The best of the Andes: Cusco & Salkantay, Trek to Machu Picchu and Puno

12 Day with the best of the Andes: Cusco & Salkantay, Trek to Machu Picchu and Puno

Cusco Machu Picchu Puno – Salkantay trek Peru & Floating Islands of Uros, amazing 12 Days. There is only one place in the world that has it all, magic, history, nature, and culture; four elements that forge the spirit of the earth of the sun. Certainly, a land where gods are hidden in mountains and stones, where the sons of the sun are dressed with gold and mortals with scissor hands dance for whole days, a millenary culture chosen by gods.

Above all, arrive at the enigmatic city of Machu Picchu through the Salkantay Trek, traversing across magnificent mountain passes. Likewise, enjoying enormous and mystical snow-capped peaks, seeing nature in its purest form, and exploring more than 15 different ecosystems that we have in this area from beginning to end. Similarly, navigate Lake Titicaca Peru through the floating inhabited islands of the Uros and the island of Taquile. As a result, Discover the magic that enshrouds the Andes and their cultures.

DAY 1: CUSCO NAVEL OF THE WORLD – MUSEO INKA Y QORICANCHA 

Firstly, shuttle from the airport to the hotel. So, the rest of the morning will be reserved for resting to adapt to the altitude, approximately 3400 meters (11,000 feet). Then, in the afternoon we will visit the Inka Museum, home of thousands of years of Andean culture. Here we will become more familiar with the origins and beginnings of Andean civilizations.

Continuing with the tour, we will move onto the temple of Qoricancha Cusco, the famous Sun Temple of Qosqo. During, its construction they had already achieved the greatest advances of their time, and this temple may have been the exact representation of the center, or “Navel of the World”. Therefore the center of the world, as dictated by the pre-hispanic Andean cosmovision.

• Lodging: Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

DAY 2: CHINCHERO (TEXTILE INTERPRETATION CENTER)- MORAY – MARAS (SALT MINES)

We will pick you up from your hotel around 8 AM and head to Moray. The drive is about 1 hour and 20 minutes and is absolutely beautiful. You will drive through the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, through lush yellow fields of wheat, and past some villages.

Finally, we arrive to the fascinating display of terraces in Moray. Moray boasts three amphitheater-like terraces made by the Incas. These terraces, which are carved deep into the earth in a bowl shape, were thought to be used to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops.

After that, in village Maras, we visit a former salt-producing center that is thought to date back all the way to pre-Inca times. Therefore, there are over 3000 salt pools all carved into the mountainside, being filled daily by a little stream of water.

The last place to visit will be Chinchero. Here we can admire the well-preserved Inka walls of the main square as well as the many altars. Moving on we will participate in a wonderful introduction and learning experience to the art of Andean textiles.

• Lodging: Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

DAY 3 TO 7: 5 DAY SALKANTAY TREKKING – Best of the Andes

DAY 3 FIRST DAY TREK: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA (L)(D)

Firstly, we will leave from Cusco approximately between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. A bus will take us to the town of Mollepata (2900 meters above sea level). Then, we will arrive around 8:00 am, we will stop for last-minute supplies, leg-stretching, or to use the restrooms. We will continue to our trek starting point, Sayapata.

Consequently, we will meet with our support staff, and they will load the equipment on horses and mules. So, around 9:00 am we will begin our walk toward Soraypampa (3850 meters above sea level). During the trip, we will have panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay, other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River. Then, around 1:00 pm, we will have a Peruvian lunch. After that, we will continue hiking toward Humantay Lake for 3 hours approximately. Absolutely, this is a beautiful lake in the heart of the mountains. Finally, we will come back to our camp where the tents will be ready for you as well as your dinner.

• Lodging: Campsite in Soraypampa

DAY 4: SECOND DAY TREK: SORAYPAMPA – CHALLWAY (B)(L)(D)

Today, nature will change drastically from dry sceneries to snowy peaks and tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, we will start the most challenging part of the trek. Subsequently, we will start the hike around 7:00 in the morning. We will hike to a place called SalkantayPampa. Then, go toward the left side of the snowy peaks of Humantay located next to the Apu Salkantay. At midday, we will be on the highest point ( 4600 meters above sea level) Salcantay pass.

