THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

TRAVEL PLANNER

THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL PLANNER

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CONTENTS

Getting Here p. 3

Preparation and Packing p. 4

During Your Trip p. 6

Money Matters, Communication & More p. 7

The Lodges p. 7

After Your Trip p. 8

Emergency Contact Information p. 9

Machu Picchu

THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL PLANNER

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Welcome! We are thrilled that you have chosen to join us on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Our goal is to provide

you with a memorable experience and exceptional service during your time here in Cusco. This trip handbook contains

valuable information to help you prepare for your adventure, plus other details about what to expect while you are here.

Please let us know if you have additional questions. Once again, many thanks for booking your Machu Picchu adventure

with us—we look forward to seeing you soon!

BEFORE YOUR TRIP: Getting Here

ARRIVAL DATE

We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least two days before your MLP departure date for optimal altitude

acclimatization. We are happy to help organize a pre-trip acclimatization package if you wish. Please note that your

pre-trip briefing will take place the night before your departure.

FLYING TO PERU

All international flights into Peru route through Jorge Chavez Airport in Lima, where you must go through immigration

and customs before continuing on to Cusco. There are four airline carriers that fly round-trip between Lima and

Cusco: LATAM Airlines, Avianca Airlines, Star Peru and Peruvian Airlines. Note: Of the above-mentioned airlines, we

warmly recommend LATAM or Avianca as they are the most reliable and offer several daily flight options.

Note: If your flight to Cusco leaves early the next day, we recommend staying at a hotel near the airport to avoid

unnecessary transfer time and cost.

Hotel Recommendations:

⁄ Wyndham Costa Del Sol Lima Airport www.wyndhamhotels.com

⁄ Holiday Inn and Suites Lima www.holidayinn.com

Your MLP program does not include accommodations in Cusco before or after the specified itinerary. Please

contact us for help with booking hotel accommodations and other travel services.

YOUR FLIGHT HOME

Day 7 of your itinerary ends in Cusco after drop-off at your hotel at approximately 7pm. The last flight out of town

leaves in the early evening; please be sure to schedule any outbound flights for the following morning at the earliest.

IN CASE OF DELAYS

Please contact us immediately if your travel schedule is delayed for any reason. We will do our best to help you get

here safe and sound.

⁄ 24/7 contact phone: (+51) 979 381 263

⁄ 24/7 contact email: 24-7@mountainlodgesofperu.com

Machu Picchu

THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL PLANNER

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BEFORE YOUR TRIP: Preparation and Packing

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is comprised of moderate to challenging hikes at high altitudes and through

varied terrain. Pre-trip conditioning is highly recommended.

PHYSICAL PREPARATION

⁄ Begin a cardio-intensive fitness regimen that includes vigorous walking and/or hiking three months before your trip.

⁄ Wear broken-in hiking shoes or boots. We also recommend having adequate ankle support as the terrain is varied.

⁄ Use hiking poles or walking sticks during the hikes for greater agility and ankle support.

ADJUSTING TO HIGH ALTITUDE

Altitude sickness is most common at elevations above 6,500’/1,900m and results from the body adjusting to a

decreased amount of oxygen. Symptoms can include lightheadedness, nausea, headaches, and dehydration.

Recommendations:

⁄ Arrive in Cusco at least two days before your MLP departure.

⁄ Drink a minimum of 64oz./2L of water each day.

⁄ Avoid eating heavy meals, especially during the first couple of days.

⁄ Avoid vigorous exercise during the first couple of days.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

The weather in Cusco is defined by two seasons: green (rainy) and dry. Green season typically runs from November

through March, with the heaviest rains occurring in January and February (average daytime temperature

56*F/13.3*C). Dry season daytime average temperature is 62-68*F/17-20*C. Expect lower temperatures in the

early morning and evening—always be prepared by dressing in layers.

Note: Cusco is located in a high mountain environment where variable weather is expected. Rain can occur in the middle

of July just as sun may appear in January, so it is better to be prepared for mixed conditions.

THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL PLANNER

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WHAT TO PACK

⁄ Hiking pants/shorts

⁄ Fast-wicking and quick-drying tops and bottoms

⁄ Long sleeve fleece/sweater

⁄ Sun hat or baseball cap

⁄ Buff or bandana

⁄ Wool cap/beanie

⁄ Gloves (light fabric or wind stopper)

⁄ Cold-weather jacket

⁄ Full rain gear (jacket and pants)

⁄ Broken-in hiking boots or shoes

⁄ Daypack/Camelback-style daypack to carry water,

snacks, extra clothing, sunscreen, etc.

⁄ Hiking poles—highly recommended! They are also

readily available in multiple shops in Cusco if you

forget yours or would like to purchase some after

you arrive. Complimentary wood walking sticks

available at each lodge.

⁄ Headlamp

⁄ Cameras/binoculars (sorry, NO drones!)

⁄ Water bottle—MLP provides each guest with a 26

oz. reusable water bottle; however, feel free to bring

one of your own.

⁄ Passport and other travel documents; we highly

recommend making copies or taking a photo and

emailing it to yourself, just in case.

⁄ Prescription medications

⁄ Phone/computer chargers

⁄ Electricity converters: Our lodges and most hotels

are outfitted with 110v compatible outlets; however,

the rest of the country operates on 220v.

⁄ Sunglasses/prescription glasses/contact lenses

⁄ Sunscreen

⁄ Insect repellent

WE RECOMMEND

⁄ Pack your belongings in a mid-size, soft duffel bag. Please be aware that there is a baggage weight limit of

22lbs./10kg on the train to and from Machu Picchu. If your bag exceeds this weight, MLP can loan you a duffel; extra

luggage can be safely stored at your hotel in Cusco. Please consult with your guide at the pre-trip briefing.

⁄ Carry passports/travel documents, currency, prescription eyewear, and daily prescription medications in your

daypack instead of in your duffel.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

All guests are required to provide valid proof of travel insurance, including specific coverage for adventure travel

activities in Peru. If you do not have the appropriate insurance or if MLP does not receive your insurance information

before the trip, we will arrange coverage for medical expenses and medical emergency evacuation at a rate of

$10/day through BUPA Global Travel. In the event that you are interested in booking one of our Trip Extensions or

spending any additional time in Peru traveling on your own, we can also assist you in extending this coverage to

include travel beyond the dates of your MLP Signature Adventure. Please consult your Travel Specialist for full terms

and coverage rates.

THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL PLANNER

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TRIP EXTENSIONS IN PERU

Visit other iconic destinations in Peru’s colorful Andean highlands, lush Amazonian jungle, and expansive desert

coastline—let our MLP travel specialists help you expand your itinerary beyond Machu Picchu! MLP offers curated

trip extensions to Arequipa, Nazca, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon, and of course, within Cusco/The Sacred Valley.

DURING YOUR TRIP

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Your MLP adventure includes all ground transportation from Day 1 through Day 7 of the itinerary. Transportation to

and from the airport is not included, but can be arranged (subject to additional cost).

ACCOMMODATIONS IN CUSCO

As previously mentioned, we highly recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before your MLP departure

date. Please note that your program does not include accommodations before and after; you will need to secure all

reservations prior to your trip.

We invite you to stay with us at one of our MLP Signature Properties in Cusco:

⁄ El Mercado www.elmercadocusco.com

⁄ El Retablo www.elretablo.com

⁄ X.O Art House www.xoarthousecusco.com

THINGS TO DO IN CUSCO

Spend a few pre-trip days in Cusco, where international travelers mingle casually with city locals and Quechua

people dressed in traditional Andean clothing. The picturesque town squares and bustling street markets are the

perfect spots to get acquainted with the region before your MLP adventure.

⁄ Get a sense of Cusco’s rich history with visits to the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas (the main town square), the

Koricancha (Inca Temple of the Sun), the artists’ quarter of San Blas, and the colorful San Pedro Market.

⁄ Go even farther back in time—take a half-day excursion to the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman and nearby

archaeological sites Q’enqo and Puca Pucara.

Please contact your MLP travel specialist for more information or to arrange a sightseeing tour.

THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL PLANNER

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DURING YOUR TRIP: Money Matters, Communication & More

CURRENCY

The official currency of Peru is the Sol (S/.). However, US dollars are also widely accepted. If you are carrying cash,

make sure to bring crisp, undamaged bills since they will not be accepted with marks, folds, or rips.

