Salkantay - Machupicchu 6D/5N 2008

Itinerary

Day 2: Soraypampa - Pampacahuana

In the morning, we continue our hike to start the four-hour steep climb towards the Incachiriasca pass (4850m/15908ft), the highest of the entire route, and from which we will have impressive views of the Salkantay snow peak. We then descend towards our lunch spot at Sisaypampa, a flat area from which one can observe Salkantay´s neighboring valleys (it is possible that you will see condors in this area). After lunch we continue towards the Pampacahuana community, located next to an original Inca canal, where we set our third camp and spend the night.
Meals: B, L, D

Itinerary

Day 3: Pampacahuana to Llulluchapampa

We leave camp after breakfast to start a downhill walk along the shores of the Pampacahuana River following its course towards the Wayllabamba community (3000m/9840ft). On the way down we visit the Incaracay archaeological complex (Paucarcancha) which is made up of rectangular constructions, plazas, retaining walls and terraces. After approximately four hours, we arrive in Wayllabamba, where we stop for lunch. This is the point in which our trek joins the classical Inca Trail to Machupicchu. Since pack animals are not allowed in the Inca Trail, we say goodbye to our horsemen and instead, are introduced to our group of porters, which will accompany us until the end of our trek. In the afternoon, we leave Wayllabamba behind to start our way up the Warmihuañusca mountain pass (Dead Woman’s pass) through an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. We will only climb halfway up the pass, stopping at Llulluchapampa, where we will camp and spend the night. Along the climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation), having the chance to spot domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We will also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear, also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus).
Meals: B, L, D

Itinerary

Day 4: Llulluchapampa to Chaquicocha

Today we continue our hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail, reaching the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuañusca (4200m/13776ft) after about 2 hours. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), from which we then continue to climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Only 20 minutes away is Chaquicocha, where we will set our camp. Chaquicocha offers awesome views of the neighboring mountain ranges at sunrise and sunset.
Meals: B, L, D

Itinerary

Day 5: Chaquicocha to Wiñaywayna

After an early breakfast we will continue up an easy climb, to arrive at the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley and the long descending stone steps along which we will continue on to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft). At this campsite we will find a lodge with a restaurant, bar and bathrooms with hot showers. The campsite has the same name as the complex located only five minutes away from the lodge. Wiñaywayna is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector.
Meals: B, L, D

Itinerary

Day 6: Wiñaywayna to Machupicchu

On this last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or the Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.
Meals: B

* Departure and arrival times are approximated.
** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the group progress

Difficulty degree of this hike

Challenging: An acclimatization period of at least 2 days in Cusco or at elevations above 3000m/9840ft is recommended.

Price Information

Prices per person 2008 – Standard Pool service Adult:

• Peruvian Soles s/2232.00 (*)

(*) Due to the strong value loss that the US$ is suffering we are forced to issue our prices in the local currency since over 80% of our costs are paid in this. For any reservation, the exchange rate at the moment of the booking will be applicable.

Available discounts (these discounts are not cumulative):

• Students: Peruvian Soles s/122.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card. Please note that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
• Teenagers: Peruvian Soles s/122.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
• Children: Peruvian Soles s/244.00 (up to 7 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)

Additional discounts (that may be added to the above-mentioned):

• SAE: 5% on full program price (valid South American Explorers Club membership card required). This discount may not be applicable in case a promotional price is offered

Departure dates 2008

Departures are available along the year although due to weather conditions, the recommended period for this trek is April to November. Exception: one-month closing period of all Inca Trail routes in February. Please contact us to check departures to alternatives routes.

All Inca Trail related departures are subject to government space availability, please check the following website: www.inc-cusco.gob.pe.

Groups may be confirmed on any given date provided provided the minimum group size is achieved upon booking and Inca Trail spaces are available.

Inca Trail -
Important Notice

According to the Resolution #002-2004-UGM-CD, published in El Peruano on Nov 12, 2004, modifying chapter III of the Inca Trail Regulation which refers to Inca Trail space bookings, bookings will only be guaranteed by the governmental institutions when providing full names, nationalities and passport numbers of passengers, and when having paid the full amount of passengers and staff (cook and team of porters) entrance fees.

THEREFORE:

• ENIGMA Adventure Tour Operator will guarantee the spaces booked provided:

1. The booking has been first confirmed by our Reservation Department by e-mail, this meaning that spaces are available on the Inca Trail for the requested date at the moment of the booking.
2. The full passenger data have been provided and the required deposit has been paid for.

• Since the Inca Trail has a maximum allowance of 500 people per day (including passengers and agency staff), we strongly recommend to make your bookings as much in advance as possible to make sure you will find spaces on the desired departure date. We are already receiving bookings for departures scheduled as far as one year prior to the trek departure date, so if you wish to travel with us to the Inca Trail, please make sure to confirm your booking as soon as possible. Otherwise, we have also available alternative routes of equally awesome beauty and interest to offer to you.

