ALTERNATIVE TREKS 2006 -2007

Hiking and Trekking

Dear Trekker,

If you are interested in the Inca Trail in April, May and many dates in June then you have already missed out on permits. This may at first seem totally devastating but there are some alternative treks to Machu Pichhu which do not require the same permits and so can be confirmed at times only a few days in advance if there is still room. If you want to do the Inca trail above all else then ring us on +51+84 255205 or +51+84249194

There are still spaces in June but otherwise read this report below and don`t despair!!

Lynn and Owen Dales (lynnandowen@hotmail.co.uk)

We have just returned from the 4 day Lares Valley trek and would like to say what an absolutely brilliant time we had. Although initally disappointed that we were too late to do the real Inka Trail the Lares Valley was in no way a second best option. We saw the most fantastic scenery and the people local to the area made the trip - particularly the children and the visit to the shool. Thank you to SAS Travel and their perfect organisation and particularly to Jose Luis our main guide who was great. If you can't do the Inka Trail do this one instead as it still ends at Machu Pichu to see the sunrise before the crowds

Please let us know if any of these treks or options below may suit you or if you want to book for later dates than those mentioned. All the best with planning your trip and we hope to assist you with finding the best alternatives and a great time in Peru.

SAS TRAVEL
info@sastravelperu.com

GO TO MACHU PICCHU ?
THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS!

CLASSIC TRAIN JOURNEY MACHUPICCHU

2 DAY/ 1 NIGHT
FREE MID-DAY TO HIKE PUTUCUSI MOUNTAIN, MANDOR WATERFALLS, ORCHIDS GARDEN IN THE PUEBLO HOTEL, OR JUST RELAX IN THE HOT SPRINGS.
ONE DAY ENTRANCE TO MACHU PICCHU, GUIDED TOURS, OVERNIGHT LODGING, MOST FOOD, TOURIST TRAIN WITH RESERVED SEATS AND TRANSPORT, DAILY DEPARTURES ***

[ for more information or to make a reservation ]

SALKANTAY MOUNTAIN 5 DAY TREK

WE HAVE A SALKANTAY TREK WITH MACHU PICCHU
VERY SCENIC, HIGH ALTITUDES, MODERATE TO DIFFICULT LEVEL, 3 NIGHT CAMPING + 1 NIGHT IN HOSTAL IN AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN, GUIDED TOUR TO MACHUPICCHU, PLENTY OF TIME TO EXPLORE HUAYNA PICCHU, CLIMB TO THE TEMPLE OF THE MOON, HIKE TO THE GATE OF THE SUN, OR THE INKA BRIDGE.

***SCHEDULED DEPARTURES generally WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY but see first page of website for already confirmed departure dates
MIN 6 PAXS    

CONTACT US FOR ALTERNATIVE DATES

Take a look at the itinerary

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LARES VALLEY 4 DAY TREK

OUR CULTURAL INKA TRAIL - LARES VALLEY TREK, 4 DAYS MODERATE TO HIGH ALTITUDES, AVERAGE DIFFICULTY, ALWAYS INKA TRAIL GUIDES

Our trek takes us into the Lares region of the Peruvian Andes, passing green valleys, tranquil mountain lakes and high passes, with breathtaking views of snow-capped Andean peaks rising to just under 6,000meters. Our route takes us through many small village communities that offer a fascinating insight into traditional Andean life. Finally we make our way by train to Aguas Calientes and continue on to Machu-Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas. We have plenty of time to explore this renowned and fascinating site.

Take a look at the Lares itinerary

Prices: see prices page!

Tour Conditions: see tour conditions page!

SCHEDULED DEPARTURES : generallyTUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY but see first page of website already confirmed departure dates

MIN 6 PAXS

CONTACT US FOR ALTERNATIVE DATES IF YOU ARE MORE THAN 3 .

