Machu Picchu | Camping Trek
Discover “The Lost City of the Incas” amongst the timeless peaks of the Peruvian Andes on our 10-day Machu Picchu Camping Trek. Encounter spectacular topography, lush vegetation, and intriguing archaeological sites while admiring illustrious views of mountain peaks. Explore the Sacred Valley as the locals do on foot, trek through the cloud forest and fields of boulders cloaked in a mysterious fog. After reaching Machu Picchu, enjoy a private tour of the sacred grounds and a luxurious lunch overlooking Machu Picchu. Finally, cruise the Vistadome train while returning to Cusco, where a Celebration Dinner and cozy lodge await.
Trek Summary
THE WWTREK ASSURANCE | OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGE
Machu Picchu | Camping Trek Activity Rating: MODERATE
Challenge:
Spend multiple days hiking at high elevations across the Salkantay Pass. The weather in Peru can be unpredictable, so arriving prepared for varying conditions is important. Guests will spend multiple nights in a row camping at a private campsite.
Reassurance:
The guide will pace you, but the lodges are within a moderate distance from one another to limit the daily strain on guests. We also bring an emergency horse without luggage to help assist anyone in need of support. Guides will run daily medical checks to ensure proper acclimatization.
The World Wide Trekking Difference
We work closely with our local guides to craft a trek and luxurious camping experience of the highest quality and provide the most rewarding experience for our guests. Immersing you in Peruvian culture, exploring ancient Incan ruins, and challenging ourselves through our daily hikes, we hope our guests feel awakened and fulfilled after their experiences along this journey.
WWTrek Camps
Staying in comfortable, full-service base camps, you can rest easy after long days of trekking through beautiful Humantay Lake, Rio Blanco, and Incan Ruins.
WWTrek Meals
Our highly trained staff is eager to make delicious meals for all our guests, regardless of preferences or allergies. Expect bountiful plates and delicious local flavors as you trek your Peruvian adventure, and enjoy the tastes it brings along the way.
WWTrek Team
Our team of highly trained professional Guides is here to help you every step of the way. From the first point of contact with the office through the end of your trekking experience with us, World Wide Trekking will work with you to ensure you feel comfortable and prepared to embark on your journey.
WWTrek Experience
We think it’s imperative to offer our guests the ability to hear from one another. This way, guests can get the nitty-gritty details about the trek… like finding out just how challenging that hike is!
“I can honestly say the trip exceeded mine and my wife’s expectations for every facet of the trip – the guides, transportation, accommodations, food, trekking, excursions, etc. All so amazing!! I already have some people inquiring about our trip so I will be recommending they book World Wide Trekking.” – Gray
“We especially appreciate that you took care of us, before and after the scheduled trip. You made this trip a true highlight in our lives.” -Sib and Randy
WWTrek Guest Services
World Wide Trekking boasts an extensive support crew for all of our groups ranging from eight to 12 people. At headquarters in Salt Lake City, our staff is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. If you’re planning your trip and have a question about which boots to buy, our adventure specialist is just a phone call away.
We provide medically certified, English-speaking guides for all of our adventures. Additionally, you have access to a local operations manager and a plethora of local professionals to aid the group during your trek.
Trek Itinerary
Welcome to Cusco, Peru (11,220')
- A WWTrek representative will meet you at the airport (CUZ) and transport you to your hotel.
- Visit Cusco’s main square and the iconic San Blas neighborhood being sure to stop by the San Peter Market and take in your surroundings.
- We will reconnect at the hotel for a private welcome dinner before our journey begins.
- Overnight: El Mercado or comparable
- Meals included: Welcome Dinner
Sacred Valley Walking Tour (9,500')
- This morning we will transfer to the Sacred Valley of the Incas for a tour.
- Our time in the Sacred Valley will allow us to acclimate ourselves to the altitude before our trek.
- We will spend our time hiking various ruins, and wandering local markets and studios of local weavers, potters, and artisans all while learning about the history and culture of the present people and their Incan ancestors.
