From Lima: 11-Day Trek – Cusco, Salkantay Trek via KM 82, Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain & Lima City Tour
Experience the best of the Andes on this 11-day tour, trekking Salkantay, the Short Inca Trail, and exploring Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.
From Lima: 11-Day Trek – Cusco, Salkantay Trek via KM 82, Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain & Lima City Tour
Immerse yourself in Peru’s breathtaking Sacred Andes on this 11-day adventure that combines challenging treks, cultural exploration, and natural wonders. Begin with the stunning Salkantay Trek, where you’ll witness Humantay Lake’s turquoise waters and conquer the high-altitude Incachiriasca Pass. Transition seamlessly into the Short Inca Trail, walking through lush cloud forests and ancient Inca ruins like Wiñay Wayna, and enter Machu Picchu through the awe-inspiring Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Cap your journey with a trek to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), an otherworldly natural marvel surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes. Along the way, explore Cusco’s historic sites, the Sacred Valley’s treasures, and Lima’s colonial heritage. This carefully curated itinerary combines adventure, culture, and history, offering an unforgettable exploration of Peru’s Sacred Andes.
| Departure & Return Location | Lima Airport or Bus Station (Pickup and drop-off coordination based on your details) |
| Departure Time | Flexible, based on your arrival schedule |
| Estimated Return Time | Flexible, adjusted to your flight or bus departure |
| Guide Languages Available | Guides fluent in English and Spanish |
| Key Attractions | Salkantay Trek, Humantay Lake, Short Inca Trail, Wiñay Wayna, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Sacred Valley, Cusco, Lima Historic Center |
Lima Airport/Bus Station – Arrival – Transfer to Hotel
Welcome to Lima, Peru’s bustling capital city! Upon arrival at the airport or bus station, our team will meet you and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the nearby attractions at your leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lima
Meals: None included
Transport: Approx. 30 minutes
Lima – Cusco – City Tour
After breakfast, take a scenic flight to Cusco (included). Upon arrival, our team will transfer you to your hotel. Take the morning to acclimate to the high altitude (3,400m/11,152ft).
In the afternoon, embark on a guided city tour of Cusco, starting at the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), a remarkable fusion of Inca and colonial architecture. Visit the nearby archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara, each offering unique insights into Inca culture and engineering. Return to your hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: Light walking
Transport: Approx. 3 hours
Cusco – Sacred Valley Tour (Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo & Chinchero) – Return to Cusco
Explore the Sacred Valley’s rich cultural and natural wonders. Begin at Pisac, renowned for its agricultural terraces and vibrant artisan market.
Travel to Urubamba for a relaxing lunch break (not included), followed by a visit to Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca fortress with spectacular views. End your day in Chinchero, a picturesque village known for its colonial church and Andean weaving traditions. Return to Cusco in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: Approx. 2 hours
Transport: Approx. 6 hours
Cusco – Soraypampa – Trek to Humantay Lake – Camp at Ichupata
Begin your trekking journey with a morning drive to Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy breakfast before heading to Soraypampa. Start your hike with a scenic ascent to the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake (4,200m/13,780ft), a serene Andean gem surrounded by towering peaks.
After soaking in the lake’s beauty, descend to Soraypampa and continue trekking to Ichupata. Settle into your campsite and enjoy a delicious dinner under the starry Andean sky.
Accommodation: Camping at Ichupata
Meals: Lunch, Tea, and Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 4–5 hours, 8.5 km
Transport: Approx. 3 hours
Ichupata – Incachiriasca Pass – Trek to Pampacahuana
Wake up early to tackle the day’s challenging ascent to Incachiriasca Pass (4,900m/16,076ft), the highest point of the trek. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of Apu Salkantay and its surrounding glaciers.
Descend to Sisaypampa for a peaceful lunch break, then continue to Pampacahuana, a small village near ancient Inca aqueducts. Relax at your campsite, savoring a hearty meal and the tranquility of the Andean wilderness.
Accommodation: Camping at Pampacahuana
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, and Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 6–7 hours, 10 km
Pampacahuana – Drive to Ollantaytambo – Overnight in Ollantaytambo
Descend to Paucarcancha, an archaeological site showcasing the Inca’s architectural mastery. Continue along the trail to KM 82, the starting point of the Classic Inca Trail.
After lunch, take a scenic drive to Ollantaytambo, a charming town with cobblestone streets and well-preserved Inca ruins. Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening exploring or relaxing.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking: Approx. 4–5 hours, 8 km
Transport: Approx. 2–3 hours
Ollantaytambo – Short Inca Trail – Aguas Calientes
The adventure continues with an early transfer to KM 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. Begin your trek at Chachabamba, a lesser-known but historically significant Inca site. The trail ascends through lush cloud forests, offering panoramic views of the Andean landscape.
The highlight of the day is the visit to Wiñay Wayna, a stunning archaeological complex perched on a mountainside. Take time to explore its terraces and learn about its importance in Inca culture.
In the late afternoon, continue along the trail, entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Marvel at your first glimpse of this ancient wonder, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. Descend to Aguas Calientes for a comfortable hotel stay and a celebratory dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, and Dinner
Hiking: Approx. 6–7 hours, 12 km
Transport: Train and bus transfers
Aguas Calientes – Guided Tour of Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Start the day with a short bus ride to Machu Picchu, arriving early to witness the sunrise over this iconic site. Embark on a guided tour that uncovers the history, significance, and architectural marvels of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore sacred temples, agricultural terraces, and the residential sectors of the ancient citadel. For those seeking additional adventure, an optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain offers breathtaking views.
