Hikkers on the Salkantay trail spend a day approaching the mountain from the south and then another day in close proximity to the mountain as they scale the Salkantay Pass, which at 4,600m provides amazing views into the valley below. Salkantay trek of 4 days and 3 nights is a great adventure that will allow you to appreciate Andean and lush green mountains (Cloud forest), streams, rivers and hot springs that will help you relax your body after the physically taxing walk. You can also feel the temperature change along the hiking mountain paths of the tour of Salkantay. You can also enjoy some snow in one of the highest points of the road, 4,630 mts/15, 228 feet above sea level. Finally, the last day (the fifth day) you will enjoy the Grand tour of Machu Picchu City.
8 Day Glamping Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu & Amazon Tambopata Reserve Overview:
STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco & Sacred Valley Hotel/Airbnb. From 4:30 am to 5:00 am
ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb 10:30 pm
DEPARTURE: Daily. If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as large group service). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in cusco
HIKING DISTANCE: 67km
PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 3. Salkantay Trek requires some physical preparation and we Also recommend to Aclimatize 2 days before we begin the Salkantay Trek
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,630 m / 15,228 ft
TRANSPORTATION: Private Van/Bus to Challacancha (for our Passengers and staff) Tourist Expedition Train Back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and Bus back to Cusco, Bus round trip Cusco – Puerto Maldonado – Cusco or Puno
ACCOMMODATIONS: 2 nights Glamping in Green Eco Dome ( Private Campsite of Domes at Soraypampa and Loreta la Playa ), 1 night in the hotel (Aguas Calientes), 03 nights in Bungalow into the Tambopata Natural Reserve
MEALS: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners, 2 tea times + wake-up teas
MACHUPICCHU: Machupicchu entrance fee Included.
Day 01: Pick Up from Hotel in Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Day 02: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmacha – Chaullay – La Playa Loreta
Day 03: La Playa Loreta – Lucmabamba – Llactapata incan site – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Day 04: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco (Overnight Bus ride) – Puerto Maldonado
Day 05: Pick up From Bus Terminal in Puerto Madonado – Lodge – Jungle Trail Walk – Botanical Garden – Caiman Spotting
Day 06: Sandoval lake hike (Oxbow Lake) – Picnic Lunch – Jungle Family – Night Trail Walk
Day 07: Parrot Clay Lick – Relax – Zip Lining – Canopy – Kayak to the Monkey island
Day 08: Breakfast & Transfer to Puerto Maldonado and Bus Back to Cusco or Puno.
8 Day Glamping Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu and Amazon Tambopata reserve Highlights:
- Sleep in comfort under the stars in our Ecofriendly Sky Green Eco Domes located in private campsite at Soraypampa and Loreta Campsite. Best Campsites Along the the Salkantay Trek.
- 02 Nights: Private Soraypampa and Loreta La Playa at Campsite at our Green Eco SKY DOME
- 03 Nights in a Jungle Bungalow into the Tambopata Natural Reserve
- 01 Night: Aguas Calientes Hotel
- Visit Humantay Lake and Salkantay Lake
- Hike the Original Inca Trail to LLactapata Incan site to see Machupicchu.
- Enjoy the scenic views of Salkantay Snow Mountain
- Make a small ritual for the Andean gods and learn about Incan religion
- Enjoy our friendly customer service and experienced top guides
- Eat delicious, freshly prepared Peruvian cuisine (Buffet Peruvian Style Food)
- Hike through the different types of landscapes and Sceneries, such as cloud forests, highlands, grassy hills, and Andean valleys
- Reach 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) in elevation along the Salkantay Pass
- Explore Machu Picchu and the surrounding area with expert and knowledgeable tour top guides
- Hike one of National Geographic’s 25 “World’s Best Treks”Please, Note:We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You are Going !!! To Confirm and Secure the Inca Trail Permits. Send us the filled out booking form as well as a deposit of 30% and you are ready to go…
Please Note: For travellers who don’t have many days to hike, or for those who doesn’t feel fit enought to hike the Salkantay of 4 days. We have a great alternative salkantay trek and Humantay lake of 3 days conecting to machupicchu by train from ollantaytambo to aguas calientes. or salkantay and humantay lake 2 days sleeping in our domes.(Click here to see more info)
Salkantay Day 1: Mollepata – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
We pick you up from your hotel Between 4:30 a.m to 5:00am to drive for about 2 hours to Mollepata where we stop to have breakfast. Then we keep driving 1 hour to Challacancha where start our Salkantay trek. As soon as we are at Challacancha while you get ready to walk. The cook and the horseman will pack all the camping equipment and cooking stuff and we start hiking the first 3 hours will be a little bit uphill to get Soraypampa where we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120m/13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft) – just the start! After Lunch We will begin our Hike up to Humantay Lake, and hen back to Soraypampa our first Salkantay Trek camping spot (3800 m/11750ft; the highest and coldest campsite of the trip) we will be very close to the second highest Salkantay snow capped – mountain of Cusco.
1ST DAY: Total distance: 15 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 7- 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 3,800 m (aprox.)
Salkantay Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay – Loreta La playa coffee camp
After having our Salkantay Trek early breakfast we start walking about 6:00 am, because this day will be the longest day the first 4 hours is uphill to get the highest point of the Salkantay Trek (4650m/15200ft) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible. There is a possibility of snow here. After a rest, we will continue our walk (downhill) through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch. We hike again after lunch in the direction of the start of the jungle until we reach Chaullay Where we take our Local transportation for 1 hour to Get our La Playa Loreta Coffe Campsite. The Reason we stay at this campsite is because the next day we will climb up to a mountain where you will find one of the most beautiful inca trail site which is known as Llactapata. You will also see Machu Picchu City from this point.
