**For your convenience and to ensure a smooth itinerary, we recommend booking flights arriving before afternoon on the same day. We provide one centralized airport transfer - please contact our staff before purchasing your tickets.**  

After the long flight and significant time difference, today will focus on rest and adjustment. Please note that Cusco is a high-altitude region.  

This is Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, located in the Andean highland basin. Locally revered as the "Crown Jewel of the Andes" and the "Cradle of Inca Civilization," the historic center of Cusco has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its cultural and natural significance.

Accommodation : Novotel Cusco (or similar)

Meal : (On Own); Supper (Welcome Dinner)

- Reference Hotel Pictures

**Today serves as another day for altitude acclimatization, featuring a full-day tour of Plaza de Armas (Main Square), the Cathedral, and Koricancha (Temple of the Sun) - where we'll witness the cultural fusion between Spanish and Inca civilizations.**  

As the former capital of the Inca Empire, our exploration begins at Santo Domingo Convent, a grand Renaissance-style Baroque structure built upon the foundations of the sacred Inca Coricancha Temple - the most important site of sun worship. Historical accounts describe its walls once covered in gold leaf, representing nature's golden brilliance.  

We'll then visit Cusco's majestic Cathedral, the city's most impressive "Historical Monument." Ascending to the hilltop vantage point, we'll admire the ruins of Sacsayhuaman fortress while enjoying panoramic views of the entire city.  

The itinerary continues to:  
- Q'enqo Temple and its ceremonial amphitheater, showcasing grand Inca agricultural rituals  
- Puka Pukara ("Red Fortress" in Quechua), the well-preserved Inca military complex featuring identifiable residential quarters, baths, aqueducts, walls and watchtowers  

We'll conclude by preparing our luggage and transferring to the trailhead lodge in preparation for tomorrow's trek.

Accommodation : Novotel Cusco (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Simple Meal)

- Reference Hotel Pictures

**Today we will explore the heart of Peru's most beautiful and culturally rich region in the Andes - the Sacred Valley.** We'll visit the ancient Inca ruins of Pisac, renowned for its breathtaking terraces and magnificent valley views. Starting from the main entrance of the Pisac archaeological site, we'll ascend along original stone staircases to the central sector, which showcases the exceptional stonework of the Inca civilization.  

As a site that once served as an important religious, military and agricultural center, we'll discover the main temples, astronomical observatories and storage chambers that demonstrate the Incas' profound understanding of nature and their wisdom in thriving in mountainous environments.  

If time permits, we'll also visit the remarkable Moray terraces, where you'll uncover the microclimate agricultural experiments of the ancient Incas, and explore the nearby famous Maras salt mines. This day serves as altitude acclimatization before our main Salkantay trek adventure.

Accommodation : Pincopata Ecocamp (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Simple Meal); Supper (Home-cooked Cuisine)

- Reference Hotel Pictures

**After breakfast, we'll depart for the beautiful Challacancha, the official starting point of our trek.** Following a final equipment check, we'll embark on our hiking adventure.  

The first segment of our hike (approximately 3 hours) will take us through captivating valleys before arriving at **Soraypampa (3,900m / 12,795ft)**—our campsite for the first night.  

In the afternoon, depending on the group's physical condition, we may opt for a hike to the stunning **Humantay Lake (4,200m)**. This breathtaking turquoise lake is cradled by glaciers, creating a mesmerizing contrast between the vibrant waters and surrounding ice.  

Accommodation : Soray Eco Camp (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Camp Meal); Supper (Camp Meal)

Trekking Distance : 14 kilometers

Trekking Time : 6-7 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : +500/-400 meters

Highest Altitude : 4200 meters

- Reference Hotel Pictures

**At dawn, we'll be awakened by an invigorating cup of coca tea before enjoying a hearty breakfast and embarking on our journey toward the highest point of our trek - the Salkantay Pass (4,630m).**  

This majestic mountain is the second highest peak in the Cusco region and one of the sacred Apus (Inca mountain deities). From this breathtaking vantage point, you'll witness stunning views of Humantay Mountain, Tucarhuay Peak, and the Pumasillo Massif.  

After taking in the spectacular scenery, we'll descend to Huayracmachay for a well-deserved lunch. Then, we'll traverse through mist-shrouded cloud forests as we make our way toward Collpapampa - the gateway to the Amazon rainforest, also known as the "cloud forest."  

Along the way, you'll marvel at the dramatic transformation from Andean highlands to lush rainforest, encountering vibrant landscapes, unique wildlife, and native flora. The temperature here becomes noticeably warmer and more humid.  

There's no need to rush - we'll spend the night at our comfortable Sky Dome Camp, resting peacefully amidst stunning mountain views as we prepare for tomorrow's adventures.  

Accommodation : Wayramachai Ecocamp (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Picnic); Supper (Camp Meal)

Trekking Distance : 23 kilometers

Trekking Time : more than 8 hours

Highest Altitude : 4600 meters

**We will traverse the Santa Teresa Valley on a leisurely hiking journey today.** Unlike previous uphill climbs, today's route primarily follows gentle downhill slopes, allowing you to fully appreciate the lush landscapes featuring rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and various plantations (including banana, coffee, and avocado).  

Along the way, we'll pass through small villages and valleys where you can observe:  
- Cascading waterfalls  
- Tropical birds (with possible sightings of Peru's national bird, the "Cock-of-the-rock")  
- Hot springs  
- Fruit trees  
- Diverse flora and fauna  

Upon reaching Playa Sahuayaco, a vehicle will be waiting to transport us to Santa Teresa. For those interested, you may enjoy a refreshing soak in the natural hot springs.  

We'll then continue to Ollantaytambo to check into our hotel, where you can wash away the day's fatigue and prepare for tomorrow's adventures.  

Accommodation : Hotel Pakaritampu (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Picnic); Supper (Home-cooked Cuisine)

Trekking Distance : 11 kilometers

Trekking Time : 5-6 hours

Highest Altitude : 2900 meters

- Reference Hotel Pictures

We pick you up early in the morning from your hotel and drive you to the train station to board the train that will take us to km. 104 (the starting point of the hike). After crossing the suspension bridge over the Urubamba River we visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba (2,150m / 7,052ft). From here, we will hike upwards for about 8km (approximately 4 hours) and get to the magnificent archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna (2,700m), an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector as well as an urban sector. On the way we will appreciate the vegetation of the forest. After having the box lunch we will continue for about one hour further onto 'Inti Punku' (The 'Sun gate') at 2,730m (8,792ft), from where you will have your first dramatic and impressive view of Machu Picchu (2,430m / 7,972ft). As we are going down, we will take a side path off the trail to take a bus that transports us to Aguas Calientes where you will check into your accommodation.

Accommodation : Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Picnic); Supper (Feature Dinner)

Trekking Distance : 9 kilometers

Trekking Time : 3-4 hours

- Reference Hotel Pictures

After an early breakfast we will take the bus back up to Machu Picchu. A walking tour is given by a guide through the different sectors of this great Inca legacy, considered Cultural Heritage. In the afternoon, we will take a bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then board the train back to Cusco. Level: Moderate Maximum altitude: Inti Punku 9005 feet | 2745 600 m a.s.l. Walking distance: 11 km - 6,83 miles Enjoy a delicious lunch at Cafe Inkaterra.

Accommodation : Novotel Cusco (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Picnic)

Trekking Distance : 9 kilometers

Trekking Time : 3-4 hours

Altitude Gains & Losses : +600/-600 meters

- Reference Hotel Pictures

Pick up from the hotel at 5:00 am to leave towards of Quesoyuni. Visit Japura on the way, a small Andean community and have breakfast there. Hike towards Kairawiri, starting point of the trek to the impressive 7-Colour Mountain. Enjoy the natural spectacle that you have in front as well as the mposing mountains that also fill the landscape with colour. After the visit of between 30 and 45 minutes head down to Kairawiri to have a box lunch. Return by bus to Cusco and transfer to the hotel.

Accommodation : Novotel Cusco (or similar)

Meal : Breakfast; Lunch (Picnic); Supper (Farewell Dinner)

- Reference Hotel Pictures

Enjoy a pleasant transfer from the selected hotel to the airport. A representative will assist you along the way in Cusco.

Accommodation : Own arrangement

Meal : Breakfast