DAY 1 | Lima
Saturday, 12 September 2026

Upon your arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, our transportation service with a representative takes you to the selected hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel
Check-in: 15:00:00
Check-out: 12:00:00

DAY 2 | Lima
Sunday, 13 September 2026

Day at leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel
Check-in: 15:00:00
Check-out: 12:00:00
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 3 | Lima – Cusco
Monday, 14 September 2026

Our private transportation service and a representative pick you up from your selected hotel and take you to Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima.

Upon your arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, our transportation service and a representative are ready to escort you to your selected hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel
Check-in: 11:00:00
Check-out: 10:00:00
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 4 | Cusco
Tuesday, 15 September 2026

Day at leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel
Check-in: 11:00:00
Check-out: 10:00:00
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 5 | Cusco – Soraypampa
Wednesday, 16 September 2026

5 days / 4 nights hike to Salkantay
Level: Moderate
Maximum altitude: 4650 m a.s.l.
Walking distance: 44 km – 27,34 miles

After an early breakfast, we pick you up from your hotel and leave the city of Cusco. On the route we will take a short break to visit Tarawasi Archaeological Site near the town of Limatambo (1.5 hrs. approx. from Cusco). After leaving Limatambo, we pass through the mountain village of Mollepata, where we stop for a short coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road to a place called Challacancha (12,690 ft.).

Here we will meet our mule driver and emergency horse and begin our trek to Soraypampa (3,900m/ 14,730ft.). In this place we will lunch, and after a short rest continue to climb toward Humantay Lake (3,869 m). Then go back to Soraypampa, which will be the first campsite, and from where we will enjoy a magnificent view of the Salkantay Mountain (20,571ft.) the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite at Soraypampa

DAY 6 | Soraypampa – Andenes
Thursday, 17 September 2026

This is the main day! After an early breakfast, we hike up to the highest point on the trek which is the Salkantay Pass at 4,638m (15,213ft.). There we will stop to enjoy the amazing views of snowcapped peaks of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range in every direction, and the glaciated south face of Salkantay towering above us, where Andean condors can be seen.

From the pass we descend towards Wayracmachay to lunch and then continue our descent along the left bank of the Salkantay River. Observe the landscape become increasingly green, changing from highland to jungle or cloud forest. Feel the warm air rising from the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids, while arriving to the second camp at Andenes (9,481ft.), a beautiful spot surrounded with vegetation.

You may only carry carry-on baggage (backpack, purse or briefcase) weighing no more than 8kg/17.6 lbs.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite at Andenes

DAY 7 | Andenes – Lucmabamba
Friday, 18 September 2026

Today we will hike along the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas. We pass through banana, granadilla, avocado and coffee plantations. A hot picnic lunch is served along the way.

After lunch, we hike 2 hours approximately before a private vehicle meets us for a short drive to the beginning of the ?Llactapata Inca Trail? (30 minutes approx.). From the head of the newly restored Inca Trail we easily make our way to the last campsite at Lucmabamba.

In the evening we will have a coffee taste demonstration with our host, a local family. Dinner will be served and then spend the night in the camp.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite at Lucmabamba

DAY 8 | Lucmabamba – Hydroeledctric – Aguas Calientes
Saturday, 19 September 2026

After breakfast, we will head uphill for 2–3 hours towards Llactapata Pass (8,974ft.) and descend to the archaeological complex of the same name. Besides, we will enjoy a distant but spectacular view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast, a view few travelers get the chance to admire.

Lunch is served in a scenic viewpoint, looking out to Machu Picchu. After that, begin the final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations. Finally we will get to the Hydroelectric Power Station, to board the train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night. There you can stay in the hotel of your choice.

Accommodation: Hotel
Check-in: 13:00:00
Check-out: 10:00:00
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9 | Aguas Calientes
Sunday, 20 September 2026

Level: Moderate
Maximum altitude: 4650 m a.s.l.
Walking distance: 44 km – 27,34 miles

After an early breakfast, we make our way to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu. The guided tour of the sanctuary lasts two hours. This is an impressive architectural and engineering marvel believed to have been a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu translates to “Old Mountain,” which enchants visitors with its historical grandeur and natural beauty.

