Peru Adventure Odyssey: Lima, Cusco & Salkantay to Machu Picchu in 11 Days

Your adventure begins the moment you land in Lima, the elegant gateway to Peru. A member of our team will greet you at the airport and escort you to your boutique hotel in Miraflores or Barranco, where coastal cliffs meet vibrant city life. After settling in, take the evening to unwind and absorb the gentle sea breeze of the Pacific. Stroll along the Malecón promenade, watch the paragliders drift overhead, or indulge in a gourmet meal at one of Lima’s renowned restaurants. Tonight, you’ll rest comfortably, preparing for the days of discovery ahead.

Today, Lima reveals its many layers. Begin your morning exploring the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where colonial balconies and grand churches line cobblestone streets. Visit the Plaza de Armas and the San Francisco Monastery, home to eerie catacombs beneath its cloisters. Your journey continues at the Larco Museum, housed in an 18th-century mansion surrounded by lush gardens. Here, you’ll see an extraordinary collection of pre-Columbian gold, pottery, and textiles, learning about Peru’s ancient civilizations over a leisurely lunch (optional) in the museum’s elegant café. Afterward, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. Overnight in Lima.

This morning, you’ll fly over the Andes to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, you’ll feel the shift—not just in altitude, but in atmosphere. The air is thinner, the streets cobbled, and the energy alive with ancient echoes. After check-in at your hotel, enjoy a private city tour of Cusco. Visit the Koricancha Temple, where golden walls once shimmered under the sun, and marvel at the intricate stonework of Sacsayhuamán, high above the city. Wander through the charming San Blas neighborhood, known for artisan workshops. Tonight, rest and acclimate in Cusco’s magical embrace.

Awake to fresh Andean air as you set off for the Sacred Valley, a fertile corridor flanked by towering peaks. Your first stop is Pisac, where ancient terraces cascade down the mountainside and a colorful local market invites you to browse for textiles and crafts. Continue along the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo, a living Inca village frozen in time. Climb the stone steps of the Ollantaytambo Fortress, where dramatic views of the valley unfold before you. Enjoy a traditional lunch (optional), then relax at your boutique lodge in the Sacred Valley, where you’ll fall asleep surrounded by serenity.

The adventure truly begins today as you lace up your boots for the Salkantay Trek, a 5-day expedition into Peru’s most breathtaking backcountry. Depart early for Challacancha, the trailhead, and begin your gradual ascent to Soraypampa. Along the way, encounter herds of alpacas grazing freely, and take in panoramic views of snow-capped giants like Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft). After lunch, opt for a short hike to the turquoise Humantay Lake, nestled at the base of a glacier—a picture-perfect moment. As dusk falls, enjoy a warm meal at camp and sleep beneath a sky dusted with stars.

Today is the most challenging and rewarding part of the trek. After an early breakfast, ascend to the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 ft). At the summit, the landscape feels otherworldly—glaciers glisten, icy winds whisper, and prayer flags flutter in the mountain air. Pause to absorb the moment; you’ve reached one of the sacred points of the Andes. From here, the trail descends into warmer climes, where the scenery transforms into verdant cloud forest. By late afternoon, arrive at Chaullay, your campsite for the night, where you’ll share stories of the day’s journey by the campfire.

The trail softens today as you enter the lush cloud forest. The air is humid, filled with the scent of wild orchids and the sound of cascading waterfalls. Pass through small farming communities, where locals grow coffee, bananas, and passion fruit. At Lucmabamba, enjoy a hands-on coffee experience—harvesting, roasting, and tasting organic Peruvian coffee right at the source. This direct connection with Andean culture is one of the trek’s hidden gems. Relax at your campsite, where you’ll enjoy another nourishing meal and rest surrounded by the symphony of the forest.

This morning, you’ll ascend an ancient Inca path toward Llactapata, a lesser-known archaeological site that offers your first distant view of Machu Picchu, framed perfectly between the mountains. This is a magical preview of what’s to come. From Llactapata, descend to the Hydroelectric Station, where you’ll board a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. After days of trekking, check into your comfortable hotel, savor a hot shower, and unwind over a celebratory dinner in town. The adventure peaks tomorrow.

Rise early for a sunrise visit to Machu Picchu, entering the ancient citadel as the first light paints the stone walls golden. With your expert guide, explore the temples, terraces, and sacred sites of this awe-inspiring wonder. Learn about its mystery, architecture, and the spiritual significance it held for the Incas. After your guided tour, enjoy time at leisure to roam the ruins at your own pace or simply sit and absorb the magic of this mystical place. In the afternoon, settle into your hotel in Aguas Calientes, falling asleep in the shadow of Machu Picchu.

For those craving one final adventure, consider an optional climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, where sweeping views of the citadel and the surrounding valleys reward your effort (advance permits required). After your visit, board the Vistadome train back to Cusco, enjoying panoramic windows that reveal the lush landscapes as you retrace your journey. Upon arrival in Cusco, check into your hotel and celebrate your unforgettable adventure with a final evening in the Imperial City.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take one last stroll through Cusco’s charming streets before we transfer you to the airport for your flight home. As you leave, you’ll carry with you not just photos, but profound memories of Peru’s landscapes, culture, and the spirit of the Andes. This isn’t just a trip—it’s a story you’ll tell for a lifetime.