
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu was selected by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine as one of the world’s 25 best treks. Hike the remote and ancient trails with Andean panoramas of snowcapped mountains giving way to lavish forests of tropical fruits and unique orchids.





ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrive Cusco
Arrive Cusco with a transfer to your hotel; a welcome meeting will be organized by your guide for a quick briefing of the tour. The rest of the day can be spent exploring Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, set in the Andes Mountains. Discover Spanish churches and mansions that sit alongside Inca remains and enjoy the vibrant nightlife or sampling Peruvian restaurants.
DAY 2
Cusco - Pincopata Camp
You will be picked up from your hotel at 8 am and driven to the Condor Viewing Point at Chonta, with a stop along the way to explore one of two archaeological sites: Quillarumiyoc or Tarawasi. These sites were important ceremonial sites to the Inca. Quillarumiyoc was dedicated to warship of the moon, and Tarahuasi was a ceremonial and rest stop on the road to Chinchaysuyo. You will enjoy vistas of the Limatambo valley dotted with small farming communities. Once in Chonta, you will hike for approximately one hour through the Apurimac Canyon, one of the deepest in Peru. After enjoying a boxed lunch at the condor viewing point we continue to Pincopata EcoCamp – luxurious glamping at its finest. You will be welcomed with a freshly prepared fruit juice and tempted with an optional massage or if you are feeling active you can embark on an optional horseback or mountain biking tour. The day ends with a tasty three-course Peruvian meal. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 3
Soyray EcoCamp
After breakfast, we drive 15 minutes to Marcoccasa, where the trail begins follows an aqueduct overlooking the spectacular Rio Blanco Valley and surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Humantay and Salkantay Mountains. We arrive at Soray Ecocamp in time for a lunch, during the afternoon you can hike to Lake Humantay (about an hour and a half hike) a breathtaking glacially fed lake nestled between glacial moraines, remnants of once larger glaciers that covered the area near the base of the southern face of the mountain. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 4
Humantay EcoCamp
Today you will hike the Salkantay Pass (4,664m / 15,300ft) and experience views of one of the most iconic mountains of the Cusco region. Visible from the ruins Machu Picchu, the Incas considered Salkantay to be one of the principal deities controlling weather in the region. After breakfast, you will begin trekking from the bottom of the valley and gradually start ascending while crossing several grasslands. During the challenging final climb to pass you will be rewarded with views of Salkantay's snowy and rugged south face. Upon reaching the pass, we will celebrate and enjoy the panoramic views from a high-elevation Andean ecosystem as you witness the second most topographically prominent peak in Preru attributed to the deeply incised surrounding terrain. At the pass you will enjoy a picnic lunch before descending into Salkantay Valley. Your day will finish at the highest and most remote Ecocamp in located on a flat grassland and overlooked by Mount Humantay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 5
Milpo EcoCamp
The days hike continues into a high altitude grassy plain as far as Abra Pass, from here you can see the impressive northwest face of Mount Humantay and experience the mountain from a different perspective. Lunch will be served with an offering of impressive views of the Salkantay and Manchayhuayco valleys. Following lunch, you will trek down to the Humantay River Valley, to the Milpo Ecocamp, located in the cloud forest region and host to endemic orchid species. The domes of the camp face the valley across the river offering a peaceful and tranquil environment.
DAY 6
EcoQuechua Lodge
After breakfast, you will trek down the valley to Totor, witnessing unique birds and orchid species along the way. Upon arrival at Wiñaypocco, our transport will be waiting to drive you to EcoQuechua Lodge where you will enjoy lunch. In the afternoon you will visit one of the local coffee plantations where a guide will show how highland coffee beans are picked, processed and roasted. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 7
Aguas Calientes
You will have several options to choose from for the morning´s activities depending on your interests (options include for hike, zip lining or hot springs). In the afternoon you will board the train for the scenic ride to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Here you can relax at the hotel for the night or explore the village. For an additional fee, you can take advantage of the hot springs in the town. (Breakfast)
DAY 8
Cusco
You will travel with our local guide by bus to the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. Here you will discover the mysteries and magnificence of the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Options during this visit include climbing Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain. These climbs are physically challenging, but the outstanding views from the peak of both mountains make the effort worthwhile. Lunch will be served at Sanctuary Lodge where you will take the bus to collect your luggage and then onto the train to Ollantaytambo from where you will transfer by road to Cusco.
DAY 9
Depart
After breakfast you will be safely transferred to Cusco airport for your departures.(Breakfast)
END OF SERVICES

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INCLUDED
- Airport transfers
- Ground transportation
- Accommodations
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Entrance fee to Salkantay
- Water (boiled)
- Meals described in itinerary
- Oxygen bottle and first aid kit
- Expert guides, assistant guides,
- Airfare
- Trekking/hiking poles
- Meals NOT described in itinerary
- Hot Springs
- Tips