See breathtaking mountain scenery, ancient Incan ruins and experience, first hand, the Andean culture on this trek.
This five-day trip is a perfect alternative for those unable to book the Inca Trail. The Vilcabamba area was the holdout for the crumbling Inca rebellion. The trail traverses the high Andean plateau, crossing passes as high as 4,750mt-15,585ft for an up-close view of the sacred Inca peak, Salcantay (6,280mt-20,598ft). The route then descends into the beautiful Aobamba valley with its tropical climate and vegetation. All along the way there are native Andean villages that time seems to have passed by. After a marvelous train ride, you arrive at the spectacular citadel of Machu Picchu for a never to be forgotten guided-tour of this architectural marvel.
The combination of trekking, scenery, culture, and history make this into an unforgettable adventure across Southern Peru.
Highlights
- Trek the Inca back country in a less crowded fashion than on the Inca Trail.
- Visit the unforgettable Incan city of Machu Picchu.
- Enjoy Andean scenery and culture.
- Get a glimpse of Peru's Jungle and tropical climate.
Day One - Bus from cusco to Mollepata. Begin our trek and hike about three hours to Pampa Soray (3,800m) our first camp.
Day Two - Climb to Portachuelo (4,750m) and then descend towards the Amazon basin and the Andean valley, Huayracmachay. Camp at 4,200 m.
Day Three - Follow the Sunchucata and Santa Teresa Rivers to Miscabamba where we will camp at 2,200 m.
Day Four - Embark on our final climb to Llactapata pass and then descend into the tropical Aobamba valley. From there we will take a fourty-five minute train ride to Aguas Calientes, the city at the feet of Machu Picchu.
Day Five - Take an early mourning bus up to a guided tour at Machu Picchu. You then have time to wander the ruins or climb nearby Wayna Picchu (2,700m peak). We will ride the train back to Cusco in the afternoon and return each of you to your hotel.
Fixed departures operate every Tuesday. Private departures can begin on any day. ...view more details
Trip Options
Listed trip includes Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes and the VistaDome train to Cusco. It is also possible to stay in a Santuario Hostal in Aguas Calientes and use the backpacker train to Cusco. Ask for pricing.
Why should I choose this trip? What makes it better (different) than other trips?
This trip is a spectacular alternative to the overcrowded Inca Trail. You will enjoy the Andean scenery of Southern Peru. The trek will allow you to experience the high-altitude climate as well as some of the tropical weather of the area. The guided tour of Machu Picchu will be an excelent end to this unforgetable trek along a preserved Incan trail. ...view more details
What kind of person will enjoy this trip?
This trip is perfect for the beginning trekker. It combines moderately difficult hiking with impressive scenery and wildlife and an immersian into the Andean culture. ...view more details
Day 1: We leave Cusco on a westbound bus towards the Anta plateau. This is the spot where the legendary Inca Pachacutec defeated the Chanca tribe thus starting the expansion of the Inca Empire. We continue up to Huillque pass with its panoramic view of the east side of the Vilcabamba range. On our way down towards the warm Limatambo valley we’ll stop at the Tarahuasi archeological site for lunch. After passing through Mollepata (2,850mt-9,350ft), a small and very typical Andean community, we begin our trek (approx. 3 hours). Since this is a rich agricultural area, we’ll see local villagers at work and possibly interact with them. The route continues towards the highlands with its very interesting and colorful surroundings, until we finally glimpse Mt. Soray (5,917mt-19,414ft). After crisscrossing several streams and passing through some dense bush areas, we reach our campsite on the immense Pampa Soray (3,800mt-12,468ft). Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 2: We start our day meeting our “arrieros” (horse handlers) before starting the trek through one of the most impressive area in the Vilcabamba range. Our hike will go to the base of the south face of Salcantay, one of the Inca's sacred mountains (6,217mt-20,575ft). We climb up on the southwest side of the Salcantay moraine to a high pass called Portachuelo (4,750mt-15,585ft). On this rocky area we may catch a glimpse of a lively vizcacha, a unique type of gray Andean rabbit and perhaps see a condor, the world’s largest flying bird. We will be very close to the huge south face of Salkantay, almost within touching distance. Don’t forget to carry a small rock all the way from Mollepata, since, according to Inca tradition, travelers must deposit one on an “apacheta” (a pyramid of rocks) at the pass as an offering to the “apus” (mountain spirits). The route then descends towards the Amazon basin and the Andean valley of Huayracmachay. Just past here we set up camp (4,100mt-13,450ft). Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 3: Today we’ll follow the route that the last Incas used to escape the Spanish in this remote region of the Vilcabamba range. The trail continues along the left bank of the Sunchucata River. On the way down toward Rayanpata we’ll observe how the landscape changes from arid highlands to tropical jungle. Further down, we see where three streams meet to form the Santa Teresa River. We continue on to the community of Collpapampa (2,900mt-9,515ft). The trail continues along the left bank of the Santa Teresa River. As we lose altitude, the weather warms but remains at a comfortable temperature. The trail crosses several creeks and passes by delightful waterfalls. Vegetation becomes more abundant and we'll see lots of multicolored flowers, butterflies and noisy little green parrots called "cordilleranos". Our lunch break will be on the riverbank before continuing to the campsite near the village of La Playa, also known as Miscabamba (2,200mt-6,562ft). The families who live here are socially organized in the same manner as their Inca ancestors; in an “ayni” or cooperative system designed to share construction and farming work. There will be a good chance to play soccer or volleyball with the locals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 4: We start our last climb, crossing Llactapata pass. There are Inca sites just on the other side of the pass and a spectacular panoramic view of the outline of Machu Picchu. Then we descend into the rich, tropical Aobamba valley with its fields of oranges, paltas (avocados), bananas, granadillas (passion fruit), coffee and sugar cane. After saying good-bye to our arrieros, we board the train for a 45-minute ride to Machu Picchu. We’ll overnight at comfortable lodgings in Aguas Calientes, the town just below Machu Picchu. If you like, a late afternoon dip in the outdoor hot spring baths of Aguas Calientes is a real treat. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 5: Early in the morning, we’ll take the bus up to the ruins to enjoy a guided-tour of this enigmatic site. After the tour there will be time to wander around and appreciate the beauty and mystery of Machu Picchu. Later on, you may choose to climb Wayna Picchu (2,700mt-8,856ft), the jutting peak overlooking the area. Around mid-afternoon we’ll take the bus back to the train station for the return trip to Cusco. The tracks run along the Urubamba river valley, the route taken by Hiram Bingham in 1911 when he re-discovered Machu Picchu. On arrival to Cusco, we transfer to the hotel. Breakfast and lunch are included.
This provider can help with your other additional needs
local flights
transfers
additional accomodations
trip extensions
... and other requirements.
Request these additional services when you check availability above
What's Included
-Bilingual guide. There will be a trip briefing with guide before departure.
-Airport or train station reception and departure transportation.
-Private bus to the trailhead, return tourist train to Cusco and hotel transportation.
-Entrance fees.
-Round trip bus ticket Machu Picchu /Aguas Calientes.
-All meals indicated on the itinerary. Vegetarian meals on request at no additional cost.
-Horses and mule handlers. Tents, kitchen gear and meals for mule handlers.
-Camping equipment: double 4 season tents (Eureka, Ferrino or REI - single tent available: $35 per person for entire trip), thermarest pad, kitchen, dining and toilet tent. Tables, stools and all kitchen gear.
-Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bath and breakfast..
-First-class trekking services including: hot water, soap and towels for washing, camp cook and assistant(s).
-Maximum weight per passenger: 6k/13lbs. Heavy luggage returns to Cusco.
-Walkie-talkies on treks.
-First-aid kit and oxygen bottle.
Not Included
-Hotels in Cusco.
-International or domestic flights. Cost of domestic flights (with a Peruvian airline): Lima-Cusco-Lima: $216 total per passenger.
-Airport taxes: International $32 and domestic $5 each flight.
-Any expenses incurred in preparing for the trip, such as, but not limited to, non-refundable airline tickets or travel insurance, nor additional expenses encountered as a result of flight or train schedule changes, delays, strikes, cancellations, missed connections or acts of God.
-Personal items like individual gear, sleeping bag (Peru Sur Nativa rents sleeping bags: $25 per person for entire trek), medicines, laundry, phone calls, etc.
-Bilingual guide. There will be a trip briefing with guide before departure.
-Airport or train station reception and departure transportation.
-Private bus to the trailhead, return tourist train to Cusco and hotel transportation.
-Entrance fees.
