Salkantay Trek: 5 Day Adventure to Machu Picchu

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Cusco • Mollepata • Soraypampa • Humantay Lake
1 stop
1
The day begins with hotel pickup in Cusco and a scenic drive to Mollepata, passing through beautiful Andean landscapes. In Mollepata, you’ll enjoy a traditional breakfast while the guide provides an introduction to the itinerary. The journey continues to Soraypampa, the starting point of the trek, where the hike toward Humantay Lake begins. The uphill trail of about 3 km offers stunning views of glaciers and surrounding mountains. Upon reaching the lake, you’ll have time to rest, take photos, and optionally participate in a small Pachamama gratitude ritual. After visiting, the group returns to Soraypampa along the same path. At the eco-camp, a nutritious lunch is served, followed by free time to relax and acclimatize. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and a briefing for the next day, ending with the chance to stargaze before resting in the cabins or tents.
10 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 2
Soraypampa – Abra Salkantay – Huayracmachay – Chaullay
2 stops
2
Salkantay Trail
The day starts early with a warm coca or muña tea to help with the altitude, followed by a motivational briefing from the guide. After a hearty breakfast in Soraypampa, the hike begins toward Salkantaypampa and then continues up to the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 m, the highest point of the trek. At the top, there is time to rest, take photos, and participate in an optional Pachamama ceremony while enjoying close views of the majestic Salkantay Glacier.
10 hours • Admission ticket not included
3
The descent then begins toward Huayracmachay, where the landscape shifts from snow-covered mountains to the edge of the jungle. After lunch, the trek continues downhill to Chaullay, passing through lush vegetation, small streams, orchids, and tropical bird habitats. Upon arrival at the camp in Chaullay, there is free time to relax, shower if desired, and unwind after the most challenging day. In the evening, a traditional Andean dinner is served, followed by a briefing for the next day. Before resting, you may be able to enjoy the starry sky and the sounds of the surrounding nature.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 3
Chaullay – Collpapampa – La Playa Sahuayaco – Lucmabamba
1 stop
4
Santa Teresa
The day begins in Chaullay with the sounds of birds and the river. After a hot drink and a nutritious breakfast with fresh local fruits, the hike starts toward Collpapampa through lush vegetation, waterfalls, and narrow forest paths where orchids, begonias, and tropical birds can be seen. The descent continues along humid trails until reaching La Playa Sahuayaco, an agricultural area with plantations of coffee, bananas, avocados, passion fruit, and oranges. After enjoying a regional lunch, the walk continues to Lucmabamba, passing through farmland and small villages. Upon arrival, you’ll participate in a cultural coffee experience, learning about traditional roasting and grinding, and tasting freshly brewed local coffee. In the evening, dinner is served at the camp, followed by a briefing about the next day’s hike to Llactapata, where the first direct views of Machu Picchu appear. The day ends with a comfortable night of rest under the warm tropical climate.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
1 stop
5
Aguas Calientes
The day begins in Lucmabamba with a warm jungle sunrise and a hot drink to start the morning. After an energetic breakfast, the hike starts with the ascent to Llactapata, an ancient Inca site offering the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. There is time to explore the ruins, take photos, and learn from the guide about its historical connection to the Inca Trail and agricultural terraces. The descent then continues toward Hydroelectric, following lush trails along the Urubamba River. After a light lunch, the final stretch of the trek leads to Aguas Calientes along the railway, surrounded by dense vegetation and riverside bridges. Upon arrival, travelers check in at their hotel, rest, and prepare their belongings for the next day. In the evening, dinner is served along with a briefing about the visit to Machu Picchu, including schedules, recommended routes, and photography tips. The night in Aguas Calientes is warm and ideal for resting before the long-awaited visit to the citadel.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
1 stop
6
Machu Picchu
The final day starts early in Aguas Calientes, enjoying a light breakfast before heading to Machu Picchu. Travelers can reach the citadel either by bus or by hiking up the mountain trail. Arriving in the early morning allows for stunning views as the mist lifts over the ruins. A guided tour of 2–3 hours explores the most important temples, terraces, and viewpoints while the guide explains Inca history and the cultural connection to the Salkantay Trek. After the visit, the group returns to Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer back to Cusco. The tour ends upon arrival in the city, where the guide offers final recommendations for continuing to explore or relaxing after completing the Salkantay adventure.
7 hours • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Tags