2ND DAY: Total distance: 19 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 8 – 9 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4,650 m (aprox.)
Campsite altitude: 2,750 m (aprox.)
Salkantay Day 3: Loreta La playa –Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
We will have breakfast at 6:00am and leave our camping spot of La Playa Loreta. We walk up on a original Inca Trail to Llactapata site where you will get a chance to see Machupicchu far away (one of the most beautiful place to see Machupicchu) then We continue walking, passing a variety of crop plantations, coca, banana etc. until we reach the hydroelectric station for Lunch. And after the lunch we keep walking about two and half hours till reaching Aguas Calientes town where we will spend the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the thermal springs in the town (entrance 10 soles) a real treat after finishing the Salkantay Trek.
Please note: (For those who dont want to hike via this trail. There is a chance to take a bus to Santa Teresa and do an adventure sport of zip lining and Canopy and then transfered to hydroelectric station for Lunch and meet the group.) This has an extra Price of US$40 per person.
3RD DAY: Total distance: 15 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 7 – 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 1,600 m (aprox.)
Hotel (aguas calientes) altitude: 1,900 m (aprox.)
Salkantay Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco!!!
Salkantay trek important day! We wake up early morning about 4am to then to 4:30 to have the breakfast and Start to walk up to Machupicchu which takes 1 and half hours up to machupicchu. But there is another option to catch the first bus which leaves 5:30am to Machupicchu. (it takes 25-minutes long) in order to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun is rising. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your Guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huaynapicchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top.and after enjoying machupicchu you have to go down to aguas calientes to take the train back to ollantaytambo and then bus back cusco. this Night you will get a Night bus ride from Cusco to Puno at 10:00pm
4TH DAY: Total distance: 6 km (aprox.)
Estimated walking time: 1- 2 hour
Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (aprox.)
Day 5: Jungle Hike and Explore the Amazon Botanical Garden( Chacra) and Spotting Caiman
On arrival of your bus to Puerto Maldonado, our guides or staff will meet you at the bus station and transfer you to our office to make a registration.
Your excess luggage will be stored safely in our office in Puerto Maldonado and then we will continue to the Capitania port. We take our motor boat along the Madre de Dios River for approximately – 40 minutes to Amazon Garden Lodge. A cool welcome drink awaits you.
The start of the adventure circuit is reached a tower and stairway that ascends to the treetops where a platform that marks the start of the zip-line almost 200mts long, the breathtaking views are only matched by the excitement of overcoming our fears and the adrenaline that courses through us as we leap off the platform supported by the high security harnesses that connect us to the zip- line cable to a platform 27mts high. The 75mts long of the log walkway, hanging 27m above the floor, leads off this platform, a risky balancing act, and takes us to the platform at the start of the second zip line, a 160m fly back to the tower and stairwell that descends to the forest floor. And then Return to the Amazon Garden Lodge After a well-deserved lunch, we take the kayaks to the river, well protected with high quality life jackets, and accompanied by a motor boat that guarantees extra security; this level one activity is relaxing and accessible for all. Getting Monkey Island you will be able appreciate a great diversity of monkeys such as the: capuchin, tamarines y squirrel monkeys we will put on a show of swinging through the treetops charging down the trunks of the large trees that form their home in order to accept food from your hand .
Return to Amazon Garden Lodge .Nocturnal activities are available this night we have the caiman spotting.
Day 6: Hike and Canoeing at the Oxbow Sandoval Lake
After a great breakfast, and distributed to each traveler lunch and snacks we’ll take the boat to get to the control of Tambopata National Reserve Zone, after 1 and half hour walking trhough the rainforest we are approaching to the famous Sandoval Lake. DIts way by immense ancient trees and entangled vines; we will be able to see multihued flower and fauna including: Giant Otters, birds, coloured butterflies, turtles, and variety of fish. We will spend few hours in canoe on this one of the most beautiful lakes in region. Return to Amazon Garden Lodge, dinner and rest.
Day 7: Kayak to the monkey island, Native Family and Rustic Fishing.
we take to the majestic Madre de Dios River and set course downstream for an hour for the Native Community of Ese´Ejas, the largest Ese Eja community numbering about 200 families, of which we will be visiting two. The Project “Rescuing Cultural Values“, situated on Gamitana Island, is working with two families who will show us the culture of their ancestors, their language and customs, clothing and dances. In our modern, civilized world we have all but forgotten the existence of ancestral cultures and traditions. An ancient indigenous tradition like the Ese´Eja reveals to us the customs and way of life of indigenous peoples. They gift us with the opportunity to have a direct contact with a people of ancient warriors and hunters and to share their ancestral ways.and at 1.pm lunch. By the afternoon we have time to do roustic fishing in Madre de Dios river, where with some luck we’ll have chance to catch some species like pictus cat fish, small mouth,armored cat fish and red eye piranha. Back to the lodge, dinner an rest.