- Visit Pisaq and Ollantaytambo (9,160′).
- Your guides will host orientation and gear check to ensure everyone is prepared for our camping trek.
- Overnight: El Mercado or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Tarawasi | Mollepata
- Drive to a bustling local market after breakfast before venturing to the archaeological site of Tarawasi, also known as Limatambo to enjoy a delicious lunch.
- After eating, we will visit weavers and explore the village of Mollepata before spending a relaxing evening at the hotel.
- Overnight: Pedregal Hotel or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Marcocasa | Soraypampa (12,690')
- This morning we begin our journey to Machu Picchu by foot.
- After breakfast, we will transfer to the Salkantay Trailhead (9,350′), starting in the town of Mollepata.
- We’ll follow the winding trail through pastures and farmlands as we ascend to the Marqhok’asa pass.
- After taking in the views from the pass, we will descend to our campsite.
- Overnight: Soraypampa Camp (12,690′)
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek from Soraypampa (12,690') to Soyrococha (13,800')
- Visit Humantay Lake and revel in the beauty of the bright blue-green water.
- We will participate in an awakening Shaman ceremony.
- After our ceremony, we will trek from Soraypampa to Soyrococha.
- Overnight: Soyrococha Camp
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Soyrococha | Collpapampa (9,414')
- Trek over Salkantay Pass (15,340′).
- Trek down through an old moraine to camp; our scenery will become lusher as we trek through the cloud forest and make our way to the confluence of three rivers, the Rio Santa Teresa, Rio Salkantay, and Rio Chaullay at Collpapampa.
- Overnight: Collpapampa Camp
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Collpapampa (9,414') | Lluscamayo (8,530') | Lucmabamba (6,600')
- The first portion of our day will take us from Collpapampa along the Rio Santa Teresa valley through rural coffee plantations and orchards to Lluscamayo.
- Once we reach Lluscamayo, a private vehicle will take us to Lucmabamba where we will travel over part of the Inca trail.
- Overnight: Lucmabamba Camp
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lucmabamba (6,600') | Llaqtapata (8,040') | Aguas Calientes (6,700')
- We will begin trekking to Llactapata archeological site where we will enjoy a view of the backside of Machu Picchu.
- Hiking from Llaqtapata to the train station, we will take the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes.
- Overnight: Inkaterra El Mapi Hotel or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Tour Machu Picchu
- Enjoy a private Machu Picchu Sanctuary tour.
- Optional Huayna Picchu ascent (8,850′) *please tell us in advance, advance tickets required)*
- Enjoy an afternoon at leisure: explore Machu Picchu, and Aguas Calientes, or enjoy a bath in the natural hot springs.
- Take the Vistadome train, then a private transfer to Cusco (11,220′) where we will reconvene at the hotel for our celebration dinner!
- Overnight: El Mercado or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Celebration Dinner
Cusco, Peru (11,220') | International Departures
- We will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
- You can enjoy shopping and free time in the city of Cusco if your flight leaves later in the day.
- Transfer to Cusco Airport (CUZ) in the afternoon, depending on flight time.
- Meals included: Breakfast
What's Included
- Pre-trip planning, consultation, and customization
- Transportation by private vans, vehicles, and buses throughout
- 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners
- 5 nights of luxury accommodations
- 4 nights of tented camps
- All services, tours, hikes, entrance, and excursion fees described in the attached itinerary
- Any necessary permits for trekking, national parks, etc.
- Baggage handling throughout the adventure
World Wide Trekking Lead Guide(s) and local Peruvian guides based on group size
- Services of local English-speaking guides throughout
- Services of local porters, staff, cook crew, and camp crew
- Services of WWTrek Operations Manager in Peru
- Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu tours and fees
- Pack horses to carry gear throughout the trek
Not Included
- International airfare (origin > Peru > origin)
- Passports and visas (if applicable)
- Medical expenses and immunizations
- Travel, evacuation and medical insurance
- Meals or bottled beverages other than those specified in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature: laundry, soft drinks, incidentals, etc.
