Highlights
Trek the hidden Salkantay valleys on a quieter route away from main trekking crowds
Cross Salkantay Pass (4638m / 15365ft) with views of snow-clad Andean peaks
Explore Sacred Valley markets, villages and Inca sites including Pisac and Ollantaytambo
Walk through a protected conservation area with native forests, orchids and birdlife
Visit Machu Picchu after completing a multi-day high-altitude trek
Itinerary
Arguably the best short trek alternative to the classic Inca Trail. Trek to Machu Picchu via a quieter Salkantay route through remote Andean landscapes and conservation areas. Beginning in the Sacred Valley, the journey combines cultural experiences with a fully supported multi-day trek through forest, alpine terrain and high passes. The route crosses Salkantay Pass (4638m / 15365ft) and travels through one of Peru’s newest protected ecosystems. The experience concludes with a guided visit to Machu Picchu after trekking through lesser-visited valleys.
day 1Depart Cusco and drive to the Sacred Valley
Leaving Cusco, you travel into the Sacred Valley, where the landscapes begin to shift from highland city to rural Andean countryside. Arriving at Pisac, you explore the archaeological site set high above the valley, with views across surrounding peaks known as Apus, revered in Andean culture. After time at the ruins, you descend to the village to visit the open-air market, where local communities trade produce, textiles and handicrafts. Continuing through the Sacred Valley, you travel to Ollantaytambo, walking through its historic streets and observing traditional architecture before settling into your accommodation.
Accommodation: Sol Naturaa Hotel or similar
day 2Explore Sacred Valley communities
day 3Trek to Acopía Camp (4154m / 13628ft, 10km / 6.2mi, 6–7hrs)
day 4Trek Acopía to Pampacahuana (max 4683m / 15360ft, 15km / 9.3mi, 6–7hrs)
day 5Trek Pampacahuana to Chamana (3865m / 12680ft, 17km / 10.6mi, 6hrs)
day 6Trek to Machu Picchu Village (15.5km / 9.6mi, 6hrs)
day 7Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
What's Included
What's Excluded
Customer Reviews
An awesome adventure that fulfilled all my expectations and more - great company, awesome food, perfectly suitable adventuring, fantastic scenery etc.
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