VERY IMPORTANT:

• The following client information is requested for any Inca Trail booking:
  1. Complete names and surnames
  2. Nationality
  3. Passport number
  4. Date of Birth
  5. Gender

The exact information provided by you will be submitted to the governmental institution in charge of regulating the access to the Inca Trail and will be included in the official permit to enter the Inca Trail on the requested date. Should there be any change in the above-mentioned data (ie. New passport number), we kindly request you to inform the Reservation Department at ENIGMA Adventure Tour Operator via email as soon as possible. The government reserves the right not to allow the entry to any visitor whose data are not the exact ones as those in the official permit. ENIGMA Adventure Tour Operator excludes any responsibility for a no entry in case the passenger information has changed without prior notice to us.

Group Size

Maximum 12, minimum 5.

What is included

• Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transport to Cruzpata (starting point of the trek)
• Inca Trail and Machupicchu entrance fee (valid from days 3 to 6 of this program)
• Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field
• One foamy sleeping pad per person
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Kitchen tent
• Toilet tent
• English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
• Chef and cooking equipment
• Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) – days 1 to 3
• 1 emergency horse every 6 persons – days 1 to 3
• Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) – days 3 to 6
• Accommodation for all our staff
• Meals (05B, 05L, 05D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian menu is available at no extra cost
• Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Bus ticket from Machupicchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes
• Train ticket (Backpacker service) from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
• Transfer train station - hotel included only if returning on day 6

What is not included

• Breakfast on the first day
• Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machupicchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machupicchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense too
• Visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes: a relaxing way to end-up the trek while you’re awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10 minutes from the village center, entrance fee is Peruvian Soles s/10.00 per person. Towels can be hired in Aguas Calientes
• Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish

What we recommend that you bring

• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
• Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
• Sleeping bag (please inform our Reservations Department if you wish to book this extra service at the moment of your booking)
• Sleeping pad: will be provided by the agency but is to be carried by you
• Flashlight/headlamp and 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 – no malaria risk has been reported
• Handkerchiefs
• Toilet paper
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water -sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
• Small towel
• Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
• Cash in soles and/or US$
• Original passport
• Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)

Optional services to be hired

• An extra horse to carry your personal items (days 1 to 3): Peruvian Soles s/46.50 per day. A horse can carry up to 20 kg
• An extra porter to carry your personal items (days 3 to 6): Peruvian Soles s/310.00 per 4 days. A porter can carry up to 18 kg, which should be enough for 2 people
• An extra hotel night in Aguas Calientes can be booked for you at an additional cost depending on the hotel you choose. Please note that if you wish to visit Machupicchu again the following day, the additional cost of the entrance fee is not included
• Vistadome Service train (First Class) instead of the Backpacker one (Tourist train), at an additional cost of US$ 30.00 per person
• Sleeping bag rent: Peruvian Soles s/12.40 per day. Our sleeping bags are –18ºC-comfort (0ºF) and mummy form and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips
• Therm-a-rest inflatable sleeping pad rent: Peruvian Soles s/15.50 per day
• Massage sessions: US$60.00 per 1-hour session (US$50.00 per session if at least 2 sessions are booked). Our massage therapists have the highest recognition in Cusco and offer the following treatments: relaxing massage, stress-relieving massage, spinal column massage, energizing massage, Inca massage, altitude problems, aroma therapy, therapy with honey, therapy with glass, therapy with stones, foot reflexology, shiatzu, reiki and puddle of flowering. We recommend massage sessions before and after your trekking program. Services are at the hotel and are only available in Cusco.

Appropriate clothing along this hike

Hiking pants and T-shirts are commonly used during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the fifth day (if sunny) and in Machupicchu, convertible hiking pants are useful, and can be switched into shorts if necessary. Machupicchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.

Climate

Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.

Along the Salkantay route and the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 10-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny or 0-05ºC at night. At Wiñaywayna and Machupicchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.

How to make a Booking

If you would like to make a reservation for this program, please go directly to the Booking Online section of this website by clicking here.

1. Once you have chosen your tour, please read the Booking Terms & Conditions, as your booking is subject to these terms.
2. Then fill out and submit the Reservation Form that you will find in the Booking Online section of this website.
3. In a maximum of two working days, you will receive an email from one of our travel consultants confirming or denying your booking.
4. In case your reservation is confirmed, a money deposit will be requested to secure your reservation.
5. Once we confirm the deposit reception, your booking is confirmed. A Service Confirmation Form will be sent to you including all the details of your program.

In case you have any doubts, queries or require additional information, please contact us, we will be very glad to assist you. Your request will be answered by return mail within a maximum of 2 working days.

Booking Terms & Conditions

1. CANCELLATION BY ENIGMA ADVENTURE TOUR OPERATOR
ENIGMA Adventure Tour Operator reserves the right to cancel a program in case any of the following circumstances occur:
(i) Client's failure to pay the final balance two days prior to departure date.
(ii) Force majeure: Impossibility to operate the program or trek due to unusual or unforeseen circumstances outside ENIGMA's control. Ie. weather conditions not permitting, strike not allowing operation or putting it at risk, sudden inaccessibility of route, etc.

