Facts about the Inca Trail 2023

What is the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a world-renowned trekking route that leads to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru. It was built by the Incas more than 500 years ago and was used as a pilgrimage route to the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Today, it is a popular trekking destination that attracts thousands of hikers each year.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail is a 4-day, 3-night trek that covers approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles) of mountainous terrain, passing through stunning Andean scenery, including high altitude passes, cloud forests, and Inca ruins. The trek culminates in a sunrise visit to the magnificent Machu Picchu ruins, which are located on a mountain ridge overlooking the Urubamba River.

The Inca Trail is considered a challenging trek that requires a good level of fitness and stamina, as well as the ability to cope with high altitude. Hikers must obtain a permit to hike the Inca Trail and must do so with a licensed tour operator, as independent hiking is not permitted.

The Inca Trail is a unique experience that offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Inca civilization, as well as the natural beauty of the Andes mountains. It is a bucket-list destination for many adventurers and hikers from around the world.

Archaeological Sites on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail passes through several fascinating archaeological sites that give hikers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Inca civilization. Here are some of the most notable archaeological sites on the Inca Trail:

Patallacta: This site is located at kilometer 82 of the trail and is thought to have been an administrative center for the region.

Runkurakay: This circular Inca site is located at an elevation of 3,800 meters and is thought to have served as a military checkpoint.

Sayacmarca: This complex of buildings and terraces is located at an elevation of 3,600 meters and is thought to have been an important religious site.

Phuyupatamarca: This site is located at an elevation of 3,600 meters and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is thought to have been a religious and agricultural center.

Wiñay Wayna: This site is located at an elevation of 2,700 meters and is thought to have been a religious and agricultural center. It features impressive terraces and a series of ceremonial fountains.

All of these archaeological sites offer a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the Inca civilization, and are an important part of the Inca Trail hike experience. Hikers should take the time to explore these sites and learn about the fascinating history of the region.

How to Book the Inca Trail?

Inca Trail Hike Tour

Choose a licensed tour operator: The Inca Trail can only be booked through a licensed tour operator, so the first step is to choose one that suits your needs and budget. You can find a list of licensed operators on the official website of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.

Check availability: The Inca Trail Trek is a popular trek, and permits are limited to 500 people per day (including guides and porters). Therefore, it is important to check availability for your preferred dates in advance.

Make a reservation: Once you have chosen your tour operator and confirmed availability, you will need to make a reservation by providing your personal information and paying a deposit. The tour operator will then secure your permit for the Inca Trail.

Provide necessary information: You will need to provide the tour operator with your passport information, dietary requirements, and other necessary information.

Confirm details: Before the trek, confirm the details of the tour with your operator, including the itinerary, equipment, and accommodation.

It is recommended to book the Inca Trail at least 6 months in advance, especially during the peak season (May-September). Keep in mind that the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu is closed for maintenance during the month of February. 

How to choose a best Inca Trail tour companies?

The Best Inca Trail tour Operator

Choosing a reputable Inca Trail tour operator is an important step in planning your trek. Here are some tips to help you choose a reliable operator:

Check for licensing: The Inca Trail trekking can only be hiked with a licensed tour operator, so make sure that the company you choose is licensed by the Peruvian government.

Look for experience: The Inca Trail is a challenging trek, so it's important to choose an operator with experience in leading hikes in the region. Look for companies that have been in business for several years and have experienced guides.

Read reviews: Research the tour operator online and read reviews from previous customers to get an idea of their reputation and quality of service.

Consider the itinerary: Look for a tour operator that offers a well-planned itinerary that allows for acclimatization and includes stops at important Inca sites along the way.

Ask about equipment: Make sure that the operator provides high-quality equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, and hiking gear.

Check the group size: Check the maximum group size for the tour to ensure that it's not too large, which can negatively impact your experience on the trail.

Compare prices: Compare prices among several tour operators to ensure that you are getting a fair price for the trek.

By following these tips, you can choose a reputable Inca Trail tour operator that will provide a safe and enjoyable experience on the trek.

Inca Trail Altitud

The Inca Trail is a high-altitude trek that reaches a maximum altitude of 4,215 meters (13,828 feet) at the Warmiwañusca Pass (also known as Dead Woman's Pass). The starting point of the trek is in the town of Pisac, which is located at an elevation of approximately 2,900 meters (9,500 feet). The first day of the trek is relatively gentle, with an elevation gain of around 300 meters (984 feet). However, the second day is the most challenging, with an elevation gain of around 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) over several steep sections. The third and fourth days involve some climbing and descending, but are less strenuous than the second day.

It's important to take the high altitude into consideration when planning your trek, as altitude sickness can be a serious concern. It's recommended to spend a few days in Cusco or another high-altitude location before beginning the trek, to allow your body to acclimate to the altitude. Additionally, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and taking breaks as needed during the trek can help to prevent altitude sickness.

Inca Trail Difficulty

The Inca Trail is considered a challenging trek that requires a good level of fitness and stamina, as well as the ability to cope with high altitude. The trail involves steep ascents and descents, high altitude passes, and a variety of terrain, including rugged mountain paths, jungle terrain, and stone steps.

The trail covers approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles) over four days, with an average daily trekking time of around 6-8 hours. The second day of the trek is considered the most challenging, as it involves a steep climb to the highest point of the trail, which is 4,215 meters (13,828 feet) above sea level. However, with proper training and preparation, most hikers are able to complete the trek.

It's important to note that altitude sickness can be a serious concern on the Inca Trail, and hikers should take the time to properly acclimate to the altitude before beginning the trek. It's also important to stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and take breaks as needed during the trek to prevent altitude sickness.

Overall, the Inca Trail is a challenging but rewarding trek that offers stunning natural beauty, rich cultural history, and a sense of accomplishment for those who complete it.

Inca Trail Weather

The weather on the Inca Trail can vary depending on the time of year and the specific section of the trail. However, in general, the best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this time, hikers can expect warm, dry days and cool nights.

The rainy season on the Inca Trail runs from November to March, with January and February being the wettest months. During this time, hikers can expect rainy days and muddy trails, which can make the trek more challenging.

At higher elevations, temperatures can drop significantly at night, and hikers should be prepared for cold temperatures and potentially even snow in the high passes.

It's important to pack appropriate gear for the weather conditions on the Inca Trail, including waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots. Hikers should also be prepared for changes in weather conditions, as weather patterns can be unpredictable in the Andes mountains.

Inca Trail Food

Most licensed tour operators provide food and cooking equipment as part of their Inca Trail packages. The meals provided on the Inca Trail hike are typically hearty and nutritious, designed to provide hikers with the energy they need for the trek.

