Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Day Guided Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Into the Andes: Humantay Lake & Soraypampa BaseCamp
1 stop
1
Humantay Lake
Your adventure will begin with pickup in Cusco between 4:00 am and 4:30 am. The 2.5-hour drive to Mollepata (2,900m) you can sleep or see the sunrise views. From there, you will continue to Soraypampa (3,900m), the trek’s starting point, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you will hike to Humantay Lake (4,200m), a stunning turquoise gem beneath Humantay Mountain. This 1.5-hour round-trip hike will prepare you for the adventure ahead. As the day comes to a close, you will settle into your first campsite at Soraypampa, with panoramic views of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain. Under a star-lit sky, you will enjoy a delicious dinner before getting rest in our comfortable tents, ready for the next day’s journey.
12 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 2
Passing the Salkantay Edge to the Jungle
1 stop
2
You will wake up with a hot cup of coca tea, preparing for the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek. On this second day, you will hike to the Salkantay Pass (4,650m / 15,255ft)—the highest point of the journey! The climb will be tough, but the breathtaking 360° views of the snow-capped Andean peaks will make every step worth it. At the summit, you will take a well-deserved break to soak in the stunning scenery and learn about the sacred significance of Salkantay Mountain in Inca culture. As you descend, the landscape will transform from rugged high-altitude terrain into a lush cloud forest. Keep an eye out for vibrant orchids, cascading waterfalls, and exotic birds along the way! A hearty lunch will be served in Wayracmachay, followed by a gentle hike to Chaullay (2,900m / 9,514ft), where you will spend the night in a cozy Andean lodge, resting up for our third day.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
From the Andes to the Jungle
1 stop
3
After breakfast, we descend into the lush cloud forest. The air grows warmer, the humidity rises, and the landscape transforms into dense greenery. We walk through coffee plantations, fruit trees, and clear rivers, accompanied by the sounds of tropical birds. The four-hour trail to Sahuyaco (La Playa) is a mix of gentle paths and downhill sections, allowing us to take in the scenery at a comfortable pace. Upon arrival, we take a well-earned break and enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing with a short drive to Santa Teresa, a small town at the edge of the jungle. Here, we experience one of the most relaxing moments of the journey: the Cocalmayo hot springs. There’s nothing better than sinking into these natural pools, letting the warm water soothe our muscles, and simply unwinding. As the day winds down, we gather for a homemade dinner and get some rest to be ready for the next day.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
One Step Closer to Machu Picchu
1 stop
4
Aguas Calientes
After a tasty breakfast, we start our day’s hike, leaving the mountains behind as we descend into the cloud forest. The air feels warmer, the landscape turns greener, and the trail takes us through coffee farms, fruit trees, and small villages. Along the way, we hear the sound of rushing rivers and spot colorful birds flying overhead. After a few hours of walking, we reach Hidroelectrica, where we take a break and enjoy a well-earned lunch. From here, the final stretch begins—a scenic walk along the train tracks, following the path of the Urubamba River. As we get closer, we might even catch a glimpse of Machu Picchu high up in the mountains. By late afternoon, we arrive in Aguas Calientes, a lively little town at the foot of Machu Picchu. Here, we check into our hostel and have time to relax. Later, we meet up for dinner at a local restaurant, sharing stories and getting excited for the big day ahead. Tomorrow, we finally visit the legendary Machu Picchu!
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Exploring Machupicchu: A Day in the Inca Citadel
1 stop
5
Machupicchu cusco
The last day starts early, really early! between 4:00 am to 4:30 am, we begin the final stretch. The trail takes us through a path, where the air is fresh, and the river flows in the distance. Step by step, we get closer to our goal. As the sun rises, the mist begins to lift. Little by little, Machu Picchu appears between the mountains. By 6:00 am, we reach the entrance. It’s time to explore! Our guide leads a two-hour tour, sharing fascinating stories about Inca history, architecture, and secrets hidden in the ruins. After that, you’ll have free time. Walk around at your own pace, take photos, or just enjoy the magic of the place. Then, by 11:30 am, we start our way back. First, we hike down to Hidroelectrica. There, our transport is waiting. The journey back to Cusco takes several hours, but it’s the perfect time to rest and reflect on an unforgettable adventure. By 10:00 pm, we arrive back in the city safe and sound.
17 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

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