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1 week 2 days
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Experience Cusco to the fullest with our 9-day, 8-night Andean Explorer Trek, the most comprehensive tour for those who want to see the essential sites of the Inca world in a single experience. Explore the imperial city, discover the Sacred Valley, conquer the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, and marvel at the Mountain of Colors. Adventure, culture, and unforgettable landscapes come together to create the perfect itinerary.
- Explore Cusco with an exclusive City Tour of its most emblematic temples, fortresses, and viewpoints.
- Tour the Sacred Valley visiting Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero with authentic cultural experiences.
- Experience the famous Salkantay Trek while resting in exclusive camps.
- Discover Machu Picchu with a guided tour without the crowds.
- Marvel at the impressive Rainbow Mountain after a hike through unforgettable high Andean landscapes.
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
Spots at Machu Picchu sell out quickly. Book this trip at least five months in advance to secure spaces.
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Hotel in Cusco
Cusco Cathedral
We will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel so you can rest and acclimatize. In the afternoon, after lunch, we will begin a half-day city tour starting with the Cusco Cathedral, a colonial jewel built on the site of the ancient Inca palace of Wiracocha.
Qorikancha
Then we will visit the Qoricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo, where you will appreciate the harmonious union between Inca and colonial architecture.
Sacsayhuaman
Afterwards, we will take our transport to Sacsayhuamán, an imposing fortress of enormous perfectly assembled stones.
Q'enqo
We will continue to Qenqo, an Inca ceremonial center associated with worship
Puka Pukara
Then we will visit Puka Pukara, known as “the red fortress,” which served as a lookout point and resting place.
Tambomachay
We will end at Tambomachay, a ceremonial complex dedicated to water, famous for its aqueducts and perfectly crafted fountains.
Cusco
When we finish, we will return to your hotel so you can rest and recharge your energy for the next day.
Hotel in Cusco
LUNCH
Lunch
Cusco
We start the day at 8:30 a.m. with a pick-up at your hotel to head to Pisac.
Mirador Taray
On the way, we will make brief stops at the Qorao and Taray viewpoints, from where you can appreciate the beauty of the Sacred Valley.
Pisac
Upon arrival in Pisac, we will visit its archaeological site and traditional artisan market.
Urubamba
Then we will head to Urubamba to enjoy a buffet lunch featuring typical Peruvian dishes.
Ollantaytambo
In the afternoon, we will continue on to Ollantaytambo to explore its impressive archaeological complex, with ceremonial fountains, terraces, and temples.
Chinchero
We will end the day in Chinchero, where you will learn about Andean textile art in a natural dyeing demonstration and visit its archaeological site and colonial church.
Cusco
Afterwards, we will return to Cusco in our transport and drop you off at your hotel.
Overnight at the Sky Camp
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Cusco
Today marks the start of the Salkantay adventure. We will pick you up at your hotel around 5:00 a.m. for a 2 hour and 15 minute drive to Mollepata, where you can use the restrooms and enjoy a light breakfast.
Then we will continue to Challacancha, the starting point of the hike and where you will meet our team.
We will begin the trek to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), walking 7 km / 4.35 miles along an ancient Inca canal until we reach our Sky Camp.
There you will enjoy lunch and a short rest.
Humantay Lake
In the afternoon, we will hike to the impressive Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). The round trip takes about 2.5 hours and covers 3 km / 1.86 miles. You will have free time to enjoy the scenery and take pictures.
Upon returning to camp, tea time and a delicious dinner will await you, accompanied by a beautiful sunset. Finally, you will rest under a starry sky in your igloo.
Overnight at Mountain Sky View Camp
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
We start the day early with an energy-packed breakfast and a cup of coca tea before beginning the ascent to Abra Salkantay (4,630 m / 12,190 ft), the highest point of the trek.
The challenge consists of covering 7 km / 4.34 miles in about 4 hours. At the top, you will enjoy spectacular views of the valleys and the snow-capped mountains of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo, considered apus or sacred mountains.