MOLLEPATA / SALKANTAY AND LARES TREKS

INCLUDE SCENIC CAMPING, ONE NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES BELOW MACHU PICCHU, MEALS, GUIDES AND ALL ENTRANCES TO MACHU PICCHU AND RETURN TRAIN

ALL SAS TRAVEL TOURS, ARRIVING TO MACHU PICCHU CAN INCLUDE OPTIONAL EXTRA NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES FOR $25 DOLLARS MORE DOUBLE BASIS ROOM WITH DINNER AND BREAKFAST AND TRAIN FOLLOWING DAY.

MOST IMPORTANTLY WE DON'T NEED PERMITS FOR THE ABOVE TOURS SO THEY USUALLY CAN BE BOOKED JUST A FEW DAYS IN ADVANCE.

CONGRATULATIONS ON CHOOSING CUSCO, PERU
CULTURAL PATRIMONY OF THE WORLD
SAS TRAVEL, CUSCO
info@sastravelperu.com - 51-84-24-9194 - 255 205

Take a look at the itinerary

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SALKANTAY TREK + Machupicchu 5 DAYS

1st DAY CUSCO / SORAYPAMPA.

06.00 am. Departure by our private transport to Mollepata 2900 mts. A beautiful scenic journey through Limatambo, with stops for panoramic views of the “Apu Salkantay” where we have breakfast. One can see awesome chains of magnificent snow capped mountains and the lush Apurimac River Valley.
After we arrive to our trailhead, called Cruzpata 3200 mts. we meet our Arrieros “ horsemen “ and trekking staff, (Cook, and Assistants). We trek for about 3hrs before lunch through traditional Andean communities like Cruzpata, Challacancha where we stop for lunch. We continue walking for approx 2 hrs through unspoiled Andean villages to Soraypampa 3850 mts, our first campsite.

The INC indicate that they will charge an additional fee at a control in Soraypampa. This is $10 and is the same for adult or student.

Lunch, Dinner + Camping facilities. ( Walking distance aproximately 10 km.)

2nd DAY SORAYPAMPA / RAYAN-NIYOC or CHAULLAY.

After an early breakfast we start trekking from approx 07:00am for 3 hours to start our ascent of the Apacheta pass 4590 mts. From this point we can appreciate the spectacular views of the Mountain Salkantay ,a stunning snow capped mountain (6264 mts) the second highest peak in Cusco’s region, and also the mountains Humantay and Huayanay, white river, small lakes and moraines.
2 hrs dowhill to lunch in Huayracpunku, and then a further 2-3 hrs downhill walk to Camp in Rayan-niyoc at 2890 mts or Camp at Chaullay 2920 mts for experienced trekkers . To be decided by the guide depending on the groups abilities and weather and walking conditions.
B L D + Camping Facilities.
( Walking distance aproximately 16 Km to Rayan-niyoc or 23 km.to Chaullay for experienced hikers )

3rd DAY RAYAN-NIYOC or CHAULLAY / LA PLAYA.

We start the trek 07:00 am. 3 hours easy hiking to Uscamayuc, where we will be introduced to a high Jungle niche called Ceja de Selva, we will see different kind of plants, fruits, flowers, birds ect. here coca and banana crops can be observed, time to shower in a waterfall, take amazing pictures, with luck we can observe the famous Peruvian National Bird " Gallito de las Rocas " stop at Wiñaypoq’o for Lunch + free time to rest .
3 hour walk to our last campsite in La Playa 2350 mts .A small village is located here with electricity and a shop!
Dinner + Camping Facilities B L D (Walking distance aproximately 15 km.)

4th DAY LA PLAYA / AGUAS CALIENTES .

Approx 07:30 am we begin our trek to the village Lucmabamba, here we see the remains of an Inka trail, we follow this rising trail, from which we will see plantations of coffee, banana, passion fruit and a lovely view of the Santa Teresa Valley. We follow the Inka trail climbing up for 4 hrs to Llactapata 2700 mts. From here, we can see Machupicchu (Inca city) and enjoy some free time to rest, 2 hrs. Downhill to the hydroelectric plant 1870 mts. where we have the last lunch with all staff. At 15:20 pm. we will take 45 minute train journey to Aguas Calientes town 2000 mt. Special Dinner and great beds in the " Hostal Viajeros ", optional hot spring baths. B L D. ( Walking distance aproximately 12 km.)
* Walking poles recommended for the 2 final hours downhill.

