Peruvian Highlands 12D: Lima, Inca Trail & Salkantay Trek Adventure

Inca Jungle trek 4 Days Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Lima and City 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. 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.

Day 02: Ica and Huacachina

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.

Day 03: Ballestas Islands

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.

Day 04: Cusco Flight & City Tour

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.

Day 05: Highlights in the Sacred Valley

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.

Day 06: Start of the Salkantay Trek

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:

• Walking Time: 6 Hours (10 km/approx 6.21371 Miles)
• Highest altitude: 3,900m (12,795 ft.)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate day
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Coffee
• Weather: Cold, windy, rainy in the wet season

Day 07: Soray Pampa to Qollpapampa

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.

Day 08: Qollpapampa to Lucmabamba

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:

• Hiking Distance: 9 Hours (30 km /approx 18.6411 Miles)
• Highest altitude: 4,500m (14763.78 ft.)
• Considered:  Challenging day
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee
• Weather: Cold, windy, rainy in the wet season
• Weather: Warm, Humit, Tropical
  

Day 09: Lucmabamba to Aguas calientes

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:

• Distance Covered by Hike: 9 Hours (30 km / approx 18.6411 Miles)
• Highest Altitude: 4,500 m (14763.78 ft)
• Type: Challenging day
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Coffee
• Climate: Cold, windy, rainy during rainy season
• Climate: Warm, Humid, Tropical
  

Day 10: Return to Cusco from Machu Picchu

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:

• Distance Covered by Hike: 4 Hours (6 km / approx 3.72823 Miles)
• Highest Altitude: 3400 m (11,154ft)
• Type: Moderate day
• Meals: Breakfast
• Highlights: Machu Picchu

Day 11: Optional Rainbow Mountain Tour (Vinicunca)

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:

• Hiking Time: 2 Hours Includes
• Hiking Type: Moderate / Challenging
• Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch at Hotel
• Transportation: Van
• The highest point: 5200 meters

Day 12: Return Flight to Lima

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!

Inca Jungle trek 4 Days inclusions

What is Included?

Transportation and Transfers

• Private Airport Transfers: From and to Lima and Cusco airports.
• Land Transportation: Private/shared transport during the tour
• Train Tickets: Expedition/Voyager train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes and from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Ollantaytambo/Poroy).
• Bus Tickets: Shuttle bus round-trip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu citadel.
• Flight Service: Help with the local flights

Guides & Activities

• Professional Guides: English/Spanish-speaking guide for all excursions and 4-day Salkantay trek.
• Lima and Cusco City Tour: Main cathedrals and archaeological visits (Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha).
• Adventures in Ica: Dune buggy and sand boarding experience in Huacachina.
• Marine Fauna: Boat trip to Ballestas Islands in Paracas.
• Sacred Valley: Full day excursion to Pisac, Maras Salt Mines and Moray (with ATV rental).
• Machu Picchu: Official tour in the Inca citadel.

Salkantay trek items

• Camping equipment: Tents of high quality, dining tent with tables and chairs and kitchen tent.
• Trekking Services: Mules or porters to transport camping gear and some of your own luggage (up to 7kg).
• Safety Equipment: First aid kit and oxygen bottle.

Accommodation & Meals

• Hotels: Stays in selected hotels in Lima, Huacachina, Urubamba (4*), Aguas Calientes, and Cusco.
• Meals during Trek: All meals specified (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, and Coffee) prepared by a professional chef.
• Special Meals: Welcome dinner in Lima and box lunch for Rainbow Mountain.

What is NOT Included?

• Flights: International flights to/from Peru and domestic flights (Lima – Cusco – Lima).
• Entrance Fees: * Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC): Required for Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, Moray, etc.
• Entrance to Qorikancha, Cathedral, and Maras Salt Mines.
• Paracas/Ballestas: Small dock fee and national reserve entrance.
• Hiking Gear: Sleeping bags and walking poles (usually available for rent).
• Optional Activity: Rainbow Mountain tour on Day 11 (if not pre-booked as part of the package).
• Insurance: Travel and medical insurance (highly recommended for high-altitude trekking).
• Meals not mentioned: Dinners in cities (Cusco, Aguas Calientes) and lunches on non-trekking days unless specified.
• Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs.

