Salkantay Trekking (from Lima)

Upon arrival, you will be assisted at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

You will visit the modern and colonial parts of Lima, known as The City of Kings, starting at the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, and passing along a “huaca” or sacred pre-Inca site, before heading to the Historic Center. There, you will walk along some of the most historically important streets of the city, leading to the Plaza de Armas, where you will have some time to take pictures of the amazing colonial architecture that surrounds it. You will also have the chance to take a peek into an iconic building, that has served Lima´s citizens for centuries and continues to be an significant landmark. Then you will visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo, an astonishing building with colonial style. After exploring the Historical Center, you will head towards the Larco Museum, which houses the incomparable Treasures of Ancient Peru private collection.

You will be assisted at the hotel and transferred to the airport. Flight Lima/Cusco (not included) Upon arrival, you will be assisted at the airport and transferred to the hotel.

You will visit the city of Cusco, known as the Imperial City and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here you will start your tour at the iconic San Pedro market, a local market where you can explore the colors, flavors and traditions of modern Cusco. The visit continues with the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and cult center of the Sun God, above which the order of the Dominicans built a church, which remains standing to this day. You will continue ascending to the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive example of Inca military architecture. Afterwards, you will explore Q´enqo archeological site, where important Inca ceremonies took place. Finally, you will arrive to the Plaza de Armas (main square), where you will visit the Cathedral, the most important temple in the city.

Visit Chinchero, a small picturesque Andean village. Enter the home of a textile artisan, where you will see some of his original work and learn about his techniques, as well as his creative process. Then visit its important Inca ruins dating back to the end of the 15th century, as well as you can observe in a panoramic way it’s beautiful and traditional church. Afterwards, on the road to Ollantaytambo, you will stop at a viewpoint, for one of the best views of the Sacred Valley. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Then it is on to Ollantaytambo, one of the most representative building complexes of the Inca Empire and site of one of the Spanish Conquistadors' rare strategic defeats. Famous for its terraced fields, Ollantaytambo was a very effective fortress and also a religious center.

You will leave Cusco early in the morning towards Challacancha, there you will meet the muleteers and horses that will carry the load of the expedition. You will start a hike of approximately 5 hours towards Soroycocha, stopping on the way to rest and have lunch. Once there, camp will be set up where, after dinner, you will spend the night. Total walking distance: 15 km Minimum height: 3600 masl Maximum height: 4400 masl Hike: 5 hours approx. Difficulty ranking: 4 of 5

You will enjoy a healthy breakfast early in the morning to start the trek with lots of energy. You will start the road to Qollpapampa -a distance that will take approximately 8 hours- encountering stunning views such as the glaciers of the Vilcabamba mountain range and the south face of the Apu Salcantay along the way. In addition, you will get to see the fascinating fauna of the area in its natural habitat during your hike. You will make a stop for lunch and rest while absorbing the beauty that surrounds you. Then, you will continue with the walk until you reach Qollpapampa, where you will set up camp. Once there, you will enjoy dinner under the stars and then rest to be prepared for the next day. Total walking distance: 18 km Minimum height: 2850 masl Maximum height: 4630 masl Hike: 7 hours approx. Difficulty ranking: 3.5 of 5

You will have a healthy breakfast at dawn, fueling up on the necessary energy for your new day. You will begin the tour with a walk of approximately 5 hours towards the community of Sahuayaco, where you will make a stop to rest and have lunch. Then, you will resume the trek until you reach Lucmabamba, a beautiful place where camp will be built. The stars will accompany you during dinner, and you can rest afterwards, before the fourth day of travel. Total walking distance: 16 km Minimum height: 2100 masl Maximum height: 2850 masl Hike: 6 hours approx. Difficulty ranking: 3 of 5

After breakfast, you will prepare to leave Lucmabamba and pay a visit to some coffee plantations in the area. Then, you will continue on your way to the Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Power Plant, which uses the force of the imposing Vilcanota River. There you will also have time to rest and enjoy lunch. Then, at the Hydroelectric Station, you will board the train that will take you to Aguas Calientes. Once there, you will be met at the station and taken to your selected hotel. You will have the rest of the afternoon and evening at your disposal. Total walking distance: km Minimum height: 1890 masl Maximum height: 2400 masl Hike: 5 hours approx. Difficulty ranking: 3 of 5

After an early breakfast, you will board the bus that will take you to Machu Picchu to start your guided tour. The required documents will be checked by the Machu Picchu Control staff prior to admission. Once inside, your guide will tell you about the history, organization and mysteries of this unique Inca citadel. Afterwards, you will have free time to return to the places that impressed you most to take pictures. At the end of the visit, you will take the bus that will take you back to Aguas Calientes for lunch or a tour of the streets of this picturesque town. At the scheduled time, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo station. Finally, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

You will be assisted at the hotel and transferred to the airport.