Peru; Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu Trek

OVERVIEW

Voted one of the top 25 treks in the world, this challenging expedition will take us beneath spectacular Andean peaks, through epic Peruvian landscapes and misty cloud forest.

After an overnight stay at a hotel in Lima, we begin our adventure by taking a domestic flight to the colonial town of Cusco then spend a day exploring the sights of the Sacred Valley while acclimatising to the high altitude of the region.

The next day we will begin our hike along the Salkantay trail. The route follows an ancient and remote Inca footpath, where snow-capped mountains collide with lush tropical rain forests. The paths are filled with wild strawberries, colourful butterflies and other exotic flora and fauna. Off the beaten path, this trek is one of the most interesting and challenging ways to experience the land of the ancient Incas. One of the highlights will be catching our first glimpse of Machu Picchu across the valley. We will spend our last night of the trek at the spa town of Aguas Calientes and in the morning we will take a short transfer to the ancient site where we enjoy a guided tour, unlocking the mysteries of this glorious ancient city. After returning to Cusco we will have our final celebratory meal in this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, before returning home via Lima the following day.

To find out more about this amazing trek and to BOOK, please visit

The Different Travel Company

ITINERARY

Day 1 (Saturday 9 November 2024):

London – Lima
Fly from London to Peru’s capital city, Lima. On arrival in Lima transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay and our first meal together.
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 (Sunday 10 November 2024):

Lima – Cusco
It’s an early start this morning for our short flight to Cusco (3,400m). After arriving we transfer to our colonial hotel and have lunch. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the city at our own pace while acclimatising to the altitude. Perhaps take in some of the local sights such Cusco Cathedral, the markets, or just enjoy people-watching over a coffee in Plaza de Armas before gathering together for dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 (Monday 11 November 2024):

Cusco – Tambo Machay – Cusco
After breakfast, trek from Cusco up to the ancient ruin of Tambo Machay for acclimatisation. This gradual ascent offers 300m elevation gain which will help you acclimatise for the trek to come. You will continue to pass some amazing Inca sites as you walk downhill to Sacsayhuaman. This afternoon we return to Cusco for our overnight stay.
Trekking: Approx. 8km. 300m altitude gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 (Tuesday 12 November 2024):

Cusco – Challacancha – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Today the trek to Machu Picchu begins! We transfer from Cusco early this morning and take a scenic drive to Challacancha (3867m), stopping for a brief visit to Tarawasi Archaeological site enroute. We continue along the winding mountain road to Mollepata (2900m), enjoying panoramic views en-route. On arrival at Challacancha, we will enjoy lunch whilst the pack horses are loaded then we commence our climb to Humantay Lake (3,869m). After enjoying the views of this stunning blue lake, we continue to Soraypampa (3,850m) where we set up camp with the magnificent Salkantay Mountain (6,271m) as our backdrop – the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology.
Trekking: Approx. 22km/7hrs. 469m altitude gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 (Wednesday 13 November 2024):

Soraypampa – Andenes
Today the landscape changes drastically from dry and arid, to snowy peaks, before descending into the tropical zone. After breakfast we leave our camp and start the toughest section of the trek. The mountain switchbacks lead us up to the pass and our highest point, Abra Salkantay (4,630m). We celebrate our achievements and admire the spectacular views of the mountains and imposing snowy peaks of Mt. Salkantay. After lunch we descend through the grassy highlands and into the cloud rainforest to reach our camp in Andenes (2920m).
Trekking: Approx. 21km/8hrs. 750m altitude gain / 1620m altitude loss
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 (Thursday 14 November 2024):

Andenes – Lucmabamba
Today we hike through lush rainforest along the Santa Teresa river valley to Lucmabamba campsite (2064m). We’ll pass bamboo groves, waterfalls, thermal hot springs, coffee plantations and banana, granadilla and avocado orchards, and observe a wide array of tropical flowers and birdlife, such as hummingbirds. A hot picnic lunch is served along the way, after which we trek for approximately 4 more hours to reach the start of the “Llactapata Inca Trail” and our last campsite at Lucmabamba. This evening we will have a local coffee tasting and demonstration!
Trekking: Approx. 19km/7hrs. 856m altitude loss
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 (Friday 15 November 2024):

Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Aguas Calientes
After an early breakfast, we hike for around three hours to reach the archaeological site Llactapata (2,700m) from where we catch our first glimpse of Machu Picchu from across the valley! On the way we pass coffee plantations, beautiful landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. We descend through bamboo forest to Hidroelectrica train station and stop for lunch, before continuing by train to Aguas Calientes (2,040m) where we can enjoy a hot shower!
Trekking: Approx. 15km/6hrs. 636m altitude gain, 660m altitude loss.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 (Saturday 16 November 2024):

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
At dawn, we begin our journey to Machu Picchu! We start with a short bus ride – prepare to be awed by this incredible ancient citadel. We start the day with a guided tour before free time to explore the site on our own. If you have the energy, you can continue up to the Sun Gate for the picture postcard classic view of Machu Picchu. This afternoon we take the train to Poroy, followed by a short transfer back to Cusco where we check into our hotel before a final celebratory dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9 (Sunday 17 November 2024)

Enjoy a final free day in Cusco. Gather for a celebratory farewell dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Days 10-11 (Monday 18 – Tuesday 19 November 2024):

Cusco – Lima – London
Today we fly from Cusco to Lima before taking an indirect overnight flight back to London, landing the following day, Tuesday 19 October 2024.
Meals: Breakfast

COSTS & HOW TO PAY

Registration fee: £495 and then either…

Sponsorship: £5770

This option is for those who wish to raise sponsorship to cover both the costs of the trip (accommodation, food, guides etc.) and a donation to Hospice of the Valleys.  There is a minimum sponsorship amount for each trip that you are required to raise in order to participate.

or

Self-Funded: £2,885 

This option is for those who choose to pay the trip costs (accommodation, food, guides etc.) themselves and can choose to raise some funds for Hospice of the Valleys.

To find out more about this amazing trek and to BOOK, please visit

The Different Travel Company