Upon arrival reception, assistance and transfer to the selected hotel; where you should rest to adjust better to the altitude (11,000 ft a.s.l.)

Note: Your flight from Lima to Cusco must be at or after 6 pm

DAY 3: SACRED VALLEY: PISAC RUINS, MARKET & OLLANTAYTAMBO - CHINCHERO. (B,L)

Visit PISAC located right at the entrance to the Sacred Valley, the amazing Inca city that constitutes one of the most important Archaeological Parks in the region. Visit the fine temples, palaces and the well preserved and vast farming terraces; built even as far as the edge of precipices that still keep their straight sometimes vertical aqueducts; an imposing and unforgettable sight that also offers very beautiful landscapes. Later visit PISAC the Colonial Village, where you will see the famous "Indian Market" and the handicrafts or "souvenirs" market, this is your chance to enjoy a blend of color, traditions and people, and bargain for exotic craftworks.

After Lunch at Urubamba Village, tour to the oldest continuously inhabited dwellings in South America, where people are still living in the same houses and palaces as 500 years ago; the ancient Incan town of OLLANTAYTAMBO, with its very impressive constructions built with huge boulders and its ancient heritage that will leave us astonished. Finally visit Chinchero inca town.

DAY 4: CUSCO CITY TOUR - SORAYPAMPA GLASS CABAÑAS. (B,D)

In the morning Combined tour; visit the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay.

3 pm: We will load into our private van for a 3.5 hour drive to the Glass Cabañas, in Soraypampa, which is located at 3,800 meters (12540 ft) above sea level. We’ll arrive at the Cabañas just in time for you to take photographs of the sunset over the glacier peaks.

At the Glass Cabañas your guide will settle you in your rooms before you enjoy dinner along with some hot drinks. This area is known for its beautiful views of the night sky so be ready for some unforgettable stargazing.

Elevation : 3800 meters above sea level
Weather: Cold, windy, rainy in the wet season

DAY 5: SORAYPAMPA CAMPSITE – HUMANTAY LAGOON – SALKANTAY PASS - WAYRACPUNKO. (B,L,D)

After a good night’s rest, you’ll wake up early to enjoy your breakfast before your trek. During the morning there’ll be a short team introduction between all Salkantay trekkers and our Staff to ensure a positive family-like experience. The day’s hike will begin with a 1.5 hour steady uphill hike to the renowned Humantay Lagoon. The serene views of the crystalline-blue water of Humantay Lagoon are absolutely incredible. If the skies are clear you’ll see the first sun rays peeking through the snow-covered peaks.

The advantage of visiting Humantay Lagoon in the early morning hours is the quiet surroundings with no other Salkantay trekkers besides those in your group. Due to the popularity of this location, this isn’t something everyone can enjoy!. After breathing it all in you’ll begin your way back to the starting point to continue to the lunch spot in Soyroccocha. This portion of the Salkantay hike will be approximately 3 hours on gradually ascending terrain. On your way, you’ll pass breathtaking places such as Salkantay Pampa, which means outstanding views of the surrounding snow-covered mountains. These views are what make the journey the destination.

After lunch made by your local chef and a well-deserved rest, you’ll continue with you’re the next leg of your Salkantay hike. This next portion continues on for about 1 hour until you arrive at Salkantay Pass at 4,650 meters above sea level. This is the highest point of the trek. The group will rest there and you’ll be served hot drinks while you enjoy the views.

From Salkantay Pass, you’ll be on the last leg of the hike for the day, which is a 3 hour downhill trek to the evening’s campsite, Wayracmachay. When you arrive at the campsite the Salkantay trekking staff will have your tents all set up and your duffel bags ready. Our team will provide you with warm water to get washed up from the day so you can change into some fresh warmer clothes for the night. Then there is a happy hour with hot chocolate and coffee followed by dinner. If the weather allows, you’ll get to enjoy the unbroken views of the sky along with a brief introduction to the visible Inca constellations.