5th DAY MACHUPICCHU / CUSCO.

Early walk or bus for 25 minutes to the Citadel of Machupicchu, guided tour for 3 hours and plenty of free time for further exploring, photos and optional climb of the mountain Huayna Picchu, Temple of the Moon, or the Gate of the Sun. Generally around 1pm people walk down the steps back to Aguas Calientes for the Buffet lunch and at approx 16:00 hrs we take our return train to Cusco arriving around 9:00 pm to Cusco City. B L

INCLUDES; Private transport, Camping equipment tents , rolls matts , all 13 meals during the tour, donkeys or porters, English speaking guide, cooks, all entrance fees, and Back Packer Tourist train return back to Cusco, 3 nights in tents and 1 night in a Hostel Private Rooms.

Prices 2006

EXTRA INFORMATION:

• Sleeping bag rent for 4 days $ 10 HOLLOFILL OR HOLOFIBER weigh 2 kg minus 4 degress celcius
• $ 15 DOWN SLEEPING BAG 1.8 kg minus 10 degress celcius
• Mattress included weigh 800gms.

The bag and Mattress will be returned to Cusco for you on day 4 as you have hostal accommodation with bed and bedding provided in Aguas Calientes.

Unless you hire an extra horse / porter you need to carry your back pack, sleeping bag and the mattress

Horse to carry up to 18 kg $80 9 kg $40
Regarding horses who carry personal items. You will need to carry with you a daypack with your Camera, water bottle, snacks, cold weather clothing and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in Dry season - May to October)- but as a precaution) and anything you will need before lunch as horses do not walk alongside you. You will meet up with your bag at lunch and then it will be waiting for you in your tent at campsites.
We can provide you with a big rice sack for extra luggage to be carried by porters but you might prefer to put everything up to 20kgs in one backpack so that you dont have 2 large backpacks in your tent and it is easier for you to bring your stuff back on the train etc from Aguas Calientes.

Take EXTRA MONEY for The bus down from MachuPicchu to Aguas Calientes $6, if you don´t want to walk down the trail so it is optional , tips for horsemen / crew, porters´, drinks snacks etc. You need to Take at least 150.00 soles emergency money that you hope to come back to Cusco with!!!
Note: there are no ATM¨s in Aguas Calientes and higher commission on Travellers Checks.

RETURN OPTIONS FROM MACHUPICCHU (AGUAS CALIENTES) THE PACKAGE INCLUDES: RETURN BY BACKPACKERS TRAIN (approx 4 PM) TO CUSCO or TO OLLANTAYTAMBO WITH PRIVATE BUS CONNECTION TO CUSCO FROM OLLANTAYTAMBO, BOTH ARRIVING ABOUT 9PM TO THE CUZCO PLAZA.

RECOMMENDED TIME OF YEAR FOR THIS TREK : MAY TO OCTOBER

This trek is rated a moderate to difficult hike considering the high altitudes and length of walking especially on the 2nd Day. You need to acclimatize in Cusco for at least 3 days before trekking.

SUGGESTIONS OF WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE:

