Intrepid Travel
DealEpic South America
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Uruguay · 39 days · Moderate4.2(6)
fromCAD 8,806
Next: 12 Aug
Operated by G Adventures
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
From
Price on request
Duration
8 days
Countries
Peru
Activity
challenging
Group size
Max 16
The adventure
Salkantay has been dubbed the most spectacular peak in the Peruvian Andes. On this trip, you’ll trek in the shadows of this impressive mountain, interact with its inhabitants and explore its forgotten ruins. You’ll arrive at Santa Teresa – the backdoor of Machu Picchu – where you’ll catch the train to Aguas Calientes for an early-morning visit to Machu Picchu.
Arrive at any time.
Full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo ruins along with a visit to a Planeterra weaving project in a local community. Visit the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco, an indigenous village for lunch. Shopping opportunities at a local market before returning to Cusco.
Transfer to the start of the trail and begin the Salkantay Trek. Stunning views and Inca ruins fill the days as the hike past the striking peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, and Ausangate, among others. Several high passes are traversed the highest point reaching 4,600m (15,092 ft) before descending into valleys nestled in the mountains. Nights are spent camping under the stars. Enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery and breathtaking views as the trek descends from the heights of the Andes to the lush subtropics surrounding Machu Picchu.
During the second day of the Salkantay Trek reach the highest point of the trek and enjoy the breathtaking views of Umantay and Apu Salkantay.
Continue the trek, passing through the town of Collpabamba en route to Lucmabamba.
The final day of trekking leads to the town of Santa Teresa. Catch the train in the afternoon to Aguas Calientes.
Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Optional visit to the Inca Bridge and return to Cusco in the evening.
Depart at any time.
At a glance
Duration
8 days
Route
Cusco → Cusco
Countries
Peru
Activity level
challenging
Style
Active & Multi-Sport, Culture & History, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Max 16
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Peru
Showing Days 1-7
8-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive Cusco at any time. There are no planned activities so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. Our best advice for exploring Cusco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map, and set off to explore!
Arrive Cusco at any time. There are no planned activities so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. Our best advice for exploring Cusco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map, and set off to explore!
Day 2Full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley…CuscoTravel with our local guide through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op, the impressive Pisac ruins and the colourful artisan market (market days only). The day trip finishes in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, site of another large Inca ruin. Visit Huchuy Qosco, an indigenous village previously bypassed by the tourism industry, now running the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant and tour in their own village. After touring the site return to Cusco for the night.
CuscoTravel with our local guide through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op, the impressive Pisac ruins and the colourful artisan market (market days only). The day trip finishes in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, site of another large Inca ruin. Visit Huchuy Qosco, an indigenous village previously bypassed by the tourism industry, now running the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant and tour in their own village. After touring the site return to Cusco for the night.
Day 3Transfer to the start of the trail…Machu Picchu
Machu PicchuTransfer to the start of the trail and begin the Salkantay Trek. Stunning views and Inca ruins fill the days as the hike past the striking peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, and Ausangate, among others. Several high passes are traversed the highest point reaching 4,600m (15,092 ft) before descending into valleys nestled in the mountains. Nights are spent camping under the stars. Enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery and breathtaking views as the trek descends from the heights of the Andes to the lush subtropics surrounding Machu Picchu.
Day 4During the second day of the Salkantay Trek…
During the second day of the Salkantay Trek reach the highest point of the trek and enjoy the breathtaking views of Umantay and Apu Salkantay.
Day 5Continue the trek
Continue the trek, passing through the town of Collpabamba en route to Lucmabamba.
Day 6The final day of trekking leads…
The final day of trekking leads to the town of Santa Teresa. Catch the train in the afternoon to Aguas Calientes.
Day 7Enjoy a guided tour of Machu PicchuRise early to take advantage of viewing Machu Picchu in the early morning light. This is the best time to view the 'Lost City of the Incas'. Join the local guide for a detailed interpretation of the site and Inca history without the pressure of other tour groups that arrive at midday. Later in the afternoon return by train to Ollantaytambo and transfer by van to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
Machu PicchuRise early to take advantage of viewing Machu Picchu in the early morning light. This is the best time to view the 'Lost City of the Incas'. Join the local guide for a detailed interpretation of the site and Inca history without the pressure of other tour groups that arrive at midday. Later in the afternoon return by train to Ollantaytambo and transfer by van to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
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Operated by G Adventures
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From
Price on request