Walking Distance: 18 km
Elevation Gained: 850 meters
Elevation Descended: 850 meters
Weather: Cold, windy, rainy in the wet season.

DAY 6: WAYRACMACHAY – CHAULLAY – CCOLLPAPAMPA LORETA (HOBBIT HOUSE). (B,L,D)

Our trekking team will wake you up early with a hot drink to help you start the day. Hopefully as you open your tent, you’ll be welcomed by the sunrise over majestic glacier peaks and clouds lifting from the green cloud forest. You’ll have time to pack up and enjoy a nice breakfast prepared by your local Salkantay trekking chef.

At around 7 a.m. you’ll hike for approximately 4 hours downhill until reaching the lunch spot at Ccollpapampa (2,700 meters above sea level). During this part of the Salkantay hike you’ll begin to notice the micro-climate as well as fauna and flora changes. You’ll go from cold glacier views to warm green jungle surroundings. There’ll be many different species of orchids to see as well as ferns, begonia flowers, and even hummingbirds.

After lunch and a well-deserved rest, you’ll continue your trek to the next private campsite called La Loreta (2400 m / 7920 ft). This hike will be approximately 4 hours on gradually downhill terrain.

Along the way, you’ll be able to explore beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and more new flora and fauna. You’ll be able to experience another tropical forest micro-climate where local people farm coffee, passion fruit, papayas, oranges, and avocados. When you arrive at the evening’s campsite your Salkantay trekking staff will be there to welcome you.

You’ll have time to enjoy a nice hot shower, hot Jacuzzi and perhaps even swim in our swimming pool. There’ll also be plenty of time to walk around our ecological garden to see some of the local coffee, avocado, chilies, tomatoes, and pineapples. Dinner tonight will be at our building with views of the Salkantay River. Then when you retire for sleep, you’ll be able to hear the Salkantay River.



Walking Distance: 18 km
Night Elevation: 2,400 meters
Elevation Descended: 1,400 meters
Weather: Warm and hot.

DAY 7: LORETA – LA PLAYA SAHUAYAKU – LUCMABAMBA COFFEE FARM – LLACTAPATA (Camp in front of Machu Picchu). (B,L,D)

After a delicious homemade breakfast, you’ll start the shortest but most exciting day of your Salkantay adventure. Today you’ll experience the most beautiful sights along your Salkantay trekking route to Machu Picchu.

You’ll explore the tropical forest and will visit a local organic coffee farm where you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the orange and avocado plantations as well as taste some of the freshly-brewed coffee. Then you’ll continue with your Salkantay trek to Llactapata by hiking along a section of the Inca trail for approximately 2.5 hours. On your way to the Llactapata Inca site you’ll see amazing views of the Santa Teresa valley. The views you’ll be seeing along your hike today are impossible to put into words. At Llactapata you’ll get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. This includes the main archaeological sites Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu Mountain. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the Llactapata Inca site and take unforgettable photographs.

From here you’ll enjoy the last leg of your day’s hike with a 15 minutes downhill walk to your lunch and campsite area. This campsite is owned by a local family that only our company has permission to stay at so you’ll enjoy more privacy than other Salkantay trekkers could.

You’ll find the campsite to be a great place to enjoy the sunset and sunrise over Machu Picchu. After lunch you’ll have some free time to enjoy the views and relax from hiking.

Before our local chef serves you dinner, you’ll enjoy another lovely happy hour with tea and coffee. Once the sun has set then prepare yourself for another evening of unforgettable stargazing. You’ll see the Milky Way as well as the Inca constellations much in the same way as the Incan astronomers did to predict the weather.

Walking Distance: 12 km
Campsite Elevation: 2,700 meters
Elevation Gained: 400 meters
Weather: Hot and humid during the day, chilly at night.

