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Trek among glaciers and alpine lakes, as well as to local villages and lesser known Inca sites placed into the slopes. Experience the diverse ecosystems of the Andes, from ice-clad, high-alpine slopes to lush cloud forests and tropical plantations. Then venture deep into the mysteries of the Inca as we explore the breathtaking sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas on this full-day monumental tour. Finally explore the Lake Titicaca with its floating islands.
Day 1: Lima – Cusco
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour (Full Day)
Day 3: Cusco - Soraypampa
Day 4: Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Chaullay
Day 5: Chaullay - La Playa
Day 6: La Playa - Aguas Calientes
Day 7: Machu Picchu - Cusco
Day 8: Cusco – Lima
Day 9: Bus ride Cusco - Puno
Day 10: Visit the beautiful island of Uros and Amantani on Lake Titicaca
Day 11: Island Visits - Taquile - Puno
Day 12: Transfer Hotel to Airport or Terminal (End of the Service)
Note: Walking and journey times are approximate
DAY 1: Lima - City tour
Arrive in Lima at any time. Our representative will greet you at the airport and private transfer to your hotel. There are no planned activities today so check-in and enjoy the city, although there is an optional walking tour or city tour in a van. This afternoon you are free to explore colonial and modern Lima, with visits to the Government Palace, cathedral, Plaza de Armas and the Archaeological Museum. Or hang around the bustling commercial districts of and Miraflores and Barranco.
DAY 2: Lima – Cusco
Arrive in Lima in the early morning and connect to your flight to Cusco, where our trip leader will meet you for the transfer to our hotel. After lunch on your own, head out on a Guided Walking Tour through this ancient city, once the capital of the vast Inca Empire. Visit the famous ‘Koricancha’ or Temple of the Sun, including nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Q’enko. See the local market and stroll the central square where artisans display fine Quechuan handicrafts, and soak up the charm of hidden courtyards and cobbled streets. Later, meet up with your fellow hikers for the SALKANTAY TREK pre-departure briefing. Depending on your arrival time, there may be time for shopping or more sightseeing in the afternoon. (B)
Day 3: Sacred Valley Tour (Full Day)
Between 8:45 and 9:00 am, we will pick you up from your hotel to begin our journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit to the colorful market and the archaeological site of Pisac then continue our journey to Ollantaytambo, an Inca city that was religious, political and agricultural. Then return to Cusco through Chinchero, a farming Town dedicated to grow potatoes and on the way you will enjoy a wonderful view of the Andes range (B).
Day 4: Start of the Trek: Cusco - Soraypampa
Early in the morning we pick you up from your hotel and then we drive to Mollepata (2900 masl). A 3 hour walk will take us to Cruzpata where we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120m/13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft) – just the start! Later in the in the afternoon we will arrive to our campsite Soraypamapa, our first campsite (3800 m/11750ft; the highest and coldest campsite of the trip) (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Chaullay
Today we’ll rise early to set out on our 2nd day of the trek to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. Follow the Río Blanco valley, hiking the girth of Humantay, a snowy peak across from Salkantay. We’ll reach the highest point of our trip at (4650m/15200 ft.) and pause a moment to admire a vista of snowcapped peaks. From here, descend to our lunch spot. From here the hike takes us out of the stark high-alpine region and into increasingly lush vegetation, as we head down into the Collpapampa Valley, our 2nd campsite called Chawllay (3000m/9800ft). (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Chaullay - La Playa
Continue downhill through the Santa Teresa River Valley, a verdant area that is home to local farms and villages. Hike past coffee plantations and tropical fruit plantations as well as dazzling wildflowers of all colors. The surrounding cloud forest harbors wild orchids and butterflies as well as remarkable birdlife. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: La Playa - Aguas Calientes
The final day of our trek kicks off early with a hearty breakfast. The trail winds uphill toward Llactapata Pass at 8,974 feet, where we’ll catch our first glimpse of Machu Picchu far in the distance. Explore the ruins of Llactapata, a sacred site for the Inca that has been recently restored. After lunch at an observation point overlooking Machu Picchu, follow the path down to the Urubamba River, hiking through thick bamboo stands, orchards, and coffee plantations. Later in the afternoon the hike takes us to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, there is an optional short, scenic train ride to get to Aguas Calientes. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: Machu Picchu - Cusco
Stacked up a hillside in terraces amid soaring Andean peaks, the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We spend an entire day exploring its breathtaking labyrinth of temples, sanctuaries, and homes. Delve into the site with our guides, learning about the Inca’s sophisticated culture and technology, and discovering the secrets of this royal city lost to the wider world for some 500 years.
