Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soyroccocha
Your adventure begins at 5am when we pick you up at your hotel in our van and drive to the trailhead at Soraypampa. Along the way, you pass through two picturesque indigenous villages called Iscuchaca and Limatambo. In addition, you will have spectacular views of stunning valleys and the snow-capped, famous Salkantay Mountain.
Once we reach the trailhead in Soraypampa, we power up with breakfast while admiring the breathtaking views of the mountain glaciers of Humantay (19,356 feet) and Salkantay (20,396 feet). We then take a 2.5 hours round-trip hike up to visit the turquoise Humantay Lake. Next, we take about one and a half hours to ascend to Salkantay Pampa, where you can look forward to a great lunch in front of the majestic glacier.
Next, we make our way to our first campsite at Soroccocha, situated at the foot of the towering Salkantay Mountain. At camp, will have afternoon tea to warm up and appetizers waiting for us. Your tents will already be set up and you can settle in before dinner.
Trip overview:
- Lowest Elevation: 3,900 m/12,480 ft.
- Highest Elevation: 4,400 m/14,517 ft.
- Distance to walk: 13 km/8 miles
- Approximate walking time: 7 to 8 hours
- Area: Dry Mountain
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Includes:
- Accommodations: campsite
- Camping equipment included: sleeping tent (2people), Sleeping Mattress, pillow, dinning tent, table + chairs
- Crew included: Top Guide, Master Chef, Porter, and a horsemen + horses
- Meals Included: Water, Breakfast, Lunch, tea time, and Dinner
- Entrance tickets: included
Day 2: Soyroccocha – Salkantay Pass – Colpapampa
Your guide will wake you with a hot mug of tea or coffee in your tent before you get up for breakfast. After a hearty and delicious breakfast, we continue our Salkantay journey with a climb for about an hour to arrive at the trek’s highest point, salkantay pass at 4,650m / 15,367ft. At the pass, we take some well-deserved photos and enjoy looking at the massive snow-capped mountains Huallanay, Humantay and Salkantay towering above us and at the lakes and rivers below.
As a side trip, we take 30 minutes to enjoy the exquisite and panoramic, turquoise Salkantay Lake. Afterwards, we continue down to Rayanniyoc for lunch. Then, we trek for a couple of hours at our final stop for the day at our camp near the tiny village of Colpapampa. Hot drinks and appetizers will once again be waiting for you when you arrive.
Trip overview:
- Lowest Elevation: 2,900 m/ 9,280 ft.
- Highest Elevation: 4,650m / 15,367 ft.
- Distance to walk: 18 km/12 miles
- Approximate walking time: 9 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Includes:
- Accommodations: campsite
- Camping equipment included: sleeping tent (2people), Sleeping Mattress, pillow, dinning tent, table + chairs
- Crew included: Top Guide, Master Chef, Porter, and a horsemen + horses
- Meals Included: Water, Breakfast, Lunch, tea time, and Dinner
- Entrance tickets: included
Day 3: Colpapampa – the Hot Springs – Lucmabamba
This day marks the time we’ve passed our midway point. We start walking to our next destination, Lucmabamba. During this time of your journey, you’ll see a variety of wonders, including birds, fruit plantations with their flowering orchards and cacao and coffee trees. We’ll reach our destination for lunch with plenty of time to relax.
After lunch, we’ll tour a coffee plantation close to the campsite. Here we take a relaxing tour, where we get to learn about the source of Peruvian coffee, which is increasingly popular around the world. We begin by browsing the fields, learning about the different types of beans and picking our own. Then, we roast and grind them into coffee. Finally, we get to brew and drink our own coffee! It is a truly unique experience. Co-existing with fields of tomatoes and avocados are multiple ecosystems with another astonishing variety of flora and fauna.
As Option: Around 3pm, we’ll take local transportation for 50 minutes to Cocalmayo, where you can bathe in the natural hot springs. We come back to camp relaxed and hungry for our dinner, made with the fruits and vegetables that we picked today. Or you can just relax at camp for the next day.
Trip overview:
- Lowest Elevation: 2100m / 7100ft
- Highest Elevation: 2,900m / 9,280 ft.
- Distance to walk: 16 km/10 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6 hours
- Area: humid mountain
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
- As option: hot spring (santa teresa)
Includes:
- Accommodations: campsite
- Camping equipment included: sleeping tent (2people), Sleeping Mattress, pillow, dinning tent, table + chairs
- Crew included: Top Guide, Master Chef, Porter, and a horsemen + horses
- Meals Included: Water, Breakfast, Lunch, tea time, and Dinner
- Entrance tickets: included
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
After another hot drink enjoyed in your sleeping tent, you will be treated to the last delicious breakfast prepared by our chef. From here, we walk in the footsteps of the Inca, along the ancient and remote Inca Trail for 3 hours uphill to the Puncuyoc Pass (2,700m/8,858ft). Along the way, you will be amazed at the incredible views of deep valleys reaching into the distance with their fruit plantations. We finally arrive to Llactapata Inca Ruins; located right across the valley front Machu Picchu. There, we take time to enjoy the strategic location of the Citadel of Machu Picchu. From there, we descend for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant where we have lunch. Afterwards we walk 3 more hours from hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes Town. Later on, we have dinner in a local restaurant.
