The Ultimate Cusco Tour
Cusco is a beautiful city that was once the capital of the Inca empire, which means it has a lot of history and many interesting sites to visit to learn all about ancient cultures. The city boasts an eclectic mix of Inca and European architecture, and you’ll want to see as much as possible while you’re here. Most visitors come to Cusco to visit Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. If you have the time, an adventurous trek to the ancient citadel will make your trip to Peru one to remember for a lifetime.
Are you looking to visit the Imperial city of Cusco and struggling to plan your itinerary? Well, our Salkantay Imperial 8 day tour is the perfect choice! Not only do you get to visit all the important spots in the city, but you’ll also take a day trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once you’ve acclimatized, it’s time to set off on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu for the ultimate experience. This is the best tour to see everything Cusco and the surrounding area have to offer plus go on an adventure to Machu Picchu.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Before You Go
- Packing List
- Accommodation
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
If you’re looking for the ultimate vacation in Cusco that includes everything, our 8-day Imperial Salkantay is the best choice. Come and explore the historical city in the company of our knowledgeable guides and venture on the exciting Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with like-minded travelers from across the world. This package is an excellent option whether you’re traveling alone, with a partner, or in a group.
Upon arrival in the city of Cusco, you’ll set off on a city tour to stop at all the important sites in and around the city. Your first couple of days will be relaxing to help you acclimate to the high altitude. On day 2, you’ll be heading out to the Sacred Valley of the Incas to see many archaeological sites that had significant meaning hundreds of years ago, as well as see how the colorful textiles are made.
On day 3, you’ll be setting off on your 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by the most stunning scenery and see beautiful sights, such as Humantay Lake, Salkantay Mountain, the cloud forest, and the lush jungle in the Amazon. You’ll also stop off at the incredible archaeological site of Llactapata and get your first glimpses of Machu Picchu.
On day 7, you’ll finally make it to the astounding Inca citadel and enjoy a guided tour. As you walk inside, you’ll feel an overwhelming sense of awe as you look out over the amazing structures and picture what life was like all those years ago. You’ll learn all about its secrets and witness the fantastic architecture that the culture is so well-known for. In the evening, you’ll head back for your last night in Cusco before you leave on the last day.
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day 01
Cusco Cathedral - Temple of Qoricancha and Convent of Santo Domingo - Sacsayhuaman - Qenqo - Puka Pukara - Tambomachay - Cusco
Arrive in the imperial city of Cusco and rest in the morning. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of all the important sites and learn about the history of the city.
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Day 02
Cusco - Qorao - Pisac Market - Pisac Archaeological Site - Urubamba - Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site - Chinchero - Cusco
Head out of the city to the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas on a tour of some of the most fascinating archaeological sites and other interesting places.
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Day 03
Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Sky Camp
Begin your trekking adventure today as you start the Salkantay Trek and take a hike up to the truly beautiful Humantay Lake for some of the best views you’ll ever see.
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Day 04
Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huayracmachay - Chaullay (Andean Huts)
The toughest day of your trek is today as you take on the difficult hike up o the Salkantay Pass where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular scenery. In the afternoon, head down through the cloud forest to the start of the Amazon jungle.
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Day 05
Chaullay - Collpapampa - La Playa - Lucmabamba (Jungle Domes)
Head deeper into the jungle today and enjoy learning all about coffee and how they produce it in the region. Spend the night in our jungle domes surrounded by the sounds of nature.
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Day 06
Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
This morning, make your way to the impressive archaeological site of Llactapata and see Machu Picchu in the distance. In the afternoon, you’ll walk the final stretch to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a comfy hotel.
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Day 07
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
The big day has arrived! Explore the magical Inca fortress that is Machu Picchu with your guide and learn all about the key points. Take some time to continue wandering around by yourself before heading back to Cusco.
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Day 08
Cusco - Cusco’s Airport (or Bus Station)
Bid farewell to the capital of the Inca empire as we take you to the bus station or airport for your transport home.
What's it like
Highlights
- Visit the most important sites in and around the city of Cusco - the capital of the Inca empire.
- Learn all about the fascinating culture of the Incas and their influence on society today.
- Enjoy the best alternative route to the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek - also voted as one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic.
- Hike up to the absolutely beautiful Humantay Lake that looks like a jewel in the mountain surrounded by the white, snowy background.
- Stare in awe at the imposing Salkantay Mountain and surrounding snowy peaks.
- Spend nights amid beautiful nature and let its sounds send you off into blissful slumber.
- Soak up the stunning landscapes in the Andes and the Amazon and pot unique flora and fauna from the region.
- Explore the magical Machu Picchu and discover its secrets.
