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Machu Pichu

Peru - Salkantay to Machu Picchu Trekking:
with Jeff Pelletier and Audrée Lafrenière

Dates: 20 - 28 April, 2025

Price: 3400 USD (All-Inclusive, see details below)

A 25% deposit is due to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the start of the expedition.

(View the cancelation policy below in the section "Price and Details")

This 8-day trekking adventure takes you through the heart of the Peruvian Andes, starting with the dramatic Salkantay Pass, surrounded by towering peaks. You will then descend into lush cloud forests and vibrant valleys before arriving at the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu.

Audrée and Jeff are joining Vagabond Trails again, this time to explore one of the most spectacular trekking routes in Peru: the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

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This trekking adventure will take you through the rugged beauty of the Andes, starting with the breathtaking Salkantay Pass and continuing through lush cloud forests and picturesque valleys before arriving at Machu Picchu, the magnificent engineering marvel of the Inca civilization. The trek offers a stunning contrast between snow-capped peaks and tropical landscapes, providing an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most scenic and historically rich regions.

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You will be amazed by surreal Andean peaks, diverse ecosystems, and wildlife. The impressive scenery, historical significance, and vibrant ancient culture make this trek a unique experience.

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The Salkantay Trek is challenging but does not require technical climbing. The itinerary has been carefully designed to ensure proper acclimatization and recovery, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

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This is an all-inclusive trip, meaning all the details are taken care of from start to finish—just pack your bags and bring your travel documents!

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You will be accompanied throughout the journey by local guides, whose priority is your safety and comfort.

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Please ensure that your physical condition matches the demands of the itinerary outlined below. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Image by Ash Edmonds

Is this tour suitable for me?

If you have hiking experience, this tour is for you. The route is challenging but doesn't require technical climbing skills, just fitness to handle the daily distance and elevation gain.

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Our tours are transformative journeys where you'll be challenged, inspired, and deeply connected to the landscapes and culture. If you seek adventure and personal growth, this experience is for you.

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*Please note that due to the nature of this route, this is not a trail running adventure.

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Altitude

This trek takes you through varying altitudes, from the dramatic Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m (15,190 ft) to the lush cloud forests below 2,000 m (6,562 ft). The altitude adds to the challenge, so proper acclimatization is essential. We've designed the itinerary to help your body adjust gradually, minimizing the risk of altitude sickness and ensuring you can fully enjoy the adventure.​ 

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What if I am traveling solo?

At least 40% of our groups consist of solo travelers, and you'll be amazed by how wonderful the runners and hikers who join our tours are. We believe that traveling solo shouldn’t be more expensive, which is why we don’t charge single supplements.

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I am a woman and want to come on this trip solo

You don’t need to rely on friends or a partner to travel and have fun. We understand that traveling solo can be intimidating, but it might help to know that we often see a 50/50 gender ratio on our tours. Take the leap, and we guarantee you won’t regret it! You will feel empowered, free, and you'll wonder why you haven’t traveled solo before.

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I have never done a multi-day trekking adventure

If you can manage the daily distance and elevation gain, there's no need to worry; the multi day adventure is part of the challenge ahead.

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Bags Transfer

To ensure your comfort during your hike, cargo mules will carry all camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb) on Days 4, 5, and 6. Muleteers will carefully handle your duffle bag and personal items during these days. On Day 7, your duffle bag will be transported by car and then by train, ensuring a seamless journey to Machu Picchu. This arrangement allows you to hike with just a light backpack containing your daily essentials.

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Guides​

Throughout the entire tour, you will be guided by a certified local guides. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.

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Please ensure that your physical condition aligns with the itinerary below. If you have any questions, don't hesitate contact us.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Cusco


Our journey begins in Cusco, Peru—an ancient city located high in the Andes and once the capital of the Incan Empire. Archaeological remains and colonial architecture now surround it. In the evening, we will have a welcome dinner and a safety briefing with our fellow adventurers.

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  • Highest point at 3399 m / 11152 ft

  • Meals: Dinner

  • Accommodation: Xima Exclusive 4* or similar

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Day 2 | Cusco City Tour

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Welcome to Cusco, the Andean heart of Peru and the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas. After breakfast, we will take a city tour in cultural capital of Peru, allowing you to acclimate to the altitude.

