7 Day Salkantay Adventure

Today, we continue our journey through the breathtaking Sacred Valley, which follows the course of the famous Urubamba River, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River. This fertile valley was of great importance to the Incas and is home to some of their most remarkable architectural achievements.

Our main destination today is Ollantaytambo, a captivating village that beautifully blends Inca and colonial architecture. The town is known for its impressive fortress, an ancient military, religious, and agricultural center. As we explore, we will climb the iconic Temple Hill, where massive terraces rise towards the sky, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

In addition to visiting this remarkable site, if the weather permits and time allows, we may take short walks in the valley to further appreciate the landscape and begin preparing for our upcoming trek.

After a day of exploration, we return to our hotel in the Sacred Valley to rest and finalize preparations for the adventure ahead.

Included meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L).

After an early breakfast, we begin our journey with a visit to the fascinating Tarawasi Archaeological Site, located near the town of Limatambo. This Inca complex, built with beautifully carved stones, is believed to have been a ceremonial and resting place for travelers heading to the Vilcabamba region.

We then continue our journey, passing through the picturesque mountain village of Mollepata, where we stop for a refreshing coffee break. From here, we ascend a scenic and winding mountain road to Challacancha (3,870m / 12,696ft). At this point, we meet our mule drivers and begin our trek.

Our trek takes us to Soraypampa (3,900m / 12,795ft), where we stop for a well-deserved lunch. After our meal, we embark on a climb to admire the stunning Humantay Lake (3,869m / 12,693ft). The turquoise waters of this glacial lake, set against the dramatic Andean peaks, provide a truly breathtaking view.

Following our visit to Humantay Lake, we return to Soraypampa, which serves as our first campsite. From here, we enjoy magnificent views of Salkantay Mountain (6,270m / 20,570ft), one of the region’s most sacred peaks.

Included meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D).

This is the main day of the trek! After an early breakfast, we begin our hike up to the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass (4,638m / 15,216ft). Here, we stop to take in the amazing views of the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range and the glaciated southern face of Salkantay, which towers above us. If we’re lucky, we might even spot Andean condors soaring in the skies.

From the pass, we begin our descent towards Wayracmachay, where we will enjoy a lunch break. Following lunch, we continue our descent along the left bank of the Salkantay River, witnessing the landscape transform from highland terrain to lush jungle and cloud forest. As we descend, we feel the warm air rising from the jungle, while the vibrant colorful butterflies and striking orchids add a touch of beauty to the surroundings.

Our final destination for the day is the second camp at Andenes (2,890m / 9,481ft), where we can rest and relax after an exhilarating day of trekking.

Included meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D).

Today, we will hike along the Santa Teresa River Valley through more populated rural areas. As we trek, we pass through banana, granadilla, avocado, and coffee plantations, experiencing the local flora up close. Along the way, we’ll stop for a hot picnic lunch to refuel for the next leg of our journey.

After lunch, we continue hiking for about 2 hours, until a private vehicle meets us for a short drive to the beginning of the Llactapata Inca Trail (about 30 minutes). From here, we begin the hike on the newly restored Inca Trail, making our way easily to the last campsite at Lucmabamba. In the evening, we will have the opportunity to try some of the local coffee with our host, a friendly local family.

Dinner will be served at the campsite, and then we’ll spend the night under the stars, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Lucmabamba.

Included meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D).

After breakfast, we will head uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata Pass (2,735m / 8,973 feet), where we will begin our descent towards the archaeological complex of the same name. Here, we will enjoy a distant but spectacular view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast—a view few travelers get the chance to admire.

Lunch will be served at a scenic viewpoint, with breathtaking views looking out toward Machu Picchu. After lunch, we will begin the final descent to the Aobamba River, passing through lush bamboo forests, orchards, and coffee plantations. This scenic hike will lead us to the Hydroelectric Power Station, where we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the town located near Machu Picchu. Here, we’ll spend the night in preparation for our visit to the famous ruins the next day.

Included meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L).

After an early breakfast, we will head to the bus station for the scenic ride up to Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic and breathtaking archaeological sites in the world. You will begin with a guided tour of the sanctuary, lasting approximately 2 hours, where our expert guide will lead you through the highlights and share fascinating insights into its history and significance. Afterward, you’ll have another 2 hours to explore at your own pace and marvel at the stunning ruins.

In the afternoon or early evening, we will depart Machu Picchu and board the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, we will transfer to our private vehicle for the drive back to Cuzco, where our adventure concludes. Note: depending on the train schedule, we may arrive in Cuzco late in the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L).