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A significant portion of the cost you pay for the trip supports underprivileged children & communities.
IFRE is a US-based 501(c)3 non-profit charity. We adhere to high standards of service and professionalism.
Since 2006, over 22,000 happy volunteers and travelers have contributed to making this world a better place with us.
We guarantee you a worry-free travel experience. Our fully trained guides take care of you throughout the journey.
Are you prepared for an extraordinary Salkantay to Machu Picchu trekking that will leave a lasting impact and ignite your soul? Are you driven by a deep desire to uplift underprivileged children and communities? Embark on a transformative Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu, where you can immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes while making a positive difference in the lives of disadvantaged communities.
The Salkantay Tour has gained popularity as one of the primary routes to reach Machupicchu. Today, hundreds of tourists from various locations embark on this trek. One of the highlights of this journey is the breathtaking view of the majestic Salkantay Mountain, the second highest peak in Cusco, standing at an impressive altitude of 6271 meters above sea level. As we traverse through diverse landscapes, we will experience a serene environment and encounter distinct microclimates with each passing day. This combination of stunning scenery and varied climates adds to the uniqueness and allure of the Salkantay Tour.
When you join this expedition, you are not just embarking on a personal adventure but also supporting a noble cause. A portion of the savings from your trip directly supports less fortunate children, local schools, and women's groups, empowering communities and fostering brighter futures. Discover more about the impactful charity work facilitated by compassionate travelers like you on our website: ifrevolunteers.org/charity.
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Our airport representative will pick you up at the airport and transfer to your hotel accommodation. You will receive a detail orientation about your trip, safety procedures, daily itineraries and more.
Your tour starts with a hotel pick-up at around 5:00 in the morning. From there, we embark on a scenic 3.5-hour journey in a private tourist transport to the district of Mollepata. Along the way, we provide breakfast to fuel up for the adventure ahead. The walking portion of the tour begins, lasting approximately 7 hours as we make our way to the town of Soraypampa. The trail offers breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences throughout the day.
Prepare yourself for one of the most challenging days of the tour as we ascend to the highest point of the route, the "Salkantay Pass" at an impressive altitude of 4600 meters above sea level. The uphill hike to reach the summit takes around 3 hours, followed by a well-deserved rest. From there, we begin our descent towards the enchanting eye of the jungle, where the weather undergoes a noticeable and sudden change. It is recommended to have coca leaves on hand to combat altitude sickness. After reaching Huayrac, we enjoy a relaxing 1.5-hour lunch break before continuing our journey towards Collpapampa, our overnight stop.
On this day, you will be amazed by the abundant vegetation that surrounds us throughout the approximately 6-hour hike. Along the way, we will pass by coca, tea, coffee, and fruit tree plantations, creating a vibrant and lush environment. As we reach the district of Santa Teresa, we will hop on local public transport for a journey of about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, we can safely store our belongings at the campsite before heading to the Cocalmayo hot springs. These soothing thermal baths offer a well-deserved relaxation after the challenging hike. We typically spend around 2 hours enjoying the rejuvenating waters before returning to our campsite.
Following breakfast, you will have two options to choose from. The first option is to embark on an exhilarating 2-hour Zip Line activity, after which we will provide private transportation to Hidroelectrica. Alternatively, you can opt for a scenic 4-hour walk from Santa Teresa to Hidroelectrica. We will break for a 2-hour lunch and rest period before continuing our journey along the railway line towards Aguas Calientes. Once we arrive, we will check into our hotel where we will spend the night, preparing for the grand finale of our tour.
The highly anticipated day has finally arrived. We will rise early in the morning to begin our ascent to the majestic citadel of Machupicchu. The journey takes approximately 2 hours, and it is important to arrive at the citadel control by 6:00 am. Our guided tour of the archaeological site will commence around 6:30 am and last for approximately 3 hours. After the guided tour, you will have ample time to further explore and immerse yourself in the beauty of Machupicchu. Later in the day, we will follow the train schedule for our return to Cusco, which involves a 2-hour train journey and a 2-hour ride in a tourist bus. We anticipate arriving in the city of Cusco after 11:00 pm, concluding our remarkable adventure.
When it comes to embarking on the Discover Culinary Tour, choosing IFRE is a decision that combines adventure with purpose.
Our experienced team of local guides and staff provide expert guidance throughout your tour, ensuring your safety, comfort, and meaningful connections with the local communities.
