Lodge-to-Lodge Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Max 12 people Moderate difficulty Intermediate experience

Upcoming dates:

September 09

12 spots left

Overview

Out of all the treks to Machu Picchu, few can compete with the Salkantay trek in terms of scenery. It’s a spectacular route, passing through jungles and mountain passes, and dotted with azure lagoons. At the heart of the trek is Salkantay Mountain, which at 6,271 m (20,574 ft) is the highest peak in the Vilcabamba mountain range and the twelfth-highest in Peru.

This trek traverses the flank of this sacred mountain, offering some of the most awe-inspiring views in Peru. It’s one of the more challenging alternative routes to Machu Picchu, simply because of the high altitude. Unlike the standard five-day Salkantay trek, this route goes on to join the classic Inca Trail, giving you the best of both worlds: the stunning scenery of Salkantay, including Humantay Blue Lagoon, and the Inca ruins found along the classic Inca Trail.

Due to the altitude of this trek, it is highly recommended that you spend at least 2 days acclimatizing at higher altitudes. As such we have designed this itinerary such that you spend 2 days in Cusco before embarking on your trek.

The cancellation policy for this trip varies from our standard cancellation policy. Please see the FAQs for the cancellation policy specific to this trip.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Cusco

Arrive in Cusco and transfer to your hotel with private transportation provided by your guides. The rest of the day can be spent exploring Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Discover Spanish churches and mansions that sit alongside Inca remains, visit the local market of San Pedro and their array of products from handicrafts to vegetable products, fresh juices, and items for traditional Andean ceremonies. On the evening, enjoy the eclectic restaurant options available and try traditional or fusion dishes. You guides will provide recommendations to local restaurants that use local, organic products from the region.

Day 2: Full day acclimatizing and Sacred Valley Tour

Day 3: Head Towards Soraypampa

Day 4: Hike to Lake Humantay

Day 5: Cross the Salkantay Pass

Day 6: Descend into the Cloud Forest

Day 7: Follow the Santa Teresa River Valley

Day 8: First Glimpse of Machu Picchu

Day 9: The Citadel of Machu Picchu

Day 10: Departure day

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Accommodations

On day 1, for 2 days

Located in the heart of Cusco, this 4-star hotel is a 10-minute walk from Plaza de Armas offering a standard room with a private bathroom.

On day 3, for 5 days

On day 8, for 1 day

On day 9, for 1 day

Pricing

Included:

All meals

Transfers

Accommodation

Admission fees

Porter

Guide fees

Luggage transfers

Airport transfer

Local guide

Excluded:

Alcoholic beverages

Gratuities

Flights

Visas

Travel insurance

Personal gear

International flights

Domestic flights

Do not forget to arrange for the requisite passport, visa and travel insurance, if you are booking an international trip.

We try our best to ensure accurate and up-to-date guide information, but in some cases this may change due to emergencies or other unforeseen guide scheduling challenges. In any case, another highly-rated, certified guide with similar experience would lead your trip and you will be kept informed of any such case.