Gay Hiking to Machu Picchu – Salkantay Trek

The exquisite vistas and remarkable sites along the trails of the Incas have attracted intrepid trekkers for the past several decades. The Salkantay Inca Trail provides a physical challenge that rewards hikers with views of Machu Picchu from a rare vantage point. Our ten-day tour offers a taste of Peru with an emphasis on hiking the Incan Trails and discovering the history of the Incas.

Please note the exact itinerary for tour days in Lima and Cusco may be subject to change. A special thanks to our clients David, Ryan, Rick, Mike, and Michael for sharing beautiful photos from their journeys! 

Days 1-2: Lima, Peru

Most tour members will arrive during the evening of Day 1 or early on the morning of Day 2. For anyone in Lima during the afternoon of Day 1, we can offer an optional evening culinary tour for an additional charge.

After breakfast on Day 2, we will hop on bikes and take a cycling tour of Lima city including the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and Archbishop’s Palace. We will also enjoy a visit to a collection of Inca and Pre-Inca arts and artifacts, and tour the Larco Herrara Museum with its extensive erotic art collection. Our lunch and dinner will be at two of the restaurants that have put Lima on the international culinary map.

Days 3-4: Breath Deep: Cusco, the High Altitude Incan Capital

This morning we take a short flight from Lima to Cusco. After arrival in Cusco, we will check into our deluxe Cusco hotel and begin adjusting to the altitude in preparation for our upcoming mountain trek. Cusco is a lovely colonial city with plenty of diversions, and a chance to slow down and enjoy Andean hospitality, after our long days of hiking. On our arrival day, lunch will be on your own, but we will gather for a special dinner this evening.

During our full day in Cusco, we will have a city tour featuring Santo Domingo Monastery, the Cathedral, and the Temple of the Sun. We will also head a bit out of town to visit the ancient walled complex of Sacsayhuaman, known for its tightly formed walls made of massive stones, and held together without mortar.

The evening will be free to check out the hip San Blas neighborhood where you can roam the ancient streets and shop at the square that is filled with native art galleries and craft booths. Cusco’s main square also features lovely shops and tempting restaurants, where you can stop for dinner, which is on your own today.

Day 5: Footsteps of History: Hiking the Salkantay Inca Trail

From approximately 1450 to 1530, the western coast of South America flourished under the vast Incan Empire. At the height of their reign, the Incas were worthy of comparison to ancient Roman society. Their many achievements include superior roadways, government, and counting systems. Lasting roughly a century, the Inca culture was highly sophisticated, but most information about them was lost during the time of the Spanish conquest. Today archaeologists continue to uncover buried mysteries that further our knowledge of the Inca. During our trek, we will discover more about this fascinating culture. The following itinerary is typical of the trek but may fluctuate based on weather conditions and other factors beyond the control of our guides.

We depart early today for a half-day drive to our first lodge. We will stop at the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site, then continue to the village of Mollepata. After lunch in El Pedregal, you can choose to either trek to our lodge or continue by transport.

Our warm and inviting deluxe lodge features dramatic views of both Mount Salkantay, the second most sacred peak to the Incas, and Mount Humantay, along with their magnificent glaciers.

Day 6: Hike to Lake Humantay

After breakfast, we will begin our ascent up the slopes that border the plateau behind our lodge. An hour and a half later, our hard work will pay off as we enjoy our first glimpse of Humantay Lake’s glistening turquoise waters, with the Humantay Glacier looming overhead. Upon arrival, we will have a chance to relax, enjoy a snack, meditate in the tranquility of this magical spot, and participate in a traditional ceremony to honor “Pachamama” (Mother Earth).

After our descent back to the lodge, the staff will greet us with a well-deserved hot lunch. The afternoon will be at our leisure to relax, enjoy a massage, or soak in the outdoor hot tub for a spectacular view of Salkantay Peak at sunset. 

Day 7: Crossing Salkantay Pass

After an early start, we will begin our ascent toward the Salkantay Pass. We will circle Humantay Peak, gradually making our way along expansive plateaus connected by enormous boulders, remnants of the Rio Blanco Valley that was once bisected by a fast-flowing river. The last and most challenging part of the ascent is conquering the mountain switchbacks that will lead us to the pass, the highest point on the trek (15,213’ / 4,636m). The journey continues with a dramatic descent through fields of large boulders and natural stone formations often shrouded in fog, followed by a very welcome hot picnic lunch. 

