2 people were interested in this trek last month
Machu Picchu to the Salt Flats
Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, Peru, Bolivia
Hiking
16 days
Transfer, Meals, Accomodation
Individuals, Friends
2021
Sat, Feb 27
Sun, Mar 14
€3,399
Still available
Book
More available dates (19)
Overview
- South America is filled with awe-inspiring wonders, and on this journey through Bolivia and Peru, you’ll experience an introduction to some of its highlights.
- Learn about Peru’s storied past in the former Inca capital of Cusco before immersing yourself in the Amazon during a stay in the heart of the jungle.
- Hike the Inca Trail — or catch the scenic train — to the ancient and endlessly fascinating Machu Picchu; then travel to Bolivia to see striking sights like the Uyuni Salt Flats and colonial cities surrounded by soaring Andean peaks.
Insight
Hiking to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail in Peru will be the highlight of all your adventures.
Standing 4,200 meters high on the mountains, looking out over the peaks of the Andes, and knowing that you hiked to get there, fills you with joy and awe.
You won't want to be anywhere else.
Price Includes
Accommodation
- Hotels (9 nts)
- Lodge Amazon (2 nts)
- Inca Trail camping or Cusco-stay hotel (3 nts)
- Hacienda/farm (1 nt)
- If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, ask for solo room after booking. From €519.
Meals
15 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners
Tour Guides
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout
- Specialist Inca Trail CEO on hike
- Local guides
Internal Flights
- Private van, plane, train, boat, canoe, hiking, 4x4 vehicle, walking
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Activities
- Sacred Valley tour
- Choice of four-day Inca Trail hike with local guide, cook, and porters or Cusco/Aguas Calientes stay with scenic train
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- La Paz city tour
- Sucre orientation walk
- Excursions to the Uyuni Salt Flats
Extra Activities
CUSCO COOKING CLASS - FROM €39.00
- Channel your inner chef with a Peruvian cooking class.
- Take a trip to the market with your teacher and learn about regional flavours as you pick out the freshest ingredients.
- Head back to the kitchen for a hands-on lesson and learn to prepare local Peruvian specialties.
LIMA COOKING CLASS - FROM €68.00
- Get a taste of Peruvian cuisine, visit local markets, sample exotic fruit, select fresh ingredients, and try your hand at preparing unique Peruvian dishes influenced by China, Italy, West Africa, and Japan.
Itinerary
Day 1Lima
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Day 2Lima/Tambopata
Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by motorized canoe to our comfortable lodge, situated near the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon rainforest. Spot local bird species along the lush shores of the Tambopata River en route to the lodge, and set off on an evening walk with a naturalist guide before dinner, keeping an eye out for some of the rainforest’s nocturnal creatures. After a brief stop in town to store large luggage, drive to the pier and travel by covered motorized boat to the jungle lodge.
En route, spot bird species typical of the local river and forest edge. The Tambopata Rainforest area holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area.
Local community members make up the majority of lodge staff, including multilingual naturalist guides. Take the opportunity to learn about the area’s rich flora and fauna and locals' extensive use of medicinal plants and other forest plant resources through traditional techniques for building, fishing, and hunting.
Enjoy a welcome drink and orientation. Before dinner, head out for a night walk around the lodge grounds.
Day 3Tambopata
Spend the day exploring the thriving ecosystems of the rainforest with our lodge’s naturalist guides. Scan the treetops for toucans, howler monkeys, and sloths, and glide along oxbow lakes on canoes for a chance to glimpse river otters, turtles, and, if we’re lucky, anacondas. After dinner, embark on a river tour by motorized canoe on the lookout for caimans, the smaller cousins of alligators, which are often found hiding near the muddy banks. Head out early to catch the jungle at its wildest (and coolest). Walk slowly through the forest searching for wildlife before heading out on an oxbow lake by canoe.
Search for anaconda, the elusive giant river otter, or black caiman. Even if you don't spot these shy creatures, there are plenty of birds, interesting plants, and other animals about.
Day 4Tambopata/Cusco
Travel out of the jungle by boat and catch a flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco, soaring above the Andes into Peru’s Inca heartland. This evening, visit the Cusco Planetarium for a presentation on the skies of the Southern Hemisphere, and learn about the vital role that astronomy played in the lives of the ancient Inca. Weather permitting, peer through the planetarium's telescopes for a dazzling look at the stars. Afternoon arrival into the Inca capital. Time for strolling around the plazas and markets. Admire the cobblestones streets, and visit some museums and Cathedral.
