Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

We start our adventure early in the morning, departing from Cusco and passing through the picturesque towns of Izcuchaca and Limatambo. After a scenic 3-hour drive, we arrive at Mollepata, where we enjoy a light breakfast.

From here, we continue by private transport to Challacancha, the starting point of our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. At Challacancha, you'll meet our muleteer and horses who will carry the camping equipment. We begin our hike towards Soraypampa campsite, located at 3,900 meters (12,795 ft) above sea level.

After a delicious lunch at Soraypampa, we ascend to visit the breathtaking Humantay Lake, one of the most beautiful glacial lakes in Peru. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this short hike is one of the highlights of the day.

Following our visit, we return to Soraypampa for dinner and spend the night under the stars at our first campsite.

• Meals: Lunch and dinner.
• Difficulty: Moderate to Defiant.
• Overnight: Lodge Del Cielo in Soraypampa.
• 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.
• Walking distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles.
• Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours approx.
• Climate: It can be quite cold and wintry or rainy at Laguna Humantay.

After a hearty breakfast, we begin the most challenging and rewarding day of the Salkantay Trek. The trail takes us through the breathtaking landscapes of Pampa Salkantay, as we gradually ascend along the left side of the impressive Salkantay Glacier. By midday, we’ll reach the trek’s highest point: the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet). From here, the panoramic views of the snowcapped Andes, dramatic valleys, and surrounding glaciers are simply unforgettable — a true highlight of the journey.

After a well-deserved rest at the summit, we begin our slow descent toward Wayracmachay, where a delicious lunch and time to relax await. The trek continues as we enter the edge of the lush cloud forest, offering spectacular scenery and a noticeable change in climate and vegetation.

By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at our second campsite in Chaullay, nestled in the high jungle. Here, we’ll enjoy a warm dinner and rest after an epic day of adventure.

• Meals: lunch and dinner.
• Difficulty: Defiant .
• Overnight: Lodge Del Cielo in Chaullay.
• 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.
• Walking distance: 22 km / 13.67 miles.
• Walking Time: 9-10 hours approx.
• Climate: It can be quite cold and wintry or rainy at Abra Salkantay.

After a delicious breakfast, we begin our hike at 6:00 a.m. along an original section of the Inca Trail network. Today’s journey will be truly unforgettable as we continue through the lush high jungle, enjoying the unique biodiversity of the region. You’ll encounter plantations of coffee, tea, and passion fruit, while the warm and humid microclimate favors the growth of countless orchids, known for their vibrant colors and exotic varieties — considered by experts to be among the most beautiful in the world.

We recommend taking a car transfer from Loreta to Lucmabamba to avoid the dust along this part of the route and preserve your energy for the next leg of the trek.

Optional activities (not included):

• Zip line adventure

• Coffee tour experience

• Visit to Cocalmayo Hot Springs (transfer by car from Lucmabamba)

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Overnight: Sky lodge in Lucmabamba
• 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: 18 km / 11.18 miles.
• Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours approx.
• Climate: Can be hot and rainy.

Early in the morning, right after breakfast at the lodge, we begin a 3-hour uphill hike from Lucmabamba to Llaqtapata, a fascinating Inca archaeological site that offers an impressive panoramic view of Machu Picchu from a unique angle.

After exploring the site, we descend for about 3 hours through lush vegetation to reach the Hidroeléctrica train station, where we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Here, your duffel bags will be sent by train to Aguas Calientes to lighten your load for the next stretch.

We then continue walking for another 3 hours along a scenic gravel path next to the railway tracks, following the route from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes town.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check in at your hotel and coordinate with your guide regarding dinner time and where to collect your duffel bags at the train station.

Note: If you prefer not to walk from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, you can take a 40-minute train ride (ticket not included). You'll rejoin the group in Aguas Calientes. Your guide will confirm your preference the night before.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Difficulty: Defiant.
• Overnight: Accomodation in Aguas Calientes
• Starting elevation: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft.
• Maximum elevation: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft.
• Altitude of Machu Picchu citadel: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft.
• Walking distance: 25 km / 15.53 miles
• Walking Time: 8 to 9 hours approx.
• Climate: It can be hot and rainy.

Early in the morning, right after breakfast at the hotel, we’ll board the bus for a 30-minute uphill journey to the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel. Once at the entrance checkpoint, we’ll begin a guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring the agricultural and urban sectors, including ceremonial plazas, watchtowers, the Sacred Fountain, the Intihuatana (Sun Dial), and the famous Inca terraces offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes.

After the 2-hour guided tour, you’ll have free time to take photos and explore the site on your own. Later, in coordination with your guide, we’ll descend back to Aguas Calientes town.

In the afternoon, we’ll take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. Upon arrival, we’ll drop you off at your hotel concluding an unforgettable Salkantay adventure to Machu Picchu.

Returning to Cusco: You'll take a bus descent to Aguas Calientes (included) and subsequently catch the Expedition train around 4:22 pm (subject to train availability) to the Ollantaytambo Train Station. There, our private van will meet you for a transfer to Cusco, with an estimated arrival time around 8:30 pm.

• Meals: Breakfast.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Starting elevation: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft.
• Elevation at Machu Picchu: 2400 m / 7872 ft.
• Elevation at Huayna Picchu: 2720m / 8924 ft.
• Elevation at Machu Picchu Mountain: 3000 m / 9843 ft.
• Walking Time: 2 to 3 hours exploring Machu Picchu.
• Climate: It can be hot and rainy.