Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The 5-day Salkantay Trek tour to the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is a world famous hike which goes through the Salkantay Valley. It is a 73 km trek that is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail as it does not require booking months in advance and offers breathtaking vistas as you traverse diverse landscapes and climates.

Listed by National Geographic as one of the top treks in the world, our tour allows travelers to enjoy stunning views of the snowy Salkantay, visit turquoise lagoons including Humantay Lake, reach the highest point of the trek at 4,600 m, pass through various plantations, forests and jungles, and finish at the lost city of the Incas, with sunrise views and a guided tour of Machu Picchu.

It is recommended to take some time to acclimatize before starting the tour, as the trek is demanding.

DAY 1 - Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa (Humantay Lake)

You get picked up from your accommodation at 5 AM with private transport to Mollepata where you have the option to have a buffet breakfast before we continue by car to Challacancha where the trail begins. Around 9 AM, we start the walk to reach Soraypampa.

On our way to our first camp site, we will be able to appreciate impressive viewpoints of Humantay mountain and the water aqueduct that supplies water to Mollepata town. After a walk of 7 km, we arrive at Soraypampa, where we have lunch and set up camp. After lunch, we complete the 1-hour trek to Humantay Lake, situated at the base of Humantay mountain. Here we have the opportunity relax, explore and enjoy the spectacular view before returning to the campsite for dinner.

Meals: Snacks, Lunch, Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp
Min Altitude: 2,850 m
Max Altitude: 3,850 m
Distance: ~12 km (7 hours)

DAY 2 - Salkantaypampa – Chaullay

Begin the second day of the Salkantay Trek with a refreshing cup of coca tea, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. After breakfast, we embark on a scenic 3-hour hike or horseback ride to reach the stunning summit of the Salkantay Pass at 4,600 m (15,091 ft). Breathe in the splendor before we descend towards Wayrac Machaq for a delightful lunch amidst stunning natural surroundings.

Continue your journey through the verdant high jungle, where towering trees stretch over babbling streams adorned with vibrant bromeliads and orchids. Finally we then arrive at our carefully chosen second campsite, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Andean landscape.

Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp
Min Altitude: 2,900 m
Max Altitude: 4,650 m
Distance: ~22 km (9 hours)

DAY 3 - Chaullay – Lucmabamba

Rise early and enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on a 3-hour hike through the enchanting cloud forest. As you trek, you’ll be treated to breathtaking scenery, including cascading rivers and picturesque waterfalls. After a well-deserved lunch, continue your journey for another 3 hours until you reach the Lucmabamba campsite.

At Lucmabamba, you have the option to add an exhilarating zip-lining adventure or unwind in soothing hot springs (both activities are optional and require advance notice; transportation and fees are not included). Once back at the campsite, immerse yourself in the local culture by participating in activities related to coffee plantations, learning about the intricate process from bean to cup. This day offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.

Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp
Min Altitude: 1,600 m
Max Altitude: 2,900 m
Distance: ~16 km (6 hours)

DAY 4 - Santa Teresa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

This day, we will be able to leave a little more late in the morning and to enjoy our hot breakfast. In the morning, you can go try the zipline (for those who reserved ahead).

After the activity, we will walk for about 2 hours toward Hidroeléctrica, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch. Then, we will continue for about 3 hours to reach the town of Aguas Calientes. The view on this road is unique and beautiful

In Hidroeléctrica, you have 2 options: walk the 3 hours left to Aguas Calientes or take the train for an additional fee of about $28 USD. We spend our last night in an hotel in Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Tea, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Min Altitude: 1,600 m
Max Altitude: 2,050 m
Distance: ~19 km (7 hours)

DAY 5 - Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Following breakfast, we proceed towards the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu for an immersive guided exploration of its diverse sectors. You will need to wait in line for a bus ticket that morning and the drive up will take approximately 25 min. But if you prefer to walk, we will begin our climb at 4:15 AM to Machu Picchu, ascending the stairs for approximately 1 hour in order to arrive at the main entrance of Machu Picchu.

Our knowledgeable guide leads a comprehensive tour lasting around 2 hours, unveiling the historical significance and architectural marvels nestled within this UNESCO World Heritage site. After the guided tour, we are free to explore the site independently.

Those travellers who previously booked tickets to Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain will now be able to access these attractions. These sites are where some of the most iconic images of Machu Picchu are taken and where we will be able to take our own photographs and view the ruins from an aerial perspective.

In the afternoon, we descend to the village of Aguas Calientes where we have the opportunity to rest, eat and pick up any crafts and souvenirs before our return train around 4 PM to Ollantaytambo. The Salkantay Trek ends with us transporting you from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco, with memories that will last a lifetime.

Meals: Breakfast
Machu Picchu Exploration: 2-5 hours
Optional: 2-3 hours to climb Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain

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What to Bring

Tips

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