Inca trail Machu picchu, Salkantay, Tambopata 11 amazing days

11D/10N

Discover the magic of Peru in 11 unforgettable days

Embark on an 11-day adventure that will take you through the rich cultural and natural wonders of Peru. Starting in the historic city of Cusco, you’ll delve into the majestic Andes with the challenging and breathtaking Salkantay trek, culminating in a visit to the enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. After conquering the Andean heights, you’ll head to the Amazon rainforest of Tambopata, where the most exuberant biodiversity awaits you. Prepare for an unforgettable experience filled with stunning landscapes, archaeological discoveries, and close encounters with Peru’s diverse wildlife and flora

This awaits you on your next trip

ITINERARY Inca trail Machu picchu, Salkantay, Tambopata

DAY 1: CITY TOUR CUSCO

CITY TOUR CUSCO

🦙 Cusco City Tour – Half Day (Morning or Afternoon)

This enriching tour takes you through Cusco’s top cultural and archaeological landmarks. Whether you choose the morning (8:30–9:00 a.m.) or afternoon shift (12:30–1:00 p.m.), pick-up is organized either from your hotel or a meeting point in Plaza de Armas.

🏛️ Qoricancha – Temple of the Sun

Our first stop is Qoricancha, where you’ll explore the spiritual heart of Incan Cusco and witness the striking blend of Inca and colonial architecture.

🚌 Sacsayhuamán & Cristo Blanco

We continue by bus to Sacsayhuamán, famous for its massive stonework and panoramic views. Afterwards, we head to the Cristo Blanco viewpoint for incredible photos of the city.

🌿 Qenqo, Forest Walk & Huayllarcocha

Then, we visit Qenqo, a sacred ceremonial site, followed by a tranquil eucalyptus forest walk. You’ll also meet local artisans at Huayllarcocha and learn about alpaca wool.

⛲ Final Sites: Tambomachay & Puca Pucara

To wrap up, we visit Tambomachay’s sacred fountains and Puca Pucara’s ancient outpost. The tour ends near Plaza de Armas, at Calle Plateros or Plazoleta Regocijo—just in time for you to continue exploring!

DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY

SACRED VALLEY

🗺️ Sacred Valley VIP Tour from Cusco – Full Itinerary

📍 Hotel Pick-Up

The Sacred Valley VIP Tour from Cusco begins between 6:20 a.m. and 6:50 a.m., with hotel pick-up included. This ensures a timely and comfortable start to your day.

🏛️ First Stop: Chinchero

At 7:00 a.m., we visit the Chinchero Archaeological Park and the Awana Textile Center. There, you’ll witness the traditional dyeing and weaving process. Moreover, you’ll learn how local communities preserve this heritage.

🌱 Moray and Maras

Next, we head to Moray, the Inca agricultural laboratory known for its circular terraces. Right after that, we explore the Maras Salt Mines, a stunning landscape still used by local families.

🍽️ Buffet Lunch in Urubamba

Around midday, we enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba, a charming valley surrounded by Andean mountains and peaceful scenery.

🏯 Afternoon: Ollantaytambo and Pisac

Following lunch, we explore the ancient site of Ollantaytambo. Passengers with train connections can remain near the station. Then, we continue to Pisac, where we visit its ruins and a local silversmith’s workshop.

🚐 End of the Tour

DAY 3: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA

CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA

🕓 We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:45 and 5:30 a.m. to start your exciting Salkantay trek 5 days adventure. During the scenic ride to Mollepata, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and the Apurímac River valley.

🍽️ After about two hours, we’ll stop in Mollepata for breakfast (not included), last-minute shopping, and a bathroom break. Then, we continue to Challacancha where our support team and horses await.

🥾 Around 9:30 a.m., we begin hiking to Soraypampa. The trail takes about 4 hours at a steady pace. Once we arrive, we’ll have lunch and settle into glass-domed shelters with panoramic views.

🌄 In the afternoon, we’ll hike to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m). Although the round trip takes around 3 hours, it’s absolutely worth it. We’ll end the day with a delicious, warm dinner.

📍 Max Altitude: 3,850 m | Min Altitude: 2,850 m | Distance: 14 km

DAY 4: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – HUAYRAMACHAY – CHAULLAY

SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – HUAYRAMACHAY – CHAULLAY

🌄 As the sun rises, we’ll wake you with coca tea and serve a nourishing breakfast to begin the second day of the Salkantay trek 5 days.

🏔️ Today is the most challenging. We hike 6 km uphill to the trek’s highest point: the magnificent Salkantay Pass (4,650 m). The mountain scenery here is nothing short of spectacular.

🍽️ After admiring the view, we descend for 2 hours to Huayracmachay, where we’ll stop for lunch. Then, we continue 3 more hours downhill to Chaullay (2,900 m), our next overnight stop in cozy Andean cabins.

🌙 After a well-deserved dinner, it’s time to rest and prepare for the following day.

📍 Max Altitude: 4,650 m | Min Altitude: 2,920 m | Distance: 20 km

DAY 5: CHAULLAY - COLLPAPAMPA – LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA

CHAULLAY – COLLPAPAMPA – LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA

🌿 The third day of the Salkantay trek 5 days begins at 6:00 a.m. with a tasty breakfast. Then, we hike through the lush Santa Teresa valley, full of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and crops like coffee, bananas, and avocados.

🐦 As we pass through Collpapampa, famous for its biodiversity, we may even spot Peru’s national bird, the “Cock-of-the-Rock.”

