Salkantay Adventure Trek
CUSCO, MACHU PICCHU & SALKANTAY TREK
9 days / $ 1899
Follow the path of the Incas on the Salkantay Trail, an epic alternative trek to Machu Picchu.
The Salkantay Trek is celebrated for the diversity of scenery it offers, beginning in high Andean terrain and gradually transitioning to lush cloud forest. Before the trek, spend a few days in Cusco acclimating to the elevation and your guide will introduce you to the rich culture of the Inca heartland. Then embark on the challenging 4 day trek. Spend the first night camping at the base of Apu Salkantay, a sacred mountain worshipped by Andean people since Incan times. After a restful night in a hotel at the base of Machu Picchu, explore the mystical citadel with your guide the next day.
Upon arrival at the Lima airport, meet our Incas Expert Travel representative for a transfer to your confirmed Lima hotel.
If arriving early, you can also take in scenic Parque del Amor (Love Park) in Miraflores for views of Lima's gorgeous coastline.
Fly from Lima to Cusco. Upon arrival at the airport, meet our Incas Expert Travel representative for the short drive to your hotel in the historic center. Along the way, you will see stunning examples of the city’s hybrid Spanish-Inca architecture.
You have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city. Remember to take it easy on your first day at altitude.
Begin your day with a private guided tour of Cusco’s most important sites. Start with a visit to the Cusco Cathedral and Qoricancha. Later, see the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuaman.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Shop with locals at San Pedro Market or wander the streets of bohemian San Blas.
After breakfast, begin the 4-hour drive to the trek start. You’ll pass through the small town of Mollepata and continue to Soraypampa for lunch.
The trek begins with a 3-hour walk across Salkantaypampa where you will get your first views of Salkantay peak. Continue to the campsite at Soyroqocha, where you’ll enjoy a warm dinner.
Today is the day you tackle Salkantay Pass, located at a dizzying height of 14,989 feet (4,570 m). Take some time to appreciate the towering majesty of the glacier cap.
The trail descends into Humantay Valley where you’ll stop for lunch. Then continue downhill to the campsite at Collpampa.
Enjoy a gentler trail and a warmer climate as you walk along the banks of the Santa Teresa River through forests, past waterfalls, coffee farms, and fruit plantations. Your campsite tonight is at Lucmabamba.
For a final challenge, climb uphill to the recently discovered Llactapata archaeological site. Looking across the Aobamba valley, you can see Machu Picchu in the distance.
Descend to the Aobamba Valley and walk to the Hydroelectric Station, where you can catch the train to Aguas Calientes. On arrival, check in to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Wake up early and meet your guide for a memorable walk through the “lost city of the Incas” and let yourself be swept away by the magical landscape that surrounds this important ruin. Finish up with last photos and then return to Aguas Calientes town for the return trip to Cusco.
You can customize this package to have an extra day in Machu Picchu.
Enjoy a final breakfast at your Cusco hotel. Then meet our representative for a transfer to the airport to begin your journey back home.
You can also customize this itinerary to continue your exploration of Peru’s wonders.
I grew up in Florence, Alabama and majored in Spanish at the University of North Alabama...
Read more about James| Luxury | Superior | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | $ 2719 | $ 2139 | $ 1899 |
| Single | $ 4009 | $ 3099 | $ 2529 |
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