Salkantay Trek 4 Days

We’ll depart early from your hotel in Cusco, around 4:30 a.m., for a 3.5-hour journey to Mollepata. After a light breakfast, we’ll head to Challacancha (3 800 m / 12 467 ft.), where our hike to Soraypampa (3 900m / 12 795 ft.) begins. Along the way, we’ll enjoy stunning landscapes and panoramic views of the Peruvian Andes.

Upon arrival in Soraypampa, we’ll make our way to the “Sky Lodges” campsite, where a delicious lunch prepared by our local chef awaits. Later, we’ll trek to Humantay Lake (4 200 m / 13 780 ft.). Here, we’ll have the opportunity to explore this beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by imposing snow-capped peaks and mountains.

After soaking in the beauty of Humantay Lake and capturing memorable photos, we’ll return to our campsite in Soraypampa – Sky Lodge (3 900m. / 12 795 ft.). There, we’ll enjoy an evening tea and spend the night, gearing up for the exciting second day of our Salkantay adventure.

• Meals: Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
• Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
• Total distance: 9 km / 5.5 mi
• Estimated walking time: 5 hours
• Maximum altitude: 4 200 m. / 13 780 ft.
• Accomodation: Soraypampa Sky Lodge (3 900m. / 12 795 ft.)

The second day represents the most challenging and coldest stretch of the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days, but waking up under the majesty of the surrounding snow-capped peaks makes it all worthwhile. We’ll start with a beautiful sunrise in Soraypampa, followed by hot drinks and a delicious breakfast prepared by our mountain chefs. Then we’ll head towards the Salkantay Pass (4630 m. / 15190 ft.) via a zigzagging and steep trail from 3-4 hours. Although the air is thin and the path is tough, those in good physical condition and acclimated to the altitude can conquer the pass. We also offer the option of horseback riding for those who need extra assistance.

After a break and many photographs next to the incredible snow-capped peak, we’ll cross the pass and begin the descent towards Wayracmachay (3850 m. / 12631 ft.), where we’ll enjoy lunch. We’ll continue on to Challway and finally reach our campsite in Collpapampa (2950 m. / 9678 ft.). Along the way, we’ll pass through small villages and scattered campsites on the plains, giving us the opportunity to experience local life in these harsh natural conditions. After an evening of tea, dinner, and rest, we’ll prepare for the next day of our adventure.

• Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
• Difficulty: Moderate / Challenge
• Total distance: 22.5 km / 13.9 mi
• Estimated walking time: 8 hours
• Maximum altitude: 4630 m. / 15190 ft. (Salkantay Pass)
• Accomodation: Collpapampa Sky Lodges (2950 m. / 9678 ft.)

After a rejuvenating breakfast prepared by our chef, we embark on our journey from Collpapampa to La Playa (2 060 m. / 6 759 ft.), where we’ll stop for lunch. Along the way, the landscape undergoes a remarkable transformation from mountainous terrain to lush jungle scenery, with streams giving way to cascading waterfalls. Following lunch, we travel by car to the Hydroelectric Plant (1 800 m. / 5 906 ft.), marking the end of the Cusco to Machu Picchu train line. From there, we trek along the train tracks to Machu Picchu town – Aguas Calientes (2 040 m. / 6 693 ft.), enjoying the pleasant walk shaded by jungle foliage. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we check into our hotel for a well-deserved rest and relaxation. Later, we gather for dinner at a local restaurant to plan our visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

Note: If time permits and by group agreement, we may visit and enjoy the Cocalmayo (1 600 m. / 5 249 ft.) hot springs near Santa Teresa after lunch.

• Meals: Breakfast, water, lunch, dinner
• Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
• Total distance: 22 km / 13.6 mi
• Estimated walking time: 10 hours
• Maximum altitude: 2 950 m. / 9 678 ft. (Collpapampa)
• Accomodation: Hotel Aguas Calientes (2040 m. / 6693 ft.)

On this final day, you will begin with breakfast at the hotel at 5:00 am. Then, we will head to the Aguas Calientes bus station and travel to the Inca city of Machu Picchu. To enter, you will need to present your original passport, the entrance ticket (included in the tour), and, if applicable, a university student ID card. Your guide will then lead you through Machu Picchu and its various sites, ruins, and important temples between 8:00 am and 10:00 am.

Note 01: According to Machu Picchu regulations, once you enter the Inca City, you are not allowed to return by the same paths, as it is a one-way tour. There are many signs indicating which route to follow, and stopping in some places is prohibited. Therefore, we recommend you to enjoy every minute you spend at each Inca site.

Note 02: According to Machu Picchu regulations, entrance tickets are valid for only one entry. This means that once you leave the Inca City, you cannot return unless you obtain a new ticket.

At Machu Picchu, climbing for panoramic glory, offers stunning aerial views of the entire city. Tickets are required and sell out quickly, so plan accordingly:

• Hike up Huayna Picchu (2 hours round trip), the most famous but challenging destination due to its steepness.
• Hike up Machu Picchu Mountain (3 hours round trip), a slightly longer and easier destination with stunning views from the top.
• Hike up Huchuy Picchu, a smaller mountain located very close to Machu Picchu and easier to access compared to the other two destinations.

At Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town, you will have enough time to participate on your own in one or more of the following activities (not included in the price):

• Enjoy a relaxing bath in the hot springs.
• Visit the new local museum.
• Visit the butterfly sanctuary.

After enjoying the magnificent city of the Incas, you will use your bus ticket to descend to Aguas Calientes and then take the train back to Cusco via Ollantaytambo. The Expedition Train departs at 6:30 pm and arrives in Ollantaytambo after 2 hours. In Ollantaytambo, a bus will be waiting to take you to Cusco, concluding your journey around 10:30 pm.

You can adjust your train schedule to arrive in Cusco earlier or later (depending on train availability), depending on the activities you choose, with prior coordination.

• Meals: Breakfast at hotel
• Difficulty: Easy
• Estimated walking time: 2 hours
• Maximum altitude: 2430 m. / 7972 ft. (Machu Picchu)

*Note: “Machu Picchu mountain” refers to the peak opposite the main Machu Picchu ruins.