Make the most of your trip to Peru with the most competitive 11-day Salkantay Trek and Lake Titicaca package. This high-performance itinerary quickly takes you from the rugged Salkantay glaciers to the majestic Lake Titicaca in Puno. Designed for travelers who want a seamless blend of world-class trekking, Inca history, and authentic Andean culture, this is the ultimate Southern Peru expedition.
Our all-inclusive, 11-day tour of Peru guarantees coverage of the region’s top destinations. This professional circuit includes a curated tour of the Sacred Valley, the elite five-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, and a luxury guided bus transfer to Puno via the "Route of the Sun." We handle every logistical detail, from expert mountain guides to lake navigation, ensuring that you can focus solely on the experience while we provide the best service in Cusco and Puno.
Ranked as the #1 alternative to the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek boasts unparalleled biological diversity and direct access to the majestic Salkantay Mountain and stunning Humantay Lake. The trek culminates at Machu Picchu, then continues to Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Beyond the stunning scenery, you will witness the ancestral Andean art of weaving with alpaca wool, which is a testament to the living culture of the Altiplano region. Reserve your spot on this premier tour and experience the highlights of the Peruvian highlands.
Day 1: Cusco
Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Day 3 - 7: Trekking to Salkantay to Machu Picchu
Day 8: Bus to Puno
Day 09 - 10: Lake Titicaca
Day 11: Departure Day
When you arrive in Cusco, a representative from our Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu tour will be waiting for you outside the airport. Please pay close attention and look for a sign with your name on it. They will then transfer you to your hotel.
Since there are no scheduled activities today, you may arrive in Cusco at any time. You are free to relax or explore the city for the rest of the day. Salkantay Trek Machu recommends that travelers rest for at least two hours before heading out to help acclimate to the altitude.
The historic center of Cusco is anchored by the impressive Cusco Cathedral, located in the main square, Plaza de Armas. Once you find your way around, walk down Avenida El Sol to visit the remarkable Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun. Be sure to stop by the vibrant San Pedro Market as well, where you can see a wide range of Andean natural products. There, local women may offer you a fresh juice and say affectionately, " "Papito lindo, toma juguito."
If you’re feeling adventurous, head up into the hills overlooking Cusco to visit the magnificent archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay. Alternatively, hike up to San Cristóbal for a panoramic view of the entire city. Explore the charming colonial streets of the San Blas neighborhood, which is known for its artisan shops and bohemian atmosphere.
Today is the perfect day to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas as part of your Salkantay to Lake Titicaca tour! We will depart from Cusco in the morning and head to the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is the town of Pisac, where you can visit the vibrant local market—a great place to practice your bargaining skills and pick up handicrafts and souvenirs. You will also have the opportunity to visit the impressive Pisac ruins, located on a hilltop that offers spectacular views of the valley below.
Then, we will continue through the Sacred Valley to a local restaurant where you can enjoy a buffet lunch. Afterwards, we will drive to Ollantaytambo to explore the fascinating archaeological site. We will climb 125 steps to reach the Temple of the Sun, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the landscape dotted with Inca and colonial houses.
After the guided tour, we will return to Cusco, but first, we will stop in Chinchero.
This small Andean village is located high on the windswept plains of Anta at an altitude of 3,762 meters (12,340 feet). From there, you can enjoy stunning views of the valley and the Vilcabamba mountain range, including the glacier-capped summit of Salkantay. The village has preserved its traditional way of life—the locals still wear traditional Andean clothing, and adobe houses are still common.
After our visit, we will return to Cusco. Spend the night at your hotel and prepare for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu the following day.
The Salkantay Trek begins today, offering you the chance to enjoy some of Peru's most beautiful landscapes and sacred mountains. Please note that there is limited cell phone reception during the trek. You may find Wi-Fi in some places, but it comes at an additional cost and is provided by local communities.
