Your journey begins at 8:00 am with a warm pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Today, you'll explore the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a lush corridor once considered sacred by the Inca civilization. Our first stop is a traditional Andean alpaca farm, where you’ll meet and interact with South America’s native camelids: llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. You'll also learn how ancient weaving traditions are preserved by local artisans, and how textiles remain a vital expression of Andean identity and history.

We continue to the Pisac archaeological site, perched high above the valley with sweeping views and remarkable stonework. Next, wander through the vibrant Pisac market, known for its handwoven fabrics, ceramics, silver jewelry, and colorful Andean art. Around midday, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba, the heart of the valley. In the afternoon, we visit the majestic Ollantaytambo fortress, a living Inca town with terraces, temples, and legends carved in stone. After a full day of cultural immersion, we return to Cusco around 6:00 pm for your detailed Salkantay Trek briefing, where your guide will go over final details and help you prepare for the trail ahead.

Your trek begins bright and early with a 4:30 am pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We drive through beautiful Andean valleys toward the town of Mollepata, where a fresh mountain breakfast awaits to energize your day. From here, we continue for about an hour to Soraypampa (3,900 m), the official trailhead of the Salkantay Trek. Upon arrival, your guide will introduce the trekking team, and you'll prepare your gear while taking in your first dramatic views of the snow-capped peaks.

Our first hike is a scenic ascent to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, a stunning turquoise lagoon nestled beneath the towering glacier of the same name. After time to enjoy the views, take photos, and soak in the mountain energy, we descend back to Soraypampa for a hearty lunch prepared by our trekking chef. In the afternoon, we begin a gradual uphill hike to our campsite at Salkantaypampa (4,150 m), set in a remote valley beneath the mighty Salkantay Mountain. Arrive to your luxury tent, enjoy a hot drink and optional massage, and relax as the sun sets behind the glacier. A warm gourmet dinner wraps up your first day on the trail.

Wake up to a steaming cup of coca tea delivered to your tent at 5:00 am, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Andes. After a hearty breakfast and time to fill your water and grab your snacks, we begin the day’s most challenging, and rewarding, stretch of the Salkantay Trek. The morning hike is a steady 2.5-hour ascent to the legendary Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), the highest point of the entire trek. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay Glacier, considered a sacred Apu (mountain spirit) by the Incas.

After soaking in the views and celebrating your achievement, we begin a descent into warmer ecosystems, with stunning transitions from alpine terrain into lush cloud forest. We arrive at Huaracmachay for a well-deserved lunch, where our team awaits with a fresh, energizing meal. In the afternoon, we continue descending for approximately 4 more hours through vibrant vegetation and waterfalls until we reach Colpapampa (2,900 m), a small jungle village where we set up our luxury campsite. Enjoy a hot shower, a soothing massage session (optional), and a nourishing dinner as the sounds of the rainforest replace the mountain winds.

Your day begins with a 5:00 am wake-up, followed by a hearty breakfast and time to prepare your water and snacks. Today’s hike takes us deep into the lush high jungle region, where the climate becomes warmer and more humid. The trail is rich with tropical vegetation, fruit trees, orchids, and birds, but be prepared for mosquitoes, so repellent is a must. We begin hiking for approximately 4 hours, descending gradually along the Santa Teresa River until we reach Playa Sawayaco, where a delicious lunch awaits.

After lunch, we continue on a short and scenic route to Lucmabamba (2,000 m), a small farming village surrounded by hills of coffee and banana plantations. Here, we settle into our jungle campsite for the night. In the afternoon, you’ll have the unique opportunity to visit a local coffee farm, where you can learn about the traditional process, from bean to cup, and even roast your own. Depending on the season and group interest, you may also opt to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs for a relaxing soak. Transportation and entry fees are not included but can be coordinated with your guide on-site. Enjoy dinner under the stars as you prepare for your final approach to Machu Picchu.

Wake up at 5:00 am in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by birdsong and lush green hills. After a nourishing breakfast, we begin a beautiful ascent along a preserved section of the original Inca Trail, winding gently uphill for around 4 hours. This scenic route leads us to Llactapata, a remarkable Inca site located directly across from Machu Picchu. From here, you’ll enjoy a rare panoramic view of the citadel, and if you bring binoculars, you can spot the terraces and structures in the distance. This is a truly special moment, often described as the spiritual prelude to Machu Picchu.

We then descend for about 1.5 hours to Hidroelectrica, where our trekking chef awaits with a well-earned, delicious lunch, the final meal prepared by our amazing support team. This is the perfect moment to share your gratitude or offer a tip if you wish. After lunch, we say farewell to the crew and continue our journey on foot along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, a 3-hour walk through the lush Machu Picchu canyon. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of waterfalls, orchids, and tropical birds. We arrive in town around 4:00 pm, where you'll check into your comfortable hotel, enjoy a hot shower, and rest up for the grand finale: Machu Picchu.

Today is the highlight of your entire journey, the day you finally visit Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas. After an early breakfast at your hotel, we take one of the first buses up the mountain to enter the citadel before the larger crowds arrive. To make the most of this experience, we highly recommend booking at least 4–5 months in advance so we can secure Circuit No. 2, the most complete and popular route that allows for a deep and comprehensive guided tour of Machu Picchu’s key temples, plazas, and viewpoints.

Your 2.5-hour guided tour will bring the ancient city to life as your expert guide shares its history, legends, and engineering marvels. If you’ve pre-booked the optional hike to Huayna Picchu (available for $75 per person and limited daily), you’ll climb to an epic viewpoint high above the ruins. After your visit, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for a final lunch (not included) before boarding your Vistadome train at 2:55 pm to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our private driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, with an expected arrival around 7:30 pm, bringing your Ultimate Salkantay Trek Package to a close with memories to last a lifetime.

Your final adventure begins with a 4:30 am pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We drive for approximately 2.5 hours through the Andean highlands, watching the sunrise over remote villages and dramatic landscapes. Our first stop is a local restaurant where you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel your day. After breakfast, we continue for another hour to the ATV trailhead, where your motorbikes and guide will be waiting.

Your guide will give you a safety briefing and instructions on how to handle the ATVs before we begin the climb. The ride takes around 45 minutes, following a scenic dirt road surrounded by snowcapped peaks, red valleys, and grazing alpacas. Once we reach the ATV parking area, it's a 30-minute walk to the summit of the stunning Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,020 m). Take your time to soak in the surreal colors and panoramic views of the Andes. After photos and exploration, we return to the ATVs and ride back to the trailhead, where our private vehicle will be waiting. We stop for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant on the way back and arrive in Cusco around 5:00 pm, ending your journey on a high and colorful note.