The Salkantay Adventure

Introduction
Cusco Peru
This three-day adventure to the base of Mt Salkantay has been designed for those travelers with limited time.

The trip starts with a visit to the Inca archaeological site of Quillarumiyoc. This was a site of adoration to the Moon, one of the most important deities to the Incas. After setting the mood of history and wonder, you will follow the path of the Salkantay Trek to our signature lodge. Being very eco-friendly, we have designed our lodges and way of life around environmental sustainability. This adventure heightens in excitement as you explore the trails and glacial lakes below snow capped peaks. This is truly an adventure that will leave you filled with unforgettable memories. You will experience the same high-level guiding and adventure as any longer tour.

Accomodation


Accommodation
Our flagship Salkantay Lodge was built on the flatlands of the Rio Blanco river valley, with a stunning, unobstructed view of the majestic Salkantay mountain peak. Its contemporary, eco-conscious design is an inspiration. (12,690’/3,869 m). The eco-minded architecture effortlessly mixes traditional Andean building techniques with contemporary design to blend seamlessly into their environs.  Enjoy the simplicity of sitting back in their outdoor hot tub and let your worries drift away. We provide a limited number of hair dryers due to limited energy supply and environmental concerns. Shampoo, conditioner, and bath gel is provided at the lodge. Bathrooms are equipped with drying lines and laundry facilities are available at the lodge. 
A laundry service is provided at the Salkantay Lodge (US$ 8 per small bag & US$16 per medium bag) There are 110V compatible sockets in the lodges (220V is the official voltage)

MASSAGE SERVICES 
We offer professional massage services at the Salkantay Lodge from March-December—subject to availability, please inquire prior to departure. The cost for a massage service is ~$85 per 50 minute session.

RURAL SATELLITE PHONE
• The Lodge has a stationary rural satellite phone which the guests can use.
• International calls can be placed and received. However, we kindly ask to refrain from receiving incoming calls unless in case of emergency, as a sign of respect and courtesy for other guests.

RURAL SATELLITE INTERNET
Though it is our goal to try and maintain our guest’s experience as pure and natural as possible, with as less contact with urban traits (like internet) as possible, we understand that internet might have become a necessary service for some guests. Thus, we provide rural wi-fi internet service at the lodge. However, as a sign of respect and courtesy to other guests, we kindly ask that the use of the internet service is limited to use within the guest rooms and is prohibited in the common areas of each lodge.
At the lodge, it costs US$12.00 per day (unlimited). A “public” laptop is available at each lodge for the guests to use for a flat fee of US$6.00 per session. Each session has a maximum duration of 45 minutes per guest.
Please keep in mind that good internet reception is not guaranteed due to the satellite-based nature of the system. Continuous and/or extreme bad weather conditions might negatively affect the internet signal.



Meals
All meals from breakfast on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3 are included as well as water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks at the lodge.

We offer meats that have been farmed locally and we use local organic ingredients in all of our meals. Alcohol and sports drinks are not included.
Meals at the lodges are designed to be light, because of the effect high altitude has on the digestion, and to contain the necessary nutrition for guests riding at high altitude. We offer meats that have been farmed locally and we use local organic ingredients in all of our meals.

In an effort to reduce plastic waste on the trail and at the lodge, we encourage guests to use refillable water bottles. For this purpose we provide an ample supply of the highest - quality filtered water.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restriction if given prior notice. 
Please inform us at the time of booking of any dietary requirements. If any requirements should arise between the time of booking and the trip beginning, for instance, due to a change in health circumstances, ie, diagnosis of diabetes, please inform us as soon as possible and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Fitness
This trip is not exclusively for avid hikers. People under 65 years old who are in a decent shape and are willing to hike from 3 to 6 hours will be fine. Pre-trip preparation should include challenging cardiovascular exercise including regular hikes on varied terrain, and a healthy, balanced diet. Well-worn hiking boots and additional acclimatization nights in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek are both highly recommended. Having said this, please be assured that all guests are encouraged to hike at their own pace and take breaks whenever needed to ensure a successful and enjoyable trek for all.Our main recommendations to ensure a safe and fun adventure would be the following:
•        Try to eat light food the last few days before flying to Cusco.
•        Exercise yourselves with small walks.
•        Be fully hydrated while you are in Cusco.
•        Try not to medicate yourself without the insight of a professional.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 0: Arrival
Land at Cusco Airport and transfer to your hotel. Introductory meeting (approx. 45 minutes long) at El Mercado Hotel for 7:00pm.
Meals included: none
Overnight not included

