The Cruzjasa Pass, where you’ll also get stunning views of Apu Salkantay mountain.
The Cruzjasa Pass, where you’ll also get stunning views of Apu Salkantay mountain.
Blue skies overhead as we trek the iconic Salkantay Trail
The Salkantay Trail offers stunning scenery and a more authentic experience of the Peruvian Andes.

Hidden Valleys of Salkantay to Machu Picchu

A remote Salkantay trek ending with your Sun Gate arrival at Machu Picchu.

12 Days from

$3620 USD

Trip Code: SVP
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement
$580 USD

Duration

  • 12 Days

Activities

  • 5 Days Trek
  • Day Tours

Accommodation

  • 8 nights in comfortable hotels
  • 3 nights fully supported camping

Meals

  • 4 Dinners
  • 8 Lunches
  • 11 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

6 / 10

Moderate to Challenging

Carbon Footprint  

39kg of CO2-e PP per day

(425kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Two visits to Machu Picchu, arriving through the Sun Gate for your first unforgettable glimpse, then returning the next day for a guided exploration of the ancient Inca citadel
  • Trek the hidden valleys of Salkantay - a quieter, crowd-free route with breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks and dramatic Andean landscapes
  • Spend a day with the Huama mountain community, where traditional farming and weaving are still part of daily life, and share in the hospitality of the Andes
  • Explore colourful markets and the ruins of citadels, terraced hillsides and ceremonial structures, in Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Pumamarca in the Sacred Valley
  • Visit the Ensifera Sanctuary, a conservation project in the Sacred Valley dedicated to protecting hummingbirds and learn how local efforts safeguard their habitat

Overview

Journey deep into the Sacred Valley and beyond on this guided 12 day group adventure that combines Peru’s rich culture with one of its most spectacular treks. Begin in Lima and Cusco before heading into the Sacred Valley, where you’ll meet weaving communities, visit local markets and explore lesser-known Inca sites. Along the way you’ll share meals with villagers, visit a hummingbird sanctuary and walk through terraced landscapes that reveal the legacy of the Incas.

The highlight is five days trekking the Hidden Valleys of Salkantay, far from the usual crowds. With expert guides leading the way and fully supported camping, where you carry only your day pack, you’ll cross high passes with breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks like Salkantay and Humantay, descend into remote valleys dotted with small farmsteads, and camp under immense Andean skies. Each day offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural encounters and little-visited Inca ruins, before the trail delivers you to the Sun Gate and your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu.

This is the best of Peru in one group journey: remote trails, rich culture and ancient history, leading you all the way to that unforgettable first glimpse of Machu Picchu.

Itinerary

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Arrival at Lima airport where you will be met by a representative and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Casa Andina Standard Benavides or similar

Meals: Nil

After an early morning hotel breakfast, transfer to Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco. On arrival, meet your local guide and commence the journey to the Sacred Valley. En route, stop at Awanacancha, a cultural project and “living museum” where weavers from nearby Andean communities showcase their traditional textile work. You'll learn about the natural fibres used in Andean weaving, including wool from Huacaya and Suri alpacas. Continue to the rural village of Pisac. A scenic 45-minute drive into the Andean highlands offers sweeping views of the valley and surrounding farmland. Explore the Pisac archaeological site, a remarkable Inca citadel perched high above the valley. Although its original purpose remains unclear, the site features impressive stonework and terraces. Afterwards, descend into the village to experience its colourful open-air market, a lively hub of artisan goods and Andean street food such as choclo con queso (corn with cheese). Overnight at Hotel Amaru Valle or similar in the Sacred Valley.

Meals: B,L

Today we travel to the Andean mountain community of Huama to participate in the La Base Lamay Project, a local initiative that supports sustainable community development. Upon arrival, we’ll be welcomed by the villagers and invited to take part in their daily routines and cultural traditions. Join a faena agrícola (community work day), a shared agricultural effort where we work alongside local families using traditional farming techniques. Crops such as corn, potatoes, quinoa, tarwi, beans and legumes are cultivated using methods passed down through generations. After the morning’s activities, enjoy a traditional lunch prepared with locally grown ingredients. In the afternoon, women from the village will demonstrate the intricate art of weaving, using hand-spun, plant-dyed yarn sourced from alpacas and sheep. You'll gain insight into the cultural importance of textiles and the role they play in daily life. This immersive experience provides a rare opportunity to connect with a Quechua-speaking community and contribute to a project that helps preserve their way of life. Overnight at Hotel Amaru Valle or similar.