A typical day on the Inca Trail includes a hot breakfast, a packed lunch, and a hot dinner. Breakfast may include items like oatmeal, eggs, bread, and hot drinks. Packed lunches typically include sandwiches, fruit, and snacks like energy bars and nuts. Dinner usually includes a soup, a main course with meat and vegetables, and a dessert.

Vegetarian and vegan options are usually available, but hikers should notify their tour operator in advance of any dietary restrictions or preferences.

Hikers should also bring their own snacks to supplement the meals provided on the trail, as well as plenty of water to stay hydrated. It's important to pack food in a way that minimizes waste and environmental impact, as the Inca Trail is a protected area with strict regulations on waste disposal.

Inca Trail Detailed 4 Days

The Inca Trail is a world-renowned trekking route that takes hikers on a four-day journey through stunning Andean scenery, past fascinating Inca ruins, and up and over high mountain passes. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to expect on each day of the Inca Trail:

Inca Trail Day 1:

The first day of the Inca Trail is relatively easy, with a trekking distance of approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) and an elevation gain of 300 meters (984 feet). The trail begins at the town of Km 82, where hikers cross the Urubamba River and begin hiking along the valley floor. The trail passes through a variety of terrain, including eucalyptus forests, fields of corn and potatoes, and small villages. The day ends at the campsite of Ayapata, where hikers will spend the night.

Inca Trail Day 2:

The second day of the Inca Trail is considered the most challenging, with a trekking distance of approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) and an elevation gain of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet). The trail begins with a steep ascent to the high mountain pass of Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass), which sits at an elevation of 4,215 meters (13,828 feet) above sea level. After reaching the pass, hikers descend to the Pacaymayo River, where they will spend the night at the campsite of Chaquicocha.

Inca Trail Day 3:

The third day of the Inca Trail Holidays covers approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and involves less elevation gain than the previous day. The trail passes through a series of fascinating Inca ruins, including the circular site of Runkurakay, the fortress-like site of Sayacmarca, and the agricultural terraces of Phuyupatamarca. The day ends at the campsite of Wiñay Wayna, where hikers can relax and soak in the views of the surrounding mountains.

Inca Trail Day 4:

The fourth and final day of the Inca Trail involves an early morning wake-up call and a short hike to the Sun Gate, where hikers can catch their first glimpse of Machu Picchu. From there, it's a short descent to the Machu Picchu citadel, where hikers will spend the day exploring the ruins and learning about the fascinating history of the Inca civilization.

Overall, the Inca Trail is a challenging but rewarding trek that offers hikers the opportunity to experience some of the most stunning natural and cultural landscapes in the world.

Inca Trail Included

The Inca Trail tour packages offered by licensed tour operators typically include the following:

• Inca Trail permit: This is required for all hikers and allows access to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Only a limited number of permits are available each day, so it's important to book in advance.
• Transportation: Transportation is usually provided from Cusco to the starting point of the Inca Trail and from Machu Picchu back to Cusco.
• Guide: A licensed guide is required for all hikers on the Inca Trail. Guides provide information about the trail, the Inca ruins along the way, and the history and culture of the Inca civilization.
• Food and camping equipment: Most tour packages include food and cooking equipment for the duration of the trek, as well as tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu: The tour package usually includes entrance to Machu Picchu, which can be visited on the final day of the trek.

It's important to check the details of the tour package before booking, as some may include additional services such as porters to carry gear, extra meals, or accommodation before or after the trek.

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a two-day trek that starts at KM 104 of the Cusco-Machu Picchu railway, which is about a 3-hour train ride from Cusco. This route is a good option for those who want to experience hiking on the Inca Trail but have limited time or physical abilities to complete the full 4-day trek.

Here is a general itinerary of the Short Inca Trail:

Day 1: The trek starts with a train ride from Cusco to KM 104, where the hike begins. The first part of the trail is uphill and leads to the Inca site of Chachabamba. The trail then continues to Wiñay Wayna, another impressive Inca ruin, before arriving at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) with its first view of Machu Picchu. After enjoying the view, hikers descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, where they spend the night in a hotel.

Day 2: Early in the morning, hikers take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ancient citadel. After the tour, there is free time to explore the site on your own before taking the train back to Cusco.

It's important to note that permits are required to hike the Short Inca Trail and are subject to availability. It's recommended to book the trek well in advance, especially during peak season (June to August).

Inca Trail Availability

The Inca Trail has a daily limit on the number of people allowed to hike, including hikers, guides, and porters. The limit is set at 500 people per day, with around 200 of those spots allocated to staff members.

The high season for the Inca Trail is from May to September, and during this time, permits can sell out several months in advance. However, permits can still be obtained for the low season (October to April) with less notice.

To check availability for the Inca Trail, it's recommended to contact a licensed tour operator as they will have up-to-date information on permit availability. It's important to book early to ensure availability, especially if planning to hike during peak season.

Inca Trail Regulations

The Inca Trail is a protected area and there are regulations in place to help preserve the trail and the surrounding environment. Here are some of the regulations that hikers need to be aware of:

Inca Trail permits: A permit is required to hike the Inca Trail, and only a limited number of permits are available each day. Permits can only be obtained through licensed tour operators.

Guided hikes: All hikers are required to be accompanied by a licensed guide on the Inca Trail.

No camping outside designated areas: Camping is only allowed at designated campsites along the trail.

No littering: All hikers are required to carry out their trash and other waste from the Inca Trail.

Respect for the ruins: Inca ruins along the trail are protected, and hikers are not allowed to touch or remove any artifacts or structures.

No smoking: Smoking is not allowed on the Inca Trail.

No drones: Drones are not allowed on the Inca Trail.

No plastic bottles: Single-use plastic bottles are not allowed on the Inca Trail.

It's important to follow these regulations to help protect the environment and ensure that the Inca Trail remains a safe and sustainable destination for generations to come.

Inca Trail Cost

The cost of the Inca Trail varies depending on the tour operator, the length of the trek, the services included, and the time of year. As of 2023, the cost for a standard 4-day Inca Trail tour package typically ranges from $500 to $1000 per person, while the more luxury tours can cost upwards of $2000 per person.

It's important to note that the cost of the Inca Trail includes the mandatory Inca Trail permit fee, which is around $75 per person. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, and goes towards the maintenance and conservation of the trail and surrounding areas.

In addition to the tour cost, hikers should also budget for additional expenses such as meals and snacks not included in the tour package, tips for the guide and porters, and any gear or equipment that needs to be rented.

It's recommended to book a tour well in advance to ensure availability and to compare prices and services from different tour operators. It's also important to choose a licensed tour operator to ensure a safe and responsible trek.

Getting to Machu Picchu

The only way to reach Machu Picchu is by train or by hiking the Inca Trail. Here are the most common options for getting to Machu Picchu:

Train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo: The most popular way to get to Machu Picchu is by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. There are several train companies that offer daily services, such as PeruRail and IncaRail. The train journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on the departure point, and offers stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the Urubamba River.