Day 1: The Road To Soraypampa
Our representatives will pick you up from your hotel bright and early at 7:00am. Your first day is an exciting mix of culture and adventure. The day begins with visits to the Inca archaeological site of Quillarumiyoc, followed by an afternoon hike to Salkantay Lodge. Lunch is taken at El Pedregal in Mollepata. Late afternoon at leisure to enjoy the dazzling sunset over Salkantay Peak. 
Hike time: Approximately 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Salkantay Lodge (12,690’/3,869m)

Day 2: A View from the top: Journey to the Salkantay Pass
Prepare yourself for a big day! After an early morning departure from the lodge, you will circle the Humantay glacier during your hike up the Rio Blanco river valley to the breathtaking Salkantay Pass (15,213’/4636m). Savor the views of the Salkantay glacier & Vilcabamba mountain range as you marvel at how far you have traveled. 
Hike time: Approximately 6 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Salkantay Lodge (12,690’/3,869m)

Day 3: Tranquility at Humantay Glacier Lake
Today brings a unique opportunity for adventure and reflection. A vigorous morning ascent up the slopes from the Soraypampa plateau is rewarded with your first view of the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Humantay (13,780' / 4200m). Take some time to meditate in the tranquility of this magical spot and participate in a traditional Pachamama ceremony to honor Mother Earth. Lunch will be taken at the lodge. You will be dropped off at your hotel (no overnight included) between 7:00pm-8:00pm.
Hike time: Approximately 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate 
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch 

 **Should you wish to book an extra night in Cusco, please let us know!

Rates and Dates for The Salkantay Adventure

Dates Note: Set dates departure are usually scheduled 2 months in adavnce. Please inquire.

Other Info
Meeting: Cusco
Airport: Cusco
Transfer: Cusco

Climate:

Cusco area 

Seasons
The weather in Cusco is defined by two seasons: green or rainy season and dry season.

Rainy / Green season (November to March)
Occasional showers are expected throughout this period, with the heaviest rains occurring in January and February. However temperatures are usually warm and it does not get too cold at night.

Dry season (April to October)
During this season, you can expect mostly sunny and warm days followed by cooler nights and the possibility of morning frost. If it does rain, the temperature drops, but it warms up immediately afterward, and rain is very infrequent in the dry season.
July is regularly recorded as the coldest month of the year.

However, keep in mind that Cusco is located in a high-mountain environment where variable weather is expected. Rain can occur in the middle of July just as sun may appear in January, so it is always important to be prepared for mixed conditions. You should always bring a variety of light, natural fiber clothing: short and long-sleeved tops, light jumpers/hoodies, raincoats, all things that can be layered to cope with the different environments you will experience on the trip.

In addition, our hike passes through 9 bio-zones ranging from high altitude alpine conditions to high jungle. Here is a rough guideline:
December-march: rainy/cold
April-June: occasional rain/fair
July-August: dry/cold
September-November: occasional rain/fair

Special note - altitude and acclimatization
You will be spending time and hiking at high altitudes, ranging between 7,000 ft (Machu Picchu Area) and 13,000 ft. with the highest point reaching over 15,000 ft. (Salkantay Pass). For this reason we recommend that our guests spend some nights in Cusco prior to departure. This helps with acclimating to the altitude and also provides an opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Cusco. Everyone’s tolerance to altitude differs and we encourage our guests to exercise and follow a healthy diet as part of their training program before their trip.
It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.

 
The following items are essential to ensure travelers' comfort and safety:
-Day pack
-Broken-in hiking boots (sneakers are not suitable)
-Hiking pole (recommended. You can borrow hiking sticks with prior notice)
-Full rain gear and poncho (rain jacket, rain pants or gaiters, waterproof boots)
-Lightweight hiking pants (recommended) and shorts
-Gloves
-Fast-wicking and quick to try top and bottom base layers
-Comfortable shoes/ flip-flops
-Cold-weather jacket
-Long-sleeve fleece/sweater
-Woolen hat
-Baseball cap
-Buff/ bandana
-Binoculars
-Headlamp
-Sunglasses
-Comfortable hiking socks
-Sunscreen
-Insect repellent
-Bathing suit
-Casual mountain wear for evenings
-Photo/video cameras and chargers
-Trekking poles
-Refillable water bottle
-Personal medication

Notes
-Any additional clothing and luggage that you will not need on the trek can be stored at your hotel in Cusco
-No hard suitcases or wheeled bags. Soft duffel bags and/or backpacks (You can loan a duffel bag for the trip. Please let us know in advance)
-Please restrict your luggage to 10kg/ 22lbs