The following refund policies apply in each case:
(i) In the event of a client's failure to pay the due balance, the client will not have any right for the deposit refund.
(ii) In case force majeure occurs, ENIGMA will propose viable solutions to operate the program within the available dates, or if impossible, will then propose an alternative program. If the alternative program chosen by the client is of lower value than that originally booked then the client is entitled to a refund of the price difference. All costs derived will be at the expense of the client. In case none of these would be feasible, ENIGMA would refund all the money paid except all the incurred expenses so far.

2. CANCELLATION BY THE CLIENT
Please note that the program deposit is non-refundable. The deposit is used to purchase the space within the group and once a space is purchased it cannot be resold afterwards.

In case of cancellation by the client, the following refund policies apply:

Inca Trail or any trek including the Inca Trail
(i) Cancellation up to two days prior to departure: loss of program deposit
(ii) Cancellation between two days and the departure date: will be considered a No Show and no refund will be applicable. The unused trek permit will be returned as well as the return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco and the bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Cusco. Clients may be able to re-use the tickets by presenting them to the respective authorities and paying an additional amount, which varies depending on the ticket.
(iii) If the trek balance is not paid two days before the trek departure date, ENIGMA will assume the client is canceling the trek and the deposit will not be refunded.

All other treks or programs (excluding custom itineraries and mountain climbing programs)
(i) Cancellation with at least one month prior to departure: ENIGMA will refund 75% of the program costs in case the full amount has been paid, or 50% of the program deposit in case only the deposit has been paid. Cost of the refund transfer will be at the client's expense.
(ii) Cancellation between one month and two days prior to departure: ENIGMA will refund 50% of the program costs in case the full amount has been paid. In case only the 50% deposit has been paid, the client will have no right to refund. Cost of the refund transfer will be at the client's expense.
(iii) Cancellation with less than two days prior to departure: will be considered a No Show and no refund will be applicable.
(iv) If the trek balance is not paid two days before the trek departure date, ENIGMA will assume the client is canceling the trek and the deposit will not be refunded.

Cancellations regarding custom itineraries and mountain climbing programs will depend on each specific program and will therefore be agreed upon between ENIGMA and the client by e-mail accordingly. ENIGMA reserves the right to modify the above-mentioned cancellations and refund policies. All modifications will be immediately informed to the affected client through written communication.

3. PRICES AND SURCHARGES
As we publish our prices well in advance, we may occasionally be faced with significant cost increases due to factors over which we have no control. As such we reserve the right to impose surcharges (or price decreases) up to one month before departure due to increases in entrance fees, train fares or other transport costs, taxes, if government action should require us to do so or others. Any surcharge or price decrease will be fully explained and justified by ENIGMA before implementation. If any surcharge results in an increase of more than 10% of the program cost the client may cancel the booking and obtain a full refund less expenses already incurred, provided the cancellation is made with at least one month prior to departure date.

4. ACCEPTANCE OF RISK
Some of ENIGMA's itineraries have been designed to provide participants with an exposure to the true nature of the environment visited. They therefore involve an element of personal risk and exposure to potential, which could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis, death, or damage to the client, his/her property or to third parties. The client understands that such risks simply cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity and therefore assumes them as part of the tour. The client accepts that he/she is aware of his physical and health condition and that, under the knowledge of this he/she decides to undertake the above-mentioned risks. The client excludes ENIGMA from any responsibility linked to any accident or injury that may occur associated to the clients' health, physical condition or other.

5. AUTHORITY ON TOUR
At all times the decision of the company's guide or representative will be final on all matters likely to endanger the safety and well being of the tour group. The client must at all times strictly comply with the laws, customs, and foreign exchange and drug regulations of Peru. Should the client fail to comply with the above, or should the client interfere with the well being of the group then the guide or company representative may order the client to leave the tour without recourse to any refund.

6. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
The client must be in possession of a valid passport and all visas required for the whole of the journey and the client accepts responsibility for obtaining the same. Any information or advice given by the company on visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment, etc is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.

7. FACTORS OUTSIDE THE COMPANY'S CONTROL (FORCE MAJEURE)
The company will do its best to minimize the effects of matters outside its control, but cannot accept any liability for these matters which include political disputes, border closures, refusals of visas, industrial action, delayed flights, unforeseeable climate, landslides, etc. The client accepts to assume all extra costs derived by any of these factors.

8. RESPONSIBILITY
The company shall not be liable for any damage or loss if the failure to carry out the contract is:
1) Attributable to the client
2) Attributable to a third party unconnected with the provision of the services contracted for and the event is unforeseeable or unavoidable
3) Due to unforeseen and unusual circumstances beyond the company's control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had to be exercised
4) Due to political disputes, industrial action, climate or other matters of a similar nature and any other force majeure
5) Due to an event, which the company, even with all due care could not foresee or forestall. Any liability is limited to the full price paid for the tour. In all cases the company specifically excludes all liability for indirect or consequential loss or expense including loss of profits.

9. CLAIMS AND COMPLAINTS
If a client has a complaint against the company the client must first inform the trek guide or company representative while on the tour in order that the guide/representative can attempt to rectify the matter. Any further complaint must be put in writing to the company within 7 days of the end of the tour. I have had sufficient opportunity to read this entire document. I have read and understood it, and I agree to be bound by its terms.

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