From the cosmopolitan energy of Lima to the sacred landscapes of the Andes, this 10-day journey combines Peru’s cultural heritage with an extraordinary Salkantay adventure. Discover Cusco and the Sacred Valley, walk ancient mountain trails from Humantay Lagoon to the Salkantay Pass, and descend through lush cloud forests toward Machu Picchu. Along the way, encounter living Andean traditions, remote landscapes, ancestral paths, and the remarkable heritage of the Inca. From a quiet Pachamama ceremony beneath the mountains to the first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu from Llactapata, every moment is thoughtfully woven into the journey.
DURATION:
10 Days / 9 Nights
DESTINATIONS:
Lima – Cusco – Salkantay Trek – Machu Picchu – Sacred Valley
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Itinerary
Upon arrival in Lima, a Kaymara Luxury Travel representative will welcome you and privately transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before your journey into the Andes begins.
After breakfast, you will be privately transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco. From the air, watch Peru’s desert coastline gradually give way to the snowcapped peaks of the Andes.
Upon arrival, your private driver will welcome you and accompany you to your hotel in Cusco. Your host will share personalized details and practical guidance for the journey ahead before you continue to the historic center for a relaxed lunch. The remainder of the day is yours to rest, acclimatize, or begin exploring the city at your own pace.
Explore Pisac’s artisan market and remarkable archaeological complex before returning to Cusco to discover its sacred Inca sites, including Qoricancha and Sacsayhuamán. Spend the evening at leisure, wandering the city’s cobblestone streets or enjoying a pisco Sour overlooking the Plaza de Armas
Journey to Soraypampa and ascend to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lagoon, where a brief Pachamama ceremony offers a moment of connection with the sacred Andes. Later, enjoy dinner and a peaceful night at camp beneath the stars.
Ascend to Salkantay Pass, the trek’s highest point, beneath the imposing Andean peaks. Descend toward Chaullay as glacial landscapes transform into lush cloud forest, ending the day with a restorative dinner at camp.
Journey through the lush cloud forest, where orchids, coffee plantations, and tropical landscapes reveal a softer, more intimate side of the Andes.
From Llactapata, Machu Picchu appears for the first time in the distance, emerging quietly among the mountains. It is a powerful moment of anticipation, when the destination becomes visible and the journey itself takes on a deeper meaning.
Leave the cloud forest behind and continue toward Hidroeléctrica, where the final approach to Machu Picchu unfolds along a peaceful trail beside the railway. Surrounded by tropical vegetation, the Urubamba River, and towering mountains, the walk offers a gentler rhythm after the challenges of the high Andes.
Arrive in Aguas Calientes and settle into your hotel for a well-earned rest. After days of trekking through dramatically changing ecosystems, this evening becomes a moment to slow down and anticipate the extraordinary encounter that awaits.
As the Andes awaken, journey toward Machu Picchu, hidden between cloud forest and soaring peaks. With your private expert guide, discover its sacred spaces, remarkable architecture, and the ancient vision that shaped this extraordinary sanctuary.
Reaching Machu Picchu after walking ancestral trails transforms the moment into something deeply personal. Here, effort gives way to wonder, silence to reflection, and the journey becomes part of the memory itself.
Later, travel by panoramic train to Ollantaytambo, surrounded by the timeless beauty of the Sacred Valley.
Journey through the Sacred Valley, where extraordinary Inca ingenuity and living Andean traditions remain deeply connected to the landscape.
Explore the monumental terraces of Ollantaytambo, the ancient agricultural wisdom of Moray, and the remarkable salt terraces of Maras before continuing to Chinchero, where local artisans transform natural fibers and ancestral techniques into expressions of identity and memory.
Return to Cusco with more than memories, carrying a deeper connection to the creativity, heritage, and living spirit of the Andes.
Your private transfer will take you to the airport for your onward journey.
This is more than a farewell. The landscapes you crossed, the people you encountered, and the wonder of Machu Picchu become part of something lasting, a deeper connection to the Andes that continues long after you return home.
INCLUDED:
Private transportation and transfers throughout the program.
Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco
Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
Meals specified during the journey.
Entrance fees and tourist tickets specified in the program.
Expert bilingual guides specializing in Andean history and culture.
Personalized 24/7 travel assistance.
Premium camping accommodations with high-quality equipment
Premium camps with quality equipment and included meals.
Muleteers, camp chef, and pack horses for trekking operations.
Premium panoramic train service.
Round-trip bus transportation between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Refillable drinking water during the trek.
Snacks and box lunches as specified.
First-aid kit.
Communication equipment, including satellite phone and radios.
Trekking poles.
Supplemental oxygen.
Rain poncho.
NOT INCLUDED:
Gratuities.
Personal travel insurance.
Meals not specified in the itinerary.
International flights to and from your country of origin.
Personal items and expenses.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
ARE ENTRANCE FEES AND EXPERIENCE INCLUDED? Yes. The principal entrance fees and curated experiences featured in your confirmed itinerary are included, including the archaeological sites, Machu Picchu, trekking arrangements, camping services and the experiences specified throughout the journey. Any optional experiences will be clearly indicated in your personalized proposal.
WHAT LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SHOULD I EXPECT? This is an active high-altitude journey requiring a good level of fitness. The Salkantay Trek includes several days of sustained hiking, significant changes in elevation and mountain terrain, with Salkantay Pass reaching approximately 4,630 meters (15,190 feet). Your private trekking team will maintain a considered pace, with time to rest, hydrate and experience the landscape along the way.
HOW IS LATITUDE CONSIDERED THROUGHOUT THE JOURNEY? The itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to introduce altitude progressively before the most demanding sections of the trek. Time in Cusco and the surrounding Andes allows for acclimatization before reaching higher elevations. Your trekking team will also carry supplemental oxygen and first-aid equipment throughout the mountain journey.
WILL I HAVE MOBILE AND INTERNET COVERAGE ? Connectivity is generally available in Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes. During the Salkantay Trek, mobile and internet coverage can be limited or unavailable for extended periods. Your trekking team carries communication equipment, including satellite phone and radios, for operational and emergency purposes.
CAN THIS JOURNEY ENJOYED YEAR-ROUND? The Salkantay region experiences distinct mountain seasons, and trekking conditions vary throughout the year. The drier months generally provide the most favorable conditions for hiking, while the wetter season can bring heavier rainfall and more challenging trail conditions. Your Kaymara Travel Designer will recommend the most suitable travel period according to seasonal conditions and your preferences.
DO I NEED PREVIOUS TREKKING EXPERIENCE? Previous multi-day trekking experience is helpful but not essential. However, travelers should be comfortable with consecutive days of hiking at altitude and prepare physically before departure. Your Kaymara Travel Designer can provide guidance on preparation, equipment and what to expect before your journey.
WHAT ARE THE CAMPING CONDITIONS DURING THE SALKANTAY TREK? Your mountain journey includes premium camping arrangements designed to provide comfort in a remote environment. Quality trekking equipment, prepared meals, pack horses, muleteers and a dedicated camp team support the experience, allowing you to focus on the landscape while the operational details are carefully managed behind the scenes.
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While you can explore sample itineraries on our website for inspiration, we go beyond standard travel. We create exceptional private journeys across Peru, carefully tailored to your interests, pace, and aspirations.
