Ayahuasca Retreat in the Salkantay Trek 5D/4N

Included in the Ayahuasca Retreat in the Salkantay Trek

Professional local English speaker Guides: All our guides grew up in Cusco department and studied tourism for five years at Cusco’s university, they are charming, funny friendly, knowledgeable and professional. In addition to these qualities, our tour guides who carry out the Salkantay treks to Machu Picchu; also have participated in Ayahuasca ceremonies. And they have been properly trained for meditation and yoga sessions.

Permits:  As soon as we have your personal information and your deposit, we will buy your tickets for the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu.

Hotel: This 5-day Salkantay trail, includes one night in a three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu. The hotel you book will be listed on your invoice, and upgrades are always available.

Briefing: The night before your journey, you will come to our office for an informative briefing. You will be given your duffle bag that will carried by our porters while you are hiking. This duffle bag should not exceed 7 kg / 14 pounds and must include your sleeping bag and air mattress.

Porters: We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffle bag and also our camping equipment and food to our basecamp. There is no additional cost for this. You will not have access to your duffle bag until you arrive at your camp in the afternoon.

Transportation: All transportation is included, the pick you up from your hotel. The transfer to Challacancha. Round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. The return train to Cusco and your drop off at the hotel.

Food: Our 5-day Ayahuasca preparation on the Salkantay Trek, includes expert hiking chefs who will cook delicious pre-diet meals that many previous trekkers have loved. We honor all food restrictions, so be sure to add any that you have on your booking form and let know it to your guide in the briefing meeting. Food is typically all served as buffet.

Water: Bring water for the first morning, then our cook provides you with boiled and filtered water every day after breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Details: We profess that it is the attention to small details that separates us from other Ayahuasca Retreats and trekking specialists. Each hiker receives a small sleeping pillow, a foam mattress to insulate, a backpack covers to protect their daypack and a rain poncho. We will work hard to create your best holiday.

First Aid: Every guide has got training in first aid from a physician and firemen. We elaborate mandatory training sessions every February on the Salkantay path, which every tour guide must attend. Your guide is going to have always a first-aid kit for basic medical problems.

Not Included in the Ayahuasca Retreat in the Salkantay Trek

Rentals: Because we are hiking for 5 days in a remote area, each trekker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and trekking poles (with rubber tips). They are optional but encouraged for a better comfort. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent:

• Sleeping Bag: $25
• Inflatable Air Mattress: $20
• Trekking Poles (Pair): $20

Ayahuasca Retreat: Ayahuasca ceremonies are not included in the price of this preparation trek for an Ayahuasca ceremony. Go to the tab that says ¨AYAHUASCA RETREAT¨ there you will have options of 3, 5 and 7 days so you can choose. Remember that group Ayahuasca retreats leave every Monday.

Additional options

Huayna Picchu

It is the most famous backdrop of Machu Picchu. It takes 1-hour hike to the top. While this hike is on your own, your guide will drop you off at the entry. Huayna Picchu is an additional ticket that we must book in advance. The ticket is 75 USD per person.

Machu Picchu Mountain

It is the other mountain that stands behind Machu Picchu and in front of Huayna Picchu. As Huayna Picchu mountain, it offers also spectacular views, this extra hike takes 3-hour round trip. This is an additional entrance ticket that we must book in advance. This ticket is also 75 USD per person.

Vistadome Train

This hike to Machu Picchu includes, the Expedition Train Service to come back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. This train is always booked at 3:20 or 4:22 pm. There is also the Vistadome Train Service, which is an upgraded train that offers slightly larger seats and windows, some entertainment and snack. Usually, the Vistadome Service is booked at 4:43 p.m. and goes to Poroy, a train station 30 minutes close to Cusco. As this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel. The ticket is 40 USD extra per person.

Extra day at Machu Picchu

You will have 3 hours to explore the citadel of Machu Picchu on your own (it is not possible to stay longer due to the new Machu Picchu regulations). You have the schedules of 6, 7 and 8 am. to enter the citadel. Your return train will be at 2:55 pm or 3:20 pm. If you want to have a guided tour the next day in Machu Picchu, we can also organize it.

The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is USD 50 per person.

The round trip bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is USD 25 per person.

PRICES

We would love to tour the best of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with you and your loved ones and prepare you optimally for your Ayahuasca ceremony.