DAY 8: LLACTAPATA LOOKOUT – WATERFALLS AT HIDROELECTRICA – MANDOR HIRAM BINGHAM FARM – AGUAS CALIENTES. (B,L,D)
Our trekking team will wake you up early with a hot drink to help you start the day. The day’s hike will begin with a 2 hour downhill path with unbeatable views of Machu Picchu until the Hydroelectrical Station that was built to harness the natural 300-meter high waterfall, which generates electricity for the region of Cusco. This waterfall is one of the most impressive features of this area.

From the Hydroelectrical Station you’ll continue to the famous Intiwatana (sundial rock). According to history, this Inca stone once worked with the legendary sundial rock in Machu Picchu to signal the winter solstice, which meant the beginning of a new farming season for the Incas. Once you’ve seen the famous Intiwatana, you’ll continue on the path that runs alongside the train tracks for approximately 3 hours. This leads to the town of Aguas Calientes located at the foot of the valley of Machu Picchu. This part of the hike will be interesting as it was the trail used by the American professor Hiram Bingham when rediscovering Machu Picchu.

On his way to discovering Machu Picchu Hiram Bingham met with local farmer Melchor Arteaga who eventually guided him to Machu Picchu. On your trek, you’ll hike past Melchor Arteaga’s farm. Here you’ll see many species of flora and fauna and amazing local birds such as Peru’s national bird (called cock of the rock), Toucans, Oropendolas and Parrots. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes you’ll relax and enjoy your packed lunch.

Then you’ll go to your hotel to enjoy a hot shower and then take the opportunity to visit the famous hot springs (10 soles, not included) of Aguas Calientes. In the evening you’ll be served your final dinner prepared by our local trekking chef and you’ll have a chance to say goodbye.

Walking Distance: 14 km
Aguas Calientes Elevation: 2,000 meters
Weather: Hot
Accommodations: Inti Punku Hotel or similar

DAY 9: MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO. (B)

Early visit of Machupicchu; to spot the amazing sun rise and guided visit (2 1/2 - 3 hours) of the wonderful temples and palaces, later on your own you can take the optional hike to Huaynapicchu Peak (2 hours

Afternoon return to Ollantaytambo by train (1 1/2 hours) and transfer to the hotel. (B)



Note: You have to pay extra ($70 pp) if you are interested in climbing to Huaynapicchu or Montana Machupicchu and you have to let us know in advance, we must buy tickets ASAP, there is a short limit per day.

DAY 10: CUSCO – LIMA. (B)

Transfer to the airport for departure flight.

Notes:

- Your flight to Lima can be at any time you want

- Check out at the hotel is at 10 - 11 am

DOUBLE or TRIPLE OCCUPANCY:

SINGLE OCCUPANCY:

ADDITIONAL TOURS IN CUSCO & THE SACRED VALLEY
Customize this Trip by adding extra days to any location. Please explore below or contact one of our  local  expert travel advisors

• BEST COOKING CLASSES: HALF DAY TOUR
• 1/2 DAY MORAY, MARAS & THE SALT MINES TOUR: PRIVATE or with a GROUP
• PRIVATE 2 DAYS INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU
• 2 COLORS CANYON HIKES
• WAQRAPUCARA: FULL DAY HIKE
• RAINBOW MOUNTAIN FULL DAY HIKE: PRIVATE or with a GROUP
• PALCOYO 3 NEW RAINBOW MOUNTAINS: FULL DAY PRIVATE HIKE
• HUMANTAY TURQUOISE LAKE FULL DAY HIKE: PRIVATE or with a GROUP
• CHONTA CONDORS FULL DAY HIKE
• HUCHUY QOSQO & MACHU PICCHU: 2 DAYS PRIVATE HIKE
• PRIVATE APURIMAC CANYON & WATERFALLS
  
• WHITE WATER RIVER RAFTING
• MOUNTAIN BIKING IN MARAS & MORAY: PRIVATE FULL DAY TOUR
• HORSE RIDING IN MARAS & MORAY: FULL DAY TOUR

• CUSCO TO PUNO & TITICACA LAKE
  

• NAZCA LINES & PARACAS
  

• AMAZON: TAMBOPATA RESERVE | MANU NATIONAL PARK