Day 8: Parrots and Parakeet’s Clay Lick (Cachuela)– Puerto Maldonado (End of the service)
Parrots and parakeets need to eat rich clay that provides them with the salts and minerals necessary to metabolize and neutralize the toxins and acids of the flowers, fruits, and seeds upon which they feed. Early each day, therefore, they congregate at the salt licks, clay walls along the rivers and streams in the Madre de Dios region of the Amazon rainforest. At about 7:00am we back to the lodge, have breakfast and return to Puerto Maldonado and Drop you off at the Bus Terminal arriving between 8:30 to 9:00am
- 8 Day Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu and Amazon Tambopata Reserve Includes:
- Private Tourist Transportation To Mollepata and Extra 1 hour minutes to get Challacancha better views and skip the dusty road. (We never share Bus service with other companies as most agencies do here to minimize costs)
- Private Transportation back from Soraypampa to Cusco and then Ollantaytambo/where we take the train to Aguas Calientes
- Expeditions Train From Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Bus Round trip from Cusco – Puerto Maldonado – Cusco or Puno.
- Machupicchu Entrance fee and Visit of Machupicchu
- 01 Night Hotel Overnight in Aguas Calientes
- 03 Nights in a Jungle Bungalow into the Amazon Tambopata Natural Reserve
- English – Spanish speaking guide for 2 days on Humantay Lake & Salkantay Trek.(All our Guides work for us only) All of them speak Fluent English Second Guide Over 16 people Group
- Night in Dome at SORAYPAMPA and LORETA LA PLAYA CAMPSITE ( Twin bed room, Matrimonial bed room, 3 beds room, 4 beds room Accomodation)
- 02 Nights: Soraypampa and Loreta La playa Campsite at our Geodesic Sky Dome
- Cook and assistance of the Cook.(We have chosen the best cook/cheffs and all are trained by Quechuas Expeditions every month)
- Cooking equipment (We use New cooking equipment and change all every 3 months)
- Snacks (Fruits, energy bars)
- Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) with full of popcorn and special snacks made by our cooks)
- Dining equipment including portable chairs and tables
- Food service (7 breakfast, 7 lunches, 7 dinners, 5 snacks) – nutritionally balanced menu: Buffet style Plenty of food you will never be hungry with us! as well as Guinea Pig for free because we want you to taste all from Peru.
- Vegetarian and free Gluten menu at no extra cost (Please let us know at the time of booking)
- Salkantay Trek & Humantay entrance fees, valid for 3 days
- Insurance policy of life for porters and cooks.
- Private Transportation from the train station of Ollantaytambo to Cusco(2 hours drive) and drop off at the hotel.(we only use our Private Transportation. so you will never wait at the train station till the bus of 30 ppl gets full)
- First-aid kit (Our Guide will carry while on the salkantay trail) Please, note all our Guides are trained every year in first-aid)
- Emergency oxygen bottle (Our guide will carry while on the Trail)
- Rain waterproof cover for your day backpacks
- Pre trek Orientation – briefing A day before we do the Trek. (Hotel or Office) Let us know once you are at the office or by email.
- Free “I survived ” T-shirt and certificate (only for PEOPLE who successfully complete the trek!!!8 Day Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu and Amazon Tambopata reserve Doesnt Include:
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner on 1st Day and Lunch Dinner on day 8
- Salkantay Entrance Fee (10 soles)
- DISCOUNTS (to apply discounts. Please send us an email at info@quechuasexpeditions.com)
UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD (Students must be below 25 years) : US$20. Please send us a a scanned copy of the student card at the time of booking.
Under 17 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of passport at the time of booking.
Under 12 years old: US$20 Please send us a copy of passport at the time of booking.
Group of 5 or more: US$10 per person. All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
UPGRADES:
Huaynapicchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$30 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
MachuPicchu Mountain (Based on Availability): US$30 Based on Availability (Let us at the time of booking)
Upgrade to Vistadome Train (First Class Train) (Includes Private Transportation From Ollantaytambo to Cusco) USUS$70
Extra Night in Aguas Calientes US$30 per person (Twin Bed room, 3 Beds room & 4 Beds Room with Private shower & Bathroom)
A night in Cusco at our Quechuas Guesthouse: from US$20 per person / Twin Bed room (Before we do the tour/trek or after the tour/trek)
RENTALS
Goose Down sleeping bag (Mummy style): US$30 for the entire trip
(Black Dimond) Walking Poles Rubber Tips Included: US$20 for the entire trip
Day Pack 20 – 30 liters (Rain cover included): US$15 for the entire trip
ADITIONAL INFO:
BRIEFING for all our treks is a Night before we do the trek at 6:30pm in our office, But if you want us to come to your Hotel let us know in advance.(You will get a chance to meet you guide and as well as to give you your duffel bags)
STORAGE Most Hotels have storage where you can leave the rest of your stuff while you hike to Machupicchu, But if they dont have a place you can leave your stuff in our storage with no extra cost. (Let us know at the time of briefing)
We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You are Going !!! To Confirm and Secure the Inca Trail Permits. Send us the filled out booking form as well as a deposit of 30% and you are ready to go…
PRICE 2023 – 2024 per person
We can leave any day of the week, as long as permits are available. Please remember, permits are only needed for your start date.
Do not Hesitate to contact us via Whatsapp:
Whatsapp: (English)+51 984315337 https://wa.link/jgq5vw
Whatsapp: (Spanish)+51 972390728 https://wa.link/3xrr3f
Tambopata National Reserve Jungle & Salkantay Trek Package (Prices for 2023 & 2024)
Availability: Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You are Going, We wont Cancel your Trip !!!
How to Book?: Send us all Your Personal information as well as a Deposit of US$400 and the Final Balance will be paid once you are in Cusco.
