Both of our Salkantay Trek Explorer itineraries are perfect if you have only about a week to experience Peru. The pristine hike will take your through places you can only imagine. This trek was ranked among the 25 best in the World by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.
Day 1Welcome to Lima
Day 2Fly to Cusco and explore the Inca city
Day 3Salkantay trek to Salcantaypampa
Day 4Salkantay trek to Qollpapampa
Day 5Salkantay trek to Lucmachayoc
Day 6Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu town
Day 7Second day at Machu Picchu
Day 8Morning free before flight to Lima
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 / 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 3 - 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 4 - 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 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - 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.