Booking

Recommended Packing List: Peruvian Highlands & Salkantay Trek (12 Days)

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

• Original Passport: Mandatory for entering Machu Picchu, boarding trains, and hotel check-ins. Photocopies are not accepted.
• Travel Insurance: Must include coverage for high-altitude trekking activities (above 4,500 m.a.s.l.).
• Cash in Soles (PEN): Essential for public restrooms on the road, local markets, and where cards are not accepted.

Technical Clothing (Layering System)

• Extreme Cold Layer: Down or high-density thermal jacket, gloves, and a wool hat (vital for camping nights on Salkantay and the early morning at Rainbow Mountain).
• Waterproof Layer: Technical rain jacket or poncho (weather at Salkantay Pass and Machu Picchu is highly unpredictable).
• Breathable Clothing: Quick-dry t-shirts (avoid cotton during the 6 to 9-hour hiking days).
• Trekking Boots: With good grip (Vibram sole or similar) and already “broken in” to avoid blisters during the 30 km treks on days 7 and 8.
• Swimwear: Necessary for the Huacachina Oasis and the hot springs in Qollpapampa or Aguas Calientes.

Health and Protection

• Altitude Medication: “Sorojchi” pills or similar (consult with your doctor before the trip).
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), UV-filter sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against solar radiation reflected off the glaciers.
• Insect Repellent: Specifically for the Lucmabamba, Santa Teresa, and Machu Picchu tropical areas.
• Reusable Water Bottle: For constant hydration (key to preventing altitude sickness during the Salkantay ascent).

Logistics and Technology

• Power Bank: Extreme cold at Salkantay Pass and Rainbow Mountain drains phone batteries rapidly. There are no power outlets at the campsites.
• Headlamp: Essential for moving around the campsites at night and for the early morning departures to the viewpoints.
• Train Luggage Restriction: Only one carry-on bag is allowed (max. 5-8 kg / 11-17 lbs) on the train to Aguas Calientes. Main luggage must be stored at your hotel in Cusco.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Booking Information: Peruvian Highlands 12D

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

• Full Name:
• Passport Number:
• Nationality:
• Copy of Passport (Photo or Scan):
• Date of Birth:

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.

• Arrival Flight Details to Lima (Date/Time/Flight Number):
• Hotel in Lima (If not booked through us):
• Hotel in Cusco (Before and after the Salkantay Trek):
• Departure Flight 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:

• Age Limit: You must be younger than 25 at the time of your visit. This policy applies strictly to undergraduate degree students.
• Card Material and Format: Your university ID must be a physical plastic card with all details officially printed. Paper cards, digital IDs, or cards with stickers are not accepted.
• Required Details: The ID must display the university name, your name, a clear photo, and an expiration date valid for the year of travel (e.g., valid through 2026).
• ISIC Limitations: The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is NOT accepted by Peruvian authorities for Machu Picchu discounts. Only official university-issued IDs are valid.

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.

What does this 12-day Peru itinerary include?

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.

Do I need to book in advance?

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).

When is the best time to travel?

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.

How difficult is this itinerary?

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.

Is it safe to do the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail?

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.

Can I participate without trekking experience?

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.

What type of food is served during the trek?

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.

Can I visit Machu Picchu after completing the trek?

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.

Should I train before the trek?

We recommend preparing with:

• Daily walks of at least 45–60 minutes
• Hill or stair climbing
• Light leg strengthening exercises
• Cardiovascular training

Spending time at altitude before the trek will greatly enhance your comfort and performance.

What if I need to change my travel date?

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.

Is there an age limit?

There is no strict age limit. However:

• The trek is not recommended for children under 7 years old.
• Travelers over 60 should consult their physician and ensure they are physically prepared for high-altitude hiking.

Each case is evaluated individually to ensure safety and comfort.

What if I prefer a private experience?

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.