Luxury Salkantay Trek To Machupicchu 9 Days
Luxury Salkantay Trek is known for its diverse vegetation and cultured villages. The trek offers a great vantage point of Salkantay Mt. and views of the Apurimac and Urubamba canyon. Despite the proximity to Machu Picchu national park; region is as wild as any other Peruvian highlands with tranquil rural landscape. Our Luxury Salkantay Trek offers exposure to the unique culture of the Incas and an opportunity to see the beautiful glaciers at a relatively low altitude.
The Luxury Salkantay Trek offers the exceptionally stunning view mountain panorama. Trek is an ideal option for the one looking to explore the rich Inca culture, beautiful landscape and vegetation of Salkantay and Machu Picchu regions. Our Luxury Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular treks the world; During this trek we use first class lodges..
The trekking route is versatile and can be completed as a whole over 5 days or you can trek certain sections ranging from 4 days and up. Offering one of the most diverse and stimulating trekking routes anywhere in the world; the Luxury Salkantay Trek is great both for those seeking a challenge and for those looking for a trek that can be tailored to suit a shorter more leisurely pace.

Luxury Salkantay Trek takes you to the heart of the Andes in the shortest practical time. It is an exhilarating, but challenging trek that combines the Salkantay trail with the turquoise glacial lakes of Umantay and Machu Picchu.
OVERVIEW
LUXURY SALKANTAY TREK OVERVIEW
This 9-day Luxury Salkantay Trek in Peru is an elegant adventure trip that takes you to visit the Historical City of Cusco and the nearby Inca ruins, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and trek the splendid Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu; In this tour, you’ll use four nice mountain lodges constructed with all facilities for our customer. Let us be part of you tour in Peru in a comfortable tour and with experienced guide.
The Luxury Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is an adventure of “Adventure at its finest” in which you will be able to experience Peru in a confortable adventure; trekking from Lodge to Lodge, enjoying the comfort and service of 4 top quality Mountain Lodges located in strategic areas and as a final point, we will reach Machu Picchu; In this journey, you will trek from 3,900 masl to 1,900 masl, traversing across magnificent mountain pass of 4,600 masl, enjoying enormous and mystical snow-capped peaks, seeing nature in its purest form and exploring more than 15 different ecosystems from beginning to end.
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS
- Th city of Cusco
- Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu Tour
- Free time within Machu Picchu
LUXURY SALKANTAY TREK FACTS
TIMING | 9 days and 8 nights. |
STARTING POINT | Cusco airport |
ENDING POINT | Cusco airport |
DEPARTURE DATES | Daily Departure group service and private service |
TYPE OF TOUR | Adventure, Cultural and History. |
TRANSPORT | Bus, trekking and train. |
DIFFICULTY: | Does involve some narrow trails, so sturdy footwear is required to help you enjoy it fully. |
TRAIN OPTIONS: | Expedition Option: This is the cheapest, but still a very comfortable way of getting to Machu Picchu. |
VISTADOME OPTION | Vistadome train is faster, has snack-service, bigger windows and is generally a more comfortable experience; if you prefer this service, please the let us know at the booking time (Extra US$30pp). |
HOTEL OPTIONS | We use 3-star hotels if you would like higher level, please let us know. |
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco
Arrival to Cusco at any time; we will wait for you at the airport to transfer you to the hotel.
Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Full-day tour includes the visit to the local market of Pisac and the tours at Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
Day 3: Soraypampa 3,800 masl
We’ll pick you up from your hotel and travel to the villlage of Mollepata from where we’ll start the trek to Soraypampa Lodge.
Day 4: Salkantay Lodge
Trekking up to the Lagoon placed at the bottom of Humantay Mountain.
Day 5: Salkantay Pass 4,600 masl
6 -7 hour trek; today, we will cross the highest point of the trek located at 4,600 masl
Day 6: Wayra Lodge
Today, we will descend into the cloud forest and experience the warm weather.
Day 7: Collpa Lodge
A wonderful day, we will observe sub-tropical vegetation and diverse varieties of birds.
Day 8: Lucma Lodge
We will trek over the Lactapata pass from where you can see Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain.