1. Group Price (2022):The prices are a little higher than the traditional Salkantay Trek, due to this special itinerary, includes a hotel night in Aguas Calientes and extra porters to carry the necessary logistics for the yoga and meditation sessions. $565 per person
2. Private Tour: Private tours are available and priced by party size.Two trekkers: $625 per person

   Three trekkers: $615 per person

   Four trekkers: $605 per person

   Five trekkers: $595 per person

   Six trekkers: $585 per person

   Seven trekkers: $575 per person

   Eight, or more, trekkers: $565 per person

   Hotel:

   We include a three (3) star hotel in Aguas Calientes and we rent, Retama Machu Picchu, Inti Punku Machu Picchu Hotel & Suites, or Waman Hotel Machu Picchu (based on availability at booking). Rooms are based on double or triple occupation, and there is a single room surcharge of $50 US per person, if you wish a private room. Rooms all include private bathrooms with hot showers, breakfast and Wi-Fi. We could also upgrade your hotel if you like better something more luxurious. Please remind the service in Aguas Calientes is not as good as in Cusco. Below there is a list of potential upgrade choices, if you want any other hotel, just let us know

   El Mapi: +80 USD shared (+$160 for a single)

   Sumaq: +220 USD shared (+$380 for a single)

   Solo travelers:

   + 50 USD per person

   For those who want a single room in Aguas Calientes or travel alone, there is a 50 USD room charge to cover the total cost of the room. We do not join hikers alone in a double room. This covers three star hotels and will be more expensive for improved hotels.

   In the case of the rooms in the Ayahuasca retreat, these are shared by 2 participants.

   Student Discount:

   25 USD discount per person

   Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid International Student Card (ISIC) at the start of the trek or who is 17 years old or younger. For those using an international student card or for children under 17, we need to see a copy of your card or passport at the time of booking to receive the Machu Picchu discount.

   Please send everything to info@incagoexpeditions.com

Ayahuasca Retreat in the Salkantay Trek Packing List

The Ayahuasca retreat on the Salkantay Trek, includes porters who will carry your duffle bag while you hike. We suggest you to carry lightweight backpack that the is key to feeling good during hikes.

Essentials:

• Original Passport.
• STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbacks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) remember that the Classic Inca Trail hike is entirely stone surface.

For Your Duffel:

Our porters will carry 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air mattress.

• 5 wicking t-shirts
• 2 hiking pants
• 5 sets of undergarments.
• 5 sets of hiking socks
• 1 Fleece and 1 down jacket; it gets cold at night
• 1 rain jacket and rain pants /rain poncho
• 1 sun hat
• 1 wool hat
• Headlamp: essential
• Hiking boots
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Quick dry towel. We provide small ones; you might bring a towel a little larger.
• Battery Charger: ¡There is no place to plug
• Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep away clean clothes from dirty clothes.
• Earplugs in case someone from the group snores
• Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

Toiletries:

• Sunscreen
• Face moisturizer
• Bug spray
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Toilet paper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

Inside Your Daypacks:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Some items you need to pack, are listed below:

• passport.
• Sunhat.
• Sun cream.
• Sunglass.
• Headlamp.
• Rain gear.
• Fleece.
• Snacks, which contain a quick source of sugar or caffeine.
• Electrolytes, which are very useful to replace mineral salts lost when hiking.
• Camera.
• Music (IPhone).
• Hand sanitizer.
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste.

Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips.

FAQ

Where do we pick up the hikers for the Ayahuasca Retreat on the Salkantay Trek?

We will pick you up will from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. Please provide clear and precise information of your hotel when approaching our office in Cusco.

Where to pay the remaining amount for the Ayahuasca Retreat on the Salkantay Trek?

Most hikers arrive in Cusco 2 or 3 days prior the trek for proper acclimatization. Upon arrival to Cusco it is imperative that you come to our office to check the last details of your excursion and also pay the remaining balance of your trek.

Reserve for the Ayahuasca Retreat in the Salkantay Trek?

We try to make the booking as easy as possible in Ikaro Ayahuasca Retreat. We prepare a reservation form where you will complete and include all the details for the excursion, and then a deposit of USD 200 per person. Once we have the deposit and all your details, we will book your permits. Once the Machu Picchu and Salkantay Trek permits are in our hands, we will send you, an invoice and confirmation that everything is 100% organized. All excursions once confirmed, are guaranteed.

Permissions for the Ayahuasca Retreat in the Salkantay Trek?

Only tour operators licensed by the government, such as IncaGo Expeditions, can acquire the corresponding tickets from the government. Once we have obtained your permits, the name and start date cannot be changed under any circumstances. The only information that the Peruvian government allows us to change are passport numbers.

Passport Number Update?

The Peruvian government will only allow the tour operator to change passport numbers, if you have a copy of the new passport and the old passport. If you no longer have your old passport, any identification document that you have in your hands will be accepted while the name is the same as in your passport.

