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Cusco Salkantay Trek Puerto Maldonado 9D/8N Package

12 Places
Duration 9 Days, 8 Night
Group Size Max 12 People
Physical Level Challenging
Best Season All Year Round (Best: April to November)
Meals / Food Included as specified in daily itinerary
Accommodations Selected Category

Overview & Journey Experience

Deep inside the Peruvian Amazon, life beats at an elemental frequency found nowhere else on earth. The emerald canopy stretches endlessly toward the horizon, filled with the primal calls of howler monkeys and the flash of scarlet macaws in flight. For travelers seeking raw untamed wilderness, our tailored jungle expeditions stand apart from conventional river operators by taking you far beyond standard tourist channels into wild animal corridors.

At Machu Picchu Premium, we design each expedition around small private footprints, expert native naturalists from local river communities, and custom departure timings that avoid noisy tour flotillas. Space across our secluded eco-lodges remains strictly limited to safeguard local biodiversity, making advance reservation vital for high-season dates.

Tour Highlights

  • Primary rainforest depth led by native naturalists who trace wildlife tracks, medicinal flora, and canopy bird calls with razor-sharp precision.
  • Dawn boat excursions along quiet oxbow lakes to witness giant river otters, black caimans, and hoatzin bird colonies before midday heat sets in.
  • Secluded clay lick viewpoints where hundreds of parrots and macaws gather in a dazzling display of color and sound.
  • Nutritious, chef-crafted jungle cuisine utilizing fresh river fish, native fruits, and organic local ingredients.
  • Low-impact eco-lodges offering clean private bungalows, en-suite bathrooms, and serene verandas surrounded by rainforest sounds.
  • Machu Picchu Premium advantage: intimate group sizes, flexible pacing, and zero mass-tourism compromises.

Trip Logistics & Details

  • Duration: 9 Days, 8 Night
  • Activity Level: Challenging
  • Group Size: Max 12 People
  • Locations: 12 Places
  • Total Price: USD $1,850.00

Day by Day Itinerary

Detailed daily breakdown, key highlights, and logistical milestones.

Jump to:

Day Highlight: Guided rainforest trail walk and river navigation toward Cusco City Tour with native naturalist commentary.

Upon arrival into Cusco you will be met by one of our professional and warm representatives. They will be holding a sign with your ‘last name’ on it. You will be transferred to your comfortable Cusco hotel in the air conditioned comfort of our modern van. Upon arrival to your hotel you will be given a pre-briefing about your upcoming trip and you will be presented with all your vouchers for your upcoming trip. You will have the morning free to unwind and acclimatize to the altitude.

In the afternoon you will be picked up from your hotel for your half day City Tour of Cusco. Our tour will start with a witness to the San Cristobal Plaza where we will savor panoramic views of the city. From there we will make our way to the San Pedro Markets where we will soak in the local flavours and learn about the products grown in the area which supply the whole city. Our witness to the Koricancha Temple is an interesting one. This temple in Quechua means ‘Gold Enclosure’ and back in Pre-Colombian times it was completely covered in gold. We will continue on and witness the Santo Domingo Church and then up the cobblestone streets stopping by the artisans’ neighbourhood of San Blas stopping by the Inca Roca Palace which today is the Archbishop’s Palace and home of the famous 12 Angled Stone. We will finish our tour stopping by the main square in Cusco, the Cathedral and its many precious colonial materpieces. After your tour of Cusco you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cusco.

Day Technical Data:

  • Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.
  • Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.
  • Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.
  • Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.

Day Highlight: Guided rainforest trail walk and river navigation toward Cusco with native naturalist commentary.

You will be picked up at 8:15 am. Full day excursion to the Urubamba Valley stopping by: the colorful Indian market in Pisac where a mixture of color and tradition will be able appreciated besides will have a good opportunity to try our bargain skills on the free time to interact with the local craftsmen to purchase their hand-made souvenirs. The Valley has a distance of 31 km (19 miles) of Cusco, and an altitude of 2,970 ms (9,700 p), Pisac is located to the entrance of the Sacred Valley and followed by Ollantaytambo, the older town continuously occupied of the American continent. The narrow streets of Ollantaytambo, along with their channels that have not varied from the time Inca, evoke their ancestral inheritance, lunch in a typical restaurant and after we traverse Ollantaytambo we will be witness Chimcheros which is another great archeological site in the Sacred Valley we will be back in cusco at around 6:00 pm.

Day Technical Data:

  • Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.
  • Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.
  • Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.
  • Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.