Day 5Cusco/Urubamba
Drive to the scenic Sacred Valley for a full day of exploration with a local guide. Tour the G Adventures–supported Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. During this exclusive experience, you'll walk through the park to learn about potato cultivation, traditional weaving, and the importance of both these practices to Andean culture. We’ll also visit the fascinating Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, and enjoy a meal at the G Adventures–supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.
Day 6Inca Trail
Set out on the iconic Inca Trail, departing Urubamba by van to the starting point of the trek. Immerse yourself in the enchanting Andean countryside, hiking along meandering streams and crossing remote mountain villages and ancient ruins as we get warmed up for the more challenging days ahead. Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
Day 7Inca Trail
Today, we ascend the long, steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass—the highest point on the Inca Trail, at 4,198 meters (13,769 feet). Enjoy stunning views of the Sacred Valley as you make your way up the rugged terrain, and aim to reach our camp by early afternoon. Rest and relax at camp the remainder of the day.
Day 8Inca Trail
Today we’ll cross two spectacular passes. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, one can catch a glimpse of the snowcapped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Continue through cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass, and arrive at the misty Inca ruins of Phuyupatamarca at 3,650 meters (11,972 feet), known as "the city above the clouds.” We will either camp here or settle at a further spot, near the beautiful terraces of the Wiñay Wayna ruins, at 2,650 meters (8,694 feet).
Day 9Machu Picchu/Cusco
The final day of our hike begins before dawn. Reach the Sun Gate—the last checkpoint on the Inca Trail—in time to witness daybreak over Machu Picchu. This 15th-century Inca citadel was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated with support from National Geographic. Hike down for a guided tour through the temples and terraces of this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site before catching a bus to the frontier town of Aguas Calientes, where we’ll have free time for lunch. Continue by train to Cusco.
Day 10Cusco/La Paz
Catch a flight to the highest capital in the world—La Paz, Bolivia. In the afternoon, take an immersive tour of the lofty city by foot, van, and cable car. Explore vibrant squares, historical sites, and lively local markets, learning more about the balance of old and new along the way. This evening, enjoy an interactive culinary experience at a popular local restaurant, including demonstrations on how traditional foods such as quinoa are integrated into modern fusion dishes. With a local chef as our guide, we’ll sample a variety of dishes and discuss the growing popularity of La Paz as a culinary destination.
Day 11La Paz/Sucre
Catch a flight to charming Sucre, then enjoy an orientation walk around the main square. This afternoon, relax at a local café, explore on your own, or opt to take an immersive tour of Sucre with a local expert that focuses on the city’s stunning colonial architecture and historic sites, best viewed from the ubiquitous rooftop terraces.
Day 12Potosi Countryside
Enjoy free time this morning before travelling into the southern highlands to our historic hacienda. Surrounded by lush agricultural fields and rolling hills, this working farm offers unique opportunities for cultural exchanges with the resident family. Get a glimpse into daily life here while lending a hand at the dairy and in the fields, and step back in time during visits to the property’s private rooms, chapel, and museum. Cap off your experience with an authentic farm-to-table dinner featuring an array of local specialities.
Day 13Potosí/Uyuni
Make the short drive to the centre of Potosí and enjoy a guided tour of the Casa Nacional de la Moneda, the old silver mint and now a museum dedicated to Bolivian art and history. Take a scenic drive to Uyuni, gateway to the world's largest salt flat. Learn about the industrialization of salt and the geographical history of the region while driving across this mirror-like landscape. Enjoy a sunset picnic atop the flats before returning to our hotel.
Day 14Uyuni
Journey deeper into the salt pans to explore their varied geographical features. Along the way, stop at the remote town of Santiago de Agencha, a small Quechua community supported by G Adventures. Here, we enjoy a guided walk to learn about quinoa production and the cultural history of the area. Savour lunch prepared with local ingredients before continuing our exploration of the desert and its pans.
Day 15Uyuni/La Paz
Catch a flight to La Paz and enjoy free time to explore before joining the group for an optional farewell dinner.
Day 16La Paz
Depart at any time.
Route
Lima
Tambopata
+9 more
La Paz
Map
Related Photos & Video
With this selection, we would like to show you, how beautiful Machu Picchu is. It might show locations, weather conditions, trail roads that is not an exact match with this trek.
