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

Day 1: Lima

Welcome upon arrival in Lima and transfer to your hotel in the famous Miraflores neighborhood.  If time permits, venture out into Peru’s amazing culinary world.

Day 2: Lima

During the morning you will enjoy a guided tour of Lima.  In the afternoon we will visit the Larco and Archeological museums (Gold Museum on Mondays).  Evening to relax before your flight to Cuzco early tomorrow morning. (B)

Day 3: Lima / Cuzco

After breakfast in the hotel you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Cuzco. Upon arriving in Cuzco (11,152 ft.), our guide will take you to the hotel where you can spend the morning resting and acclimating to the altitude. In the afternoon you will enjoy a guided tour of Cuzco with its ancient cathedrals and amazingly crafted Inca walls. You will also visit Cuzco's nearby ruins; Kenko, Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, Saqsaywaman. (B)

Day 4: Cuzco / Sacred Valley / Cuzco

Today you will visit the Sacred Valley (9,350 ft.) and experience the rich colors of its traditional towns and ruins. Through the scenic countryside we will make our way to the town of Pisac to visit the town's colorful market. Before returning to Cuzco, our afternoon will come to a close at the town of Ollantaytambo. Here, you will visit the site of the beautiful rose-colored stone ruins where the Incans fought against the Spaniards. (B, L)

Day 5: Cuzco / Cruzpata / Salcantaypampa (Hike 1)

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. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Salcantaypampa / Qollpapampa (Hike 2)

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. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Qollpapampa / Lucmachayoc (Hike 3)

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. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Lucmachayoc / Aguas Calientes (Hike 4)

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. (B, L)

Day 9: Machu Picchu / Cuzco

Early in the morning we will enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu. 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 $1,590
• Single Supplement from $400 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

• Airport taxes
• Inti Raymi festival in Cuzco (from June 22 to June 27): add $200/person ($300 single)
• Please add $100/person for trips scheduled for 2013

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