Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Your adventure officially begins in Cusco with a welcome meeting at 2 pm, where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe drop into Casa Intrepid – within the historic walls of House Casanova Lastarria, this sanctuary for travellers is housed in a building dating back to the 1500s, featuring Inca interiors. Here, you can recharge with a coca tea, coffee or refill your water bottle. You can also use this space to plan your next move or take a breather from the hustle and bustle outside. After the meeting, get acquainted with the city on a leader-led walking tour. Check out some of Cusco's main attractions like the Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market (where you'll have the chance to taste some local specialties), the main square, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. Tonight, visit Casa Intrepid for your trek briefing, then you’re free to find the perfect dinner spot with your group and try some local Peruvian favourites.

Today, you’ll embark on the unforgettable Salkantay Trek. Your journey begins with an early morning pick-up and a scenic drive to Anta, Mollepata. When you arrive, take in the views of the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Veronica – the sacred mountains revered by the Incas. Head straight to the starting point of your hike in Soraypampa (3900 m/12,795 ft) and tuck into breakfast prepared by your chef. Then, begin the first leg of the trek towards Humantay Lake, gradually going uphill as you approach the turquoise waters. After soaking in the beauty of this high-altitude gem, retrace your steps back to Soraypampa for lunch. In the afternoon, continue the hike towards Salkantaypampa, in the heart of the glacier valleys. This spot offers an incredible opportunity for stargazing, as the dark skies are free of artificial light.

Set off on the ascent to the highest point of the Salkantay Trek (4620 m/15,157 ft). The first leg of the journey is a steady climb through a rugged, rocky valley. Keep your eyes peeled for the Salkantay Peak towering above you at 6217 m/20,397 ft! You may even catch a glimpse of the elusive chinchillas darting along the trail. Reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including the imposing Salkantay itself – this sacred Inca mountain is also known as Apu Salkantay. At the highest point, your guide will perform the Andean Pachamama ritual, showing respect and gratitude for the land. Take a moment to appreciate the atmosphere and thank Mother Earth, then descend on the serpent trail. Have lunch, rest, then hike through cloud forest, with trees draped in moss and colourful native plants decorating the path. The warm climate of the lower jungle is a refreshing contrast to the high-altitude trek. End in Chaullay (2,900 m) at your base camp in the heart of the rainforest, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible journey through the Andes.

After a hearty breakfast early this morning, you’ll head into the heart of the lush jungle, following the Salkantay River along a scenic trail that leads to La Playa. As you hike, you'll be surrounded by thick jungle, passing through small family hamlets where the locals welcome you with a taste of their fresh, tropical fruits – passionfruit, bananas, oranges, mangoes, avocados and papayas. If you’re lucky, you might spot the ‘Cock of the Rocks’ (Peru’s national bird with striking orange plumage). Today’s trek ends in Lucmabamba (2100 m) – a peaceful town shaded by coffee trees. Have lunch and maybe browse the local shops for souvenirs. In the afternoon, take part in an authentic coffee experience, where you can harvest fresh coffee beans, peel them by hand, roast and grind them to create your very own cup of coffee.

Arise early for your trek to the ancient site of Llactapata (2700 m/8858 ft) along a well-preserved section of the Inca Trail, which once connected the Sacred Valley to Quito in Ecuador. This historic path climbs the side of a ridge, with amazing views of the Santa Teresa Valley. Watch the butterflies fluttering by orchids in full bloom, as you reach the pass, with mighty Machu Picchu in the distance – one of the Seven Wonders of the World! The view from here rivals that from Intipunku, the famous Sun Gate, giving you a unique perspective of the iconic Inca citadel. From the pass, it's a short but scenic walk to Llactapata – an Inca site still partially covered in jungle vines. Take your time to explore this mystical place before descending to the Rio Aobamba. From here, make your way to Hidroelectrica for lunch. Then, it’s time for a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes – the gateway town to Machu Picchu. When you arrive, you have free time to wander through the open-air market, where you’ll find local Andean crafts, textiles and souvenirs.

Take the bus up the steep, zigzagging road to the impressive Lost City of the Incas, high in the Andes. Before your tour of Machu Picchu’s archaeological site, you’ll take the climb up Machu Picchu Mountain – this towering peak is the largest mountain surrounding the iconic ruins. As you steadily gain elevation, you’ll be surrounded by Andean flora and striking views of the Sacred Valley. The summit stands at 620 m above the ruins, with the mountain towering at an elevation of 3051 m above sea level! From the top, the views are nothing short of breathtaking, offering a more exposed and sweeping perspective compared to the more famous spots. This trail tends to be quieter, giving you the chance to experience the site from a more personal vantage point without the large crowds. Hidden on a ridge, Machu Picchu is invisible from below, so it's no surprise it remained a secret for so many years (until 1911)! After your climb, tour the ruins with a local guide, learning more about these 200 or so houses and temples. After, catch the bus back into town for a free afternoon. Later, take the train to Ollantaytambo, then a private transfer to Cusco city. When you arrive, maybe head out with your group for a final dinner and cheers to an incredible journey.

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end today and you can leave at any time. If you’d like to spend more time in Cusco, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.