Be sure to set your alarm to wake up before dawn and be one of the first to arrive at Machu Picchu. To do this, we will board a bus at 5:30 a.m. from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of the Inca citadel. Once inside, you´ll enjoy the fantastic views before starting a guided tour of approximately two hours to the main points. Afterwards, you can climb one of the additional mountains (subject to availability) to get a panoramic view of the site.
A little after midday, you’ll have to bid farewell to the Inca citadel and head back down to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have time to grab some lunch before boarding your train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transportation will take you back to your accommodation in Cusco to put your feet up and relax while you reflect on your wonderful trip.
The day you’ve been waiting for since you set foot on the Ancascocha Trek is finally here. Today, you’ll be heading up to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. You’ll need to set your alarm and be up before the sun today to grab a quick breakfast. We like to beat the crowds at the Lost City of the Incas so that you can enjoy the site in peace and take some amazing photos before more visitors arrive.
The entrance to Machu Picchu opens at 6:00 am, so we catch the bus from Aguas Calientes at 5:30 am. Upon entering, you’ll feel a sense of magic and mystery wash over you as you look out at the whole site for the first time. Take some time to ponder how the ancient culture could construct such a feat on the mountainside.
After you’ve soaked it all in, your guide will take you on an informative and exciting tour of all the important sectors and let you in on the best-kept secrets of the Incas. You’ll then have two more hours to continue exploring by yourself. At this moment, you’ll climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you got tickets in advance. Don’t worry if not, though, as you can hike up to the Sun Gate or Inca Bridge without a ticket. From any one of these spots, you’ll get an amazing view over the whole Inca citadel.
Around midday, it’ll be time to head down from Machu Picchu and back to the small town of Aguas Calientes. You’ll have a bit of time to choose a restaurant of your choice and enjoy a nice lunch before heading to the train station to board your train to Ollantaytambo. Your train time will depend on availability at the time of booking.
Once we get to Ollantaytambo, you’ll find our driver and private transport waiting to collect you and take you back to your accommodation in Cusco. You can finally put your feet up and rest. Take some time to reflect on your trip of a lifetime that you, for sure, will never forget!
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 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. In addition, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (all 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).
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 small sleeping pillow, a foam mattress, 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
Lodging in Campsites
We have a series of campsites that offer you true comfort. Besides that, just like our ancestors, we have a profound link of affection and respect for our Mother Earth. Because of this, we are insistent that our campsites don’t generate any negative environmental impact. Remember that the accommodations are double and shared.
Best Camping 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.
Comfortable Hotel in Aguas Calientes
The last night of this trek is spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes with a double or triple room, private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, breakfast, and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu.
Meals
5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 4 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 hike, from your first lunch to your last lunch with your hiking team in Piscacucho (KM 82). 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 bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed 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 Soqma, the trek's starting point.
- Day 3: Transport from Piscacucho (KM 82) to Ollantaytambo.
- Day 5: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
Train Tickets
- Day 4: From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Day 5: From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
One-Way Consettur Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 5)
Personal Belongings Transportation
On days 1,2, 3, and 4, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.
What Is Not Included?
Extras and important equipment
All our travelers need a sleeping bag to camp. Inflatable mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but highly recommended. If you do not have them, don’t worry, you can rent them with Salkantay Trekking.
- Sleeping bag: US$ 25.00
- Inflatable mattress: US$ 25.00
- Walking poles (pair): US$ 25.00
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 5)
Personal Hiking Clothing and 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
"The Classic Ancascocha Trek" 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.
2025 Land Cost
Group Price: US$ 800.00 per person.
Required Pre-payment: US$ 400.00 per person.
Balance (Cusco): US$ 400.00 (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 town rather than camping (including a shared room in a standard 3-star hotel). If you need a hotel upgrade or prefer a single room, you can pay an extra fee. Please enquire for more details.
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$ 25.00
- Inflattable mattress: US$ 25.00
- Walking poles (pair): US$ 25.00
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!
Feel free to reach us via email at info@salkantaytrekking.com or by calling us directly at (+51) 958 191 179
Every Day: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Triunfo Street 346 - Main Square of Cusco, Peru