After lunch, we will take some time to rest before the final hike through the area’s bucolic countryside. Its rolling hills will eventually lead us through marsh-like plateaus to the Wayra Lodge at Wayraccmachay. 

Day 8: The Cloud Forest

After a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge, we will continue the descent toward the cloud forest along the banks of the Salkantay River through increasingly verdant scenery. The warm air will begin to rise from the edge of the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids. Today we will see more local Andean people as the trail takes us past their simple homes and makeshift fences. Around midday, we will arrive at Colpa Lodge, located on a high promontory at the confluence of three rivers. The Colpa staff will greet us with a Pachamanca lunch, a traditional Peruvian meal cooked belowground with hot stones that create a natural oven. After lunch, we will spend the afternoon lounging in the sun or relaxing in the outdoor hot tub while enjoying the panoramic views of the lush green mountains that surround us. 

Day 9: The Santa Teresa River Valley

Today we will hike through the Santa Teresa River Valley along a rolling trail that crosses fertile fruit orchards and bisects streams originating from glacier-fed waterfalls. After a hot picnic lunch by the river, we will continue for another hour before we meet our transfer vehicle for the short drive to the bottom of the Llactapata Inca Trail, steps that lead to Lucma Lodge. On the way to the lodge, we will visit an organic coffee plantation, one of many in the area that produces some of the best organic coffees in the world. We will begin to notice another shift in the climate. The hot air and increased humidity of Lucmabamba signal that we are even closer to the edge of the Amazon Jungle.

Day 10: Lucmababma

After breakfast, we will depart Lucma Lodge and embark on a 2-3 hour climb through the cloud forest up a path mostly comprised of original Inca steps. A lush tree line creates green canopies overhead and the constant sound of rushing water suggests that the river is nearby. Our first milestone today will be the top of the final pass before we descend to the Aobamba River Valley that connects us to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at Llactapata Pass (8,974’ / 2,736m), we will delight in a southeast view of Machu Picchu, a sight few travelers get the chance to enjoy. After exploring Llactapata, the Inca Tambo (fort) that marks the pass, we will enjoy a picnic lunch at a mountain lookout point with gorgeous panoramic views. Our final descent zigzags down to the roaring Aobamba River past lush bamboo forests, varied fruit orchards, and more coffee plantations. Celebrate as we cross the bridge over the river and take our final steps of the trek to the Hidroelectrica train station. From there, enjoy a scenic one-hour train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes, on the banks of the Urubamba River at the base of Machu Picchu. We will then settle into our deluxe hotel on the edge of town for the night. 

Day 11: The Citadel of Machu Picchu

Our journey to Machu Picchu will begin with an adventurous morning uphill bus ride. As we enter the ‘sanctuary’ (as locals refer to it), prepare to be awed by the imposing, skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among others. After a two-hour guided tour, we will have free time to explore on our own, including a hike up Huayna Picchu (if you are up to the challenge and tickets are available). This iconic mountain looms over the citadel and has dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River Valley to the edge of the Amazon Jungle.

Take the time to sit and enjoy a quiet moment. Listen to the wind, meditate, and absorb the amazing energy that surrounds you. After this unique morning, we will have lunch in Aguas Calientes before our scenic Vistadome train ride to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours). Then we will transfer by vehicle to our hotel in Cusco (1.5 hours). As night falls and we arrive amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, you will be touched by a feeling of peace and rejuvenation that will linger long after your journey home. 

Day 12: Departure Day

After breakfast today, we will transfer to the Cusco airport. The flight to Lima is included in the tour fee. (If you have a flight home from Lima between 10 and 3 pm, please be sure we book an earlier flight for you.) For those with late-night flights, we are happy to arrange a room at a hotel by the airport for resting before heading to the airport.

Extension: You may extend your trip with additional time in Lima or Cusco or by adding on a private tour to the Amazon or Lake Titicaca. Please check with us if you are interested in adding a post-tour expedition to your Peru adventure.