- Expenses incurred due to circumstances outside of the control of World Wide Trekking
- Gratuities to guides and crew members
- Tourism Taxes When Applicable
The World Wide Trekking Difference
Incan Sites
Not only will guests be able to visit Machu Picchu, but they will trek along the Andes mountains, across the Sacred Valley, over the Salkantay Pass (15,340′).
Peruvian Culture
This trek allows guests to fully immerse themselves in Peruvian culture. Traverse the same lands that the ancient Incas once called home, and tour the Sacred Valley and Salkantay Pass.
Full-service Campsites
During this trek guests will camp in private, full-service campgrounds. You won’t have to go without the amenities of home and can feel assured knowing you are well-rested ahead of each day of trekking.
Packhorses
Don’t worry about trekking with your luggage. World Wide Trekking uses packhorses to get guests’ luggage from campsite to campsite along the trail, with a full-service team there to help as well. Pack your daypack according to that day’s needs, and allow yourself a leisurely time along the trail.
Vistadome Train
Not only will guests be able to visit Machu Picchu, but they will trek along the Andes mountains, across the Sacred Valley, over the Salkantay Pass (15,340′).
Human Outreach Project
OUR PLANET… HELPING OTHERS, CHANGING LIVES
Peru is one of Human Outreach Projects longest running program destinations. By sponsoring two computer centers that boast WiFi, educational tools, and computers– entire communities can connect more efficiently and effectively. HOP also hosts two Annual Chocolatada Festivals in Peru serving roughly 300 people each year, bringing holiday joy to all the local children.
Travel Notes
Best Time of Year to Visit
Our favorite time to travel is from June through September or December through February. The rainy season has just ended, providing plentiful vegetation and biodiversity with less dust in the air. Additionally, late June through early August offers cooler temperatures. January, February, and September are the driest and warmest months in Tanzania, and therefore the busiest months. March through early June is a rainy season, and visibility is low, though the crowds are gone.
Arrivals and Departures
This trip begins and ends in Cusco, Peru. You will fly into and out of Cusco International Airport (CUZ).
* Many guests prefer to arrive before, or leave after, the scheduled itinerary. We can help you make arrangements. Additional charges for early arrival, transportation, lodging, meals, and activities will apply.
Recommended Flights
International airfares are not included in program pricing. When booking international travel, we recommend working with an experienced travel agent. One that World Wide Trekking is proud to coordinate with is Brian Mei from Eastern Travel. You can reach Brian directly by calling 801.792.1721 or by email at brian@easterntravel.com. Additional support is always available by calling the Eastern Travel Office at 801.466.8811 or by emailing Michelle at michelle@easterntravel.com.
The benefit of using a travel agent is in the event of itinerary changes, the travel agent will find the best flight connections, and land arrangements, for you. Though third-party travel websites are convenient, we do not recommend using them, due to instability in the itineraries. We also recommend that you protect your flight with travel insurance and a refundable ticket.
We also recommend that you protect your flight with travel insurance and a refundable ticket. Contact AIG Travel Guard to get more information.
Travel Insurance
We recommend purchasing travel insurance, which will protect you in the event of an unanticipated cancellation of your trip, and depending on the plan you choose, can refund all the costs already paid (including flights, trip costs, and your payment to us). Please note: you must purchase this plan within 14 days of your deposit payment.
Customs, Visas, Immigration
U.S. Citizens are not required to obtain a visa for travel to Peru.
*Please Note: Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip. Make two copies of your passport, leave one at home, and bring the other with you to Peru along with two extra passport photos in case of an emergency. Ensure you provide a color copy of your passport to WWTrek 90 days before your departure date.
Accommodations
Upon arrival in Peru, and after your trek, you can expect the finest accommodations while staying in Cusco. Enjoy full-service camping while hiking through the Humantay Lake, Rio Blanco Valley, and Incan ruins.
