Salkantay Hike To Machu Picchu

Day 1 CUSCO - MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and drive for 3 hours to the town of Mollepata, situated at 2,803 meters above sea level. After a brief rest, you’ll set out on an uphill trek of about 3 hours to Soraypampa, where you will find the first campsite.

Take time to enjoy lunch while admiring panoramic views of the stunning snow-capped peaks of Humantay (4,120m/13,500 ft) and Salkantay (6,271m/20,575 ft). This campsite is unique, offering glass-roofed igloos that allow you to gaze at the starry sky in the evening.

After you get settled, we’ll embark on a hike to Humantay Lagoon. This out-and-back trail is uphill and will take approximately 4 hours roundtrip. The lagoon is a magical spot, where the snow-capped mountains are beautifully mirrored in the crystal-clear waters.

Humantay Lagoon sits at 4,200 meters and is a perfect natural site in the heart of the Andes. After exploring, we’ll return to Soraypampa for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.

Distance covered: 13 kilometers.

Day 2 SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – COLPAPAMPA

After breakfast, you will begin a 1.5-hour trek to Salkantay Pampa at 4,620 meters, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Vilcanota mountain range. “Salkantay” is a Quechua word that means “Wild Mountain.”

The journey continues with another two and a half hour ascent until you reach the highest point of the trail, the Salkantay Pass, at 4,650 meters (15,200 feet). This spot is nestled between the towering Salkantay to your right and Tucarhuay to your left.

Watch for majestic Andean condors soaring above. The views here are spectacular, with mountains and crystal-clear lagoons composing a dramatic natural landscape.

The trek then descends through a scenic cloud forest toward Huayracpunku, also known as Huayracmachay. After lunch, you’ll continue for about 3 hours through the jungle until you reach the second campsite at Colpapampa (2,700 meters/9,800 feet).

This campsite is strategically located and offers igloo-shaped cabins with transparent roofs for stargazing. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Distance covered: 26 kilometers.

Day 3 COLPAPAMPA – LUCMABAMBA

Following breakfast, you’ll start trekking through the upper rainforest, crossing the Lluskamayo River by small streams, and entering the lush cloud forest. The path descends through increasingly inhabited rural landscapes.

Continuing on the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu, you’ll follow the Santa Teresa River Valley. The route is rich in vegetation—you’ll pass banana, avocado, and passion fruit fields, as well as coffee plantations known for some of the world’s best organic coffee. At the Llactapata Inca Trail, we’ll say farewell to the horses and staff.

After lunch, we’ll reach our next campsite in Lucmabamba (2,062 meters), after about 5 hours of hiking. This camp features igloos with transparent roofs, perfect for stargazing and a truly unique experience. Dinner and overnight stay are provided.

Distance covered: 14 kilometers.

Day 4 LUCMABAMBA – HYDROELECTRIC PLANT – AGUAS CALIENTES

After breakfast, you will begin a 3-hour ascent to the Llactapata Pass, located at 2,736 meters. Here, you’ll enjoy your first views of the southeastern side of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. You’ll visit the Llactapata archaeological site for a short break.

The journey to Machu Picchu continues with a 2-hour descent through fields of coca and banana. We’ll stop at the hydroelectric plant for lunch, then hike 3 more hours along the railway to reach the town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and join the group for a final dinner with the guide, where you’ll discuss the Machu Picchu visit planned for the next day.

Distance covered: 15 kilometers.

Day 5 MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

After breakfast, take the early morning bus to Machu Picchu to witness the ancient city at sunrise. Together with your guide, you’ll head to the " Guardhouse " for an initial half-hour exploration of the citadel.

Enjoy a 1-hour guided tour, then continue with your guide for another hour or explore further on your own. You may choose to climb Huayna Picchu (optional), go to the Sun Gate—the end of the Inca Trail—or continue exploring independently. You have complete freedom to experience this world wonder your way.

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