Crossing the Andes: Salkantay Lodge-to-Lodge Journey
Where we began: the high Andes, an endless sense of wonder, and now thoughtfully comfortable.
Crossing the Andes
This lodge-to-lodge journey follows an ancient corridor between the high Andes and the cloud forest, explored on foot at a human pace, with comfort waiting each evening. Walk beneath glaciated peaks and across open passes, carrying only a daypack while our team handles the rest. This is not about speed or endurance, but about moving deeply through one of the world’s great mountain landscapes—feeling both challenged and cared for.
Our History
In 1976, Bill Roberson was traveling in Peru when he learned of a little-known route across the Andes, descending from the altiplano into the high jungle near Machu Picchu. It wasn’t the famous, and already well-traveled, Inca Trail, but a rugged path used by mule trains carrying jungle produce over the Salkantay Pass to highland villages beyond.
With a friend, a local guide, and three sure-footed horses, Bill set off into the mountains, crossing a high, snow-covered pass before descending into lush forest along the Urubamba River. From there, they boarded a slow local train to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. The journey was remote, demanding, and breathtakingly beautiful—and it changed everything. Bill was hooked.
He soon pioneered organizing journeys for fellow explorers, introducing foreign visitors to the Salkantay route long before it became widely known.
In those early days, you carried everything you needed. A tent was a luxury, and the trail was narrow and unforgiving. Today, comfortable lodges line the route, and sections have widened into dirt roads. Yet the snow-capped peaks, wild orchids, and enduring sense of discovery remain unchanged.
Accommodations
Your accommodations are woven into the fabric of the experience. From the storied grandeur of Palacio del Inka in Cusco to the mountain sanctuaries of Salkantay, Wayra, Colpa, and Lucma, and the serene gardens of Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, each stay reflects its surroundings, grounded in local character, refined in comfort, and designed to deepen your connection to place.
Is this right for me?
This journey is a great fit if you:
…Walk regularly at home and enjoy being active outdoors
…Are comfortable hiking several hours a day at a steady, unhurried pace
…Feel excited by mountain landscapes, learning, and cultural context
…Appreciate comfort and recovery after a rewarding day on the trail
…Are okay with altitudes up to 15,213 feet (4,636 m)
…Like the idea of doing something that stretches you—with support
This journey may not be the best fit if you:
….Prefer minimal physical activity or mostly vehicle-based touring
…Are looking for a competitive or fast-paced hiking experience
…Want a luxury trip with little walking
…Feel uneasy about spending multiple days at high altitude, even with acclimatization
Important note:
This is a supported lodge-to-lodge walk, not a race or a test of toughness. We walk together, guides set a generous pace, and the focus is on experience, not performance.
Your Itinerary
Explore the Inca capital of Cusco, stand beneath the towering stones of Sacsayhuamán, and contemplate the mysteries of Moray as you acclimatize to the altitude. Then begin your five-night cross-Andean trek, descending from the high Altiplano to the lush banks of the Urubamba River and on to Machu Picchu. Spend a full day exploring the citadel before boarding the scenic train back to Cusco.
Optional Machu Picchu Extension: Hike Machu Picchu Mountain for sweeping views above the citadel and enjoy additional time among the ruins before returning to Cusco with time to explore the city. (1 additional day)
Optional Lima Extension: Discover Lima’s layered appeal through museums of pre-Columbian cultures, vibrant culinary traditions, and elegant colonial architecture, set against the backdrop of the Pacific coast. (2 additional days)
DAY 1
Arrival in Peru
Fly from your home city to Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital on the Pacific coast. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight.
Option: Arrive early and enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of one of the world’s gastronomy capitols.
Stay: Wyndham Costa del Sol
DAY 2
Cusco
We spend three days in the Cusco region, acclimatizing to the altitude.
Take a walking tour through Cusco’s historic center, where Inca stonework and colonial façades intertwine. Climb into the artisan quarter of San Blas, with its narrow lanes and sweeping city views, then visit the cloisters of La Merced Convent and its remarkable baroque treasures. Continue to the ornate Compañía de Jesús Church on the edge of the main square before ending in the Plaza de Armas, the vibrant heart of the city where history and daily life meet.
What we love: Seeing the interweaving of Incan, Spanish, and modern architecture and traditions.
Stay: Palacio del Inka or similar (11,129’/3,392m)
DAY 3
Cusco
Begin at the monumental terraces of Sacsayhuamán, where masterful Inca stonework overlooks the city. Return to the center to visit the Cathedral, rich with Andean baroque art, then wander through the vibrant San Pedro Market, alive with local flavors and daily life. Nearby, the Archbishop’s Museum offers a quiet look at Cusco’s colonial past before you continue to Qoricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, whose elegant stone walls still anchor the city’s spiritual history. Finish with lunch at Limo, enjoying fresh Nikkei Peruvian cuisine and views of the Plaza de Armas.