What to Take
- Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night.
- We recommend the use of a duffel bag or soft bag on whelles, whichever is easiest for you to carry.
- A good size daypack is also essential.
Similar Treks
Insight
Hiking to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail in Peru will be the highlight of all your adventures.
Standing 4,200 meters high on the mountains, looking out over the peaks of the Andes, and knowing that you hiked to get there, fills you with joy and awe.
You won't want to be anywhere else.
Price Includes
Accommodation
- Hotels (9 nts)
- Lodge Amazon (2 nts)
- Inca Trail camping or Cusco-stay hotel (3 nts)
- Hacienda/farm (1 nt)
- If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, ask for solo room after booking. From €519.
Meals
15 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners
Tour Guides
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout
- Specialist Inca Trail CEO on hike
- Local guides
Internal Flights
- Private van, plane, train, boat, canoe, hiking, 4x4 vehicle, walking
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Activities
- Sacred Valley tour
- Choice of four-day Inca Trail hike with local guide, cook, and porters or Cusco/Aguas Calientes stay with scenic train
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- La Paz city tour
- Sucre orientation walk
- Excursions to the Uyuni Salt Flats
Extra Activities
CUSCO COOKING CLASS - FROM €39.00
- Channel your inner chef with a Peruvian cooking class.
- Take a trip to the market with your teacher and learn about regional flavours as you pick out the freshest ingredients.
- Head back to the kitchen for a hands-on lesson and learn to prepare local Peruvian specialties.
LIMA COOKING CLASS - FROM €68.00
- Get a taste of Peruvian cuisine, visit local markets, sample exotic fruit, select fresh ingredients, and try your hand at preparing unique Peruvian dishes influenced by China, Italy, West Africa, and Japan.
Itinerary
Day 1Lima
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Day 2Lima/Tambopata
Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by motorized canoe to our comfortable lodge, situated near the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon rainforest. Spot local bird species along the lush shores of the Tambopata River en route to the lodge, and set off on an evening walk with a naturalist guide before dinner, keeping an eye out for some of the rainforest’s nocturnal creatures. After a brief stop in town to store large luggage, drive to the pier and travel by covered motorized boat to the jungle lodge.
En route, spot bird species typical of the local river and forest edge. The Tambopata Rainforest area holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area.
Local community members make up the majority of lodge staff, including multilingual naturalist guides. Take the opportunity to learn about the area’s rich flora and fauna and locals' extensive use of medicinal plants and other forest plant resources through traditional techniques for building, fishing, and hunting.
Enjoy a welcome drink and orientation. Before dinner, head out for a night walk around the lodge grounds.
Day 3Tambopata
Spend the day exploring the thriving ecosystems of the rainforest with our lodge’s naturalist guides. Scan the treetops for toucans, howler monkeys, and sloths, and glide along oxbow lakes on canoes for a chance to glimpse river otters, turtles, and, if we’re lucky, anacondas. After dinner, embark on a river tour by motorized canoe on the lookout for caimans, the smaller cousins of alligators, which are often found hiding near the muddy banks. Head out early to catch the jungle at its wildest (and coolest). Walk slowly through the forest searching for wildlife before heading out on an oxbow lake by canoe.
Search for anaconda, the elusive giant river otter, or black caiman. Even if you don't spot these shy creatures, there are plenty of birds, interesting plants, and other animals about.
Day 4Tambopata/Cusco
Travel out of the jungle by boat and catch a flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco, soaring above the Andes into Peru’s Inca heartland. This evening, visit the Cusco Planetarium for a presentation on the skies of the Southern Hemisphere, and learn about the vital role that astronomy played in the lives of the ancient Inca. Weather permitting, peer through the planetarium's telescopes for a dazzling look at the stars. Afternoon arrival into the Inca capital. Time for strolling around the plazas and markets. Admire the cobblestones streets, and visit some museums and Cathedral.
Day 5Cusco/Urubamba
Drive to the scenic Sacred Valley for a full day of exploration with a local guide. Tour the G Adventures–supported Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. During this exclusive experience, you'll walk through the park to learn about potato cultivation, traditional weaving, and the importance of both these practices to Andean culture. We’ll also visit the fascinating Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, and enjoy a meal at the G Adventures–supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.