CASH AND CREDIT

ATM machines that dispense both Soles and USD are widely available in Cusco. Credit cards (Visa and Master Card)

are widely accepted in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Please note that very few establishments accept American

Express.

Note: During your trip, you will want to have some cash on hand for souvenirs, minor personal expenses, and optional

gratuities for trip leaders and guides. We also recommend having small denominations (including coins) for purchases

and bathroom facilities en route. Additional expenses at the lodges, like massages, alcoholic beverages, and laundry

service can be charged to your credit card or paid in cash on site.

GRATUITIES

Gratuities are included in the trip cost for all lodge and logistical personnel; those for guides are optional and at your

discretion. In general, we suggest $10-$20 USD/day (per person) for lead guides and $5-$15 USD/day (per person)

for assistant guides.

COMMUNICATION

Wi-Fi is readily available throughout Cusco at hotels and some restaurants and cafés. You will also have access to

Wi-Fi at the lodges; however, we urge you to limit your use in order to truly disconnect and enjoy your journey.

Cell phone coverage is available, but rates can be expensive. We suggest looking into international plans offered by

your wireless carrier. Alternately, calling cards can be purchased in Cusco and used at the lodges.

DURING YOUR TRIP: The Lodges

Each of our four beautifully-appointed mountain lodges is one of a kind. Their eco-minded architecture effortlessly

mixes traditional Andean building techniques with contemporary design to blend seamlessly into their environs.

SALKANTAY LODGE

Our flagship Salkantay Lodge was built on the flatlands of the Rio Blanco River valley with a stunning, unobstructed

view of the majestic Salkantay Mountain peak. Altitude: 12,690’/3,869 m

WAYRA LODGE

Wayra Lodge, a cozy mountain refuge with dramatic views of Mt. Humantay, is the most remote of our MLP lodges –

and a welcome sight after a long day of trekking over the Salkantay Pass. Altitude: 12,812’/3,906m.

THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL PLANNER

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COLPA LODGE

Surrounded by lush green mountains in the cloud forest, our Colpa Lodge is situated on a promontory at the

confluence of three rivers. Sun-drenched in the afternoons, it is the perfect spot to relax or soak in the outdoor hot

tub. Altitude: 9,414’/2,870m.

LUCMA LODGE

Situated in an avocado orchard at the edge of the Amazon jungle, our charming Lucma Lodge resembles a

contemporary treehouse. The view through its multi-pane windows will give you the sensation of living amongst the

beautiful foliage that surrounds you. Altitude: 7,003’/2,135m.

MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO HOTEL (or similar luxury property)

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (an MLP affiliate property), is an intimate Andean village with terraced hills,

waterfalls, stone pathways and 83 whitewashed adobe casitas tucked away in the cloud forest. Altitude:

6,627’/2,020m.

AFTER YOUR TRIP

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE!

Please take a moment and tell us about your journey. We will be sending you a survey at the completion of the trip

and would be grateful to hear your feedback! We will be sending you a survey at the completion of the trip—and

would be grateful to hear your feedback!

CONNECT WITH US

Please share your photos with us as well and remember to tag us on social media with #experiencemlp.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO KEEP UP WITH MLP HAPPENINGS

/ Facebook: /ExperienceMLP

/ Instagram: @experiencemlp

/ Twitter: @experiencemlp

/ YouTube: /ExperienceMLP

THE SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL PLANNER

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MLP EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

(+51) 979 381 263

24-7@mountainlodgesofperu.com

Note: We ask that all non-emergency phone calls and emails be directed to the MLP-Cusco office during regular

business hours (Monday-Thursday: 8:30am - 7:00pm EST/ Friday 8:30am – 3:00pm EST/Saturday 8:30am – 1pm

EST).

TOLL FREE NUMBERS

US/ Canada: 1-877-491-5261 Europe: +44 (0) 800 014 8886 Brazil: 0 800 891 5372 Australia: 1-800-445-497

EMAIL US: info@mountainlodgesofperu.com

Thank you for choosing Mountain Lodges of Peru—we look forward to seeing you soon in Cusco!