Alpaca Expeditions

This was fantastic trip. The guides were helpful, knowledgeable and flexible.

It was amazing.  Skyhook was super easy to follow and the company we went through was amazing.  Highly recommend and will continue to use skyhook for trips

What a fantastic trip. Our group was the perfect size. We had to most amazing tour guide, Rodrigo. The food was phenomenal . It was so well organized and everything went perfectly as scheduled. Thank you so much.

Great experience! Rodrigo was an excellent guide, very organized, and informative. The Chef and his team were very professional with lots of healthy, delicious food!

Amazing nature, companions, organizers, and all. This one was the best out of all. Thanks to Rodrigo (guide), Alberto/Tongo (chef), Nasario, Agapito, Jacinto (Horseman). 

I booked Salkantay Trek with Skyhook earlier in the year, and arrived in Peru in May. From the booking, the pick up at the airport, to the dropping off, everything was top notch. I knew what was expected of me, and what they were providing, clear and constant communications that flowed well. During the trek we were treated so well, we were fed like royalty, the guides gave us so much knowledge, and responded to our group so well. It was my first trip of a lifetime, and I look forward to more using Damien and team at Skyhook!

This was an amazing trip.  The guides were knowledgeable and had a passion for sharing that knowledge with us.  It was a challenging hike but a trip that will never be forgotten.  

Everything was very well planed ! We had a cooker and porters who were very kind and the food was excellent ! The tour was awesome ! Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass, Jungle, coffee farm and Machu Pichu, everything was awesome ! Go it !

Thanks you so mutch for this Amazing treck. Thanks you so mutch for this Humains expérience. And thanks you ❤️ to thé porters, cookers, guides Russel and Jimmy. From Alpaga Expédition.

Trek through dense rainforest and spectacular mountain terrain - from the old colonial city of Cusco to the breathtaking Inca ruins!

Machu Picchu - Salkantay Trek

The trek requires a good level of fitness - you will be hiking for around six hours each day. We recommend that you train by doing any sports or exercise (e.g. jogging) twice a week in the run-up to your trip.

The currency used in Peru is Nuevo Sol (PEN) You will need to ensure that you withdraw enough PEN for your trip to the airport or in Cusco.

While the itineraries are designed to allow for adequate acclimatisation you are likely to feel the effects of altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation whilst on this trek. Please be aware that your guide may deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time and arrange for you to descend to a lower altitude.

When you go above altitudes of 2,500m, you need to allow your body time to acclimatise properly. We advise that you move slowly, don’t rush and ensure you protect yourself from the weather. Ensure you stay hydrated and eat plenty to keep your energy levels up.

Cusco is at 3400m / 11,150ft, so you will feel some of the effects of altitude straight away. If you can arrive a few days earlier, then this will give your body more time to adapt. You will need to book any extra nights accommodation.

The hostels have good standard toilets. There will be a portable toilet at each campsite you stay at. They are regularly maintained by the staff.

You stay in hostels in Cusco, tents whilst on the trek, with 1 night in a glass cabana and 1 night in a hobbit inspired house. The hostel is quite cosy with twin shared rooms, Wifi and pleasant communal areas. The tents are 4 person tents which are shared by 2 trekkers. Rooms are on a twin shared basis.

Single supplement is available for $120. This will give you a single room and your own tent on this trip.

We recommend you check at the Fit for Travel website.

It is worth checking on your government's website. British citizens can check here. 

Yes - there will be a group of trained chefs joining you. Just let us know your requirements before you arrive.

The average group size is 12 people, with a maximum of 14.

Start: You will be met at the airport at any time, and taken to your accommodation. Depending on the time you arrive, you will have some free time to explore Cusco. In the evening, you will meet with the rest of the group and have a team briefing. 

End: You will be taken back to the airport at any time on the last day of your itinerary.

You will average around 10 miles per day.

The winter season and driest time of year in Peru are May - Sept. The summer season is Nov - Mar, which is the warmest, but wettest time. During the summer season, it does not rain every day, but can often have a downpour in the afternoons. Apr and Oct can sometimes see some small rain showers.

The minimum age for this trek is 18, or 16 with a parent/guardian.

You will arrive at the gates just before sunrise, then enjoy a guided tour which lasts around 2 hours. After this, you will have some free time inside the grounds before heading back to your accommodation in Cusco.

You can be picked up from Cusco Airport at any time on the first day of the trip, and dropped off at any time on the last day. Airport transfers are included for free, and take about 15 minutes.

You can use a drone in areas around Machu Picchu, but not when you are inside the grounds.

