The classic five-day itinerary begins with scaling Salkantay mountain, the 12th highest in Peru.
A colorful mix of landscapes awaits hikers on the Salkantay trek, a pleasantly crowd-free alternative to the popular Incan Trail that leads to the archaeological wonder. The classic five-day itinerary begins with scaling Salkantay mountain, the 12th highest in Peru. It's hard work, but the endorphins greeting you at the top of the pass — not to mention those views — will be reward enough. From there, it's onto the delights of the Sacred Valley's "cloud forest," where you'll cross under waterfalls, go zip lining, and sleep in yurt-like tents with all meals catered by a team of guides.