Adventure in Peru

Itinerary Highlights

Follow the road less traveled to Machu Picchu on the signature Salkantay Trek. Coming across fewer tourists than the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is a unique opportunity to follow a historic section of the Inca trail through various microclimates, dynamic terrain, exotic flora and fauna, and inspiring vistas. It is a great itinerary for those travelers looking for an authentic trio of hiking, culture and comfort. Along the journey, you will visit hidden ruins and local villages where old traditions of pre-Columbian cultures still thrive. At the end of each day, unwind at unique mountain trekking lodges, offering great comfort, outdoor hot tubs, incredible views and impeccable service.  

Begin your route exploring Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire and now recognized for its beautiful Spanish colonial architecture and archaeological ruins. Continue the adventure on guided hikes through off the beaten routes, surrounded by lush greenery and high Andes snow covered mountain. The most challenging part of the Salkantay Trek is traversing a mountain pass over 15,000 feet in elevation. 

Complete the hike as you arrive at the mystical Machu Picchu, an incredible sensation of accomplishment as you arrive at this destination by foot. 
Afterwards, discover the Amazon wildlife as you head to Refugio Amazonas, a luxury oasis deep within the Tambopata National Reserve rainforest. Harboring some of the wildest and least impacted habitats in the Amazon and the world, this is a ‘must-see’ nature destination that will complete this epic itinerary.

Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival into Cusco Airport, you will be privately transferred to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day resting to best acclimate to the new altitude, during which time you should take it easy, avoid heavy meals and hydrate regularly. 

Overnight at El Mercado Cusco Hotel (no meals)

Since its narrow alleyways were originally designed by the Incas as a city for walking, you will explore Cusco by foot.  Begin at the Plaza de Armas, the Main Square, which is marked by the exquisite Spanish Colonial architecture imposed by Spanish colonists to exert religious and political influence. Underneath it all, however, you can clearly see remnants of Inca solid stonework. Visit Koricancha, the most sumptuous “Sun Temple” in the Inca Empire and the breathtaking Cathedral, a repository for Cusco’s colonial art, as well as many other important archaeological relics and artifacts. You will also stop by the colourful San Pedro market and pass through the charming neighborhood of San Blas. Next, visit Sacsayhuaman, an Inca citadel atop a hill, on the outskirts of the city. 

In the evening, you will meet with your guide and fellow travelers for a general trip briefing for the adventure that follows. We recommend staying for dinner at La Taberna Restaurant in El Mercado, which offers Peruvian and international cuisine in a cozy elegant setting. 

Overnight at El Mercado Cusco Hotel (Breakfast)

After an early breakfast, you will depart to the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site en route to the mountain village of Mollepata. Enjoy lunch at El Pedregal, a beautiful farmhouse in the village, where you will also have the opportunity to learn about local agriculture and livestock. After lunch comes a scenic ride on the winding mountain road to Challacancha. Here you will begin your hike to Salkantay Lodge at Soraypampa along a picturesque path called the “Camino Real” (Royal Path). Trekking time is approximately 3 hours of easy to moderate difficulty. 

Note: Although we highly recommend participating in the hike as part of your continued altitude acclimatization, guests may opt out and continue by car to Salkantay Lodge.

Overnight at Salkantay Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast, you will begin an ascent up the slopes that border the plateau behind Salkantay Lodge. After 1.5h, your hard work will be rewarded with a first glimpse of the lake’s glistening turquoise waters and the Humantay glacier looming overhead. Upon arrival, you will have a chance to relax, enjoy a snack, meditate in the tranquility of this magical spot and participate in a traditional ceremony to honor “Pachamama” (Mother Earth). After your descent back to the lodge, the Salkantay staff will be waiting for you with a hot lunch. Total trekking time is 4 hours and of moderate difficulty. 

Afternoon at leisure to relax, enjoy a massage, or soak in the outdoor hot tub for a spectacular view of the Salkantay Peak at sunset. Note: While the morning hike to Lake Humantay is optional, we strongly recommend your participation in preparation for the strenuous hike for the following day.

