Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soyroccocha
Your adventure in the Andean mountains will kick off at the crack of dawn, around 5 am, when we come to collect you from your hotel in our van. We will then make our way towards the trailhead at Soraypampa, passing through two charming indigenous villages along the way, called Iscuchaca and Limatambo. This scenic route will offer you breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the renowned snow-capped Salkantay Mountain.
Once we arrive at the trailhead in Soraypampa, we will indulge in a delicious breakfast while taking in the awe-inspiring views of the Humantay Glacier (19,356 feet) and the Salkantay Mountain (20,396 feet). We will then embark on a 2.5-hour hike to the enchanting turquoise Humantay Lake. After soaking up the breathtaking scenery, we will ascend to Salkantay Pampa, which takes about an hour and a half. Here, you can look forward to a scrumptious lunch with a majestic glacier as your backdrop.
We will then make our way to our first campsite at Soroccocha, which is situated at the base of the majestic Salkantay Mountain. Upon arrival, we will offer you warm afternoon tea and appetizers to refresh you after the day’s activities. You will then have the chance to settle into your pre-set tents before dinner.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Hiking time: Around six hours
- Distance: 6 miles / 9.6 km
- Trekking difficulty level: Moderate
Inclusions
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN SALKANTAY TREK?
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel
- Pick up at your hotel on the morning of the trek departure
- Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa (starting point of the trek)
- Entry fee to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- English-speaking experienced professional guide
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Toilet tent for our group only
- 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Transfer to your hotel in Cusco
- Dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private room and bathroom
- Mules and horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen, 7 kgs of your personal items such as extra clothes, sleeping bags, etc
- Provision of a horse in case of emergency such as illness, to ensure that all participants complete the track.
- Comfortable foam mattress
- Boiled water for drinking and washing purposes, available at every mealtime
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN SALKANTAY TREK?
- Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent- $30 USD – (Tent is for solo travelers only)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade –$67 USD per person (Return Only)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain –$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook, and porters of APPLE TRAVEL PERU
**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request it in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
Prices
This unique Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu can be done on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 participants!
GROUP PRICE -$557 USD per person
PRIVATE SERVICE PRICES:
2 – 3 Trekkers: $697 USD per person
4 – 5 Trekkers: $657 USD per person
6 – 8 Trekkers: $617 USD per person
**** This price includes the extra pack horse who will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs, we will provide you with a duffel bag in which to put your things.
***We provide large Eureka 4-person tents for every 2 trekkers.
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD Information required on student card: name of the university, student name, photo of the student, expiration date, etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for a discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Group of 5 or more: $30 USD – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
EXTRAS
- Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
- Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
- Walking Poles -$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)
- Personal tent- $30 USD – (Tent is for single trekkers only)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade –$67 USD per person (Return Only)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain –$75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Single supplement-$30 USD per night (for solo travelers with a single room)
**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request it in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- TRANSFER – from the Airport to Hotel (Cusco Only)
- DUFFEL BAG AND LINER BAGS – included in the trekking price!
- EXTRA PORTER is included in the price, the porter will carry your belongings up to 7 kgs /14lbs like a sleeping bag, mattress, clothes, etc.
- BOILED WATER is included along the Inca Trail
- OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
- EMERGENCY HORSE is included in the price and can be ridden if you get tired or sick
- SMALL PILLOW
PLASTIC RAIN poncho made by Apple Travel Peru is included
Why Apple Travel
WHY CHOOSE APPLET TRAVEL TRAVEL?
Apple Travel Peru is a family-owned travel agency and a local tour operator located in Cusco, Peru. With years of personal experience trekking and exploring the area, we pride ourselves on providing personalized and high-quality service to all our clients. As a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders, we are committed to supporting our local community.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in responsible and sustainable tourism practices. We treat our staff like family and ensure that they receive a fair salary. Our team is the backbone of our company, and we are proud to have a skilled and dedicated team that helps us provide unforgettable experiences to our clients.
We understand the importance of working with a reliable and honest tour operator when planning your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. That’s why we encourage you to check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on TripAdvisor to see what our clients have to say about their experience with us. With Apple Travel Peru, you can trust that we will go above and beyond to make your trip a success.
SMALL GROUPS
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in providing a more intimate and personalized experience for our guests. To achieve this, we have a policy that limits our group size to a maximum of 8 people. This sets us apart from other tour companies that often operate with much larger groups. By keeping our groups small, we are able to provide more individual attention to each of our guests, ensuring a higher quality of service and a more enjoyable experience overall.
BEST TREKKING ROUTE
We have a unique itinerary that sets us apart from other trekking companies. Our camps are located quite far from others, and we take you to visit two stunning glacial lakes when there’s usually no one around. One of the highlights of our trek is the hike up to Llactapata Inca ruins which offer a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. And of course, you’ll get to experience Machu Picchu up close with a small, guided tour.
OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe that having the right guide can make all the difference in your travel experience. That’s why we are proud to say that our guides are highly professional and fluent in English. They are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about Inca heritage and history.
Our guides are committed to ongoing personal and professional development. They conduct extensive research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. You can rest assured that you will be in good hands with our crew, who are not only knowledgeable but also fun-loving and great sports.
All of our guides hold degrees in one of the following fields: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology. We believe that their education and expertise provide a valuable perspective and enhance your overall experience.
OUR COOKS AND HORSEMEN
At Apple Travel Peru, we understand that trekking the Salkantay Trail is a transformative experience, which is why we prioritize your comfort and enjoyment during the journey. We want to make sure that you have the best possible experience while interacting with the locals, exploring fascinating sites, and discovering remote ancient Inca towns. Our fully portered trek ensures that you have everything you need while you relax and take in the breathtaking scenery.
Our team of horsemen will help carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up your tents in quiet and peaceful campsites, and take care of you every step of the way. We give our cooks as a whole and horsemen with fundamental stuff, for example, coats, sun caps, warm caps, shirts, pants, climbing boots, agreeable gym bags, flasks, and supports to safeguard their spine. Additionally, we also provide them with sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance, so they can focus on ensuring your comfort and satisfaction throughout the trek.
Furthermore, we are committed to supporting the local communities by hiring all of our horsemen and porters from isolated areas. This gives them an opportunity to work with our company, improving their economic circumstances, and providing for their children’s education. We believe in sustainable tourism that benefits both the traveler and the local communities, and our fully portered trek is just one way we make this possible.
OUR COOKS ON THE SALKANTAY TREK
The food on the trek has been highly complimented by all our clients, many of whom say “it was better than in the restaurants”. Delicious and abundant gourmet-style meals and Peruvian and international cuisine are prepared by our professional and dedicated cooks from a mixture of local and exotic produce. If you have diet restrictions or food allergies, we can cater to your needs!
OUR EQUIPMENT
Our team (guides, cooks, and horsemen) and our equipment are what really makes Apple Travel Peru stand out from all the competitors…. For all the adventures we hike, we include the following items:
- OUR TENTS: Enjoy a good night’s sleep in our 4 season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4-person tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- OUR MATS: They are used to insulate you from the ground.
- AIR MATTRESSES: They can be rented for $20 USD.
OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at mealtime. It’s a place to enjoy our meals and the company of fellow trekkers. - OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining room includes tables and chairs with two doors on each side, which are adaptable to weather conditions.
- DUFFEL BAGS: Will be provided at briefing time the night before the trek.
- MORE: Pillows, backpack, rain covers, survivor t-shirts, hot shower, and the biochemical camping toilet, are provided on the trek.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
At Apple Travel Peru, we have always believed that we should give back to the local isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.
Apple Travel Peru is so proud to be able to support these people, not only employing them but going back to our grassroots as they share with their families. It makes us happy to have this holistic approach with our highland employees and their families
Important Info
Please read carefully the following information as it will help with your questions about our services and the Lares trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!
THE BRIEFING
Your briefing will take place the night before your trek. It will be held at our office at 6 or 6:30 pm, depending on your confirmation email details. The office is located at Calle Garcilaso 2010 Office 2012.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Lares trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE LARES & SHORT INCA TRAIL?
FIRST, to book your Lares trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here on the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase a Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail permits and entrances without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd/mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address appletravelperu@gmail.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately, the answer is No. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Permits and entrance tickets are not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Lares trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Lares Trek + Short Inca Trail, permit entrances, and reservations. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passports to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter the Lares trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or get on the train.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE LARES TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually takes between 24 hours to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness are WATER, COCA TEA, and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. See our detailed information about Altitude Sickness under FAQS.
HIKING TO LARES TREK MACHU PICCHU
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14 lbs. Your team of pack horses will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the horses will always be ahead of the group. During the Lares trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 40L backpack is sufficient.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The Lares trek & Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 39 km hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is (4,700m/15,419ft). The Trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well-prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise.
In preparation: try walking 15kms a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well-acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE LARES TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean, and sanitary toilet. Apple Travel Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TREK?
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, apple Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick-up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE LARES TREK & SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we will pick you up there!
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many apple Travel Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, and respect the places and the local people.
Packing Checklist
WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK?
- Original Passport (it has to be the same one you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid student card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3L (water bottles must be reusable, not disposable)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Apple Travel)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK?
As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14lbs including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15 lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In these 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
- Couple Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, bring them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, but you might prefer something larger
- A small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK
We highly recommend a small backpack of 30 to 40L for hiking during the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch stop. Please bring your water bottles.
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp: essential
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars, or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho (provided by Apple)
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