We want you to have a Memorable Lifetime Experience Trip!
and if you choose Bed & Breakfast you will stay in our Quechuas Guesthouse Homestay. Private rooms with private shower and bathroom (in cusco only) and includes Shuttle transportation to go to the town square.(Please a detailed page of Quechuas Guesthouse above)
Double Room, Matrimonial(Twin Beds Room) Occupancy.
Prices shown Below are per person, based on Twin bed room occupancy and in US$ Dollars.
Group Service: Price per person: US$950 – 2 Stars Hotel(b&b) (Private Bathroom & Shower) Hotel Maria Bonita Cusco
(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities): From 04 Persons to 16 Persons (Maximum)
Private Service: Price per person: US$1150 – 3 Stars Hotel (Private Bathroom & Shower)
Recommended for Honeymooners, Families with children & Groups of Friends (02 Persons Minimum)
4 Stars Hotel/ Upon Request
5 Stars Hotel/ Upon Request
If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as GROUP SERVICE). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in cusco.
LIMA (Hotel)
3-star la Faraona (Miraflores), El Carmel (Miraflores),Casa Andina (Miraflores), Best Western Embajadores Hotel or similar.
4-star San Agustin Exclusive or Sol de Oro (Casa Andina Select Miraflores opening May 2011)
5-star Casa Andina PC, Radisson Decapolis or similar.
Airport Ramada Costa del Sol airport hotel.
Deluxe Miraflores Park Plaza (Orient Express), JW Marriott, Lima Country Club or similar.
AREQUIPA (Hotel)
3-star Casa Andina Ciudad Blanca or similar.
4-star Posada del Inca Arequipa, Cabildo or similar.
5-star Libertador Arequipa, Casa Andina Private Collection or similar.
CUSCO (Hotel)
Hotel Maria Bonita Cusco
B&B Quechuas Guesthouse(Homestay)
B&B- El Virrey, Amaru I, El Triunfo
3-star Mirador Apu Hotel, Casona Real Cusco, Hatun Wasi or Similar
3-star Casa Andina Classic, San Agustin El Dorado, similar.
4-star Costa del Sol Picoaga, Novotel, Casa Andina Private Collection (oxygen available) or similar.
5-star Casa Cartagena, Libertador, or Suite at the Casa Andina Private Collection inc. oxygen, matrimonial beds only, or similar.
Deluxe Monasterio (Orient Express), Inkaterra La Casona or similar.
Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) (Hotel)
B&B- Pumas Inn, Sumaq Muyurina
3-star La cabaña, El MaPi (ex Machu Picchu Inn), Machupicchu Green Nature, Intipunku or similar.
4-star Hatuchay Tower or similar; includes dinner at Hatuchay Tower.
5-star Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, Sumaq Machu Picchu or similar.
Deluxe Sanctuary Lodge (Orient Express – includes all meals), or Suite at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo.
PUNO (Lake Titicaca) (Hotel)
3-star Casa Andina Plaza, Puñuypampa Inn or similar.
4-star Casa Andina Private Collection (oxygen available), Sonesta Posadas del Inca or similar.
5-star Libertador Lago Titicaca or Casa Andina Private Collection (oxygen inc) or similar.
Deluxe 1 night Deluxe hotel. Hotel Titilaka. Includes accommodation in a Dawn Suite; choice of excursions in and around Titicaca Lake with bilingual (Spanish and English) guide; all meals.
ISLAND OF THE SUN (Hotel)
Standard Posada del Inca Eco Lodge, Inca Utama or similar
LA PAZ (Hotel)
3-star Rosario or similar.
4-star Rey Palace or similar.
5-star Radisson Plaza, Europa or similar.
COLCA CANYON (Hotel)
3-star Pozo del Cielo or similar.
4-star Casa Andina or similar.
5-star Libertador Colca Lodge or similar
Deluxe 1 night deluxe accommodations (individual casitas) in Orient Express Casitas del Colca. Includes: Buffet Breakfast A la carte lunch A la carte dinner Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages excluding premium alcoholic brands and special wines Full Mini-bar A la carte activities such as Peruvian Paso horse riding, hiking tours, painting lessons, fly fishing lessons, cooking lessons and pisco sour lessons. 10% service charge
NAZCA (Hotel)
3-star Casa Andina or similar.
4-star Nazca Lines or similar.
PARACAS (Hotel)
3 Star Hotel La Posada del Emancipador or similar
4 Star La Hacienda Bahia Paracas or similar
5 Star Doubletree Guest Suite (weekend rate w/ view of pool) or similar
Deluxe Hotel Paracas (Garden View) or similar
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Whilst we expect that the tour will run as per the itinerary, participants should accept that there is the possibility of changes being necessary subject to local conditions eg. strikes and natural disaster these changes may be at the discretion of your tour company.
How to book any tour/trek through with PERU AMAZON GARDDEN LODGE.
To confirm the tour/trek we need you to send us your personal information: Full Names, Passport Numbers, Nationalities, Ages, Gender as well as a deposit to secure the trip/tour.
For Tambopata National Reserve (Puerto Maldonado) – Manu National Park We do require a Non-Refundable US$100 deposit per person.
For Inca Trails Treks We do require a Non-Refundable US$200 deposit per person.
For Alternative Treks(Salkantay Trek, Inca Jungle, Lares Trek, Choquequirao) We do require a Non-Refundable US$100 deposit per person.
For Tambopata National Reserve (Puerto Maldonado) – Manu National Park We do require a Non-Refundable US$100 deposit per person.
For Peru Package Tours/Treks We do require a Non-Refundable US$400 deposit per person.