10:00 – Private tour to Huayna Picchu and Royalty Circuit with a site guide – [None]

Take the bus to the entrance* of Machu Picchu on a 25-minute journey. To explore the citadel, enjoy access to Huayna Picchu Mountain and the Royalty Circuit. Begin your tour with a visit to the Royalty Circuit, which takes you to explore the lower area of the archaeological center, highlighting the House of the Incas, the Temple of the Condor, and the area of the Three Gates.

Then, head to the impressive Huayna Picchu Mountain, located in Machu Picchu’s north area. This mountain offers spectacular views and on its summit are platforms that would have had aesthetic-religious purposes, along with an incomplete temple.

We recommend you get up early to enjoy the morning on the mountain, an unforgettable experience. After your tour, you will head back to Aguas Calientes town in a 25-minute bus ride.

From the confirmed entry time to Machu Picchu citadel, you will have half an hour to reach the entrance of Huayna Picchu and begin your hike.

Enjoy a delicious set lunch menu at Café Inkaterra while taking in the breathtaking view of the Vilcanota River.

Accommodation: Hotel
Check-in: 13:00:00
Check-out: 10:00:00
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10 | Aguas Calientes – Sacred Valley
Monday, 21 September 2026

Take the bus to the entrance* of Machu Picchu on a 25-minute journey. To explore the citadel today, enjoy access to Machu Picchu Mountain and the Machu Picchu Panoramic Circuit (UN-GUIDED | 07:00 or 09:00 slot).

The routes of this circuit are characterized by their spectacular panoramic views. From the top of the archaeological center, check the iconic view immortalized in the most famous photograph of this wonder.

After crossing this emblematic terrace, visitors will head to Machu Picchu Mountain, where they will take a two-and-a-half-hour hike from the archaeological zone to the summit of the Sanctuary. This trail joins parts of the Inca Trail that leads to the Sun Gate before climbing to the highest part of the mountain.

After your tour, you will return to Aguas Calientes town in a 25-minute bus ride.

From the confirmed entry time to Machu Picchu citadel, you will have half an hour to reach the entrance of Machu Picchu Mountain and begin your hike.

In the afternoon, board PeruRail’s Expedition train from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) station to Ollantaytambo station on a journey of one and a half hours, schedules are subject to availability.

Our transportation service and a representative pick you up at Ollantaytambo train station and take you to your hotel in Urubamba (Sacred Valley).

Accommodation: Hotel
Check-in: 12:00:00
Check-out: 10:00:00
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 11 | Sacred Valley – Cusco
Tuesday, 22 September 2026

09:00 – Private full-day tour to Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo from Urubamba (Sacred Valley) – [Private]

We will start the tour to the Ollantaytambo Park, stopping at various points of interest along the route. Ollantaytambo is a typical example of the urban planning of the Incas, whose residents still live in accordance with their old traditions.

Continue to the archaeological vestiges of Maras and Moray. Maras is an impressive salt mine complex. Moray s archaeological vestiges are composed of mysterious concentric circular terraces.

Lunch included in a local restaurant.

The partial Cusco Tourist Ticket for the Sacred Valley (partial BTC), included in the itinerary, is a personal and non-transferable document.

Accommodation: Hotel
Check-in: 11:00:00
Check-out: 10:00:00
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12 | Cusco
Wednesday, 23 September 2026

Day at leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel
Check-in: 11:00:00
Check-out: 10:00:00
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 13 | Cusco – Lima – OUT
Thursday, 24 September 2026

Our transportation service and a representative pick you up to take you from your selected hotel to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco.

Meals included: Breakfast

• You have the flexibility to pay your deposit and balance using any legal method. Please note, if you choose to pay via electronic bank transfer, you are responsible for any associated transfer fees. This ensures that the company receives the full invoiced amount in the specified currency. 