What we Love: Strolling amongst the incomprehensibly large stones of Sacsayhuaman shifts perspectives.
Stay: Palacio del Inka or similar (11,129’/3,392m)
DAY 4
Chinchero Market, Maras & Moray
Climb to the high plain of Chinchero to experience its bustling indigenous market and a weaving demonstration led by Nilda Callañaupa, founder of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. After lunch with sweeping valley views, visit the salt mines of Maras and the mysterious circular terraces of Moray, believed to be an Inca agricultural laboratory.
Highlight: The weaving traditions of Chinchero preserve techniques passed down for over 2,000 years, once thought lost to history.
Stay: Palacio del Inka or similar (11,129’/3,392m)
DAY 5
Cusco to Mollepata to Salkantay Lodge
You start early on the westward journey from Cusco. Your first stop is Quillarumiyoc, an elegant Inca site believed to honor the moon. Next, in Mollepata, enjoy lunch at a family farmhouse where you’ll also gain a glimpse into local Andean agriculture and daily life. From here, the road climbs into sweeping highland scenery as you make your way to Challacancha, the start of your hike. Follow the picturesque Camino Real toward Salkantay Lodge in Soraypampa, walking through broad valleys and mountain views that set the tone for the days ahead.
Highlight: Seeing the first glimpse of Mount Humantay above Soraypampa.
Stay: Salkantay Lodge (12,690’/3,869m)
DAY 6
Lago Humantay
Begin your ascent along the slopes behind Salkantay Lodge, climbing steadily toward the high Andean ridge. About an hour and a half in, the effort pays off with your first view of the turquoise lake and the Humantay Glacier rising dramatically above it. Enjoy time to rest, have a light snack, and join a traditional ceremony honoring Pachamama, Mother Earth.
Return to the lodge for a warm lunch, followed by a leisurely afternoon—opt for a massage, curl up by the fire, or settle into the outdoor hot tub as the sun sets over Salkantay Peak.
What we Love: Watching the sunset play across Mount Salkantay while soaking in the hot tub
Stay: Salkantay Lodge (12,690’/3,869m)
DAY 7
Salkantay Pass
After an early start, begin your ascent toward the Salkantay Pass, circling Humantay Peak and crossing high plateaus scattered with ancient boulders shaped by the Río Blanco Valley. The final stretch—steep mountain switchbacks—leads to the trek’s highest point at 15,213 feet (4,636 m), where sweeping views meet thin, crisp air.
From the pass, descend through slopes of fog-shrouded stone formations before breaking for lunch. Continue across gentle hills and marshy meadows to Wayra Lodge in Wayraccmachay, a welcoming retreat tucked into the high Andes.
What we love: The quiet triumph of reaching the pass and looking up to see the glaciers towering above you.
Stay: Wayra Lodge (12,812’/3,906m)
DAY 8
Wayra to Colpa
After a leisurely morning at Wayra Lodge, begin your descent toward the cloud forest, following the Salkantay River as the scenery grows warmer and greener. Butterflies, orchids, and small Andean homesteads appear along the trail, offering a glimpse of life in these remote valleys.
By mid-afternoon, you’ll reach Colpa Lodge, set on a high promontory where three rivers meet. Enjoy a traditional Pachamanca cooked beneath hot stones, then spend the afternoon relaxing, lounging in the sun or soaking in the outdoor hot tub with sweeping views of the surrounding emerald mountains.
What we love: sharing the Pachamanca among new friends, followed by making pisco sours!
Stay: Colpa Lodge (9,414’/2,870m)
DAY 9
Colpa to Lucma
Today you’ll follow the Santa Teresa River Valley along a rolling trail that weaves through fruit orchards and crosses clear, glacier-fed streams. Pause by the river for a snack, then continue to the pickup point where a vehicle will take you to the base of the Llactapata Inca Trail and the final short climb to Lucma Lodge.
After a relaxing lunch, visit a nearby organic coffee plantation—part of a region known for exceptional quality high-altitude beans. Here, the warmer air and rising humidity signal your nearness to the edge of the Amazon.
What we love: Smelling the roasting coffee beans at the coffee plantation, knowing they will be packed and delivered to us that evening.
Stay: Lucma Lodge (7,003’/2,135m)
Day 10
Lucma to Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, leave Lucma Lodge and begin a 2–3 hour climb through the cloud forest along original Inca steps, shaded by a lush canopy and accompanied by the sound of rushing water. Reaching Llactapata Pass, you’re rewarded with a rare southeast view of Machu Picchu—an unforgettable first glimpse.
