Peru: Ancient Trails to Machu Picchu
"Few romances can ever surpass that of the granite citadel on top of the beetling precipices of Machu Picchu, the crown of Inca Land." ~ Hiram Bingham
Our Peru
Adventure · Luxury · Community
Peru · Tanzania · Nepal · USA · Kenya · Guatemala
Peru EcoCamp
The Domes
The Mountains
The Trek
The CampRaul Montes Rodriguez
Founder & Owner · IFMGA Mountain Guide
A Pioneer of the Salkantay
Raul is the founder and owner of Peru Ecocamp. He started his career in tourism in 1987, and obtained his degree in tourism at Cusco's Andina University and qualified as a mountain guide with the IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations).
Raul has been leading trips for more than 28 years, during which time he has pioneered a number of routes. He decided to start Peru's very first EcoCamp, accommodating guests in luxury dome tents and focusing on nature conservation.
Two Camps on the Salkantay
Pincopata
Altitude 2,850 m / 9,348 ftSoray
Altitude 3,883 m / 12,737 ftCusco to Machu Picchu
Pincopata EcoCamp
Our first Ecocamp is located ten minutes away from the quiet town of Mollepata in the province of Limatambo. Using green technology, it offers the area's first 100% sustainable camping experience.
The camp boasts beautiful green lawns and plenty of local flowers planted across the whole area. The large fire pit in a quiet corner of the camp allows for the perfect place for stargazing.
Soray EcoCamp
Soray is our second Ecocamp and a 45-minute drive or day trekking from Pincopata. Soraypampa is the beautiful and peaceful area that is only home to a few campsites and our Ecocamp, overlooked by both the Sacred Humantay and Salkantay mountains.
Due to the altitude and the cooler temperatures, the environment in Soray Ecocamp is very different to Pincopata, and gives the opportunity to experience a different ecosystem. It offers wonderful views to the snow-capped mountains.
28m² · 300 ft²
All domes include either a king-size bed or 2 twin beds, and are fully equipped with a private bathroom.
Explore
Andean Produce, Elevated
Three-course dinners of Peruvian cuisine, organic vegetables from our kitchen gardens, and gourmet dining at altitude — the EcoCamp kitchen is a quiet luxury on the route to Machu Picchu.
A Lighter Footprint
Solar & Water Turbine Power
Our camps are powered by solar energy and water turbine systems.
Filtered, Drinkable Water
Water is filtered and treated with UV light, so it is safe to drink the tap water — reducing the use of plastic bottles.
Closed-Loop Waste System
Each toilet uses a dual flush system. Liquid waste is filtered before returning to the ground; solid waste composts in a biodegradable container emptied once a year for reforestation.
Organic Kitchen Gardens
We grow vegetables using organic fertilizers and compost produced from our kitchen fruit and vegetable waste.
Non-Detergent, Organic Products
Our kitchens and bathrooms use organic, non-detergent products.
Light Footprint on the Route
Our camps contain all the facilities needed, reducing the wearing down, destructuring, and pollution of the route.
The AndesOn HorsebackThe EcoCampThe TrailChoose Your Journey
The AI Difference
Adventure International brings the Inca world to life through a journey that blends high-altitude trekking, luxury glamping, cultural immersion, and the defining moment of Machu Picchu. The experience begins in Cusco's bohemian San Blas district, continues through condor canyons and sacred mountains, traverses the Salkantay Trail with private EcoCamps, and culminates at the citadel itself.
Every element is privately arranged — from expert Andean guides and gourmet dining at altitude to stand-up paddleboarding on highland lakes, mountain biking through Quechua communities, and a walk along the ancient Inca Trail to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu.
Arrive in Cusco
Upon arrival to the Cusco airport, you will be personally met and transferred to your hotel. Welcoming drinks await along with a private briefing. Overnight in a select hotel near Plaza de Armas — the convergence point of over 30,000 kilometres of ancient Inca pathways.
The Highlights of Cusco City
Begin amid the awe-inspiring stone walls of Sacsayhuamán, a fortress vibrating with echoes from the past. Continue to Qenqo, a site of spiritual significance. Follow the last stretch of an ancient Inca road through the bohemian San Blas district, arriving at the main square — the beating heart of the Inca Empire.
Chonta to Pincopata EcoCamp
Drive through the Limatambo Valley to the Condor Viewing Point at Chonta. Walk a narrow track with spectacular views of the Apurimac Canyon, watching condors soar. Continue to Pincopata EcoCamp for a refreshing welcome drink, a comfortable dome, and a three-course dinner of Peruvian cuisine.
Tilca & Choquechurco
Hike through forests and local farms to Tilca, a sacred Huaca with ceremonial platforms and views of the snowy Salkantay. Continue to the remote archaeological remains of Choquechurco, hidden among native Polylepis trees — a place that makes you feel like a true explorer.
