Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu - 8 days
Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu - 8 days
Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu - 8 days
8 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Cusco, Soraypampa, Salkantay, Ceja de Selva, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
7-
Tour operated in:
English , SpanishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure through Peru with the Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu tour. Begin your journey in the ancient Incan capital of Cusco, where you can explore its charming streets and vibrant culture. The highlight of your trip is the breathtaking Salkantay Trail, a picturesque trek through jungles and high mountain passes, offering stunning views of azure lagoons. Discover the Llactapata Ruins and enjoy a sneak peek of the iconic Machu Picchu. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the world-famous Inca citadel, set high in the Andes Mountains. With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and expert local guides, this small group tour promises an enriching and memorable experience. Enjoy the convenience of included transfers, a scenic train journey, and a guided tour of Machu Picchu, making this an ideal adventure for those seeking both challenge and cultural immersion.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Welcome to Cusco, upon arrival at the airport you are met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of this beautiful city. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to walk the stunning cobbled streets, discover Spanish colonial churches and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. A short welcome meeting will be held with your guide today to give you a briefing on the tour.
Please note: You may wish to arrive a day or two earlier in order to adjust to the altitude. Pre tour accommodation can be booked upon request.
Day 2: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you have a free day to explore Cusco at your own pace. Cusco was once the capital of the Incan Empire and is now a top spot for archaeology in the Americas. It's also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on the continent. You can check out local archaeological sites like Saqsaywaman, Tambomachay, and Qenqo, or perhaps take part in a Peruvian cooking class or a chocolate-making class. You get to choose how you want to spend your free day, and we're here to help you plan and suggest activities in this amazing city.
Day 3: Salkantay Trek
Location: Soraypampa
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Salkantay Trek - camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 of the tour marks the beginning of the exhilarating Salkantay Trek. We have an early start this morning for the scenic drive to the Andean village of Mollepata, which takes approximately 4 hours. Here we meet our horsemen, porters and cooks and set out on the first leg of our trek. It takes around 3 hours for us to reach Cruzpata, where we stop for lunch with stunning panoramic views of the Humantay and Salkantay mountains in the distance. After lunch the trek continues through stunning mountainous scenery until we reach our first campsite at Soraypampa. We set up camp and later have dinner, surrounded by mesmerising scenery.
Day 4: Salkantay Trek
Location: Salkantay
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Salkantay Trek - camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We wake early for breakfast before setting out on the most challenging day of our trek, as we ascend to the highest point on the trail, at 4,650 m (15,200 ft). From here we can admire the incredible views of two huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. After reaching our peak we head downhill through the dramatic landscape of the cloud forests, reaching Huayrachmachay where we stop for lunch. Our trek continues after lunch as we head towards the jungle and our campsite for the night, Colcapampa.
Day 5: Trekking Through The Jungle
Location: Ceja de Selva
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Salkantay Trek - camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We rise early and have a hearty breakfast before setting out on our trek through a region of jungle known as the “Ceja de selva” , which lies between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. Crossing the Lluskamayo River our route takes us through valleys with breathtaking waterfalls, tropical fruits and colourful birds. If we’re lucky, we might even see a cock of the rock, Peru’s national bird. We stop for lunch and then continue trekking until we reach our last campsite at the village of La Playa. Here you'll have time to relax and perhaps visit the nearby hot springs, where you can enjoy a well deserved soak after another long day of rewarding hiking.
Day 6: Salkantay Trek
Location: Aguas Calientes
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today marks the final day of the Salkantay Trek, another early start sees a steady climb as we make our way to Llactapata. At Llactapata we find an incredible Incan fort, whilst beautiful and enchanting in it's own right it also offers distant views across to Machu Picchu, a little teaser of what's to come. After a rest stop we continue on a two hour downhill hike which will take us past plantations growing things such as coca and bananas. Reaching the hydroelectric dam we stop for a lunch break before making our final stretch of the trek, arriving into Aguas Calientes this afternoon.
With time to explore the area you might wish to visit the hot springs located close to your hotel.
Day 7: Aguas Calientes
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After 4 days of fulfilling trekking, we set off early this morning to the world famous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Arriving in time for sunrise, we then enjoy a guided tour of this incredible Citadel. Learn all about the history of this magical place and how it lay almost totally undisturbed for hundreds of years. After our guided tour you have some free time to explore this legendary area.
This afternoon we head back to Aguas Calientes to board the Expedition Train for a scenic journey to Poroy where we disembark and complete our journey back to Cusco by road. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore Cusco at your own pace.
Day 8: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today marks the end of our fantastic trip through the Salkantay and Cusco region. A transfer will be provided to take you to the airport for you onward flight.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
3 nights 4 star hotel in Cusco, 1 night 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes and 3 nights camping in 2-man tents on the Salkantay Trek.
-
Meals
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 4 dinners and various snacks to be eaten throughout the day.
-
Transfers
Cusco airport arrival and departure transfer on day 1 and day 8.
