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Walking Holiday, Peru: Salkantay Trek / Inca Trail + Rainbow Mountain + Cusco

Peru: Salkantay Trek + Machu Picchu + Rainbow Mountain
8PPS14L

14 NIGHTS

FROM $2,384

Per person sharing

Flights quoted separately

Walking Holiday Peru Salkantay Trek Inca Trail Rainbow Mountain Cusco

This walking holiday in Peru combines a visit to famous Machu Picchu, with the spectacular Salkantay Trek (or alternatively the busier Inca trail), walking through traditional Andean villages with stunning views of snow-capped mountains. Explore the Sacred Valley & Cusco, then hike to the Rainbow Mountain. This is a moderate to difficult trek, so you need to be sufficiently fit to walk for 4 days at high altitude. All transfers, porters & guides included.

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• Walking Holiday, Peru	• Lima	• Sacred Valley	• Ollantaytambo
• Salkantay Trek	• Inca Trail option	• Machu Picchu	• Cusco
• Temple of the Sun	• Rainbow Mountain Hike

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• Walking Holiday, Peru	• Lima	• Sacred Valley
• Ollantaytambo	• Salkantay Trek	• Inca Trail option
• Machu Picchu	• Cusco	• Temple of the Sun
• Rainbow Mountain Hike

Day 1

You will be met at Lima Airport and escorted to your hotel (or to the free hotel shuttle) situated in the airport complex.

Check in and relax in this capital city - the largest in Peru and its gastronomical centre.

Day 2

Make your own way (walking or by free shuttle, depending on the location of your hotel) to Lima Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Cusco Airport and transferred 2-hours to the small town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Check into your hotel in this region that is renowned for its many ancient Inca ruins, including the amazing citadel of Machu Picchu. Balance of the day is at leisure to rest and acclimatise to the altitude.

Day 3

Today enjoy a tour of the town of Pisac, famous for its local market and its Inca ruins, situated at the top of a hill at the entrance to this valley.

These ruins are separated into four groups - P'isaqa, Inti Watana, Q'allaqasa, and Kinchiraqay. We visit the Inti Watana group which includes the Temple of the Sun, baths, altars, water fountains, a ceremonial platform, and an inti watana - a volcanic ritual stone used as an astronomic clock or Inca calendar to define the change of seasons. The narrow rows of terraces beneath the citadel are thought to represent the wing of a partridge (pisaca), from which the village and ruins get their name.

We continue to the colourful Pisac Market, where all the artisans of the region get together to buy and sell their products. This is an excellent opportunity to barter for goods and crafts typical of the area, including silver jewellery.

After an included lunch, we visit the fortress of Ollantaytambo, built to protect the northern entrance to the Sacred Valley from invasion and later the centre of Incan resistance against the Spanish. The fortress and walled terraces of this town provide some of the finest examples of Incan architecture, with the six rose-coloured monoliths of the Temple of the Sun being particularly outstanding. The village itself is the best surviving example of Inca urban planning, with stone-paved streets that have been used since the 12th century.

Day 4

Today enjoy a full day private tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

We start with a drive to the Maras Salt Pans, a complex network of nearly 5,000 pre-Inca salt pans that have been hand-harvested by local families for thousands of years. The salt is formed when water from a spring that permeates these pools is evaporated by the intense sun, forming thick crystals in a variety of colours. The naturally pink ‘Sal de Maras’ is one of the finest salts in the world, getting its beautiful hue from trace elements in the spring water.

We then drive to the archaeological site at Moray, where the Incas built enormous circular agricultural terraces on steep hills by hauling topsoil up by hand from the lower land, thereby generating much higher crop yields than would have been possible at such high altitude. This site is believed to be a former agricultural laboratory, an astronomical observatory or a place of worship - or maybe all three.

Our last stop is at Chinchero, a small picturesque Andean village that was an important Inca outpost at the end of the 15th century. The villagers here have preserved their traditional Andean spinning and weaving techniques and you can see textile artisans at work. We visit the Rainbow Temple to learn why the Inca worshiped the rainbow, and a small traditional church decoreted with beautiful murals. After walking through the village, we end in the Women's Weaving Cooperative where you can watch a demonstration of traditional weaving.

Afterwards enjoy a cooking lesson during which the women will teach you how to make quinoa soup, a staple of their diet. After sharing lunch with them, you can dress up in traditional Chinchero clothing and hats and take some photos with the local women. You can also buy local handcrafts at the market in the town square, before being driven back to Ollantaytambo, with balance of afternoon at leisure.

Day 5

We set our early this morning on the dramatic Salkantay Trek, a popular alternative to the Inca Trail that finishes at Santa Teresa, a few miles from the magnificent Inca citadel at Machu Picchu. This is a moderate to difficult trek and you should be sufficiently fit and prepared to walk for four days at high altitude.