-Round trip bus ticket Machu Picchu /Aguas Calientes.
-All meals indicated on the itinerary. Vegetarian meals on request at no additional cost.
-Horses and mule handlers. Tents, kitchen gear and meals for mule handlers.
-Camping equipment: double 4 season tents (Eureka, Ferrino or REI - single tent available: $35 per person for entire trip), thermarest pad, kitchen, dining and toilet tent. Tables, stools and all kitchen gear.
-Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bath and breakfast..
-First-class trekking services including: hot water, soap and towels for washing, camp cook and assistant(s).
-Maximum weight per passenger: 6k/13lbs. Heavy luggage returns to Cusco.
-Walkie-talkies on treks.
-First-aid kit and oxygen bottle.
Not Included
Not Included
-Hotels in Cusco.
-International or domestic flights. Cost of domestic flights (with a Peruvian airline): Lima-Cusco-Lima: $216 total per passenger.
-Airport taxes: International $32 and domestic $5 each flight.
-Any expenses incurred in preparing for the trip, such as, but not limited to, non-refundable airline tickets or travel insurance, nor additional expenses encountered as a result of flight or train schedule changes, delays, strikes, cancellations, missed connections or acts of God.
-Personal items like individual gear, sleeping bag (Peru Sur Nativa rents sleeping bags: $25 per person for entire trek), medicines, laundry, phone calls, etc.
Notes
Trip Notes
- Mules and horse will carry all your heavy camping gear but this is inaccessible during the day so please bring a small day-pack to carry your personal day gear in – i.e. water-bottle, iodine tablets, camera, sun-block, insect repellent, light fleece and rain jacket.
- All entrance fees will be paid for.
- Meals will be prepared for you.
Transportation On Trip
Transportation Description
Private buses, Train
Transportation Types
Private Van
Average hours/day travel
Less than 1
Lodging - Accommodations
Lodging Types
3 Nights camping 1 Nights Lodge
Details
What special equipment will we use on this trip? Tell me about it.
You will only need to bring a sleeping bag and personal items such as clothes and sunscreen. We will supply the rest. We will provide private transportation, entrance fees, tents, thermarests, a cook, a bilingual guide, and meals as stated in the itinerary.
Tell me about the guides on this trip
Each trip will be accompanied by a bilingual guide a trip cook and a camp assistant.
Tell me about the safety precautions and plans for this trip.
In case of accident or illness, Peru Sur Nativa, through the group leader, will provide aid and arrange evacuation when necessary. Cost of specialized means of evacuation (helicopters, etc.) and medical care beyond basic first-aid are not the financial responsibility of Peru Sur Nativa (see waiver for complete details).
Maximum Guide/Client Ratio
1 to 12
Maximum Age
None
Elevation Range (Max, Min)
Up to 4750m
Weather
The dry season is considered April - October. The trips in November & December are chosen with slightly wetter, warmer weather in mind. The rainy season is considered January to march and we do not operate in these months. However no guarantees are given for perfect weather at any time of year.
Travel Provider
Provider Name
Peru Sur Nativa
Why should I choose this provider?
Peru Sur Nativa is a new alternative for those looking for outstanding, safe, high quality travel experiences in South America. We look forward to giving you the best value in your travels and to making your next trip a memorable experience. We strive to be the most educational, conscientious, and respectful travel company and our trips aim to break down barriers between people of different cultures, regardless of language, so that you return home with a better understanding of the places and people you have visited.
Provider Policies
Terms and Conditions
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Confirmations: In order to confirm programs for groups or individual passengers, Peru Sur Nativa requires the following information:
• full name of passenger(s)
• nationality
• passport number
• age
• occupation
• medical history and dietary restrictions
• address and telephone number
• special interests / needs
• all flight schedules
• rooming list
Reservations: In order to make reservations, Peru Sur Nativa requires an initial deposit equal to 50% of the total cost 45 days before arrival. You are required to deposit the rest of the total cost 30 days prior to your arrival. Payments should be deposited directly into the Peru Sur Nativa bank account (contact us for payment instructions).
After Making Reservations: Upon receipt of deposit we'll send you maps, a detailed itinerary, waiver form, medical advice, list of suggested equipment, visa requirements, hotel description, recommended reading list, money exchange information, weather considerations and other useful tips.