Inca Trail hike: The Inca Trail is a 4-day trek that takes hikers through stunning Andean scenery, past ancient Inca ruins, and over high mountain passes, before arriving at Machu Picchu on the final day.

Alternative treks: There are several alternative treks that also lead to Machu Picchu, such as the Salkantay Trek and the Lares Trek. These treks offer different scenery and cultural experiences, but still end at Machu Picchu.

Once at Machu Picchu, visitors can explore the ancient ruins on their own or with a licensed guide. It's important to book entrance tickets in advance, as the number of visitors allowed into the site is limited each day.

Keywords Important

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Types of Tickets Machu Picchu

Are you planning your next vacations to Machu Picchu? Discover the options to make your trip and unique and memorable trip. Maybe if you are an adventurer you can take Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain as an optional trek or if you like the history you can visit Machu Picchu and The museum. Today we will explain you the 4 types of Tickets to Machu picchu:

Machu Picchu Ticket

With this ticket you can visit Machu Picchu and see more of the 150 structures that make up the city. You will see temples, terraces, residences, water channels and some other structures whose construction remains an enormous mystery.

What are the opening hours?

1st Schedule:

• Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 6 a.m.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 7 a.m.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 8 a.m.

2nd. Schedule:

• Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 9 a.m.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 10 a.m.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 11 a.m.

3rd Schedule:

• Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 12 p.m.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu from 1 p.m.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 2 p.m.

The visitor can stay in Machu Picchu until 4 hours after their entry.

What does the ticket include?

• Includes the entrance to the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
• Includes the passport stamp with the symbol of the Wonder of the World.

Machu Picchu Ticket + Huayna Picchu

With this ticket you can enter the Inca City of Machu Picchu and also climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain. This summit is located at 2,693 m.a.s.l. It is considered one of the most amazing short walks in the world.

What are the entry shifts?

• Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 6 a.m. Join Huayna Picchu between 7 a.m. - 8 a.m.
• Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 7 a.m. Join Huayna Picchu between 7 a.m. - 8 a.m.
• Group 3: Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 8 a.m. Entrance to Huayna Picchu between 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

The visitor can stay up to 6 hours after their entry.

What does the ticket include?

• Includes the entrance to the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
• Includes access to the Huayna Picchu mountain.

Machu Picchu Ticket + Mountain

With this entry you can enter the Inca City and also climb the Machu Picchu mountain. This summit is located at 3,082 m.a.s.l This hiking route is less steep but longer than the Huayna Picchu.

What are the entry shifts?

• 1st Group: Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 6 a.m. Join the Mountain between 7a.m. - 8 a.m.
• 2nd. Group: Entrance to Machu Picchu from 7 a.m. Join the Mountain between 7 a.m. - 8 a.m.
• 3rd Group: Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 8 a.m. Join the Mountain between 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

The tourist can stay in the place until 8 hours after the moment of his entrance.

What does the ticket include?

• Includes the entrance to the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
• Includes the entrance to the Machu Picchu mountain.

Machu Picchu Ticket + Museum

With this entry you can enter to the Inca City of Machu Picchu and the Site Museum. The collection of this site has ceramic remains, construction tools, lithic remains, metals and other instruments used by the Incas in the Wonder of the World.

What are the opening hours?

You can choose to enter Machu Picchu in one of the 3 available schedules:

1st Schedule

• Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 6 a.m.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 7 a.m.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 8 a.m.

2nd. Schedule:

• Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 9 a.m.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 10 a.m.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 11 a.m.

3rd Schedule:

• Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 12 p.m.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu from 1 p.m.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu starting at 2 p.m.

The hours of operation of the Site Museum are from Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. at 4.30 p.m.

Visitors can be in Machu Picchu up to 4 hours after the moment of entry.

What does the ticket include?

• Includes the entrance to the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
• Includes access to the Site Museum.

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Machu Picchu entrance 2023

In 2023, tourists to Machu Picchu will have a maximum visit time of 4 hours. In addition, entry to the Site Museum will be free in the late shift. What other changes are there in the entrance to the Wonder of the World for 2023? Know the availability, changes, prices and all the information.

Types of ticket and schedules Machu Picchu 2019

As well as 2018, there are 3 types of official entries:

Entrance Machu Picchu Solo

• The morning shift is 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• The late shift is 12 p.m. at 5.30 p.m.

Entrance Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu

• 1st Group is 6 a.m. at 1 p.m. (The entrance to Waynapicchu is from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.)
• 2nd. Group is 6 a.m. at 2 p.m. (The entrance to Waynapicchu is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.)

Entrance Machu Picchu + Mountain

• 1st Group is 6 a.m. at 2 p.m. (Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain is from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.)
• 2nd. Group is 6 a.m. at 3 p.m. (The entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain is from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.)

Additionally, tourism agencies offer the Machu Picchu + Museum ticket, which includes access to the Inca City and the Site Museum.

Since when is it possible to buy tickets Machu Picchu 2019?

The official website of the Ministry of Culture of Peru only allows the purchase of the Machu Picchu entrance until December 31, 2018. The only way to secure the ticket to Machu Picchu 2019 is to wait until mid-December 2018, the date on which the official website allows the purchase.

On many occasions, on that date, only the purchase of the Machu Picchu ticket for January was opened. Visitors looking for a ticket for February, March or the incoming months; They must wait until the middle or end of January.

How much time in advance to buy the ticket Machu Picchu 2019?

Tourists who wish to visit Machu Picchu in 2019, must purchase their tickets in advance. Especially if you want to make your visit during the high season of tourism (from April to October).

• Entrance Machu Picchu Solo: 3 weeks before.
• Entrance Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu: 3 months before.
• Entrance Machu Picchu + Mountain: 3 weeks before.
• Entrance Machu Picchu + Museum: 3 weeks before.

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Ticket Machu Picchu - Morning

Currently, due to the new regulations imposed for the control of visitors to the Inca city, a new distribution has been made regarding the hours and visiting times allowed for each ticket to Machu Picchu. In this understanding some doubts arise about the different hours of income that there are for different types of tickets.

Tickets to enter the Inca city in the morning:

The tickets that allow entry to Machu Picchu in the morning, are the following:

Ticket Machu Picchu Solo - Turn Tomorrow

• With this ticket you can enter Machu Picchu from 6:00 a.m. and stay until 12:00 m.

Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket - Group 1

• With this ticket you can enter Machu Picchu from 6:00 a.m.
• You must make your entrance to the mountain Huayna Picchu between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
• The time it takes to go up and down the Waynapicchu is 2 to 3 hours.
• After visiting the mountain you should make the tour of the Inca city.
• You can stay at Machu Picchu until 1:00 p.m.

Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket - Group 2

• With this ticket you can enter Machu Picchu from 6:00 a.m.
• It is recommended to travel through the Inca city before entering the mountain.
• You must make your entrance to the mountain Huayna Picchu between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
• The time it takes, between going up and down to Waynapicchu is 2 to 3 hours.
• You can stay at Machu Picchu until 2:00 p.m.

Machu Picchu Ticket + Mountain - Group 1

• With this ticket you can enter Machu Picchu from 6:00 a.m.
• You must make your entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
• The time it takes to go up and down the mountain is 3 to 4 hours.
• After visiting the mountain you should make the tour of the Inca city.
• You can stay at Machu Picchu until 2:00 p.m.

Machu Picchu Ticket + Mountain - Group 2

• With this ticket you can enter Machu Picchu from 6:00 a.m.
• It is recommended to travel through the Inca city before entering the mountain.
• You must make your entrance to the Machu Picchu Mountain between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
• The time it takes, between going up and down the mountain is 2 to 3 hours.
• You can stay at Machu Picchu until 3:00 p.m.

Machu Picchu Ticket + Museum

• If you chose to visit the Inca city of Machu Picchu first, the morning shift of the ticket allows you to visit the Inca city between 6:00 a.m. and 12 m.
• Once finished your tour of the Inca city you can visit the museum site, the hours of service is 9:00 a.m. ─ 4:30 p.m.

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Machu Picchu without plastic

# Less plastic and more life is the measure that goes into effect from  December 18, tourists will not be able to carry plastic bags, straw bags and technopor containers to protected sites, Sernanp said.

The natural protected areas are around 76, such as the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the Huascarán National Park, among other protected sites that conserve Peruvian biodiversity.

This measure responds to the provisions of Supreme Decree No. 13-2018 of the Ministry of the Environment, which was approved on November 5, and which goes into effect since December 18 of 2018. The standard provides for the reduction of single-use plastic and promotes the responsible consumption of plastic in State entities.

This measure, says Sernanp, seeks to guarantee the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity that turn protected areas into unique and special spaces of great natural wealth.

"Visitors are recommended to use environmentally friendly alternatives such as canteens and tomatoed to avoid the use of plastic bottles. Likewise, it is urged to use cloth bags or other reusable material instead of disposable plastic bags, "said a statement issued by Sernanp.

What plastics are prohibited?

 Among the prohibited plastics are:

• Bottles 
• Bags Sorbets or light bulbs 
• Feather or technopor containers for drinks and food for human

Recommendations: 

• Use canteens to transport water, in order to avoid the use of plastic containers that, if discarded in a natural area, can cause long-term damage.
•  However, keep in mind that no one can be forbidden to carry a bottle of water in their purse. Use cloth bags to carry things instead of plastic bags.

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Humantay Lake

Cusco, millenary city, is full of magical places to live unique experiences. One of those places to visit is the Humantay lagoon, where nature and landscape converge at the foot of a snow peak located at 4200 meters above sea level. We invite you to know more about this beautiful place of Peruvian nature. Discover Humantay Lake:

What is the Humantay Lake?

The Humantay lake makes life at the foot of the Humantay mountain. Its waters are crystal clear, with a turquoise tone that delights tourists. Although it is a not so well known place among the Peruvian snow peaks and the great mountains, it is very popular among hikers traveling to southern Peru. Would you dare to bathe in its cold waters?

How to get to the Humantay Lake?

There is the option of reaching the Humantay lagoon with vehicles trained to get close to tourist guides. It is an excursion of one day and the trip lasts approximately five hours. Leaving very early, transport can take you to the beautiful town of Mollepata. There you can have breakfast and get what you need for the road.

When you leave Mollepata you must go to Soraypampa. From there, you start the hike up to the Humantay Lagoon by the same road that leads to the snowy mountain, only halfway along the route you take a detour to the lake.

Why visit the Humantay Lake?

The waters of the Humantay Lake will captivate you. Its geographical location and mineral wealth make it a visual spectacle to enjoy. The multicolored shades that can be seen on its banks, according to light and weather, will make you feel in a magical environment where you do not want the day to end.

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Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail

INCA TRAIL

This is the most popular trekking to Machu Picchu, because it manages to combine several climates, impressive landscapes and centuries-old ruins. Due to its beauty, this walk is preferred by travelers, having to be requested 5 months in advance (a permit is required that has limited spaces per day).

The Inca Trail covers 42 kilometers of jungle and mountains, visiting some archaeological complexes such as Patallacta, the ruins of Wiñay Wayna and, of course, the lost city of Machu Picchu. In addition, it delivers unforgettable landscapes of the Vilcabamba mountain range.

Despite being a very beautiful trekking circuit, getting a spot can be a real headache. This is because the Peruvian government limits the entry to 500 people per day, including guides (which are mandatory), in order to preserve the ruins and archaeological sites. So if you want to hike this trek, you must book in advance as is said before.

SALKANTAY

As the Inca Trail is the most popular and classic circuit in the area, there is an alternative trekking series that does not require permission to perform them. Within them, Salkantay is the most popular alternative road to Machu Picchu. This route covers the southern part of the Vilcabamba mountain range, showing beautiful landscapes that vary from the pampas to the jungle.

Being a less known route, it does not have the number of visitors that the Inca Trail has and it does not need any permission to travel this trek. Although, unlike the Inca Trail does not include historical ruins before reaching Machu Picchu, the Salkantay trek ensures less expenses, a route with fewer people and spectacular panoramic views of the mountain range, especially the Salkantay pass. 

With a duration of between 4 and 5 days, this tour visits different Altiplano localities, as well as lagoons, hot springs and the famous Salkantay mountain.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BOTH CIRCUITS

ARCHEOLOGICAL RUINS

If your interest is to know in depth what remains of the Inca culture, the Inca Trail is the appropriate option, since the route includes a visit to different archaeological ruins, and much of the trail itself is made of stones, which They have remained since Inca times.

On the other hand, if your interests go more for the observation of nature and you value more virgin places, Salkantay is an excellent alternative, since you will see less people and landscapes less intervened by man.

LESS MONEY

Unlike the famous Inca Trail, where you must pay a permit and a guide, to make the Salkantay trek you do not need a permit or entry ticket (except entrance tickets to Machu Picchu). For those travelers who want to save money, Salkantay is a better alternative.

NEED FOR PREPARATION

Although both circuits require preparation, to carry out the Inca Trail, it must be extremely orderly and far-sighted. To reach this trekking in high season, you must buy the ticket at least 5 months in advance. In that sense, it is always advisable to quote and buy the tour with a travel agency, where you can relax and just enjoy this trek.

On the other hand, Salkantay does not need so much advance notice, being able to go independently or through a travel agency. Although it is always advisable to conduct this circuit with a guide, because they have the knowledge to help you, guide you and assist you in any emergency.