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the starting point of the trek at Challacancha, where we meet up with our transport horses & their riders who will support us on our trek and carry our camping equipment. Along the way we stop at the Tarawasi archaeological site and the Indian village of Mollepata.

We will walk for 6-hours today, so look out for the beautiful snow-capped peak of Salkantay as we hike up to Salkantaypampa (4,100 m) with a stop for lunch. We continuing climbing towards Soroycocha, where we camp overnight in dome tents with inflatable camping mattresses. From here there is a magnificent view of Salkantay - the 'Guardian Lord of Cusco'.

Note: A sleeping bag is provided but you may wish to bring your own & a pillow. A duffel bag (7 kg) is also provided, as well as all meals and filtered/boiled water (but not alcoholic beverages). Wear good hiking boots, long pants & T-shirts (1 per day). Pack a warm jacket, woolen gloves & hat for the evenings; a small backpack for personal items & trekking sticks with rubber tips. You will also need a water bottle, rain gear, flashlight, hat or cap, sunglasses, binoculars, sunblock, insect repellent, 5 pairs of socks (they will get wet daily), snacks, camera & batteries.

Day 6

After an early breakfast, we will walk 11-hours today as we set off towards Collpapampa.

At the highest point on our route - the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m) - we stop to give offerings and take photographs. Enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding glaciers and snow-capped mountains, with the south face of Salkantay towering above us. Here we may see chinchillas and Andean condors in their natural habitat.

We continue to Huayracmachay, where we stop for lunch. Afterwards we descend into the cloud forest and down to a more tropical climate, passing the remains of an ancient Inca path and walking along the Salkantay River. We arrive at Collpapampa (2,870 m) for overnight. In this beautiful spot you can swim in a natural hot spring.

Day 7

We will walk for 10-hours today, as we descend down a narrow path towards the banks of the Santa Teresa (or Cachora) River. Here the climate is warmer and more humid and there is a marked change in the flora and fauna, which becomes more verdant and sub-tropica.

As we descend to warmer regions you will see the landscape changing - with fruit trees, orchids, Andean villages and rivers to enjoy. We pass the Coripacchi waterfalls and at Wiñaypoko we stop for lunch.

In the afternoon we continue along the banks of the river and past the small village of Sahuayaco until we reach our overnight campsite at Lucmabamba (2,135 m).

Day 8

After breakfast we walk for 6-hours today, heading towards La Playa village where we cross the river. We then climb up to El Mirador (or Abra Q’elloqasa) viewpoint from where there are exceptional views of Machu Picchu - the legendary 'Lost City of the Incas'.

After lunch at the Llaqtapata lookout point - where you can see Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Mountain and the restored Llactapata ruins - we descend to the Aobamba River, crossing lush bamboo forests and more orchard and coffee plantations.

At the hydro-electric plant we board the scenic 1-hour train to Aguas Calientes, where we disembark and check into our hotel.

Day 9

This morning we take an early 40-minute zig zag bus ride up to the sanctuary at Machu Picchu. This magnificent mountain top city, situated in a beautiful cloud forest, was abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911.

This legendary Lost City of the Incas is without a doubt one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. Built on the summit of Machu Picchu (meaning "Old Peak"), on a natural saddle between steep forested mountains, it overlooks the deep canyon of the Urubamba River some 7,972 ft (2,430 m) above sea level. With its giant walls, terraces and ramps that appear to have been cut naturally out of the rock escarpments, Machu Picchu's history remains shrouded in mystery as the Incas did not leave any written records

Departing at either 7 or 9 am from the citadel entrance, we hike for 1.25 miles (2-km) in a large group along a steep but wide path up Machu Picchu Mountain, passing many orchids and abundant vegetation until we reach the Guardian's House lookout point, with panoramic views over the citadel. We then walk back down to the citadel, with the round trip taking about 3.5-hours.

Afterwards enjoy a guided tour of this 14th century citadel which contains a Main Plaza, Circular Tower, Sacred Sun Dial, Royal Quarters, Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds - although the actual sites you will see will depend on the circuit that you have been allocated.

Then take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and the train back to Ollantaytambo.

Note: You need to be reasonably fit to undertake this hike, which is rated moderate to difficult and needs to book at least 6 months in advance to obtain a ticket, as access is restricted to two groups of 400 people per day. You will also be required to sign an indemnity. Wear proper hiking boots and take a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant, rain gear and water. You will also need your passport to gain entrance to the citadel, with timing restricted to 4-hours (based on either a morning or afternoon schedule). It is mandatory to enter with a guide and you cannot take selfie sticks, tripods, umbrellas, food or alcohol onto the site. You may not wear high heels or hard soled shoes and smoking is prohibited. If you leave the sanctuary for any reason (eg for lunch), re-entry will not be permitted.

Day 10

This morning transfer 2.5-hours from Ollantaytambo to the city of Cusco.

