Overview

Peru Vacation: Salkantay Inca Trail Trek overview: This Peru multi-sport and hiking trip offers a wide range of different adventure sports as well as cultural tours and archeology of the Inca Empire, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas. Among other activities- you will have a chance to interact with locals, try local cuisine, explore ancient ruins, pursue outdoor adrenaline filled outdoor activities like white water rafting and mountain biking, sample the fun nightlife, and visit local markets. No doubt the highlight will be hiking the Salkantay Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu. National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine names Peru's Salkantay Trek among the 25 best Treks in the World. The Salkantay Inca Trail is part of an ancient and remote Inca footpath that connects Cusco and Machu Picchu. It is located in an amazing environment where massive snowcapped mountains collide with lush tropical rain forests. Reaching a top altitude of 15260 feet, the trek is rated as strenuous and will challenge you. This Peru vacation is fully guided and our guides will take you to the famous sites of Peru as well as off the beaten path destinations.

Itinerary

DAY 1-  START OF PERU TRIP- DEPART LIMA - ARRIVE IN CUSCO:

Your hosted Peru hiking trip starts with an included flight between Cusco and Lima that departs Lima Intl Airport Jorge Chavez this morning at around 9:00 AM.

Please note:Many arriving international flights to Lima arrive in the early morning with plenty of time to connect to this flight. If you are staying the night before in Lima on your own, please arrive back to the airport with ample time (we recommend 2 hours).    

After landing in Cusco,  you will be met by your guide at the airport arrivals and transferred to the hotel in Cusco where you will get checked in. Your Peru vacation officially begins! We will have a quick meet and greet and welcome for the entire group while we taste a Coca leaf tea (traditional Peruvian drink). Later on, after unwinding from the flight and taking some time to rest, you will have time for a Peruvian lunch. That afternoon your Cusco tour guide meets you and takes you on a couple hour sightseeing tour of the town (this is an easy tour and a good way to start getting acclimated to the altitude in Cusco) taking in the colonial churches and visiting Incaruins outside the city; Sacsayhuaman (temple of the Lightning), Qenqo (ceremonial place) andTambomachay (Temple of the water). Lunch and Dinner on your own. Hotel Residencia del Sol (or similar)

*For Friday’s optional activity day, you must decide today by 5pm which activity you would like to do for the next day so that we can get it booked for you.

DAY 2- CUSCO: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner included.

Today you may choose between one of two exciting outdoor adventure activities

1. MOUNTAIN BIKE MORAY AND SALT MINES IN MARAS.

This exciting biking adventure tour blends adrenaline pumping mountain biking and breathtaking views with visits to two famous sites near the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas. Moray is a series of remarkable innovative agricultural terraces that are built in three deep depressions. We reach Moray with a short hike (around 30 mins) from our drop off point half way between the Cusco and Urubamba valleys and we take a pack lunch. In the afternoon on bike, we descend to Maras an important historical source of salt. After visiting the workers as they produce the bags of salt we walk down the quebrada (ravine) and reach the Urubamba river as it winds lazily towards Machu Picchu and beyond to the Amazon. Here, our vehicle will take us back to Cusco and your hotel. This is a full day adventure tour!
Includes: RT transport, Bikes, helmet, biking tour, English speaking guide, Lunch.

OR

2. RIVER RAFTING AT CHUQUICAHUANA URUBAMBA RIVER:

One of our most popular white water rafting adventure tours is the "Cusipata" section of the river on the Upper Urubamba. There are good class IIl rapids and the water is very pure. We pick you up at your hotel, after one and a half hours drive we arrive to the put -in at the shores of the Upper Urubamba River. Our professional white water rafting guides will give you a safety talk and provide you with all the proper equipment for white water rafting. We will be floating for approximately two to two and a half hours, running numerous class II and III type rapids. Afterwards, we arrive to the take-out. Then a hot lunch will be provided as well as a sauna and hot showers. Our return to Cusco should be around 430-500pm in the afternoon. This is a full day adventure tour! 

