Peru Travel - Salkantay Trail Tour (the "Other Inca Trail")

Day 1: Lima

Welcome to Lima! Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel in the beautiful area of Miraflores. If time permits, venture out and begin to explore Peru’s amazing culture.

Day 2: Lima

Rise for breakfast and a morning guided tour of colonial and modern Lima. After lunch, we will experience the Inca’s legacy at the Larco Museum. Lastly, we will visit a classic Peruvian Tavern for a glass of Pisco Sour and traditional Peruvian petite bouchées. (B)

Day 3: Lima / Cuzco

Welcome upon arrival Cuzco (11,152 ft) and transfer to your hotel. During the afternoon we will enjoy a guided tour of Cuzco with its ancient cathedrals and amazingly crafted Inca walls. We will also visit the ruins at Kenko, Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, Saqsaywaman. (B)

Day 4: Cuzco / Sacred Valley | Cuzco

Today we will explore the Sacred Valley (9,350 ft) and experience the rich colors of its traditional towns and ruins. Our first stop after a scenic drive will be Pisac’s colorful market – a great opportunity to practice your bargaining skills! After lunch we will tour the town of Ollantaytambo and visit the site of the beautiful rose-colored stone ruins where the Incas fought the Spaniards. The serenity and quaintness of the town will allow you to relax and transition into the Inca’s magical world. (BL)

Day 5: Cuzco / Salkantay Trail

Early drive to the village of Mollepata, an Indian village situated in a citrus growing area at a subtropical area (9,196 ft.). If time permits, we will visit the Inca Archaeological site of Limatambo (Tarawasi). We begin our trek to Cruzpata, a spectacular location overlooking the deep valley of the Rio Apurimac. After lunch, we begin a slow ascent to our camp at Salcantaypampa near the tiny settlement of Soraypampa. Great views of Humantay (19,400 ft.) and the majestic Salkantay. The campsite is at 13,100 feet, with possible night time temperatures of 32 F. (BLD)

Day 6: Salkantay Trail

After an early breakfast, we will start our 8 hours trek at around 6:00 AM. Our hike will take us close to the glacier moraine of Salkantay (14,750 ft.). Great views! We will then descend to Huarachmachay for lunch - portions of Inca Trail cobbled-stone paths. In the afternoon we descend to our campsite at Qollpapampa. (BLD)

Day 7: Salkantay Trail

Today we will descend through a narrow path toward the banks of the River Cachora (6 hours trek). The vegetation begins to change in this area, becoming more green and preparing us for the subtropical foliage. We will also have an opportunity to observe small pools of thermal waters, gorgeous scenery, and a triple-cascade waterfall. Lunch will be served once we arrive to the Playa site. We continue our trek in the afternoon close to the banks of the river. During our walk we will pass Sahuayaco, a small village of about 20 families before we arrive at our campsite location in Lucmachayoc. (BLD)

Day 8: Salkantay Trail / Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes)

Our five hour hike today begins at around 7:30 AM. While descending we will pass close to Llactapata. These ruins are the last on the trail. The terraces provide a beautiful spot for a break from hiking. From this point we can see Machu Picchu in the distance. We continue close to the banks of the Aobamba River where we will enjoy a hearty lunch before saying good bye to our muleteers. After lunch we will start our hike towards the town of Aguas Calientes situated at the base of the mountain where the Machu Picchu Sanctuary is located. (BL)

Day 9: Machu Picchu / Cuzco

Early in the morning we will enjoy a guided tour of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. After the tour, you can go back to your favorite spot in the sanctuary or shop at the local market in Aguas Calientes. We will return to Cuzco by train during the mid to late afternoon. (B)

Day 10: Cuzco / Lima

Enjoy an early morning walk in Cuzco before your departure to Lima or continue on an extension.  Please call 1-800-667-6134 to ask for details. Bon Voyage!! (B)

(B): Breakfast (L): Lunch (D): Dinner

Important Notice Actual day-by-day itineraries may vary from those shown in order to take advantage of local sightseeing options, trains or flight schedules changes, or other unforeseen events.

Price (per person based on double occupancy)

• 10 days from $1,690
• Single Supplement from $560 and Triple Occupancy Credit from $80
• Price based on check payment (please add 3% if paying via credit card)

What is Included

• All hotel accommodations
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary - B: breakfast, L: lunch and D: dinner
• All sightseeing as shown as part of an open group (private tours available)
• Services of bilingual professional guides
• Airport transfers
• All gratuities except to guides
• Train tickets to/from Machu Picchu
• All camping equipment including sleeping bags and mats
• All permits and passes (including one day pass to Machu Picchu)

Additional Budget Considerations

• Inti Raymi festival in Cuzco (from June 22 to June 27): add $200/person ($300 single)
• Please add $100/person for trips scheduled for 2014

Items NOT included in the price

• International or Domestic flights unless stated in 'What is Included' section above. We will be happy to help you with your flight arrangements at your request.
• Personal expenses such as beverages; lunch or dinner (unless in the itinerary)
• Laundry services
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended - see our Travel Tips section for details)
• Excess baggage fees
• Communication charges
• Airport departure or arrival taxes
• Cost of obtaining passports or visas
• Gratuities to guides
• Any other expense not mentioned on what is included

Please do not hesitate to call 1-800-667-6134 for additional information.

Lima, Peru show map

Cusco, Peru show map

Machu Picchu Pueblo, Peru show map