Our trips have guaranteed departure dates. Once booking is confirmed, your trip is guaranteed to run irrespective of the number of participants, giving you the peace of mind.
Our website provides secure encryption technology to ensure the safety of your personal and payment information, giving you peace of mind when making reservations.
We believe that every trekker is different and deserves a personalized itinerary. We customize your trek itineraries based on your preferences and ensure that you have a wonderful time.
Through our commitment to social responsibility, we actively contribute to the betterment of communities, fostering positive change and inspiring others to join us in creating a brighter future for all.
Our track record of satisfied customers speaks for itself. Many of our clients have returned to travel with us again, and we receive numerous referrals from happy travelers.
You will need to fly to Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru.
If your flight is delayed, our representative will communicate with the airline company to confirm your landing time and arrange for a pickup from the airport based on the updated arrival time. Our team will do their best to accommodate the changes caused by the delay and adjust your itinerary.
Yes, you will receive a detailed orientation the day you arrive at your hotel from our highly experienced guide. The orientation will cover essential information such as the trip route, day-to-day itinerary, safety measures, and any specific instructions or recommendations required for your trip.
You will be provided with the contact details of your tour guide and tour manager once your booking is confirmed, who can be reached via phone or email. They will be readily available to address any concerns or emergencies you may have.
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. This period offers pleasant weather and clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring popular tourist destinations such as Machu Picchu and the Amazon rainforest.
Yes, you need a tourist visa to visit Peru. However, US citizens traveling to Peru for tourism purposes do not need to apply for a visa. They can remain in the country for a maximum of 183 days, and then leave. Also, people from most countries in the Americas and Western Europe do not need a tourist visa to enter Peru.
Yes, it is highly recommended to acclimate to the altitude, especially if you plan to visit destinations like Cusco and Machu Picchu. Take it easy for the first few days, drink plenty of water, and consider using medication to alleviate altitude sickness symptoms.
The local currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN).
US dollars are widely accepted in many tourist areas, but it's advisable to carry local currency for smaller purchases. Credit cards are also widely accepted in most establishments.
It is best to stick to bottled water or use water purification tablets to ensure your drinking water is safe. Avoid drinking tap water directly.
The official languages of Peru are Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara. English is also spoken in some tourist areas.
Peru has a diverse climate due to its geographical features. Coastal areas tend to be arid, while the Andes and Amazon regions have different variations of tropical climates.
Yes, for certain treks in Peru, such as the Inca Trail and the Choquequirao Trek, you need to obtain permits. These permits have limited availability and should be arranged well in advance.
Essential items to pack for a trek in Peru include sturdy hiking boots, comfortable clothing, layers for varying weather conditions, a good quality backpack, a sleeping bag, a headlamp, sunscreen, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, and any necessary personal medication. It is important to pack light but ensure you have all the necessary gear for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
Peru's climate varies by region: the Coast is tropical, dry, and warm with little rain; the Highland and Jungle have rainy and dry seasons of six months each. Peru Hiking Tours advises you to check the weather and season of your destination and dress accordingly.
Peru has 80% of the world’s ecological zones and over 400 animal species, including 1700 birds and 2000 sea animals. Birds are very popular with visitors, especially the Cock of the Rock “Rupicola Peruviana” and the Hummingbirds, such as the Marvelous Hummingbird or Spoontail “Loddigesia Mirabilis”.
Peru has a rich and diverse flora, with many endemic species. THE ORCHIDS “The most beautiful flowers in the world” are the main ones, with 3,000 varieties out of 30,000 worldwide. The Natural Areas Protected by the State are the best places to see them in their natural habitat.
Peru does not require these vaccines, as malaria and yellow fever mainly occur in hot areas, while most of Peru’s attractions are in high Andean regions. However, if you plan to visit the north coast or the Peruvian Amazon jungle, where these diseases are more common, it is advisable to get vaccinated at least 10 days before your trip, according to the World Health Organization “WHO”. You can get the vaccine at local health centers or hospitals.
It is not mandatory but strongly advised, as the tourist services you hire may not cover health emergencies. Travel insurance can give you peace of mind and access to private clinics that have agreements with many insurers worldwide.
Peru is a top tourist destination and has a Tourism Police to ensure safety. However, like anywhere else, some places are more dangerous than others. Ask your travel agent about the risk levels of each city you visit. Cusco, the most popular city, is one of the safest in Peru.