Why Travel with us
Cusco Cathedral - Temple of Qoricancha and Convent of Santo Domingo - Sacsayhuaman - Qenqo - Puka Pukara - Tambomachay - Cusco
Highlight of the day: Enjoying the most important sites in the city of Cusco.
Touch Down in the Imperial City of Cusco and Explore the Sites
Arrive in the historical capital, Cusco. We’ll whisk you off to your hotel for you to freshen up and get settled in before we take you on a half-day city tour. This excursion is very relaxed and you won’t have to exert yourself too much on the first day. It’s the perfect way to acclimatize to the altitude.
On the tour, you’ll visit some of the most important sites and landmarks in the city and learn all about the history. You’ve likely heard that Cusco was home to the Incas, which you’ll hear a lot more about, but there were also many cultures before them since 1,000 BC to be exact. The attractions you’ll visit on your city tour are:
- The Cusco Cathedral
- Qoricancha Temple and Santo Domingo Convent
- Sacsayhuaman
- Q’enqo
- Puka Pukara
- Tambomachay
Welcome to the imperial, Inca capital city of Cusco, also known as the cultural capital of Peru! Upon arrival, we’ll take you to your hotel to check in, drop off your luggage, and freshen up. You’ll have some time to rest before you find somewhere for lunch.
After lunch, and once you’re ready, we’ll take you on a laid-back half-day tour of this stunning city to help you acclimate at the high altitude (3,400 masl/11,155 fasl).
You’re in for a treat as you learn all about this historical place, which is the oldest continuously inhabited city in all the Americas. People have lived in Cusco since around 1,000 BC, and they regarded it as the center of the surrounding culture, which was known as Qosqo back then. It’s been a place of great importance and played a big role in every civilization that lived in the area throughout history, beginning with the native people of Peru, long before the Incas who we often associate the region with nowadays.
Once the Inca empire arrived in Peru and beyond, Cusco became the hub of the powerful and far-reaching reign. After the Incas, the Spaniards also used the city as a colonial and regal capital.
On your half-day city tour, you’ll learn a lot more about the history of Cusco and see some of the most important landmarks and archaeological sites in the city. The attractions you’ll visit on the tour include:
The Cusco Cathedral: One of the most iconic landmarks in Cusco is the cathedral that sits in the main square and boasts incredible artistic value. It’s a colonial monument and was built on top of the Wiracocha Inca Palace. Inside the cathedral, you’ll find many detailed and refined carved wooden works, such as the choir, pulpit, and altars. There are also many beautiful paintings from the Cusquenian School of Art (including a Last Supper painting in which Christ and His disciples eat cuy – guinea pig!) and stunning pieces of embossed silver.
Qoricancha Temple and Santo Domingo Convent: This religious center was of great importance to the Incas and was built to worship the sun, which was the ultimate deity to the ancient civilization. Inside the temple, you’ll spot smaller temples dedicated to various celestial bodies, including the sun, moon, and stars. As you step outside, you’ll see beautiful regal gardens and fountains. What really catches your eye is the combination of outstanding Inca architecture and Spanish colonial architecture. There are also more pieces from the Cusquenian School of Art on display.
Sacsayhuaman: 2km from the city center is this fortress that was built with enormous carved rocks that join together harmoniously. You’ll notice there are three overlapping platforms that have an average length of 360 meters. Some stones tower over you at 9 meters tall! Take some time to walk around and appreciate the fantastic architecture while enjoying the most spectacular view of Cusco city below and the surrounding mountainous landscape.
Q’enqo: Another 1.4km from Sacsayhuaman is Q’enqo, which was an Inca ceremonial center. The most prominent feature of this complex is an open space known as the amphitheater. Hundreds of years ago, you’d have found Inca mummies in the various niches around the site. The amphitheater is only half its original height today.
Puka Pukara: The name of this site means ‘red fortress,’ mainly due to the reddish tint, which is a result of a large amount of iron in the rocks. Many believe that the fortress was perhaps an old storage area (Tambo) that served both as a resting and guarding spot to protect Tambomachay. In this complex, you can appreciate impressive architecture, fountains, aqueducts, and several Inca enclosures.
Tambomachay: The last stop on the afternoon tour is this fascinating complex where you can observe finely carved stones, waterfalls, and aqueducts to carry water coming from nearby springs and hot springs. For this reason, Tambomachay is associated with the water cult. In front of this construction, there’s a tower that’s believed to have served as a guarding post and communication tower.
