Cusco is recognized as the 'Archaeological Capital of America'.
Cusco, Cuzco or Qosqo are the names by which the ancient capital of the Inca Empire is known. It is a center for archaeological scholars from all over the world who come to Peru to discover the wonders of Machu Picchu and the other ruins scattered throughout the valley.
It was an important administrative center for the Spanish Empire (Viceroyalty of Peru), and can be seen in the large number of manifestations of colonial art and architecture that can be found throughout the city and especially its Plaza de Armas. Today, Cusco is the largest tourist center in the country, receiving more than one million visitors a year.
Cusco is the oldest urban settlement in all of the Americas, more than 3,000 years old, but pre-ceramic samples have been found as old as 5,000 years. The origins of the first inhabitants of the city are lost in legend. Inca legends say that the founders of the city were Manko Qhapaq and Pachakuteq.
At the top of the mountain, large and impressive stone blocks joined together, the most important political and religious center of the Inca empire: Machu Picchu.
Located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, the sacred Inca citadel built around 1450 and discovered in 1911, still hides enigmas and mysteries about its real purpose that remain hidden to this day and arouse the interest of both visitors and archaeologists from around the world.
Due to its strategic location on top of a high mountain, there are several theories about what it could have meant to the Incas. Some argue that it was built as a great mausoleum for the Inca Pachacutec, while others claim that it was an important administrative and agricultural center whose cultivated areas were used for the sustenance of its inhabitants. However, it is also considered that it was used as a necessary link between the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon or as a resting place for the Inca governor.
The truth is that Machu Picchu is one of the greatest symbols behind the impressive architecture and engineering of the Inca Empire. Although its origin is still under study, the value and transcendence it represented in its time, as well as its imposing design, have earned it to be considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
The tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco, is one of the most classic and incredible tours, where you can explore small villages outside the city of Cusco and also its archaeological sites.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located 15 km (9 miles) north of the Inca capital of Cusco at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). The Sacred Valley was once the Inca empire’s main point for the extraction of natural wealth, and one of the most important areas for corn production in Peru.
We have to admire the advanced agricultural techniques of the Incas and their system of andenería (terraces): system of platforms composed of small groups of farmland, arranged in the form of tiers on the hills, where crops are planted. The valleys were also a place of worship to the Pachamama (mother earth).
The Sacred Valley is a must-see destination in Peru and has become one of the most important tourist centers in the country. There are numerous impressive Inca ruins, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisaq and Moray. The Sacred Valley also has two of the most important handicraft markets in the Cusco region: Pisaq and Chinchero.
The Inca Trail is not the only route to Machu Picchu. The city of Machu Picchu was connected by a network of roads known as Qhapaq Ñan.
The great adventure of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is for those who live passionately, always looking for a new experience!
The Inca Trail is a fascinating dream to fulfill and is the most famous trek in all of South America. The beauty of the views and the archaeological sites surrounding the Inca Trail are unsurpassed.
This tour is ideal for those who are full of energy to hike to Machu Picchu on the trip of a lifetime with the Classic Inca Trail 4 days 3 nights.
The Inca Trail Peru is a well established trek that takes travelers from km. 82 (the starting point 40 minutes from the town of Ollantaytambo) to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (also called Inti Punku).
Se trata de la montaña de los Siete Colores, también conocida como Vinicunca o Arcoíris.
Also known as the “Hill of 7 colors”, vinicunca, and colorful mountain, gift of nature for the enjoyment of our eyes. This unique mountain is located more than 100 km from the Imperial City of Cusco, belonging to the town of Pitumarca, is one of the main tourist attractions of Peru recently discovered and made known in 2016.
Vinicunca means “mountain of colors”. It is also known as Rainbow Mountain, Cerro Colorado or in English as Rainbow Mountain. It is located at 5200 meters above sea level and belongs to the Ausangate snow-capped mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range, it is the fifth highest mountain in Peru.
Its coloration is natural due to the large amount of sedimentary stones in erosion, what makes it so beautiful and impressive is how these stones are formed to give it the appearance of a rainbow (7 colors).
Although it is commonly called Rainbow Mountain (Cerro Colorado or Seven Colors Mountain), its real name is Vinicunca, which comes from Quechua.
If you are looking for a hike out of the ordinary, here are the hikes you are looking for
In Cusco you will find countless activities and tourist routes that you can explore; many of them include a visit to Machu Picchu, whether you are looking for a quiet and classic tour or adventure experiences with a touch of immersion with the coexistence with local people.
Live exciting moments in real contact with nature that remains untouched by the hand of man, all well preserved; walk in contact with nature, and the local fauna; if you are patient you will see many animals that come out to walk trusting; since each one is prohibited.
Enjoy hikes of 2 to more days; enjoy good food along the route; professional local guides and discover the magic of visiting this beautiful country that awaits you.
Exciting adventures, all over Peru, wide variety of experiences.
Peru has become in recent years the most fashionable destination in South America. There is no shortage of reasons: an impressive variety of ecosystems, breathtaking landscapes, beautiful cities full of history, culture, traditions, beaches, fauna, flora… and, of course, its delicious and famous gastronomy.
From the Amazon to the desert, from the high peaks of the Andes to the Pacific, passing through the valleys and high plateaus, the country enchants with its incredible contrasts. Although the reasons to visit the country are really endless, we want to show you some compelling arguments for you to embark on the exciting adventure of discovering it. Are you up for it?
Every place on Earth is fascinating and unique, but Peru is one of those countries that manages to be above average. This place has so many natural and cultural treasures that have fascinated people for hundreds of years, and still fascinate them today. There are thousands of reasons to go to this great destination, here are just some of the reasons why you should visit Peru.
5 Days from $ USD 100.00
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days 4 Nights
The Salcantay mountain is one of the highest mountains in the Cusco region, together with the Ausangate mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range which is located further south. However, without hesitation, it is the most magnificent in its splendid isolation and the greatness of its two-headed mole, with the addition of being one of the mountains of this magnificent Andean region that present major technical problems in all its aspects. This is attested by the six itineraries opened to date by the different aspects of this white giant.
The Salkantay 5 day trek is one of the most spectacular and adventurous ways to reach Machu Picchu, this 5 day trek offers the best options. It has glacial mountains, beautiful lakes like Humantay and Salkantay Lake, and goes through the Amazon jungle, making it one of the most beautiful and exciting trekking places in Peru.
Booking this Salkantay 5 Days tour, with us, you will enjoy the best services at an affordable price. We will pass by blue lakes, reach heights of up to 15,000 feet and pass by waterfalls, rivers and hot springs.
We will also hike the original Inca trail to the ruins of Llactapata, where you will get a great panoramic view of Machu Picchu from a different angle, which will motivate you to finish the last stretch first by reaching the famous lost city of the Incas.
The Salkantay 5 Days trek was listed by National Geographic as one of the 25 “best treks in the world”. Choose an experienced and highly qualified company for your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and make it an incredible and unforgettable experience.
The Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is the preferred trekking route for tourists, after the 4-day Inca Trail. It is the most arduous trek because it covers a total of approximately 70 kilometers. It owes its name to the fact that it crosses the Salkantay pass (4,650 meters above sea level), a point close to the famous snow-capped mountain.
Machu Picchu is reached by following the route through ‘Llactapata’. In addition to the Inca city, during this hike you will appreciate other tourist attractions such as the famous Humantay lake.
The tour includes everything necessary for the visit: transportation to the starting point of the hike, porters team, cook team, tour guide, camping equipment (tents, poles, etc.), lodging in Aguas Calientes, entrance to Machu Picchu and return by train to Cusco.
We will pick you up from your hotel around 05:00 for your 5 day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. We continue driving almost 3 hours to Anta Mollepata. During the bus ride, you can see the snow-capped mountains of Salkantay and Veronica, sacred gods of the Incas. In addition, you will see impressive views of the upper and lower valleys with colorful landscapes. After a two-hour drive, we will make our first stop in the village of Mollepata, where you will find restrooms and breakfast. After breakfast you will continue to Challacancha (the starting point of our trek). There we will meet our support staff, arrange all the equipment, horses and mules and have an introductory meeting.