Alternative activities include the following at an additional cost:

• Chakana excursion: Horseback/hiking combo up the steep hills adjacent to the lodge. The destination—a dramatic lookout point over the Salkantay River Valley marked by an oversized Inca Chakana (cross). This excursion will replace the hike to the glacier lake. Duration: Approximately 5 hours (1.5 - 2 hours on horseback)

• Horseback riding: After lunch, spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Soraypampa on horseback. Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Overnight at Salkantay Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After an early start, the ascent toward the Salkantay Pass begins. You will circle Humantay Peak, gradually making your way along expansive plateaus connected by enormous boulders, remnants of the Rio Blanco Valley that was once bisected by a fast-flowing river. The last and most challenging part of the ascent is conquering the mountain switchbacks that lead you to the pass, the highest point on the trek (15,213’ / 4,636m). The journey continues with a dramatic descent through fields of large boulders and natural stone formations often shrouded in fog, followed by a very welcome hot picnic lunch. After lunch, you will have some time to rest before the final hike through the area’s bucolic countryside; its rolling hills will eventually lead you through marsh-like plateaus to the Wayra Lodge at Wayraccmachay. Trekking time approximately 6 hours of challenging difficulty. 

Overnight at Wayra Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge, you will continue the descent toward the cloud forest along the banks of the Salkantay River through increasingly verdant scenery. The warm air will begin to rise from the edge of the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids. Today you will see more local Andean people as the trail takes you past their simple homes and makeshift fences. At approximately midday, you will arrive at Colpa Lodge, located on a high promontory at the confluence of three rivers. The Colpa staff will greet you with a Pachamanca lunch, a traditional Peruvian meal cooked below ground with hot stones that create a natural oven. After lunch, spend the afternoon lounging in the sun or relaxing in the outdoor hot tub while you take in the panoramic views of the lush green mountains that surround you. Trekking time is approximately 3-4 hours of easy to moderate difficulty level. 

Overnight at Colpa Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today you will hike through the Santa Teresa River Valley along a rolling trail that crosses fertile fruit orchards and bisects streams originating from glacier-fed waterfalls. After a hot picnic lunch by the river and some time to relax, the group will continue for one more hour before you are transferred for a short drive to the bottom of the Llactapata Inca Trail steps that lead to Lucma Lodge. On the way to the lodge you will visit an organic coffee plantation, one of many in the area that produce some of the best organic coffees in the world. You will also begin to notice another shift in the climate; in Lucmabamba, the hot air and increased humidity signal that you are even closer to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. Trekking time is approximately 5.5 hours of moderate to challenging difficulty. 

Overnight at Lucma Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast, depart from Lucma Lodge and embark on a 2-3 hour climb through the cloud forest up a path mostly composed of original Inca steps. A lush tree line creates green canopies overhead and the constant sound of rushing water suggests that the river is nearby. Your first milestone today will be the top of the peak, the last one before you descend to the Aobamba River Valley that connects you to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the Llactapata Pass (8,974’ / 2,736m), you will delight in a southeast view of Machu Picchu, a sight few travelers get the chance to admire. After exploring Llactapata, the Inca tambo (fort) that marks the pass, enjoy a picnic lunch at a mountain lookout point with panoramic views. The final descent along a trail that zigzags down to the roaring Aobamba River will take you through lush bamboo forests, varied fruit orchards, and more coffee plantations. Celebrate as you cross the bridge over the river and take your final steps of the trek en route to the Hidroelectrica train station for a scenic one-hour train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes, on the banks of the Urubamba River at the base of Machu Picchu. Trekking time is approximately 4-6 hours of moderate to challenging difficulty. 

