From Cusco to Machupicchu in Peru

Off the beaten Path Salkantay

Price From
799 USD
Duration
8 days
Max People
12
Min Age
14+
Tour Type
   
Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.87 /5
🗓 View 2025 Dates

Trip Summary 8 days

📈 Duration8 days / 7 nights
🏕 Trip styleActive Hiking - Salkantay Trek
🔵 Start PointCusco
🔴 End PointMachupicchu (Trip extensions available)
🌠 HighlightsCusco Historic City Center, Humantay Lagoon, Sakantay Pass, Cocalmayo Hot Springs, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
🚆 TrainMachu Picchu to Ollantaytambo
🚉 TransferAirport transfers in and out in every city. Transfer to Salkantay trek starting point & Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
🏨 AccommodationOne night in Machu Picchu Town
💳 Price for 2025from USD
799
🏣 Trip CodeSALK8D

Peru Trekking Off the beaten path Tour to Machu Picchu

Peru is considered by many the best trekking destination in the world, apart from this, we have a wide variety trekking regions which are still unspoiled where the natural and cultural heritage await, in most of these parts of the trekking, the guest house and lodges are not built, So, the trekking has to be organized in camping style, and you will get to experience the meaning of the trekking in these areas.

Trekking in these remote areas offer an opportunity to get closer to nature and enjoy the pristine beauty of the Andes. Far-flung villages with a variety of different cultures and lifestyles, virgin forests with exotic plants and animals, hidden mountain valleys, rivers and waterfalls are other highlights of this kind of trekking. Some of the trails are rough and steep. The region features an incredible range of landscapes of mountains and glaciers terrain, through scenarios of grazing llamas, alpacas and spectacular vicunas and giant orchid forests can be seen in full blooms during spring.

Our trekking itinerary to this region is well researched, reasonable and tailored. This adventure trip is accompanied by expert guides who are enthusiastic in providing the best adventure experiences with good local knowledge and who share our vision of responsible tourism.

Salcantay Path to Machu Picchu
Salcantay Path to Machu Picchu

8-day Itinerary

8-day Salkantay | Off the beaten path Adventure to Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru8 days / 7 nights
Salkantay 4 days Map
Salkantay 4 days Map

  • Day 1

    Cusco:

    Assistance at your arrival to Velazco Astete Airport (CUZ) and transfer to your Hotel after a quick tour of the beautiful Plaza De Armas. Overnight at your hotel.

    🏨 Hotel
    Day 1 Transfer from Cusco Airport to Hotel
    Day 1 Transfer from Cusco Airport to Hotel

  • Day 2

    Cusco - City Tour:

    You will have a guided city tour which includes a visit to the Cathedral, the Temple of Qoricancha, and the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. You will learn about the Inca culture as well as some aspects of the conquest of the Inca's Empire and the colony. Back at your hotel.

    🍲 Meals included: breakfast🏨 Hotel
    Day 2 Cusco Altitude Acclimatization before the Salkantay Trek
    Day 2 Cusco Altitude Acclimatization before the Salkantay Trek

  • Day 3

    Cusco - Mollepata - Humantay Lake - Soraypampa:

    We will leave from Cusco approximately between 5:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. A bus will take us to the Mollepata district (2900 meters above sea level) where we will arrive approximately at 8:00 in the morning, we will stop for breakfast, last minute supplies, leg-stretching or to use the restrooms. We will continue to our trek starting point, Soraypampa (3850 meters above sea level). We will meet with our support staff, load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 9:00 a.m., we will begin our walk toward Humantay Lake. On our way we will have a beautiful view of the majestic Salkantay, other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River. About 1:00p.m., we will have a traditional Peruvian lunch in Soraypampa. After lunch, we will walk to the campsite in SalkantayPampa at 4000 meters above sea level. We will have time to head to the Salkantay lookup point to watch the sunset. Then back to the campsite for snacks and dinner.

    🍲 Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner📍 Distance covered: 13 Km.⏳ Trekking time: 5 hours📈 Height gain: +200m🏨 Marmot Tents
    Day 3 from Cusco to Mollepata trailhead, Humantay Lagoon hike
    Day 3 from Cusco to Mollepata trailhead, Humantay Lagoon hike

  • Day 4

    Soraypampa - Wayramachay - Chaullay:

    Today, nature will change drastically from dry sceneries to snowy peaks and tropical areas. After a nutritious breakfast, we will start the most difficult part of the trek. We will start the hike around 6:30 in the morning. We will hike for about three hours, gradually ascending, until reaching the highest point (4600 meters above sea level). 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. On our way down we will visit the amazing 'intense blue' Salkantay Lake. Around 1:00 p.m., we will have our lunch, in the area called Wayramachay. After a trek of approximately 3 hours, we will arrive to our camp in Chaullay (2920 meters above sea level). Around 7:00 p.m., we will recuperate from the trek and eat dinner.