Where to stay in Cusco?

You can stay in a hotel that you consider appropriate, nevertheless you must take into account the location of the accommodation, as traffic within the city has become stressful in the last 10 years. Many roads are up to 500 years old; Especially near the main square, the roads are for pedestrians only. We will let you know if it is not possible to pick you up by car from your hotel, we will arrange another nearby pickup spot. For a list of recommended hotels, consult your Ikaro Ayahuasca Retreat sales representative.

Can I stay in the sacred valley?

No, as the driven route to the Salkantay Trek trailhead does not pass through the sacred valley of the Incas.

During the trip, how challenging is the Salkantay trek?

Depending on the hiking skills, this trek will be from moderate to challenging; remember, we will hike long distances every day and hike up to very high places. if rains, the stone trail could be slippery (don´t worry if you have good hiking boots). On the 3^rd, 4th and 5th day this area in warm, humid and with mosquitoes. It will be exhausting but it will be worth it, when you arrive at Machu Picchu, and so you will take your so awaited postcard pictures and will learn all the most interesting details about this incredible Inca citadel.

Will I need extra money on the Salkantay trek?

By all means, if you want to purchase some type of drinks, reminders or for tipping, take about 500 soles with you;

! also remember that along the Salkantay trail only cash is accepted¡.

How many people will be in my group in the Ayahuasca Retreat in the Salkantay Trek?

We require a minimum of 2 people for any trek, and if you are traveling alone, we invite you to join our group tours that start every Tuesday and Wednesday; we can have up to 8 hikers with a guide and if our groups are between 9 to 16 people, we have 2 accredited guides with a lot of experience leading groups. During the low season it is most likely that the groups are small and during the high season the groups are probably much larger.

Do you need hiking boots for the Ayahuasca Retreat in the Salkantay Trek?

Of course, we always recommend hiking boots, since if rains the Salkantay trek can become a bit muddy and slippery; please make sure they have good soles.

Are trekking poles really necessary on the Salkantay Trek?

At least for this trek we recommend the use of hiking sticks for everyone, especially for those hikers with knee problems or older people; there are several sections during the tour where you will need to use the trekking poles, either climbing or descending the stone bleachers.

Are there any toilets along the Salkantay trek?

Ikaro Ayahuasca Retreat provides chemical toilets that are available to you at the lunch spot and at the camp. Please always carry a roll of toilet paper in your daypack.

Can I use plastic bottles during the Ayahuasca Retreat in the Salkantay Trek?

Due to New government regulations for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, it will be 100% BANNED to BRING PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES. We kindly suggest you getting your aluminum plastic bottles to avoid any disappointment at the check points along the hiking path.

Aluminum water bottles can be bought in many different shops around the main square.

If you are still at home and ready to fly to Peru for your trek, we recommend you bringing aluminum water bottles or camel bags. Let´s help to heal our planet Ayahuasca lovers.

Where do I store my luggage?

All luggage not necessary for the hike must remain in Cusco. All hotels are very helpful and are quite accustomed to storing luggage of their guests. Also if you wish you can store it safely with our customer service team in our office storage

What should l expect from the weather on the Salkantay trek?

Historically in the Peruvian highlands, we have the dry season that goes from April to October and the rainy season that goes from November to March. Unfortunately, this pattern is changing a bit due to climate change. Be ready with your cap/hat and your bottle of sunscreen, because the solar radiation in Cusco during the day fluctuates between 16 and 18 points. And do not forget to bring warm clothes for the cold at night, since the temperature can drop as low as 0 ° C degrees Celsius.

Can Ikaro Ayahuasca retreat please my dietary needs? What kind of food will there be?

For Ikaro it is an honor to please all kinds of dietary needs, just let us know at the time of booking. If you are vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, gluten free or any type of allergies. We have a team of cooks with a lot of experience in the preparation of all types of diets. Also remember that we want to pamper you during this Machu Picchu hike and for that reason we use 100% organic vegetables for the elaboration of our meals.

What Type of outlet is used in Cusco?

Most hotels and even homes in Peru, nowadays have the standard US output; however, in some local areas, there are still that of South America (that is why, power banks for the hike are encouraged to be brought).

What is the standard procedure when it comes to tip?

Tipping is part of the tradition of any hike to Machu Picchu. Although, we pay good salaries to our entire team, they always appreciate any extra appreciation. Keep in mind that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured for this reason.

In general, hikers in a group show their appreciation as a group for their porters and chef and a personal appreciation towards their guide, which will be according to their degree of satisfaction with the service provided.