Make your way through the Peruvian Andes and discover a place full of natural wonders and immersive mysticism. The Salkantay Trek will take you through the most impressive landscapes of the Vilcabamba mountain range and the cloud forest before reaching Machu Picchu.
This 8-day experience allows you to immerse yourself in the lush nature of the Cusco region and, at the same time, let yourself be completely enveloped by the powerful energy of the Andes. ¡ Read on to find out all about this must-see trekking to Machu Picchu!
Upon your arrival in Cusco, a city located at 3,400 meters above sea level, it is normal to feel the air slightly thinner. For this reason, our team will be waiting for you and will take you to your hotel, where you will be able to try the traditional coca tea that helps with acclimation (not recommended for travelers with high blood pressure). Afterward, the staff will assist you with the check-in and provide a city map, highlighting the main attractions along with recommended restaurants, currency exchange offices, shops, and more. We suggest resting for a few hours so you can enjoy a free afternoon and evening in Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel.
From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (approximately) — The much-anticipated day to explore the Sacred Valley before visiting Machu Picchu has arrived. In the morning, you will depart for the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas. Your first stop will be the Taray viewpoint, where you will enjoy a sweeping view of the valley. The tour will then continue to the Archaeological Site of Pisac, accompanied by your guide. You will also visit a craft jewelry workshop in Pisac to learn about the symbolism and Andean mysticism present in each handmade piece. The journey will proceed toward Urubamba, where you will have a break for lunch. Afterward, you will continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the finest examples of Inca urban planning.
At the end of the tour, you will board the train at Ollantaytambo Station toward Aguas Calientes on a trip of approximately two hours. Upon arrival, our team will be waiting in the main square of Aguas Calientes with a sign displaying your name in order to accompany you to the hotel. Aguas Calientes is a charming town located at an altitude of approximately 2,040 meters.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
At last, the most anticipated day has arrived!
During this day, you will visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the impressive Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. Our team will be available early in the morning to assist you with the transfer from the hotel to the bus boarding area (the exact time will depend on your entrance ticket).
Throughout the visit, your professional guide will share the secrets, history, and mysteries of the site during a guided tour lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours. After the guided visit, you will have free time to explore the site at your own pace. At the end, the guide will indicate the exact time for your return to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will board the train back to either Poroy or Wanchaq Station, both located near the city of Cusco. Our team will be waiting upon your arrival to assist you with the transfer back to your hotel.
If you wish to make your experience even more special, please review our exclusive optional services below:
Overnight in Cusco.
The day of adventure has arrived!
From 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (approximately) — Your day will begin very early, before breakfast, which will be served upon arrival in the town of Cusipata. You will then continue through small Andean villages until reaching the starting point of the route in Chillihuani, located at an altitude of 4,200 meters. From this point, you will begin the hike toward the famous Rainbow Mountain, enjoying views of mountains, valleys, alpacas, llamas and local communities. If you prefer not to complete the hike to the summit, the guide will ask whether you wish to rent a horse (option not included in the package). Upon completing the ascent, you will reach the highest point: Rainbow Mountain, located at 5,200 meters above sea level. There, you will have free time to appreciate the panoramic view and take photographs of this unique landscape.
Afterwards, you will begin the descent —which is faster— toward the town of Cusipata, where you will enjoy an included buffet lunch. Following this revitalizing break, you will return to the city of Cusco for a well-deserved rest. If preferred, there is also the option to complete the tour by quad bike in private service (consult this alternative with your travel advisor).
Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel.
From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (approximately) — You will take a guided walk through the Historic Center with our local guide. The meeting point will be Regocijo Square, located near Cusco’s Main Square (a courtesy service offered exclusively for our passengers).
From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (approximately) — The Archaeological City Tour will begin. The meeting point will be in front of the Santo Domingo Church, located near Qoricancha, known as the Temple of the Sun. This will be the first stop of the tour.
The tour will then continue to four additional archaeological sites: Sacsayhuaman Fortress, known for the Inti Raymi celebration; followed by Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay, the famous Inca fountains. Before concluding the tour, there will be a special stop to interact with Peruvian llamas and alpacas. Your return to Cusco is scheduled for around 6:00 p.m.; upon arrival, our team can take you back to the hotel or drop you off at the main square.
