Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 Days

Pick up from the hotel is scheduled for around 4:00 a.m. Afterwards, we will embark on a journey of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes in our private vehicle to Mollepata. After enjoying a light breakfast, we will continue by car to Challacancha, where we will meet our muleteer and horses. Then, we will start the trek to our Lodge del Cielo in Soraypampa.

In the afternoon, after lunch, we will ascend to visit the beautiful Humantay Lake. After the visit, we will descend again to Soraypampa, where we will spend the first night under a starry sky in our Lodge del Cielo.

As for our base in Soraypampa, the camp is a 10-minute walk from the village of Soraypampa, which gives us a unique advantage by offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Humantay Lake. It is also a perfect place, away from the crowds, where we can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Andean valley and share the company of our lovely alpacas.

Meals: lunch and dinner.
Walking distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles.
Difficulty: moderate to Defiant.
Overnight: Lodge Del Cielo in Soraypampa.
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours approx.
Starting elevation: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft.
Maximum elevation: 4,200 m /13,780 ft.
Altitude of our campsite: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft.
Climate: It can be quite cold and wintry or rainy at Abra Salkantay

After breakfast, we begin the most challenging section of the Salkantay Trek, hiking through the highland plains of Pampa Salkantay. From here, we ascend toward the left side of the mighty Salkantay Glacier. By midday, we reach the highest point of the trek — the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) above sea level.

From this breathtaking viewpoint, you’ll witness the full majesty of the Vilcabamba mountain range, with snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and panoramic Andean landscapes. After a well-deserved break and photo opportunities, we begin a gradual descent toward Wayracmachay, where a hearty lunch and rest await.

In the afternoon, we continue trekking downhill into the edge of the cloud forest, where the scenery shifts dramatically into lush greenery. We finally arrive at our second campsite in Challway, where a warm dinner and a peaceful night under the stars complete the day.

Meals: lunch and dinner.
Difficulty: Defiant .
Overnight: Lodge Del Cielo in Chaullay.
Walking distance: 22 km / 13.67 miles.
Walking Time: 9-10 hours approx.
Starting elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft.
Maximum elevation: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.
Altitude of our campsite: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft.
Climate: It can be quite cold and wintry or rainy at Abra Salkantay.

After an early breakfast, we begin our trek at 6:00 a.m., following the original Inca Trail through the lush cloud forest. This unforgettable day offers a scenic hike through tropical landscapes, passing coffee, tea, and passion fruit plantations. The warm and humid climate of this region creates a unique microclimate, perfect for the growth of vibrant orchids—considered by experts to be among the most beautiful in the world.

After approximately 5 hours of trekking, we arrive at La Playa, where we take a local transport to the Hydroelectric Train Station. Here, we’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch and a short break. From there, we continue walking alongside the train tracks through the beautiful Urubamba Valley until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes, located at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Once in Aguas Calientes, get ready to relax, enjoy a group dinner, and rest at a comfortable 2-star hotel in preparation for your visit to the Lost City of the Incas the following day.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Difficulty: Defiant.
Overnight: Hosting.
Starting elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft.
Maximum elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft.
Lodging Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft.
Walking distance: 27 km / 16.78 miles.
Walking Time: 7 to 8 hours.
Climate: Can be hot or rainy in the jungle.

Very early in the morning, after breakfast, we take a 30-minute bus ride ascending to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the main entrance and checkpoint, your professional tour guide will lead a guided tour of approximately 2 hours. This tour follows circuit 2A or 2B (check availability), covering around 80% of the Machu Picchu archaeological site.

After exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site and marveling at its Inca architecture, you'll return to Aguas Calientes at the scheduled time (lunch not included).

Later, you'll board the train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station, where a private transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, concluding your unforgettable journey through the Andes.

Meals: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy.
Starting elevation: 2000 m / 6562 ft.
Maximum elevation: 2400 m / 7872 ft.
Elevation At Machu Picchu: 2720m / 8924 ft.
Elevation At Machu Picchu Mountain: 3000 m / 9843 ft.
Walking Time: 2 hours exploring Machu Picchu
Climate: It can be hot and rainy.