Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake

Your adventure begins with hotel pickup between 4:30 AM and 5:00 AM in Cusco. We travel approximately two hours to Mollepata, where we'll stop for breakfast before continuing to Challacancha (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), the starting point of our trek.

From Challacancha, begin a scenic hike of approximately 3 hours toward Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). Upon arrival, enjoy a nutritious lunch surrounded by spectacular views of the Andes.

In the afternoon, we'll hike for approximately 1.5 hours to the breathtaking Humantay Lake (4,220 m / 13,845 ft). Admire its turquoise waters and the surrounding snow-capped peaks of Humantay and Salkantay while your guide explains the cultural and natural significance of this sacred destination.

After spending time at the lake, descend to our camp in Soraypampa. Enjoy a warm cup of coca tea, followed by dinner prepared by our trekking chef.

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wacracmachay – Collpapampa

Start the day with an early breakfast at approximately 5:00 AM before beginning one of the most spectacular sections of the Salkantay Trek.

From Soraypampa, hike uphill for approximately 3 hours toward the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft), the highest point of the trek. From the pass, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, including Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo.

Continue through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha before beginning a long descent toward Wacracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), where we'll stop for lunch.

After lunch, continue descending through increasingly greener landscapes for approximately 3 more hours until reaching Collpapampa. Upon arrival, enjoy tea and dinner before spending the night in comfortable accommodation surrounded by the cloud forest.

Day 3: Collpapampa – La Playa – Lucmabamba

After breakfast, begin the third day of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with a scenic hike through the lush cloud forest and tropical jungle.

Today's trek takes approximately 5.5 hours, with a combination of ascents and descents. As you descend into warmer climates, you'll encounter coffee plantations, tropical fruits, orchids, and native plants traditionally used by local communities.

After reaching the lunch area, take some time to rest and enjoy a fascinating coffee experience, learning about the cultivation, harvesting, and preparation of locally grown coffee.

Continue toward Lucmabamba, where you'll spend the night in comfortable private domes surrounded by the jungle.

If you wish, you can also visit the Cocalmayo Hot Springs in Santa Teresa for an additional fee, subject to availability and timing.

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric Station – Aguas Calientes

Wake up surrounded by the lush landscapes of the Peruvian jungle, with views of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, coffee plantations, bananas, and avocado trees.

After breakfast, begin one of the most fascinating sections of the trek: a hike along part of the original Inca Trail toward Llactapata.

After approximately 2.5 hours of uphill hiking, arrive at the Llactapata Archaeological Site, where your guide will explain the history and importance of this ancient Inca complex. From here, you'll enjoy your first spectacular views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Descend to enjoy lunch before continuing toward the Hydroelectric Station.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before spending the night at a hotel.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

The highlight of your journey has arrived: Machu Picchu.

We'll wake up early, around 4:30 AM, and have a breakfast box before beginning the journey to the archaeological sanctuary.

You can choose to hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 1.5 hours, or take the shuttle bus for a faster and more comfortable journey. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes and is available at an additional cost.

Upon arrival at the entrance, you'll present your original passport and Machu Picchu entrance ticket before beginning your guided visit.

Your professional guide will lead you to the best viewpoints for the classic Machu Picchu photograph before exploring the main sectors of the citadel. The guided tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, during which you'll learn about the history, architecture, religious traditions, and remarkable engineering of the Inca civilization.

Depending on your selected entrance ticket and available time, you may have additional time to explore the sanctuary or hike one of the additional mountain routes, such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These require advance reservation and an additional entrance ticket.

After your visit, return to Aguas Calientes and board your scheduled train for the return journey. From the train station, continue by tourist transportation toward Cusco, concluding your unforgettable 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.