Discover the richness of Peruvian cultural and natural heritage on this unforgettable trip to Peru. This 12 day journey blends history, adventure, and spectacular scenery and can be arranged as a custom experience. We also recommend travel insurance for added peace of mind. Your adventure begins in Lima, where you will stay at a selected hotel in Lima and explore its historic center, a UNESCO…
Discover the richness of Peruvian cultural and natural heritage on this unforgettable trip to Peru. This 12 day journey blends history, adventure, and spectacular scenery and can be arranged as a custom experience. We also recommend travel insurance for added peace of mind.
Your adventure begins in Lima, where you will stay at a selected hotel in Lima and explore its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the coast to observe unique marine fauna before taking your flight to Cusco, arriving at the airport in Cusco. As you adapt to the high altitudes, our team will provide guidance to help prevent altitude sickness. Discover Cusco and the Sacred Valley, including Chinchero’s markets, breathtaking landscapes shaped by the Urubamba River, and views of snow-capped mountains surrounded by Andean flora and fauna.
The journey continues to Rainbow Mountain and along the Salkantay route, where you will descend through dramatic landscapes during the dry season. Enjoy a buffet lunch, travel in a comfortable group size, and be accompanied by expert guides. Finally, board the train to Aguas Calientes optionally upgrading to the panoramic Vistadome before visiting the iconic Machu Picchu. Extensions to the Amazon jungle are also available.
Every detail is designed to ensure comfort, safety, and an enriching experience throughout your adventure.
Choosing this 12-day journey means embracing the most complete expedition in Peru. Unlike standard tours, this itinerary perfectly merges the coastal desert, the high Andean glaciers of Salkantay , and the legendary path of the Inca Trail into one seamless…
Choosing this 12-day journey means embracing the most complete expedition in Peru. Unlike standard tours, this itinerary perfectly merges the coastal desert, the high Andean glaciers of Salkantay, and the legendary path of the Inca Trail into one seamless adventure.
This tour is the ideal choice because it follows a strategic acclimatization process, allowing you to conquer the 4,600m pass with confidence. From the vibrant culture in the Sacred Valley to the dramatic cloud forests, every detail is timed to ensure a meaningful and unforgettable arrival at Machu Picchu. This high-level experience through the heart of the Inca Empire is proudly operated by Southern Perú Explorers.
Daily trail breakdown, key milestones, altitudes, and campsites.
Arrival at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, which is the capital of Peru, and start your journey to Peru. Welcome by the driver and proceed for a private transfer from the airport to the hotel located in Miraflores or Barranco – two of the liveliest parts of the city. Get some rest and relaxation after your journey. If you have enough time, just go for a walk along the Miraflores Malecon and see the sea.
Enjoy welcome dinner at a nice restaurant and taste delicious Peruvian food including ceviche and traditional Peruvian dishes.
Get ready by leaving early (at 6:00 am) to travel to Ica via a 4-hour journey by bus through the Pan American Highway. On this trip, you will enjoy scenic views of the desert coast and some small cities. Go straight to Huacachina – beautiful oasis situated only 5 kilometers away from Ica. Explore the oasis, take some pictures of the lagoon surrounded by palm trees, and rest in the tranquil area. You can visit the Huacachina Legend Museum and learn about the legends associated with this place.
Experience dune buggy safari on the huge dunes surrounding Huacachina. This is one of the highlights of this tour! Sandboard in the dunes for more excitement. Visit a local winery or Pisco distillery in Ica like Tacama Vineyard or El Catador. Learn about the manufacturing process and taste Peruvian wines and Pisco.
Spend the night in Huacachina.
Depart very early (around 6:00 AM) for the 1.5 hour drive to Paracas, the entrance point to the Ballestas Islands. Take a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, known also as the "Poor Man's Galapagos." During the 2 hours boat trip you will enjoy seeing sea lions, penguins, and boobies in their natural habitat. Try some fresh seafood dishes in one of the restaurants in Paracas, such as Chalana or Fiesta Restaurant.
Optional visit of Paracas National Reserve, which is a protected zone with amazing landscapes of desert areas, red sand beaches and coastal fauna. You should stop by Mirador de Los Lobos and Playa Roja viewpoint.
Start your 3.5 hour drive back to Lima.
Arrival to Cusco and transfer to your hotel. Spend time adapting to new climate before starting your exploration of Cusco.
Visit Plaza de Armas, Cathedral and Qorikancha during your City Tour. Visit other impressive archaeological places like Sacsayhuamán. Discover interesting history of Peru and stunning views on the mountain landscape surrounding the city.