Explore the Inca site of Llactapata before enjoying a picnic lunch at a mountain lookout. Then descend toward the Urubamba River through bamboo stands, fruit orchards, and coffee plantations. Cross the river to complete the trek and board the Hidroelectrica train for a scenic ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Highlight: Gazing across the sweeping, high-altitude jungle toward Machu Picchu—a rare and unforgettable viewpoint.
Stay: Machu Picchu Pueblo (6,693’/2,040m)
Day 11
Machu Picchu
Your day begins with an early morning bus ride, climbing the switchbacks toward Machu Picchu just as the mountains catch the first light. Entering the “sanctuary,” as locals call it, the scale and precision of the Inca world reveal themselves: the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal residences, where each stone was placed with intention and grace.
After lunch at Sanctuary Lodge, return to the citadel and follow a different circuit, opening new perspectives and a deeper sense of the site’s design and purpose.
Before you depart, take a quiet moment to sit, breathe, and listen—letting the wind carry the ancient stillness of this remarkable place.
What we love: Experiencing the awe of Machu Picchu even more deeply with a second entrance.
Stay: Machu Picchu Pueblo
Day 12
Train to Ollantaytambo, return home
Begin the day with a scenic train ride from Aguas Calientes, tracing the rushing Urubamba River as it cuts through steep canyon walls—a final reminder of the dramatic landscapes you’ve crossed. At Ollantaytambo, meet your private vehicle for the comfortable drive back to Cusco Airport. From there, fly to Lima, where you connect to your international flight home. It’s a graceful close to a journey shaped by mountains, culture, and awe.
Highlight: The incomparable train ride along the Urubamba River.
Dates & Prices
Crossing the Andes: Salkantay Lodge-to-Lodge Journey can begin on most days of the week between April and November. Groups are limited to 12 people.
2026 Departures
Departures on most days between April and October.
Below are sample dates. Please contact us for current availability.
2027 Departures
The 2027 schedule will be released soon; contact us.
APRIL 2026
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Apr 1 – Apr 13, 2026 • $8,995
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Apr 19 – Apr 30, 2026 • $8,995
MAY 2026
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May 02 – May 14, 2026 • $8,995
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May 9 – May 21, 2026 • $8,995
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May 24 – June 5, 2026 • $8,995
JUNE 2026
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Jun 3 – Jun 15, 2026 • $8,995
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Jun 5 – Jun 17, 2026 • $8,995
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Jun 9 – Jun 21, 2026 • $8,995
JULY 2026
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Jul 6 – Jul 18, 2026 • $8,995
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Jul 20 – Aug 1, 2026 • $8,995
AUGUST 2026
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Aug 05 – Aug 15, 2026 • $8,995
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Aug 15 – Aug 27, 2026 • $8,995
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Aug 23 – Sep 5, 2026 • $8,995
SEPTEMBER 2026
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Sep 2 – Sep 24, 2026 • $8,995
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Sep 11 – Sep 22, 2026 • $8,995
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Sep 16 – Sep 28, 2026 • $8,995
OCTOBER 2026
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Oct 05 – Oct 17, 2026 • $8,995
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Oct 18 – Oct 30, 2026 • $8,995
1-Day Machu Picchu Extension
Hike up Machu Picchu Mountain and have more time in Cusco for $455 per person, double occupancy.
2-Day Lima Extension
Explore Lima's colonial architecture, rich museums, and charming nieghborhoods, plus have time to delight in one of the culinary capitals of the world. $1075 per person, double occupancy.