Your day begins with an early pickup in Cusco, followed by a drive to Mollepata, a region characterized by tropical valleys and citrus groves. There, you can have breakfast, which is not included in the tour price. Then, you will continue to Soraypampa (12,630 ft), the trek's starting point.
Before the hike begins, you will meet your trekking team, including the cook, who will prepare traditional Peruvian meals for you over the next four days, and the muleteer, who, along with the horses, is responsible for carrying the camping equipment.
Unlike some other tour operators, Salkantay Trek Machu does not use igloos or permanent shelters, as these structures damage the natural landscape. Our service includes tents, a more environmentally responsible option.
The hike begins with a 2.5-hour ascent to the stunning, turquoise Lake Humantay, which is located high in the mountains. The view here is spectacular and offers perfect photo opportunities of the surrounding peaks. After visiting the lake, you will descend to Soraypampa for lunch.
Then, you will continue hiking to Salkantaypampa, where you will set up camp for the first night. Along the way, you will enjoy incredible views of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains. When you arrive at the campsite, you will find your tents and equipment ready and waiting, set up by our team.
Spend the night under the stars and take in the peaceful beauty of the Andean sky.
Today is the most challenging day of the trek. Salkantay Mountain, located near the highest point of the trail, stands at 20,574 feet (6,271 meters).
After an early breakfast, we will start the uphill hike. The trail includes steep sections, flat areas, and zigzag paths, which can be difficult, but remember, this is not a competition. Walk at your own pace. During the three-hour ascent, you will enjoy beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Humantay Mountains, rocky paths, and a small glacial lake called Qomercocha, formed by melting snow. You will also see small rivers flowing down toward Soraypampa and Mollepata.
Once we reach the high pass (14,931 ft), we'll stop to admire the sacred Salkantay Mountain and its majestic white peak. Take a well-deserved break, take some photos, and enjoy the stunning landscape. Your guide will also give a brief introduction to the mountain and its significance.
Then, we will begin our descent to Wayracmachay, where our trekking cook will be waiting to serve us a delicious lunch.
After saying goodbye to Salkantay Mountain, we will hike down to the next campsite. Along the way, we'll pass small rivers formed by melting snow that will accompany us throughout the trek. Once we reach Wayracmachay, we will stop for lunch.
Then, we will continue into the tropical cloud forest, where the scenery changes dramatically. You will notice the changing flora and fauna during the four-hour hike. We will eventually arrive at our second campsite in the small village of Chaullay.
Dinner will be served here, after which you can relax or take a short walk around the area. Wi-Fi is available, but you must speak with your guide to coordinate access with the local community. Please note that this service comes at an additional cost and is not included in the price.
After a hearty breakfast, we continue our descent deeper into the forest, passing taller and taller trees and bamboo groves. We observe birds along the way and follow the Santa Teresa River on a wild path filled with native fruits and colorful flowers until we arrive at our third campsite, La Playa.
After breakfast, we will continue hiking to Llactapata, one of the most important Inca sites on the Salkantay Trek. From there, you can enjoy a unique view of Machu Picchu and take stunning photos of the landscape.
We will begin the day with a three-hour hike to a lookout point that offers panoramic views of the iconic Inca citadel. Along the way, you can admire coffee plantations, coca leaves, and tropical fruits. Once you reach the top, you can take photos of the breathtaking view of the "Lost City of the Incas."
Then, we will descend to Hidroeléctrica, where we will have lunch at a local restaurant.
Afterwards, we will continue hiking alongside the railway to Aguas Calientes. Along this route, we will cross the Hidroeléctrica Bridge and walk through tropical plantations growing bananas, coffee, and other crops. Midway through the trail, you will have the opportunity to admire the area's rich flora and fauna, as well as some of the Andean terraces of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we will check into our hotel for the night.
Today is a special day in our expedition. We will conclude our journey by exploring one of the wonders of the world. Therefore, our guide will pick you up from your hotel very early to take you to the station and board the bus that goes up the mountains toward the Inca citadel.