• Cancellations 90 days or more before departure: Full deposit refund if paid in advance. After 90 days, 30% of the deposit is non-refundable.
• Cancellations 60 days before departure: 50% of the deposit is non-refundable.
• Cancellations 45 days before departure: Full deposit is non-refundable, plus an additional 30% of the total trip cost.
• Cancellations 30 days or less before departure: 100% of the total trip cost is non-refundable.

How much does the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu cost? The trek costs €3,550 land only with Pat Falvey Irish & Worldwide Adventures. This covers hotel accommodation in Lima and Cusco, all camping and meals during the trek, park fees, guides, porters, communal gear, sleeping bags, and mattresses. International and internal flights, travel insurance, personal gear, and city meals are not included. A €500 deposit secures your place, with the balance due 16 weeks before departure.

How much does it cost to trek to Machu Picchu from Ireland? The total cost from Ireland is typically €4,500 to €5,500 depending on flight prices. The land cost is €3,550 and return flights from Dublin to Lima via a European or Middle Eastern hub usually cost €700 to €1,200. Internal flights between Lima and Cusco add approximately €100 to €200. Travel insurance adds a small amount on top.

How hard is the Salkantay trek? The trek is graded moderate to strenuous. The hardest day is Day 4, when you cross the Salkantay Pass at 4,650m — a sustained climb at altitude followed by a long descent. The remaining days are at lower altitudes through easier terrain. You should be comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours per day on uneven ground. Two acclimatisation days in Cusco before the trek help your body adjust.

What is the difference between this trek and the classic Inca Trail? The classic Inca Trail follows the original Inca road to Machu Picchu and is limited to 500 people per day, meaning permits must be booked months in advance. Our Salkantay route takes a different path via the 4,650m Salkantay Pass, through a wider range of landscapes, and still includes a section of original Inca trail at Llactapata with views of the Machu Picchu sanctuary. Both routes finish at Machu Picchu with a full guided tour of the citadel. The Salkantay is less crowded, more physically varied, and does not require the limited classic trail permits.

Is this the real Inca Trail? The Salkantay route includes a section of original Inca trail at Llactapata — an Inca archaeological site with direct views of Machu Picchu — so you are walking on genuine Inca pathways before arriving at the citadel. The “classic” Inca Trail is a specific 4-day route that requires government permits. Our Salkantay route covers more diverse terrain, reaches higher altitudes, and is widely regarded as the best alternative trek to Machu Picchu.

When is the best time to trek to Machu Picchu? The best months are May to September — Peru’s dry season — when skies are clearest and trails are driest. Pat’s group departures in July and September fall within this window. The wet season (November to March) brings heavy rain and reduced visibility.

Do I need to be very fit? You need a reasonable level of fitness. The Salkantay Pass day is demanding at altitude, but the rest of the trek is moderate. If you can hike for 6 to 7 hours over hilly terrain, you are well prepared. We recommend starting a training programme 3 to 4 months before departure, focusing on hill walking and cardiovascular fitness.

What altitude does the Salkantay trek reach? The highest point is the Salkantay Pass at 4,650m. You spend two days acclimatising in Cusco at 3,400m before the trek begins. After crossing the pass, you descend quickly into the subtropical valley, and the remainder of the trek is at much lower altitudes.

Do I need a visa for Peru? Irish and UK passport holders do not currently need a visa for tourist visits to Peru of up to 90 days. Check with your passport office for the most up-to-date entry requirements before travelling.

Can I visit Machu Picchu from Ireland? Yes — Pat Falvey’s team runs group departures from Dublin to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay trek. The trip is 10 days total. All logistics are handled from Ireland including flights, accommodation, transfers, guides, porters, and your Machu Picchu tour.

Can I add a Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain trip? Yes — an optional guided day trip to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) is available on Day 8 at additional cost. This is a spectacular high-altitude landscape of multicoloured mineral deposits above 5,000m, about 3 hours from Cusco.