Optional Zip line tour afterwards with 4 cables over the river will be offered for $20 USD

INCLUDES:

-Transportation from hotel in Cusco to the put-in at the River
-All the rafting equipment, such as Helmet, Life jacket, paddle, self bailing Raft
-Spray Jacket, wet Suit
-Professional English speaking Rafting guide
-Delicious lunch
-Transportation back from the River to your hotel

After getting back from your chosen activity, you will have time to relax and freshen up.
At around 7pm we meet in the hotel lobby to walk over to a special group dinner (included) and live musical and cultural performances at the famous Incawall restaurant. After the dinner-the rest of the evening will be at leisure to explore Cusco’s great nightlife, attractions, or just to relax. Overnight in Cusco-Hotel Residencia del Sol

DAY 3- CUSCO- SACRED VALLEY TOUR: Breakfast included.

After breakfast (At 8:30 am and approx 1 hour in length) there will be a mandatory meeting for all trekkers to meet guides, go over packing list, safety, etc. Afterwards, we will depart on a tour to explore some of The Sacred Valley of the Incas starting with a visit to the famous market in Pisac. You will have ample time for shopping for crafts, exploring the town, and lunch. After we you will have the option to trek up to the impressive Inca ruins of Pisac 1500 feet above the town (or you may take our private transport to the top). Guided tour of the ruins. Later that afternoon we will visit another Inca site at Ollyantaytambo and have a guided tour before heading back to Cusco. Lunch and Dinner on your own arrangements. Overnight in Cusco-Hotel Residencia del Sol

DAY 4-  CUSCO- MOLLEPATA- SORAYPAMPA: B,L,D included

After a very early breakfast at your hotel, our transport takes you across the high pampas and down the old Inca road, which the Spanish conquistadors used to reach Cusco. We reach Mollepata (2,800 meters) where we collect our pack animals and  begin our Salkantay hiking adventure by making a pleasant ascent to Soraypampa to reach our first campsite (3,800 meters). Today the trekking is fairly easy as the trail is not too steep. If the weather is clear, you will have amazing views of Nevado Humantay (6,000 meters) the whole way up to our camp. (6-8 hours hike time)

DAY 5- SORAYPAMPA– CHALLHUAY: B,L,D included

After breakfast, the Peru Salkantay trek begins with a four-hour ascent, covering nearly 800 meters to the first pass Abra or Paso Humantay (4,600 meters). This takes us between Mt. Humantay (6000 meters) and Apu Salkantay (6,271 meters). Apu means “Great Spirit” in Qechua, the still used language of the Incas. It is one of two most revered sacred mountain sites in the Andes. The scenery in this vicinity is absolutely stunning as we descend to Huayracmachay (3.550 meters). We arrive at Collpapampa, (lunch served on the trail) a confluence of four rivers. From this point, you are in a jungle environment, with the accompanying fauna and flora to admire in the cloud forest. We camp at Challhuay ( 3,250 mts). (8-10 hours hike time)

DAY 6- CHALLHUAY– LUCMABAMBA (PLAYA) : B,L,D included

This is a easier day on the Salkantay trek as we descend through the “eyebrow of the jungle” passing by banana and coffee plantations, avocado farms,  lush waterfalls, and jungle flora such as orchids and many bird species such as the rare Cock of the Rock (National bird of Peru)  to reach our campsite at Lucmabamba ( 2,450 meters ). (5-7 hours hike time)

DAY 7- LUCMABAMABA (PLAYA)- LLACTAPATA- AGUAS CALIENTES: B,L,D included

After breakfast we descent all the way to Wiñaypoco (1,960 meters). Then we ascend to the pass of Abra Aobamba (2,800 meters). At the Inca site of Llactapata you will be able to see the Citadel of Machu Picchu. A two-hour descent by foot on original Inca trail through lush vegetation takes us to the hydroelectric station on the Urubamba River. From here we cross diverted water from the station, now falling as a huge waterfall. From the impromptu tent town that flanks the railway line, there are impressive views of the rear of Mt. Machupicchu. 
Lastly, we follow the railroad for several km through an impressive river gorge with tropical jungle vegetation right into the town of Aguas Calientes. (7-8 hours hike time).