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Salkantay trek by your own

Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay trek can be done without a tour, on your own and without a tour guide. To take this walk you must take all the necessary precautions. Follow these recommendations to do the Salkantay trek on your own :

• Book the Machu Picchu tickets in advance before performing the Salkantay trek. Otherwise, you can go back without knowing the Wonder of the World. 
• The route to follow is the same as the Salkantay trek with tour. 
• The journey on your own may take more or less days, depending on the visitor’s capacity. 
• The first step is to reach the town of Mollepata from the city of Cusco. 
• The cars are taken at the bus terminal of ‘Arcopata’, in the city of Cusco. 
• From Mollepata begins the ascent. 
• It is advisable to bring what is strictly necessary (food for 5 days and equipment to sleep) to avoid loading excessive luggage.

What to bring for the Salkantay trek?

• Sleeping bags. 
• Hat or cap. 
• Trekking shoes 
• Trekking backpack. 
• Waterproof coat. 
• Trekking pants 
• Poncho for the rain. 
• Water. 
• Water purifying tablets. 
• Sunscreen. 
• Personal hygiene items. 
• Snacks. 
• Cash.

Tips for the Salkantay trek 

• Acclimatize one or two days in the city of Cusco before performing the Salkantay trek. 
• Avoid alcoholic beverages or foods with a lot of fat. 
• Altitude sickness or soroche in Salkantay and Machu Picchu is one of the greatest difficulties. Perform a little exercise prior to the Salkantay trek. You do not need to be in excellent physical shape but a little exercise will help. 
• No matter what part of the year, wear warm clothes during the Salkantay trek.
• The nights are especially cold in the first two days. 
• Plan up to the smallest detail the Salkantay trek on your own.

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Hiking Salkantay without a guide

Usually when you arrive in Cusco and start exploring the possibilities to go to Macchu Picchu on your own, you find that the information they provide is scarce and of dubious reliability. Not many decide to do this trek without a guide, given the uncertainty that you face. But the reality is that it is a fairly accessible road, as long as the time is on our side.Now learn how to hike Salkantay without a guide.

The preparations:

Mountain equipment: Among the essential things to survive 5 days in the wild mountain Salkantay, you will need a good sleeping bag, tent, stove and gas to cook, rain poncho, warm clothes, mountain boots, etc. If you already have everything, perfect. If not you can rent some material. Now the list of some things that you maybe need:

• 5 soles per day per sleeping bag up to -15ºC
• 3 soles per day for rain pants
• 5 soles for buying a rain poncho
• 40 soles per gas bottle for cooking

Food: since you do not know if you will going to find a place to buy food until reache to Aguas Calientes, is recommended to buy food for 5 days. Oatmeal for breakfast, nuts for the road, pasta to eat, nuddles for dinner. Cooked eggs last several days and complement either meal well. Try to look for dehydrated fruits (you can find it at San Pedro Market in Cusco) and in general take things that weigh little. For the water carry water treatment pills.

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Salkantay Trekking preparation

One of the most incredible ways to visit Machu Picchu is through the Salkantay trek. This 5-day and 4-night hiking route crosses the imposing Salkantay mountain and then reaches the Wonder of the World. Would you like to know Machu Picchu with this adventure surrounded by amazing landscapes? Know everything about physical preparation for Salkantay Trekking :

1. Make hiking with weight

A very good advice to train and have your legs and body strong enough is to make a few hikings with weight. Leave your house to do some hiking in the mountains and load your backpack, start with little weight and as the days go by and go strengthening your muscles, increase the weight you carry, you can get up to 15 kgs. but that depends on everyone.

2. Travel long distances (spend a whole day on the mountain)

It is important to accustom the body to long days, since the kilometers traveled per day in Salkantay will make you spend at least seven or eight hours of travel, keep in mind that the second day takes around nine hours walking!

3. Walk slowly
We tend to want to walk fast or go ahead of everyone, you have to remember that you have to be patient, to enjoy the moment and what nature offers us. Walk slowly, do not speed up, because it is not the same to keep accelerated for an hour to be in constant effort for more than nine hours.

4. Sleep in height
In the first camp of the Salkantay route, it is 4,000 meters above sea level. Do you know what the body feels when sleeping at this height? Sometimes we feel we suffocate, that we lack air, our head hurts and we struggle to sleep.

That is why as part of training to enjoy the trekking it is important to spend a few nights at least over 2,500 meters above sea level. This will allow you to know the reactions of your body when sleeping at high altitude and it will know what it is to be several hours in height and develop more red blood cells, which are the blood particles that transport oxygen from the body.

5. Do breathing exercises
Breathing is very important, many travelers thought that hiking and mountain becomes a constant meditation at every moment.

Finally enjoy the best experience through the adventure of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu!

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The Salkantay Route

This hike takes its name from the magnificent Salkantay Snowy Mountain, a natural work belonging to the Vilcabamba mountain range, located in the province of La Convención, district of Santa Teresa and is also one of the highest mountains in the Cusco region.

This mountain is also considered as one of the main Apus, since for the population it is a sacred place above the valleys, located at an altitude of 6,271 m.a.s.l

Best time to travel to Salkantay road:

The Cusco region has two types of marked climates, rainy season and dry season, so the months from May to October are considered the best dates to make such an excursion since the rains are over and the road is firm; However, this route can be done all year round, except for the month considered the rainiest of the year (February), so we suggest you think it through.

What Salkantay Road offers?

The route to Salkantay offers privileged views of the Humantay and Salkantay peaks, since with the melting of these two lakes are formed, being the most important and visited by travelers, called Humantay Lagoon, (it is currently visited by tourists from all over the world to enjoy its beauty and leave offerings to the Pachamama, deity that represents mother Earth in the Inca culture)

In addition to the snowy mountains, the route shows a variety of flora and fauna as far as the region of the jungle is concerned, since one is surrounded by a green and warm landscape that allows us to breathe pure air that does well to our body.

Marvel at vestiges and constructions that our ancestors left us as a legacy. Enjoy magical nights with a starry sky, which makes you think and say that it was worth all the effort made.

Difficulty of the walk:

The degree of difficulty for any walk depends a lot on the physical condition that one may have, in addition to already having experience in a similar route and in the state of health that one may have.

This route is considered by many travelers of greater effort since the degree of difficulty is "High", considering it a great challenge for those who do it.

Physical training:

The preparation for the Road to Salkantay, begins taking into consideration the physical condition that one has, that is why specialists consider having an advance preparation before making such an excursion, since in this way the muscles are strengthened and generate resistance. at the time of our walk to Salkantay.

So much so that gradually your physical condition will be in better conditions, since at the time of making the walk all the muscles will be prepared and in that way also our heart will pump more efficient blood that will make us have more oxygen.

