Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

Day 1: Cusco - Soraypampa - Humantay Lagoon - Soraypampa

1. Cusco
   3h
   The day before your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu begins, you’ll meet your guide and fellow trekkers to get everything set for the journey. During this briefing, you’ll receive all the necessary instructions, and any questions you have will be answered—so you’re fully prepared to make the most of the experience. You’ll also receive the duffel bag in which to pack the belongings that the porters will carry throughout the trek.
   
   Initial elevation: 10892 ft. (3320 m.)
   Highest elevation: 13779 ft. (4200 m.)
   Elevation of the campsite: 12795 ft. (3900 m.)
   Difficulty: moderate
   
   The guide will pick us up at our accommodation in Cuzco between 4:30 and 5:15 in the morning. Once the group is fully gathered, we’ll set off on a scenic minibus journey lasting several hours, offering stunning views of the snow-covered peaks of Salkantay and Humantay along the way.
   
   Mollepata
   Our first stop will be in the town of Mollepata, where we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast.
2. Humantay Lake
   2h
   Around 9:30 AM, we’ll begin our hike from Challacancha to the Soraypampa base camp. This first stretch of the trek winds through scenic, deep valleys. After covering approximately 8.7 miles (14 km), we’ll reach our lunch stop and the Soraypampa camp, where we’ll be spending the night. You can leave your gear here and take a well-deserved break.
   
   After visiting the lagoon, we will begin our 2-hour descent to the exclusive Soraypampa Camp. Once we arrive, we will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the cooks and we will be able to rest in the glass cabins. In the afternoon, we will hike to the Salkantay viewpoint where we will appreciate the sunset. We then will return to the camp, and have tea and dinner.
3. 2h
   Following the lagoon visit, we’ll descend for about 2 hours back to Soraypampa Camp. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious meal prepared by our cook and relax in your cabin. Later in the afternoon, we’ll take a short walk to the Salkantay viewpoint to witness the sunset. We’ll return to camp for tea and dinner to close out the day.

Day 2: Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Colpapampa

1. Salkantay Trail
   3h
   Hiking distance: 11,8 mi. (19 km.) -
   Initial elevation: 12795 ft. (3900 m.) -
   Highest elevation: 15141 ft. (4615 m.) -
   Elevation of the campsite: 9186 ft. (2800 m.) -
   Difficulty: moderate -
   
   Day two begins early, with a 5:00 a.m. wake-up call, a warm cup of tea, and breakfast before setting out on the trail. This is one of the most rewarding days, as we’ll reach the highest point of the entire trek: the Salkantay Pass, sitting at an impressive 15,190 feet (4,630 m) above sea level. From this vantage point, you'll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the valleys below and the majestic snow-covered peaks of Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. The scenery is absolutely unforgettable—you won’t know where to look first!
2. 5h
   From the heights of the Andes, we begin our descent into new terrain. We’ll hike for about 3 hours to reach Huayracmachay, where we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Afterward, the journey continues for another 3 hours until we arrive at Colpapampa, our campsite for the night. Here, we’ll enjoy dinner and rest in our cozy tents.

Day 3: Chaullay - Sahuayaco - Hot springs - Santa Teresa - Lucmabamba

1. Santa Teresa
   6h
   Hiking distance: 7,45 mi. (12 km.) -
   Initial elevation: 9186 ft. (2800 m.) -
   Highest elevation: 9186 ft. (2800 m.) -
   Elevation of the campsite: 5118 ft. (1560 m.) -
   Difficulty: moderate -
   
   We'll rise early and, after a hearty breakfast, set off on a 5-hour trek through the lush Peruvian jungle. This part of the route immerses you completely in nature—crossing rivers, spotting waterfalls and wild orchids, and walking through coffee and banana plantations. Now in the high jungle, you’ll notice the climate shift to a warmer, more humid environment, with scenery that’s a refreshing contrast to the previous mountain landscapes.
   
   Close to our campsite, you'll find the Cocalmayo hot springs in Santa Teresa—a perfect place to unwind in a natural setting (entry fee paid on-site). We'll head back to camp by 6:00 p.m., enjoy dinner, and settle in for the night.

Day 4: Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes

1. Mirador de Llactapata
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Hiking distance: 7,45 mi. (12 km.) -
   Initial elevation: 5118 ft. (1560 m.) -
   Highest elevation: 6561 ft. (2000 m.) -
   Elevation of the campsite: 6561 ft. (2000 m.) -
   Difficulty: moderate -
   
   We'll wake up surrounded by the vibrant scenery of the jungle—rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and plantations of bananas, avocados, and coffee. After breakfast, we’ll begin a 3-hour hike along an ancient Inca trail, enjoying panoramic views of the Santa Teresa Valley. Our destination is the Llactapata archaeological site, where our guide will share captivating stories about the ruins. From here, you’ll also get your first glimpse of the Machu Picchu mountain in the distance.
2. 5h
   After exploring Llactapata, we’ll descend for lunch, then continue on a 3-hour walk to Hidroeléctrica, where we’ll take a short break. From there, we’ll hike another 3 hours along the train tracks, heading toward the village of Aguas Calientes.
   
   Please note: horses are not permitted in this section, so you’ll need to carry all your belongings during this leg of the journey.
3. Aguas Calientes
   2h
   Once we arrive in Aguas Calientes, we’ll check into our accommodation and enjoy a well-earned dinner at a local restaurant in this charming town at the base of the majestic Machu Picchu.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

1. Aguas Calientes
   2h
   Hiking distance: 3,72 mi. (6 km.) -
   Initial elevation: 6561 ft. (2000 m.) -
   Elevation of the campsite: 7874ft. (2400 m.) -
   Difficulty: moderate -
   The final day of our adventure begins with a nutritious breakfast featuring fruit, juice, and a snack to energize you for the exciting finale. At the time set by your guide—based on your scheduled entrance to Machu Picchu—we’ll begin the journey to the citadel. You can choose to hike the nearly 2-hour uphill trail, or take the 30-minute bus ride directly to the entrance.
   
   Those opting to walk will start the hike between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, depending on your assigned entry time.
2. Machu Picchu
   4h
   Once at the site, you’ll immerse yourself in the wonder of Machu Picchu, uncovering the rich history of the Lost City of the Incas. This architectural marvel includes neighborhoods, plazas, passageways, buildings, agricultural terraces, and even astronomical observatories. After a guided tour, you'll have free time to explore and take photos at your own pace.
3. Cusco
   4h
   After visiting Machu Picchu, we’ll head back to Aguas Calientes, giving you a chance to explore the town or enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (lunch not included).
   
   In the afternoon, we’ll board the scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo, a 1.5-hour journey that traces the banks of the picturesque Vilcanota River—one of the most stunning short train rides in Peru.
   
   Once in Ollantaytambo, a shuttle will take you back to Cusco, where your unforgettable Salkantay Trek adventure concludes.

Pickup details

From your accommodation between 04:30 A.M. - 5:15 A.M

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness