Experience the thrill of an 8-night Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu for two—your unforgettable journey awaits!
The remote Hidden Valleys of Salkantay Trek carries you up barren mountain valleys, over a 15,750-foot pass, and down undisturbed valleys culminating in a visit to the enchanted ruins of Machu Picchu. This seldom-traveled route amid the Vilcambamba range is peppered with lesser-known Incan ruins. Encountering only the local farmer from time to time, revel in the solitude this route affords as it traces the way through the Inca empire’s heartland with breathtaking views of the Andes. The prize after this strenuous trek is the elusive Machu Picchu.
Inclusions:
- 4-nights in Cusco including breakfast and sightseeing
- All meals and accommodations while on trek
- Guide and porter
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Transport to and from trailheads by private vehicle
- Airport transfers
Itenary:
Day 1: Arrive Cusco
A group briefing and dinner to meet your guides and fellow guests, and address equipment and other questions.
Day 2: Cusco
Leaving early by vehicle to Saqsaywaman, a vast fortress built on three platforms, overlooking the city of Cusco. Continue to Qenqo, a site of worship with a high rock carved into the shape of a Puma. The road continues uphill to reach Puka-Pukara and Tambomachay, a site with Inca baths. Return to Cusco, and visit the main sites around the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Inca Walls with its 12 angled stone, and the Temple of the Sun (Koricancha) inside the Santo Domingo Temple.
Day 3: Cusco – Maras and Moray Elevation 11,000 ft.
Head into the Sacred Valley winding along the plains toward Moray. After the visit, head back towards the Maras Village, where the famous mountainside salt lakes are situated. Enjoy a picnic lunch and soak up the incredible setting of the Sacred Valley.
Day 4: Tocobamba to Tinkoc Camp Elevation 12,600 to 13,600 ft.
Drive through the Sacred Valley into the Limotambo range to the Tocobamba trailhead. Begin an ascent up the Tinkoc Valley, descend to the Collpa River at 11,480 ft then hike uphill again to make camp after an overall elevation gain of 2,000ft. Sleep nestled in the crook of the valley floor at Tinkoc Camp.
Day 5: Tinkoc – Salkantay Pass – Pampacahuana Camp Elevation 13,600 to 15,750 ft to 13,000 ft.
The big crossing with a long uphill climb on the southeast side of Salkantay and close-up views of the sacred snow-capped peak. Take advantage of breathtaking views and enjoy the majesty of the mountain.
Day 6: Pampacahuana to Chamana Elevation 13,000 ft to 8,400 ft
From views of Salkantay, descend the Pampacauha valley, following an ancient Inca canal still used by scattered farmers and entering the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. Camp in front of the dramatic Llactapata ruins.
Day 7: Chamana to Ollantaytambo Elevation 8,300 to 9,100 to 8,650 ft.
Explore the ruins at Machu Q’ente and Huayna Q’ente before descending on an Inca trail beside the Vilcanota River – the same path on which Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu. Hike back into civilization and transport to the town of Ollantaytambo for a train to the town at the base of Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes.
Day 8: Machu Picchu/The Sanctuary
Enjoy a guided visit to the citadel itself, a huge complex of hundreds of homes and sacred sites with unique access to this showcase of Andean spirituality, architecture, engineering, astronomy, and agriculture. Descend back to Aguas Calinetes via train with panoramic viewing cars to Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley, then private transport back to Cusco.
Day 9: Departure
Departure flight to Lima and connection home