Day 6Inca Trail
Set out on the iconic Inca Trail, departing Urubamba by van to the starting point of the trek. Immerse yourself in the enchanting Andean countryside, hiking along meandering streams and crossing remote mountain villages and ancient ruins as we get warmed up for the more challenging days ahead. Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
Day 7Inca Trail
Today, we ascend the long, steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass—the highest point on the Inca Trail, at 4,198 meters (13,769 feet). Enjoy stunning views of the Sacred Valley as you make your way up the rugged terrain, and aim to reach our camp by early afternoon. Rest and relax at camp the remainder of the day.
Day 8Inca Trail
Today we’ll cross two spectacular passes. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, one can catch a glimpse of the snowcapped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Continue through cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass, and arrive at the misty Inca ruins of Phuyupatamarca at 3,650 meters (11,972 feet), known as "the city above the clouds.” We will either camp here or settle at a further spot, near the beautiful terraces of the Wiñay Wayna ruins, at 2,650 meters (8,694 feet).
Day 9Machu Picchu/Cusco
The final day of our hike begins before dawn. Reach the Sun Gate—the last checkpoint on the Inca Trail—in time to witness daybreak over Machu Picchu. This 15th-century Inca citadel was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated with support from National Geographic. Hike down for a guided tour through the temples and terraces of this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site before catching a bus to the frontier town of Aguas Calientes, where we’ll have free time for lunch. Continue by train to Cusco.
Day 10Cusco/La Paz
Catch a flight to the highest capital in the world—La Paz, Bolivia. In the afternoon, take an immersive tour of the lofty city by foot, van, and cable car. Explore vibrant squares, historical sites, and lively local markets, learning more about the balance of old and new along the way. This evening, enjoy an interactive culinary experience at a popular local restaurant, including demonstrations on how traditional foods such as quinoa are integrated into modern fusion dishes. With a local chef as our guide, we’ll sample a variety of dishes and discuss the growing popularity of La Paz as a culinary destination.
Day 11La Paz/Sucre
Catch a flight to charming Sucre, then enjoy an orientation walk around the main square. This afternoon, relax at a local café, explore on your own, or opt to take an immersive tour of Sucre with a local expert that focuses on the city’s stunning colonial architecture and historic sites, best viewed from the ubiquitous rooftop terraces.
Day 12Potosi Countryside
Enjoy free time this morning before travelling into the southern highlands to our historic hacienda. Surrounded by lush agricultural fields and rolling hills, this working farm offers unique opportunities for cultural exchanges with the resident family. Get a glimpse into daily life here while lending a hand at the dairy and in the fields, and step back in time during visits to the property’s private rooms, chapel, and museum. Cap off your experience with an authentic farm-to-table dinner featuring an array of local specialities.
Day 13Potosí/Uyuni
Make the short drive to the centre of Potosí and enjoy a guided tour of the Casa Nacional de la Moneda, the old silver mint and now a museum dedicated to Bolivian art and history. Take a scenic drive to Uyuni, gateway to the world's largest salt flat. Learn about the industrialization of salt and the geographical history of the region while driving across this mirror-like landscape. Enjoy a sunset picnic atop the flats before returning to our hotel.
Day 14Uyuni
Journey deeper into the salt pans to explore their varied geographical features. Along the way, stop at the remote town of Santiago de Agencha, a small Quechua community supported by G Adventures. Here, we enjoy a guided walk to learn about quinoa production and the cultural history of the area. Savour lunch prepared with local ingredients before continuing our exploration of the desert and its pans.
Day 15Uyuni/La Paz
Catch a flight to La Paz and enjoy free time to explore before joining the group for an optional farewell dinner.
Day 16La Paz
Depart at any time.
Route
Lima
Tambopata
+9 more
La Paz
Map
Related Photos & Video
With this selection, we would like to show you, how beautiful Machu Picchu is. It might show locations, weather conditions, trail roads that is not an exact match with this trek.
What to Take
- Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night.
- We recommend the use of a duffel bag or soft bag on whelles, whichever is easiest for you to carry.
- A good size daypack is also essential.
Similar Treks
All prices are indicative only and subject to availability and changes without obligation.
Time until next start
35
days
08
hours
:
09
min
:
02
sec
Price
€3,399Duration
16 days
2021
Sat, Feb 27
Sun, Mar 14
€3,399
Still available
Book
More available dates (19)
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