The Best of the Andes — 12 Days

DAY 1 · Arrive in Cusco · Inka Museum & Qoricancha

Arrive in Cusco · Inka Museum & Qoricancha

With a warm welcome to Cusco, we are excited to welcome you at the airport and be ready to assist you in your transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day will be devoted to rest and adapt to the altitude. Remember! Cusco is located at 3,350 meters / 10,990 feet.

We know that it is important for you to enjoy your trips to the fullest, so this day we will dedicate you to acclimating yourself before starting all your trips in Cusco , we recommend you take short walks on your own, the Cusco city has impressive streets and places that can catch your eye.

DAY 2 · Chinchero - Moray - Maras

Chinchero - Moray - Maras

In the morning we will move to Chinchero , known as the village of the rainbow, home of the archaeological remains of the royal palace of the Inka Tupac Inca Yupanqui. Here we will admire the Inca walls well preserved in the main square with many altars. We will also visit the beautiful colonial church, unique for its works of art and imagery. Continuing, we will participate in a wonderful introduction to the art of Andean fabrics; throughout the afternoon we will familiarize ourselves with the wisdom of Andean fabrics , as they have maintained since long before Inca times.

In the afternoon we will visit Moray , an old construction designed for agricultural research, with different crops in different altitudinal ranges. Here the many concentric "rings" of the platforms (cultivation terraces) produce a fine micro-climate gradient; the heat of the lower central ring slowly dissipates as the rings ascend outwards, creating temperature reduction to the ground level standard.

DAY 3 · Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa

Cusco - Mollepata - Soraypampa

On this wonderful day, we will start picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:00 am. The journey by transport takes approximately 2 hours to Mollepata (2,900 meters / 9,514 feet), at this point you can buy snacks or items you need.

Then we will head towards Challacancha (3,600 masl/ 11,500 ft), where the Salkantay Trek begins. From here we will walk to Soraypampa (3,900 meters / 12,795 feet), where we will wait for a rich lunch and take advantage of a short break.

After that, we will continue the hike to the Humantay Lake (4,200 meters / 13,779 feet). The hike lasts approximately 3 hours.

At the end, we will return to our campsite, where a delicious dinner awaits us.

DAY 4 · Soraypampa - Chaullay

Soraypampa - Chaullay

This day will be great and the most challenging, as we'll ascend to the highest point of the route, the Abra Salkantay (4,630 masl).

The hike starts early in the morning, we will walk to Salkantaypampa (4,100 masl / 13,451 ft). From here, we will ascend to the Abra Salkantay

At the top of Abra Salkantay (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), we will have a breathtaking view of the Vilcanota Range and the snowy Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft). Then, we will descend to Wayraqmachay (3,912 meters / 12,834 feet), where a delicious lunch awaits us.

After lunch, we will continue walking for about 3 hours to Chaullay (2,920 masl / 9,514 ft), where we will spend the night and wait for a delicious dinner.

DAY 5 · Chaullay - La Playa - Lucmabamba

Chaullay - La Playa - Lucmabamba

Ready? This day we will start with a nutritious breakfast to recharge our energy for a walk of approximately 5 hours towards Sahuayaco Beach (2,064 masl / 6,771 ft). The road is impressive, with waterfalls, fruit trees, and different species of birds such as the famous " Gallito de las rocas "

Upon arrival at Sahuayaco Beach, we will enjoy a lunch provided by our team of Inkayni Peru Tours. Then, we will continue walking for a few hours until we reach Lucmabamba (2,000 meters / 6,561 feet). This will be the point of our camp for the evening and we will also be waiting for a delicious dinner.

DAY 6 · Lucmabamba - Llactapata -Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes

Lucmabamba - Llactapata -Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes

This will be our penultimate day on the Salkantay Trek tour and the last day of hiking; we will start this day very early with an energetic breakfast. Then, you will walk to the LLaqtapata archaeological site (2,702 meters / 8,858 feet), and you'll see a brief view of Machu Picchu.

After LLaqtapata, we will descend to the hydroelectric area (1,890 meters / 6,200 feet). Here, they will pause briefly to hydrate. Then, you will continue walking to the village of Aguas Calientes (2,050 meters / 6,571 feet), where you will spend the night.