Booking Details
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Single Guests
Single supplement is $3895
Solo Traveler supplement is $5500
Limited “willing to share” opportunitiesMachu Picchu Extension single supplement is $285 if with others, and $680 if traveling solo
Lima Extension single supplement is $410 if with others, and $1990 if traveling solo
Children
Price upon requestIncluded
All airport transfers as specified in the itinerary
All hotel/lodge accommodations (double occupancy, unless Single purchased) as specified in the itinerary
All meals as specified in the itinerary
All non-alcoholic beverages
All guides, activities, tours, entry fees, and sightseeing arrangements as specified in the itinerary
Emergency medical evacuation insurance coverageAdditional costs(subject to change without notice)
Not included are any airfare, airport taxes, and fees
Tips for guides (at your discretion)
Alcoholic beverages
Laundry
Other items of a personal nature
Insurance coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, travel accident, travel delay, baggage delay, or baggage theft (we recommend obtaining coverage for these items) -
Deposit
A deposit of $1000 per person is due at the time of booking
Any additional arrangements may incur further deposits, due at the time of booking those services
Payment
The balance is due 90 days before departure
Domestic or regional airfares are due at the time of ticketing
Cancellation
Up to 151 days before departure – deposit may be refunded, or transferred to a new departure within one year of the original trip date
150-120 days before departure – deposit is non-refundable but may be transferred to a new departure within one year of the original trip date
120-90 days before departure – 50% of the full trip price is forfeited. The remaining balance is non-refundable but may be transferred towards a new departure within one year of the original trip date
90-0 days before departure – 100% of the full trip price is forfeited
Cancellation due to force majeure (circumstances outside your control, including medical illness) must be covered by travel insurance. INCA/Inca Floats, Inc. will not be responsible
In the case that a guest must abandon the trip by choice or as a consequence of the medical emergency protocol (which allows the guide or resident doctor to deny further participation of guest on a trip), we will issue no refunds on the trip cost. Alternative plans can be arranged at added cost
See additional Terms & Conditions »
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Deposit
An initial deposit of $1000 per person is due at the time of booking
A second deposit of $1000 per person is due 150 days before departure
Any additional arrangements may incur further deposits, due at the time of booking those services
Payment
The balance is due 90 days before departure
Domestic or regional airfares are due at the time of ticketing
Cancellation
Up to 151 days before departure – the initial deposit may be refunded or transferred to a new departure within one year of the original trip date
150-120 days before departure – initial deposit and second deposit are non-refundable but may be transferred to a new departure within one year of the original trip date
120-90 days before departure – 50% of the full trip price is forfeited. The remaining balance is non-refundable but may be transferred towards a new departure within one year of the original trip date
90-0 days before departure – 100% of the full trip price is forfeited
Cancellation due to force majeure (circumstances outside your control, including medical illness) must be covered by travel insurance. INCA/Inca Floats, Inc. will not be responsible.
In the case that a guest must abandon the trip by choice or as a consequence of the medical emergency protocol (which allows the guide or resident doctor to deny further participation of guest on a trip), we will issue no refunds on the trip cost. Alternative plans can be arranged at added cost.
See additional Terms & Conditions »
FAQ
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Peru's winter season (April to October) brings mild temperatures to the coast, and clear skies to the highlands, although it gets quite chilly in the evenings in June and July. See more »
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The Salkantay Lodge-to-Lodge Journey is a true Andean crossing. Over six consecutive days, you’ll hike four to eight hours daily along rugged mountain trails, climbing high passes that reach over 15,000 feet. Preparation matters: consistent cardiovascular training, regular hikes on varied terrain, and a healthy, balanced diet will help you arrive strong and confident. Well-worn hiking boots are essential, and we spend extra acclimatization nights in Cusco to prepare.
And just as important, this is not a race. Each traveler is encouraged to walk at a comfortable pace, pause often, breathe deeply, and fully absorb the landscape. With thoughtful preparation and a steady rhythm, the journey becomes not only achievable, but deeply rewarding.
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Altitude is part of the Andean story. Above roughly 6,500 feet, the body begins adjusting to thinner air and reduced oxygen, and that transition can take time. To support a smooth acclimatization, three nights are spent in Cusco before stepping onto the trail, allowing your system to gradually adapt while you explore and settle into the rhythm of the highlands.
Hydration is essential. Filtered and purified water is readily available at the lodges and carried by trek support throughout the journey. The team is highly experienced in recognizing and responding to symptoms, and in the rare event of more serious altitude concerns, supplemental oxygen and hyperbaric chambers are on hand to ensure safety and peace of mind.
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Second only to the Himalayas in height, the Andes rise above 19,000 feet, forming a dramatic chain of peaks, deep canyons, and fertile valleys. To the east, the mountains descend into lush cloud forest that gathers rainfall before dropping toward the Amazon Basin. It is a landscape defined by scale and variety, with striking changes in terrain and climate over relatively short distances.
The trails are well maintained and carefully selected, combining sections of original Inca stonework with newer mountain paths. Expect some steep, rocky, or occasionally muddy stretches, depending on conditions. Nearly every day brings a shift in ecosystem and scenery, making the trek as dynamic as it is rewarding.
Ready to Go?
Cross the Andes with a select group and experience awe, comfort, and genuine connection at every step. Wander ancient plazas, crest high mountain passes, and savor Peru’s celebrated cuisine. When you are ready, the mountains and the stories waiting within them are calling.
Email Us to Start Planning Your Journey
Or call us directly at (510) 420-1550, Monday–Friday, 8–5 PT