Cusco - Qorao - Pisac Market - Pisac Archaeological Site - Urubamba - Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site - Chinchero - Cusco
Highlight of the day: Exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Tour the Amazing Sacred Valley of the Incas
Take a day trip out of the city today to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The landscape here is stunning with rolling hills and the winding river running through the middle. It’s easy to see why the place meant so much to the Incas. First off, at 8:30 am, you’ll head to Pisac, where you’ll visit the colorful market and archaeological site. From the ruins, you get the most spectacular view over the valley. After, we’ll take you to the town of Urubamba to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch of many Peruvian delicacies.
In the afternoon, your next stop is in Ollantaytambo, which is a very quaint Inca town with wonderfully preserved structures and layout. We’ll take you on a tour of the unique archaeological site that overlooks the main square before heading off to our final stop in Chinchero. Here, there’s a small archaeological site to visit and a quaint church. However, the main attraction is seeing how the local women weave amazing textiles and learning all about how they make the natural dyes. Finally, it’ll be time to head back to Cusco before 7 pm so you can grab some dinner before bed.
Today, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful and historically rich towns of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We begin the day by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at 8:30 a.m. and heading toward the town of Pisac. Before reaching Pisac, we will stop at both the Qorao and Taray lookouts, so you can admire the Sacred Valley’s beauty from afar and take pictures.
Once in Pisac, we will visit both Pisac archaeological site and its famous traditional market. Then, we will drive to the town of Urubamba for lunch, where you will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch of traditional Peruvian dishes.
Continuing, we will drive to the classic Inca town of Ollantaytambo and visit its unique archaeological site with its royal sources of water, high terraces, temples, etc., surrounded by towering mountain peaks and colorful valleys plus the view of the faraway Veronica glacier.
Ollantaytambo is the most well-preserved layout of a typical, Inca-built city with its narrow, cobbled streets and stone walls. Its conservation allows for the enduring legacy of the Incan people to live on for us today.
To finish our day, we will visit Chinchero and meet some of the town’s talented women in a textile-making presentation. The Cusco region is known for its superb, colorful textiles, and here you will learn how each color of wool is naturally dyed, how the intricate cloths are woven, and the symbolism held by the traditional designs you find in their beautiful creations. Here, you will also visit an archeological site and a colonial church.
After your tour, you will be brought back to Cusco and dropped off at your hotel at 6:45 pm to rest up for tomorrow’s exciting activities!
Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake - Sky Camp
Highlight of the day: Looking out over the beautiful Humantay Lake.
Hike to the Jewel in the Mountains - The Stunning Humantay Lake
You’ll be setting off on your 5-day adventure today when we collect you bright and early from your accommodation. We’ll head to the small town of Mollepata for some breakfast before continuing to Challacancha to start our morning hike. We’ll walk around 3 hours to reach Soraypampa where our Sky Camp is located. You’ll enjoy your first delicious meal cooked by our cooking team before having some time to settle into your igloos and have a rest.
In the afternoon, you’ll be hiking up to the naturally beautiful Humantay Lake. The hike is only 3 km up and down but takes around 3 hours to the high altitude. Once you reach the top, you’ll have time to soak up the gorgeous scenery and appreciate the blue jewel of a lake against the snowy white mountains behind. You can take some memorable photos before we head back down for dinner and a wonderful sunset. As you drift off to sleep, you can look at the stars and constellations in the Andean sky.
We start the day by picking you up at your hotel at approx 04:00 a.m. We will drive for around 3:15 hours, crossing Anta and Mollepata and ending up at Challancha. Through the windows of the bus, you can clearly see the white, snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Humantay: two colossal gods of the Incas (Apus). You will also see the spectacular scenery of high peaks and low valleys in a colorful and contrasting panorama filling every direction you turn your eyes on!
After the first 2:15 hours of driving from Cusco, we will stop in Mollepata to take advantage of the toilet facilities, souvenir shops, and optional breakfast. We will then continue to Challacancha, the starting point for our trek. There, we will meet our support staff, and they will organize all of the equipment and cargo mules.
At around 09:30 a.m, we will begin trekking to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the first campsite on our journey. This section of the path takes us over a few deep valleys along the side of a mountain. Along the trail, we’ll follow an ancient Inca canal that still supplies water to farmers in the following valleys. We will hike 7 km (4.35 mi) for 3 hours to Soraypampa, where we will have our lunch at the base camp of Salkantay.
After lunch and a short rest, we will climb up to the unforgettable Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). This is a 3 km (1.86 mi) round-trip hike, which will take a total of 2:30 hours. Humantay Lake is one of the most beautiful locations in all the Andes with unbelievably blue-green water, reflecting the mountain glacier of Apu Humantay. It’s truly like something out of a fairy tale! Later that day, we’ll enjoy the tea time and then the dinner at our campsite. The valley’s background at sunset creates the most peaceful scene with an energy that can only be felt and not described.
