Salkantay Trek 5 Days: The Best Alternative to the Inca Trail

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake

1. Humantay Lake
   12h · Admission ticket included
   We will pick you up between 4:30 am and 5:00 am. After an approximately 2-hours drive, we will stop in Mollepata for a delicious breakfast, and then continue your journey to Challacancha at 3,800 m.a.s.l. (12457 ft), which is the starting point of your hike.
   
   We will hike for about 3 hours towards the Soraypampa base camp, located at 3,900 m.a.s.l. (12,800 ft.), and enjoy a nutritious lunch.
   
   We will then head towards the famous Humantay lake (4,220 m.a.s.l. / 13,850 ft) and admire the incredible views along the 1.5 hour walk. The landscapes are exuberant and full of colors according to the season of the year.
   You will be able to enjoy the green valleys full of vegetation and incredible sceneries offered by the Humantay and Salkantay Andes mountains, while your local guide will share his knowledge.
   
   After having enjoyed the visit to Humantay Lake, we will descend to the base camp in Soraypampa where we will enjoy a hot cup of coca tea, and have a freshly prepared dinner by the cooks.
2. Humantay Lake
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Humantay Lagoon (4,200 meters above sea level) was formed by the retreat of the Humantay Glacier, fed by the meltwater from Salkantay, due to climate change. Its characteristic turquoise color comes from minerals washed down from the rocks by the meltwater.
   
   Legends and Cultural Significance:
   The Cry of the Apu: According to local legend, after a great drought, the brothers Salkantay and Ausangate sought help. Salkantay traveled north, falling in love and facing challenges. As the mountains became snow-capped peaks, Salkantay's tears formed the lagoon, symbolizing his tears of love and sorrow.
   
   Sacred Site: The area has been venerated since Inca times, serving as a site for offerings (apachetas) to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Mountain Pass – Collpapampa

1. Inca Trail
   13h
   At 5:00 a.m., we'll enjoy a hearty breakfast to ensure we have enough energy for today's hike, which is the longest and most strenuous of the entire trek, approximately 22 km (13.5 mi). Starting the hike from Soraypampa, we'll ascend for 3 hours to the highest point, Abra Salkantay, where we'll enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andes peaks, such as Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo (each ranging from 4,650 to 4,850 meters/15,000 feet).
   
   Passing through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, we'll discover a beautiful lagoon and then begin your descent to Wacracmachey, a 3-hour hike (3,800 meters/12,470 feet). There, we'll have lunch and continue your descent for another 3 hours until we reach the campsite at Collpapampa.
   
   We'll enjoy tea and a delicious dinner prepared by the cook. Tonight, we'll sleep in the comfortable domes at the campsite.
   
   Hiking distance: 22 km / 13.47 miles

Day 3: Collpapampa – Lucmabamba

1. Salkantay Trail
   11h
   After a restful night's sleep, we begin the third day of your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with a delicious breakfast. We start your 5.5-hour hike through the Peruvian rainforest, with numerous ascents and descents. This part of the trek takes us through the cloud forest, where we'll discover several coffee plantations, orchids, and numerous medicinal plants. We'll reach your lunch spot to rest and enjoy a coffee tour.
   
   After lunch, we'll have the option to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs in Santa Teresa (entrance not included), where we can enjoy a relaxing 2-hour soak in the pools of varying temperatures. This experience will be very rewarding after a strenuous hike. We'll return to the camp at 6:00 PM for afternoon tea and a delicious dinner.
   
   Hiking distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles

Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

1. Salkantay Trail
   11h
   Today we'll enjoy the sunrise over a lush landscape of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and numerous plantations, such as banana, avocado, coffee... After a nutritious breakfast, we'll prepare for the next challange of your trekking adventure: Hiking a section of the original Inca Trail!
   We'll ascend the Inca Trail, enjoying the beautiful views of the Santa Teresa Valley. After a 2.5-hour climb, we'll reach the Inca archaeological site of Llactapata, where your guide will share their knowledge about the history of this place. We'll also get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains.
   
   We'll descend for about 2 hours towards Hidroeléctrica for the lunch. You can choose to hike to Aguas Calientes; A hike about 3 hours or take a train for an additional US$38.00 (optional). Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in town.
   Tonight, we'll be staying in a hotel.
   
   Hiking distance: 18 km / 11 miles

Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

1. Machupicchu
   12h · Admission ticket included
   We will wake up very early, breakfast and then, we will begin the hike to Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 1.5 hours, where we will climb the mountain until reaching Machu Picchu around 6:00 a.m.
   
   There is also the option to take the bus, which takes approximately 30 minutes and cost USD 12.00 (not included).
   Once in Machu Picchu, a PRIVATE GUIDE TOUR of nearly 3 hours where you will enjoy the most iconic panoramic view of all Machu Picchu (Circuit 1 – Short Upper Circuit), with historical and archaeological insights from the highest strategic viewpoint.
   
   At the end, return to Cusco will be by Van from Hidroeléctrica, with an approximate travel time of 6 hours.
   
   Optional: You may choose to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain (2 hours).
   These hikes must be booked in advance, as availability is limited (USD 65.00 not included).
   If you choose these option, the return must be by train (USD 85.00 not included), otherwise, you will not arrive on time to board your van to return to Cusco.

Pickup details

Our guide will pick you up from the Plaza de Armas at the scheduled time, with prior coordination via WhatsApp, and will also be displaying the company logo.

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• People with recent spinal injuries, fractures, or recent surgical procedures