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Maras Moray Tour

We travel to more recondite places of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Discover the best Sacred Valley Tour  start with Chinchero, where you will appreciate the beauty of its town and archaeological complex; also you will have the possibility to participate in a brief exhibition of traditional textiles, a distinctive feature of this town famous for the beauty and high quality of its fabrics and ancestral dyeing techniques. 

Then you must visit Moray, where the view is impressive thanks to colossal concentric terraces simulating a large amphitheater. Its usefulness: to recreate 20 different types of microclimates, measurement that assured the agricultural production of the empire. Finally you will continue to Maras, the famous and ancient salt mines of the colonial era. The contrast of its white wells with the green valley is imposing and must-see for a spectacular postcard of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Discover Moray:

It is located about 7 km southwest of Maras; It is unique archaeological group in its kind in the region. These are gigantic natural depressions or pits on the surface of the land that were used to build terraces or agricultural platforms with their respective irrigation channels. It is therefore a prototype of a greenhouse or biological experimental station that is quite advanced for its time. that the American man of antiquity inherits to the humanity a 60% of the vegetable products that he consumes, that the Andean man consumes a thousand and a half of diverse varieties of potatoes, a hundred and a half of corn, and many other products.

Explore Maras - Salt Mines:

Located to the west of Cusco at 3300 m.a.s.l. From there you can see the Urubamba mountain range and the snowy summits of "La Verónica" (5682 meters above sea level) and the "Chikón" (5530 meters above sea level). Its important occupation began when the Inkan Cusquenian nobles were stripped of their palaces in the Qosqo and had They go out to settle in other small towns like Maras. It has a church made of adobes, typical of the religious architecture of the town, inside the church are kept canvases of the Cusquenian School.

Now talking about Salt Mines, it is located to the northwest of the town of Maras are about 3000 small wells with an average area of about 5 m², during the dry season are filled or "irrigated" every 3 days with salt water that emanates from a natural spring located in the part of the wells so that when the water evaporates, the salt contained in it gradually solidifies, later the salt is hit and thus granulated; the salt will then be bagged in plastic bags and sent to the markets of the region; Today that salt is being iodized, which is why its consumption is not harmful. 

Are you ready to dare with the adventure? Take your package and don't doubt, visit the Sacred Valley Tour.

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Tips to preven the altitude sickness during Salkantay Trek

Altitude sickness, also known as Monge's disease, occurs as a fundamental cause in the lack of oxygen, and manifests itself in non-acclimatized people who rise above 2 thousand m.a.s.l. in less than 1 or 2 days. The tourist who arrives at these points by plane is the most prone to suffer this evil. The symptoms usually occur within the first 48 hours of the ascent and include from insomnia, headache to nausea, vomiting. To start let´s know;

What is altitude sickness? (or Soroche, as it is called in Cusco) 

At altitudes above 2,400 m, the air is thinner, that is, there is less pressure, so while the percentage of oxygen remains the same, the air is less dense, so every time you breathe, inhale less oxygen than you're used to. To counteract this, your body, at first, feels the need to breathe faster and pump the blood more quickly in order to have the same amount of oxygen to which you are accustomed. For many people, this comes as a shock to the body, causing various symptoms.

Now I will describe some of the most popular symptoms:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness 
• Headaches Sickness
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea or constipation 
• Difficult breathing 
• Tachycardia 

However, many of us do not know how to protect ourselves from this evil. Here some
recommendations before hiking the Salkantay Trek:

•  Acclimatization upon arrival in Cusco is very important to fully enjoy the rest of the trip. It is necessary to rest as much as possible the first day, eat little and drink plenty of fluids. 
• Always walk slowly, if you suffer from severe headache. 
• Do not make physical efforts too sudden. 
• Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and heavy food.
• It is advisable to bring a good supply of lemon candies, as it counteracts dehydration and discomfort due to height.
• If you also feel fatigue, headache, suffer from nausea or vomiting seek medical help at the nearest health post.

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Salkantay Packing List

Before starting your great adventure hike through the sacred snow mountain of Salkantay to Machu Picchu you must have your travel backpack ready. Do not waste time looking for a lot of information on what to bring, that we provide you with the definitive packing list for the Salkantay Trek. 

Backpack for the 5-day hike from Salkantay to Machu Picchu: What backpack to take to the Salkantay tour of 5 days?  

As it is a 5 day journey, you will need a backpack of 30 liters or more, resistant to rain and with extra pockets to carry extra things. 

Clothing: The Salkantay Trek offers diverse landscapes with different climates so it is necessary that you go prepared for sunny days, rain, snow and humidity. We recommend you bring: A coat, also called a jacket, will be very useful to protect you from the cold and rain. Four shirts, which will be used during the five days of the walk. Try to be light and dry fast. Avoid cotton clothes because they are heavy.

Salkantay Hike: 

Choose a jacket that protects from cold and rain You must keep your legs and feet protected during the crossing. We recommend the following items in your travel backpack: 

• Hiking pants. A good idea is to use pants with removable boots (with zipper) to be able to use them as shorts. 
• Underwear: Comfortable pieces and that dry fast. 
• Footwear: Hiking shoes. Choose a pair that has good grip and is suitable for rough terrain and water resistant. Avoid wearing a new pair of shoes, as they can hurt you more than some used ones.Your shoes for the Salkantay trek must be water resistant accessories 
• Hat: Important for days of intense sun. 
• Plastic poncho: Do not let the rain bother you, rather enjoy the landscape! 
• Swimwear. On the route you can optionally enter the thermal baths. 
• Towel. Of regular size and that is of a fabric that dries fast.

Camping equipment 

• Water canteen: You can carry a reusable bottle for water. 
• Gloves: Sometimes the cold can get into your hands, so we recommend taking them. 
• Trekking sticks: They can be useful for some sections of the walk. 
• Lantern: Very useful for outings in the early hours or for camping nights. 
• Binoculars: Do not lose sight of wild animals in the distance!

Personal hygiene items 

Do not forget to bring items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and other personal items so you can start each morning refreshed and ready for adventure.

Electronic

The memories of your adventure will be recorded forever in the memory of the camera and you can share them with your friends and family. To ensure the functioning of your equipment, do not forget to bring extra batteries and an additional memory card. The landscapes you will find are one of the reasons to choose the way from Salkantay to Machu Picchu, so prepare that camera!

Documents 

It is very important that your backpack has your original passport and your original identity document to be able to identify you at the checkpoints. In case of being a student, the ISIC card will be useful for some discounts in the price of the tour and in some establishments in the city of Cusco.