Colcapampa
Then we will begin the descent along a winding 7 km / 4.35 mile trail to Huarayramachay, where we will have a well-deserved lunch. After a rest, we will continue into the cloud forest, walking 9.5 km / 5.9 miles for approximately 3.5 hours until we reach Collpapampa (2,950 m / 9,678 ft), where our exclusive Mountain Sky View Camp is located.
Upon arrival, you will enjoy a delicious dinner and a well-deserved rest surrounded by lush vegetation after a challenging and memorable day.
Overnight at the Super Jungle Domes
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Santa Teresa
We start the day at 6:00 a.m. with a nutritious breakfast before setting off on a scenic hike through the Santa Teresa Valley. Along the way, you will see rivers, wild orchids, waterfalls, fruit trees, and coffee, banana, and avocado plantations.
Upon arrival at Zona Propiedad, our private transportation will be waiting to take us to La Playa to visit a farm where we will participate in everything from harvesting to tasting organic coffee.
After this enriching activity, we will return to our private transportation to arrive at Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,562 ft), where lunch will be waiting for you and you can settle into our exclusive Super Jungle Domes camp. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the surroundings. At the end of the day, you will enjoy dinner and a restful night accompanied by the sounds of nature.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
You will wake up early with a hot cup of coca tea in your Super Jungle Domes and enjoy the last breakfast prepared by our chef.
Mirador de Llactapata
Then we will begin a three-hour ascent to enter an original section of the Inca Trail, which will take us to the archaeological site of Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft). Here you will receive an explanation from the guide and you will be able to admire your first panoramic views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
We will then descend to Aobamba, where we will enjoy lunch before continuing on to Hidroelectrica (1,800 m / 5,906 ft).
From this point, we will continue walking for about three more hours along the train tracks through the tropical vegetation.
Aguas Calientes
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will check into your hotel and have the afternoon free to rest or explore the town. In the evening, we will meet at 7:00 p.m. for dinner at a local restaurant before resting up for the long-awaited visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
Hotel in Cusco
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Aguas Calientes
Today we start the day very early, at 6:00 a.m., with a light breakfast before boarding one of the first buses to Machu Picchu.
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
This will allow us to arrive before the crowds. Upon entering, you will enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours through the temples, terraces, palaces, and ceremonial enclosures, with free time for photographs. Then, if you wish, you can climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,000 m / 9,843 ft). This activity is optional, requires an additional ticket, and takes between two and three hours round trip.
Aguas Calientes
After the visit, we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch.
Cusco
Finally, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Hotel in Cusco
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
Cusco
We start the day very early, picking you up at your hotel around 4:00 a.m. and heading to the South Valley of Cusco.
Quiquijana
After a three-hour drive, we will stop for a continental breakfast before continuing to the starting point of the hike, located at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.
Rainbow Mountain Peru
During the ascent, you will enjoy spectacular views of the imposing snow-capped Ausangate mountain and observe Andean communities going about their daily lives, surrounded by llamas and wearing colorful traditional clothing. After a hike of approximately 1.5 hours, we will arrive at Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). After a brief explanation from the guide, you will have between 30 and 60 minutes to explore the site and take photographs.
Cusipata
We will then begin the 45-minute descent to the starting point and board the transport to Cusipata for lunch.
Cusco
Finally, we will return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.
Cusco
Today you will have a more relaxed morning. After breakfast, you will pack your belongings and, if you wish, you can buy some last-minute souvenirs. Later, we will coordinate with you the exact pick-up time to transfer you to the airport or bus station, from where you will continue your vacation or begin your return home.
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Basic hiking equipment: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, rain poncho, backpack cover, and hand towel.
Experienced Mountain Guide
Safety: First aid kit, Walkie-talkies, oxygen, and emergency satellite pones
Tourist ticket for the Sacred Valley visit and city tour in Cusco.
3 nights camping accommodation (Sky Camp, Mountain Sky View, Super Jungle Domes)
Entrance to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 for 5-month bookings; if unavailable, Circuit 3, then Circuit 1)
Transportation of personal belongings.
