Salkantay to Machu Picchu One of the most revered and impressive peaks in the area, Salkantay is located where the sub-tropical jungle of the Amazon begins. This trek combines a spectacular high mountain pass with sub-tropical valleys and Inca remains. The highlight of the trek is an amazing rearside view of Machu Picchu Mountain and Sanctuary. A true Andean odyssey, this trek through the dramatic Cordillera Vilcabamba offers a wonderful alternative for those who want to take a less-traveled and exceptionally beautiful route to Machu Picchu. Crossing a pass between the peaks of Salcantay (6 270m) and Humantay (6 070m) with spectacular glacial vistas, we descend through a stunning progression of ecological zones ranging from sparsely vegetated alpine meadows to lush sub-tropical valleys. Arriving to the "Ceja de Selva," or the "Eyebrow of the Jungle," we encounter numerous tropical fruit and coffee plantations as well as an abundance of flower and bird species. From the valley, we take an original Inca trail up through a cloud forest of Quehuna trees, orchids, and moss. On day four, we follow an original Inca trail over a low-jungle pass. At the top, we enjoy a spectacular and uncommon view 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. Our last day is spent with the guide visiting the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu before returning to Cuzco. Difficulty Trek rating: Moderate - Difficult Itinerary Day 1 : Depart Johannesburg International for Sao Paulo. Overnight in Sao Paulo. This has to be done because of the way the flights connect. Day 2 : Depart Sao Paulo for Lima and connect to Cuzco (provided your flight arrives in Lima before lunchtime and in time for the last flight from Lima to Cuzco) which is situated in a scenic valley at 3300m/11,000 feet. Once you arrive at your hotel, you will enjoy a welcome cup of coca tea, you are then encouraged to relax at the hotel and get acclimated to the altitude. Overnight in Cuzco hotel, bed & breakfast. Day 3 : Early breakfast and depart for the ride through the Sacred Valley to the archaeological sites of Chinchero. It has a commanding view of the snow-capped mountains and the river below. You will then travel to Pisac, which is strategically located on a ridge-top overlooking two scenic valleys that have extensive Inca agricultural terraces. We then continue on through the Urubamba Valley with its spectacular mountain scenery and quaint villages, terraced valleys and towering snow-capped peaks. After lunch, you will travel to Calca and finally to Ollantaytambo, for a tour of this ancient Inca fortress and city. We overnight in Cuzco (Lunch and breakfast included). Day 4 : Cuzco to Soraypampa Leaving Cuzco early in the morning, we take a scenic drive of approximately 6 hours to the small village of Marcocasa, located high above the Apurimac River. Here, we meet up with the mules, horses, and arrieros (wranglers) that will carry our gear during the trek. We begin our gentle hike into the green river valley of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, hiking steadily upwards to the high plateau. Along the way, we get our first incredible view of Huamantay (5 917 m). As we approach our campsite at Soraypampa, the enormous Salcantay Peak (6 270m and the highest in the Vilcabamba range) dominates our skyline. Morning snack, Lunch, Dinner. Day 5 : Soraypampa to Chaullay Following a series of switchbacks (Siete Culebras) our path leads up the side of a mountain and levels out beneath the shadows of the grandiose Mount Salcantay. With Salcantay looming above, we come to a summit marked by small piles of stones, or apachetas, left by locals and travelers to honor the mountain gods. From this high pass (4750m.) flanked by Salcantay and Huamantay, we make our way towards the valley below to camp for the night at Chaullay. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, snacks. Day 6 : Chaullay to Playa Our trail leads us down the eastern slope of the Andes into a sub-tropical valley, where the temperature is warmer and we see a variety of orchids, flowers, and hummingbirds. After a morning of downhill walking, we arrive to the natural hot springs of Ccolpapampa. Continuing through the "Ceja de Selva," or "Eyebrow of the Jungle," we encounter bright flowers, butterflies, parrots, and lush groves of tropical fruit, cocoa, and coffee. At the small village of Playa, we set up camp for the night. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, snacks. Day 7 : Playa to Aguas Calientes Today we continue through sub-tropical vegetation to the village of Lucmabamba, where an original Inca trail remains. A gradual uphill climb through lush sub-tropical forest brings us to Llactapata (2700m.), from where we enjoy a brilliant back view of Machu Picchu and vistas of the surrounding peaks. In the afternoon we take the hydroelectric train to Aguas Calientes where we spend a comfortable night in a hotel. Breakfast, Lunch. Day 8 : Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/Cuzco We take the early bus up to the stunning archeological complex of Machu Picchu for a tour of these mysterious remains. Then we have time to explore on our own before returning to Cuzco by train in the afternoon. Hotel accommodation (bed and breakfast basis). Day 9 : After breakfast, you will have the early morning in Cuzco for personal exploration and relaxation. Cuzco is one of the world's top travel destinations and its activity options are many. There are several wonderful art and history museums that can be visited, countless shops with a great variety of handicrafts, a wide variety of restaurants, pubs & penas, numerous churches, cathedrals; other outstanding historic architecture line the cobble stone streets. In the afternoon you will depart on your flight back to Lima to connect with your flight to Sao Paulo. Over night in Sao Paulo Day 10 Depart Sao Paulo for Johannesburg. Day 11 Arrive back in Johannesburg. ** Please note this is a sample itinerary that can change