As soon as you had sent us all your personal information as well as the deposit we will send you a Trip Confirmation by email.
PAYPAL: is the faster, safer way to send money, make an online payment, receive money or set up a merchant account. You can easily pay us by using your credit card or bank account. For those that wish to pay via Paypal. Please note that a 6% fee applies. That is, you need to increase your payment by 6% to cover the costs that we incur via this kind of payments.
the remaining, you will pay in cash(briefing day) without taxes.
Please, After your deposit, send Us, Transfer Number to: peruamazongardenlodge@gmail.com, After we are going to confirm your deposit and reservation.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CHOOSING PERU AMAZON GARDEN LODGE !!!.
Pay your tour deposit through Paypal
Frequently Asked Questions about Peru
Welcome to our FAQ section. This page might be helpful if you haven’t been able to find the information you needed on our website. We hope these FAQ about Peru have been helpful.
How far is Peru from my home?
In order to provide you with useful references we have created a table including the approximate arrival flight times.
Direct Flights.
| Country | City | Approx. flight time |
| United States | Dallas | 7 hours 12 minutes |
| United States | Houston | 6 hours 45 minutes |
| United States | Los Angeles | 8 hours 35 minutes |
| United States | Miami | 5 hours 45 minutes |
| United States | Atlanta | 7 hours |
| Argentina | Buenos Aires | 4 hours 15 minutes |
| Chile | Santiago | 3 hours 25 minutes |
| Spain | Madrid | 11 hours 30 minutes |
Flights with stopovers
| Country | City | Approximate flight time |
| United States | New York | 8 hours 35 minutes / via San José |
| United States | San Francisco | 10 hours / via Los Angeles |
| United States | Washington | 9 hours / via Newark |
| Germany | Dusseldorf | 18 hours 40 minutes / via Madrid |
| Germany | Frankfurt | 15 hours 30 minutes / via Madrid |
| France | Paris | 14 hours 50 minutes/ via Miami |
| Italy | Milan | 14 hours 50 minutes / via Madrid |
| Italy | Rome | 15 hours 10 minutes / via Madrid |
| UK | London | 15 hours 10 minutes / via Madrid |
| Japan | Tokyo | 20 hours 35 minutes / via Los Angeles |
Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
Citizens of most American and Western European countries are not required visa to enter Peru. Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile do not require passports or visa to visit certain regions of Peru. Contact the Peruvian diplomatic representative in your country for further information. Addresses and phone numbers are included in the website of Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Relations: www.rree.gob.pe
If the purpose of your visit is tourism, the maximum length of your stay will be 90 days (you can apply for extensions with the immigration authority)
All travelers must carry a valid passport, or a safe-conduct issued by the Peruvian immigration authority.
Is it safe to travel in Peru?
Reality shows that it is very safe.
You may have read or heard on TV, websites or newspapers about terrorism, crime and economic and political instability. But the truth is that terrorism has been defeated a long time ago; Peruvians live in peace and work very hard every day to build and democratic and safe society. We can assure visitors that all they need to do is follow the normal precautions taken in order to visit other destinations.
When visiting the cities:
- Take the logical precautions to avoid pickpockets and purse-snatchers.
- Carry a copy of your identification documents. Keep the originals and the rest of valuable personal effects in the safety deposit box of your hotel.
- Wear valuable items discretely; don’t carry large sums of cash and watch your bags and luggage.
- Refrain from exchanging currency on the street.
- It is advisable to use taxi companies for transportation (they can be requested by phone) or cabs authorized by the municipal authorities (in ima they are painted yellow and carry a bright identification sign on the roof).
Road tourism: - Always carry your driver’s license, a copy of your passport and the rental agreement if you’re driving a rental car. International driver’s licenses are valid for one year, while driver’s licenses from other countries are valid for 30 days.
- If a traffic officer signals you to stop, you must stop. Traffic officers must be wearing uniform and carry identification (they are required to wear identification cards including their last name on their chest.) They are not allowed to enter the vehicle.
- Bear in mind that traffic officers are not allowed retain any personal or vehicle documents. Under no circumstances should you offer or agree to pay money to traffic officers.
- In case of an accident or collision, call a traffic officer. If your car is a rental, call the representative of the insurance company provided by the rental agency. Do not leave the scene of the accident. Keep the windows closed and the doors locked.
Prohibitions: - It is forbidden to take photographs of airports, military bases, police stations and areas surrounding high voltage towers.
Are there services for tourists with special needs in Peru?
In Peru we believe in the idea of “Tourism for Everybody”. This is why many public and private organizations have been working for years to ensure that their services are equally accessible for the differently-abled.
We advise you to contact your service provider in advance to ensure that your accessibility needs will be met.
What’s the weather like throughout the year?
Peru is a very large country that is crossed by the Andes and has a vast Amazonian region, so you are likely to notice differences from one place to the other, which may be more or less intense depending on the month of your visit.
It hardly ever rains on the coast, where there are usually two seasons:a warm season and a cold season.
- The warm season runs from November 15th until the end of March.
- The cold season occurs from April to mid November and it is very humid.
Unlike the coastal area, the mountains and the jungle have a warmer rainy season running from mid November to late March, and the least warm season occurs between April and mid November.