Day 9: Machu Picchu
Very early, we will explore Machu Picchu; after the two hours of tour, you will have free time to explore by yourself. In the afternoon, we’ll take the train and return to Cusco.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival to Cusco
Luxury Salkantay Trek begins once you arrive to Cusco at any time, you will be welcomed in Cusco airport and transferred to your hotel in Cusco, rest and acclimatize as you are now at 3,400 masl; if you are feeling up to it. Enjoy the city (optional the city tour in the afternoon); it starts at 01:30 p.m and ends at 05:30 p.m; in this tour, you will have a Guided City Tour of Cusco: Qorikancha “Sun Temple”, Cusco Principal Cathedral, Saqsayhuaman Inca Complex, Tambo Machay, Qenqo and Puca-Pucara.
Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley Tour starts at 08:30 a.m and travel from Cusco past Saqsaywaman and Tambomachay, over the mountains toward the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas considered the main entrance for Machu Picchu. Sacred Valley of the Incas is a lush of agricultural region that continues to supply the city of Cusco with much of its produce esp
ecially with corn. We will visit the extraordinary Pisac Inca ruins and the colourful artisan market where you can purchase some handicrafts directly from the producers.
The day trip finishes in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, we will visit also the Ollantaytambo Inca ruins that are known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spaniards lost a major battle during the conquest. On our return, we quickly visit the famous church and archeological site in Chinchero, arriving to Cusco at about 06:30-07:00 p.m. Accommodation in the hotel in Cusco.
Day 3: Cusco to Salkantay – Mountain Lodge & Adventure – Soraypampa 3,800 masl
“The night before departure: evening briefing in Cusco with your guide”.
After an early breakfast, guests will be picked up starting at 07:00 a.m at their hotel in Cusco by an MLP guide and vehicle in direction to the Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort in Soraypampa. Along the road, we will take a short break to visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo.
After leaving Limatambo, we’ll pass through the mountain village of Mollepata where we’ll stop for a short coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road to Marcoccasa. Here, we’ll begin our trek to Soraypampa, on an old route called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path). This is a good opportunity for everyone to acclimate, while enjoying a beautiful six-hour trek. Salkantay Lodge takes its name from the majestic peak at the head of the valley; Mountain Salkantay, the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at 6,270 masl (20,600 ft), the highest in the region.
After a warm welcome by our friendly staff, we are shown to our rooms and have time to wash-up, before tea and cookies. The trip leader will hold a briefing by the fireplace, followed by aperitifs and dinner.
Trekking Time: Approximately 6 hours (including picnic lunch on the road); hiking Level: Moderate. Option: Guests who do not wish to trek may be transported to the lodge by vehicle.
Day 4: Salkantay Lodge at Soraypampa 3,800 masl
After breakfast, we will hike out for 4 hours in the area surrounding the Lodge, we will visit the Humantay Lake, fed by glaciers far above on the slopes of Mountain Humantay. The hike is optional, but the view is well worth it and those brave enough can go for a swim. This activity is excellent for acclimatization. You’ll return to the Lodge for lunch, after what you may choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in our outdoor jacuzzi. Then, you will spend the night at the Salkantay Lodge with gourmet food and warm, comfortable beds. In the evening, the guide briefs you on gear and the itinerary for the following day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are taken at the Lodge.
Trekking Time:4 hours approx. Hiking Level: Moderate to challenging. Optional Horseback Riding Excursions: Short Excursion: 2 hour-ride around Soraypampa in the afternoon (after hike to glacial lake) US$60 per person.
Day 5: Trek over the Salkantay Pass 4,600 masl
After breakfast, we’ll start trek from Soraypampa lodge to Wayra Lodge located at Wayracmachay 3,900 masl. The trail follows up the “Rio Blanco/White River Valley”, circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay Peak. The highest point on the trek is the pass at 4,600 masl (15,213 ft). At the pass, we’ll stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range in every direction, the south face of Salkantay towering above us. We will keep our eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area.
From the pass, we’ll continue our descent toward the Wayra Lodge (“Wayra”: wind; ‘the place where the wind lives’) our destination for the evening. A hot lunch is taken on the road. We will have dinner and overnight at the Wayra Lodge. (Trekking time: 6-8 hours. Hiking level: Challenging with a 4,600 masl or 15, 213 ft mountain pass).