Day Highlight: Guided rainforest trail walk and river navigation toward Soraypampa with native naturalist commentary.

We pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 am. and we traveled by bus for approx. 2 hours to Mollepata, where we will have breakfast, this first breakfast must be ordered at a local restaurant in Mollepata. After that, we take the private transport again to Challacancha for about 40 more minutes of travel, where our walk will begin.

The 3-hour trek will take us to Soraypampa where we will have lunch with panoramic views of our Domes and the beautiful Humantay (4,120m. / 13,500 feet) and Salkantay (6,271m. / 20,575 feet) peaks. We will begin our trek towards Soraypampa, our first camp. (3,800m. / 11,750 feet, the highest and coldest camp of the trip) gazing upon the beautiful landscape on the way as an optional witness we will go to the Humantay lagoon which is located 1:30 minutes walking from Soraypampa.

Day Technical Data:

  • Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.
  • Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.
  • Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.
  • Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.

Day Highlight: Guided rainforest trail walk and river navigation toward La Playa with native naturalist commentary.

We will have breakfast around 5:30 am. and we will start our trek towards the highest pass of this trek (4,650m. / 15,200ft) located midway between 2 huge mountains, Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From this pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible, there is a possibility of seeing snow here.

After a break, we will continue our walk (downhill) through a grand cloud forest towards Huayraqpunku, where we will have lunch. Then we walk again after lunch in the direction of the beginning of the jungle until we reach Chaullay or Colpapampa (3,000m. / 9,800ft), where we will take a transport to the Domes.

Day Technical Data:

  • Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.
  • Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.
  • Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.
  • Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.

Day Highlight: Guided rainforest trail walk and river navigation toward Aguas Calientes with native naturalist commentary.

After breakfast, at 6.30 am, we will try to arrive as early as possible in Llaqtapata, we walk a part of the original Inca trail and get some journey of the natives who live here in the area. Have the opportunity to harvest various fruits and have one of the best views of the Urubamba Valley. See the Salkantay mountain in the background and have your first glimpse of Machu Picchu, after arriving at Hidroelectrica where we will have lunch, then continue walking, passing a variety of crop plantations, coca, banana we will be walking approx. 2:30 minutes along the train track until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes, you can take advantage of the hot springs of the town (entrance 10 soles) a real pleasure after finishing the walk.

Day Technical Data:

  • Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.
  • Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.
  • Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.
  • Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.

Day Highlight: Guided rainforest trail walk and river navigation toward Cusco with native naturalist commentary.

We get up early in the morning around 4 am. then to have breakfast and go to Machu Picchu, which takes 1:30 minutes walking, but there is another option to take the first bus that leaves at 5:30 am. towards Machu Picchu (it lasts 25 minutes) to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun rises.

Your guide will give you a 2-hour tour, and then you can traverse the mysterious city on your own. If you still have energy, you can also climb Huayna Picchu (2,720m. / 8,890ft) It takes 1:45 minutes to reach the top (optional and see availability). Then you will take the train around 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm or 6:20 pm depending on the availability of the train, so you will arrive in Ollantaytambo after 2 hours of travel, so a private transport that will take you from return to Cuzco.

Day Technical Data:

  • Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.
  • Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.
  • Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.
  • Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.

Day Highlight: Dawn river boat observation of colorful parrots and macaws gathering along the mineral clay cliffs.

Your guide will pick you up from the airport or from the bus station. You’ll then go to our office based in Puerto maldonado to register (passport number and flight number). Then, you’ll take the boat down Madre de Dios River to get to our Lodge. After a one-hour boat ride, you’ll arrive at the Lodge where you’ll be given a fresh exotic fruit juice. You’ll get the key to your room.

After resting for a bit, you’ll go for a two-hour walk in the jungle. Your guide will tell you about the lush vegetation (some trees are 500 years old). You’ll also have the chance to see birds (parrots, macaws…), monkeys snakes, butterflies… You’ll witness our wonderful jungle.

In the evening, you and your guide will go for a boat ride on Madre de Dios River to look for caimansYou’ll spot the shiny red eyes of the caimans with a flashlight. You might also observe capibaras, the biggest rodents in the world. They can weight up to 60 kilos.
Back at the Lodge you will be served dinner.

Day Technical Data:

  • Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.
  • Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.
  • Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.
  • Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.

Day Highlight: Dawn river boat observation of colorful parrots and macaws gathering along the mineral clay cliffs.