After the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. A private transfer will take you to Cusco, where you’ll spend the night.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: Approx. 2–3 hours exploring Machu Picchu
Transport: Approx. 6 hours
Cusco – Rainbow Mountain Trek (Vinicunca)
Today, venture to the colorful slopes of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Begin with an early morning drive to the trailhead, where you’ll embark on a trek through scenic Andean landscapes.
The ascent offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, traditional villages, and herds of llamas and alpacas. At the summit (5,200m/17,060ft), marvel at the vibrant mineral layers that give the mountain its name. Spend time exploring and capturing photos before descending for a well-earned lunch. Return to Cusco in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking: Approx. 4–5 hours, 10 km
Transport: Approx. 6 hours
Cusco – Flight to Lima – Lima City Tour
After breakfast, take a morning flight to Lima (included). Upon arrival, enjoy a guided city tour of Lima’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the Plaza Mayor, surrounded by colonial landmarks such as the Cathedral of Lima and the Archbishop’s Palace. Explore the San Francisco Monastery, renowned for its catacombs and stunning Baroque architecture. Conclude with a stroll through the bohemian Barranco District, known for its vibrant art scene and coastal views.
Return to your hotel for your final evening in Peru.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lima
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Approx. 1–2 hours (tour)
Lima – Departure
Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to the airport or bus station for your departure. Reflect on the extraordinary experiences of the past 11 days, from the majestic trails of the Andes to the timeless allure of Machu Picchu.
Accommodation: None included
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Approx. 30 minutes
Important Note:
At our agency, we prioritize your convenience and peace of mind. This package has been thoughtfully structured to account for potential delays in flights, trains, or other transportation that may occasionally occur due to circumstances beyond our control.
To mitigate any impact on your international travel plans, the itinerary is designed to conclude with the Lima city tour, ensuring that you are already in the capital the day prior to your departure. This arrangement effectively provides a built-in buffer, minimizing the risk of missing your flight while still allowing you to enjoy the highlights of your journey.
For additional security, we recommend considering an extra day in Lima to fully relax and explore the city at your leisure before your international flight.
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Special Discounts
- Adult (12+ Years): Standard rates apply for travelers over 12 years old.
- Student (-25 Years with Student Card): Save USD 20 with a valid Student Card for those younger than 25 years old.
- Child (3 – 11 Years): Save USD 30 for children between 3 and 11 years old.
- Infant (0 – 2 Years): Infants younger than 2 years old are free (must ride on the adult’s lap; for a separate seat, add them as a child).
- Group Discount: Automatically applied during online booking.
- Save 5% per person for groups of 5-9 people.
- Save 8% per person for groups of 10-14 people.
- Save 10% per person for groups of 15 or more people.
*Please note that the applicable age is considered at the time of completion of the trip.
Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy
Kindly take a moment to read our Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy before booking. Happy adventuring!
Payment Terms
Beginning Your Adventure – Booking Confirmation and Deposit
Your journey starts with a commitment: a 50% deposit of the total tour cost. This initial investment is pivotal in activating the extensive preparatory process, ensuring every aspect of your tour is curated to perfection.
Final Payment: The Last Step Before Your Journey Begins
The remaining 50% of the tour cost is due no later than 30 days before the commencement of your tour. This timely payment is critical to finalize all logistical arrangements, guaranteeing a hassle-free start to your adventure.
Expansive Payment Options for Ease and Flexibility
In line with our commitment to your convenience, Peru Tripper accepts a variety of payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, and PayPal. Please be aware that additional fees may apply depending on the payment method selected. Detailed payment procedures and potential fees can be found on our dedicated payment page.
Implications of Late Payments – Protecting Your Reservation
Adherence to the payment schedule is crucial. Late payments can unfortunately lead to the cancellation of your reservation, with the deposit being retained as a non-refundable fee. We urge you to maintain timely payments to safeguard your tour plans.
Policy for Last-Minute Adventurers
For those inspired to join this tour on short notice, namely less than 15 days before departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. This ensures that we can expedite all necessary preparations for your inclusion.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Terms for Clients
We recognize that life is ever-changing. However, due to the elaborate planning and expenses involved in preparing for this tour, we maintain a strict no-refund policy after booking confirmation. This underscores the importance of obtaining comprehensive travel insurance, which can offer protection against unforeseen cancellations.
Navigating Unpredictable Circumstances – Force Majeure
In extraordinary situations beyond our control, such as natural disasters or political upheavals, Peru Tripper will strive to offer alternative arrangements. This may include rescheduling your trip or issuing a credit for future travel, based on current availability and discretion.
Navigating Through Force Majeure
In the event of extraordinary and uncontrollable circumstances, such as natural disasters or significant political unrest, Huaynas Expeditions adopts a flexible approach. We prioritize your safety and satisfaction, offering to reschedule your trip or provide a credit for future travel, subject to availability.
Emphasizing the Need for Comprehensive Travel Insurance
To cover unexpected events, including trip disruptions and medical emergencies, we cannot stress enough the importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance. It’s your safety net, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey. Please note, Peru Tripper does not bear responsibility for costs arising from incidents not covered by your travel insurance.
Standard Inclusions
All package options include the following:
Exclusions:
Not included in our standard tour packages. Consider additional costs. Deluxe packages may cover some exclusions, as specified in the Additional Inclusions section.
Additional Inclusions
Deluxe Packages Only
Elevate your travel experience with our bespoke Deluxe Package, meticulously designed to offer an array of premium amenities and services.
Deluxe Packages Include:
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Packing List
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