Because Soraypampa is located far from the hustle and bustle of any city lights, the pitch-black sky lights up with thousands of stars, constellations, and comets at night. Be overcome by feelings of peace and tranquility while you lay gazing at the expanse unfolding before you.
Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huayracmachay - Chaullay (Andean Huts)
Highlight of the day: Defeating the Trail of the Seven Snakes up to the Salkantay Pass.
Defeat the Trek to the Salkantay Pass and Descend Through the Cloud Forest
Today is the most challenging day of the hike. You’ll need to be up at 5:30 am for a nutritious breakfast before setting off on the 4-hour uphill hike to the Salkantay Pass. The ascent is tough, but when you reach the top, you’ll get the most wonderful views of the towering Salkantay Mountain and surrounding stunning landscape. Take some time to rest and enjoy the scenery before heading downhill to the lunch spot. You’ll be entering the upper Amazon jungle and walking through the cloud forest.
After a filling lunch, you’ll be on your way again and head deeper into the jungle. You’ll notice how the scenery changes dramatically from the snowy mountains in the morning to the lush rainforest in the afternoon. The climate will also change dramatically. In the early evening, we’ll finally arrive at Chaullay, where our Andean Huts campsite awaits for you to enjoy a tasty dinner before spending the night surrounded by the sounds of nature.
After an early wake-up with the first daylight at 5:30 a.m and an energizing breakfast, we will start trekking up to the highest point of the trail, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). A 7 km (4.34 mi) difficult ascent awaits us for 4 hours between the rocky valley base and the magnificent Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft).
When we reach the top of the pass, we will appreciate the spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the imposing snowy peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo mountains. Salkantay is the second-highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the Inca gods called “Apu.”
After the climax of today’s trek, there is a 7 km (4.35 mi) downhill walk on a serpent-shaped, rocky, gravel path that leads to our lunch spot in Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). There is a perfect valley outlook to rest on the way down that is stunning!
In the afternoon, after our meal, we will enter the upper part of the Amazon jungle, which is also called “the cloud forest.” This is an 8 km / 4.97 mi hike completed in 3 hours on a wide trail in the thick and magical tropical forest.
During this part of the trek, you will notice a dramatic change in landscape and the earth’s energy as we move from the Andes to Amazon. This hike is truly beautiful; the hills are decorated with colorful sceneries, unique wildlife, and native plants. The forests are warm and tropical most of the year, with temperate climates.
At the end of this outstanding hike, we arrive at a small village called Chaullay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) for a well-deserved rest from our long day of trekking in our Andean Huts. This is our camp for the night, surrounded by valleys, rushing rivers, and lots of vegetation.
Chaullay - Collpapampa - La Playa - Lucmabamba (Jungle Domes)
Highlight of the day: Observing the jungle wildlife and learning all about coffee at the plantations.
Journey Into the Jungle and Observe Wonderful Wildlife
We’ll set off at 6 am today and hike towards La Playa through the beautiful Santa Teresa valley. Enjoy spotting rivers, waterfalls, flora, and fauna along the way as we head deeper into the luscious jungle. We’ll pass through a village called Collpampa before crossing to the other side of the valley to get to La Playa. You’ll have some time to rest before walking thirty more minutes to Lucmabamba, our camp and lunch spot.
In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy exploring the surrounding jungle before visiting a coffee plantation. This is the main farming industry in the region and you’ll learn all about the process before savoring some freshly made coffee from local farmers. On our way back to camp, we’ll also spot some orange and avocado plantations. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal before settling in for the night in our Jungle Domes to drift off to the sounds of Mother Nature.
At 06:00 a.m., we will start our trek to the small town of La Playa through the Santa Teresa valley. You will be able to soak up this new, lush landscape during our 5 hours of hiking today. We will see rivers, wild orchids, and coffee, banana, and avocado plantations during the hike. You’ll also be able to taste the famous passion fruit and granadilla fruit along the way.
We will pass through a village called Collpampa, and then we’ll head to the bottom of the mountains to pass to the left side of the valley. Waterfalls, birds, fruit-bearing trees, flora, and fauna will be our mates in this tropical journey.
Arriving at La Playa, we’ll have a long time to rest. Then, thirty more minutes of walking await us to get to Lucmabamba (2,000 m /6,562 ft), our lunch place, and campsite.
We will explore the tropical forest for a little while and visit an organic coffee farm. If you are a coffee lover, this will be especially heavenly for you – you can taste coffee freshly prepared by the local people! If not, you can still enjoy the decadent aroma of freshly roasted and ground coffee wafting through the air.
