Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days / 4 nights

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake

Your adventure begins with hotel pickup between 4:00 and 4:40 a.m. and a scenic drive through the Andes to Mollepata, where you will enjoy a traditional local breakfast. We then continue by vehicle to the Salkantay Trek trailhead.

Begin your hike through breathtaking mountain landscapes until you reach Soraypampa campsite, where a freshly prepared lunch awaits. In the afternoon, hike to the spectacular Humantay Lake, famous for its turquoise waters and views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Take time to enjoy the scenery and capture unforgettable photos before returning to camp for dinner and a restful night beneath the Andean sky.

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay

We will wake up early to admire the sunrise over the majestic Humantay and Salkantay snow-capped mountains before enjoying breakfast. Then, we begin the challenging ascent to Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,092 ft), the highest point of the trek. Take your time and walk at your own pace; renting a horse from local residents may be an option for part of the ascent, subject to availability.

At the summit, admire the imposing Salkantay Peak and the traditional apachetas, stone offerings associated with Andean spiritual traditions and protection for travelers. After a short break for photos, we descend through changing ecological landscapes toward Rayanniyoc, where lunch awaits.

Finally, we continue into the lush high jungle until reaching our campsite in Chaullay (Colpapampa). Enjoy dinner and a well-deserved rest beneath the starry Andean sky.

Day 3: Chaullay – Lucmabamba – Cocalmayo Hot Springs

We begin the day with a hearty breakfast before hiking through the lush high jungle, following scenic trails surrounded by tropical vegetation, fruit plantations, and beautiful mountain landscapes. Along the way, we will enjoy the region’s rich biodiversity until reaching Lucmabamba, where a freshly prepared local lunch awaits.

Here, we will enjoy an authentic coffee experience, learning about the traditional production process, from harvesting and processing the beans to roasting and tasting delicious locally grown organic coffee.

In the afternoon, we travel by local transportation to the relaxing Cocalmayo Hot Springs, where you can unwind in their warm, mineral-rich waters and soothe your muscles after the trek. At the end of the day, we return to our fully equipped campsite for dinner and a peaceful night beneath the stars.

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

After an early breakfast, we begin our ascent toward Puncuyoc Pass, continuing to the fascinating Inca archaeological site of Llactapata. From this remarkable viewpoint, located across the valley from Machu Picchu, enjoy a guided explanation of its historical significance and a spectacular panoramic view of the famous citadel.

Next, we descend through the valley toward Hidroeléctrica, where we will enjoy a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, we continue with an approximately three-hour walk along the railway route, surrounded by the lush vegetation of the tropical canyon.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we check in at our selected accommodation, enjoy dinner, and rest before the exciting visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The highlight of our adventure has finally arrived! In the morning, according to your assigned entrance time and circuit, we will board the tourist bus for a comfortable ride up to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Upon entering this magnificent Inca citadel, we begin an approximately 2-hour guided tour. Our expert guide will introduce you to its most important temples, terraces, and archaeological sectors, sharing fascinating insights into Inca history, architecture, and culture while allowing time to capture unforgettable photographs.

After the visit, we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, we board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.

Your unforgettable 5-day Salkantay Trek adventure concludes with memories of spectacular landscapes, ancient history, and the extraordinary beauty of Machu Picchu.