Depart from early morning in the direction of the Sacred Valley. Start your adventure visiting Pisac, a beautiful village famous for its Inca Ruins and Artisan Market. Explore the terraces and temples in the archeological area. Have some time for visiting the weaving community for learning more about the ancient textile techniques. At night you will have the chance of visiting the incredible circular terraces of Moray, one of the ancient Inca agricultural centers surprising for its clever design.
Afterwards, you will visit the Maras Salt Mines, where you will have the chance to admire the amazing system of salt ponds in a very unique scenery. On the way, you will have the chance of enjoying the spectacular Andean scenery, surrounded by mountains and valleys providing you a stunning view all along the tour. The combination of history, culture and nature, besides the excitement of having an adventure on an ATV, make of this tour an excellent option for you.
Overnight in a hotel in Urubamba.
We will start off with your packing list and important information about the hike. The Salkantay Trek provides an alternative route compared to the Classic Inca Trail which is governed by many rules and regulations and there are limited number of places available on the Inca Trail.
Start your trek to Mt. Salkantay surrounded by glaciers and Andean landscapes.
Facts and Figures:
We will wake up to breakfast and hike up to the Salkantay Mountain Pass in 3.5-hours which is a good place to view glaciers and snow covered mountains. It is also the habitat of chinchillas and condors. Afterward, we will have a leisure walk down to the cloud forest of Wayracmachay in 2 hours where we will have lunch and rest before starting off again on the hiking. On the way, we will be able to view the remnants of the ancient Inca trail and eventually reach our destination for the night which is the camp at Andenes and late afternoon at Qollpapampa, a wonderful campsite with natural hot springs for some relaxation.
Facts and Figures:
This day's hike continues with an easy descent walking alongside the rivers called Santa Teresa River and Totora River. Along our hike today, we have a chance to view plenty of flora, waterfalls, fruit and coffee plantations, parrots, and perhaps a spectacled bear. The dry land will soon change to become a cloud forest with orchids and bromeliads. We will get to the place called Chaullay and then very soon the place known as Collpapampa. After resting for a bit, we will pass the Coripacchi waterfalls, Wiñaypoko settlement, and the town of La Playa. At the end of the hike, we will finally reach our second camping site called Lucmabamba, where we can rest and enjoy our coffee.Facts and Figures:
Hike to Llactapata viewpoint for a first panoramic sight of the Lost City of Machu Picchu. Enjoy breathtaking scenery before descending toward the hydroelectric station.
From there, board the train to Aguas Calientes. You may upgrade to the panoramic Vistadome train for enhanced scenic views. Overnight in Aguas Calientes, preparing for the journey from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu the following morning.
Facts and Figures:
Morning transfer by bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu where you will have an enjoyable guided tour of Machu Picchu with a great deal of information on Inca engineering and history.
This visit to the historic citadel will be the highlight of your trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu indeed. Once the tour is completed return to Aguas Calientes and board the train for the trip to Cusco.
Facts and Figures:
Leave early morning (at about 4:00 am) for a full day tour to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Get an experience of driving through the Andes, visiting local traditional villages and beautiful scenery. Start your hike (about 2-3 hours) from the starting point up to Rainbow Mountain. Otherwise, you can hire a horse for the way up to the summit. At the top, observe the colorful Rainbow Mountain, which is a result of mineral deposits. Come back to the starting point and have a box lunch. Go back to Cusco in the afternoon. Relax and spend your last night in Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
Facts & Figures:
Transfer to the airport and return to Lima by air. You will be able to spend some more time in Peru and leave the country on your international flight. Goodbye, Peru after this unique journey to Cusco and Machu Picchu, your dream vacation ends!
Complete transparency for all equipment, meals, transport, and admissions.
Transportation and Transfers
Guides & Activities
Salkantay trek items
Accommodation & Meals
Leave early morning (at about 4:00 am) for a full day tour to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Get an experience of driving through the Andes, visiting local traditional villages and beautiful scenery. Start your hike (about 2-3 hours) from the starting point up to Rainbow Mountain. Otherwise, you can hire a horse for the way up to the summit. At the top, observe the colorful Rainbow Mountain, which is a result of mineral deposits. Come back to the starting point and have a box lunch. Go back to Cusco in the afternoon. Relax and spend your last night in Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
Facts & Figures:
Recommended gear and apparel checklist from our mountain guides.
This expedition spans Peru’s most extreme geographical contrasts from the Pacific coast in Lima and the Ica desert to the 4,600m Salkantay Pass and the 5,200m Rainbow Mountain. You will experience radical microclimate shifts, transitioning from scorching desert sun to sub-zero Andean dawns. Success on this route relies on a strategic “layering system” and lightweight technical gear, essential for managing both the physical demands of high summits and strict railway luggage weight limits.
Mandatory Documentation
Technical Clothing (Layering System)
Health and Protection
Logistics and Technology
6 photos from this tour.
