Visit Inca ruins and the mountain village of Mollepata before embarking on your first trek on the Camino Real. Your destination: the welcoming Salkantay Lodge, named for the majestic peak at the head of the valley, where you’ll find jacuzzis, aperitifs, and a crackling fire in the fireplace.

Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (3,869 m/12,690 ft)

Whet your appetite for trekking and scenery with an acclimatization hike from the lodge to glacier-fed Lake Humantay with views of Mt. Salkantay, a sacred mountain in Incan mythology.

Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (3,869 m/12,690 ft)

Today’s the big day—we reach the trek’s highest point on the Salkantay Pass (4,638 m/15,213 ft). Take in views of snowcapped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction and the glaciated south face of Mt. Salkantay towering above.

Overnight: Wayra Lodge (3,906 m/12,812 ft)

We begin our descent along the Salkantay River, where warm air starts rising from the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids. At Colpa Lodge, we’ll be greeted with a Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian meal.

Overnight: Colpa Lodge (2,870 m/9,414 ft)

Today we hike through more populated rural areas, passing through banana, granadilla and avocado orchards. We’ll picnic by the river, and later tour a coffee plantation before arriving at Lucma Lodge, which is surrounded by its own avocado trees.

Overnight: Lucma Lodge (2,135 m/7,003 ft)

On our last trekking day, we hike along the Llactapata Pass and come upon a distant but spectacular view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast, a view few travelers ever get a chance to admire. Then we’ll make our way to the train bound for our ultimate destination: Machu Picchu.

Overnight: Aguas Calientes (1,900 m/6,232 ft)

We will take an introductory two-hour guided tour of the ruins, after which we have the rest of the morning to explore the site on our own or hike the steep Huayna Picchu for expansive views.

Return to Cusco (3,360 m/11,021 ft)

Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets are subject to availability*