Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Salkantay Trek

Our 10-day Salkantay package creates the perfect Peruvian journey with transitions between urban exploration and mountain trekking. Begin with an overnight in Lima, Peru's vibrant capital. The subsequent two days in Cusco and Sacred Valley provide essential acclimatization. This gradual altitude adjustment strategy significantly enhances your readiness for the challenging Salkantay Trek, which reaches 4,600m at Salkantay Pass. After completing the trek and exploring Machu Picchu, you'll enjoy a final night in Cusco before returning to Lima. The included domestic flights eliminate long-distance bus journeys, maximizing your time for meaningful experiences rather than transportation.

Our 10-day package includes round-trip domestic flights between Lima and Cusco. After your first night in Lima, we arrange morning flights to Cusco (typically 1.5 hours duration), allowing afternoon arrival and gradual altitude acclimatization. Following your Salkantay Trek and final night in Cusco, we schedule your return flight to coordinate with your international departure. Our representatives assist with itineraries, and private transfers between airports and hotels are included.

The included Sacred Valley tour is important on your 10-day journey, offering both cultural richness and strategic acclimatization. This full-day experience explores the spectacular valley that connects Cusco with Machu Picchu, visiting Pisac's terraced archaeological site and vibrant indigenous market where traditional Quechua trading continues today. You'll then explore Ollantaytambo, a remarkable living Inca town where original streets, waterways, and buildings remain in use after centuries. Besides their cultural significance, these sites provide perfect altitude progression (Cusco at 3,400m, Pisac at 3,000m, and Ollantaytambo at 2,792m) allowing your body to gradually adapt to elevation changes before the trek. This day at the Sacred Valley offers spectacular photography opportunities and deeper insights into the Inca civilization beyond Machu Picchu.

Your 10-day journey features carefully selected accommodations balancing comfort, and authentic experiences. In Lima, enjoy a night at our partner hotel in the Miraflores district, featuring modern amenities, and breakfast service. Cusco accommodations (three nights total) offer traditional architecture with comfortable interiors, hot showers, and breakfast. During your 5-day trek, experience three nights camping with quality 4-season Marmot tents, air sleeping mats, and a dining tent where your chef prepares fresh meals. In Aguas Calientes, stay at a comfortable hotel with modern conveniences. Throughout the journey, accommodations are selected for their reliable service, from coastal metropolis to Andean highlands and cloud forest.

In Lima, South America's gastronomic capital, experience world-class restaurants where contemporary chefs masterfully accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs. In Cusco, your included hotel breakfasts feature both international options and local specialties. During the Sacred Valley tour, your included lunch showcases Andean ingredients with modification options for dietary restrictions. During the trek our specialized mountain chefs create remarkable meals adapted to your needs using fresh ingredients. From high-protein vegetarian alternatives to gluten-free versions of traditional dishes, we ensure dietary restrictions enhance rather than limit your experience. Simply specify your requirements during booking, and our team coordinates appropriate options across all locations.

Our 10-day package eliminates transportation stress with seamless connections across three distinct regions of Peru. The experience includes all airport transfers with professional drivers and comfortable vehicles. Domestic flights between Lima and Cusco (round trip) are pre-arranged. In Cusco, dedicated transportation provides convenient access to the half-day city tour and full-day Sacred Valley excursion. The trekking portion features private transport from Cusco to the Challacancha trailhead, comfortable train service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo after your Machu Picchu visit, and final return to Cusco via Bimodal service. Our transportation service eliminates logistical headaches allowing you to focus entirely on the experience.

Peru's diverse microclimates create distinct seasonal experiences across this 10-day multi-region journey. May through September offers the most reliable dry season conditions for the Salkantay Trek, with clear mountain views, and minimal trail mud, though nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations. This period also provides good conditions in Cusco. Lima experiences its characteristic winter garúa (coastal fog) during these months. October-November and March-April represent excellent 'shoulder seasons' with fewer crowds, vibrant greenery, and generally good conditions with slightly increased rain probability. December-February brings the heaviest rainfall to Andean regions, creating lush landscapes but occasional trail closures and reduced mountain visibility.

Our 10-day package provides the foundation for broader Peruvian explorations with several popular extensions. Many travelers add 2-3 days at Lake Titicaca. Nature enthusiasts often continue to Puerto Maldonado for 3-4 days in Amazon rainforest eco-lodges. Beach lovers extend their Lima stay with 2-3 days in nearby Paracas, exploring the 'Peruvian Galapagos' at Ballestas Islands. Archaeology enthusiasts add northern Peru extensions to Trujillo (Chan Chan) and Chachapoyas (Kuélap Fortress), while adventurous travelers incorporate the spectacular Colca Canyon near Arequipa. Our specialists can integrate these extensions with your 10-day package, adapting flights, accommodations, and transfers to create your perfect personalized Peruvian itinerary based on your interests, timeframe, and travel style.