Coffee is the main farming industry of the local people here in the jungle, and they farm many acres of coffee to export to the USA, Asia, and Europe. Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia, and it wasn’t until the Spanish invaded Cusco that it was brought to this region. You’ll also get the opportunity to explore orange and avocado plantations this afternoon before enjoying dinner and an excellent night’s rest with the sounds of nature to send you off to sleep.
Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
Highlight of the day: Visiting the Llactapata archaeological site and catching your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
Explore Inca Sites and Catch a Glimpse of Machu Picchu
Wake up early again to set off on the hike to Llactapata. You’ll walk around 3 hours to get there and then enjoy exploring this fascinating archaeological site with your guide who’ll tell you all about the site’s history and what it meant to the Incas. From here, you get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu citadel and the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains. You’ll then head downhill for an hour and a half to our lunch spot in Aobamba.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Hidroeléctrica train station, where you can opt to take a train (US$ 34 extra) or hike for 3 more hours to Aguas Calientes. If you opt to walk, you’ll visit the important rock of Intihuatana and learn about its importance. Your hike will be through the warm forest alongside the railroad. When you reach Aguas Calientes, you’ll check into your hotel, explore the town a little, and then head to a local restaurant for dinner. Make sure you go to bed early as you’ll be up before sunrise in the morning.
Like previous mornings, the trek’s guide will wake you up early with a hot cup of coca tea served in your dome. You will get ready for today’s activities while enjoying your last breakfast prepared by the talented trek chef. We will begin the hike early, and you will have the opportunity to enjoy a small part of the famous and highly-acclaimed Inca trail.
After a climb of 3 hours with amazing views of the Santa Teresa valley, we will arrive at the Llactapata Inca site (2,700 m / 8,858 ft) right in front of Machu Picchu. Llactapata is an exceptional place to enjoy together and spend time learning a bit more about this land’s roots and history. We will explore this Inca site with our guide, who will tell the Incas history who used and worshiped this land. From this spot, we will be able to see not only the Inca City of Machu Picchu but also Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain. Of course, you will have plenty of time to take as many photos as you want to capture these memories and share them with your family and friends back home.
After visiting Llactapata, we will continue our trek for 1:30 hours downhill until our lunch place in Aobamba. Then, we will continue our way to our next featured spot in the hike, the Hidroelectrica train station (1,800 m / 5,906 ft). One of the most impressive sites in this area is the 250-meter-tall artificial waterfall, which generates electricity for the entire city of Cusco.
Once in Hidroelectrica, if you feel exhausted, you have the option (not included) to take a train to Aguas Calientes (US$ 34.00); otherwise, we’ll continue our walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes for about 3 hours along the train track.
A few minutes ahead of Hidroelectrica, we will arrive at Intihuatana, a famous ancient rock used as a ceremonial table in the Inca era. According to history, this ceremonial place worked together with the famous Intihuatana in Machu Picchu. The people used these two stones to measure and read the winter solstice, which was the beginning of the new farming season for the Incas.
Next to the railroad, there is a nice path through the warm paradise of the cloud forest. This is the same trail used by the American professor Hiram Bingham who rediscovered Machu Picchu after centuries of it being lost to the outside world!
After 3 hours of walking, we’ll arrive at Aguas Calientes town. Here, we’ll head first to our hostel. In your room, you will have a private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, breakfast in the morning, and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu. You can rest a bit before dinner or walk around this enchanting place that has the feel of a California Gold Rush town. There are no cars in Aguas Calientes, so it is an especially peaceful place to be.
At 7:00 p.m., we´ll have dinner at a local restaurant and organize to be ready for the icing on our last adventure day: MACCHU PICCHU!
Note: During the rainy season, the hike up the Llactapata Trail is not 100% guaranteed due to safety concerns. When heavy rains are frequent, this trail becomes very dangerous.
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Highlight of the day: Visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and exploring the site with your knowledgeable guide.
Visit the Magical, Mystical Machu Picchu
Wake up before dawn today to ensure we’re one of the first groups to enter Machu Picchu. We’ll board a bus in Aguas Calientes that takes us up to the entrance to go inside at 6 am. The incredible citadel will take your breath away when you first look out over the stunning fortress. Your guide will take you on a 2-hour tour of all the important sites before you have a few more hours to explore by yourself. If you have pre-booked tickets, you can hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to get amazing views over Machu Picchu.
A little after midday, it’ll be time to head back down to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have a little time to eat some lunch in a restaurant of your choice before we board the train to Ollantaytambo. We book tickets between 1:37 pm and 6:20 pm, depending on availability. Once in Ollantaytambo, our private transportation will pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Cusco at around 8 pm. You can now rest in your hotel in Cusco and reflect on your exciting adventure.