Overnight in Cusco.
From 4:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (approximately) — Your adventure begins very early, with a hotel pick-up around 4:00 a.m. We will head toward Mollepata, where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast. After this stop, we continue to Challacancha (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), the starting point of our trek.
In the morning, we will hike up to our Sky Camp in Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where a tasty lunch will be waiting for you. Afterward, you’ll have some time to settle in before continuing with the next part of the journey.
In the afternoon, we begin the ascent to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), a true gem of turquoise waters. At the summit, you’ll have time to take in the breathtaking landscape, relax, and capture unforgettable photos before returning to Soraypampa. The day ends with a delicious dinner, stargazing, and a well-deserved rest in the heart of the Andes.
Overnight at Sky Camp.
From 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (approximately) — We will wake up early to enjoy breakfast before beginning our hike along the famous Route of the Seven Snakes, located at an altitude of approximately 4,630 m / 15,092 ft, on the way to Salkantay Pass. Upon reaching the summit, you will have time to rest and marvel at the impressive views of the snow-capped peaks and the majestic Salkantay Mountain. Afterward, we will descend toward Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where our Sky Camp will be waiting with a delicious lunch prepared to help you recover your energy.
After lunch, we will take a short break before walking for about 30 minutes to the point where our transportation will be waiting. During the return journey to Cusco, you will be able to enjoy the last panoramic views of the Andes. Upon arrival in Cusco, the rest of the day will be free for you to relax or explore the city on your own.
Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel.
At the scheduled time, we will arrange the transfer from the hotel to the airport for your check-in for your return flight. We kindly ask that you be ready at least two hours before your departure time, ensuring a punctual and smooth transfer.
We appreciate your trust in traveling with us and look forward to welcoming you again to enjoy unforgettable experiences with Viagens Machu Picchu.
These options are subject to hotel availability and may involve an additional cost. For confirmation and further details, please consult your travel advisor.
Hotels with breakfast
• 05 hotel nights in Cusco.
• 01 hotel night in Aguas Calientes.
• 01 hotel night in Salkantay Sky Camp
Tours
• Walking Tour in Cusco | Courtesy
• Archaeological City Tour in Cusco + bottle of water | Regular Service
• Sacred Valley of the Incas Valley Tour + Buffet Lunch + bottle of water | Regular Service
• Guided Tours in Machu Picchu | Private Service
• Colored Mountain Trek + Food + bottle of water | Regular Service
• Laguna Humantay Trail + Meals | Regular Service
• Salkantay Trail + Meals + Regular Service
Transportation and Tickets.
• Entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
• Tourist Train | Ollantaytambo > Aguas Calientes
• Tourist Bus | Aguas Calientes > Machu Picchu > Aguas Calientes
• Tourist Train | Machu Picchu > Ollantaytambo or Cusco
• Tickets for all archaeological complexes to visit
Private transfers
• Transfer from the hotel to Cusco airport.
• Transfer from Cusco station to the hotel.
• Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Cusco.
Benefits of Viagens Machu Picchu
• 24-hour assistance in Spanish and English.
• Professional team on all tours and walks.
• Guidance in Spanish and English; inform in advance.
• Personalized concierge, and assistance to the needs of your stay.
What is not included?
• Travel insurance.
• National or international air tickets.
• Food and drinks not mentioned above.
• Extra expenses: own, laundry, phone calls, and details included in the itinerary.