The trekking is about 6 hours and is characterized by its natural beauty. The group will walk along the train tracks, accompanied by the Vilcanota River and the local flora and fauna.

Once we get to Aguas Calientes, you can settle into your hotel and have dinner together in one of the best restaurants in the area.

DAY 7 · Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

On the fifth and last day of the Salkantay Trek, this day we will visit Machu Picchu. We recommend getting up early to avoid crowds and enjoy the sunrise.

When arriving in Machupicchu (2,400 meters / 7,873 feet), you must present the entrance ticket and your passport. Our guide will take you to the most important places of the citadel, such as temples and altars. The visit will last approximately 2 hours.

After the visit, travelers can choose to board Huayna Picchu . For this, an additional ticket is needed. The hike to the top takes about an hour and a half and offers a spectacular view of Machu Picchu.

In the afternoon, travelers will return to Aguas Calientes by bus. From there, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo (2,700 meters / 8,858 feet) and then a bus to Cusco City (3,350 meters / 8,792 feet).

Note: If you wish to visit Huayna Picchu it is necessary to purchase another ticket, for which you will be charged an additional fee, consult with our agents of Inkayni Peru Tours.

DAY 8 · Free Day

Free Day

Start this day with peace of mind; it will be a day of relaxation. Cusco city offers interesting places to explore, such as 7 Borreguitos Street , famous for being one of the most Instagrameables, or the restaurants near the Plaza de Armas, where you can enjoy delicious food.

If you are looking for an extra activity to your day, we have rides available that you can purchase through our Inkayni Peru Tours agents. Thus, you can make the most of your time in this fascinating city.

DAY 9 · Departure To Puno

Departure To Puno

We start this day with a rich breakfast and pick it up to take you to the bus terminal to check in your boarding ticket and luggage. The first stop of this exciting journey is at the church of Andahuaylillas (3,121 m/10,240 ft). This 17th-century church is known as the Sistine Chapel of America due to its impressive murals.

After about 1 hour and a half trip, we will arrive at Raqchi (3,502 m/11,489 ft), a religious center in the Inca period. Continuing the tour, in Sicuani, we will enjoy a delicious lunch.

Then, we will continue our journey towards the Paso de la Raya (4,338 m / 14,232 ft). From here, we can admire the famous snowy Chimboya, the birthplace of the Amazon River.

Afterward, we will visit the Lithic Museum of Pukara (3,910 m/12,828 feet), where you can see zoomorphic figures and take pictures.

Finally, we will arrive in Puno around 5:00 p.m., and then you will be transferred to your hotel.

DAY 10 · Uros - Amantani Island

Uros - Amantani Island

Today's mission is to visit one of the largest and most navigable lagoons and its inhabitants. We will start sailing through the Lake Titicaca. The first stop will take us to the famous Uros Floating Islands (3,812 m/12,506 ft).

Here, we will be welcomed with a warm welcome by the local inhabitants, who will share their fascinating way of life and their ancestral knowledge about the construction of these islands made of totora, a type of reed that grows in the lake.

Our next stop will take us to the charming Amantani Island (4,150 m/13,615 ft), where we will be welcomed with a delicious traditional lunch. After that, we can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Titicaca and its surroundings.

In the evening, our hosts from Amantani will welcome us with a small party. We will taste dinner and then we can participate in traditional dances and learn more about their ancestral customs.

DAY 11 · Taquile - Puno

Taquile - Puno

We will start this day with a delicious breakfast in Amantani before visiting Taquile Island (3,950 m / 12,959 ft), famous worldwide for its outstanding textile tradition and its ancestral art in the creation. This island has been recognized for its unique skill in the manufacture of high-quality textiles by UNESCO.

After exploring Taquile, we will return to Puno by boat. During this journey, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and appreciate its unique natural beauty. Upon arrival in Puno , we will take you back to your hotel after a day full of adventures this lake can offer us.

DAY 12 · Puno · Juliaca Airport

Puno · Juliaca Airport

After enjoying your trip these days, you will have the morning off in Puno, so you can relax, explore the city on your own, or take an optional tour.

On the other hand, we will be watching your flight schedule to be able to transfer it and give a warm farewell thus ending our services.