Day 6: Wayra Lodge to Colpa Lodge (2,870 masl/9,414 ft)
Today we’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge. Then, we’ll continue our descent along the left bank of the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery. We can feel the warm air rising from the jungle, accompanied by colourful butterflies and striking orchids. Upon arrival at Colpa Lodge, we are greeted with a Pachamanca meal, a traditional festive Peruvian meal cooked by layering meat and vegetables with hot stones, and then covering the whole thing up to bake.
“Colpa Lodge” is located on an open plateau at the confluence of three rivers. The outdoor jacuzzi has panoramic views of lush of green mountains. We’ll spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the nearby orchid trail. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Hiking time: 3-4 hours. Hiking level: Easy to moderate.
Day 7: Collpa Lodge to Lucma Lodge at Lucmabamba (2,135 masl/7,003 ft).
After breakfast, we’ll depart early and trek by the left site of the Santa Teresa River following a beautiful valley, through more populated rural areas. We’ll pass through banana, granadilla, and avocado orchards and coffee plantations (said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world). A hot picnic lunch is served by the river. After lunch, we’ll hike another hour before a private vehicle meets us for a short drive to the beginning of the “Llactapata Inca Trail” (30 minutes or so).
From the head of the newly restored Inca trail, we’ll easily make our way to Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.Trekking Time: 5–6 hours (including lunch) Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging (because of distance, not terrain).
Day 8: Lucma Lodge to “Aguas Calientes” (1,900 masl/6,232 ft)
Continuing with our adventure today after a hearty breakfast, we’ll tackle the last day of our trek. We’ll head uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata Pass (2,736 masl/8,974 ft), where we come upon a distant but spectacular view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast, a view of few travelers ever get a chance to admire.
We’ll take a short break to explore the Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored. Lunch is served in a scenic viewpoint, looking out to Machu Picchu. Then, we’ll begin our final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations. “Aguas Calientes”, the town of Machu Picchu, is a short, scenic train ride away. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our lovely hotel for celebration dinner with our guide and one last briefing. Trekking Time: 4–6 hours. Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging.
Day 9: Machu Picchu (2,400 masl/7,872 ft) to Cusco
Today, we’ll start very early, after a very early buffet breakfast at the hotel, we’ll make our way to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu Sanctuary (30 min). Our trip leader will give the group an introductory two-hour guided tour of the ruins, after which we have the rest of the morning to explore the site on our own — there, is a lot to do and see! Afterwards, we’ll return by bus to “Aguas Calientes” for a late lunch and to meet our train. The ride from “Aguas Calientes” to Ollantaytambo takes about one and a half hour, and then a private vehicle will bring us back to Cusco (an additional hour and a half). Upon arrival in Cusco (approximately 07 or 08:00 p.m), we are dropped off at our hotel.
END OF SERVICES
PRICE INFO
COST OF THE LUXURY SALKANTAY TREK
Daily Departure
Group serveice and private service
TYPE OF TRAIN | PRICE PER PERSON |
Expedition class | US$ |
Vistadome class | US$ |
Hiram Bimgham class |
PHOTO GALLERY
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LUXURY SALKANTAY TREK INCLUDES
- All necessary things for Luxury Salkantay hike:
- Transportation: transfer in/out airport/hotel/airport, private bus for the Sacred Valley tour and from Cusco to Soraypampa, bus up and down from “Aguas Calientes” to Machu Picchu , tourist train class from “Aguas Calientes” to Ollantaytambo, transfer to your hotel.
- Entrance Fee: For the Sacred Valley tour and Machu Picchu.
- Accommodations: 6 lodging nights (5 nights in MLP lodges and 1 night in “Aguas Calientes” in a 4* hotel); 2 Nights at the Hotel in Cusco.
- Guided Sacred Valley Tour.
- All meals except breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 7
- Service of a bilingual guide from Day 1 to Day 7 and Valley tour.
- Transportation of personal belongings on the trek by packhorse/mules and/or porters.
- Guided Visit of Machu Picchu (includes entrance and transportation to the site)
- Trains (Hydroelectric Station – “Aguas Calientes & Aguas Calientes” – Ollantaytambo)
- All beverages except alcoholic drinks.
- Tips for Route & Hospitality Staff (Lead & Assistant Guide tips are not included).
- Please tip Lead & Assistant Guide at the end of the trek