Meals: B,L

This morning we make an early visit to the Ensifera Sanctuary, a conservation project providing a safe habitat for a wide variety of native bird species, including vibrant hummingbirds. Enjoy time observing these remarkable creatures and learning about the sanctuary’s important environmental work. In the afternoon, we set out on foot from the village of Pallata for a scenic hike through the Andean countryside. Our trail leads us gradually uphill toward the impressive Inca site of Pumamarca, situated high above the Patacancha Valley. Along the way, we pass by local villagers and terraced farmland, offering an authentic glimpse of rural life. At Pumamarca, explore the well-preserved archaeological complex featuring ceremonial buildings, stairways and storehouses. From this strategic location, enjoy expansive views over the valley and the confluence of rivers below. The walk continues through the agricultural terraces of Musqa Pukyo before descending into the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo, where our private vehicle meets us. Overnight at Sol Ollantay or similar. Excess luggage can be stored here and collected on Day 9.

Meals: B,L

Departing the Sacred Valley, we enjoy a scenic drive toward Limatambo, crossing the Tika Tika Pass where the first views of Mount Salkantay and Humantay appear on the horizon. We travel across the fertile Anta plateau, a patchwork of cultivated fields framed by snow-capped peaks. At Misquiyaco, our trek begins from the trailhead located just beyond the village. This route passes through one of Peru’s newest private conservation areas, established in 2021, protecting fragile ecosystems and cultural traditions. Before setting off, we take part in a traditional Pago a la Tierra (offering to Pachamama), asking for blessings for the journey ahead. Our trail climbs steadily through a Meso-Andean Relict Forest—an extremely rare ecosystem covering less than 0.02% of Peru’s territory. Here, we may see native species such as Tasta (Escallonia myrtilloides) and Chachacomo (Escallonia resinosa), both legally protected for their ecological significance. Emerging from the forest, we enter open grasslands and continue on to our campsite at Acopía (4154m/13,628ft), a peaceful setting surrounded by mountain wilderness. Overnight at Acopía Camp.

Meals: B,L,D

Leaving the peaceful camp at Acopía, we begin our ascent toward the first high point of the day—Tambomachay Pass (4367m/14,323ft). The morning climb is steady and offers the chance to spot native Andean birdlife, including, with luck, the soaring silhouette of a condor riding the thermals. After around 4–5 hours of trekking, we reach Uspaccasa (4559m/14,953ft), a sheltered lunch spot just beyond the pass with sweeping views of Mt Salkantay and Mt Humantay. Following lunch, we continue along a high ridge, turning toward Cruzjasa Pass (4683m/15,360ft), the highest point of the day. From this stunning vantage point, enjoy panoramic views across the south faces of Mt Palcay and Mt Salkantay, and down into the vast Pampacahuana Valley. This is a rarely visited region, where solitude and silence dominate the trail. A steep descent leads us into the mountainside campsite at Mirador de Pampacahuana (3902m/12,801ft), where we spend the night under clear Andean skies. Overnight at Pampacahuana Camp.

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Mt Salkantay’s dramatic presence and begin our descent through the Pampacahuana Valley. Following the path of an ancient Inca canal, the trail meanders alongside stone-lined channels, offering insight into the impressive engineering of the Inca civilisation. As we descend below the treeline, the landscape shifts—farmsteads appear, and the vegetation becomes more diverse. At the confluence of the Pampacahuana and Q’esca valleys, we reach the quiet Inca site of Paucarcancha (3133m/10,278ft). Here, we explore the remains of stone dwellings and terracing, gaining a deeper appreciation of the valley’s historical significance. After lunch near the site, we rejoin the early section of the famed Inca Trail, following it downhill to the Patallacta ruins. Once an important rest stop for Inca travellers en route to Machu Picchu, the site offers stunning views and a sense of ancient purpose. Our day ends at Chamana Camp (3865m/12,680ft), a private campsite equipped with hot showers—a welcome luxury after several remote nights. Settle in and relax, surrounded by the tranquillity of the Andean landscape. Overnight at Chamana Camp.