| Hotels | Categories | Validity | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cusco:
-San Francisco Plaza, Casona Plaza Cusco, Sacha Hotel Centric,
or Similar Room Standard 5 night(s)
- Bufffet Breakfast
Aguas Calientes :
-Flower House, Retama Machu Picchu, Ferre Machu Picchu,
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Bufffet Breakfast
Salkantay Sky Camp :
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Bufffet Breakfast
|
Turística
|
|
|||||||||
|
Cusco:
-Terra Andina, Hacienda Centro Historico, Xima Cusco Hotel ,
or Similar Room Standard 5 night(s)
- Bufffet Breakfast
Aguas Calientes :
-Taypikala Machu Picchu, Golden Sunrise,
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Bufffet Breakfast
Salkantay Sky Camp :
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Bufffet Breakfast
|
Primera
|
|
|||||||||
|
Cusco:
-Hilton Garden Inn, Sonesta Cusco, Costa del Sol Ramada,
or Similar Room Standard 5 night(s)
- Bufffet Breakfast
Aguas Calientes :
-El Mapi By Inkaterra, Hatun Inti Boutique,
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Bufffet Breakfast
Salkantay Sky Camp :
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Bufffet Breakfast
|
Premium
|
|
|||||||||
Buffet Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant
Located in the luxurious Sanctuary Lodge hotel (former Orient Express); It is the only one located very close to the entrance to Machu Picchu.
• From USD 50.00 per person.
Return Train - Vistadome Observatory Service:
Experience luxury and culture on this first-class train, featuring live entertainment with shows and traditional dances in the observatory carriage for a unique, exciting experience.
• From USD 70.00 per person.
Entrance to the Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu Mountain
Small path that runs from the Inca citadel to the viewpoint of Huayna Picchu, a strategic and unique place where you have the most complete view of the Machu Picchu citadel.
• From USD 65.00 per person.
Apukunaq Tianan in Quad bike:
These sculptures, also known as "The Abode of the Gods" (The Abode of the Gods), is a monument that seeks to represent the Inca deities and the Andean beliefs, offering a vision of the culture of this region.
• From USD 100.00 per person.
Professional Photographer::
During all walks, our professional photographer will record the most beautiful and unforgettable moments.
Value to consult.
Private Tours and Walks
They are ideal for those who want a more personalized service, where the schedules of the tours and walks are more flexible, according to the client's preference. To request a private or personalized service, contact our travel agents.
IMPORTANT!
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu between January and May—especially Circuit 2, the most complete and highly requested option—are already sold out on many dates. For new reservations with departures during this period, if Circuit 2 is not available on your travel date, we will secure the best available alternative.
Our first option will be Circuit 3, which explores the citadel’s lower urban area and offers a longer, more immersive experience. If this circuit is also unavailable, we will arrange Circuit 1, located in the upper section and renowned for its panoramic views and classic postcard-style photos. All options are subject to availability at the time of purchase, and we will do everything possible to ensure you enjoy the best possible experience during your visit.
1. Would my admission ticket to Machu Picchu be refundable if I change the date or cancel my trip?
Recently, the Ministry of Culture of Peru made an update about the changes to the admission ticket to Machu Picchu: all ticket sales are now final. Therefore, the tickets we purchase as part of your tour package are not refundable, and also cannot be transferred to another person or modified to another date.
2. Do you arrange commercial and international flights?
At the moment, we do not arrange international or commercial flights. However, we will help you organize your trip and flight schedules before traveling abroad. Make sure to contact our team and get personalized assistance for planning your trip.
3. Do you organize personalized travel packages?
Yes, we do. Our main goal as a travel agency is to provide an authentic adventure in our country. So, if you want to travel off the beaten path or get the best trip itinerary for Peru, contact our team.
4. Do you offer private tours?
Yes, we do have private excursions to different locations in Peru. We look forward to guaranteeing comfort and showing you much of our history and culture.
5. How do I book a travel package?
Booking a travel package is as easy as requesting a quote on any of our options. Once you’ve filled in your details, one of our travel assistants will contact you. If you still have no idea what you’d like to do during your stay in Peru, don’t worry, we are here to help you.
Our sales team will handle all the details of your trip. They will also give you options for the destinations in our country, so you’ll realize that planning a trip abroad has never been easier.
6. How far in advance should I book my trip?
Usually, we recommend booking your trip 2-3 months in advance. This is especially true for long stays in Peru. Viagens Machu Picchu works with 3 to 5-star hotels. Most of them request booking weeks in advance, they also book tours, train rides, transportation options, and other services.
7. What is the best train for Machu Picchu: Expedition or Vistadome?
We recommend you take the Expedition train on the way to Aguas Calientes since most of the departure times are generally when it’s dark. The expedition train has simpler wagons with smaller windows.
