Create lifelong memories on this exciting, magical journey that combines nature, culture and adventure in a unique way. Experience and discover Peru's fascinating history with its unique archaeological treasures and the natural, unspoilt beauty of this country on horseback. This tour also shows you Peru from a different perspective. Explore Urubamba: the historic Sacred Valley of the Incas, the city of Cusco, the picturesque Salkantay peak and the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu, the archaeological crown jewel of the Inca Empire.
Via the Salkantay Trek, you will set off towards Machu Picchu, passing the mighty Salkantay Mountain, whose pass you will cross at an altitude of approximately 4,600 metres. Spectacular panoramas and impressions that you will never forget await you. From alpine mountains with gigantic peaks, the route slowly descends into tropical forests where coffee and bananas grow. The highlight at the end of the week is the mystical Inca city of Machu Picchu, a must-see on any trip to Peru!
The lodges where you will spend the night are equally impressive. Although some are located in remote mountain areas, they offer every comfort. Relax in the jacuzzi after a day of riding and enjoy the exquisite Peruvian cuisine!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco and transfer to the hotel. We recommend spending a few extra days in Cusco beforehand to acclimatise to the altitude. Cusco is definitely worth a visit and the surrounding area offers numerous excursion and sightseeing opportunities. Meet your guide at 7 p.m. at the Hotel El Mercado in Cusco for a tour briefing, dinner and overnight stay (not included).

Day 2: After an early breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 a.m. On the way to the mountain village of Mollepata, you will visit the archaeological site of Quillarumiyoc. Enjoy lunch at El Pedregal, a beautiful farmhouse in the village, where you will also have the opportunity to learn about local agriculture and livestock farming. After lunch, you will be taken to the Coronilla Ranch, where you will meet your horse and set off on a 4-hour ride to the Salkantay Lodge on the Soraypampa plateau. The trail climbs slowly but steadily. The terrain is easy overall, so you will be able to gallop for a while. You will spend the night at the Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort. The majestic, snow-capped Salkantay, the highest peak in the region (6,270 m) and one of the most important sacred mountains in Inca mythology, towers on the horizon. You can rest by the fireplace in the lodge, explore the area on foot or relax in the jacuzzi. Dinner and short briefing. Riding time: approx. 4 hours, all gaits. Altitude of accommodation: 3,869 m above sea level.

Day 3: Today's excursion takes you first to Lake Humantay, which is fed by glaciers high up on the slopes of the impressive Mount Humantay. The 1-hour drive there is followed by a short 20-minute walk, which is necessary to reach the lake. The view is breathtaking. If you are brave enough, you can swim! After a short snack break, you will hike back to where you left the horses and begin a 30-minute ride to the next descent point: the gateway to Chakana, the mystical cross of the Incas, located on a viewpoint high above Soraypampa. From here, a one-hour walk begins to your destination, the actual Chakana. From here, you will have the best view of the Soraypampa Valley, Mt. Salkantay and Mt. Humantay, and it is truly one of the highlights of this trip... not to be missed! A mystical offering to Mother Earth or Pachamama at the Chakana, performed by a shaman overlooking the awe-inspiring Mt. Salkantay, rounds off this unique experience. You will return to the lodge for lunch and the afternoon is at your leisure. Take advantage of the time to relax in the jacuzzi. You also have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. In the evening, the tour guide will inform you about the programme for the next day. All meals are served at the lodge. (approx: 4 hours of riding)

Day 4: Today you continue your trail towards Machu Picchu. Early in the morning you set off towards the Rio Blanco Valley, riding around Mount Humantay. A breathtaking ride through the Soraypampa Valley takes you to the mountain pass between Salkantay and Humantay. At 4,630 metres above sea level, this is the highest point you will reach on the horseback tour. Depending on the weather, you may take a short break here. Relax at the pass and enjoy the view of the valley below and the snow-capped hills of the Vilcabamba Mountains. Keep your eyes open to catch a glimpse of the condors that live here. After crossing the pass, lunch will be waiting for you in a specially built camp. From here, you will continue your ride downhill to Wayra Lodge, where you will spend the night. Wayra means ‘the wind’ or ‘where the wind lives’ – and this is where you will spend the night. Riding time: approx. 4 hours, mainly at a slow pace.

Day 5: On this day, you will enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge, then continue downhill above the Salkantay River and descend into the cloud forest, through increasingly green landscapes. You can feel the warm air rising from the jungle, accompanied by colourful butterflies and impressive orchids. Upon arrival at Colpa Lodge, you will be welcomed with a pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian feast. The meat and vegetables are layered with hot stones. Colpa Lodge is located on an open plateau at the confluence of three rivers. The outdoor pool offers panoramic views of lush green mountains. You will spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the nearby orchid trail. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge. Riding time: approx. 3 hours, mostly at a slow pace.

Day 6: After an early breakfast, you will ride through the Santa Teresa River Valley, a region characterised by plantations where the rural population works. It is said that the best organically grown coffee in the world is found here! You will ride past coffee and banana plantations and orchards with exotic fruits such as passion fruit. You will reach the start of the Llactapata Inca Trail, where you will say goodbye to your horses. From here, it is about a 30-minute walk to the lodge, which is located in the middle of an avocado plantation. You will have time to explore the small village of Lucmabamba or visit the neighbouring eco-coffee plantation and roastery.
Riding time: approx. 4 hours, all gaits.

Day 7: Today you will depart for Agua Calientes, also known as ‘Machu Picchu Town’, the starting point for all those who want to visit the ruins of Machu Picchu. If you wish, you can also hike part of the route (the guide will ask you the evening before). The hiking route leads uphill over the Llactapata Pass at an altitude of approx. 2,600 metres to the Llactapata ruins, which have recently been restored and offer a spectacular view of Machu Picchu from a side that few people get to see. You will eat your picnic at a spot only approx. 10 minutes away with a view of Machu Picchu. From here, you will hike the second stage along the Vilcanota River through bamboo forests and orchards, past coffee plantations. From there, you will take the train to Aguas Calientes. Hiking time: 4-6 hours. As an alternative to hiking, you can also be taken to the train station by vehicle or participate in another activity such as canopy (not included). In Aguas Calientes, you will have time to stroll through the town or relax in your comfortable hotel.

Day 8: Only the early bird catches the worm, so you will set off very early in the morning after breakfast to the bus station. After a journey of approx. 30 minutes, you will reach Machu Picchu in time for sunrise. The ruins are bathed in a very special light at sunrise, while clouds of mist rise all around. You will receive a comprehensive guided tour and then have enough time to explore everything at your leisure. Stay approx. 5 hours. For a late lunch, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and then continue by train (approx. 1.5 hours) to Ollantaytambo, where the transfer to Cusco will be waiting for you. Overnight stay in a hotel in Cusco and dinner not included.

Subject to change!

Accomodation
Overnight stays on this trip are in hotels and exclusive mountain lodges, some with a jacuzzi. You will spend your first night at El Mercado or El Retablo, two boutique hotels in town Cusco. Let yourself be surprised by the advantages of the accommodation - trail riding at the highest level in an incomparable setting.

Saddle & Tack: Comfortable trekking saddles, some western-style, some similar to English saddles, double bridle. Helmets are compulsory (can be rented on site, please ask when booking)

Experience: For intermediate to advanced riders rider, as the terrain is sometimes challenging. Some days with steep mountain stages are predominantly to walk, on other days you can also ride at a brisk pace in all gaits. You should be physically fit due to the altitude (up to approx. 4,600 meters)!

Horses: Quarter Horses.