Experience one of the most spectacular trekking routes to Machu Picchu on the 5-day Salkantay Trek. Journey through breathtaking Andean landscapes, from high-altitude mountains and turquoise lakes to cloud forests and lush vegetation. Along the way, cross the impressive Salkantay Pass and enjoy a unique connection with nature. The trek culminates at Machu Picchu, making this an unforgettable adventure filled with nature, culture, and exploration.
We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 am (the time varies depending on the area) for an approximately 3-hour drive to the trek’s starting point. Along the way, we’ll stop for breakfast in Mollepata, and then continue to the trailhead, where you’ll meet the porters and muleteers who will accompany us on the trek.
We begin with a three-hour hike to Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), where you’ll have time to rest, explore, and photograph its turquoise waters. Afterward, you’ll descend for an hour to Soraypampa (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), where our chef will be waiting with a lunch prepared with local ingredients.
After lunch, we’ll ascend for two hours to Salkantaypampa (4,150 m / 13,615 ft), the highest point of the day. On this part of the journey, you might spot Andean geese, known as “lovebirds,” as well as deer and viscachas.
Finally, you’ll spend the night at the exclusive Salka Glamp, overlooking the snow-capped Salkantay mountain and a sky full of stars. After dinner, you can relax and settle into your tent to enjoy the peaceful evening.
Today you’ll wake up to a hot cup of coffee or coca tea and the breathtaking snow-covered landscape surrounding the camp. After breakfast, we’ll begin our ascent to the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), a climb that will take approximately two hours.
At the summit, you can enjoy the silence of the glacier, the panoramic views, and if time allows, we’ll visit a small lagoon at the foot of Salkantay (6,270 m / 20,574 ft). From there, we’ll begin the three-hour descent to Wayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), where we’ll have lunch. Along this part of the trail, you might encounter vizcachas, Andean relatives of the chinchilla.
After a rest, we’ll prepare for the final three-hour descent, leaving behind the cold, dry air of the high altitude for the warm, humid climate of the cloud forest. You’ll feel the change in scenery almost immediately. We’ll arrive at the Collpapampa campsite, where our Andean cabins will be ready to welcome you. You’ll spend the night surrounded by lush vegetation and the tranquility of the cloud forest.
After breakfast overlooking the mountains, today we embark on one of the most breathtaking parts of the journey to Machu Picchu. We’ll begin with a hike along the river, crossing wooden bridges, a waterfall, and passing through passion fruit and banana plantations until we reach Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,561 ft) for lunch.
Today you’ll participate in the preparation of a traditional Pachamanca: an Andean barbecue cooked underground on hot stones. While the food cooks, you’ll visit an organic coffee farm, where you can brew your own cup of coffee. Then, you’ll enjoy the Pachamanca fresh from the earth, with all its flavors intact. Energized, we’ll begin a three-hour hike along a section of the Inca Trail to Llactapata (2,750 m / 9,022 ft), located high on a mountain. From this site, rediscovered after being described by Hiram Bingham in 1911, you’ll have your first view of Machu Picchu. You will camp in front of the Inca wonder; if the weather cooperates, you will be able to see the sunrise and sunset over the citadel without leaving your tent.
The first thing you’ll see today is Machu Picchu perched on a mountain directly in front of you, as your trekking team serves you a cup of coffee or coca tea. After breakfast, enjoy an easy 2-hour downhill hike to the Hydroelectric Station. Here, you’ll have your last meal prepared by the trekking chef, say goodbye to the team, and begin the final leg of the Salkantay TreXperience to Aguas Calientes.
The last part of the trek is a 3-hour hike along the railway, following the Urubamba River uphill. This section is rich in history. You’ll stop at the Mandor Botanical Gardens, where Hiram Bingham met a farmer named Arteaga, who took him to Machu Picchu in 1911. During this stop, you’ll visit Arteaga’s farm, home to several endemic birds such as the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruviana), parrots, toucans, hummingbirds, and orchids.
Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, your guide will take you to your hotel, where you can shower, explore the town, or relax in the hot springs. In the evening, you’ll have dinner at a local restaurant, review the details for the following day, and prepare for the most important day of the Salkantay trek.
Today is the big day of the Salkantay Trek: a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This Inca city, abandoned in the 16th century for reasons still unknown, was one of the most important centers of the empire. Very early, you’ll have breakfast at the hotel and take one of the first buses to reach the citadel and see the sunrise.
The tour lasts about three hours, visiting the most emblematic temples, palaces, and plazas, while your guide shares the mysteries of this incredible city built high atop a mountain. If you booked in advance, you can also climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Keep in mind that you’ll need additional time for those hikes. At Machu Picchu, we include Circuit 2 by default, as it’s the most comprehensive. If the tour sells out, we will offer the best available option, which may be Circuit 3 or Circuit 1. We recommend that all travelers secure their visit to Machu Picchu as soon as possible, as tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and the best tours and times sell out first.
Afterward, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. There you can have lunch, collect your luggage, and board the scenic train to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private van will take you back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 7:30 pm.
