Salkantay Trek Expedition

ADVENTURE OVERVIEW

10 Days - From $1,840

After visiting Lima, Cusco and the Sacred Valley, spend four glorious days trekking the tranquil Salkantay trail through mountain vistas and cloud forest to Machu Picchu Town before exploring the Inca’s sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Our Salkantay Trek Journey itinerary includes visits to all key sites of central Peru. This trek was ranked among the 25 best in the World by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.

ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 1 - Lima

Lima Arrival after 3pm

Welcome to Lima! Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel in the beautiful area of Miraflores. If time permits, venture out and begin to explore Peru’'s amazing culture and cuisine.

Casa Andina Miraflores or similar

Day 2 - Lima

Rise for breakfast and a morning guided tour of colonial and modern Lima. After lunch, we will experience the Inca’s legacy at the Larco Museum. Lastly, we will visit a classic Peruvian Tavern for a glass of Pisco Sour and traditional Peruvian petite bouchées.

Casa Andina Miraflores or similar

Breakfast

Day 3 - Lima / Cuzco

Lima to Cuzco - Fly before 9am

Early flight to Cuzco (11,152 ft). Welcome upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. During the afternoon we will enjoy a guided tour of Cuzco with its ancient cathedrals and amazingly crafted Inca walls. We will also visit the ruins at Kenko, Tambomachay, Puka Pukara and Saqsaywaman.

Casa Andina Plaza or similar

Breakfast

Day 4 - Cuzco (Sacred Valley)

Today we will explore the Sacred Valley (9,350 ft) and experience the rich colors of its traditional towns and ruins. Our first stop after a scenic drive will be Pisac'’s colorful market – a great opportunity to practice your bargaining skills! After lunch we will tour the town of Ollantaytambo and visit the site of the beautiful rose-colored stone ruins where the Incas fought the Spaniards. The serenity and quaintness of the town will allow you to relax and transition into the Inca’s magical world. Return to Cuzco in the early evening.

Casa Andina Plaza or similar

Breakfast

Day 5 - Cuzco / Salkantay

Early drive to the village of Mollepata, an Indian village situated in a citrus growing area at a subtropical area (9,196 ft.). If time permits, we will visit the Inca Archaeological site of Limatambo (Tarawasi). We begin our trek to Cruzpata, a spectacular location overlooking the deep valley of the Rio Apurimac. After lunch, we begin a slow ascent to our camp at Salcantaypampa near the tiny settlement of Soraypampa. Great views of Humantay (19,400 ft.) and the majestic Salkantay. The campsite is at 13,100 feet, with possible night time temperatures of 32 F.

Campsite

Breakfast  |  Lunch  |  Dinner

Day 6 - Salkantay

After an early breakfast, we will start our 8 hours trek at around 6:00 AM. Our hike will take us close to the glacier moraine of Salkantay (14,750 ft.). Great views! We will then descend to Huarachmachay for lunch – portions of Inca Trail cobbled-stone paths. In the afternoon we descend to our campsite at Qollpapampa.

Campsite

Breakfast  |  Lunch  |  Dinner

Day 7 - Salkantay

Today we will descend through a narrow path toward the banks of the River Cachora (6 hours trek). The vegetation begins to change in this area, becoming more green and preparing us for the subtropical foliage. We will also have an opportunity to observe small pools of thermal waters, gorgeous scenery, and a triple-cascade waterfall. Lunch will be served once we arrive to the Playa site. We continue our trek in the afternoon close to the banks of the river. During our walk we will pass Sahuayaco, a small village of about 20 families before we arrive at our campsite location in Lucmachayoc.

Campsite

Breakfast  |  Lunch  |  Dinner

Day 8 - Salkantay

Our five hour hike today begins at around 7:30 AM. While descending we will pass close to Llactapata. These ruins are the last on the trail. The terraces provide a beautiful spot for a break from hiking. From this point we can see Machu Picchu in the distance. We continue close to the banks of the Aobamba River where we will enjoy a hearty lunch before saying good bye to our muleteers. After lunch we will start our hike towards the town of Aguas Calientes situated at the base of the mountain where the Machu Picchu Sanctuary is located.

Andina Luxury or similar

Breakfast

Day 9 - Machu Picchu / Cuzco

Early in the morning we will enjoy a guided tour of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. After the tour, you can go back to your favorite spot in the sanctuary or climb Huayna Picchu (if pass for Huayna Picchu not available, Machu Picchu mountain instead). We will return to Cuzco by train during the mid to late afternoon.

Casa Andina Plaza or similar

Breakfast

Day 10 - Cuzco / Lima

Cuzco to Lima - Fly anytime

Enjoy an early morning walk in Cuzco before your departure to Lima or continue on one of our extensions.

Breakfast

Bon Voyage!!!

Additional Helpful Travel Tips: For more information visit our Machu Picchu facts or history sections.

Important Notice: Actual day-by-day itineraries may vary from those shown in order to take advantage of local sightseeing options, trains or flight schedules changes, or other unforeseen events.

Train to or from Machu Picchu: From May to December, train from Cuzco to Machu Picchu and back will depart from Poroy station (about 20 minutes from downtown Cuzco). For the period between January and April, trains will depart from Pachar station, about 1.5 hour from Cuzco. Transfers are included for both options and total travel time is about the same.