 

Once the Inca Empire’s capital and later a Spanish colonial center, Cusco is rich in history and culture. Highlights include the Cusco Cathedral, Qoricancha Temple, and the nearby archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.

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  • Highest point at 3399 m / 11152 ft

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Accommodation: Xima Exclusive 4* or similar

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Day 3 | Sacred Valley

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Today we head out to explore the Sacred Valley, a region of stunning natural beauty surrounded by towering mountains, lush valleys, and beautiful rivers. After scenic stops at Qorao and Taray lookouts, we’ll visit Pisac’s archaeological site and vibrant market. After lunch in Urubamba, we’ll head to Ollantaytambo to explore its impressive Inca ruins and cobbled streets. Our final stop is Chinchero, where wse’ll learn about the region’s cultural heritage. This day also serves as an additional opportunity to acclimate to the altitude while taking in the spectacular scenery. We’ll return to Cusco by 6:45 p.m. to rest before our first hiking day.

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  • Highest point at 3762 m / 12343 ft

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Accommodation: Xima Exclusive 4* or similar

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Day 4 | Cusco - Mallepata – Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake

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We’ll begin our adventure with a 4:00 AM pick-up and a scenic 2-hour drive from Cusco to Mollepata for breakfast. From there, we’ll head to Challacancha to start our trek. We'll hike for about 3 hours, taking in breathtaking views of the Andes, until we reach Soraypampa, where we'll spend the night.

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After lunch and a brief rest, we'll take an afternoon trek to the beautiful Salkantay Lake, a 3-hour round-trip hike with unforgettable views of the glacial lake and towering peaks.

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Back at the campsite, enjoy a delicious dinner while watching the sunset. Your accommodation’s glass roof provides a perfect view of the stars and constellations in the Andean sky for an unforgettable night.

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  • The route: 10km / 6.22mi

  • Highest point at 4200m / 13780ft

  • Approximate time: 5-6 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Accommodation: Glamping

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Day 5 | Soraypampa - Salkantaypass - Huayracmachay - Chaullay – Collpapampa

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Today we’ll reach the highest and most rewarding point of the trail. After an energizing breakfast, we’ll embark on a challenging ascent to the Salkantay Pass, surrounded by stunning views of Salkantay, Humantay, and other surreal peaks.

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After reaching the pass, we’ll descend along a rocky path to our lunch spot at Huayracmachay, enjoying the valley views along the way.

 

In the afternoon, we’ll trek through the cloud forest, transitioning from the Andes to the Amazon. The lush greenery, colorful landscapes, and diverse wildlife will make this part of the journey unforgettable. We’ll end the day in Collpapampa, where we’ll spend the night in comfortable glamping accommodations, surrounded by vibrant nature and rivers.

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  • The route: 23.5 km / 14.6 mi

  • Highest point at 4630 m / 15190 ft

  • Approximate time: 10-11 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Accommodation: Glamping

 

Day 6 | Collpapampa - La Playa - Lucmabamba

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At 6:00 a.m., we’ll begin our trek through the lush Santa Teresa Valley to La Playa. This 5-hour journey showcases the dramatic shift from Andean mountains to vibrant Amazon rainforest.

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You’ll witness a stunning change in ecosystems, from towering peaks to dense tropical greenery alive with waterfalls and birds. We'll encounter rivers, wild orchids, tropical fruits, and coffee plantations along the way, enjoying fresh passion fruit and granadilla as we soak in the surroundings.

 

After resting in La Playa, we’ll continue to Lucmabamba, our campsite. Here, we’ll visit an organic coffee farm to taste freshly brewed coffee and explore the region’s abundant plantations. At night, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.

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  • The route: 17 km / 10.56 mi

  • Highest point at 2,950 m / 9,678 ft

  • Approximate time: 5-6 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner​

  • Accommodation: Glamping

 

Day 7 | Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Aobamba - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes

 

We’ll start the morning with a warm cup of coca tea—a traditional Andean boost to energize you for the day ahead.

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Today’s adventure begins with a 3-hour hike to the Llactapata Inca site, offering stunning views of the Santa Teresa Valley and Machu Picchu from across the valley.