Salkantay Pass or Humantay Lake
Choose between the challenging ascent to Abra Pass at 4,664m with spectacular views of Salkantay's south face, or the breathtaking glacial Humantay Lake at 4,298m, nestled at the base of the mountain. Both routes end with a marvelous dinner and stargazing around a bonfire.
Sacred Valley: Moray, Misminay & Maras
Explore Moray's gigantic circular terraces with their own microclimates, visit the community of Misminay for a cultural immersion and traditional lunch, then discover the pre-Inca salt mines of Maras, hand-harvested by local families for centuries.
Huaypo Lake, Biking & Chinchero
Start with stand-up paddleboarding on the crystalline waters of Huaypo Lake at 3,400m, surrounded by snow-capped Andean peaks. Transition to a scenic mountain bike ride through patchwork fields to Chinchero, where master weavers teach ancient backstrap loom techniques and natural dye extraction.
Inca Trail Day Hike
Board the train to Km 104 and walk the one-day Inca Trail through cloud forest and ancient pathways, arriving at the Sun Gate (Intipunku) — the original entrance to Machu Picchu. Descend to Aguas Calientes to settle into your hotel and explore the charming town.
Machu Picchu to Cusco
Ascend to the Machu Picchu archaeological site for an in-depth private walking tour, uncovering the mysteries of the sacred city. Optional climbs to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu. Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge, then train back to Ollantaytambo and a farewell dinner in Cusco.
Beyond the Trek: SUP & Mountain Biking
Glide across the calm, crystalline waters of Huaypo Lake on a stand-up paddleboard, surrounded by snow-capped Andean peaks. Then hop on a mountain bike and pedal through patchwork agricultural fields, rustic farming villages, and dramatic ravines to reach the traditional weaving community of Chinchero.
- Stand-up paddleboarding on Huaypo Lake at 3,400m
- Scenic mountain biking through Andean countryside
- Visit to Chinchero master weavers
- Ancient backstrap loom techniques
- Natural dye extraction from plants and insects
- Cultural meaning of Andean iconography
Peru EcoCamp: Luxury Glamping on the Salkantay Trail
Peru EcoCamp offers the first private sustainable luxury glamping experience along the Salkantay Trail. Two strategically located camps — Pincopata and Soray — sit within the great Vilcabamba mountain range. Every dome is 28m² with a private bathroom, wood-burning stove, and comfortable bedding. Gourmet dining is incorporated at each camp's altitude, with locally sourced, organic ingredients.
- Two EcoCamps along the Salkantay Trail
- 28m² dome tents with private bathrooms
- Wood-burning stoves and premium bedding
- Gourmet dining matched to altitude
- Solar energy and natural water sources
- Organic gardens and eco-conscious design
- Dining dome and lobby/bar dome
- Expert Andean guides throughout
The Salkantay Trail
Cross pristine mountainsides, pass glacial lakes like Humantay, visit picturesque villages, and discover ancient Inca citadels. The Salkantay Trek offers a less-crowded alternative to the classic Inca Trail, with dramatic scenery from snow-capped peaks to cloud forest — all from the comfort of your private EcoCamp.
- Abra Salkantay Pass at 4,664m
- Humantay Lake at 4,298m
- Views of the Vilcabamba range
- Ancient Inca citadels like Choquechurco
- Sacred Huaca of Tilca
- Native Polylepis forests
Machu Picchu & the Inca Trail
Walk the one-day Inca Trail through cloud forest to the Sun Gate, the original entrance to Machu Picchu. Explore the citadel on an in-depth private tour, uncovering the mysteries of the sacred city. Optional climbs to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu for those seeking a challenge.
- One-day Inca Trail from Km 104
- Sun Gate (Intipunku) arrival
- In-depth private guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Optional Machu Picchu Mountain climb
- Optional Huayna Picchu climb
- Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge
- Vistadome train through the Urubamba Valley
Inca Trail permits are limited and should be booked well in advance.
Accommodations
Antigua Casona San Blas
Authentic colonial architecture in Cusco's bohemian San Blas district, with hand-carved furniture, a central courtyard, yoga studio, spa, and a short walk to the Coricancha temple.
Peru EcoCamp
Luxury glamping domes along the Salkantay Trail at Pincopata and Soray, with private bathrooms, wood-burning stoves, and gourmet dining at altitude.
Las Qolqas Eco Resort
Nature-focused retreat in Ollantaytambo with spacious tented accommodations, mountain views, onsen, sauna, and easy access to Sacred Valley archaeological sites.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
An intimate Andean village of 83 whitewashed adobe casitas in 12 acres of cloud forest, with 214 bird species and the world's largest native orchid collection.
The Journey in Full
Journey Line
Follow the path from start to finish — each stop along your adventure.
Designed Around You
This featured journey is an example rather than a fixed package. Adventure International can adjust every element to match how you want to experience Peru.
Your Peru Story Starts Here
From the condors of Chonta to the citadel of Machu Picchu, we will design a private journey shaped around how you want to experience the heart of the Inca Empire.