1. BACKPACK & DAYPACK :
2. - 8 C SLEEPING BAG : ( Can be rented at SAS office )
3. HIKING BOOTS( Runners shoes are not recommended )
4. WALKING POLES
5. WARM CLOTHES : LAYERS for variable temperatures specially at night.
6. FLASH LIGHT :
7. CAMERA AND EXTRA FILM & Batteries
8. SUNPROTECTION : SUNSCREEN : SUN HAT : SUNGLASSES
9. THERMALS : WOOL SOCKS : AND WOOLEN HAT FOR COLD NIGHTS:
10. INSECT REPELLENT :
11. RAIN PONCHO : A GOOD RAIN JACKET :
12. TOILETRIES / TOILET PAPER / SMALL TOWEL
13. BATHING CLOTHES for the hot springs.
14. GLOVES / SCARF : Trekking Pants or similar.
15. WATER BOTTLE : WATER PURIFYING TABLETS :
16. PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT :
17. ORIGINAL PASSPORT AND ORIGINAL ISIC STUDENT CARD IF APPLICABLE :
18. EXTRA MONEY FOR SOUVENIRS, DRINKS & TIPS.

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LARES TREK TO MACHUPICCHU 4 DAYS

TAKE THE UNTOUCHED TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU! AVOID THE CROWDS AND EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF THE LARES TREK.

Lares Valley 4 Day Trek 2007 -2008 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS PROGRAM

( At 6:00 or 7:00 PM Tour Orientation the night before your trekking with your group and guide. )

DAY 1 ; Cusco – Quiswarani - Cuncani Community.

Meet at the Plaza Regocijo near Cusco´s main Plaza de Armas at 06.00 am, where  you´ll meet your group and guide, before boarding the bus.  Always carry a copy of your passport and your ISIC student card ( which you scanned through with your booking)   Please cooperate so as not to alter the ecosystem and respect the local customs. Our private Bus heads off to the Sacred Valley passing through the town of Pisac. We continue on to the small town of Calca approx 20 minutes further and stop there for  30 minutes, where we will have our breakfast and there are bathrooms and water/drinks to buy if you need . After breakfast we have 15 minutes extra if you would like to shop for little presents such as pencils school note books for kids in the Communities throughout our trail to Lares Valley . After 1.5 hours of driving through beautiful Andean landscapes, mountains and little communities with spectacular views of llamas, alpacas and local people we will arrive to Quiswarani 3,700 mts. We will have a stop for photos and a stretch!

From Quiswarani Community we start our soft hike with a little climbing for 2 hours to Qewña-Qocha “Polylepis tree Lagoon “ 4,200 mts . Very impresive views of the snow capped mountains such as Mount Veronica “ Huacay-Willca”,  Qollqe Cruz Mt “ The Silver Cross ” , Mountain Sawasiray,  Stop for Lunch and relax . After we will continue for 1.5 hours more to reach Hualcajasa Pass 4,400 mts then a soft walk down for 2 more hours to our first camping Cuncani Community 3,650 mts ( Walking distance approximately 12 km 5-6 hours .)

DAY 2 Cuncani Community – Ipsay Qocha Lake 4,400 mts

Wake up at 6:00 am for an early breakfast so we can start walking around 7:00am. We will stop for a short visit of Cuncani Community, where your tour guide will help you better understand the traditional lifestyle in the Andes. He will explain about the ancient customs and traditions, ancestral secrets for farming activities, how to preserve their products, the modus-vivendus of their villagers, the process of weavings with their significances. Those who have bought some school supplies for the children will be able to give them at this point. After this we will walk down approx 2 hours  to the Chancachaca valley ( 3500 mts )  where there are wonderful views of the Lares valley where we see stone houses and enclosures lie scattered along the valley floor. We continue to walk up for 1.5  to the Huacawasi ( 3700 mts ) community where we will rest in Chaqchapata for our lunch. Then we continue an ascent for approximately 2hrs on to Ipsay Qasa Pass ( 4,500 meters ) From here the views once again are fabulous and for the first time we have a clear view of mount Mantanay standing at 5600 mts . 40 minutes descent to Ipsaycocha lake for our second night camping at 4,100 mts where a hot Andean Te piteado will be waiting for us! ( Walking distance approximately 15 km 6-7 hours .)

DAY 3; Ipsay Qocha Lake – Patacancha –Willoq –Ollantaytambo –Aguas Calientes.

