Arrival in Lima, Peru
Arrive in Lima and transfer to your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure after your international journey.
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SOUTH AMERICA · PERU · ACTIVE ADVENTURE
Trek the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu
A demanding Peru journey combining the high Andes, the legendary Salkantay Trek, a scenic Inca Trail approach to Machu Picchu and the wildlife-rich Amazon.
LETZPLAN OFFBEAT · SOUTH AMERICADuration14 Days / 13 Nights
Start / EndLima, Peru → Lima, Peru
Best WindowMay – September
Journey StyleActive Trekking & Wildlife
THE EXPERIENCE
Cross the Andes, reach Machu Picchu and continue into the Amazon.
Peru brings together ancient Inca heritage, high-altitude trekking, cloud forests and extraordinary biodiversity. This journey links the Salkantay route with a KM 104 Inca Trail approach to Machu Picchu before moving into the Peruvian Amazon.
Salkantay Pass
Cross dramatic high-Andean terrain beneath some of Peru’s most imposing mountain peaks.
Machu Picchu by the Sun Gate
Approach the citadel via KM 104 for a memorable first arrival through the Sun Gate.
Peruvian Amazon
Finish among rainforest trails, waterways and wildlife around Puerto Maldonado and Tambopata.
HIGHLIGHTS
Five defining experiences across Peru.
Journey Across the Salkantay Pass
Trek across the spectacular Salkantay Pass surrounded by towering Andean peaks.
KM 104 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Enter Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate on the scenic final section of the Inca Trail.
Two Machu Picchu Visits
Explore the ancient citadel on two guided visits for a deeper understanding of its terraces, temples and mountain setting.
Cusco & Sacred Valley Heritage
Discover remarkable Inca heritage across Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo.
Peruvian Amazon Wilderness
Continue into the wildlife-rich Amazon rainforest around Puerto Maldonado with guided jungle and river exploration.
BEST TIME TO TRAVELMay – September
The drier season generally offers strong conditions for trekking in the Andes while remaining suitable for cultural and rainforest exploration.
IDEAL TIME TO VISIT
Travel in Peru’s main trekking season.
May to September is the preferred window for the high-Andes trekking portion of the journey. Weather varies significantly between the mountains, cloud forest and Amazon, so the itinerary should remain adaptable.
- Drier conditions for the Salkantay Trek
- Clearer mountain views are often possible
- Comfortable conditions for cultural exploration
- Layered clothing remains important at altitude
ITINERARY
Fourteen days from Lima to the Andes, Machu Picchu and the Amazon.
The route combines acclimatisation and cultural exploration with a multi-day Salkantay trek, Machu Picchu visits and a rainforest extension.
Cusco Exploration
Fly to Cusco and acclimatise to the altitude while exploring the historic city. Visit Sacsayhuamán, Qoricancha and Cusco Cathedral.
Sacred Valley
Travel through the Sacred Valley, visiting the Maras salt mines, Moray’s circular agricultural terraces and the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress.
Salkantay Trek
Begin the spectacular Salkantay Trek through dramatic Andean landscapes. Cross the Salkantay Pass before descending through cloud forest trails toward Lucmabamba.
Journey to Aguas Calientes
Continue toward Aguas Calientes via Hydroelectric and prepare for the Machu Picchu adventure ahead.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Hike the KM 104 section of the Inca Trail and enter Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate for your first views of the ancient citadel.
Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
Enjoy a second guided exploration of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco aboard the scenic Vistadome train.
Amazon Rainforest Exploration
Fly to Puerto Maldonado and journey into the Peruvian Amazon. Explore rainforest trails, rivers and wildlife with expert naturalist guides.
Departure from Lima, Peru
Fly back to Lima for your onward international journey.
PERU · ANDES · MACHU PICCHU
Mountain trails, Inca heritage and rainforest landscapes.
A selection of imagery presented within LetzPlan’s Offbeat visual language.
WHERE TO STAY
Selected Peru stays
Accommodation is confirmed according to the trekking route, departure logistics and availability. The journey combines a Cusco base, mountain lodges, a Machu Picchu-area stay and an Amazon rainforest lodge.
Palacio del Inka
Cusco, Peru
A refined historic base in Cusco, well suited to acclimatisation and exploring the city.
Salkantay Lodge
Salkantay, Peru
A mountain lodge-style stay positioned along the Salkantay route.
Wayra Lodge
Soray, Peru
A high-Andes lodge setting supporting the trek around the Salkantay landscape.
Lucma Lodge
Yanatile, Peru
A cloud-forest base around the Lucmabamba portion of the journey.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Aguas Calientes, Peru
A nature-focused stay near Machu Picchu, used as the gateway to the citadel.
Refugio Amazonas
Tambopata, Peru
A rainforest lodge base for guided wildlife and jungle exploration.
Final properties, room categories and nights are confirmed during enquiry and may vary by departure and availability.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
The Salkantay route rewards preparation.
This is an active 4/5 journey involving high-altitude trekking, steep terrain and changing conditions. Proper acclimatisation, footwear and layered clothing are important.
Trekking readiness
Good walking fitness is recommended for long trail days, high-altitude sections and uneven terrain.
Altitude & flexibility
Altitude affects travellers differently. Activity sequencing, transfers and trail arrangements may change with weather, local conditions or operational requirements.
START PLANNING
Ready to explore Peru beyond the usual route?
Tell us your preferred travel window, number of travellers and trekking interests. We’ll help you understand current routing, accommodation and availability.