You’ll wake up early (5.30am) to get to a canopy and Zip lining , that is 40 metres high. From up there you’ll get to see different species of birds, such as macaws or Eagles.
After breakfast, you’ll go to the Monkey Island, which is jsut across from our Lodge. There, you’ll see different kind of monkeys. Then , you’ll take the boat again to get to the National Tambopata Reserve. After a five kilometre walk, you’ll witness the amazing Sandoval Lake. It’s a real wonder, where you’ll see a great varierty of animals, such as birds, monkeys, sloths…After a typical lunch, you’ll go for a boat ride on the lake to see the animals from closer. If it’s a lucky day, you might see giant otters (animals in danger of extinctiuon) or very big black caimans (the biggest one registered is five metre long).

Day Technical Data:

  • Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.
  • Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.
  • Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.
  • Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.

Day Highlight: Guided rainforest trail walk and river navigation toward Puerto Maldonado with native naturalist commentary.

After breakfast you’ll head back to the city to witness the local market and witness some tropical fruits. Your guide will take you to the airport or to the bus station.

Day Technical Data:

  • Timing: Early morning start with well-spaced afternoon transitions.
  • Terrain: Variable mountain stone paving, compacted soil paths, and loose gravel slopes.
  • Physical Effort: Moderate to demanding exertion adapted to traveler acclimatization.
  • Transport Profile: Private van pickup from Cusco hotel and dedicated linking transfers.

What's Included & What's Not

Transparent clarity on all services, permits, amenities, and exclusions for your journey.

Fully Covered • All permits, bilingual guides, transports and logistics

What is Not Included

  • Travel medical insurance: Personal traveler expense not covered by standard operational permits.
  • Personal trekking gear (hiking boots, thermal base layers): Personal traveler expense not covered by standard operational permits.
  • Gratuities for guides, chefs, and drivers: Personal traveler expense not covered by standard operational permits.
  • Emergency personal expenses and souvenirs: Personal traveler expense not covered by standard operational permits.
Exclusions • Personal extras, travel insurance, and optional upgrades
  • Travel medical insurance: Personal traveler expense not covered by standard operational permits.
  • Personal trekking gear (hiking boots, thermal base layers): Personal traveler expense not covered by standard operational permits.
  • Gratuities for guides, chefs, and drivers: Personal traveler expense not covered by standard operational permits.
  • Emergency personal expenses and souvenirs: Personal traveler expense not covered by standard operational permits.

Pricing & Booking Tiers

Private Service Pricing & Benefits

Choosing our private service transforms your journey into a personalized expedition tailored noteworthy around your rhythm, interests, and schedule. Unlike fixed group schedules where you must match the pace of strangers, a private booking grants you total command over departure times, photography stops, and walking tempo.

You travel in dedicated private Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Hyundai vans with dedicated drivers, avoiding tedious multi-hotel pickups across Cusco. Your licensed private guide focuses 100% of their attention on your party, answering every question and adjusting daily excursions on the fly to skirt large tour groups.

Private Service Rate Tier

Party SizeRate per Traveler
2 Travelers$2790 USD
3 to 4 Travelers$2430 USD
5 to 8 Travelers$2160 USD
9 or more Travelers$1980 USD

Optional Add-Ons & Equipment Upgrades

  • Vistadome Panoramic Train Upgrade: +$75 USD per traveler (panoramic windows, leather seating, live folklore dance performance).
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain Permit: +$65 USD per traveler (subject to government permit availability).
  • Machu Picchu Mountain (Montaña) Permit: +$65 USD per traveler.
  • Professional Trekking Poles (Black Diamond Pair): +$20 USD for full trip duration.
  • Mountain Hardwear Sub-Zero Sleeping Bag: +$25 USD for full trip duration.
  • Single Supplement (Private Tent or Hotel Room): +$40 USD per night.

Group Service Pricing & Benefits

Our group service offers an exceptional balance of camaraderie and organized logistical excellence. Traveling alongside small cohorts of fellow global travelers from around the world, you share the energy of the trail while savoring the exact same high standards of safety, quality food, and expert guiding that define Machu Picchu Premium.

Group departures maintain a strict cap of 10 to 12 travelers per guide to ensure personalized attention and safety on all ascents. Walking rhythms follow a balanced, steady pace with regular water and snack breaks.