Wake up at 6:00 am , After breakfast we enjoy a soft descent for 1.5 hours hr walk down to Patacancha Community. As we trek on we pass children herding llamas and alpacas high in the mountains in traditional clothes, the red ponchos, white short pants and colorful hats with flowers in the womans case, traditionally they are called “ Huayruros “.Patacancha and Willoq have retained their cultural dress more than most communities and in the Valley of Ollantaytambo are very famous for producing exquisite natural color weavings with andean iconography and designs. Ollantaytambo ( 2700 m) we see local farmers tending llamas, alpacas and their famous terraced crops. We enjoy lunch at Pallata or Ollantaytambo. Willoq is famous for the village folk clothed in the famous red ponchos, the first porters for the inca trail many years ago and most of them only speak Quechua the language of the Incas. Optional visit of the primary school of Pallata Community. Stop for lunch and relax. 1.5 more hrs walk to the Andean Inca Town of Ollantaytambo. Short time for free exploration in Ollantaytambo. At 2.55pm Hrs we will board the train to Aguas Calientes (approx 1:30 minutes – one of the nicest and espectacular train journeys in South America.) On arrival we check into our hostal for the night with hot showers! ( walking distance approximately 18 km ; 7-8 hours.)

DAY 4; Aguas Calientes-Machupicchu –Ollantaytambo-Cusco.

Early breakfast (05.00 am) before taking the early bus directly to Machupicchu at (06.00am). Optional for those still able to walk!: leave 04.30am and walk up to Machupicchu arriving approx 06.00am. In Machupicchu it´s still 15 mins walk up from here to the famous view from the South Zone of the farming terraces at the end of the inca trail. Early tour of Machupicchu with your guide who will unfold the mysteries of this magical site, showing you the best of it! Tour for about 2 hours relating to you interesting and amazing stories and explaining temples and special sectors. Your tour of Machupicchu should finish between 10:00am and 10:30am and you have free time to take your photos before the 10:30 crowds arrive. Also opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu (min 90 mins), Inca bridge or Sun´s gate. We provide you Buffet lunch in Aguas Calientes  ( If you prefer a simple box lunch to have in Machupicchu you must sign up for it in the office before your trek ) the walk down to Aguas Calientes will take you 1 hour ( Optional bus down to Aguas Calientes. US $6 ) Upgrade toVistadome Tourist Train return to Cusco with arrival back approx at 19:30 pm.

Prices 2008

EXTRA INFORMATION:

• Sleeping bag rent for 4 days $ 10 HOLLOFILL OR HOLOFIBER weigh 2 kg minus 4 degress celcius
• $ 12 DOWN SLEEPING BAG 1.8 kg minus 10 degress celcius
• Mattress included weigh 800gms.

The bag and Matress will be returned to Cusco for you on day 3 as you have hostal accommodation with bed and bedding provided in Aguas Calientes.

Unless you hire an extra porter you need to carry your back pack, sleeping bag and the mattress

Porter to carry up to 9 Kg = $30 up to 18 Kg = $60 for the tour from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
Regarding porters who carry personal items. You will need to carry with you a daypack with your Camera, water bottle, snacks, a fleece or something warm and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in Dry season but as a precaution) and anything you will need before lunch as porters do not walk alongside you. You will meet up with your bag at lunch and then it will be waiting for you in your tent at campsites.
Best to put everything up to 20kgs in one backpack for the porter so that you donït have 2 large backpacks in your tent. We can provide you with a big rice sack but it is better to use a backpack so that it is easier for you to bring your stuff back on the train etc from Aguas Calientes.

Take EXTRA MONEY for The bus down from MachuPicchu to Aguas Calientes $6, if you don´t want to walk down the trail so it is optional , tips for Porters etc.
You need to Take at least 150.00 soles emergency money that you hope to come back to Cusco with!!!
Note: there are no ATM¨s in Aguas Calientes and higher commission on Travellers Checks.

