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Machu Picchu ruins on a ridge with Huayna Picchu peak rising into cloud under a dramatic sky

ROUND-TRIPS · PERU 

Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu: Lodge Tour

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu takes you in 10 days from Cusco across the Andes to the Inca citadel. On this lodge trek, you will stay in comfortable mountain lodges, cross the Salkantay Pass at 4,636 meters, and hike down from the snow-covered high mountains into the green cloud forest.

How long? 10 Days
When? Spring, Summer, Autumn
Price € 6,489 / Person

The Journey

Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu: Lodge Trekking Peru

The Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful ways to experience Peru on foot. As a lodge trekking Peru, this route combines athletic stages with warm showers, good food, and a jacuzzi in the evening. You start in the ancient Inca center of Cusco, gradually acclimatize to the altitude, and then begin the Andean trekking Peru over high passes and through deep valleys. Each Machu Picchu hike on this path brings you closer to the destination: the famous citadel high above the Urubamba Valley. Along the way, you meet locals, try a traditional Pachamanca, and learn about the history of the Incas.

Hikers walk through a stone gateway at Machu Picchu, with Huayna Picchu peak behind A trekker stands beside the Abra Salkantay pass sign at 4630 meters, mist and cairns behind Stepped Inca terraces rise above a valley town, with a steep peak behind A woman shows a hand woven textile to a group of travelers in a courtyard Travelers watch a woman demonstrate traditional weaving on a floor loom outdoors Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu: Lodge Tour
Key Highlights of the Trip

Key Highlights of the Trip

01 About the Salkantay Pass
01
About the Salkantay Pass
During the Salkantay Mountain Trek, you cross the highest point of the journey at 4,636 meters. In front of you lies the snow-covered Salkantay at 6,271 meters, the highest peak of the Cordillera de Vilcabamba, before the descent to the Wayra Lodge begins.
02 An Evening with Archaeologists
02
An Evening with Archaeologists
Before the Inca Trek to Machu Picchu starts, you will meet your hiking group for a welcome dinner in Cusco. An archaeologist and National Geographic scholar will tell you about the Inca Empire and prepare you for the culture of the coming days.
03 A whole day Machu Picchu
03
A whole day Machu Picchu
The highlight of the Cusco Machu Picchu Trek is a full day in the citadel. With your guide, you will explore stone temples, sanctuaries, and residential houses, and you can climb the steep Machu Picchu Mountain, which offers you a view over the entire site.
04 Secret Inca Ruins
04
Secret Inca Ruins
On the trekking Cordillera Vilcabamba, you visit ruins off the beaten path. The Moon Temple Quillarumiyoc and the sacred site Llactapata, rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, connect the hike with the history of the Incas.
05 Comfort lodges in the Andes
05
Comfort lodges in the Andes
On the luxury trekking Machu Picchu, you will spend each night in a comfortable mountain lodge instead of in a tent. Cozy rooms, local cuisine, and a hot tub with mountain views await you while you experience the landscapes of the Andes and the culture of Peru.
Adventure Tours
Days 1-10
Hikers walk through a stone gateway at Machu Picchu, with Huayna Picchu peak behind
Cusco - Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu Start

Cusco - Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu Start

Your Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu begins in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. On a guided tour, you will discover magnificent cathedrals, the central square with Quechua handicrafts, and hidden courtyards with cobblestones. In the evening, you will meet your trekking group for a welcome dinner and listen to a lecture by an archaeologist and National Geographic fellow. Overnight stay at the Palacio del Inka Hotel.

Soraypampa - Machu Picchu Trekking Trip

Early starts the Machu Picchu trekking trip towards the first lodge. Along the way, you stop at the ruins of Quillarumiyoc, an Inca temple dedicated to the moon, and enjoy lunch on a farm in Marcoccasa. Afterwards, you hike or comfortably drive to the Salkantay Lodge in the valley, with a view of the 6,271-meter-high Salkantay, the highest peak of the Cordillera de Vilcabamba. Optional hike: 18 kilometers, 4-6 hours.

A woman shows a hand woven textile to a group of travelers in a courtyard
Soraypampa - Acclimatization at the lodge

Soraypampa - Acclimatization at the lodge

Today you take time to acclimatize to the altitude during the Lodge Trekking Peru. You can embark on a half-day hike to an impressive glacier lake or make yourself comfortable in the cozy lounge and hot tub of the Salkantay Lodge. Hike: 6 kilometers, 3-4 hours.

A trekker stands beside the Abra Salkantay pass sign at 4630 meters, mist and cairns behind
Huaraqmachay - Andes Trekking over the Pass

Huaraqmachay - Andes Trekking over the Pass

Today, the four-day mountain hike to the citadel begins on the Inca Trek in Peru. You follow the valley of the Río Blanco, round the snow-covered Humantay, and reach the highest point of the journey at 4,636 meters. After a break with a view of the glaciated peaks, you descend to the Wayra Lodge at 3,905 meters, where showers and a whirlpool await you. Hike: 13 kilometers, 5-7 hours.

Travelers watch a woman demonstrate traditional weaving on a floor loom outdoors
Collpapampa - Descent into the Cloud Forest

Collpapampa - Descent into the Cloud Forest

The Salkantay Lodge Tour takes you today from the barren high mountain region down to the lush Collpapampa Valley. Your accommodation sits on a ledge above the confluence of three rivers. In the surrounding cloud forest live wild orchids, butterflies, and many birds. Upon arrival, a Pachamanca awaits you, a traditional underground stone barbecue. Hike: 10 kilometers, 4 hours.

