Trip Overview
Discover the most spectacular of the Incan sites and one of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu.
You will feel on the top of the world!
Explore Cusco, the Capital of the Incan Empire and discover its awe – inspiring streets and Pre-Hispanic buildings.
Watch the Sunset on the Pacific Ocean in Lima and enjoy the city’s stunning architecture.
Savor Peruvian cuisine, with its exquisite and unique flavors. It has been recognized around the world as some of the finest there is.
Be dazzled by the unparalleled beauty of the Sacred Valley and its ancient Incan monuments and villages.
This tour includes sensitive destinations, therefore we request you to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
All food on this tour is prepared mostly with local ingredients.
Hotels with this mark are sustainable. We hope you will take them into account when making your reservation.
Trip Summary
Day 1: Cusco – Suiroccocha
Day 2: Suiroccocha – Colpapampa
Day 3: Colpapampa – Playa
Day 4: Playa – Machu Picchu Pueblo
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco – Suiroccocha
Today we will start this amazing journey traveling to a small village, located close to the Apurimac River, six hours away.
On the way we will observe breath-taking views of the chains of snowcapped peaks of Vilcabamba, the quaint village of Mollepata, and the stunning Apurimac River Valley. At this point we will encounter the horses, mules, and wranglers who will carry your gear during the trek. We will start off with a gentle climb up the mountain through the Amazing River Valley of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, hiking steadily upwards to the high plateau, following a series of switchbacks called the Siete Culebras. This incredible path leads up to the grandiose Mount Salkantay, which is the highest point of our trek.
Along the way, you will get an amazing first view of the Humantay glacier. As we approach our campsite at Suiroccocha, the enormous Salkantay peak dominates the skyline. This first camp is located at 11,500 feet.
Altitude: 13,448 feet.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Camping
Day 2
Suiroccocha – Colpapampa
After breakfast, we will start our trek with a moderate climb up the Salkantay Mountain, where we will find small piles of stones, also known Apachetas. These served as offerings to the Gods. At this point we will find ourselves at the feet of two impressive mountains: Salkantay peak and Humantay.
Salkantay is the most imposing mountain in the Cusco region, a large, steep peak, with a steep vertical grade. From this point we will descend to our camp in Colcapampa Village, where we will spend the night.
Altitude: 13,500 feet
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Camping
Day 3
Colpapampa – Playa
Very early in the morning we will start our descent to the eastern slope of the Andes, into the lush tropical valley where we will be able to observe the interesting flora and fauna characteristic of this region. This includes orchids, hummingbirds, butterflies, parrots, lush groves, cocoa and coffee plants, to name a few.
After crossing the river we will be trekking along the left hand side of the Alto Salkantay River. This part of the trek is easy as you descend altitude and we will observe how the landscape changes from the Andes mountain terrain to the low jungle. Finally, we will reach Playa, a small village where we set up camp for the night.
Altitude: 6,724 feet
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Playa – Machu Picchu Pueblo
Today we continue this amazing trek through a sub-tropical region until we reach the village of Lucmabamba, where we will join an original Inca Trail. From this point we will be able to observe the quaint Santa Teresa Valley. After a gradual uphill climb through a lush forest we will reach Llactapata from where we will enjoy beautiful views of Machu Picchu Citadel and of the surrounding peaks.
In the afternoon, we will descend to the Hydroelectric Plant, where we will have our final meal with the crew. Afterwards you will board the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo where you will spend the night.
Altitude: 6,560 feet
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: (C) Casa Andina, (P) El Mapi by Inkaterra
Day 5
Machu Picchu – Cusco
Today after breakfast, you will take the early bus up to the stunning archaeological complex of Machu Picchu.
You will explore this enigmatic citadel where your expert guide will lead you through the ruins, providing archaeological and historical information on key areas of interest, including The Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana (the Sun Dial) and the Sacred Plaza. You will appreciate the most amazing views from the top of the citadel! This is an opportunity to revel in the energy and atmosphere of one of the most significant and spectacular archaeological sites of the world, surrounded by the cloud forest. You will also have the opportunity to see Llamas wandering around the citadel in their natural environment.
After descending to Machu Picchu Pueblo, you will have some free time for lunch, and wander around through this picturesque town. In the afternoon you will board the return train to Ollantaytambo Station, where one of our representatives will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Price per person
Standard: Upon request Confort: Upon request
INCLUDED
- Hotel accommodation for 1 night.
- Tent accommodation for 4 days.
- All meals included during excursion as indicated in the itinerary: breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks.
- All ground transportation as described in the itinerary.
- Baggage handling assistance and porters.
- Purified and filtered stream running water for drinking.
- All camping equipment included: tents, sleeping pads, dinning tent, private chemical toilet tent, oxygen tank.
- All cooking gear & emergency first aid kit.
- Expert English speaking tour guide.
- Porterage of equipment along the trail.
- Bus tickets to & from MachuPicchu.
- Train Tickets from MachuPicchu To Cusco.
- Entrance to the National Park of Salkantay & MachuPicchu.
- Horseman and mules for personal equipment.
NOT INCLUDED
- Sleeping bag and personal equipments.
- Travel Insurance & Immunizations.
- Laundry & gratuities for trekking staff.