HINTS FOR A FANTASTIC HIKE: ALTITUDE SICKNESS:

Itïs possible you will feel the effects of altitude on arriving in Cusco, ( 3,400 Mts) especially if you fly from sea level, eg LIMA. It is best to wait at least two days before setting out on the trail, don¨t drink alcohol, smoke or take sedatives. Drink lots of water and coca tea. Drink at least two litres per day, especially on the second day pass. In high altitude you breath rapidly and shallow causing you to dehydrate more quickly. Drink extra water or coca tea to avoid this as coffee also tends to cause dehydration. Always purify water you take from the trail waterfalls and streams. You can purchase purification tablets (eg Micropur) from any pharmacy. You must leave micropur tablets in the water for at least 90 mins before drinking. Iodine only 20 mins. If you have any medical conditions, allergies or special food requirements etc. Please write this clearly in the registration book.

Water: We suggest you take a 1 and a ½ litre bottle of water on the first day and then you can refill this on the trek. We boil water each night which is available after breakfast each morning for your water bottles. We still suggest you take water purification tablets or filters for any unboiled water you take directly from streams or Waterfalls etc. You can buy bottle water from the 3rd afternoon in Ollantaytambo and onwards.

Regarding TEMPERATURES during the day...If you are walking in the sun it is very hot and feels like 26 degrees celcius, but when you walk through the forest or in the shadow of a mountain it can feel like 14 degrees almost immediately. At night it could get to -5 degrees celcius if you are really unlucky but more likely just freezing ! Main hint for dealing with the temperatures is to try and keep your body temp as regular as possible by using layering of clothes so when you feel cool put on an extra layer before you get cold and if you start to feel warm take off a layer before you perspire which will leave you with a chill later if you don´t take care..

The weather from Dec through to early March is usually the wettest on the trail.
Somedays it may be drizzly all day or you may have a burst of rain and clear skies for the rest of the day or it could be wet off and on all day. You need good rain gear for walking as well as something to protect your pack. We have dining tents for all meals so you are protected at this time.

OTHER. TIPPING OF THE PORTERS

As for all American countries, tipping is normal and it is apart of the experience. Generally groups prepare a collective tip at dinner on the last night which is shared out between the porters and cook on the last morning at breakfast. Tipping of porters who carry your personal items is separate and you are asked to tip an extra porter directly. The recommended minimum is $12 - $15 for 18kg.

RETURN OPTIONS FROM MACHUPICCHU (AGUAS CALIENTES)
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES: RETURN BY BACKPACKERS TRAIN (approx 4 PM) TO CUSCO or WITH PRIVATE BUS CONNECTION FROM OLLANTAYTAMBO BOTH ARRIVING ABOUT 9PM TO THE CUZCO PLAZA.

SUGGESTIONS OF WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE:

1. BACKPACK & DAYPACK :
2. - 8 C SLEEPING BAG : ( Can be rented at SAS office )
3. HIKING BOOTS ( Sneakers or Runners shoes are not recommended )
4. WALKING POLES
5. WARM CLOTHES : LAYERS for variable temperatures specially at night.
6. FLASH LIGHT :
7. CAMERA AND EXTRA FILM & Batteries
8. SUNPROTECTION : SUNSCREEN : SUN HAT : SUNGLASSES
9. THERMALS : WOOL SOCKS : AND WOOLEN HAT FOR COLD NIGHTS:
10. INSECT REPELLENT :
11. RAIN PONCHO : A GOOD RAIN JACKET :
12. TOILETRIES / TOILET PAPER / SMALL TOWEL
13. BATHING CLOTHES for the hot springs.
14. GLOVES / SCARF : Trekking Pants or similar.
15. WATER BOTTLE : WATER PURIFYING TABLETS :
16. PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT :
17. ORIGINAL PASSPORT AND ORIGINAL ISIC STUDENT CARD IF APPLICABLE :
18. EXTRA MONEY FOR SOUVENIRS, DRINKS & TIPS.
19. OPTIONAL : Little presents for kids of Communities along the trail such as school supplies, second hand clothes, etc.

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If you have any queries just let us know.