Health articles

Small items that will be very useful in your backpack to travel to Salkantay:

• Insect repellent and sunscreen 
• Hand sanitizer 
• Toilet paper 
• Tissues 

Others 

• Cash. It is advisable to have around 400 soles (equivalent to 123 US dollars) in cash for extra expenses. 
• Personal medications: If you follow a treatment, do not forget to take all your medications with you. Snacks: Small healthy snacks like energy bars, granola, yogurt among others.
• Souvenirs of your country. Share your culture with your travel companions and the people you meet along the way!

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Salkantay Trek difficulty

Salkantay trek is one of the most beautiful Inca roads.This trek is an alternative route to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is a 5-day and 4-night hike to the Inca Citadel by accessing the town of Aguas Calientes, located at the foot of the Wonder of the World. On the route you can see landscapes even more impressive than the Inca Trail. Places like the snowy Salkantay, whose summit is 6,721 m.a.s.l. and whose slopes the tourist crosses to 4,572 m.a.s.l. You can also visit places such as the beautiful Mollepata Valley, the ruins of Llactapata and tropical territories where flora and fauna abound. The last section is parallel to the Vilcanota River, until arriving at Aguas Calientes. From there, one ascends on foot or by bus to the entrance gate to the Inca City. The Salkantay Trek was chosen by the National Geographic magazine as one of the 25 best hiking trails in the world. To access this adventure you can hire a tour operator. The other option is to do it on your own. This requires experience and necessary care. There are some variants to this adventure, which start the route in different points.

Road to Machu Picchu through the Salkantay Trek 

The 'Apu' Salkantay (6,271 m.a.s.l.) is a snow mountain belonging to the Vilcabamba mountain range. It is the second highest mountain in Cusco after the Ausangate (6,384 m.a.s.l.). Its name means wild mountain. Due to its imposing and isolated appearance, it was much appreciated by the Incas. They put before him the denomination 'Apu' which means 'lord' or 'sacred'. This snow was considered as one of the most powerful in the region. They paid veneration to the point that they built Machu Picchu in view of its summit. According to the Andean cosmovision, the mountains provided life and decided on plantings, harvests and even natural disasters. Because of this, he should be given respect and offerings. Today, the inhabitants of the Andes still consider the mountains as important spirits. In Cusco, Salkantay is as much appreciated as the Incas were.
View of the Salkantay mountain The 'Apu' Salkantay

• Name: Salkantay Trek. 
• Duration: 5 days / 4 nights. 
• Kilometers: approximately 72 kilometers. 
• Climate: minimum of less than 0 ° C in the 'Abra Salcantay'. 
• Maximum height: 4,572 m.a.s.l. in the 'Abra Salcantay'. 
• Minimum height: 1,800 m.a.s.l in the town of Santa Teresa. 
• Difficulty: challenging. 
• How to do it ?: with a tour or on your own. 
• When to do it ?: in dry season (from April to October). 
• Places you visit: Mollepata, Soraypampa, 'abra Salkantay', Chaullay, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. 
• Physical conditions: advisable to be in good physical condition.

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Salkantay Trek Weather

Salkantay Trek, the old and remote alternative 5 day path to the Inca Trail, it has much more spectacular views and with different ecological levels we will walk among lagoons, impressive snow-capped mountains such as Salkantay and Humantay, crossing rivers and subtropical areas of abundant vegetation and fauna.

This trek is an excellent option for those who want to escape from the most congested routes and in a faster way, or for those who are looking for an alternative when the spaces of the traditional Inca Trail are occupied. This impressive excursion passes under the magnificent mountain Salkantay (6,710 m / 22,014 ft), one of the highest and most impressive of the Peruvian Andes. Its first two days will be dominated by the impressive snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Humantay, as it travels through the high Andean landscape. The third day will descend to the warm cloud forest, to reach Aguas Calientes on the fourth day. The impressive sacred citadel of the Incas Machu Picchu is visited during the last day of the program.

This excursion is an interesting alternative for those who have not found space on the route from the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The excursion to Salkantay was recently named by the National Geographic Adventure Travel magazine among the 25 best excursions in the world.

Salkantay trek weather is very sunny during the day but cold at night. The temperature falls below 0 ° C at night between June and September. From December to March it is rainy which is why the trail is closed during these months. The best time relative to the weather to make Salkantay trek or hike is between the months of June and September. So if you decide to travel during those months, we recommend you bring warm clothing to prevent getting sick so you can safely make your adventure tours to Salkantay.

Now see the best months to visit the Salkantay Trek:

• February is excluded because the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance all month.
• January and March should be avoided if possible due to the rains. 
• April, November and December are a good balance between a not very cold temperature and a pleasant climate. 
• May and October offer a pleasant climate with fresh tempreatures. 
• June, July, August and September correspond, in our choice, to the best months even if the nights are cool, because the weather is very pleasant and there is very little rain.

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"Taki" the museum of musical instruments in Cusco

"Taki Museum" is an ethnographic collection, it has a permanent exhibition room in which Andean and Amazonian musical instruments are appreciated. It also has a library, an ethnic music archive and a video library. The Museum of the Andean Institute has a collection of varied musical instruments made of different types of ancient andean materials. You can't miss the opportunity to see this fantastic collection of original ancient instruments. Let´s see more details of Taki Museum! 

In the city of Cusco - Peru, the capital of the Ancient Tahuantinsuyo, legacy of the Inca empire is located the museum  "Taki Museum", a place where more than 400 original musical instruments of the Andean and Amazonian indigenous and mestizo peoples can be appreciated. and others from America and the World. The musical instruments that will be exhibited in "TAKI", are made of the most diverse and curious materials, shapes and sizes and present different techniques of sound production and execution. In "Taki Museum", these instruments, not only can be seen but also heard in their sounds, melodies, rhythms and harmonies, through guided tours, live demonstrations and an important archive of original field recordings. In addition, "Taki Museum", allow us to take some Andean music sessions, meditation and healing rituals through ancestral music, musical improvisation sessions, as well as talks, workshops and seminars that are offer regularly.

Here some of the projects done by "TAKI" as a museum and Cultural Center:

• Taki museum show original and indigenous musical instruments and mestizos of the Andean, Amazonian and other peoples of America and the world. 
• Musical and visual archive (photo and video). 
• Specialized library 
• Workshops and teaching of the instruments.
• Instrument building workshops. 
• Training and promotion of musical groups traditional 
• Talks and conferences and organization of seminars. 
• Recordings and production of CDs, videos, etc. 
• Written publications 
• Live sessions of ancestral music, ritual, etc. Andean and Amazonian musical ceremonial calendar. Area and research and projects in relation to original Andean and Amazonian indigenous communities. 
• Store (sale of instruments and related items).

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Salkantay Trek Tips

Tips to trek salkantay:

• Hydrate:

Is essential to hydrate with frequency during the trek and it’s something we shouldn’t forget. Bring water, it’s difficult to find water during the trek. Bring your own bottle of water and try to drink all the water you can.