As option you can go to the hot spring!
Trip overview:
- Lowest Elevation: 1,850 m/ 5,920 ft.
- Highest Elevation: 2,700m / 8,858 ft.
- Distance to walk: 18 km/12 miles
- Approximate walking time: 10 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging – Moderate.
Includes:
- Accommodations: Hotel
- Camping equipment included: dinning tent, table + chairs
- Crew included: Top Guide, Master Chef, Porter, and a horsemen + horses
- Meals Included: Water, Breakfast, Lunch, tea time, and Dinner (restaurant)
- Entrance tickets: included
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first busses up to Machu Picchu, so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you the full tour, which takes about two hours. You will see all of the most important parts of Machu Picchu, including the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry etc.
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for an extra hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs. Your train will depart at 14:55 or 15:20.
The train will take you back to Ollantaytambo, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Our driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.
Trip overview:
- Lowest Elevation: 2,000 m/ 6,400 ft.
- Highest Elevation: 2,400m / 7,680 ft.
- Distance to walk: Tour walking
Includes:
- Accommodations: N/A
- Entrance tickets: included
- Bus ticket round trip up to Machu Picchu
- Train ticket from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo
- Private van from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Meal included: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
Note: If you would like to hike Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu Mountain, or do any other upgrade, please let us know and we will arrange for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHY RUNAS EXPEDITIONS?
RUNAS EXPEDITIONS is an experienced travel company, we are experts doing tours and you are our motivation; to show you our culture; You will have your best adventure and experience ever in PERU. We will work together to do your trip, hiking through the Andes to reach MACHUPICCHU or any other tours.
Peru is one of the countries that has so many things to do as an adventure, so we offer you the best experiences ever in your lifetime. Whatever is your tour you will have the best adventures. All our tours are only and strictly operated by RUNAS EXPEDITIONS with our professional staff. we are located and based in Cusco, working more than 10 years in the tourism industry, we believe that we are in advance than any others tour companies because we really practice and educate the people to protect the environment and we really help to local people with giving jobs, and giving donations to the local children. And we really care about our employees guides, chefs, porters, horsemen and all our staff. Runas Expeditions contributes to the Peruviangovernment with 19%taxes on all sales (overseas companies are exempt from paying this so do not contribute to the Peruvian economy in this aspect).
All our tour guides are from university who speak English; they are very professional with a lot knowledgeable and a lot passion to their work.
DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
Well all the treks Ancascocha trek, Inca Quarry Trek, Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, Ausangate trek or whatever trek are moderately difficult, at least you need to train like go running, gym, hike a little bit or do any exercise. On the trail you will have enough time do anything, if you are hiking slow on the way that’s not problem take your time enjoy yourself because our tour guides will be ready to help at any times.
Please when you will be going high altitudes, go slowly and steady and drink a lot water and of course drink the magical coca tea.
How long in advance should I book for this Trek?
For the alternative trek or any Machu Picchu tours: Ancascocha Treks, Inca Quarry Trek, Lares trek, salkantay, Huchuy Qosqo etc. You can book three months in advance before doing the trek or any tour to Machu Picchu.
How can I proceed to book a reservation for the altervative treks?
The same as the Inca Trail, sending your departure date and backup date:
You must provide us a main date and a backup date. By providing us with a main date and a backup date for your trek classic, you automatically authorize Runas Expeditions to use either of these dates for your reservation. Runas Expeditions within the next 24 hours, we will send you an electronic receipt confirming your trek has been officially booked and also to confirm the exact departure date of your trek and also you have to do a deposited of 200$ usa or 20% of the total price of the trip.
How many days in advance is recommended to BE in Cusco? How far in advance must one check in at the ROYAL ADVENTURE Office to guarantee the reservation?
All the hiker from any treks, we high recommended to be in Cusco 1 or 2 days before doing the trek or any tour in order to acclimatize with high elevation. The last details about your trek (to pay the remaining balance) should be at the Runas Expeditions office at least two days prior to departure.
HOW TO MAKE A DEPOSIT?
We are Unable to accept any bookings without completed booking form and deposit sent to Runas Expeditions. All deposits are $200 per person and are non-refundable.
We accept payments through PayPal and Visa, they do charge 6% so the total per person is $212 and should be sent to runasexpeditions@gmail.com
You can make your deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on our page or you need to log into your Paypal account and send the money to runasexpeditions@gmail.com
NOTE: The client will assume all transaction fees.
CAN I BOOK GROUP SERVICE OR PRIVATE SERVICE.
When you book as Group Service, you will meet people from different nationalities, different ages, and different culture minds, while you are hiking you don’t have to wait for the last one but you will wait at lunch place and camping site because you will share the same food, the same sleeping tents etc.
When you book as Private Service, you will definitely have exclusive service with more details and surprise to you. You will travel just yourself not with other people to share thing, it will selected just two people for honeymooners, for family or a group of friends and normally the groups are small but they could be a big group.
Is there a meeting before the trek?
