13-day highlights of Peru with Salkantay trek

Lima

Day 1: Welcome to Peru!

Welcome to Peru! Upon your arrival into the airport at Lima, meet a representative for a transfer to your accommodation.

Lima, the largest city and capital of Peru, is a must-see when visiting the country. In the last years it has become a modern destination with nice beaches, tempting seafood restaurants, plenty of museums, and last but not least, an exciting nightlife scene.

Lima - Cusco

Day 2: Explore lovely Cusco

From Lima, take a domestic flight to your next port of call: Cusco. After landing, you will probably need some time to relax at your hotel.

In the afternoon, you will explore the impressive city of Cusco. The history of the Inca Empire started here; the Imperial city of the Incas was a complex urban center with different religious and administrative functions.

Continue to the nearby ruins of Kenko, where you will see underground galleries and a semicircular amphitheater, followed by the archaeological ruins of Tambomachay. Puca Pucara, a red hilltop fortress, existed to defend Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman Fortress, and all three are now imposing examples of Inca military architecture - truly must-see sights!

Cusco - Sacred Valley - Cusco

Day 3: Discover the Sacred Valley

With its amazing nature, breathtaking views, ancient ruins and various adventure activities, the Sacred Valley has a lot to offer. It was chosen by the Incas because of its geographical and weather conditions.

Today as you explore, you'll have the chance to tour the beautiful Pisac Market, where you will find a wide variety of locally-produced handicrafts. Later, visit the small town of Ollantaytambo to enjoy a coffee or meal in one of the local cafes or restaurants, as well as admire some of the country's finest stonework.

Cusco - Vinicunca - Cusco

Day 4: Be amazed by the Rainbow Mountain

The Vinicunca Mountain, known as Rainbow Mountain, is one of the newest destinations for those who love trekking, nature and landscapes. After taking a car transfer from your hotel in Cusco and enjoying a traditional breakfast, you and your travel partners will begin your journey to this iconic mountain.

You can go at your own pace to enjoy every minute of the trek. In approximately three hours you will turn right past the last hill, to hold your breath and feel dazzled by the seven-hued mountain. You will have time to relax and take as many pictures as you want, before beginning your return to Cusco.

Cusco - Soraypampa

Day 5: Visit the beautiful Humantay Lake

After breakfast, take a walk from Challacancha to Soraypampa, with very few tourists around you on the trail. Afterwards, relish in an afternoon visit to the absolutely whimsical Humantay Lake, nestled at the base of Apu Humantay mountain. Take in your first views of the enigmatic Apu Salkantay, before heading to your next accommodation to spend a very special night in a glass-topped pod.

Soraypampa - Chaullay

Day 6: Trek the Salkantay trail

The big adventure of your trip begins today! Hike along the winding Salkantay trail, with the mountain’s tallest peak in front of your eyes all morning! Challenge yourself as you make your way up some steep slopes, with views across the valley far below, until you reach the base of Apu Salkantay.

Around midday, you will be standing in the middle of the Andes mountain range! Then, in the afternoon, make your way into the incredible cloud forest and tropical jungle around Chaullay, where your camping hut awaits for a good night's rest. This is bound to be your most challenging day, but also your most rewarding!

Chaullay - Lucmabamba

Day 7: Hike to Lucmabamba

You will leave your camp early today to enjoy a serene and empty trail, for a better chance to appreciate the landscape, scenery, and wildlife - including the roaring river below you in the valley - for much of the day.

While trekking through the luscious jungle, you will find countless wild fruits such as bananas, avocados, passion fruit, and sweet granadilla. You'll also encounter gushing waterfalls and streams where you can refresh your feet and cool off!

After stopping for lunch in the small town of La Playa, take a short hike to your base camp at Lucmabamba. There you'll get to visit organic plantations where coffee, oranges, and avocados are grown.

Lucmabamba - Aguas Calientes

Day 8: Travel along the Inca Trail

Something particularly special is on the itinerary for today: you will get to journey along part of the famous Inca Trail! On this path, you'll come to the impressive archaeological site of Llaqtapata, right in front of its better-known big brother, Machu Picchu.

You'll get to meet some of the native people who live their day-to-day lives in the area. Along the path, you will also have the opportunity to harvest various fruits while relishing in one of the best views of the Urubamba Valley!

Don’t forget to turn around and see the Apu Salkantay again in the background, before looking ahead and getting your first glance of the glorious Machu Picchu!

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Day 9: Hike to the magnificent Machu Picchu

Start early this morning, to begin your hike to the iconic Machu Picchu. You'll journey from your base in Aguas Calientes through the forest, to reach the site before most other tourists arrive - even the Inca Trail trekkers!

You will have plenty of time to explore this truly magnificent world wonder, as well as enjoy the beautiful sunrise from this timeless viewpoint. Your group will learn about this mystical place during a two-hour guided tour of the ruins. Afterwards, you can opt to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (if you have pre-booked tickets), or else continue on to explore the Sun Gate.

Afterwards, you'll return to Aguas Calientes for an onward transfer to Cusco, where you'll check into your hotel to rest and relax.

Cusco - Lima

Day 10: Explore Lima's wonders

At a scheduled time, transfer to the airport in Cusco for a domestic flight back to Lima, where upon arrival, you'll be taken to your hotel. From there, a city tour of the capital will begin!

Start with a panoramic view of the Pucllana Pyramid, a magnificent ceremonial and archaeological center built in the 4th century. Then, visit the historical center of Lima, where you will marvel at more than 50 monuments and colonial edifications, such as the Paseo de la República, San Martín Square, Main Square, Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, Cathedral Basilica, and City Council Palace, amongst others. You can also visit the traditional residential areas of Lima and Larcomar, as well as numerous other sites!

Lima - Paracas - Nazca

Day 11: Visit the Paracas National Reserve

Early in the morning, take the tourist bus and travel to the town of Paracas, where you will join a shared tour of the Paracas National Reserve. This landscape represents Peru's rich coastal marine ecosystem, while also being home to millions of birds and different species of flora and fauna. It's an ideal spot for birdwatchers to spend the day, as well as for nature lovers to enjoy some walking in the wilderness.

Nazca - Lima

Day 12: Marvel at the Nazca Lines

Distinct straight lines, geometric figures, and animal as well as plant designs, characterize the town of Nazca. Located between Huacachina and Arequipa, the town is a perfect stopover to learn more about pre-Incan culture.

Like the Paracas, the Nazca people were famous for their work with textiles - and even more so for creating geoglyphs, massive motifs and lines drawn across the ground. It is still unclear why the lines exist, but it is assumed that they may have been used for astrological or ceremonial purposes. While walking through the landscape, you might identify distinct shapes like those of a hummingbird, a spider or a monkey. To better see them, you can walk over to the observation tower for wonderful views.

Once the tour has come to an end, you'll journey on to Lima to check into your hotel for a final night in Peru.

Lima

Day 13: Farewell, Lima!

After breakfast and at a suitable time, check out and catch a shuttle transfer to the airport, where your flight back home awaits. Safe travels, and visit again soon!