Usually, the return takes place during daylight. That's why we recommend you take the Vistadome train. It has panoramic windows, where you'll enjoy the striking scenery of this road. Also, the Vistadome train offers onboard service and typical dance shows.
8. Are the train tickets included in the package?
Yes, all our packages include round-trip train tickets. Except for those who may choose to go to Machu Picchu by trek. In this case, we’ll only cover the return ticket.
9. Can I choose seats on train trips?
Unfortunately, Peru Rail (the railway company) does not allow passengers to choose seats on any of their different types of trains. The distribution of these is done automatically by the company’s system.
10. During the trip to Machu Picchu, where will my largest luggage stay?
Bags that weigh more than 5kg are not allowed on the train or in the Archeological Site of Machu Picchu. Therefore, you must leave your large luggage in the storage service of your accommodation.
For your trip to Machu Picchu, we highly recommend you carry a light backpack with just the essentials for your comfort.
11. What are the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains?
Those are the surrounding mountains of the Inca Citadel. Huayna Picchu is 2,720 meters above sea level, offering a great view of the site and several Inca ruins along the trail.
Machu Picchu Mountain is located 3,082 meters above sea level and serves as another viewpoint of the famous historical sanctuary. Yet, the trek to its summit is significantly less challenging than the Huayna Picchu mountain.
To trek either of these mounts, you must purchase an additional entrance ticket well in advance. For more information, contact your travel agent.
12. What Currency is Used in Peru?
Nuevo Soles is the local currency in Peru, banknotes come in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, and 10. Whilst coins come in 5, 2, 1, 0.50, 0.20, and 0,10 units.
13. What is the best currency to use in Peru: US Dollars or Soles?
Almost all establishments accept payments in US Dollars. However, we highly recommend you have both Dollars and Soles (the local currency). There might be places where you’ll need to pay only with Soles.
14. What are the Peru entry requirements?
Depending on your nationality, you would either need a tourist visa, valid passport, or your national I.D. card to enter Peru, for example:
- Passport: Concerns to every country that isn’t in the Andean Community. It must have a validity of at least 6 months. - Tourist Visa: This applies to visitors from Venezuela, Haití, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Cuba. The national ID card is valid for all the members of the Andean Community. This includes Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
Changes & Cancellations
1. If a tour is canceled due to weather conditions, will I get a refund?
Tour cancellations due to bad weather conditions have no refund, as they are factors beyond our control. However, we’d like to ensure the integrity of our passengers by acknowledging that some other situations may be taken into account. Therefore, if there is any inconvenience, contact your travel agent.
2. Can I change the starting date of my travel package?
Yes, you can change the starting date of your travel package. However, an administrative fee of 10% to 50% of the package's total value will be charged. The fee depends on how close it is to your trip's original date. This depends on availability and supplier policies.
3. Can I cancel my trip?
Affirmative, you can definitely cancel your trip. Your options for a refund are, however, subject to certain rules. Only a limited sum will be refunded by Viagens Machu Picchu under the following circumstances:
There won't be a fee if you cancel up to 50 days before your trip. You'll get a 10% price cut on the deposit commission and other administrative fees.
- You will be charged a 50% fee of the package's total value for cancellations made 21 to 39 days before the start date.
- Up to 20 days before the starting date, there will be a 50% fine on the total value of the package.
- Up to 10 days before the starting date, there will be an 80% fine of the total value of the package.
- For cancellations made less than 7 days before the starting date, the total value of the package will be withheld.
Important Note: Viagens Machu Picchu will have up to 50 days to refund the money to the passenger. This is according to the aforementioned conditions, from the date of trip cancellation.
For further information, we have a section with the most Frequently Asked Questions about Peru, Machu Picchu, and our company.
To confirm your booking, we will send you a link with 50% of the total amount; the remaining 50% must be paid 15 days before your arrival to Peru. Payment can be in US Dollars, credit, or debit card. For payment in installments of the remaining value, please consult your travel agent.
Our current payment methods are through PayPal and Visa.