As the name implies, there is an optional hot bath in this small tourist town at the base of Machu Picchu. You will spend the night in Aguas Calientes in a comfortable hotel room where you can be rested and refreshed from your trek before visiting Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the next morning for a majestic sunrise. We will celebrate your Salkantay trekking accomplishment with an included special dinner at around 7:30 pm at a restaurant  in Aguas Calientes town. Overnight in Aguas Calientes – Inka Town Hotel (or similar)

Salkantay Trekkers Please note-All projected times and hike distances are approximate and only estimates. Actual times between campsites may vary. Guides reserve the right to change campsite locations and/or modify the itinerary if needed. Horses on the Salkantay Inca Trail are to help carry supplies and are dangerous to ride. All times for tours, transfers, daily arrival/departure times, etc are approximate and subject to change at the guide and or host’s recommendations. Erik’s Adventures reserves the right to alter the itinerary if necessary due to safety concerns, circumstances outside its control (i.e. worker strikes, weather, government, etc.). During the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, we reserve the right to make changes if needed for safety, scheduling, and other concerns.

DAY 8-  MACHU PICCHU: Breakfast included

The bus leaves at 5:30 am to take you to the lost city of the Incas to see it at sunrise. There is fully guided tour first and afterwards plenty of time to explore on your own. You may wish to climb the adjacent peak of Huaynapicchu and/or Machu Picchu mountain, if you still have the energy, for unparalleled views of the famous ruins. Late afternoon Train/bus return to Cusco from Aguas Calinetes via Ollyantaytambo- arrive back around 11:00 PM. Lunch and Dinner on your own. Overnight in Cusco-Hotel Residencia del Sol

DAY 9- CUSCO: Breakfast included

The last full day of your Peru vacation is entirely free to relax and explore Cusco, visit other museums that are included in your city pass, participate in another adventure activity, shopping, Cusco's famous nightlife, or anything else you may wish to do today.

DAY 10- CUSCO- LIMA: Breakfast included.

Transfer to Airport. Depart Cusco in morning for Lima (please book intl flights home to depart Lima after 10:00 am to ensure you make your connection) to connect with intl flights home.

Please note: If you happen to have a long layover in Lima, there will be an optional excurision to and from the airport (at own cost) into Lima with your trip host to visit the Plaza de Armas, The historical center of the city, and a couple of other famous attractions such as the Hotel Bolivar (famous for their Pisco sours).

International flight back to your home city.

Arrive home today or the evening before depending on your intl flight schedule

"End of Peru Adventure Tour: Salkantay Hiking to Machu Picchu"

What's included

Peru Adventure Tour Price: $1979 sharing. For a single room and tent for the trip please add $495

INCLUDED ON PERU TRIP:

Domestic flights within Peru (Lima /Cusco and Cusco / Lima)
Airport transfers: on arrival and departure to Cusco.
05 nights hotel Cusco, 1 night Aguas Calientes,
Professional English speaking local tour guides while on the tours
Private transport on all tours.
Sacred Valley Tour on Day 3
Hotels include: breakfast and taxes.
City Tour excursion in Cusco and nearby sites.
Economic Tourist Train/Bus return from Aguas Calientes / Ollant. seats reserved. Private Bus from Ollant. to Cusco Hotel
RT Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (25’)
Extra Luggage storage in Cusco hotel
Post trek dinner in Aguas Calientes
Entry into Machu Picchu
Rafting or Mountain Biking Adventure tour on Day 2
Dinner and Cultural Performance on Day at Inca Wall 2
US Based Host for entire trip

INCLUDED ON SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU:

Private Tourist Transport from Cusco to Mollepata.
Professional English-speaking local guide (Licensed)
Mules and or Horses to carry food, camping equipment and client’s luggage.
(Clients carry only a daypack).
Arrieros (horse tender).
Horse for emergency.
Complete camping equipment: two-person tent, tent for toilet, tent for kitchen, dining, cooking gear, oxygen, first Aid Kit.
Cook and assistant specialized in preparing your meals.
Complete meals while on the trek: breakfast, lunch and dinner, tea time every afternoon and wake up tea every morning, purified drinking water.
Associated trekking permits and fees


NOT INCLUDED ON PERU TRIP: 

International flight to and from Lima (LIM)                                                                           Visitors pass for all Cusco sites $ 52.00 (this is valid for the Sacred Valley)
Airport departure taxes
Tips and Gratuities
Extra personal expenses and optional tours
Meals and drinks not mentioned on the program.

FOR SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU- If you dont bring your own we provide Sleeping bag rental for $ 30.00 (you can notify the guide in Cusco during the trek meeting if you will need to rent one and pay in USD at that time before the start of the trek)

Photos