8-Day Andean Adventure & Sky Lodge Experience | Glamping Cusco Salkantay trek

We will Pick you up from the Airport or from your hotel at approximately 9:30am and transport you in a private vehicle to the starting point of the hike to Qenqo, also known as the Temple of Pachamama. Following a brief hike to the Temple of the Moon, which served as a site for measuring solstices and equinoxes, we will proceed to the Temple of the Monkeys (Kusilluchayoq). Here, you will find carved sculptures of pumas, snakes, and monkeys in the natural rock. After exploring this area, we will select our llamas or alpacas and embark on a sacred journey along the Antisuyo, the original Inca Trail that led to the jungle. The walk will take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, leading us to the Inkillatambo archaeological complex situated in Qapaq ñan, meaning “the Great Sacred Inca Trail” in quechua. Along this path, we will pass through a small eucalyptus forest before reaching the archaeological complex, which is surrounded by Inca terraces. In addition to its agricultural and religious significance, this site is also connected to astronomy. Afterwards, we will continue to the Sky Lodge Glamping site, where we will enjoy lunch and have the rest of the afternoon to relax. In the evening, we will gather for a group bonfire.

In the early morning, around 8:00am, we will depart from our Sky Lodge Dome after enjoying a delicious breakfast. Our journey will take us towards the Sacred Valley, with our first stop being the archaeological site of Pisaq, which holds great historical significance in the Sacred Valley. After exploring this fascinating place, we will continue our exploration and head to Urubamba, where we will have a delightful lunch. Following our meal, we will proceed to Ollantaytambo, a picturesque Inca town that we will take the time to discover and appreciate. We will then continue our adventure by visiting the captivating sites of Moray and the Salt Flats of Maras. Finally, we will make our way to the Huaypo Lake Sky Lodge Dome, where we will spend the night and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

Between 4:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. in the morning to begin our journey to Mollepata. The drive will take approximately 2 hours, and we will make a stop there for breakfast. From Mollepata, we will continue driving for about 1 hour until we reach Challacancha, where our Salkantay trek begins.

Upon arrival at Challacancha, you will have time to prepare for the hike while our cook and horseman pack up all the camping equipment and cooking supplies. We will then commence our hike, with the first 3 hours involving a gradual uphill climb to reach Soraypampa. At Soraypampa, we will have lunch while enjoying panoramic views of the magnificent snow-capped mountains, including Humantay (4,120m/13,500ft) and Salkantay (6,271m/20,575ft). This is just the beginning of the breathtaking scenery!

After lunch, we will continue our hike to Humantay Lake and then return to Soraypampa, which will be our camping spot for the first night of the Salkantay Trek. Soraypampa is located at an altitude of 3,800m/11,750ft, making it the highest and coldest campsite of the entire trip. We will be in close proximity to the second-highest Salkantay snow-capped mountain in the Cusco region.

On the first day of the trek, we will cover a total distance of approximately 15 km. The estimated walking time will be around 7 to 8 hours, with the maximum altitude point reaching approximately 3,800m. Our campsite for the night will also be at an altitude of approximately 3,800m.

After enjoying an early breakfast at our campsite during the Salkantay Trek, we will begin our day’s hike at around 6:00 a.m. It’s important to start early as this day will be the longest. The first four hours of the trek will be uphill as we make our way to the highest point of the Salkantay Trek, which sits at an elevation of 4,650m/15,200ft. This point is located between two imposing mountains, Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. The views of these two snow-capped peaks from the pass are truly breathtaking. It’s worth noting that there may be snow in this area.

After taking a well-deserved rest at the pass, we will continue our hike, descending through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku. This will be the location for our lunch break. Following lunch, we will resume our trek, heading towards the starting point of the jungle. From there, we will take local transportation for approximately one hour to reach our campsite, La Playa Loreta Coffe Campsite.

We have chosen this campsite strategically because the following day we will ascend a mountain to reach one of the most beautiful Inca trail sites, known as Llactapata. From this vantage point, you will also have a glimpse of Machu Picchu City.