• Get acclimatized:

The highest point of the trek is at 4,600 – 4,800 meters (15,100 – 15,700ft.). Each person reacts in different ways but in general we feel the effects of elevation when we reach 10,000 – 11,000ft. The key to deal with altitude sickness is to spend 2 or 3 days before in Cusco so you get acclimatized.

• Clothes.

The climate will be below the freezing point on the first night in the mountain. You should have winter clothes and a good sleeping bag of 0 degrees. Bring chemical foot warmers or boiled water to warm your feet at the bottom of the sleeping bag. It will get very hot during the day, especially at lower altitudes. Synthetic light clothing is essential. A good pair of hiking boots is advisable. You will carry a lot of weight uphill and then downhill for 3 days. You need shoes that are going to protect your feet.

• Other supplies.

Sunglasses and sunscreen: You need a sunscreen of high altitude protection.
Insect repellent: At the end of the second day you arrive to a tropical climate and the insects are going to be really annoying.

Salkantay Trek Machu was created to provide an excellent service for tourist to experience the adventure of the Salkantay Trek, even if you choose a Superior or a Budget tour, the service is always going to be the best.


NOTE:
If you want to take a trip to the Salkantay Snowy Mountain or a many days journey to Machu Picchu www.salkantaytrekmachu.com for more information or the e-mail contact@salkantaytrekmachu.com to book a tour. 
you are now able to get to this amazing place in 5 day from Cusco, Peru  
¡ Enjoy !
More information: Salkantay Trek

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Tips to arrive to the city of Cusco

Even if you arrive by plane or bus, you’ll be a potential prey to tourist hunters. They will offer you accommodation or taxis that leads you to the city center. Nevertheless, the city center is just a few minutes away from the airport and the city is not that big. Crossing it by feet may take you about 2 hours. The ideal is to take a taxi outside the airport and to make deaf ears to the pullers (unless you are really interested in their proposals).

There are dozens of transport companies of all price and quality on most cities of Peru. Usually travelers arrive from Lima, Arequipa or Puno. Given the informality of the routes, we recommend taking the best possible services on buses as they do not stop so much to collect people on the way. The duration of the trip Lima – Cusco can last between 15 and 21 hours depending on the service you choose.

What to see and do in Cusco?

There are many things that will inevitably form part of your journey, like the cobbled streets with stories to tell, the crafts markets, the stone of twelve angles, the great cathedral and several churches that will cross your path. These are however some of the most advisable things to browse in the city:

San Blas.

This is a mandatory place of passage. Starting from the main square by the Andean narrow streets you’ll arrive after a few uphill steps. The tourist, Andean and romantic atmosphere will catch you while you get to see the city from the heights.

San Pedro Market.

It is one of the most varied and exotic place for food and regional products. Fresh coca leaves, pure cacao, best quality coffee, fruit juices and typical dishes are just some of the things you will find. It’s ideal to go there if you want to save money.

Sacsayhuaman.

Going upstairs and along the winding road that goes in the direction towards the Christ that observes the whole city, you will find the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. This is the first approach you will have with the Inca architecture before going to Machu Picchu. Galleries, steps and windows made of stone ate the main attraction as well as a big esplanade to relax the view. Watch out for the girls in colorful attire walking llamas. Taking pictures of them is not free.

Temple of the moon.

Not far from Sacsayhuaman you will find archeological remains of the temple of the moon.

Qoricancha.

This was originally the temple of the sun but then the Spanish built the convent of Santo Domingo above it. It is currently one of the most interesting temples in the heart of the city of Cusco.

NOTE:
If you want to take a trip to the Salkantay Snowy Mountain or a many days journey to Machu Picchu www.salkantaytrekmachu.com for more information or the e-mail contact@salkantaytrekmachu.com to book a tour.
you are now able to get to this amazing place in 5 day from Cusco, Peru  

¡ Enjoy !

More information: CUSCO

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10 TIPS FOR THE INCA TRAIL

The Inca Trail is a trek that starts in the mythic 82 kilometer near Ollantaytambo. It is one of the most popular and exclusive treks in Peru. It comprises a journey of more than 23 km where different ecoregions, altitudes, temperature variety and amazing landscapes can be found. All of this makes your journey unforgettable. The route ends in Machu Picchu (Lost city of the Incas).

The scenery and landscapes changes among the trek. In the first two days the landscape is an Andean type with the presence of steep mountains, snowy mountains, woods and streams. On the other hand, the vegetation is more tropical on the third day. You can see llamas, hummingbirds, hawks, lizards and sometimes even deer among the way. You also trek across parts of Incan traces used by them to communicate different cities of their empire.

You really can’t miss a single part of this amazing trek, that’s why we give you these 10 tips to trek the Inca Trail.

1.- Get Acclimatized.

The best option is to arrive in Cusco 2 days before the trek so your body gets used to work properly in height. Rest at least 1 hour at your hotel after arriving, walk slowly and do not hesitate to take a taxi even when the journey is short.

2.- Try to drink coca leaf tea.

We recommend to take infusions of coca leaves (mate de coca) when you arrive to Cusco. All public places and hotels offer it and some hotels give it to their customers for free.

3.- Appropriate backpack.

Depending on the road you choose, the trek could last 2 or 4 days, so every gram counts. Bring only the strictly necessary and make sure that the backpack you take is the appropriate one for trekking because as you're moving, everything becomes heavier.

4.- Appropriate footwear.

It’s recommendable to take trekking shoes with good grip or mountain shoes for the Inca Trail and similar treks. It’s not convenient to bring new footwear because these will cause you blisters. It’s also advisable to take a pair of sandals to rest your feet at night.

5.- Food.

Eat light, without excess fat or heavy meals for digestion.

6.- Hydrate.

Is essential to hydrate with frequency during the trek and it’s something we shouldn’t forget. Bring water, it’s difficult to find water during the trek. Bring your own bottle of water and try to drink all the water you can.

7.- Bring candies.

In addition to what your guide brings, we recommend having some solid candy to suck while climbing. They seem to give you energy and they distract your mind from climbing!

8,- Bring a Camera.

The landscapes are really beautiful and you really can’t lose the chance to take great pictures so bring your camera and take as many photos as you can.

9.- Physical condition.

If you have a good physical condition you shouldn’t have any problems with the trek. If you’re not in a good physical condition walking before the trek could help.

10.- Go with your own rhythm.

It’s not a race. Do not hesitate to stop and rest if you feel oxygen lacks. We also think it’s more enjoyable to stop and rest frequently to admire the sights.

NOTE:
If you want to take a trip to the Salkantay Snowy Mountain or a many days journey to Machu Picchu www.salkantaytrekmachu.com for more information or the e-mail contact@salkantaytrekmachu.com to book a tour. 
you are now able to get to this amazing place in 5 day from Cusco, Peru  
¡ Enjoy !

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