Single Supplement: Prices are based on double room occupancy. Single accommodations can be arranged for an extra charge. This includes single tents on trekking trips. Charges vary depending on the trip and the accommodations.
Insurance: All passengers are required to sign a standard waiver form at the beginning of all trips. We also recommend a short-term traveler's insurance policy covering accidents, baggage loss, emergency evacuation, etc. Any expenses resulting from flight delays, schedule changes, missed connections, sickness, trip delays due to bad weather, trail conditions, strikes, natural disasters, cancellations or acts of God will be assumed by the passenger through their traveler's insurance. We'll provide any and all documentation needed for insurance re-imbursement.
Emergency Care: In case of accident or illness, Peru Sur Nativa, through the group leader, will provide aid and arrange evacuation when necessary. Cost of specialized means of evacuation (helicopters, etc.) and medical care beyond basic first-aid are not the financial responsibility of Peru Sur Nativa (see waiver for complete details).
Personal Equipment: Each participant must bring the equipment required for the program. Peru Sur Nativa supplies a detailed list of the necessary equipment and clothing, as well as the equipment provided by the company.
Cancellations: Payments forfeited for canceled trips will depend on the date of cancellation:
• 45 days or more before departure: no forfeiture.
• 30 - 44 days before departure: forfeit 30% of total deposit.
• 16 - 29 days before departure: forfeit 50% of total deposit.
• 10 - 15 days before departure: forfeit 80% of total deposit.
• 0 - 9 days before departure: forfeit 100% of total deposit.
No Shows: Peru Sur Nativa will retain the entire deposit and not be held responsible for canceled or delayed flights. Peru Sur Nativa reserves the right to modify or change any program itinerary to ensure client safety. The company does not accept any responsibility for maltreatment (damage) of equipment, loss, accident, unforeseen costs, unavoidable delays, services provide by intermediaries, nor direct or indirect acts which are out the company's control.
Conditions Regarding Hotels:
• Hotel prices include “American” or buffet breakfast, depending on the category.
• All extra requests (telephone calls, laundry, room service etc.) will incur additional costs.
• Prices listed by Trekperu are guaranteed and re-evaluated yearly.
For hotel reservation and choices, please contact us!
Cancellation Policies
Cancellations: Payments forfeited for canceled trips will depend on the date of cancellation:
• 45 days or more before departure: no forfeiture.
• 30 - 44 days before departure: forfeit 30% of total deposit.
• 16 - 29 days before departure: forfeit 50% of total deposit.
• 10 - 15 days before departure: forfeit 80% of total deposit.
• 0 - 9 days before departure: forfeit 100% of total deposit.
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TESTIMONIALS
I would recommend this trip to a friend in a second. The trip to the Galapagos was Outstanding. The Letty was wonderful; the naturalists were the greatest; the food was superb; the crew excellent; (I\'m running out of adjectives) I would recommend the whole thing and your agency also. You really provided excellent service and information. I felt I could email or call you with any questions and I knew you would answer quickly and I felt honestly. For just taking a chance finding you on the internet, I was very fortunate.
-- Joyce P, Galapagos Islands on the Eric, Letty, Flamingo I
The Inca trail trek can only be described as magical. I tried my best to be cynical, but it didn’t work. This trip was pure magic and absolutely perfect.
The logistics of the trip were impeccable. The ground transportation was on time and they made sure I was able to obtain my boarding pass and pay the airport tax at each leg of the trip.
Out on the hike, my guide Oswaldo was fabulous.
The food on the trail was amazing. The chef created simple and fresh meals that were bursting with local flavor.
-- Terry B, Inca Trail 5-day with Andean Adventures
Just returned from Costa Rica last night ... trip was a GREAT SUCCESS! We all thank you VERY MUCH for arranging the trip.
-- Bob Fenchel, Custom Costa Rica with Camino Travel
We’ve been home just over a week now and I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you just how fantastically well everything went! Ok, so we did end up paying the full whack (which I’ve decided just not to think about!). However, we had a fantastic guide and everything ran really smoothly and we had a fantastic time. From being collected from the hotel (Vieja Cuba which was lovely) to being looked after once we got to the Galapagos it was all just perfect, so thank you very much for being an important part of our fabulous trip.
Cheers Greg !
-- Marayka K., Galapagos Multisport 7-Day Adventure
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Apu Salkantay Trek
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