Overnight at Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with a morning rollicking uphill bus ride. As you enter the ‘sanctuary’ (as locals refer to it), prepare to be awed by the imposing, skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among others. After a two-hour guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own, including a hike up Huayna Picchu*, the iconic mountain that looms over the citadel, for dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River Valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle. At some point, be sure to take a moment and sit quietly–listen to the wind, meditate, and absorb the mystical energy that envelops you. After the visit you will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before a scenic Vistadome train ride to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours) and vehicle transfer to your hotel in Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours). As night falls and you arrive amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, you will be touched by a feeling of peace and rejuvenation that will linger long after your journey home.

*Entrance time to Huayna Picchu is 10am. Tickets to Huayna Picchu are subject to availability. Please consult with your Travel Designer when you confirm your reservation. In the event that Huayna Picchu permits are not available for your desired date, Mount Machu Picchu (the second peak within the sanctuary) permits will be secured instead.

Overnight at El Mercado Cusco (Breakfast & Lunch)

You will be transferred to the airport for your departing flight to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival you will be greeted by one of the staff from your chosen lodge, which in this sample itinerary, is Refugio Amazonas. Refugio Amazonas lies deeper in the Amazon for a more authentic experience with better wildlife opportunities. Located in a 200-hectare private reserve within the buffer zone of the Tambopata National Reserve, Refugio Amazonas is a secluded, 32-bedroom jungle lodge. Its wide variety of kid-friendly, adventure-focused, and science activities, Refugio Amazonas is great for nature-lovers and families.  

To reach Refugio Amazonas you will be transferred by road to their jetty (approx. 45mins ) before the two and a half hour boat ride. After arrival and settling in, you will have time for an afternoon trail walk. Come nightfall, head out along the river in search of caiman.

Overnight at Refugio Amazonas (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Prepare for a full day of activities, which are all included during your stay at Refugio Amazonas and you may choose from the excursions list to best meet your expectations during your stay. 

At Craft Travel Group, we recommend enjoying a 15-minute boat ride and one hour hike to a clay lick used both by parrots and parakeets. Here you will see dozens of parrots and parakeets ingesting the clay on the river bank. Afterwards, you will return to the lodge for lunch. A few minutes hike from the lodge is a beautiful old patch of Brazil Nut forest that has been harvested for decades. Your expert guide will demonstrate the whole process of the rainforest's only sustainably harvested product. A 20-minute hike will take you to a peccary clay lick where wild rainforest pigs show up in herds of five to twenty. Other wildlife such as deer, guan and parakeets may also be spotted. After dinner, you will have the option of participating in a night hike to view mammals and frogs with shapes and sounds as bizarre as their natural histories.

Overnight at Refugio Amazonas (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Following breakfast, board your boat for your return journey to the river port, where you will be transferred by land to the Puerto Maldonado headquarters to pick up your luggage and ready yourself for your flight home via Cusco. 

(Breakfast)

• 12 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• Daily breakfast

• Additional meals as specified in the itinerary

• Private guided excursion in Cusco

• Shared based excursions on Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and at Refugio Amazonas

• All meals, snacks and soft drinks at Refugio Amazonas

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations (internal flights not included)

• All entrance fees as mentioned on tour

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international or internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• This trek to Machu Picchu is rated as vigorous. We recommend for participants to be strong hikers and in good physical condition. It is encouraged to begin a conditioning regimen a few months prior to your departure, consisting of fast walking, running and hiking, if possible. Please take into consideration that many days are spent at high altitudes (6,000’-15,000’).

• An Equestrian Adventure is offered as an alternative from Day 3 - Day 8. The lodge-to-lodge equestrian adventure is a five-day ride amidst snowcapped Andean peaks, through verdant cloud forests and along pristine creeks, all the while enjoying the mountain luxury lodges. The trips are led by expert riding guides and the horses provided are American quarter horses raised in Uruguay. All saddles, tack and riding helmets are imported from the U.S. We generally recommend this adventure for intermediate and experienced riders, but beginners with some experience are also welcome. Equestrian-only departures are available throughout the year from March to December. Other available dates are mixed-group departures that are shared by trekkers and riders, each group having separate trip leaders.