Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu - Explore the Ultimate Cusco Adventure Tour

Day 1 CUSCO - MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA

After picking you up from your hotel in Cusco , you'll travel by bus for 3 hours to the town of Mollepata , located 2,803 meters above sea level. We'll have time to rest, and from there, you'll begin an uphill hike of approximately 3 hours to Soroypampa, the site of the first campsite.

You can enjoy lunch with panoramic views of the beautiful snow-capped Humantay (4,120m/13,500 ft) and Salkantay (6,271m/20,575 ft) mountains. This is also a rather special camp, as it features glass-roofed igloos where you can admire the starry sky at night.

After settling in, we'll begin a trek to Humantay Lagoon . The trail is uphill one way and takes about 4 hours in total. This place is magical, with unique views of snow-capped mountains reflected in its crystal-clear waters.

Humantay Lagoon is located at 4,200 meters above sea level and is a perfect natural spot to explore in the heart of the Andes. We will return to Soroypampa , where we will enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night.

Distance walked: 13 Kilometers.

Day 2 SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – COLPAPAMPA

After breakfast, you begin a 1.5-hour hike to Salkantay Pampa at 4,620 meters, a place with panoramic views of the Vilcanota mountain range. Salkantay is a Quechua word meaning "Wild Mountain."

You will continue ascending for another two and a half hours until you reach the highest point of the trek, known as the Salkantay Pass . It is located at 4,650 meters (15,200 feet) and halfway between two enormous mountains: the imposing Salkantay to the right and Tucarhuay to the left.

Here you'll need to keep your eyes peeled to spot the enormous Andean condors soaring overhead. The views from this vantage point are breathtaking, with mountains and crystal-clear lagoons—a spectacular display of nature.

You will continue downhill through a spectacular cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, also known as Huayracmachay. Lunch will be served, followed by an approximately 3-hour hike into the jungle to reach the second campsite, Colpapampa (2,700 meters/9,800 feet).

This campsite boasts a strategic location and features igloo-shaped cabins with transparent roofs. Enjoy stargazing at night. Dinner and overnight stay included.

Distance walked: 26 Kilometers.

Day 3 COLPAPAMPA – LUCMABAMBA

After breakfast, we'll begin our hike through the upper rainforest, crossing the Lluskamayo River via small streams, and entering the cloud forest . The trail then descends through more populated rural areas.

You will continue the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu through the Santa Teresa River Valley. The hike is lush with vegetation. You will pass through fields of bananas, avocados, and passion fruit. You will also see coffee plantations producing some of the best organic coffee in the world. Upon reaching the Llactapata Inca Trail, we will say goodbye to the horses and the equestrian staff.

After lunch, we'll arrive at the next campsite located in Lucmabamba at 2,062 meters. The hike will take approximately 5 hours today. The campsite features igloos with transparent roofs, allowing you to appreciate the starry sky and enjoy a unique experience. Dinner and overnight stay.

Distance walked: 14 kilometers

Day 4 LUCMABAMBA – HYDROELECTRIC PLANT – HOT WATER  

After breakfast, a 3-hour ascent begins to the Llactapata Pass, located at 2,736 meters above sea level. Here, you'll have your first views of the southeastern side of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. You'll have a short visit to the Llactapata archaeological site, where you can rest.

The journey to Machu Picchu continues with a 2-hour descent through coca and banana plantations. We'll arrive at the hydroelectric dam for lunch, and then continue with a 3-hour hike alongside the railway tracks to reach the town of Aguas Calientes , where you'll spend the night.

You will check into the hotel and we will have our last group dinner with the guide. We will discuss the Machu Picchu excursion for the following day.

Distance walked: 15 kilometers

Day 5 MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Enjoy breakfast and then take the bus to Machu Picchu very early to see the magnificent city at sunrise. Together with the guide, we will go to the " Guardhouse " area to explore the citadel for half an hour.

You'll have a 1-hour guided tour , and afterward, you can continue with the guide for another hour exploring the site. You have the option to climb Huayna Picchu (optional), or you can go on your own to the Sun Gate, the endpoint of the Inca Trail, and then visit the rest of the site independently. You have complete freedom to decide how to explore this wonder of the world.  

In the afternoon, you'll return to Aguas Calientes by bus to pick up your train tickets back to Cusco. After a 1.5-hour journey, you'll arrive at the train station in Ollantaytambo , and our transportation will take you to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.