Andean Adventure | The Salkantay Trek

Privately guided

Travel with expert local guides who provide cultural insights and ensure a safe, seamless and rewarding journey.

Accommodation

A mix of comfortable hotels in Lima and Cusco, scenic campsites during the trek, and a cosy stay in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.

Challenge level

This trek includes high-altitude hiking and steep ascents, suitable for those with good fitness levels and a love for adventure.

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Jorge Chavez International Airport
Av. Elmer Faucett s/n
Callao
07031
Peru

Begin your journey in Lima, Peru's capital, accessible via Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM). After exploring Lima, a domestic flight will take you to Cusco to start your Andean adventure. The trip concludes in Cusco. Airport transfers and domestic flights are included, ensuring a smooth travel experience.

Itinerary

• Day 1 | Welcome to Lima

  Arrive in Lima, where the team will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the lively Miraflores district with its ocean views, parks and excellent dining options. Take it easy and soak in the energy of Peru’s capital.

• Day 2 | Historic Lima City Tour:

  Today, you'll dive into the history and culture of Lima with a guided city tour. Visit the ancient Huaca Pucllana, the Plaza de Armas and its colonial treasures, the Cathedral and the beautiful Santo Domingo Convent. It's the perfect introduction to Lima’s rich heritage and architecture.

• Day 3 | Fly to Cusco and a Peruvian Cooking Class

  After a short morning flight to Cusco, settle into your hotel in the heart of the Inca Empire. In the afternoon, join a cooking class using traditional Andean ingredients. Prepare and savour a delicious Peruvian meal with a local chef and their family. A blend of culture, hands-on fun and great food!

• Day 4 | Discover Cusco’s Inca Treasures

  Spend the morning exploring Cusco’s remarkable history. Visit the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), the Cathedral, the fortress of Sacsayhuaman and the peaceful Tambomachay springs. After the tour, enjoy free time to wander the cobblestone streets or relax at a café with views of the Andes.

• Day 5 | Start of the Salkantay Trek – Soraypampa Camp

  Your Andean adventure begins! Drive to Mollepata, then trek 7km to Soraypampa Camp (just over 4,000m). Along the way, visit the dazzling Humantay Lake with its turquoise waters surrounded by towering peaks. The pace is easy, allowing time to adjust to the altitude.

• Day 6 | Salkantay Pass and Cloud Forest

  Today’s challenge is the trek’s highest point—the Salkantay Pass at 4,650m. Enjoy breathtaking views of Salkantay and Tucarhuay mountains before descending into the lush cloud forest. Walk around 8 hours, covering ascents and descents that test your legs and reward you with epic scenery. Camp overnight in Colcapampa.

• Day 7 | Trek to La Playa Village

  Continue trekking through cloud forests filled with waterfalls, wildlife and vibrant flora. Cross rivers and enjoy glimpses of Andean villages before reaching La Playa Camp after around 15km (6 hours of trekking). Rest your feet and enjoy a possible dip in nearby hot springs.

• Day 8 | Llactapata Ruins and Aguas Calientes

  The last trek day starts with a steady climb to Llactapata ruins, where you’ll catch your first view of Machu Picchu. Hike to the Hydroelectric Station before reaching Aguas Calientes for the night. Enjoy a hot dinner in town and celebrate the nearing culmination of your adventure.

• Day 9 | Machu Picchu Tour

  Rise early for an unforgettable guided tour of Machu Picchu. Explore the ancient citadel and its terraces, temples and storied past with your guide. After free time to wander, return to Aguas Calientes and board the train back to Cusco for a relaxed evening.

• Day 10 | Free Day in Cusco

  Enjoy a leisurely day to explore Cusco’s markets, museums and hidden gems at your own pace. It’s a perfect chance to unwind, enjoy a massage or hunt for souvenirs to take home. Make the most of your final day in this enchanting city.

• Farewell Peru

  After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Cusco Airport for your onward flight. Reflect on an epic adventure as you say goodbye to Peru. Safe travels and hasta luego!

Included

• Airport transfers and local transport
• Expert local guides
• 7 nights in hotels
• 3 nights camping
• Flight from Lima to Cusco
• 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners
• Park fees, entrance fees and permits

Not Included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Soft drinks, alcohol or drinking water
• Tips for guides
• Personal equipment and clothing
• Souvenirs

International flights

You will need to book flights to arrive and depart from Peru. Begin your journey in Lima, Peru's capital, accessible via Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM). After exploring Lima, a domestic flight will take you to Cusco to start your Andean adventure. The trip concludes in Cusco. Airport transfers and domestic flights are included, ensuring a smooth travel experience.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for this adventurous trip to cover medical treatment as well as evacuation or repatriation.

This trip is designed with sustainability in mind, ensuring that your presence positively contributes to the people, communities and environments you encounter.

• Carbon Footprint

  This trip emits approximately 618 kg of carbon per person, including transport, accommodation, food and activities. This is roughly equivalent to driving a petrol car 1,950 miles or heating an average UK home with a gas boiler for 26 days. This trip measures the footprint so you can make informed decisions about how travel fits into your overall footprint and what steps, if any, you'd like to take to offset it.

• Responsible Travel Practices

  This trip recognises the impact of international travel but believes in creating meaningful connections that benefit local communities and ecosystems. By working with local guides, staying in locally-owned accommodations and visiting community projects along the way, it aims to minimise its footprint while focusing on the positive impact that tourism can have on developing economies.

• Supporting Local Communities

  From employing local staff to sourcing food and supplies from community-based businesses, this trip directly supports the economies of Nepal and Bhutan. Your journey helps preserve local traditions and fosters sustainable tourism growth.

• Caring for the Environment

  This trip follows the Leave No Trace principle and is a proud supporter of initiatives like Travellers Against Plastic, encouraging minimal waste on all trips. It's an area constantly being looking to make further improvements to.

• The Commitment

  This trip handpicks partners who share its strong values for sustainability and responsible tourism. Together, all partners strive to leave destinations better than when found, creating unforgettable experiences while preserving the natural beauty of the Himalayas.

Costs

Very knowledgeable and trustworthy! 

Really good to chat to Rob and Jules. Very knowledgeable, seemed genuinely interested in what we wanted from our trip and didn’t pressure us into anything. Really looking forward to our trip! Andy

The guys at Earth Dog have gone above and beyond when guiding us with plans for our honeymoon, coming up with things we'd never had considered before. We are even more excited now, and can't thank them enough for their help! definitely recommend! Sian

Would Recommend. Super happy with the service we got, very easy process, Rob was so helpful! Thanks guys. Daniel Fender

Really pleased to see a company with a genuine passion for travel sharing the experience of trustworthy local guides. 100% would recommend. Steve

The service was top notch! Jules was always available to answer our questions and kept us informed throughout. Highly recommended! Ollie Jarman

Excellent service and fantastic knowledge. As a family of 5 its not always easy to find great travel options but this company's personal experience made the difference. Highly recommend. Katie Farmar

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