Meals: B,L,D

Today we reach the edge of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary and continue our trek with a visit to the lesser-known but impressive site of Huayna Q’ente. Featuring well-preserved Inca terraces and intricate landscaping, this site offers a peaceful introduction to the grandeur of the region. From here, we follow the trail past the small village of Q’oriwairachina and onward to Piscacucho, the official start point of the classic Inca Trail. Alongside the Vilcanota River, we pass several archaeological sites that once served as resting places or control points for Inca travellers. This section closely mirrors the route taken by explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911, when he was led to Machu Picchu by local guides. After completing the day’s trek (approx. 15km/9.3mi over 7hrs), we travel by vehicle to Ollantaytambo. From here, we board the afternoon train to Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes), nestled in the lush cloud forest below the citadel. Overnight at El Mapi Hotel by Inkaterra or similar.

Meals: B,L,D

After an early breakfast, we take a short bus ride (approx. 30 minutes) up the switchback road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Here, we enjoy a comprehensive three-hour guided tour of the iconic citadel, exploring its various sectors including temples, terraces, and restored dwellings. As we wander through this extraordinary site, the fusion of Inca stonework and surrounding cloud forest evokes a deep sense of awe. Following our visit, we descend by bus to Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes) to collect our stored luggage and board the train to Ollantaytambo. On board, enjoy a light snack and refreshments. Upon arrival, our private transport awaits to transfer us back to Cusco. Overnight at Abittare Hotel or similar.

Meals: B,L

Today we explore the highlights of Cusco and its nearby Inca sites on a guided tour. We begin with a visit to Qoricancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Known as the “Golden Courtyard” in Quechua, its walls were once covered in gold leaf before being taken by the Spanish. Today, the Convent of Santo Domingo sits atop its original Inca foundations, offering a fascinating blend of Inca and colonial architecture. Next, we visit Cusco’s central Plaza de Armas, home to the Cusco Cathedral and the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús. The plaza is a lively hub of local activity, surrounded by arcades, gardens, and fountains. Leaving the city, we head to the impressive hilltop fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Built with massive stone blocks carved and fitted with remarkable precision, it offers sweeping views over Cusco. We continue to Q’enqo, a ceremonial site featuring carved rock altars and labyrinthine passages, followed by Puka-Pukara, the “red fortress,” named for the pink glow of its stones at sunset. Our final stop is Tambomachay, thought to have been a site of water worship, with its fountains, aqueducts and terraces. After a full day of cultural immersion and discovery, we return to our hotel in Cusco. Overnight at Abittare Hotel or similar.

Meals: B

Today is at your leisure to further explore the vibrant city of Cusco or simply relax and unwind. You may wish to visit one of the many museums, wander through the artisan district of San Blas, enjoy local cuisine at a café, or revisit favourite sites at your own pace. Overnight at Abittare Hotel or similar.

Meals: B

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred from your hotel to Cusco Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

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What’s included?

Included

  • 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Airport transfers if arriving on the first day and departing on the last day of the trip
  • Expert bilingual guides
  • Comfortable and central hotels
  • Group camping equipment and support crew
  • Sightseeing and site entrance fees and permits as listed
  • Transportation by private vehicle to beginning of trek
  • Rail pass to Vistadome train Ollanta Station / Aguas Calientes / Ollanta Station

Not included

  • International flights and taxes
  • Internal flights from Lima to Cusco are not included
  • Excess baggage costs
  • Cost of laundry and alcoholic beverages
  • Medical treatment
  • Visa Costs
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Trekking Poles

About your guide

Our guides are bilingual and many of our treks are conducted in English as well as Spanish.

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Hidden Valleys of Salkantay Trek

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