On arrival in Cusco you will be dropped off at your hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city independently.

Day 11

Today enjoy a half day private tour of the magnificent colonial city of Cusco, built on Inca foundations and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Comprising a fascinating mix of colonial churches, monasteries and extensive pre-Columbian ruins, almost every central street in this city has remnants of Inca walls.

We start with a visit to the impressive Temple of the Sun (Koricancha) whose walls and floors were once covered in sheets of solid gold. On the site of this ancient Inca palace and centre of worship of the Sun God, the Dominicans ordered a church to be built, which survives to this day.

We walk along the cobbled streets to the Plaza de Armas, the central plaza around which you will see many magnificent colonial buildings - including the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Walking down well-preserved Loreto Street you can see the remains of Incan palaces, as well as old colonial buildings. If you walk down Hatun Rumiyoc, a cobbled street near the Archbishop's Palace, keep an eye out for the famous 12-sided stone that fits so perfectly you can't even insert a coin.

We then leave the city and visit the impressive walled fortress of Sacsayhuaman (meaning 'speckled falcon') on the northern outskirts, believed to have been both a military and ceremonial centre. This enormous Inca structure has massive walls of hewn stone and is strategically located on a hill overlooking the city. We also visit Qenko (meaning 'zigzag') where the sun, moon and stars were worshipped and Puca Pucara (the Red Fortress), which may have been a "tambo" or rest and lodgings for the Inca.

Afterwards savour the local cuisine (own account). If you are feeling adventurous you can try guinea pig - a local speciality.

Note: Cusco is situated at high altitude (11,150 ft / 3,400 m), so walk slowly. The Temple of the Sun is not open on Sunday mornings & religious holidays. You will need to carry your passport to gain access to the site at Sacsayhuaman.

Day 12

We set out early from Cusco this morning (around 5 am) and drive 2.5-hours across the South Valley towards Phulawasipata - the starting point for the high-altitude Rainbow Mountain hike.

The vivid multi-coloured sands of Vinicunca Mountain are the result of mineral sediments, which create spectacular rainbow scenery, especially when the sun shines. After a hot breakfast at the trailhead, we hike for 3-hours following a dirt path between green peaks and startling red rocks, passing mountain streams and local villages built from stone. At the end of the trail we climb up to the summit at just over 17,000 feet (5,200 m). Here we rest to appreciate the amazing scenery and enjoy a snack.

Afterwards we walk 2.5-hours back down the mountain, where a hot lunch will be waiting. We then drive 2.5-hours back to Cusco, returning around 7 pm.

Note: This 10 km hike takes place at extremely high-altitude, which is what makes it so difficult. You can hire a horse to take you much of the way (approx 80 sol/$25, which should be arranged in advance to ensure availability), but the end of the trail you need to climb up to the summit. Wear good walking shoes and dress in layers - with gloves, hat and good jacket, as the weather on the mountain can be very unpredictable. It will get colder the higher you climb. Wear sunscreen and bring some money to pay for toilets along the way. Hiking poles can also be useful. Your guide will carry an oxygen tank in case of altitude sickness.

The best time to do this hike is during the dry season (May to October). There can be significant rain from December to February, and up until May snow can obscure the colourful sands. Ensure you spend a day in Cusco acclimatising to the high altitude, before undertaking this hike.

Day 13

At leisure to explore more of the sights of Cusco independently.

There is also the option to participate in a treks to the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, Paccoyo Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lagoon

Day 14

Transfer to Cusco Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Lima Airport and transferred to your hotel in this capital city.

Day 15

This morning enjoy a half day private tour of Lima, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well preserved architecture. Founded in 1535, it was re-named the "City of Kings" when it was conquered by the Spanish and became the most important centre in the region.

Our tour starts in the Miraflores residential district and modern San Isidro, where we see the impressive Huaca Pucllana, an adobe pyramid that was a sacred pre-Inca site. We also stop at Parque del Amor (Park of Love) with its magnificent views over the Pacific Ocean.

We continue to the historic centre, where we visit the 17th century Santo Domingo Convent. The remains of the patron saint of Peru, Saint Rose of Lima, are interred here as well as the remains of Saint Martin of Porres, the patron saint of people of mixed race.

On the Plaza Mayor (the main square, also called the Plaza de Armas) you can see many imposing colonial buildings with their intricate balconies - including the Government Palace, where the changing of the guard takes place, the City Hall and beautiful Cathedral.

Time permitting, there is the option to visit the Larco Museum, a remarkable private collection of treasures from ancient Peru with more than 45,000 exhibits including ceramics, textiles and many exquisite gold and silver artefacts. It is well known for its gallery of erotic pottery (pay entrance locally). We can also visit the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco.

Afterwards transfer to Lima Airport for your flight home. Before you leave do try a Pisco Sour, the nation's favourite drink.

Note: Lima Cathedral is closed on Sunday morning and all day Monday.

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