Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 6 Days

4:30 AM: Pick up from the hotel in our tourist bus.very early we leave Cusco. After a 3 hour drive from Cusco we arrive in Mollepata. In Mollepata, you can prepare yourself with last minute supplies or anything you may have forgotten in town, such as water, rain poncho or insect repellent. After a light breakfast we continue with the trip in our transport to Challacancha to start the 2 hour hike, until we arrive to our camp Soraypampa (lunch point), after lunch we will ascend to visit the beautiful Humantay lagoon (3hrs round trip), after the visit, we will descend back to our camp, where we will have tea time and spend the first night.

The second day is undoubtedly the most challenging of the trek, after breakfast, we will begin the most difficult part of the trek, passing through the site known as Pampa Salkantay. Then we will take the left side of the Salkantay glacier. Around noon, we will reach the highest point of the imposing snowy Salkantay located at 4,650 m (15,255 ft). The ascent to the pass lasts between 3 and 4 hours, and consists of a fairly steep climb with narrow zigzags and constant slopes, until finally we can see the rock formations of the pass.

After a rest we will begin the slow descent to Wayracmachay, where we will have lunch and take a well-deserved rest, continue descending and enter the cloud forest where we will have indescribable views of the place, and then continue to our second Lodge in Challway.

 Finally, we will have tea/dinner and spend the second night here.

After a delicious breakfast, we continue our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, entering the lush cloud forest. This part of the hike offers stunning biodiversity, including native flora and fauna, as well as coffee, banana, and avocado plantations. The warm and humid climate in this region creates a perfect microclimate for the growth of orchids, which are considered some of the most beautiful in the world due to their vibrant colors and unique varieties.

Upon arriving in Lucmabamba, we’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch using local ingredients. In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to relax in the Santa Teresa hot springs (optional; transportation and entrance fees not included). The day ends with dinner and a comfortable night at our eco-lodge, surrounded by nature.

After a hearty breakfast, we continue with the final stretch of our Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. We begin a scenic 2–3 hour hike to the Llactapata Pass (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), where we’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Machu Picchu Citadel from the southeast  a perspective that few travelers get to witness.

We’ll take time to explore the Llactapata archaeological site, a hidden gem along the trail. From there, we descend toward the Hydroelectric Station, trekking through lush landscapes filled with bamboo forests, wild orchids, and coffee plantations.

At the Hydroelectric, we pause for lunch and rest before starting the final 3-hour walk along the railroad tracks to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. After this gentle walk, we settle into our hotel, enjoy a celebratory dinner, and receive a final briefing from our guide in preparation for our next day’s visit to the Lost City of the Incas.

We begin our adventure very early, taking a short train ride from Aguas Calientes to Km 104, the official starting point of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. After crossing the checkpoint, our hike begins with a guided visit to the fascinating archaeological site of Chachabamba, an ancient Inca agricultural and administrative center.

The trail continues through the lush cloud forest, offering stunning views and rich biodiversity. Along the way, we reach the impressive Wiñay Wayna ruins, one of the most remarkable sites on the trail. After lunch near this beautiful spot, we hike onward to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where a breathtaking panoramic view of the Machu Picchu Citadel awaits.

From the Sun Gate, we descend to the classic viewpoint (circuit 1B) to admire Machu Picchu at sunset, an unforgettable moment and perfect photo opportunity. We then take a short bus ride back to Aguas Calientes, where we enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation at a local hotel.

Early in the morning, after breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes, we board a bus for a 30-minute ride up to the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel. Upon arrival, we enter the site and begin a guided tour of approximately 2 hours, exploring key areas such as the ceremonial plazas, urban and agricultural sectors, Inca towers, sacred fountains, and panoramic terraces.

Depending on availability, your visit may follow Circuit 2 (A or B) or Circuit 3B, offering different perspectives of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you have a ticket to Huayna Picchu, coordinate with your guide to hike this iconic mountain for an unforgettable aerial view of the ruins.

After the visit, we descend back to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport will take you back to Cusco, and we will drop you off at your hotel.

Note: Please check with your travel advisor for the most current Machu Picchu circuit availability and entrance regulations.