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After exploring Llactapata, we’ll descend to Aobamba for lunch and then head to the Hidroelectrica train station. From here, you can either take a train (not included) or enjoy a scenic 3-hour walk to Aguas Calientes through the lush cloud forest, passing an impressive 250-meter waterfall.

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In Aguas Calientes, you’ll settle into your hotel, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

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  • The route: 25 km / 15.53 mi

  • Highest point at 2800 m / 9186 ft

  • Approximate time: 8-9 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Accommodation: Hotel 3 * stars

 

Day 8 | Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo – Cusco

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Today, we’ll visit one of the most iconic and inspiring places on Earth—Machu Picchu. After a quick breakfast, we’ll take a bus ride up to this incredible ancient site nestled in the mountains. During our two-hour guided tour, we’ll explore its temples, terraces, and palaces, marveling at the advanced engineering of the Incas.

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For those seeking an extra challenge, there’s an optional three-hour hike to Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views of the citadel and its surrounding landscape.

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Afterward, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding a scenic train to Ollantaytambo. From there, we’ll take private transport back to our hotel in Cusco. In the evening, we’ll gather for a final farewell dinner.

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  • Citadele elevation at 2430 m / 7972 ft

  • Machu Picchu Mountain elevation at 3000 m / 9843 ft

  • Approximate time: 2 - 3 hours exploring Machu Picchu Citadel

  • Approximate time: 3 - 4 hours exploring Machu Picchu Mountain

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 9 | Departure

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Before saying our goodbyes, we'll have one final breakfast together before heading to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport where our tour concludes.

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  • Highest point at 3399 m / 11152 ft

  • Meals: Breakfast

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The entire tour is done in English.

*We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, national parks regulations or notifications, and unforeseeable circumstances.

This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions

How Challenging ?

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Medium effort. This is a trail running trip where you can expect 3 - 6 hours of running per day at high altitudes, with up to 800 meters of elevation loss/gain. Previous trekking experience is recommended.

How Challenging ?

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High effort: This is a challenging trekking adventure with 6 to 8 hours of hiking per day, and some days extending up to 11 hours with elevation gains of up to 800 meters (2,625 feet). The highest point on this route is 4,630 meters (15,190 feet). Previous hiking experience is highly recommended. A good level of fitness is essential for comfortably participating in the tour.

Price and Details

The tour includes:

  • Airport pick up and drop off

  • City Tour in Cusco

  • Sacred Valley Tour

  • All accommodation during the tour (8 nights)

  • 4 nights at a 4* Hotel in Cusco

  • 1 nights at a 3* hotel in Aguas Calientes

  • 3 nights in glampings

  • Meals (8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners)

  • Entry ticket to Salkantay trek

  • Entry ticket to Machu Pichu archaeological site

  • Entry ticket to  Machu Pichu Mountain

  • Purified drinking water

  • Daily snacks

  • 1 duffle bag (max 7 Kg/15.4 lbs), this weight includes your sleeping bag

  • Gov. licensed and well trained English-speaking guides

  • Sleeping bags and trekking poles

  • All required local and government tax

  • All transport during the tour (except for those by feet!)

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The tour excludes:

  • Transport to Cusco airport (e.g. flights)

  • Travel Insurance: appropriate for outdoor sports, that covers health, accident, helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation, repatriation, personal liability, etc.

  • Train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes (optional)

  • Tips at your discretion (local guide & porters )

  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

  • Expenses for extra activities, such as; laundry, spa, wifi, etc.

  • Any accommodations for extra days in Cusco

Price: 3400USD

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25% deposit is due to secure your spot, the remaining balance is due 60 days before the start of the trip. Once the trip is confirmed your deposit is non-refundable, however, it can be transferred to any other trips. 

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​Participants: 

Min 8 - max 16

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Start: Cusco - Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, April 20, 2025.

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End: Cusco - Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, April 28, 2025.

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We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, and unforeseeable circumstances.

 

This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions

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Cancellation policy:

  • Trip pending: a 25% down payment is fully refundable

  • Trip confirmed: a 25% down payment is non-refundable. You can transfer this down payment to any other of our trips within the next year

  • 60 days or less before the trip starts no refund available

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Travel insurance is required for all of our trips. Make sure that your insurance covers trip cancellation (in case of any unforeseen circumstances).

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