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.
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.
Key Highlights of the Trip
Key Highlights of the Trip
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.
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.
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.
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.
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Want a detailed description of all tour days?
Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.
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Price Options
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
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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.
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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.
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All guides on this Andes Trekking Peru are certified experts with internationally recognized degrees IVBV, UIAGM, and IFMGA for mountaineering and climbing.
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