Salkantay Trek and Ayahuasca Retreat in the Peruvian Amazon

Included on the Salkantay Trek and Ayahuasca retreat in the Peruvian Amazon

Professional local English speaker Guides: All our super leaders grew up in Cusco region and studied tourism for five years at Cusco’s university, they are friendly, funny charming, knowledgeable and professional. In addition to these qualities, our guides who carry out the tours of the Salkantay Trek and Ayahuasca retreats; also have participated in Ayahuasca ceremonies. And they have been properly trained for meditation and yoga sessions.

Permits:  As soon as we get your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits for the Salkantay Trek that also includes an entrance to Machu Picchu.

Hotel: This Salkantay Trekking 5 day 4 night includes one night in a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. The hotel you book will be listed on your invoice, and upgrades are always available.

Briefing: The night before your trip, you will come to our office for your informative meeting. You will receive your duffle bag that will stay with your porters while you hike on the Salkantay Trek. This duffle bag should not exceed 7 kg / 14 pounds and includes your sleeping bag and air mattress.

Porters: We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffle bag and also our camping equipment and food to our basecamp. There is no additional cost for this. You will not have access to your duffle bag until you arrive at your camp in the afternoon.

Transportation: Incas Path will be providing all transportation for this Salkantay trail journey. You will be picked up from your hotel between around 5:00 am. (unless you are staying in the sacred valley) and brought to KM 82 to begin the trek. The train back from Aguas Calientes will be on the train called Expedition Class and will be included in your trip. You also have the option to upgrade to the Vistadome class train for $75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, our van will take you back to your hotel in Cusco. In addition, included is your bus ticket to go down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and the round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on the 5^th day.

Food: Our 5 day Salkantay Trail includes expert hiking chefs who will cook delicious meals that many previous trekkers have loved. We honor all food restrictions, so be sure to add any that you have on your booking form and let know it to your guide in the briefing meeting. Food is typically all served as buffet.

Water: Starting from your first lunch until your last breakfast, we will provide you boiled, filtered, and then cooled water before distributing. You must bring personal water bottles and or a camelback. We advise you to bring a bottle or camelback of 1.5 litters, as being well hydrated is the key to feeling great in the mountains.

Details: We profess that it is the attention to small details that separates us from other travel agencies. Each hiker receives a small sleeping pillow, a foam mattress to insulate, a backpack cover to protect their daypack while hiking, an extra blanket, a bladder to refill with hot water for the cold nights and a rain poncho. We will work hard to create your best holiday.

First Aid: Every guide has got training in first aid from a clinic and firemen. We elaborate mandatory training sessions every February on the Salkantay Trek, which every Incas Path tour guide must attend. Your tour leader is going to have always a first-aid kit for basic medical problems.

Not Included on the Salkantay Trek and Ayahuasca retreat in the Peruvian Amazon

Rentals: Because we are hiking for 5 days to the lost city of the Incas, each trekker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and trekking poles (with rubber tips). They are optional but encouraged for a better comfort. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent:

• Sleeping Bag: $25
• Inflatable Air Mattress: $20
• Trekking Poles (Pair): $20

Additional options

Huayna Picchu

It is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 1-hour hike to the top. While this hike is on your own, your guide will show you the entry. Huayna Picchu is an additional entrance ticket that we must secure for you with advance. The ticket is $75 per person.

Machu Picchu Mountain

It is the other mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu site. As Huayna Picchu it offers also spectacular views, this extra hike takes 3-hour round trip. This is an additional entrance ticket that we must secure for you in advance. This ticket is $75 per person.

Vistadome Train 

This hike to Machu Picchu includes, the Expedition Train class to come back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. This train is always booked at 3:20 or 4:22 pm. Departing from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. There is also the vistadome train class, which is an upgraded train that offers slightly larger seats and windows, some entertainment and snack. Usually, the Vistadome train is booked for 4:43 p.m. and goes to Poroy, a train station 30 minutes close to Cusco. As this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel. The ticket is $75 per person.

Extra day at Machu Picchu

You will have 3 hours to explore the citadel of Machu Picchu on your own (it is not possible to stay longer due to the new conservation regulations). You have the hours of 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 am. to enter the citadel. Your return train will be at 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm. If you want to have a guided tour the next day in Machu Picchu, we can also organize it.

• The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is USD 50 per person.
• The round trip bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is USD 25 per person.