Of course there will be a meeting at Runas Expeditions office before doing any tours, where you will meet your tour guide, the rest of your group, and be provided with a clear information about your trek or any tours.
Can i rent equipment from Runas expeditions?
Yes, You can. Here you can rent sleeping bag, sleeping tens, trekking poles, inflammable matrass or air mattresses but we don’t rent hiking boots, rain jackets or other personal clothing.
CAN I RENT AN EXTRA PORTER AND HOW MUCH WILL THEY CARRY FOR ME?
Runas Expeditions, you don’t have to pay for extra porter, we included in all our tour extra porter to carry 8 kilos per person (duffle bag), so we are the only tour company who provide this. You will carry just a small daypack.
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
We strongly advise you to get travel insurance that covers accidents, medical expenses and emergency repatriation, including rescue and air ambulance. We also recommend that it covers bad weather tour cancellations, loss of luggage, etc. Please forward a copy/ policy number to our offices.
How many people will there be in my group?
According to Peruvian laws and regulation on the Inca Trail, the maximum group size is 16 hikers and 2 tour guides. After 9 hikers there will be 2 tour guides, and from 2 hikers to 8 hikers there will be a tour guide. At many times of year, the group size will be smaller.
IF I am travelling by myself. Will I have to share THE SLEEPING tent?
The sleeping tents for all our treks are 4 man tents but we only designed for two people in each thus allowing you more space and comfort. If you are travelling alone and there is an even number of people in your group, you will share the tent with somebody else unless you rent an extra single tent.
ARE THERE TOILETS ALONG THE WAY?
On the Inca Trail there are toilets at every lunch spot and every campsites. The type of toilets are squat toilets and sometimes will be busy, they may become slightly dirty.
We will provide chemical baths on the Inca trail and alternate treks, as these baths are more hygienic
WHAT KIND OF FOOD ARE THERE ON THE TRAIL? Can I GET my dietary needs?
You should not worry about the food; our meals are just amazing and plenty for everyone, the type of food that we provide are buffet so you can eat as much as you want. And definitely we have the best food, by the way you will have four meals per Day Breakfast, Lunch, Happy hour and Dinner.
Runas Expeditions is able to accommodate many types of needs upon request at the time of booking. If you are vegetarian or any specially diet or any specific allergies, it will not be a problem for. Our international chefs will be able to give you a surprise at every meal and you will have variety of dietary needs.
WILL I GET WATER ALONG THE WAY?
We will provide you boiled water. At Every morning, you will get plenty water from us, and after every lunch you will get more water from us, even if you need water at night just let us know.
Is there a student discount?
Runas Expeditions gives student discounts of %25. You only need to send us your scanned student card at booking time, and your price will be adjusted accordingly.
WHAT TIME WILL I GET BACK TO CUSCO?
We give you all the chance to enjoy more the Inca city Machu Picchu. Our transportation back to Cusco is not early and not late. That’s why we have to book in advance too, because the Train Company Peru Rail provides us all departure times. You will get back to Cusco between 7pm to 8pm.
WHAT TIME WILL I ARRIVE AT MACHUPICCHU?
When you are coming from the Inca Trail, you will arrive to MachuPicchu around 7:30am. But if you are doing any others tour you will arrive to MachuPicchu between 6:30am to 7am or depend on your bokking time.
IS THERE ANY OTHERS THINGS TO DO AT MACHUPICCHU?
After the guiding tour you will have plenty of time to visit by yourself. If you book for the extra climb to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Macho Picchu Mountain you can do it, or you can go to the Inca Bridge or you can go the Sun Gate or you can just explore at the Inca city.
WHY AND HOW MUCH SHOULD WE TIP THE PORTERS?
Runas Expeditions fully complies with the porter’s Law (27608) requirements of payment and insurance. However, tipping is a tradition on the Inca Trail or any trek that has been taking place for the 20 years as a way of showing the porters your gratitude. Generally the groups prepare a collective tip which is shared out between the cook, head porter and porters. Suggested amount to tip is 90 soles to each porter and 250 soles the cook, from the whole group not from each tourist.
Please Note: to tip to the porters is a personal decision and it is optional.
SHOULD I TIP THE GUIDE?
Tipping the guide is again a personal decision. If you decide to tip we recommend that it is according their performance, knowledge and skills while on the trail. Guides are tipped individually at the end of the trek and tipping depends on their performance!
WHAT HAPPENED IF I GET SICK DO I NEED TO TURN BACK?
We have a very low rate of people turning back once on the trek. Our priority is to help you complete it; all our guides are properly trained and carry a first aid kit and a bottle of oxygen for emergencies. Please do not think about this, be positive mind and definitely you are in good hands.
In the exceptional case that a trekker decides to head back once they have started the trek, they must pay additional expenses such as food, lodging and transportation. On the last day the tourist will be able to rejoin the group and participate in the Machu Picchu tour.
No refund will be given.
What KIND OF MONEY is used in Peru?
Peruvian Soles are the national currency.
What type of money is most commonly accepted?
Soles are accepted everywhere in Peru. However, at tourist sites you are often able to use American dollars and money exchanges are easy to find it.
