ITINERARY 
Introduction
This trip allows you to experience Peru at its best. Trek from lodge to lodge, enjoying the comfort and service of welcoming mountain lodges located in remote wilderness areas before finally reaching Machu Picchu, the jewel of the Andes.
During this journey you will traverse magnificent mountain passes, appreciating the vistas of giant snow-capped peaks and exploring more than twelve different ecosystems. The local communities through which you pass still live a very traditional way of life which they will be pleased to share with you, and this adds to a unique experience that should not be missed!
The accommodation on this trip is a real highlight - a series of mountain lodges which combine traditional style with modern day comforts. At the end of a day trekking, there can be few better feelings than enjoying a wonderful meal, taking a relaxing dip in an outdoor hot tub under the stars, and then retreating to your private room for a good night's sleep in a double bed!
The lodges used during this trip have been designed and built in accordance with traditional building techniques, Inca architectural and mythological concepts, and respect for the environment. Each lodge has a small number of comfortable bedrooms and private bathroom facilities. The lodges are fully equipped and serviced, and most have an outdoor hot tub. Every lodge guarantees an ample supply of hot water for showers, and heating.
For a detailed day-by-day itinerary and full details of the trip, please scroll down to download the Trip Dossier.
Trekking Peru - The Salkantay Trail Photo Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Cusco - transfer to hotel and rest after your journey.
Day 2: Free day to explore Cusco & trip briefing - relax and acclimatise. In the evening meet up with your guide for a pre-trip briefing.
Day 3: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa - your adventure begins with a drive to Soraypampa, visiting the Inca ruins of Tarawasi en route. Ascend to Mollepata and Marcoccasa and trek to your lodge at Soraypampa.
Day 4: Explore Soraypampa - enjoy a trek to a glacial lake then relax at the lodge and enjoy the outdoor jacuzzi.
Day 5: Soraypampa – Huayraccmachay - begin trek to Machu Picchu. Hike up Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay. Keep an eye out for condors as you descend to your next lodge at Huayraccmachay.
Day 6: Huayraccmachay – Collpapampa - rejoin your trek downhill above the Salkantay River to your next lodge at Collpapampa.
Day 7: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba - descend through the Santa Teresa River Valley, then vehicle transfer to the Llactapata Inca Trail and a short climb to your lodge at Lucmabamba.
Day 8: Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes - last day of the trek. Ascend to Llactapata Pass for a distant view of Machu Picchu from the southwest, a view few ever see. Visit Llactapata Ruins before your final descent to catch the train to Aguas Calientes
Day 9: Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco - a complete guided tour of Machu Picchu and some free time to explore the ruins. Return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch then catch the train to Ollantaytambo, where a private vehicle awaits to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 10: Depart Cusco - transfer back to the airport for your return flight home. Alternatively, begin an extension with a journey by plane or train from Cusco to your next destination.
Your Guides
Whether it's Jesus from Cusco with over 15 years experience of guiding trips in Peru or another local guide with the same passion for their home country and the trails that wind through them, you will benefit from the depth of knowledge that only a local guide can provide.
English speaking, with a keen understanding of the history, culture, flora and fauna, this trip will be as much a trekking journey as an education in Peruvian life culminating in tales of the Incas as you are guided around the amazing complex of Machu Picchu.
Your Verdict
Whatever your reason, this trip will leave you with some wonderful memories as it did for Chris Viskovich who joined this trip in Autumn 2012:
" So the trekking group were great people and our guide was such a quiet, sensitive person who cared very much about our welfare. We enjoyed the fire pit one night during full moon and the moonlight on snow covered Salkantay caused it to be a shivery green. Next morning the alpacas were seen grazing on the grasses outside our lodge and we got to see a humming bird enjoying the nectar from the blooms in the courtyard. I have some beautiful pictures in my mind and on the memory card. So thanks for all of this. An indelible memory. "
For more testimonials please check out our Reviews section on this trip.
Download Your Trip Dossier
If you would like to instantly download a copy of our PDF Trip Dossier which contains full details about this itinerary, please complete the form below:
Dossier Download - What's Included
- All info in one document
- Print-friendly format
- Full kit list
- Details of the meeting point
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