All private transport and transfers during the tour
Entrance tickets to the Salkantay route and Humantay Lake.
Entrance to Rainbow Mountain (Vinincunca).
Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb) for your travel gear.
Private Camping Facilities & Equipment
Entrance to Cusco Cathedral and Qoricancha.
Water, Tea Time, and daily snacks on the trail
Cultural immersion at a local coffee farm.
4 nights in a hotel in Cusco (Days 1, 2, 7, and 8)
1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (Day 6)
Clothing and personal hiking equipment
Travel Insurance (Recommended)
Gratuities for the staff (Optional)
Select a pickup point
Huchuy Picchu Mountain Ticket
Pickup included
Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket
Pickup included
Huayna Picchu Mountain Ticket
Pickup included
Pickup included
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
D3326SYstevew,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent adventure. Extremely well organized and informational. Exceeded expectations in comfort, quality and overall experience. I did the 5 day in 2018 and the accommodations have blown me away with the improvements since then. Absolutely recommend this touring company.












N8883DWbriana,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Top shelf operation!! Amazing trip, super organization, great staff!!!, lodging and food were superb. Recommending to family and friends.



annketz,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was truly the trip of a lifetime—challenging, deeply educational, and incredibly inspiring on a personal level. From start to finish, every detail was thoughtfully designed and flawlessly executed. The journey began with two days exploring Cusco and the Sacred Valley, which set the perfect tone. Our guide, Broly, did an outstanding job engaging our entire group—seven adults and two teenagers—by blending history, culture, and religion with thought-provoking questions and fascinating insights. He made every site come alive while also ensuring we acclimated comfortably to the altitude ahead of the trek. On day three, we embarked on the unforgettable five-day Salkantay trek—a more remote and rewarding alternative to the Inca Trail. From towering mountain passes to lush jungle landscapes, every day brought new beauty and challenges. Leading us was Alex “Mountain Lion” Mamani, whose decades of experience were evident in every step. His calm confidence, expert guidance, and constant encouragement made us feel safe, supported, and capable throughout the journey. He checked in regularly, offered practical tips for altitude and breathing, and fostered such a positive group atmosphere that everyone felt empowered without pressure. Behind the scenes, the support team was nothing short of extraordinary. Vladimiro, our horseman, ensured our gear was always where it needed to be, while Hebert and Sadit worked culinary magic in the most unexpected places. The meals were consistently fresh, high-quality, and absolutely delicious—far beyond anything we imagined possible on a remote trek. They accommodated a wide range of dietary needs with ease and care. One of the most meaningful highlights for our family was how inclusive and safe the food experience was for my 16-year-old daughter, who typically finds traveling with food allergies stressful. This was the first time she could truly relax and enjoy every meal without worry—and she still says the food was her favorite part of the entire trip. The accommodations along the way were spectacular as well. At Sky Camp, we experienced the most breathtaking night sky I’ve ever seen—an unforgettable blanket of stars. The beds were incredibly comfortable, and the staff even provided hot water bottles to keep us warm through the chilly night, which was such a thoughtful touch. The following two nights were even more luxurious, with private bathrooms and showers right in the accommodations. Honestly, my only complaint is that we didn’t have more time to relax and enjoy these beautiful spaces. This experience exceeded every expectation. It was physically demanding, emotionally rewarding, and seamlessly supported by an exceptional team. I would recommend this adventure without hesitation to anyone looking for a transformative and unforgettable journey.

Holly E,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our team: Alex Mamani (mountain lion); Hebert, chef; Sadit, sous chef; Vladimiro, horseman, they took care of me every step of the way, I’m a solo female traveler.
J3064CEemilyg,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
One of the best experiences of my life! The 5-day Salkantay Trail hike to Machu Picchu was unbelievably memorable. The other activities were really nice as well.
Operated by Salkantay Trekking