Prices

We would love to tour the Classic Salkantay Trek and share the Ayahuasca journey with you and your loved ones. We start this trek with yoga and meditation sessions on the classic Inca trail every Tuesday and Wednesday and the Ayahuasca retreats start every Monday.

Group Price (2022):

• $565 per person

Private Tour:

Private tours are available and priced by party size.

Two trekkers: $625 per person
Three trekkers: $615
Four trekkers: $605
Five trekkers: $595
Six trekkers: $585
Seven trekkers: $575
Eight, or more, trekkers: $565

Hotel:

We include a three (3) star hotel in Aguas Calientes and we rent, Retama Machu Picchu, Inti Punku Machu Picchu Hotel & Suites, or Waman Hotel Machu Picchu (based on availability at booking). Rooms are based on double or triple occupation, and there is a single room surcharge of $50 US per person, if you wish a private room. Rooms all include private bathrooms with hot showers, breakfast and Wi-Fi. We could also upgrade your hotel if you like better something more luxurious. Please remind the service in Aguas Calientes is not as good as in Cusco. Below there is a list of potential upgrade choices, if you want any other hotel, just let us know

• El Mapi: +$80 US pp shared (+$160 for a single)
• Sumaq: +$220 US pp shared (+$380 for a single)

Solo travelers:

• + $ 50 US per person

For those who want a single room in Aguas Calientes or travel alone, there is a $ 50 room charge to cover the total cost of the room. We do not join hikers alone in a double room. This covers three star hotels and will be more expensive for improved hotels.

In the case of the rooms in the Ayahuasca retreat, these are shared by 2 participants.

Student Discount:

• – $ 25 discount per person

Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid International Student Card (ISIC) at the start of the trek or who is 17 years old or younger. For those using an international student card or for children under 17, we need to see a copy of your card or passport at the time of booking to receive the Machu Picchu discount.

Please send everything to info@cuscodigital.com

Packing list

The Classic Salkantay Trail with meditation sessions, includes porters who will carry all your duffle bag while you hike. We suggest you to carry lightweight backpack that the is key to feeling good during this hike.

Essentials:

• Original Passport.
• STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbacks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) remember that the Salkantay Trail hike is entirely dirt soil.

For Your Duffel:

Our porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air mattress.

• 5 wicking t-shirts
• 2 hiking pants
• 5 sets of undergarments.
• 5 sets of hiking socks
• 1 Fleece and 1 down jacket; it gets cold at night
• 1 rain jacket and rain pants /rain poncho
• 1 sun hat
• 1 wool hat
• Headlamp: essential
• Hiking boots
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Quick dry towel. We provide small ones; you might bring a towel a little larger.
• Battery Charger: ¡There is no place to plug
• Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep away clean clothes from dirty clothes.
• Earplugs in case someone from the group snores
• Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

Toiletries:

• Sunscreen
• Face moisturizer
• Bug spray
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Toilet paper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

Inside Your Daypacks:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Some items you need to pack, are listed below:

• Passport.
• Sunhat.
• Sun cream.
• Sunglass.
• Headlamp.
• Rain gear.
• Fleece.
• Snacks, which contain a quick source of sugar or caffeine.
• Electrolytes, which are very useful to replace mineral salts lost when hiking.
• Camera.
• Music (IPhone).
• Hand sanitizer.
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste.
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips.

Where do we pick up the hikers for the Classic Salkantay Trek?

Pick up will be from your hotel at 5:00 a.m. Please provide clear contact information of your place of accommodation when approaching our office in Cusco.

Where to pay the remaining amount for the Classic Salkantay Trek and Ayahuasca Retreat in the Peruvian Amazon?

Most hikers arrive in Cusco 2 or 3 days before the hike for proper acclimatization. Once you are in Cusco it is imperative that you come to our office to review the last details of your excursion and also pay the remaining amount of your trek.

Reserve for the Classic Salkantay Trek?

We try to make the booking as easy as possible in INCAS PATH. We prepare a reservation form where you will complete and include all the details for the excursion, and then a deposit of USD 400 per person. Once we have all the deposits and details, we will reserve your permits. Once the Classic Salkantay Trail and Machu Picchu permits are in our hands, we will send you, your invoice and confirmation that everything is 100% organized. All excursions once confirmed, are guaranteed.

Permissions for the Classic Salkantay Trek and Ayahuasca Retreat?

Only tour operators licensed by the government, such as INCAS PATH, can obtain the corresponding permits from the government. Once we have obtained your permits, the name and start date cannot be changed under any circumstances. The only information that the government allows us to change are passport numbers.

Passport Number Update?