Below is a weather table by city:
| City | Altitude | HighTemp | Low Temp |
| Abancay | 2,378(7,802 fasl) | 25°C (77°F) | 12°C (54°F) |
| Arequipa | 2,335 (7,661 fasl) | 24°C (75°F) | 5°C (41°F) |
| Ayacucho | 2,761 (9,058 fasl) | 24°C (75°F) | 11°C (52°F) |
| Cajamarca | 2,720 (8,924 fasl) | 21°C (70°F) | 5°C (41°F) |
| Cerro de Pasco | 4,338 (14,232 fasl) | 22°C (72°F) | 4°C (39°F) |
| Chachapoyas | 2,334 (7,657 fasl) | 22°C (72°F) | 13°C (55°F) |
| Chiclayo | 29 (95 fasl) | 33°C (91°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
| Cusco | 3,395 (11,138 fasl) | 17°C (63°F) | 2°C (28°F) |
| Huancavelica | 368 (1,207 fasl) | 20°C (68°F) | 3.4°C (38°F) |
| Huancayo | 4,107 (13,474 fasl) | 17°C (63°F) | 0°C (32°F) |
| Huánuco | 1,912 (6,273 fasl) | 24°C (75°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| Huaraz | 3,091 (10,141 fasl) | 18°C (64°F) | 9°C (48°F) |
| Ica | 406 (1,332 fasl) | 30°C (86°F) | 8°C (46°F) |
| Iquitos | 104 (341 fasl) | 36°C (97°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
| Lima | 133 (436 fasl) | 25°C (77°F) | 13°C (55°F) |
| Moquegua | 141 (463 fasl) | 25°C (77°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
| Moyobamba | 860 (2,822 fasl) | 36°C (97°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| Piura | 29 (95 fasl) | 35°C (95°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| Pucallpa | 154 (505 fasl) | 38°C (100°F) | 24°C (75°F) |
| Puerto Maldonado | 183 (600 fasl) | 34°C (93°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
| Puno | 3,827 (12,556 fasl) | 19°C (6°F) | 2°C (34°F) |
| Tacna | 562 (1,844 fasl) | 28°C (82°F) | 6°C (43°F) |
| Trujillo | 34 (112 fasl) | 30°C (86°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| Tumbes | 6 (20 fasl) | 38°C (100°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
How much money should I expect to spend on my trip?
This answer depends on your personal preferences and the level of comfort you desire.
Bartering is generally accepted in Peru, with the exception of larger stores and restaurants. In larger cities prices in general may be higher, particularly in Lima, and may increase during festivities such as the National Holidays (July), Easter (April) or Christmas due to higher demand for services such as bus and air transportation.
Below is a price list of products and services that you may use as reference in order to prepare a travel budget.
| Reference product or service | US Dollars |
| Mineral water bottle 1.5 Lt (51 fl. oz.) | 1.40 |
| Medium soda pop 0.50 | 0.50 |
| Burger | 1.40 |
| Apple | 0.30 |
| Shampoo bottle | 2.00 |
| Tooth paste | 1.40 |
| Lunch (frugal) | 3.00 |
| Lunch (basic) | 12.00 |
| Camera roll | 4.00 |
| Blank video tape | 8.50 |
| Pair of sneakers | 30.00 |
| Newspaper | 0.50 |
| Public internet booth or cybercafes (1 hour) | 1.5 |
| Train Cusco – Machu Picchu (return) | 30.00 (backpackers) 70.00 (Autovagon) |
| Bus (one way) | 5.00 |
| Flight to Cusco (return) | 140.00 |
| Lodging per night (very basic) | 5 – 10 |
| Lodging per night (2 star) | 20 – 40 |
| Lodging per night (3 star) | 50 – 90 |
| Lodging per night (4 and 5 star) | over 90 |
Other frequently Asked Questons about Treks and tours
What to Bring
Each web page has a specific list of what to bring for your trek and the list supplied here might not apply to you. However, remember that the weather in the Andes can be very unpredictable and you should be prepared for bad weather. Peru is located in the southern hemisphere meaning the winter extends from June to August. In the summer months daytime temperatures can be hot & sunny, but the nights can be very cold. During winter it can be cold and rainy during the day and particularly cold at night. It is usual to encounter some rain all year round so we recommend buying a cheap poncho in Cusco for about US $1. We also recommend bringing thermal underwear in order to combat the cold. It’s recommended to wear the thermal underwear in the evening and early morning. When packing try to bring a range of layers so that you can take off or add clothes as required in the ever changing Andean weather.
- Original passport and valid ISIC student card
- Insurance card. (We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance)
- A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
- Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
- Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
- Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
- Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported
- Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
- Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
- Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol etc.
- Small towel or sarong
- Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
- Cash – sufficient for your final meal in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
- Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
- Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
- Binoculars (if you have them)
- Refillable Water Bottle
Equipment
Please see each page for specific notes in regard to the equipment that is carried on each tour. Generally, the following items are ‘normal’ unless specified on the tour page.
- Tents – 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks. All tents were purchased in 08-10.
- If you are travelling alone and would like your own tent, please request this. Normally we can accomodate single travellers in a 2 man tent. If you are travelling in a group of 3 we might accomodate you in two tents or a 5-6 man tent.
- Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) for $5 per day.
- Cook and Cooking equipment is included.
- Dining tent
- Toilet tent
Hiring Extra Equipment
We hire sleeping bags (rated for -5, -10 and -15 celsius temperatures) , thermarest (inflatable mattresses), walking poles, and extra horses for luggage.
Which sleeping bag to choose? Do you feel the cold – then opt for the -15 bag. Our foam mattresses (included in the price) are more than adequate but a thermarest inflatable mattress provides a lot more luxury! Walking poles – guides advise that two poles are better than just one as they provide much more balance, especially on steep descents (ie Llactapata on the Salkantay route and the Choquequirao and Choquequirao to Machu Picchu sections.) Please check our booking form for current prices.