Tour expert

Questions about the tour itinerary?

Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.

Stepped Inca terraces rise above a valley town, with a steep peak behind
Lucmabamba - Hike through coffee fields

Lucmabamba - Hike through coffee fields

Your Peru trekking trip leads downhill through the green valley of the Santa Teresa River, past local farms and villages. You hike through coffee fields, tropical orchards, and bright wildflowers, taking a picnic break by the river. A short ascent takes you to the Lucma Lodge, tucked away among avocado trees, where you explore the village and meet locals. Hike: 14 kilometers, 5-6 hours.

Travelers serve themselves at a buffet in a lodge dining room with wooden beams
Aguas Calientes - Llactapata Pass

Aguas Calientes - Llactapata Pass

On the Inca Trek to Machu Picchu, the path winds up to the Llactapata Pass at 2,735 meters, where you catch your first distant glimpse of Machu Picchu. You explore the sacred Inca site Llactapata, rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. After lunch, the path descends to the Urubamba River, and a short train ride takes you to Aguas Calientes. Overnight stay at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Hike: 11 kilometers, 5-6 hours.

Three trekkers with hiking poles descend a rocky trail beside a mountain stream
Machu Picchu - Day in the Citadel

Machu Picchu - Day in the Citadel

After days of hiking in the Andes of Peru, you reach your destination: a short bus ride takes you to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The whole day you explore with your guide the labyrinth of stone temples, shrines, and houses, immersing yourself in the technology and culture of the Incas. Those who wish can climb the steep Machu Picchu Mountain for a view over the entire site. Optional hike: 5-6 kilometers, 3-4 hours.

A snow covered mountain peak glows in evening light beneath drifting clouds
Cusco - Return through the Sacred Valley

Cusco - Return through the Sacred Valley

At the end of the Cusco Machu Picchu Trekking, you relax in the morning or explore the paths around the lodge. Then the train takes you from Aguas Calientes to the Sacred Valley, where lunch is waiting. By private van, you continue to Cusco, with a stop at a weaving cooperative that preserves ancient Peruvian textile art. In the evening, you toast to your Andes hike during the farewell dinner.

A turquoise glacial lake reflects the surrounding mountainside
Cusco - Departure

Cusco - Departure

Your luxury trekking Machu Picchu ends in Cusco. In the morning there is time to explore the city on your own and enjoy the local culture. Later, the transfer to the airport for your return flight will take place. The OVERCROSS team bids you farewell - and Peru awaits, should you wish to return.

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Verified Reviews

What riders say about Round-trips in Peru

5.0

1 reviews

Stefan S.

The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Lodge Tour in Peru is a demanding expedition that stretches through the Cordillera Vilcabamba. The difficulty level is rated...

Translated from German · Show original

Die Salkantay-Trek zum Machu Picchu Lodge Tour in Peru ist eine anspruchsvolle Expedition, die sich durch die Cordillera Vilcabamba erstreckt. Der Schwierigkeitsgrad ist als "Experte" eingestuft, was während der ersten Wandertage besonders bemerkbar war. Insbesondere die Steigung zur ersten Lodge in Soraypampa stellte eine Herausforderung dar, während wir uns auf über 3.800 Meter Höhe begaben. Die Kombination aus täglichem Wandern und kulturellen Erlebnissen, wie dem Abend mit Archäologen, sorgte für ein intensives, körperliches Erlebnis, das nachhaltig bleibt.

Stefan S.
See all reviews for this tour
Offroad adventure

PRICE

from

€ 6,489 / person

Price Options

Per person (in double room) € 6,489
Private tour per person (1x person + guide) € 12,959

Trip includes

  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure in Peru
  • Overnight stay in comfortable mountain lodges according to the itinerary (Lodge Trekking Peru)
  • All meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Daily guided hikes and excursions according to the program
  • Travel security certificate (insolvency protection according to BGB §651r) - mandatory for all OVERCROSS trips
  • Certified expert tour guide: IVBV - UIAGM - IFMGA

FAQS

  • Do I need to bring my own technical equipment? Can I rent equipment?
    For your Salkantay Trek Machu Picchu, personal equipment is not included in the price. However, you can rent it on any tour - please let us know before your trip.
  • What happens in bad weather?
    We plan each Machu Picchu hike during the best season so that you have the most beautiful view. Still, bad weather can occur even then. The impacts are usually minimal for hiking and trekking; however, they can become more serious during high-altitude expeditions. Therefore, local guides always make decisions regarding safety - and we recommend you follow their advice.
  • Who leads the tour and what qualifications does the guide have?
    All guides on this Andes Trekking Peru are certified experts with internationally recognized degrees IVBV, UIAGM, and IFMGA for mountaineering and climbing.
OVERCROSS note on itinerary
The above travel description is a non-binding online proposal and does not represent a binding travel itinerary. We expressly reserve the right to make changes to the route, schedule, and accommodations (§ 651d BGB in conjunction with Art. 250 EGBGB). The terms and conditions of OVERCROSS apply.
Terms and Conditions of OVERCROSS

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