Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu for 5 Days

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa
2 stops
1
Mollepata
Your adventure begins with an early hotel pick-up in Cusco, leading to a scenic drive to Mollepata, a quaint town in the Andean valleys. From there, you proceed to Challacancha, the trek's starting point, where the atmosphere is charged with excitement amid the refreshing mountain breezes.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Starting your trek, you head towards Soraypampa with gradual inclines, allowing for altitude acclimatization. Along the way, lush meadows and vast mountain views accompany you. Upon reaching Soraypampa, you set up camp amidst the Peruvian Andes. As the evening sun bathes the surroundings in gold, you settle down and prepare for dinner, with excitement building for the upcoming days.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Chaullay
3 stops
3
On the second day of the 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, you’ll embark on a challenging journey. This journey is also highly rewarding as you trek from Soraypampa to Chaullay. Begin your day early, awakening at Soraypampa, situated at an elevation of 3,850 meters (12,630 feet). After a hearty breakfast, prepare for the day’s trekking adventure.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
4
From Soraypampa, you'll climb to the Salkantay Pass, the trek's peak at 4,650 meters. After enjoying panoramic views, you'll descend to the Huayracmachay campsite at an elevation of 3,800 meters.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
5
Continuing your descent through the lush cloud forest, you’ll eventually reach Chaullay, your destination for the day. Chaullay nestles at a lower elevation of 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). Here, you shall rest and savor a thoroughly earned dinner. We will prepare for the adventures that await on the following day of your trek.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Chaullay - La Playa (Coffee Plantation)
2 stops
6
Our journey kicks off at the break of dawn from Chaullay, nestled at an elevation of approximately 2,800 meters (9,186 feet), and we find ourselves transitioning into the verdant embrace of the subtropical environment. Delving into this lively ecosystem, the charm of the local coffee plantations soon becomes apparent. The rich scent of the ripe coffee beans perfumes the air, promising an engaging sensory experience. Winding through mystical cloud forests teeming with diverse plant and animal life, the path allows us to delve deeply into the region's natural and unique biodiversity. Crossing serene streams and shaded forest trails, we'll enjoy the forest's serene ambiance.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
7
Our gentle descent concludes upon reaching La Playa, set at around 2,135 meters (7,005 feet), where the landscape's serene beauty offers a perfect backdrop for relaxation. The trek's challenge today remains moderate, ensuring a pleasant journey that allows trekkers to savor the area's natural splendor and cultural richness at a leisurely pace.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
La Playa (Coffee Plantation) - Llacta Pata - Santa Teresa - Hidro Electrica - Aguas Calientes
4 stops
8
The day begins in La Playa, a lush oasis that offers the comforts of hot showers, before moving through a series of captivating landscapes and locations. With the dawn, after enjoying breakfast, the hike commences with an ascent to the archeological site of Llactapata. From this vantage point, perched at roughly 2,650 meters (8,694 feet), you'll catch a unique glimpse of Machu Picchu from afar.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
9
The route then winds down towards the village of Santa Teresa, which lies at an elevation of about 1,550 meters (5,085 feet). Your path will cut through a tapestry of dense forests and expansive fields, each offering its own distinct natural wonders.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
10
Upon reaching Santa Teresa, a hearty lunch awaits to refuel your energy for the next leg of the trek to Hidroelectrica. At about 1,900 meters (6,234 feet), Hidroelectrica boasts scenic allure and serves as a pivotal gateway for the train journey to Aguas Calientes.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
11
Aguas Calientes
The trail continues from Hidroelectrica, following the railway tracks that run parallel to the Urubamba River. This tranquil walkway will guide you to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu, nestled at roughly 2,040 meters (6,693 feet). Arriving in Aguas Calientes, the luxury of hot showers offers a soothing end to the day, allowing you to rejuvenate and gear up for the much-anticipated exploration of the breathtaking Machu Picchu the next morning.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
3 stops
12
Machu Picchu
The day kicks off with an early rise in Aguas Calientes, which sits at about 2,040 meters (6,693 feet) above sea level. This pre-dawn departure is strategic, positioning you to experience the stunning sunrise over Machu Picchu, away from the later crowds. You'll catch a brief, 25-minute bus ride that climbs to Machu Picchu's entrance at approximately 2,430 meters (7,972 feet). Upon arrival, you'll navigate the entry process to gain access to this majestic archaeological site. Within the ancient stone walls of Machu Picchu, history and architecture come alive. Accompanied by an expert guide, you'll delve into the profound historical context and the captivating tales of this Incan masterpiece. Having soaked in the grandeur of Machu Picchu, you’ll make your way down to Aguas Calientes, which is approximately a 2-hour descent. There, you’ll be treated to a well-earned, delightful lunch.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
13
Ollantaytambo
Next, you’ll embark on a scenic train journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. The train ride affords you spectacular vistas of Andean scenery unfurling outside your window.
Admission ticket free
14
Cusco
Once you arrive in Ollantaytambo, the final leg of your trek involves a transfer back to the historical city of Cusco. Your arrival in Cusco in the evening brings your memorable Salkantay Trek to a satisfying conclusion.
Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Tags