Today we arrive at our trek’s long-awaited finale, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Machu Picchu! We will wake up early after a refreshing night at our hostel to beat the crowds to the top of Machu Picchu and enjoy its serenity in the soft morning light. The Machu Picchu entrance checkpoint is open from 6:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
In the morning, we´ll board the bus to Machu Picchu and be one of the first to enter the royal city of the Incas. Here, we´ll have a guided tour of about an hour and a half through this incredible ancient site, and we´ll see: temples, terraces, palaces, priests' houses, cultivated fields, among others. Be amazed by the engineering talent of the Incas, so advanced for their time and that today is part of the mystery.
The Incas who built the citadel were geniuses in organizing this community in a sustainable and beautiful way on the slope of a mountain. Furthermore, they worked without modern tools such as steel and iron, even carrying water through canals and aqueducts along their streets for people to use. When a Peruvian guide showed Hiram Bingham this site, it was almost unrecognizable, covered in dense vegetation and in a state of disrepair. Since then, it has been cleaned and restored; now, it is protected and considered a treasure for the whole world.
After this excursion, you can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,000 m / 9,843 ft); these tours will take you an hour and a half and three hours between ascent and descent, respectively. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.
After enjoying this magical citadel, we´ll return to the town of Aguas Calientes to take the train to Ollantaytambo. Once here, our private transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Rest your feet and your body now; we can assure you your heart will still be soaring for weeks and years to come!
Cusco - Cusco’s Airport (or Bus Station)
Highlight of the day: Bid Farewell to Cusco.
Say Goodbye to Imperial Cusco
Your amazing trip to Cusco is over for now, but we’ll be waiting for you to visit again one day! Our team will transfer you to the airport or bus station for you to continue your vacation or head home. We hope to see you again soon!
Today, you’ll wake up, have breakfast, and pack your bags, as it’s time to say goodbye to the imperial city of Cusco for now. We’ll organize a time to collect you and take you to the airport or bus station to continue your vacation or head back home.
This isn’t a forever farewell, and we’re sure you’ll be longing to come back to relive all the special moments, learn more about the ancient city and cultures, and try out more of the excellent restaurants and their delicious cuisine. So, it’s not goodbye, but rather see you soon!
At Salkantay Trekking, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
What Is Included?
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure briefing
You will meet your trekking guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. At this time, we will provide you with the duffle bags, which our horses will carry. The meeting will be at 5:00 pm the evening before the trip begins.
Day 1: City Tour Half Day
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour Full Day Tour
Day 3 - 7: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Day 8: Transfer to the Airport
Experienced Guide
All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. We choose them for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and sincere desire to share in our culture and history proudly. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time worry-free!
Medical Kit or First Aid Kit
All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers' diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
Private Camping Equipment
We have dining rooms and a kitchen on each campsite. In addition, all our equipment, like tables, chairs, cooking equipment, etc., will be carried by our horses.
One Duffle Bag
There, you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7 kg / 15 lbs (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
Extras included in our service
We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your backpack on the road and a rain poncho.
24/7 Customer Service
We have telephone service available 24 hours a day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.
Satellite phones
Our main priority will always be the tranquillity of our clients. All of our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains; however, being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps you feel more secure. For this reason, each Salkantay Trekking guide has a satellite phone that can be used anywhere on the mountain to call anywhere in the world.
Accommodation
Personal Accommodation in Private Campsites
Like our ancestors, we are very considerate of the Pachamama (Mother Earth). Therefore, our campsites and lodges are adapted to the environment to avoid generating negative impacts.
Hotel in Cusco
3 Hotel Nights in Cusco (2 nights before the hike and 1 night after the hike).
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
The last night of the Salkantay trek is spent in a hostel in Aguas Calientes with a double or triple room, private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, breakfast, and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu.
Meals
Meals in Cusco
- Day 2, and 8: Breakfast at your hotel in Cusco
- Day 2: Lunch in the Sacred Valley Tour
Meals in the Salkantay Trek
4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 4 Dinners
Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets: vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost, so let us know if you have any particular restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.
Water
We will provide you boiled, filtered, and cooled water during your hike, from your lunch in Soraypampa to your breakfast in Lucmabamba. For it, you need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 liters).
Wake up tea
Every morning at the campsite, you’ll be woken up with a cup of coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your bed so that you’re warmed from the inside out before you start your day.
Tea Time or Happy Hour
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm-up, and enjoy a bite to eat.
Snacks on the trail daily
Every morning we’ll give you snacks so you can enjoy them during the walk. Your tour leader will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc., at the beginning of each day.