Arrival at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, which is the capital of Peru, and start your journey to Peru. Welcome by the driver and proceed for a private transfer from the airport to the hotel located in Miraflores or Barranco – two of the liveliest parts of the city.
Transfer to the airport and return to Lima by air.
Meals during the trekking portion are freshly prepared and well-balanced, including carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables, fruits, and hot beverages to maintain energy levels.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions can be accommodated please inform us in advance.
Booking information for this tour.
How to Confirm Your Reservation?
Booking your 12-day expedition through the Peruvian Highlands, including the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu, is quick, easy, and completely secure. To proceed with your reservation, we kindly ask you to provide the information listed below. Please ensure that all details are entered exactly as they appear on your passport, as this information is required by Peruvian authorities to issue official entrance tickets, train reservations, and domestic logistics.
Passenger Information
Travel Details In order to organize logistics efficiently and ensure smooth transfers across Lima, Ica, and Cusco, we kindly request your arrival and accommodation details.
This information allows us to coordinate your private transfers, luggage storage during the trek, and pick-up schedules accurately.
Food Requirements
Your comfort and well-being are very important to us, especially during the 4-day Salkantay Trek where our professional chef will prepare all meals. If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or specific allergies), please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements for the mountain menus and city dinners.
Secure Payment
Our payment system is safe, encrypted, and easy to use. To complete your reservation and secure your spots for the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu, please access the secure payment link below:
[PAYMENT LINK]
Once your payment is successfully confirmed, we will immediately proceed to secure all essential services, including Machu Picchu entrance tickets, Salkantay Trek permits, train tickets, and coastal tours. Important: Machu Picchu entrance tickets and Salkantay Trek availability are limited. We strongly recommend completing your payment as soon as possible to guarantee your departure date.
Booking Confirmation
After your reservation is fully confirmed, you will receive a final confirmation email with your 12-day itinerary, detailed schedules, and the recommended packing list. Our team is always available to assist you at any stage of your journey.
Student Rates OBTAINING A STUDENT DISCOUNT FOR YOUR MACHU PICCHU TRIP
The Peruvian government provides reduced entry fees for students. To qualify for this discount on your tour price, the following strict requirements must be met:
You are required to present your original qualifying student ID at the Machu Picchu checkpoints. Failure to meet these standards will result in having to pay the full adult price at the gate.
Answers to the most common questions regarding trail preparation and logistics.
This comprehensive journey combines culture, history, and adventure. You will explore vibrant cities like Lima, colonial gems in Arequipa, and the imperial capital of Cusco.
The itinerary also includes the breathtaking Sacred Valley, the scenic Salkantay Trek, and highlights of the legendary Inca Trail, culminating at Machu Picchu.
Yes. Advance booking is highly recommended, especially because access to the Inca Trail is regulated by the Peruvian government and permits are limited per day. We suggest reserving at least 1–3 months in advance, particularly during the high season (May–October).
The best travel period is during the dry season (April to October), when weather conditions are generally more stable for trekking and sightseeing.
The rainy season (November to March) offers greener landscapes and fewer crowds, although trail conditions may be wetter.
This program combines cultural tours with multi-day trekking. Overall difficulty is considered Moderate to Challenging, mainly due to the Salkantay Trek’s high-altitude passes and hiking distances.
A reasonable fitness level and basic trekking preparation are recommended to fully enjoy the experience.
Yes. Both routes are well-established and guided by experienced, certified professionals. Safety protocols, organized logistics, and altitude management are carefully planned. As with any high-altitude activity, following guide instructions and proper acclimatization in Cusco are essential.
Yes, prior trekking experience is not mandatory. However, we strongly recommend preparing with regular walks, stair climbing, and light cardiovascular training before your trip. Acclimatizing in Cusco before starting the trek is also very important.
Meals during the trekking portion are freshly prepared and well-balanced, including carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables, fruits, and hot beverages to maintain energy levels.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions can be accommodated please inform us in advance.
Absolutely. The highlight of the itinerary is your guided visit to Machu Picchu. After completing the trekking portion, you will explore the citadel with a professional guide and learn about its historical and architectural significance.
We recommend preparing with:
Spending time at altitude before the trek will greatly enhance your comfort and performance.
If permits for the Inca Trail have not yet been purchased, date changes may be possible. However, once permits are issued, they are non-refundable and non-transferable, as regulated by Peruvian authorities. Availability for new dates cannot be guaranteed due to limited quotas.
There is no strict age limit. However:
Each case is evaluated individually to ensure safety and comfort.
We offer private departures for travelers who prefer a more personalized experience. Private tours allow you to set your own pace, enjoy flexible schedules, and trek exclusively with your chosen companions, guided by a dedicated professional.
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