    🍲 Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner📍 Distance covered: 20 Km.⏳ Trekking time: 8 hours📈 Height gain: +630m📉 Descent: -1710m🏨 Marmot Tents
    Day 4 Soraypampa to Chaullay via Salkantay Pass at 4600 masl
    Day 4 Soraypampa to Chaullay via Salkantay Pass at 4600 masl

  • Day 5

    Chaullay - Playa Sahuayaco - Santa Teresa Hot Springs:

    Around 7:30a.m., we will start our trek. We will walk for about 5 hours toward Playa Sahuayaco and 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 observe the famous bird called the 'Rooster of the Rocks'. At 12:00 p.m. a local bus will take us to Santa Teresa Hot Springs, where we will have lunch. You will enjoy and relax at the hot pools in the afternoon. Around 7:00p.m., we will have dinner and camping in Santa Teresa.

    🍲 Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner📍 Distance covered: 16 Km.⏳ Trekking time: 5 hours📉 Descent: -1370m🏨 Marmot Tents
    Day 5 Chaullay to Sahuayaco. Continue to Santa Teresa with Cocalmayo Hot Springs
    Day 5 Chaullay to Sahuayaco. Continue to Santa Teresa with Cocalmayo Hot Springs

  • Day 6

    Santa Teresa - Hydroelectric - Machu Picchu Pueblo:

    After an early breakfast, we will take a local transportation to Lucmabamba. Once at the Llactapata entrance, you will start an ascent hike towards the ruins of Llactapata. On the way you will observe coffee plantations, beautiful landscapes as well as diverse flora and fauna. After three hours, you will arrive at Llactapata where you will have an amazing view of Machu Picchu. Here you will have time to rest and enjoy the scenery. A descending trail will take you to the Hydroelectric where you will eat lunch. The last part of the trek, an approximately 3 hours walk, takes us to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). Upon arrival, you will be accommodated at the hostel or hotel of your choice (included on this package). You will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant at about 7:00p.m.

    🍲 Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner📍 Distance covered: 22 Km.⏳ Trekking time: 8 hours📈 Height gain: +490m🏨 Hotel
    Day 6 Santa Teresa to Machu Picchu Pueblo via Hydroelectric Station
    Day 6 Santa Teresa to Machu Picchu Pueblo via Hydroelectric Station

  • Day 7

    Machupicchu - Cusco:

    Today, you will start early at around 4:30a.m. to take the bus to Machu Picchu. In Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour for about two hours. You will be free to explore the Citadel and take more pictures after the guided tour, if you desire, walk up to the Sun Gate or ascent toward Huayna Picchu Mountain (you will need a reservation to access Huayna Picchu). At your convenience walk back down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) and catch the train to Ollantaytambo later on (Normally at 6:20 pm. unless you request a different one). From there, a bus will drive you to Cusco.

    🍲 Meals included: Breakfast⏳ 2 hours Machu Picchu Tour🏨 Hotel
    Day 7 Machu Picchu Tour. Back to Cusco via Bimodal Train+Bus service.
    Day 7 Machu Picchu Tour. Back to Cusco via Bimodal Train+Bus service.

  • Day 8

    Cusco:

    Morning transfer to the airport for the return flight to Lima. This marks the end of our services. Trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Lima or Cusco can be arranged.

    🍲 Meals included: Breakfast⏳ 2 hours Machu Picchu Tour
    Day 8 Cusco transfer to CUZ airport
    Day 8 Cusco transfer to CUZ airport