The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of the new passport and the old passport. If you no longer have your old passport, any identification document that you have in your hands will be accepted while the name is the same as in your passport.

Where to stay in Cusco?

You can stay in a hotel that you consider convenient, however you must take into account the location of the hotel, as traffic within the city has become stressful in the last 5 years. Many roads are up to 100 years old; Especially near the main square, the roads are for pedestrians only. We will notify you if it is not possible to pick you up by car from your hotel and we will arrange another nearby pickup point. For a list of recommended hotels, consult your INCAS PATH sales representative.

Can I stay in the sacred valley?

No, as the driven route to the beginning of the trek does not pass through the sacred valley of the Incas.

During the trip, how challenging is the Classic Salkantay Trek?

Remember that this trek, it is challenging because of the long hours of hiking; if rains, the dirt soil path could be slippery and muddy (don´t worry if you have good hiking boots), also this hike is humid, hot and with mosquitoes on the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th day. So it will be exhausting but it will be worth it, when you arrive at Machu Picchu; and so you will take your so awaited postcard pictures and will learn all the most interesting details about these incredible Inca ruin.

Will I need extra money on the Classic Salkantay Trek?

Of course, if you want to buy some type of drinks, reminders or for tipping, take about 500 soles with you; «also remember that along the days of hiking only cash is accepted».

How many people will be in my group on the Classic Salkantay Trek and Ayahuasca Retreat in the Peruvian Amazon?

We require a minimum of 2 people for our tour, and if you are traveling alone, we invite you to join our groups that start every Tuesday and Wednesday; we can have up to 8 hikers with 1 guide and if our groups are between 9 to 16 people, we have 2 accredited guides with a lot of experience leading groups. During the low season it is most likely that the groups are small and during the high season the groups are probably much larger.

Do you need hiking boots for the Classic Salkantay Trek?

We always recommend hiking boots, since if it rains a little the Salkantay path can become a bit muddy and slippery; please make sure they have good soles.

Are trekking poles really necessary on the Classic Salkantay Trek?

For this trek we recommend the use of trekking poles for everyone, especially for those hikers with knee problems or older people; there are several sections during the tour where you will need to use the walking sticks, either climbing or descending the stone path.

Are there any toilets along the Classic Salkantay Trek?

INCAS PATH provides chemical toilets that are available to you at the lunch spot and at the camp. Please carry a roll of toilet paper in your daypack.

Can I use plastic bottles during the Classic Salkantay Trek?

Due to New government regulations for the Classic Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu, it will be 100% BANNED to BRING PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES. We kindly suggest you getting your aluminum plastic bottles to avoid any disappointment at the check points along the hiking path.

Aluminum water bottles can be bought in many different shops around the main square.

If you are still at home and ready to fly to Peru for your trek, we recommend you bringing aluminum water bottles or camel bags.

Where do I store my luggage?

All luggage not necessary for the hike must remain in Cusco. All hotels are very helpful and are quite accustomed to storing luggage of their guests. Also if you wish you can store it safely with our customer service team in our office storage

What should I expect from the weather on the Salkantay Trek and Ayahuasca Retreat in the Peruvian Amazon?

Historically in the Peruvian highlands, we have the dry season that goes from April to October and the rainy season that goes from November to March. Unfortunately, this pattern is changing a bit due to climate change. Be ready with your cap/hat and your bottle of sunscreen, because the solar radiation in Cusco during the day fluctuates between 16 and 18 points. And do not forget to bring warm clothes for the cold at night, since the temperature can drop as low as 0 ° C degrees Celsius.

Can Incas Path please my dietary needs? What kind of food will there be?

For us it is an honor to please all kinds of dietary needs, just let us know at the time of booking. If you are vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, gluten free or any type of allergies. We have a team of cooks with a lot of experience in the preparation of all types of diets. Also remember that we want to pamper you during this hike to the Lost city of the Incas and for that reason we use 100% organic vegetables for the elaboration of our buffets.

What type of outlet is used in Cusco?

Most hotels and even homes in Peru now have the standard US output; however, some local areas, still use that of South America (that is why, power banks for the hike are encouraged to be brought).

What is the standard procedure when it comes to tip?

Tipping is part of the tradition of any trip to Machu Picchu and, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, we always appreciate any extra appreciation. Keep in mind that this is not mandatory and that you should never feel pressured for this reason.

In general, participants in a group show their appreciation as a group for their porters and chef and a personal appreciation towards their tour guide, which will be according to their degree of satisfaction with the service provided.