One cloth snack bag per person
To avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we will give you a cloth bag for your snacks.
Products for hygiene
You’ll be provided with a small towel and soap before each meal to clean your hands.
Transportation
Transport
- Day 1: A representative of Salkantay Trekking will be waiting for you at the Cusco Airport (or Bus Station) to take you directly to your hotel.
- Day 1: Transport to the tour in cusco (after the lunch)
- Day 2: Transport for the Sacred Valley Tour.
- Day 3: You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel by private transportation to Challacancha, the trek’s starting point.
- Day 7: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
- Day 8: Private transfer from your Cusco hotel to the Airport or Bus Station.
Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 7)
One Way Consettur Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 7)
Personal Belongings Transportation
- On day 3, 4 and 5, cargo mules carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb).
- On day 6, your duffle bag will be transported by car and train.
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Entrance Ticket to Salkantay Trek
Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological Site
What Is Not Included?
Boleto Turistico or Cusco Tourist Ticket
This ticket is necessary and allows you admission to many of the most popular attractions in Cusco and the surrounding region, including archaeological sites and museums (applies to Day 1 and 2).
- US$ 45.00 per person
Cusco’s Cathedral Entrance Ticket
- Adult: PEN 40.00 (US$ 12.00)
- Students and Children (11-17): PEN 20.00 (US$ 6.00)
- Children (under 10): Free
Qorikancha Entrance Ticket
- Adult: PEN 15.00 (US$ 5.00)
- Students and Children (11-17): PEN 8.00 (US$ 3.00)
- Children (under 10): Free
Sleeping Bag
You can rent one from our company if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
- US$ 25.00 per person
Walking Sticks
Walking Sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can rent a set from our company if you’d like.
- US$ 25.00 per person
Huayna Picchu Mountain
You can climb the famous mountain always seen in the photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s 45 minutes uphill. Going down can be scary if you fear heights. You can take this excursion once your guided tour to Machu Picchu ends. The permit must be issued at least one month in advance due to high demand. Consider that there could be changes to protect your integrity, this, mainly due to weather conditions.
- The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain costs US$ 60.00 per person.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains that surround the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider, and visually less frightening roads than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can assure you if we have time in advance.
- The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain costs US$ 60.00 per person.
Meals
- Day 1: Breakfast in Cusco
- Day 3: Breakfast in Mollepata
- Day 7: Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Dinner in Cusco
Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Day 6)
In case you feel exhausted or in bad condition after the trek from Lucmabamba to Hidroelectrica, you can take the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes.
- US$ 35.00 per person
Personal Clothing and Gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Tipping is usual on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering their hard work. Typically, group participants collect their tips to hand out to the horsemen and chefs together.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Salkantay Trekking in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
Have another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line and we will get back to you asap!
Is it for me?
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative for the Inca Trail trek and better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances. Ascending to reach the famous Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) is not too strenuous nor very steep since it is at the beginning of the trek. Still, it does require stamina and a little time in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before beginning the trek.
How many days do I need to acclimate in Cusco before the Trek?
It is very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before exerting yourself on a trek. We do recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek starts to help you become acclimatized and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while on the trek.
Suppose you have already been in another area of Peru at a high altitude before arriving in Cusco. In that case, we still recommend you have a whole day in Cusco to rest, recover from your travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before departing for the trek.
Here some suggestions for activities to do in the Cusco vicinity before starting your adventure trek:
Briefing or Informative Meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held in our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate another time by email, by phone or at the Salkantay Trekking office.
Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)
If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it 2 days before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Duffle Bag for Salkantay Imperial Trek 8 Days
The evening before you start your trek, we will provide you with a duffle bag to pack your clothes for the 5 days of your Salkantay Trek. Your weight allowance is up to 7 kg / 15.4 lb. Our horses will carry your duffle bag for you together with the food and camping gear. It is important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the horsemen and horses will always be ahead of the group.
During the trip, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, raincoat, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually, a 30 to 50-liter backpack is sufficient.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of guests
Salkantay Trekking can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historical Center of Cusco. Your guide will coordinate the pickup time in the briefing session, but please keep in mind that the time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic.
Cusco is an old city, meaning it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Return to Cusco
Returning from Machu Picchu requires quite a bit of logistics, but don’t worry. Everything is included in your tour!
- In Machu Picchu, you’ll board a bus that’ll take you for 25 minutes to the small city of Aguas Calientes. The buses are boarded according to arrival.
- In Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo. Your guide will give you the train tickets where the boarding time will be shown. Make sure you’re on the platform 30 minutes early. The train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes 1:45 hours.
- Once you arrive at the station, our representative, identified with the Salkantay Trekking clothing, will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco or directly to your hotel. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes 1:30 hours.