- Super Sleeping Bag suitable for -10deg.
- Deluxe Sleeping Bag suitable for -15
- Walking stick lightweight aluminum – Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes to aid balance.
- Inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) and Inflatable Pillow
- Extra mule to carry YOUR things for alternative treks not applicable for the Inca Trail. This mule is if you think you will exceed the luggage allowance of 8kg.
- Extra riding mule and muleteer to lead it . Included in the price of your trek is an emergency horse. If for some reason you think that you will need a horse for more than simply emergencies, then its advisable to have a personal horse. (ie for older people or younger people. Some parents like to have a horse for their children) However a horse cannot be used in all circumstances so you need to be fit.
- Extra porter to carry your things – for the Inca trail treks only – if you think that you will exceed the luggage allowance of 7k that you need to carry by yourself.
- When calculating costs for hire of walking stick, sleeping bag, calculate using the length of the tour. Even though you won’t use the equipment on the final day it will still be ‘on the road’ and ‘occupied.’
Luggage Storage & Load Limits
- During the trek we advise you to store your main luggage at your hotel in Cusco- all hotels or hostals should provide you with luggage storage as a courtesy service.
- At your briefing you will be loaned a small duffel bag to pack clothes for the trip. Please limit your luggage in this duffel bag to 8kg (15lbs) each person. The mules will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail applicable for Alternative Treks not applicable for the Inca Trail. The duffel bags are waterproof but it is still advisable to put your things inside a plastic bag within the duffel bag. The approximate dimensions are 60cm by 30cm. PLEASE RETURN YOUR DUFFEL BAG AT THE END OF THE TRIP!!! You can do this by leaving it in the reception of your hotel. We have continued to “lose” the duffel bags so please be consciencious and return your bag!
- For pictures of the duffel bags check out these pics duffel bag one and duffel bag two
- Most people carry their own day pack with up to 7 kg of their things – a change of clothes and wet weather gear etc. However, if you think that you will have much luggage and you want a very light day pack (eg. just camera, sunscreen and water) then its advisable that you hire an extra mule or Extra Porters. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the muleteers travel at a different pace than the group.
- Your sleeping bag is always included in your duffel bag, so allow approx 2 kg of weight. This still gives you 5kg of things, which is more than adequate for a hike of several days.
- At the end of your trip, please leave your duffel bag in the reception of your hotel. We will come to collect it.
Do you need an extra luggage mule/or riding mule?
We include in the price of your tour 8kg (15lbs) of luggage each person. We LOAN you a duffel bag which you can put this 8kg in. The reason for this is that duffel bags strap onto mules much better than backpacks/your luggage and its better that our custom designed duffels get dirty than your luggage (also if your backpack has a fancy harness then it can get damaged on the mules). If you think that you are going to need more than 7kg (plus the things that you carry in your day pack) then you might like to consider hiring an extra mule. Each mule can carry about 20kg of equipment so its usually shared between 2 or 3 people. Most people find that 7kg is more than adequate if they pack normally or a little conservatively. We strongly recommend that you leave the bulk at of your luggage at your hotel in Cusco – all hotels or hostals should provide you with luggage storage as a courtesy service.
Included in the price of your tour is 1 emergency riding horse. If you have in your group younger children, or older people, people who are not very fit, or people who have never hiked in the mountains before, you might consider paying for an extra mule. This is especially if you think that someone in your group will utilize the horse a lot!
- if you wish to order an extra porter (Inca Trail Only) it MUST be done at the time of booking or permits will be sold out.
- if you wish to order an extra riding horse or an extra cargo horse it can only be done as late as one week prior to your departure as the muleteers live in remote areas and are not easy to contact about the number of mules they need to bring to the trailhead only applicable for Alternative treks not the Inca Trail.
Extra Charges
We need to charge extra for the following:
- Single tent supplement (ie you don’t want to share a tent with anyone else) you need to pay $40.00 dollars extra for the whole tour
- Private tour supplement (if only two passengers). if you want a private trek (only 2 passengers) then you need to pay the 2 person price plus a $150 dollars private trek price per person. If choose to list the trek on trekkers wanted, but no one joins the trek, then you will not need to pay this fee.
- Passport name/number change fee. $20 per change. this applies to inca trail reservations. as permits are hard to obtain, sometimes people need to make their reservations using an old passport, but will be travelling with a new passport. We make the change when you have the new passport, and we strongly suggest you travel with both passports.
- Change fee. $20 per change. this applies to date changes, and other changes not specified but will require administration staff time!
• Train changes are explained below.
Train Tickets
For backpacker trains the timetable is 2.30pm and 6pm, and you return to Cusco approximately 4-5 hours later. A representative of the agency will meet the train in Ollantaytambo and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. We apologise in advance if we cannot get either of these times, if we cannot we have endeavored to do so. Some people want early trains, some people like later trains, and its impossible to anticipate people’s preference. Please also note that in high season (normally July-August) the trains to Machu Picchu and back again are completely over-subscribed and its difficult to get tickets, even with several weeks notice. (this is why we are inistent that you send your passport details asap!) In the case that Bioandean Expeditions is not able to obtain train tickets for you we will provide a car that returns via the Abra de Malaga to Cusco. (approx 6 hours of travelling).
- If you have specific travel plans that might be affected by the Peru Rail timetable, you should advise us AT BOOKING. You cannot advise us at your pre trek briefing, this is too late!
