A true Andean odyssey, this 4-day trek through the dramatic Cordillera Vilcabamba is a wonderful alternative for those who want to take a less-traveled and exceptionally beautiful route to Machu Picchu. Mount Salkantay is the 2nd largest mountain in the entire Cusco area (2nd only to the mighty Mount Ausangate) and is said to be the “guardian” that stands between the mountains and the jungle. Crossing over a pass between the peaks of the immense mountains, Salkantay (6270m) and Humantay (6070m), you will get to see some spectacular views of the glacial monsters and the sprawling valleys that they stand over. The great thing about this particular trek, that none of the other treks can offer (including the Inca Trail) is that you get to see so many different microclimates in such a short amount of time. You will start on day 1, in the high plateau area of the Andes. Then, on day 2, you will start the day in the plateaus, then go up to an altitude of 4,650 meters (aforementioned pass) and then down into the lush outer rim of the jungle on the other side of the mountains. You can actually see the microclimates changing before your eyes.

On day 3, when you are getting deeper and deeper into the “Ceja de Selva,” or the “Eyebrow of the Jungle,” you will encounter numerous wild tropical fruit and coffee plantations as well as an abundance of wild flowers and exotic birds. Down in the valley, we take an ancient, original Inca trail up through a fertile cloud forest replete with Quehuna trees, orchids, moss, wateralls and rivers, making for a gorgeous tropical atmosphere. On day four, we follow an Inca trail pathway to a low-jungle pass. At the top, we enjoy a gorgeous view of the backside of the Machu Picchu ruins.

From here, we walk down to the hydroelectric plant and take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in a comfortable hostel. On the last day of the tour, we take a tour of the magnificant ruins of Machu Picchu before catching an afternoon train back to Cusco.