- In Cusco, depending on your hotel’s location, we’ll take you to a smaller car from our company (Hyundai H1) to transfer you faster to your hotel.
Note: Your tour includes a One-Way Consettur Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a round-trip bus ticket, you’ll need to pay an extra of US$ 12.00.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, tents or restaurants. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
ESSENTIAL







CLOTHING















EQUIPMENT



RECOMMENDED






Private & Exclusive Campsites
Sky Camp

Our incredible Sky Camp is located in front of the impressive mountains Humantay and Salkantay. This campsite allows for the perfect union of sky and earth. It allows you to sleep calmly under a deep, blue sky starred with an exceptional view of the constellations. At the same time, you can enjoy all the comforts of a first-class vacation home.
- Location: Soraypampa
- Altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
- Igloos: 26
- Capacity: 2 people per Igloo
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Andean Huts

Like in the times of our ancestors, our commitment is to our Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (Mountains). Our campsite ANDEAN HUTS is adapted to the natural environment without generating any audiovisual impact, constructed of the elements, surrounded by the mountains and rivers, and under the shine of the stars.
- Location: Chaullay
- Altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
- Andean Huts: 20
- Capacity: 2 people per Andean Hut
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Jungle Domes

From the comfort of our domes, you can be in intimate contact with the surrounding nature, hearing the wind or the rain or gazing at the stars through the central dome from your comfortable bed. The conceptual design of our domes invites you to see one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world from your window.
- Location: Lucmabamba
- Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
- Igloos: 16
- Capacity: 2 people per Dome
- Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Selected Hotels

We offer a set of well located hotels with very comfortable and tasteful decorated rooms. You will find them impecable, clean rooms and beds, adequate toilets and showers. A perfect place to rest before the great day!
- Location: Aguas Calientes
- Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
- Type: Double, Matrimonial, and Triple
- Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation in Cusco
Selected Hotels

We offer various hotels in Cusco, each with its decoration style, exceptionally comfortable rooms, and a good location in the imperial city. All rooms are impeccable and equipped with spacious beds, bathrooms, and showers, ensuring a comfortable place while you are in the city. Rest comfortably while you live your adventure in Cusco!
- Location: Cusco
- Altitude: 3,400 m / 11,155 ft
- Type: Double, Matrimonial, and Triple
- Meals: Breakfast
"The Imperial Salkantay Trek" can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We don’t operate this itinerary in February because of the rainy season & maintenance of the route.
2023 Land Cost
Group Price: US$ 800.00 per person
Required Pre-payment: US$ 400.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): US$ 400.00 (Typically paid in Cusco two days before the start of your expedition)
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Please note that PayPal and our credit/debit card payment gateway, Niubiz, charge a 5% processing fee for online deposits. We kindly request that our clients cover this fee, as it is necessary to use their secure service. Please be aware that this fee only applies to online deposits. If you choose to pay the full amount or remaining balance in cash, there will be no additional charges.
Hotel
All the related treks to Machu Picchu end in or before Aguas Calientes, so you’ll spend the last night in a hotel in the village rather than camping. This 3-star hotel is included in the trek cost and consists of a matrimonial room. If you would like to upgrade your hotel, please consider that there will be an additional cost.
Extras & Upgrades
There are complementary services and upgrades you can include in this trip.
- Huayna Picchu: US$ 60.00
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$ 60.00
- Huchuy Picchu Mountain: US$ 45.00
- Single Supplement (Hotel at Aguas Calientes): US$ 30.00
- Extra Night at Aguas Calientes: US$ 50.00
- Vistadome Train: US$ 60.00
Extensions & Offers
There are several extensions you can include to your fascinating Peru Adventure:
- City Tour: US$ 30.00 US$ 20.00
- Sacred Valley of the Incas: US$ 60.00 US$ 50.00
- Andean Textiles, Moray & Maras Salt Mines: US$ 60.00 US$ 50.00
- Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Waqrapukara Tour: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Ausangate Seven Lakes: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
- Qeswachaka Inca Bridge: US$ 100.00 US$ 80.00
Additional Items
There are additional items you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
- Sleeping bag:: US$ 25.00
- Walking poles (pair): US$ 25.00
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information
Student Discount
US$20.00 off
Student discounts apply to anyone 17-years-old or younger, and we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send all to sales@salkantaytrekking.com.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Salkantay Trekking. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. The Salkantay Trekking Company will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 958 191 179 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
Note | Due to the rainy season and trail maintenance, we don't offer this trek during the whole month of february. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, we are working to provide you a better service!