Health and Safety
Our stringent commitment to safety means you have access to our medically certified guides before and throughout your trip. Our staff also carries emergency medical equipment such as satellite phones and medical kits.
Before the trip, you will need to get a few prescriptions from your physician: Diamox for altitude sickness, Cipro for stomach ailments, and Z-Pack for respiratory ailments. In addition, we recommend visiting your local travel clinic one month before your trip. Needed vaccinations include a current tetanus shot, annual influenza shot, Varicella, Typhoid, Hep A, and MMR.
Helpful over-the-counter medications include Imodium Ad, throat lozenges, ibuprofen, eye drops, and other personal medications.
For more information, contact Dr. Levy, our medical advisor, at 801.943.0264.
Gratuities
In many parts of the world, gratuities are given in appreciation for a job well done. Our guides will take care of tipping service personnel along the way so that you don’t have to think about it.
For any additional services outside of our itinerary, plan to tip 10% (transport, restaurants, baggage, lodges, etc). We will provide you with detailed tipping recommendations on your ‘Trip Detail’ site once you sign up.
At the trail end, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a group tipping pool that will be presented to your WWTrekking guides and trekking staff as we say our goodbyes.
Currency Exchange
You will have the opportunity to exchange money after your WWTrek guide escorts you from the airport. You can easily exchange money at gift shops in both Cusco and the smaller villages we visit. Exchange money as you go using your credit card or cash for your expenses at the lodge. Typically, our guests spend about $1,000 for various personal expenses, souvenirs, and incidentals.
Fitness and Nutrition
We provide a complimentary 6-week extensive fitness and nutrition program to help our guests prepare for their journey ahead. The program is tailored specifically for our trips and includes virtual 1 on 1 coaching sessions with our Fitness and Nutrition Specialist.
Gear List
General Information
Country
Peru is a nation of discovery. Between the ever-evolving cultural landscapes of indigenous peoples and Spanish influences, the country provides a multitude of natural wonders and economic growth. With a resurgence in cultural pride and open arms to tourists, Peru offers an old-world destination with an increasingly modern and progressive attitude.
Population
With 31.2 million inhabitants, Peru is the 5th most populated country in South America.
Time Zone
Peru Time (PET) is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Capital City
Lima, Peru
People
Essentially, two populations reside in Peru, the whites and mestizos (people of mixed indigenous and Spanish descent) and that of the criollos (natives). Many Peruvians believe that being white is better. This belief contributes to inequality issues that permeate Peru’s government and economic sectors. A significant divide exists between the wealthy elite, typically whites and mestizos, and the poor, predominantly the criollos. Many Peruvians subscribe to the tradition that men go to work and women stay at home, although this trend is changing. In addition, the government and the Catholic Church work closely together. The official religion of the military is Roman Catholic while priests and other religious figures receive government stipends.
Culture and Religion
From the cobblestone streets of the Spanish era to the vine-entangled Incan temples hidden among the mountains, Peru boasts a rich and deep-rooted multicultural heritage. In terms of the national psyche, Peru carries its internal struggles related to its tumultuous history such as race, class, gender, and religious issues. Even so, the people continue to maintain solidarity in their devotion to relationships with friends, and family, and the welcoming of guests.
Introduced by the Spanish, Peru’s predominant religion is Roman Catholic. However, many of the indigenous Peruvians subscribe to their blend of Catholicism and traditional beliefs. Reportedly, 80% of the country is Roman Catholic, with about 15% regularly attending church. Religion is perhaps one of the best examples of how indigenous beliefs have melded with Spanish traditions. Many indigenous people symbolize Viracocha (the creator) as the Christian God and Pachamama (the earth mother) as the Virgin Mary.
Currency
The official currency in Peru is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN), referred to as the sol. Due to fluctuating exchange rates, we recommend searching online to find out the current rate before your adventure.
