Salkantay Hike To Machu Picchu

Day 1: CUSCO - MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA

After picking you up from your hotel in Cusco, we will embark on a 3-hour bus journey to Mollepata, situated at an elevation of 2,803 meters. Here, you'll have the chance to rest before starting a 3-hour uphill trek to Soroypampa, where our first campsite awaits.

Enjoy a lunch break with breathtaking views of the towering snow-capped Humantay (4,120m/13,500 ft) and Salkantay (6,271m/20,575 ft) peaks. This campsite is unique, offering glass-roofed igloos for stargazing at night.

Once settled, we will embark on a trek to Humantay Lagoon. This uphill trail takes about 4 hours round trip, offering magical views of snow-capped mountains mirrored in clear waters.

Located at 4,200 meters above sea level, Humantay Lagoon is a perfect spot to explore the Andes. We return to Soroypampa for a delicious dinner and overnight stay.

Distance walked: 13 Kilometers.

Day 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – COLPAPAMPA

After breakfast, we begin a 1.5-hour hike to Salkantay Pampa, offering panoramic views of the Vilcanota mountain range at 4,620 meters. "Salkantay" translates to "Wild Mountain" in Quechua.

Continue ascending for another 2.5 hours to reach the trek's highest point, the Salkantay Pass, at 4,650 meters (15,200 feet), flanked by the majestic Salkantay and Tucarhuay mountains.

Keep an eye out for Andean condors soaring above. The views here are stunning, with mountains and clear lagoons painting a spectacular natural scene.

Descend through a beautiful cloud forest to Huayracpunku (Huayracmachay) for lunch, then continue a 3-hour trek into the jungle to reach Colpapampa campsite (2,700 meters/9,800 feet).

This campsite features igloo-shaped cabins with transparent roofs, perfect for stargazing. Dinner and overnight stay included.

Distance walked: 26 Kilometers.

Day 3: COLPAPAMPA – LUCMABAMBA

After breakfast, begin hiking through the upper rainforest, crossing the Lluskamayo River via streams, and entering the cloud forest. The trail descends into more populated rural zones.

Continue the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu through the Santa Teresa River Valley, rich with lush vegetation. Pass fields of bananas, avocados, and passion fruit, along with coffee plantations producing some of the world's best organic coffee. Bid farewell to the horses and staff at the Llactapata Inca Trail.

After lunch, reach the next campsite in Lucmabamba at 2,062 meters after a 5-hour trek. Enjoy igloos with transparent roofs for stargazing. Dinner and overnight stay.

Distance walked: 14 kilometers

Day 4: LUCMABAMBA – HYDROELECTRIC PLANT – AGUAS CALIENTES

After breakfast, a 3-hour ascent takes you to the Llactapata Pass, at 2,736 meters. Here, enjoy your first views of the southeastern side of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and visit the Llactapata archaeological site for a short rest.

The journey to Machu Picchu continues with a 2-hour descent through coca and banana plantations, arriving at the hydroelectric dam for lunch. Proceed with a 3-hour walk along railway tracks to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay.

Check into your hotel and join the last group dinner with your guide to discuss the next day's Machu Picchu excursion.

Distance walked: 15 kilometers

Day 5: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Enjoy breakfast and catch the early bus to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise over the ancient city. Visit the " Guardhouse" area with your guide for a 30-minute exploration.

Participate in a 1-hour guided tour, and then choose to either continue exploring with the guide or independently. Optional: climb Huayna Picchu or visit the Sun Gate, the end of the Inca Trail. Explore this world wonder at your leisure.

In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes by bus to collect train tickets for your journey back to Cusco. After a 1.5-hour ride, arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station, where transportation will take you to your hotel in Cusco.