🍽️ After lunch at La Playa, we walk 20 minutes to Lucmabamba (2,400 m), where we’ll camp surrounded by coffee plantations. In the afternoon, we’ll visit a local organic coffee farm and enjoy freshly roasted beans.

💦 Optionally, you can visit the Santa Teresa hot springs (additional cost).

📍 Starting Altitude: 2,750 m | Camp Altitude: 2,400 m | Distance: 18 km | Difficulty: Easy

DAY 6: LUCMABAMBA - LLACTAPATA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

🌞 We start early with breakfast, ready for another day on the Salkantay trek 5 days.

🏞️ We hike for 2 hours along a section of the ancient Inca Trail to reach Llactapata archaeological site, where you’ll get a direct view of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and Machu Picchu Mountain.

📉 Afterward, we descend for 2 hours to Hidroelectrica for lunch. From there, you can choose to walk 3 more hours to Aguas Calientes or take the train ($38 extra).

⚠️ Note: Llactapata may be inaccessible during the rainy season due to safety concerns.

📍 Starting Altitude: 2,450 m | Final Altitude: 2,000 m | Distance: 18 km | Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

DAY 7: THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY – MACHU PICCHU!

THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY – MACHU PICCHU!

🌅 Today we wake up early to be among the first to enter Machu Picchu. You can either walk or take the bus ($12).

🏯 From 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., we’ll explore the citadel with a 2-hour guided tour through temples, terraces, plazas, and more.

⛰️ Afterward, you’ll have free time to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (with pre-booked ticket, $60 extra).

🚆 We’ll then return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train (4:22 p.m. or 6:20 p.m.), and from Ollantaytambo, a minivan will take you back to Cusco. Alternatively, you can walk to Hidroelectrica and take the van from there.

📍 Time in Machu Picchu: 3 hours | Level: Easy visit, optional challenging hike

DAY 8: CUSCO TO PUERTO MALDONADO

At 8:00pm take the bus to Puerto Maldonado to arrive there at 7:00 am

DAY 9: ARRIVAL – RAINFOREST – HACIENDA TAMBOPATA LODGE

ARRIVAL – RAINFOREST – HACIENDA TAMBOPATA LODGE

🚐 Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, we will pick you up from the airport or bus station. Afterward, we’ll travel 2 hours by road and take a short boat ride to Hacienda Tambopata Lodge.

🌿 Upon check-in, enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll take a guided jungle walk. Along the way, you may spot tropical birds, colorful insects, reptiles, and even mammals in their natural habitat.

📸 This first day of your Tambopata & Sandoval lake tour offers a relaxing introduction to the lush rainforest and sets the tone for the adventures ahead.

📍 Approx. Distance: 2 hours by road + 20 min by boat

🕓 Estimated Duration: 3 hours

📈 Average Elevation: 200 m.a.s.l.

🍽️ Meals: Lunch, dinner

🛏️ Accommodation: Hacienda Tambopata Lodge

DAY 10: MACAW CLAY LICK & LAKE SANDOVAL

MACAW CLAY LICK & LAKE SANDOVAL

🌅 We start our day at 4:30 a.m. with a journey to Collpa Chuncho, the largest macaw clay lick on Earth. During the 90-minute boat ride, there’s a chance to spot capybaras, tapirs, exotic birds, and even jaguars.

🦜 Upon arrival, we settle in to witness a breathtaking natural show. Hundreds of parrots and macaws descend to the clay wall to feed. This wildlife spectacle is a highlight of the Tambopata & Sandoval lake tour, and a dream moment for nature lovers.

🍽️ After a camp-style breakfast, we return to the lodge, enjoy lunch, and continue to Lake Sandoval, arriving at Monte Amazónico Lodge for check-in.

🌙 In the evening, we head out in search of white caimans and capybaras along the Madre de Dios River. This night tour offers a unique glimpse into the jungle’s nocturnal life. We finish with dinner and rest.

📈 Altitude: 200 m

🕓 Estimated Time: 7 hours

📍 Distance: Approx. 20 km

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

🛏️ Accommodation: Monte Amazónico Lodge

DAY 11: LAKE SANDOVAL & RETURN

LAKE SANDOVAL & RETURN

🛶 After breakfast, we hike 3 km through the lush jungle to Lake Sandoval, one of Tambopata National Reserve’s largest lakes. Aboard a rowing boat, we spot birds such as hoatzins, cormorants, and herons, along with monkeys, sloths, and hopefully giant river otters.

🦦 This peaceful lake experience is a core part of the Tambopata & Sandoval lake tour, showcasing the Amazon’s rich biodiversity. If we’re lucky, we may also see large caimans basking in the sun.

🍽️ We return to the lodge for a typical lunch. Finally, we travel back to Puerto Maldonado, where we’ll transfer you to the airport or bus station, ending this immersive journey through the jungle.

📈 Altitude: 200 m

🕓 Estimated Time: 4 hours

📍 Distance: 6 km hike + boat

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, lunch

🚐 Transfer: To Puerto Maldonado

PRICE AND INCLUSIONS Inca trail Machu picchu, Salkantay, Tambopata

Each trip is tailored to your specific needs and desires, so our prices vary depending on the number of people traveling, the desired level of accommodation, and the activities included, among other factors.

PRICE INCLUDES

NOT INCLUDED

ACCOMMODATIONS

We offer you an exclusive selection of our accommodations in Cusco, ensuring that you enjoy the utmost comfort and an unparalleled experience during your stay.