Salkantay Trek Expedition

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 / Cusco

   Lima to Cusco - Fly before 9am

Early flight to Cusco (11,152 ft). Welcome upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. During the afternoon we will enjoy a guided tour of Cusco 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 - Cusco (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 Incas magical world.

   Casa Andina Plaza or similar

   Breakfast  |  Lunch

Day 5 - Cusco / Salkantay (Hike 1)

   8.1 miles (6-7 hrs) Elev. Gain: +4,100 ft

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 (Hike 2)

   13.7 miles (9-10 hrs) Elev. Gain: +2,430 ft

After an early breakfast, we will start trekking 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. We will arrive to our campsite at Qollpapampa in the afternoon.

   Campsite

   Breakfast  |  Lunch  |  Dinner

Day 7 - Salkantay (Hike 3)

   9.9 miles (5-6 hrs) Mostly Downhill

Today we will descend through a narrow path toward the banks of the River Cachora. The vegetation begins to change in this area, becoming greener 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 at 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 (Hike 4)

   11.8 miles (6-7 hrs) Elev. Gain: +1,440 ft

Our 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 goodbye to our porters. 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 / Cusco

   Machu Picchu to Cusco Train

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 passes for Huayna Picchu are not available, Machu Picchu mountain instead). We will return to Cusco by train during the mid to late afternoon.

   Casa Andina Plaza or similar

    Breakfast

Day 10 - Cusco / Lima

   Cusco to Lima - Fly anytime

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

    Breakfast

Bon Voyage!

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

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