Certainly, we will appreciate spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay (6264 meters above sea level), which is known as the second-highest point of the Cusco region. Then, we will have our lunch in the area called Huayracmachay. After a trek of approximately 3 hours, we will arrive at our camp in Challway (2920 meters above sea level). Finally, around 7:00 p.m, we will recuperate from the trek and eat dinner.

• Lodging: Campsite in Challway

DAY 5: THIRD DAY TREK: CHALLWAY – LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA (B)(L)(D)

Firstly, we will start our trek at 7:00 am, and we will enjoy the beautiful sunrise. Consequently, we walk for about 5 hours toward Playa Sahuayaco. During this period, we will observe a town called Collpabamba, also called the “Forest Cloudy Brow,” where waterfalls, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. If we are lucky, we will be able to find the famous bird called the “Cock of the Rocks‘ — the national bird of Peru Once. Likewise, at Playa Sahuayaco we’ll have lunch. After that, we are going to hike a couple of hours more to get to Lucmabamba, which is our last campsite, and also the beginning of the Inca trail of Llactapata.

• Lodging: Campside in Lucmabamba

DAY 6: FOURTH DAY TREK: LUCMABAMBA – LLAPTAPATA -HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES (16KM , HOURS 9)

Firstly, at around 8.00 am we will gradually hike up for about 2 hours to finally get to LlactaPata, a beautiful archeological site that has connections to the Inca sites Machupicchu and Sayacmarka. So, we will have plenty of time to explore this nice Inca site. Then, start our descent to HidroElectrica (power plant) which will take us about 1 ½ hours. Certainly, a pleasant 3 hours walk will bring us to Aguas Calientes where we will stay in a hotel for the night. After having stored our baggage we will go out and have dinner together in one of the many restaurants.

• Lodging: Aguas Calientes Golden Sunrise Hotel*** or similar.

DAY 7: FIFTH DAY TREK: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (B)

This last day starts very early. We will wake you up at around 5.00 am to have our breakfast. Then, we’ll take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. There are two good reasons to be at the entrance of Machu Picchu very early:

1. It is well worth the effort to get up early, we’ll find the Inca city quiet.  You will have plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the sunrise in Machu Picchu.

2. Our guide will give you a tour around Machu Picchu telling you about the history of Machu Picchu and the most important temples and altars. After that, if you still have plenty of energy you should climb Huayna Picchu Mountain. This is the steep mountain dominating the background of Machu Picchu.

Usually, we take the bus at around 1:00 pm. The bus ride takes around 25 minutes and your guides will give you the ticket. Make sure that, before you leave Machu Picchu by bus, the guides give you the time and location of the restaurant where the group meets in Aguas Calientes. Finally, you will get your train and bus tickets back to Cusco in the restaurant in Aguas Calientes.

• Lodging: Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

DAY 8: FREE DAY

Likewise, free day to explore the old capital of the Inca Empire, the legendary navel of the world. For example, Colonial churches, multiple parks, and squares, and colonial mansions were built atop perfectly constructed original Inca walls. Also, artesian stores are full of souvenirs of all kinds – weavings, jewelry, stonework, and more! And of course, local restaurants with the best of Andean cuisine!

• Lodging: Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

DAY 9: DEPARTURE TO PUNO (ROUTE OF THE SUN) (L)

We will depart from the bus terminal and head towards Puno. Certainly, this special journey by bus allows us to visit the many diverse locations along the way on the route of the sun. So, there will be planned stops to visit the following:

Andahuaylillas (the Sistine Chapel of the Americas; this temple is one of the best examples of the fusion between Catholic and Andean religions)

Raqchi: A Inka temple dedicated to the god Wiracocha. This is the only known temple dedicated to the God Wiracocha, creator of the Universe.