-
Salkantay Trek
4-day Salkantay Trek - all camping and cooking equipment is provided apart from your sleeping bag, which can be hired locally.
-
Guides and Support
Escorted by a bi-lingual (English & Spanish speaking) specialist local guide on the trek, with a cook and horsemen.
-
Transportation
All relevant transfers and transportation.
-
Train Journey
Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Poray.
-
Bus Ticket
Round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
-
Machu Picchu Entrance
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu and guided tour with a bi-lingual (English & Spanish speaking) local guide.
-
First Aid
First aid kit is provided.
What's Not Included
-
International Flights and Visas
International flights and visas are not included.
-
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag is not included but can be hired locally.
-
Evacuation
In the event of a serious medical injury, evacuation will be coordinated with your travel insurance company.
-
Tipping
Tipping is not included.
Refer to the Tipping paragraph in the Trip Notes for further information.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes airport transfers, all relevant transfers and transportation, an expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy, and a round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Cusco, 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, and 3 nights camping in 2-man tents on the Salkantay Trek, providing a mix of comfort and adventure.
Age Policy
Minimum age is 7 years old but not recommended for under 10s.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of accommodation is provided during the Salkantay Trek?
During the Salkantay Trek, you will be camping in 2-man tents for three nights.
-
Are meals included during the trek?
Yes, meals are included during the trek. You will have 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 4 dinners, and various snacks throughout the day.
-
Is there a guide provided during the trek?
Yes, the trek is escorted by a bilingual (English & Spanish speaking) specialist local guide, along with a cook and horsemen.
-
What is the highest point reached during the Salkantay Trek?
The highest point reached during the Salkantay Trek is 4,650 meters (15,200 feet).
-
Is there an option to hire a sleeping bag locally?
Yes, sleeping bags can be hired locally for the trek.
-
What is the minimum age requirement for this tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 7 years old, but it is not recommended for children under 10.
-
What happens if there is a serious medical injury during the trek?
In the event of a serious medical injury, the tour operator will coordinate with your travel insurance company to arrange evacuation.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Friday
Jan 03, 2025 - Jan 10, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jan 05, 2025 - Jan 12, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jan 07, 2025 - Jan 14, 2025Friday - Friday
Jan 10, 2025 - Jan 17, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jan 12, 2025 - Jan 19, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jan 14, 2025 - Jan 21, 2025Friday - Friday
Jan 17, 2025 - Jan 24, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jan 19, 2025 - Jan 26, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jan 21, 2025 - Jan 28, 2025Friday - Friday
Jan 24, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jan 26, 2025 - Feb 02, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jan 28, 2025 - Feb 04, 2025Friday - Friday
Jan 31, 2025 - Feb 07, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 09, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 11, 2025Friday - Friday
Feb 07, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 16, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Feb 11, 2025 - Feb 18, 2025Friday - Friday
Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Feb 18, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025Friday - Friday
Feb 21, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025Friday - Friday
Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Mar 04, 2025 - Mar 11, 2025Friday - Friday
Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Mar 11, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025Friday - Friday
Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Mar 18, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025Friday - Friday
Mar 21, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Mar 25, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025Friday - Friday
Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 08, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 25, 2025 - May 02, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 27, 2025 - May 04, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Apr 29, 2025 - May 06, 2025Friday - Friday
May 02, 2025 - May 09, 2025Sunday - Sunday
May 04, 2025 - May 11, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
May 06, 2025 - May 13, 2025Friday - Friday
May 09, 2025 - May 16, 2025Sunday - Sunday
May 11, 2025 - May 18, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
May 13, 2025 - May 20, 2025Friday - Friday
May 16, 2025 - May 23, 2025Sunday - Sunday
May 18, 2025 - May 25, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
May 20, 2025 - May 27, 2025Friday - Friday
May 23, 2025 - May 30, 2025Sunday - Sunday
May 25, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
May 27, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025Friday - Friday
May 30, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025Friday - Friday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025Friday - Friday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jun 17, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Friday - Friday
Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jun 24, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025Friday - Friday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 26, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025Friday - Friday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Friday - Friday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025Friday - Friday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025Friday - Friday
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Friday - Friday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025Friday - Friday
Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025Friday - Friday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025Friday - Friday
Oct 24, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025Friday - Friday
Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Nov 04, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025Friday - Friday
Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025Friday - Friday
Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Nov 18, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025Friday - Friday
Nov 21, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Nov 23, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Nov 25, 2025 - Dec 02, 2025Friday - Friday
Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Dec 02, 2025 - Dec 09, 2025Friday - Friday
Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Dec 09, 2025 - Dec 16, 2025Friday - Friday
Dec 12, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Dec 16, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025Friday - Friday
Dec 19, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Dec 21, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Dec 23, 2025 - Dec 30, 2025Friday - Friday
Dec 26, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026Sunday - Sunday
Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 04, 2026Tuesday - Tuesday
Dec 30, 2025 - Jan 06, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.