Salkantay 8 days Inclusions

  • Transportation
  • Pick up from the hotel
  • Transportation Cusco - Challacancha (trek starting point)
  • Transportation to Santa Teresa hot springs
  • Consettur Bus ticket Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu up and down
  • Train ticket Aguas Calientes / Ollantaytambo (Train upgrade available upon request)
  • Transfer Ollantaytambo train station to downtown Cusco (Bimodal service)
  • Horses and authorized mules to carry the tents and cooking equipment
  • Accommodation
  • Clean towel every morning and hot water for hygiene
  • Aguas Calientes accomodation in double or triple rooms
  • 3 Hotel nights in Cusco
  • 1 Hotel night in Machu Picchu Town
  • Personal pad (double foam)
  • Four Season Marmot Tents
  • Dining Tent, kitchen utensils
  • Meals
  • Cold boiled water to refill your bottle in the morning
  • 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Tea time during the journey
  • Vegetarian or vegan food available upon request with no extra charge.
  • Expert Support Team
  • Briefing / Informative presentation prior to the Salkantay Trek
  • English/Spanish-speaking professional guide
  • Mountain Cheff (Experienced cook) and cooking equipment
  • Personal Travel Advisor assigned for you to customize the rest of your Peru Trip
  • Safety equipment, radio transmitter
  • First aid kit and oxygen bottle
  • Activities, Weight & Tickets
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket
  • Guided visit to Machu Picchu
  • Salkantay Trail ticket
  • Group Guided visit to the Sacred Valley
  • Cusco group city tour including Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, PukaPukara and Tambomachay
  • Cusco Full Boleto Turistico Pass, gives you access to 16 archaeological sites around Cusco
  • Santa Teresa Hot Springs ticket
  • Duffel Service during the trek: 7 Kilograms or 16 pounds
  • First Aid equipment
  • Emergency Oxygen Bottle
  • Important
  • Horses and mules will carry the heavy gear (tents, cooking equipment, food, etc). If you are considering bringing some photography equipment or other heavy accessories, or just simply don't want to carry anything, please request additional Duffel Service to carry up to 10kg per load, this way you will freely enjoy the hike. (This is highly recommended if you have never hiked over 10000 feet). Cooks handle all the kitchen chores.
  • Not Included:
  • Air flights (International or Domestic)
  • Special ticket to HuaynaPicchu
  • Accommodation in Cusco
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Tips and gratuities.
  • Optionals:
  • Additional Duffel Service (up to 10 kg.): USD 70.00
  • Sleeping Bag rental USD $25.00. All sleeping bags are laundered between each trek. Please request this rental in advance.
NOTE: We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons we may be forced to offer substitutes of same category. We will endeavour to confirm final hotel bookings as soon as possible.

Salkantay 8-day Testimonials

Michael L

Brisbane, Australia

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The 8-day Salkantay Trek was perfect, we wanted proper acclimatization without spending too many days in Cusco. Those first two days exploring the city and Sacred Valley were fascinating in their own right and prepared us well for the trek. The camping was much more comfortable than I expected, and our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about Inca history and local ecology. The pace felt just right, challenging but never exhausting. Getting into Machu Picchu early before the crowds was magical. Highly recommend the 8-day tour.

Anika P

Chicago, USA

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As a solo female traveler, I was looking for a trek that was both adventurous and well-supported. The 8-day Salkantay package delivered perfectly. The acclimatization time in Cusco helped me adjust and meet some of my fellow trekkers before setting off. Our small group of eight bonded quickly, and our guide ensured everyone hiked at a comfortable pace. The camping was surprisingly comfortable, and I never felt rushed at important viewpoints. This trek offers the perfect balance of challenge, comfort, and cultural immersion.

Jennifer E

Miami, Florida

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We traveled to Peru with our two children to complete the Salkantay Trek in August. The guides were wonderful and the food was great! Our bags were transported from campsite to campsite by horses and always arrived on time and in excellent condition. The weather was perfect and we met lots of new friends from all over the world. The local people were all friendly and smiling and we always felt safe. Upon completion of the trek, we had a wonderful dinner together and celebrated our accomplishment. The hotel accommodations on each end of the trip were excellent and all buses, tours, & transportation that were arranged for us went smoothly.

Henrik and Lise J

Copenhagen, Denmark

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We chose the 8-day Salkantay Trek for our 30th anniversary, wanting something adventurous but not overly strenuous at ages 55 and 58. The cultural tours in Cusco were great, and the gradual start prevented altitude problems. On the trek itself, we appreciated the reasonable daily distances. The camp setup was impressive with good meals. Watching the sunrise illuminate Machu Picchu after days of trekking was profoundly moving. For travelers who want a genuine mountain experience, this 8-day package has the perfect balance.

Ben Y

Austin, USA

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We had a great vacation with our family in August. Our children are 14 and 16 years old and they did well but it is a very strenuous adventure. You need to be in excellent shape. Guides were both terrific and really interacted and energized our team. The food was good and we had perfect weather. This is truly an adventure of a lifetime. Also, we learned a lot about the area and history of Machu Picchu. I think that if you love to hike and push your limits then this trip is for you, but be prepared to get up early and hike all day. Thanks for the amazing experience and would definitely recommend.

Common Questions About the 8-day Salkantay | Off the beaten path Adventure to Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru .

Our 8day package offers optimal acclimatization for high-altitude trekking success. You'll begin with two full days in Cusco (3,400m) before your trek, critical time allowing your body to adapt gradually to the elevation while exploring incredible Inca and colonial heritage. This pace significantly reduces altitude sickness risk when you reach Salkantay Pass (4,600m). After completing your adventure, you'll return for one final night in Cusco to rest and celebrate. This gradual approach maximizes both safety and enjoyment for most trekkers in high altitude environments.

The included half-day city tour explores the magnificent Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), the imposing Cusco Cathedral, and the stonework at Sacsayhuaman fortress. We provide recommendations for visiting the San Pedro Market, exploring museums like the Pre-Columbian Art Museum or Chocolate Museum, and experiencing authentic Andean cuisine at traditional picanterías. Many travelers enjoy visiting textile alpaca farms where ancient weaving techniques are preserved, or attending cultural performances featuring traditional music and dance. We can arrange optional excursions to nearby archaeological sites like Tipon or Pikillacta for those seeking deeper archaeological insights beyond the main attractions.

In Cusco, enjoy three nights (two before, one after trekking) at our partner hotels in the historic center, with comfortable beds, private bathrooms with hot water, free WiFi, and daily breakfast. During your trek, experience three nights camping with quality 4-season Marmot tents, thick air sleeping mats, and a communal dining tent where your chef serves fresh, delicious meals. In Aguas Calientes, stay at a comfortable hotel featuring hot showers, proper beds, and modern amenities.

The experience begins and ends with private airport transfers in Cusco, meeting you upon arrival to Cusco Airport and ensuring timely departure regardless of your flight schedule. During your Cusco stay, the included city tour provides comfortable transportation between major sites. The trek portion features private transport from Cusco to the Challacancha trailhead, and the spectacular train journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo after your Machu Picchu visit. We then provide final transport back to Cusco via Bimodal service. All vehicles are well-maintained, drivers are professional and experienced.

Your 8-day journey offers an exceptional culinary progression from urban cuisine to mountain gastronomy. In Cusco, daily hotel breakfasts feature both international options and local specialties like quinoa pancakes and native fruits. On the trek, our mountain chef creates delicious meals. Diet restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) are happily accommodated when specified during booking. Upon returning to Cusco, celebrate your accomplishment at renowned restaurants where innovative chefs blend traditional ingredients with modern techniques.

This 8-day adventure traverses diverse ecosystems offering unique wildlife encounters. In Cusco's high-altitude environment (3,400m), watch for Andean sparrows, and perhaps caracaras. As your trek continues in the alpine puna grasslands, spot wild chinchillas, vizcachas (resembling rabbits), and possibly Andean condors soaring overhead. The journey's highlight happens as you descend from Salkantay Pass through distinct microclimates, transitioning to cloud forest where spectacled bears (extremely rare but possible), colorful hummingbirds, and over 300 orchid species thrive in the misty environment. Further down in Santa Teresa's semi-tropical zone, encounter blue butterflies, tanagers, and exotic bromeliads. This natural progression culminates in Machu Picchu's unique ecosystem.

For trek comfort, consider adding a sleeping bag rental, professional trekking poles, or a personal duffel service to carry your belongings. Many travelers upgrade their Machu Picchu experience by adding permits for Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain for spectacular panoramic views from above the citadel. In Cusco, enhance your adventure with our full-day Sacred Valley tour exploring Pisac's terraces and indigenous market, Ollantaytambo's living Inca town, and optional visits to Moray's agricultural terraces and Maras salt mines.

Our 8-day package incorporates sustainability practices throughout your journey. In Cusco, we partner with hotels implementing water conservation systems, energy-efficient lighting, and waste reduction programs. During your trek, we strictly adhere to Leave No Trace principles, carrying out all waste (including compostable materials), using biodegradable soaps/detergents, and staying exclusively on established trails to prevent erosion. We limit group sizes to minimize ecological footprints and support local communities by employing area residents as muleteers, cooks, and guides, all receiving fair wages exceeding regional standards. We actively contribute to conservation initiatives including trail maintenance and reforestation projects near Salkantay. As responsible tourism pioneers in the region, we believe environmental protection and authentic cultural experiences go hand-in-hand to preserve these landscapes for future generations.

Machu Picchu Tour 8 Days
Machu Picchu Tour 8 Days

2025 Package Price

Off the beaten Path Salkantay

$ 839

💲799

Per adult double occupancy

🗓 View Dates

Machu Picchu ticket included

Discount for Students :

USD $30

Salkantay 8-day Calendar

    ✅Available

    ⭐ Available from ＄799

    ❌Not Available

    - Not available - dates can be opened for parties of 3 or more, please contact us for details

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