Train Ticket changes will incur the following charges - Difference between two types of ticket – usually a $38 ticket and $60 ticket ($22 per ticket)
- 10% relocation fee, of first ticket
- Admin fee per ticket $10.00
- We can only make a change to a train ticket ONCE.
- If you decide to come back at a different time than the rest (majority) of your group, then your transfer from Piscacucho or Ollantaytambo is NOT included in the price of your tour. You will need to pay this yourself.
The cheapest & simplest way of changing your train ticket is to wait until the day you arrive in Aguas Calientes, and go personally, with your guide, and try to change it on the spot, paying only the 10% relocation fee.
Water
We generally recommend that you start out from Cusco with 1-2 litres of water. You should also bring a refillable water bottle with you. (Any bottle you buy from the shop will do but we recommend a hardy plastic bottle) During the day, when you are hiking you can fill up from streams, on the advice of your guide. You should use purification tablets for this water. (Micropur tablets can be bought in Cusco or you might like to ask in your camping shop at home. Some people recommend iodine tablets). In the evening, your cook will boil water for your use and you can fill up your bottles every morning before setting out. As people have different requirements for water (ie some people drink a lot and others less) it is important that you take responsibility for ensuring you have enough water each day. You need to communicate your needs (via the guide) to the cook.
Cooking & Meals
Our cooks serve hygenically prepared food that features Peruvian and Western dishes. If you are a vegetarian or have specially dietary requirements and/or allergies, please specify on your booking form and remind us at your briefing. Water is boiled for three minutes before being used for cooking and raw vegetables, if served, are washed in boiled/ purified water.
For photos of some example meals, please see our Bioandean Expeditions meals page
Bathing
There are few opportunities for bathing on our treks. However, in the evening and morning, please ask your cook to warm some water for you to wash your hands and face. There are cold water shower facilities on the Salkantay and Choquequirao trek.
Toilets
Depending on the tour you take, we provide toilet tents at each of the campsites or you can use the existing facilities. During the day, your guide carries a pick or lightweight shovel. Should you need to use this, please ask them. Ideally, you should relieve yourself at least 70 metres from any water source and also a good distance from the trail. Remember also to bring plenty of toilet paper but follow international leave no trace rules and carry it out… (Please no white flags along the route!)
Medical Kit Each trip departs with a basic medical kit and an oxygen bottle. We advise that if you have your own medications and needs that you bring these. We do not include altitude tablets in our kit. Please note that the blister care that we have is Peruvian style (band-aids and cotton wool) – we do not have second skin or Western style blister treatments.
Medical Kit
Each trip departs with a basic medical kit and an oxygen bottle. We advise that if you have your own medications and needs that you bring these. We do not include altitude tablets in our kit. Please note that the blister care that we have is Peruvian style (band-aids and cotton wool) – we do not have second skin or Western style blister treatments.
How much money should I take?
Please review what is included in your trek in order to estimate what you should take. Along the way you can buy snacks and souvenirs, mostly of a non expensive nature. (Though if you decide you want to drink a lot of PowerAde, it does add up!) Most people also like to enjoy a nice meal and some drinks in Aguas Calientes on the night you arrive from your trek. Aguas Calientes is generally more expensive than other parts of Peru, so expect things to cost more there. Finally, bring money to tip your staff and your guides. (Please see below) There is an ATM in Aguas Calientes, but don’t rely on it working so we suggest you take ample to cover your expenses while there.
Tips
Tips vary and depend on the traveller’s satisfaction with the quality of the service rendered. Although our staff are paid just above local industry rates, and we include all meals and transportation, they do appreciate tips. Tips also provide incentive for staff to work harder.
Deciding how much to tip the porters, the cook and guide is a difficult moment at the end of the trek and can be made more difficult when members of the group have different cultural understandings about tipping. (Some countries tip, other countries don´t tend to tip).
Generally speaking, if the group have been pleased with the service then try to ensure that (minimum) each porter/muleteer takes home an extra 20-30 soles per day of trek, cook 40-45 soles per day of trek, and the guide as you feel is appropriate. (these amounts are shared between all members of the group, and are not individual tips. if your trip is 9 days then the group as a whole would tip 10 soles x 9 days. Even if the muleteers were only with you for 2 days on the shorter treks, please calculate their tip based on your entire trip length. Ie the Expreso Salkantay is 4 days, and the muleteers will take at least 1 day to return home, even though they are not directly in your service). A recent, higher estimation follows: between $10 and $20 a day for guides, between $5 – $10 a day for cooks and drivers, and $3-5 a day for the muleteers. Again, that should be divided between everyone on your tour, is PER person, and multiplied by the full length of your tour. We believe that ultimately, tipping the guide and cook should be dependent on the quality of the service that you received. At no stage should you feel obliged to tip!
Safety
Trekking in the Andes is generally pretty safe. There is minimal theft – it does sometimes occur on the more touristed routes (ie Salkantay). Be cautious, not paranoid! We do recommend always sleeping with your valuables (ie money belt, passports) near your heads or in your sleeping bag. Your camera and day packs should be kept between you or near your heads – never near the flap of your tent. Shoes should be stored inside!
From
USEFUL INFORMATION
- USEFUL INFORMATION
- Locations Visited: Rainforest Tambopata Jungle, Glamping Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu
- Trip Style: Jungle Trekking Tours
- Length: 8Days/7Nights
- Frequency: Upon Request
- Group: 02 persons min
- Difficulty: 4/5
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