La Raya: Midway point on our journey and the highest point on the road – 4335 m.s.n.m. The impressive views here allow us to admire the rugged high altitude. This is the geographic border between two cultures, the Quechua of Cusco and the Aymara of Puno.

Pucara: This ceremonial center is one of the oldest and most important of the high plains, well known for its lithic structures and tombs.

• Lodging: Puno Qalasaya Hotel*** or similar.

DAY 10: UROS (FLOATING ISLANDS) – AMANTANI ISLAND (L) (D)

A full day of boat excursion afloat Lake Titicaca tour. Firstly, we will visit the ancient culture of the Uros and step foot on their floating islands. So, the islanders will give us a presentation about their lifestyle on their man-made islands. Certainly, built using the totora reed which grows among the shores of the lake. We will learn about their existence on these small islands and how they have adapted to their conditions.

After that, we will arrive to the island of Amantani. Here we will meet the Quechua families that will offer us a cosy homestay style lodging and prepare us traditional food for lunch. Then, we will make the short ascent to the two hilltops of the island while observing the daily lifestyle of the local people. From this point, we will visit two ancient pre-Inka temples, Pachatata and Pachamama (father & mother cosmos). Finally, in the evening after dinner, the community members will hold a small welcoming party for us.

• Lodging: Amantani (HOME STAY)

DAY 11: TAQUILE – PUNO

After breakfast on Amantani, we will board the boat again to make the short trip to the neighboring island of Taquile. So, here we will ascend the beautiful stone paths to the community, a small and quite shy population. However, not to mention very hard-working and wise, a culture full of art and tradition. Also, Taquiles’ people are cheerful and proud of their origin and culture, happy to share with us the beautiful atmosphere of island life upon the immense lake Titicaca Peru.

• Lodging: Puno Qalasaya Hotel*** or similar.

DAY 12: PUNO – JULIACA – FINISH THE TOUR

Finally, a brief transfer from Puno to the neighboring city of Juliaca (End the tour).

INCLUDES THE CUSCO MACHU PICCHU PUNO TOUR PACKAGE:

• 7 night’s accommodations in. (05 nights 03 stars hotels, Cusco and Machupicchu, 02 nights in 03-star hotel “Puno”)
• 01 night Homestay in Amantani.
• 11 breakfasts are included in the accommodations.
• Bus to Puno (Route of the sun).
• Tours to Uros, Amantani, Taquile Islands (Puno).
• Tour leader during the whole trip.
• All transfers.
• Transportation.
• All tours.
• Professional English Speaking Tour Guide.
• All entrances.
• 2 Dinner (01 Buffet dinner, 01 homestay dinner).
• 2 Lunch (01 Buffet Lunch, 01 homestay Lunch).

INCLUDES FOR THE SALKANTAY TREK PERU:

• Professional English Speaking Tour Guide.
• Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+.
• Chef.
• Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment.
• Mules to carry cooking your personal items for 07kg.
• Pick-up and transportation from your hotel to the start of the trail.
• Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own).
• 04 Breakfasts, 04 Lunches, 04 Afternoon Snacks, and 04 Dinners.
• Dining tent with tables and chairs.
• 04-man tent for every 02 trekkers.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes, Day 04.
• Inflatable mattress.
• Oxygen bottle.
• First aid kit.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu.
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (round trip)
• Train ticket Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo
• transportation Ollantaytambo-Cusco.

NOT INCLUDED:

• International and Intra flights.
• Meals where are not stated
• Gratitudes
• Huayna Picchu entrance fee. Extra US$85.
• Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us for US$25).
• Single Supplement US$450 (solo travelers)
• Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
• Last lunch at Aguas Calientes.(During the Trek)
• Meals where are not stated as included.
• Gratitude or tips for your crew (cooks, horse herders, guides)

WHAT TO BRING:

• Original Passport
• Current University Card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
• Walking boots
• A waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts
• Comfortable Trousers
• Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
• Insect repellant
• Toiletries and hand sanitizer
• Personal medication
• Camera and film
• Torch with spare batteries

Extra Services for the Tour Package