It is customary in Peru to tip guides and porters. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. A good rule of thumb is between $50 - $100 at the end of your trip. You can give this to the lead guide.

We will send some professionally trained chefs on the trek with you. They will prepare fresh food each day. Most dietary requirements are catered for e.g. vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, food allergies etc.

Our guides will provide you with clean water throughout the whole trek. This water is collected from each campsite, boiled and filtered.

When travelling in countries such as Peru, it's important to maintain vigilance with hygiene and food safety. Bring plenty of hand sanitiser.

Porters will carry up to 7.5 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt. You can rent a sleeping mat, pillow, poncho for free when you arrive in Peru. Just ask one of your guides! You will be provided with a duffel bag, for all your things upon arrival.

• Trekking boots: 3 or 4 season lightweight

Please make sure that you have non-cotton clothing for trekking.

• 2 base-layer t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts)

• Lightweight and breathable hiking socks

• Water bottle/thermos: At least 2L. Nalgene bottles best.

• Personal medication – Inhaler, Blister pads etc

• General Toiletries, Contact lenses, Glasses (if needed)

• Electronics - travel adaptor, phone & charger

You will be given a duffel bag when you arrive. You can put all of your things in this, for the porters to carry. You will also need a small day bag, which you will carry yourself. Expect to carry about 5kg of weight in this bag e.g. water, suncream, waterproofs, phone, passport etc.

Your guides will be waiting for you at the airport in Cusco, to take you to your hotel. Then you have a free afternoon to explore the historic town of Cusco.

 Arrive in Cusco (3399m)

Today you will visit the Sacred Valley, gaining some insight into the Inca history. Setting the scene for the days ahead, the Sacred Valley was one of the main Inca settlements with many remains left behind. In the afternoon you will continue to the ruins of Pisac, learning about Inca culture and explore the local handcraft market along the way. It's a great place to get your souvenirs! Finally, you will visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, built during the Inca’s heydays. Accommodation is in glass-roofed cabins, so that you can star gaze from the luxury of a proper bed.

 Explore the Sacred Valley (2900m)

Start your hike towards the incredible Hamantay Blue Lagoon nearby. In the afternoon you will continue your hike down the Salkantay pass.

From Salkantay Pass, the trail becomes much easier as you head downhill for three hours towards your wild camping spot in Wayracmachay. It is here that you will start to see the beautiful jungle views. Your trek porters will have arrived a little before you and started preparing the camp. In the evening, if the weather allows, your guides will show you the Inca constellations.

 Start the Salkantay Trek (3800m)

A nice warm breakfast will begin your day and then hiking downhill watching the scenery change. Today will be full of waterfalls, rivers and amazing vibrant flowers. 

You will make it to your campsite with enough sunlight to enjoy the hot tubs and pools and spend the night in Hobbit-inspired cabins.

 Wayracmachay - Ccollpapampa Loretta

After a warm breakfast, you will get started on this shorter day through rich tropical rainforest and a couple of remote coffee farms and avocado plantations. Your guides know the local farmers well, who will treat you to a few tasters along the journey.

Continuing on to the Llactapata Inca site, you will see amazing views of the Santa Teresa Valley. At Llactapata, you will get the first glance of Machu Picchu.

 Ccollpapampa Loretta - La Playa

Day six's hike will begin with a 2-hour downhill path overlooking Machu Picchu, bringing you back into civilisation with the Hidroelectrica Station. The most impressive part of this area is the natural 300 meters high waterfall which generates the electricity for the region of Cusco. From Hidroelectrica Station, you will then continue to the famous Intiwatana (sun dial rock). According to history, this Inca stone used to work with the sun-dial rock in Machu Picchu, during the winter solstice, which was the beginning of a new farming season for the Incas. 

The next section of the hike was the trail used by the American professor, Hiram Bingham, when rediscovering Machu Picchu. On his way to Machu Picchu, Hiram Bingham met with local farmer Melochor Artaega, who eventually guided him to Machu Picchu. 

Finally, upon your arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will lunch before heading to your cabin to enjoy a hot shower and a visit to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.

 Llactapata - Waterfalls at Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes (2000m)

Waking up early you will take a 30 minute bus ride up to the gates at Machu Pichu. You will see the sunrise over the ruins, and then have a guided a tour of Machu Pichu as well as some time to explore the lost city on your own. In the afternoon, you’ll catch a two hour train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus back to Cusco, where we will transfer you to your hotel.

 Machu Picchu

Today your guides will say goodbye and wish you safe travels. Airport drop-offs are included.