This five-day trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu is a blend of adventure and discovery, and a unique alternative to the classic Inca Trail. It suits you if you are fairly fit and would like to walk remote paths, visit lesser-known ruins and take in breathtaking views that few travellers ever see. The Salkantay Trek is considered challenging and calls for moderate to high fitness, so regular exercise beforehand is recommended, along with at least two to three days acclimatising in Cusco. Groups are limited to 8 people and typically number between 2 and 6, which keeps the experience personal.

You are led by expert local guides, with professional porters and cooks supporting you every step of the way. The journey is meticulously planned for your comfort and safety, and the guides are trained to handle altitude sickness. Beyond the physical challenge, you gain deep insights into Andean culture and the legacy of the Inca civilisation. Your route takes in the glaciers of Humantay and Salkantay, the waters of Humantay Lake, the climb to Apacheta Pass at 4,650m and a side trip to Salkantay Lake. Further on, you tour a local coffee plantation, soak at the Cocalmayo hot springs and explore the Llactapata ruins, which have views of Machu Picchu.

Most days begin early and settle into a steady rhythm. On the second morning, for example, you wake to hot tea or coffee, have breakfast, then set off on the climb to the pass, stopping for lunch along the way. You reach camp in the afternoon for hot drinks and appetisers, followed by dinner. Meals are served in a dining tent, where you can relax and share stories with fellow trekkers. The chefs prepare nutritious Peruvian dishes with fresh fruits, vegetables and local specialities, and can cater to vegetarian and other dietary needs if you let them know when you book.

For three nights you sleep in spacious 4-season Eureka Timberline tents, designed for four people but reserved for only two, each with a vestibule for your boots and walking sticks, plus a foam mattress and pillow. Your fourth night is in a private room with a bathroom at a hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you can recharge before the finale: a memorable sunrise visit to Machu Picchu, including a two-hour guided tour of the citadel and free time to explore or take the optional hike up Huayna Picchu.

Your trek includes airport pickup, your accommodation, meals as indicated in the itinerary, your Machu Picchu entry fee and guided tour, an English-speaking professional guide, boiled water, and a first aid kit with oxygen bottle. There is also a horse for emergencies, mules and horses to carry equipment, including 7kg of your personal items, and a group toilet tent. The return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is covered too, with a private transfer taking you back to your hotel in Cusco.

What's included

- Airport pickup - 3 nights accommodation in 4-season tents + 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes - Meals as indicated in the itinerary - Dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes - Boiled water for drinking and washing at every meal - Guided tour of Machu Picchu - Entry fee to Machu Picchu - English-speaking professional guide - Comfortable foam mattress - First aid kit with oxygen bottle - Horse for emergencies - Mules and horses for equipment (7kg personal items) - Toilet tent for group use - Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo - Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu - Private transport from Cusco to Soraypampa - Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Cusco - Transfer from airport to hotel

What's not included

- Visa fees - Travel insurance - Hotel accommodation in Cusco before the trek - Additional treatments - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Lunch on Day 5 - Tips for guides and porters