Approximately at 9:30 am. We will start walking towards Soraypampa (3900 m.a.s.l.). The first part of the trail is a paved road. On the way, we will see the old water channel that still provides water to the new residents. The first section is 9 km that we will walk in 3 hours to reach Soraypampa where we will have lunch. This will also be a base camp. After lunch and siesta, we will continue our trek to Laguna Humantay (4200m above sea level). This is a 5km hike that will take 3 hours round trip. Once we reach the lake, we will be able to observe the Humantay glacier and the impressive sunset. Soraypampa is located in the middle of ice valleys, where at night it is very dark and there is no ambient light, which makes it a perfect place to admire the constellations in the Peruvian Andean sky.
1, Easy
This day we will wake up between 5 am with coca tea delivered to your campsite. Then we quickly pack our bags, have a quick breakfast and immediately begin our ascent to the highest point of the Salkantay Trail (4620m 15,255ft). The distance is 7km which we will complete in 4 hours. During our ascent through the rocky valley, we will be able to observe the magnificent Salkantay Peak and even see chinchillas on the trail (6217 masl 20,341ft). Once we reach the top of the trail, we will enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and the imposing snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, Humantay and Pumasillo.
Salkantay is considered the second highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the main Inca deities known as “Apu Salkantay”. Hiking to the top was the most difficult part of the entire hike, you will feel very accomplished! The next 3 hours are spent descending the zig zag trail along a rocky, gravel road to Huayracmachay, our lunch spot. In the afternoon, we will reach the top of the rainforest or “cloud forest”. We will travel 9km in 3 hours to reach the village of Chaullway (2900m above sea level 9514ft) our base camp. On the second half of the day’s descent, we will observe the dense forest decorated with colorful orchids and native plants. Most of the year the weather is warm and pleasant for this 5 day Salkantay Trek.
1, Easy
Around 5:30 a.m. Wake up with hot coca tea! Then we have breakfast and then we start walking straight to the beach; We will walk along the jungle brow and following the Salkantay indications in a gradual path. On the way, we will stop at several family houses to enjoy local fruits and vegetables (passion fruit, banana, coffee, avocado, mango, orange and papaya). If we are lucky, we will be able to observe the famous bird known as “gallito de rocas”.
The distance of the trail is 16 km and the walking time is 7 hours to reach Lucmabamba, our base. Lucmabamba is a small village surrounded by coffee plantations and can provide basic services (bathrooms, electricity, stores and souvenirs) and serves as a place for refreshments. In the afternoon, it is possible to drive an hour to the hot springs. This is highly recommended after a hard climbing trip. After enjoying the hot springs, we will return to the camp for dinner.
1, Easy
First we will briefly explain about the coffee we will enjoy, then we will be able to taste the organic coffees provided by the locals. During the walking tour, we will pass through coffee plantations and a manual coffee mill on our way to Llactapata. Here we follow an extensive, well-preserved and original Inca trail that has been to Quito.
Following the trail up the mountainside, we can see countless species of butterflies, lemongrass, orchids, rocky streams and stunning views of the Santa Teresa Valley. From the top of the pass you can see the wonderful Machu Picchu as well as Intipunku, the famous Sungate. From the pass, it is only a short walk to Llactapata. Still covered in vines, jungle vegetation and trees, we will explore the site before descending down the Urubamba River and then to the hydroelectric plant where we will have our final lunch with the great chef. From there, we will continue walking along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. Once in town, we will check into the hotel, go to dinner and spend the night in this place.
1, Easy
Finally we arrive at the impressive Machu Picchu. You will wake up around 4 a.m. to prepare for the hike to the main entrance of Machu Picchu. Each person will receive a packed breakfast and we will begin a 30-minute walk to the Puente Ruinas checkpoint, where you will need to show your passport, Machu Picchu ticket and student card, if applicable. After passing the first checkpoint, we will hike up our trail for about an hour to arrive at the main gate of Machu Picchu at 6 am.
Once we are all at the gate, we will enter Machu Picchu and have the 2.5 hour guided tour or guided visit of the famous Inca site where you will learn all about the lost Inca city.
After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. How long you stay at Machu Picchu will depend on how you return to Cusco, whether you wish to climb Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu, for which you must book your entrance ticket in advance.
If you have booked an additional ticket for HUAYNAPICCHU, you will need 2.5 hours to go up and down.
If you have booked an additional ticket for MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAÑA, it will take you 3.5 hours to go up and down.
After touring Machu Picchu and its surroundings, it is time to return to Ollantaytambo and then transfer to Cusco.