According to the current Machu Picchu rules, tickets are divided into different circuits. The most popular and in-demand access is Circuit 2, as it is the only one that allows for a complete, panoramic exploration of nearly the entire citadel. If this route is unavailable due to high demand, the official alternatives are Circuit 1, which offers panoramic views from the upper area, and Circuit 3, which provides direct access to the lower part of the site. If you book well in advance, our sales team will confirm and secure the best available circuit for your visit.
Depending on your ticket, your private guide will accompany you from the control gate and begin a fascinating two-and-a-half-hour guided tour. If you wish to climb one of the mountains later, please take the following rules into account.:
After exploring every corner of the archaeological site and completing your mountain hike, if applicable, you will take the bus back down to the town of Aguas Calientes. There, you will have free time to rest and enjoy a good lunch. Please note that lunch is not included in the tour. In the afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo Station, where our driver will be waiting to take you directly to your hotel in Cusco.
Take a bus to Puno. During the trip, you will visit four important archaeological sites, including Raqchi and the Church of Andahuaylillas. The latter is known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" thanks to its remarkably well-preserved Andean religious art.
You will also visit Pukara, home to lithic sculptures from the ancient Pukara civilization, as well as La Raya Pass. At 4,234 meters, it is the highest point between Cusco and Puno, and offers stunning views of glacier-capped mountains.
Lunch will be served at a buffet restaurant in Sicuani. Then, you will continue driving to Puno, where you will spend the night.
You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the port, where you will board a boat for your tour of Lake Titicaca. At 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) above sea level, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. Then, you will visit the floating islands of Uros, home to a small community of traditional fishermen and their families who have lived on these reed islands for decades. Centuries ago, the small indigenous Uros tribe created the islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes, such as the Collas and Incas. They harvested reeds from the lake's shallows and used them to build the islands, as well as houses and canoes. Next, you will take a boat to Amantani Island, where you will be welcomed by a group of local families and spend the night. There, you can walk to the island's highest point and explore ancient ruins on a mountain called Pachamama (Mother Earth) by the locals. The view and sunset here are incredible. In the evening, the festivities begin.
There are many joyful dance performances in the evening, and dinner is included. On the second day, we say goodbye to our host families and travel to the harbor, where we board a boat for Lake Titicaca. The tour then continues to Taquile Island, which is an hour and a half away. The Quechua name for Taquile Island is Intika. It is a traditional Quechua-speaking community with ancient farming terraces and pre-Inca ruins. The inhabitants of Taquile were isolated from the rest of the world until the 1950s. Today, they still uphold their strong family and community values, as well as their ancestral traditions, which they have maintained for centuries. Taquile is most famous for its weaving. Islanders learn to weave before they learn to read or write. They use weaving as a form of expression and traditionally incorporate symbols representing their yearly activities into their calendar waistbands. Another famous piece of clothing is the chullo, a knitted hat with earflaps. You then have free time to explore the island. We have lunch there, then return to the harbor to catch the boat back to Puno.
Today is the last day of the Salkantay Trek to Lake Titicaca tour. From here, you can return to Lima for your flight home, or you can extend your trip to explore more of Peru or Bolivia. La Paz, Bolivia, is near Puno, so you can continue your trip there if you wish. Contact our sales department for more information.
Meal budget: Please budget USD 100–150 for meals that are not included.
Solo traveler: If you booked the "Solo Traveler" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all nights and a single tent for the Salkantay Trek.
Local Flights: Two local flights are not included in the tour cost.
If you would like us to book these flights for you, it is very important that we have your passport details at the time of booking in order to process the tickets. Tickets for internal flights are issued locally and will be provided prior to each flight's departure.
+51 84 226 547
+51 912 891 560
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru 
info@salkantaytrekmachu.com
www.salkantaytrekmachu.com
