The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is combined with an alternative trek next to Salkantay Mountain rated among the best trekking trips in the world because of the exquisite beauty of its natural surroundings. It includes different ecological areas, from high deserts to the Andean tropical rainforest to the Salkantay glacier. Spend one full day hiking on the Inca Trail, walking past unique archaeological sites, and finally arrive at the lost city of the Incas: Machu Picchu. The journey is conducted by experienced guides who will make your trip pleasant and safe. This trip requires a One Day Inca Trail Pass.
Highlights
Enjoy both the Salkantay Trail and the Inca Trail for a great trekking experience
See Mount Salkantay and the Andean tropical rainforest on your trek
Discover archaeological sites on the way to Machu Picchu
Requires high-intensity physical efforts that push the limits of one's fitness. May include tours with multiple days in a row of strenuous physical activity or single requiring more than 7 hours of activity. Recommended for travelers maintaining a demanding fitness level.
Arrive in Lima on the flight of your choice today. After collecting your luggage and clearing customs, exit the terminal and walk across the street to the conveniently located 5-Star Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol Lima Airport hotel. Settle into your room and rest up for your Peru adventure ahead.
We utilize this airport hotel to provide maximum convenience upon arrival. If you would prefer a more economical accommodation option on night 1, please discuss in advance with your Trip Planner about the hotel options and additional transportation arrangements needed, so that we can secure these for you in advance.
Andean history comes alive in Cusco. Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas fill the streets and markets, colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the Conquistadors, and campesinos (Peru's rural farmers) in colorful dress move busily back and forth across the plazas. In the afternoon, you'll explore Cusco's largest open market and the adjacent witches' market. After tasting a few unique local foods, visit the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco, a local organization committed to preserving the region's weaving traditions (if visiting the Sacred Valley on Sunday, you will visit their center in Chinchero instead). Watch weavers demonstrate their craft and learn about the history and processes of Peru's most well-known art form.
Today is free to relax and explore with your guide or on your own. You can visit the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco (these ruins showcase building blocks the size of pickup trucks). You can also wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged. The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife where live folk music and excellent food abound!
Leave Cusco early today by bus and drive over Tika-Tika pass, where you'll have your first view of the Salkantay and Humantay peaks. Arrive at Mollepata where you can stretch your legs, you'll continue by car to Soraypampa. After meeting the horse crew, guides, and rest of the group start your hike to Ichupata. Stop en route to have lunch.
After an early breakfast, start trekking. During this section, Salkantay peak dominates the horizon. You will continue hiking towards the Incachiriasca pass, where you will enjoy a beautiful view of two glacial lakes. From here on, the trail goes down until the next camp in Paucarcancha.
Day 6: Paucarcancha to Ollantaytambo
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
After breakfast, you will start hiking down along an Inca trail until reaching the community of Huayllabamba, where you will join the classic Inca Trail for a short section as you hike along the Patallaqta Stream to Kilometer 82 where your vehicle will meet and transport you to Ollantaytambo where you will spend the night at a local hotel.
Day 7: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | Aguas Calientes
Board the train this morning and travel about one hour to Kilometer 104 on the trail. At this point, Machu Picchu Park rangers will check your entrances passes and passports. You will trek for approximately 3 hours, up to the well-preserved remains of Wiñaywayna (2900 mm). On the way, you will see beautiful waterfalls, native flora and mountain birds. After lunch, there is time to rest and enjoy exploring the site with its houses, terraces, towers as well as visiting the Inti Punku, the Inca Gate of the Sun, where you will get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Finally, cross the ridge that leads to your final destination, and the full sight of the greatest archaeological discovery of modern times will be revealed. After an initial introduction to Machu Picchu, you will take the tourist bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night.
Early in the morning your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the bus station. After a 30-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu Citadel, you will tour Machu Picchu with your guide, visiting the main areas while learning more about the Inca culture. In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes to take the Vistadome train back to Cusco. Upon arrival to Poroy train station in Cusco, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