On the second day of the trek, we will cover a total distance of approximately 19 km. The estimated walking time will be around 8 to 9 hours, with the maximum altitude point reaching approximately 4,650m. Our campsite for the night will be at an altitude of approximately 2,750m.

After having breakfast at 6:00 a.m., we will depart from our campsite at La Playa Loreta. Our route will take us along the original Inca Trail towards the Llactapata site, where you will have the opportunity to see Machu Picchu from a distance. This is considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints to admire Machu Picchu. We will continue our hike, passing through various crop plantations including coca and banana fields. Eventually, we will reach the hydroelectric station, where we will stop for lunch.

Following our meal, we will continue walking for approximately two and a half hours until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes. This will be our overnight stop, and we will check into a hotel. While in Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the town’s thermal springs, which offer a relaxing experience (entrance fee of 10 soles). It’s a wonderful treat to unwind after completing the Salkantay Trek.

Please note that for those who prefer not to hike along this trail, there is an alternative option. You can choose to take a bus to Santa Teresa and participate in adventure sports such as ziplining and canopy. Afterward, you can meet up with the group at the hydroelectric station for lunch. Please be aware that this alternative option has an additional cost of US$40 per person.

On the third day of the trek, we will cover a total distance of approximately 15 km. The estimated walking time will be around 7 to 8 hours, with the maximum altitude point reaching approximately 1,600m. The hotel in Aguas Calientes is located at an altitude of approximately 1,900m.

On this important day of the Salkantay trek, we will be heading from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, and then making our way back to Cusco via Ollantaytambo. We will start the day by waking up early, around 4:00 a.m., and have breakfast between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. From there, we will begin our ascent to Machu Picchu, which takes about 1.5 hours on foot. However, there is also an option to take the first bus, which departs at 5:30 a.m. and takes approximately 25 minutes, allowing you to witness the magnificent city as the sun rises.

Once we arrive at Machu Picchu, our guide will provide a walking tour that lasts approximately 2 hours. After the guided tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the mysterious city on your own. If you still have the energy, you can choose to climb Huayna Picchu, which stands at an altitude of 2,720m/8,890ft. The ascent to the top of Huayna Picchu takes approximately 45 minutes.

After enjoying the wonders of Machu Picchu, we will descend back to Aguas Calientes. From there, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Finally, we will board a bus for the return journey to Cusco Inkilltambo Sky Lodge Dome

On the fourth day of the trek, we will cover a total distance of approximately 6 km. The estimated walking time will be around 1 to 2 hours. The maximum altitude point reached during this day will be approximately 2,700m.

We will start early in the morning from our Inkilltambo Sky Lodge Dome in Cusco and begin our journey towards the South Valley. The drive to the starting point of the trail at Quesiuno, which sits at an altitude of 4,326m/14,189ft, will take approximately 3 hours. Once we reach the Inkintuyoc bridge, we will stop to enjoy a continental breakfast to fuel up for the hike.

Our hike will commence along a beautiful stream, where you will be pleasantly surprised by the presence of numerous alpacas and llamas. Throughout the trek, we will enjoy breathtaking views of the Ausangate Mountain. We will pass through villages and have the opportunity to interact with the local residents. Along the trail, we will pause for a deluxe box lunch to replenish our energy.

Continuing on the trail, we will encounter more of the unique features of this trek, such as potato fields and distinctive wildlife. There is a possibility of spotting chinchillas and vicunas, which are the only non-domesticated members of the llama family in Peru. The vibrant red mountains in this area are also a highlight of the hike.

After a total hiking time of approximately 3 hours, we will finally reach our destination – the Rainbow Mountains, located at an elevation of 5,020m/16,466ft. The beauty of these mountains will leave you in awe, and you will have ample time to explore the area, take photographs, and soak in the surroundings. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top.

Afterward, we will make our way back downhill, following the same path we came from. The descent will take around 2 hours. Our private van will be waiting for us at the trailhead when we return.

We will then embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco. Meals provided will include a continental breakfast and a box lunch.

The lowest elevation point of the trek will be 4,326m/14,189ft, while the highest point will be 5,020m/16,466ft. The total distance covered on foot will be approximately 15km/9.25 miles, with an estimated hiking time of 3 to 4 hours