Group Service Rate

  • Standard Group Rate: $1800.00 USD per traveler

Available Group Add-Ons

  • Trekking Poles Rental (Pair): +$20 USD
  • Sleeping Bag Rental (-10°C rated): +$25 USD
  • Inflatable Air Mattress Upgrade: +$15 USD
  • Vistadome Train Upgrade (Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo): +$75 USD
  • Single Tent Supplement: +$30 USD for full trek duration

Travel Guide & FAQs

  • Original passport and student card (ISIC) green card: Must be the exact physical document used during booking, valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates.
  • Essential insurance card: Personal packing item recommended for your daily comfort on the route.
  • Walking boots (with ankle protectors): Well broken-in footwear with sturdy vibram soles and ankle protection; do not hike in brand-new unproven shoes.
  • Waterproof jacket / rain poncho: Breathable, wind-resistant waterproof outer shell to shield against sudden Andean showers.
  • Warm jacket, hat and gloves: Breathable, wind-resistant waterproof outer shell to shield against sudden Andean showers.
  • Comfortable shirts and pants: Personal packing item recommended for your daily comfort on the route.
  • Sun protection cream (factor 35 is recommended): High SPF (50+) formula due to intense ultraviolet radiation at elevations above 3,000 meters.
  • Insect repellent minimum 30% DEET: Effective tropical repellent with at least 30% DEET content, essential for cloud forest and jungle valleys.
  • Toiletries: Personal packing item recommended for your daily comfort on the route.
  • Personal medications: Personal packing item recommended for your daily comfort on the route.
  • Camera: With spare charged batteries, since sub-freezing night temperatures drain battery cells rapidly.
  • Flashlight with spare batteries: Hands-free LED headlamp with fresh replacement batteries for navigating campsites before dawn.
  • Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended): Reusable wide-mouth canteen (Nalgene or Camelbak) plus purification tablets for day excursions.
  • Toilet paper: Personal packing item recommended for your daily comfort on the route.
  • Suggested extra contribution: Personal packing item recommended for your daily comfort on the route.
  • Altitude Acclimatization: Plan to spend at least 48 to 72 hours in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft) prior to departure. Walk at a gentle pace, sip warm coca tea, and drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water daily to help your body adapt.
  • Dietary Pacing on Day One: High elevation slows stomach digestion. Opt for light, easily digestible carbohydrates like quinoa soups, vegetables, and rice during your first two days in the highlands, avoiding heavy meats and alcohol.
  • Layering Technique: Andean weather fluctuates wildly. Early mornings bring frosty temperatures below freezing, while intense equatorial sun warms midday trails to 22°C. Dress in three distinct layers: moisture-wicking synthetic base, thermal fleece mid-layer, and waterproof outer jacket.
  • Footwear Preparation: Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots that have already been broken in on trails at home. Pack high-density merino wool hiking socks to reduce friction and guard against blisters.
  • Cash in Small Soles: Mountain villages, roadside fruit stalls, hot spring baths, and artisanal weavers do not accept credit cards or large 100-soles banknotes. Carry 200 to 300 Peruvian Soles in small denominations (10, 20, and coins).
  • Leave No Trace Ethic: Help preserve the beauty of Peru. Carry all personal trash and disposable wet wipes back to camp for proper eco-disposal, and never touch or remove stone masonry from archaeological complexes.
  • Luggage Storage in Cusco: You only need your daypack and the supplied trek duffel bag on the trail. Leave your hard-shell suitcases and city clothes safely stored in our complimentary, locked luggage room at our Cusco office.
From the moment your flight lands in Peru, your journey is completely seamless. A dedicated company representative will be waiting at the airport arrivals gate with a personalized name sign. All private airport shuttles, scenic panoramic train tickets (Inca Rail or PeruRail), tourist bus transfers, and private vehicles throughout the itinerary are fully pre-arranged, coordinated, and accompanied by our local operations team.
Our itineraries are intentionally designed with progressive altitude acclimatization, often taking you from sea-level Lima directly into the lower, gentler microclimate of the Sacred Valley (2,870 m) before spending extended time in Cusco (3,400 m). We advise drinking 2-3 liters of water daily, sipping traditional coca and muña herbal tea, eating light carbohydrate-rich meals during your first 48 hours, and consulting your doctor regarding preventative medication like Diamox (acetazolamide).
Following current official regulations by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, entrance tickets are divided into specific designated circuits. We prioritize Circuit 2 (Classic Upper Terrace Panoramic Postcard View + Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, and Intihuatana) or Circuit 1 whenever available, ensuring you capture the world-famous postcard photo followed by an in-depth 2.5-hour guided historical walkthrough.
Tipping is not included in the tour price and remains entirely voluntary at your discretion based on service quality. As a general guideline in Peru, travelers typically tip $5 to $10 USD per day for drivers and $10 to $20 USD per day for professional guides when shared among group members, or slightly higher for private VIP services. Tips are customarily given in Peruvian Soles or crisp US dollars.
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