Today, you will be able to choose between walking up to Machu Picchu or taking a bus to Machu Picchu. Once you get there you will have a guided tour after that you are free to explore city on your own, take pictures, or take any of the extra hikes, e.g. Huaynapicchu (depending on availability) Later in the afternoon we’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo station and a bus to Cusco. (B)
DAY 9: Bus ride: Cusco - Puno
After breakfast our journey continues through the high plateau to Puno. Our full day overland journey through the majestic Andes will astound you. We’ll cover close to 400km (250 mi), go over mountain passes at 4,334m (14,222ft) above sea level, visit some of our favorite sites on the way which is shown below. Approximate arrival in Puno is 5:00pm.
ANDAHUAYLILLAS: It is named the "Sixtine Chapel of America" and in some sense the comparison examples of the Andean popular religious art. The church of Andahuayliaas is a jewerly of the mestizo baroque architecture that developed in Cusco. Its nave presents profuse decoration, especially in the celling decorated with carved panels which is a recover with pan de oro (type of gold decoration).
RAQCHI (Temple of Wiracocha God): To 121 Km of Cusco, it was an Inca church of monumental dimensions: 100 meters of length by 26 meters of wide and 14 meters of height; the temple is divided in two naves and each nave shows basics of 11 giant columns. The bases of the church are bulit perfectly carving stones continued with adobe. It is aprpreciated besides qolqas or granary places of military order, religious, Inka between others.
LA RAYA: Media point in the rout of Cusco - Puno. It is the highest part, it has 4335 meters above sea level, we can appreciate beautiful landscapes, llamas and vivuñas, geographic union between two cultures quechua and aymara, we can see the Altiplano arid and dry union with the quechua zone with rivers and valleys.
PUKARA: It is the most important and oldest ceremonial center of the Altiplano, preceding to tiahunaco, characterized by a series oh echelon platforms ceremonial center. It's also possible to appreciate interesting litosculptures, trails or tomb stone of intriguing personage that seems to show evidence of a brave civilization. Here is where it was discovered the origins of the Andean culture in the Altiplano.
Puno, a city of 150,000 inhabitants, is considered by local populations to be a linguistic, cultural and political border. To the south toward Bolivia the Aymara people and language are dominant. To the north, the better-known Quechua is the dominant tongue. Fortunately, you will see both. (B, L)
DAY 10: Amantani Island / Lake Titicaca
After breakfast, our local guide will take us to the floating reed islands of the Uros and then on to Amantani Island by motor boat. The Uros people are a specific cultural group apart from the Incas. They are more sensitive and protective. We ask that visitors always proceed with respect. Please ask before snapping pictures, as some of the older generation will object
The locals are very friendly and produce souvenirs representing life on the Lake. You can support them by buying a souvenir if you choose.
After the Uros, we will take a step back in time as we arrive to Amantani. The island culture offers a glimpse into their ancient traditions and customs. A rural home stay will open your eyes to the true beauty of this place and the people that have inhabited the lake for thousands of years. All local food and beverages included. (B, L, D)
DAY 11: Puno / Lake Titicaca
We’ll start with an early wake up call to enjoy a spectacular sunrise over Lake Titicaca before visiting the neighboring island of Taquile. Famous for textiles and weavings, Taquile is a cultural treasure chest. We’ll spend an hour hiking to the summit of Taquile Island before enjoying lunch overlooking the Lake Titicaca. Our lunch will include local favorites, trout or kingfish, before heading back to Puno. (B, L)
DAY 12: Juliaca – Lima
We have a short drive to the Juliaca airport before a flight to Lima. Our services end today after a quick flight back to Lima and transfer to the airport for your ongoing international connection. We can arrange an additional post tour accommodation in Lima or Cusco upon client request. (B)
End of our services
Add on the Nazca Lines, the Amazon Rainforest, Colca Canyon, and other extension tours or treks. Let us know.
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