1, Easy
We have daily departures for this tour. The climate is dry all year round. However, between December and April, there are some rainy days, but they are not a big deal. Machu Picchu, the zip line and the hot springs are on the other side of the Andes Mountains, and at a lower elevation the temperature can be around 25°C during the day and 13°C at night. However, the first part of the Salkantay trek is cold, with temperatures of 12 ° C during the day and 2 ° C at night. Therefore, on this tour you will need summer and winter clothing. Click here to check the Weather in Peru.
There are many destinations in Machu Picchu such as Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu Mountain, the Inka Bridge and the Sun Gate. The first 2 must be booked in advance and the last 2 are free. Click here to learn more about The Destinations inside Machu Picchu.
You may know that Machu Picchu was not the main city of the Inka Empire. However, it was a sacred temple used to welcome the new year. If you are interested in knowing the timeline of the Inka history, we recommend you to visit Cusco (the capital of the Inka Empire), Click to see The Destinations in Cusco. After Cusco, the Inkas built the Sacred Valley, click to see Destinations in the Sacred Valley, and then built Machu Picchu and the great Inca Trail. If you visit those destinations first, you will be an expert in Inca History when you get to Machu Picchu.
Make sure you are prepared for what is not included in the tour: entrance fees, snacks, cold drinks or the occasional wifi and hot shower offered by camp owners for a few soles. Also, carry money in soles for tips, including tour guides, porters and cooks.
If you bring your own sleeping bag, make sure it is suitable for the cold.
Some must-have essentials include toilet paper and tissues, hand sanitizer and a portable battery for the first two days, as there will be no electricity.
If you enjoy photography, or simply want to capture memories, don’t forget an extra camera battery and charger. Some must-have essentials are toilet paper and tissues, hand sanitizer and a portable battery for the first two days, as there will be no electricity.
Bring insect repellent for the last few days of the trek, as you are close to the jungle and they will want to hunt you down.
Stay hydrated: if you plan to hike to Machu Picchu instead of taking the bus, you will need plenty of motivation and water. It can get quite humid and hot.
Make sure you make the most of your visit to Machu Picchu. Even if you get a guided tour, there is a lot more to see. Machu Picchu is divided by circuits, this means that once you pass one point, there is no turning back and officials will pressure you to keep walking, and without even knowing you will end up at the exit.
On your way back to Cusco, be sure to take the train. Although the bus may seem like a cheaper option, the 3 hour hike and 6 hour bus ride back to Cusco can be really tough after all those days of hard trekking.
Try to bring a small inflatable neck pillow for the bus rides and it can also serve as a pillow while camping.
The Salkantay tour does not close during the year and no government permission is needed, but during the months of January and March, which is the rainy season, we recommend taking precautions and keep in mind that there may possibly be changes in the route as the rains on the route vary and some landslides may occur that may change the tour plan, of course our guides are professionals and very knowledgeable about the route that will make the best and safest decision.
The Salkantay trek is normally done in 5 days, but Inkas Destination saw the need of many passengers who do not have enough time to do it in 5 days and adapted the tour in 4 days with an itinerary that makes you enjoy and not miss the most impressive of the trek, doing the trek of 4 or 5 days is 100% recommended and worth it.
Both treks do not have much difference until the 3rd day after lunch, normally on the 5 day Salkantay trek the 3rd day you spend the night in Santa Teresa and visit the thermal baths of Cocalmayo for the 4th day trek from Santa Teresa to the hydroelectric plant. and then to Machu Picchu unlike the Salkantay trek of 4 days that on the 3rd day after lunch we take the transport to hydroelectric and continue walking to Machu Picchu, in short we do not visit the village of Santa Teresa and the baths but do not worry that in Machu Picchu village you can also visit the thermal baths of Machu Picchu.
Like all tours that exceed 3500 meters above sea level, we recommend taking a minimum of 1 or 2 days of acclimatization before the tour so that the body is oxygenated and less prone to altitude sickness, besides drinking coca tea as this plant oxygenates the blood and helps prevent altitude sickness, all our guides carry a first aid kit that includes an oxygen balloon in case it is necessary to use it at any time.
In Cusco, I am your travel specialist, with more than 10 years of experience organizing adventure trips.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru operated by South Winds Peru. Please take a moment to complete our short form so that one of our friendly adventure consultants can provide you with all the information for the best trip of your life in Peru.
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