Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 6 Days - 5 Nights

Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humatay Lake - Sky Camp

1. Cusco
   2h
   We start very early with pick-up at your hotel around 5:00 a.m. for a two-hour drive to Mollepata
2. Mollepata
   2h
   In Mollepata, we will enjoy an energizing breakfast. Then we will continue to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek, where you will meet our local team who will accompany you throughout the route.
3. 5h · Admission ticket included
   The hike begins with a 3-hour trek to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where our exclusive Sky Camp is located. During the trek, you will follow an ancient Inca canal that is still in use today. Upon arrival at the camp, you will enjoy lunch with a view of the mountains and a short time to rest.
4. Humantay Lake
   3h · Admission ticket included
   In the afternoon, we will hike to the impressive Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), where you will have free time to enjoy the natural surroundings, breathe fresh air, and contemplate its turquoise waters.
5. 10h · Admission ticket included
   We will return to camp for dinner and spend the night in our comfortable domes, ideal for observing the Andean night sky.

Day 2: Soraypampa - Abra Salkantay - Huayracmachay - Collpapampa

1. 1h · Admission ticket included
   We start the day with the first rays of sun and a cup of coca tea, followed by a hearty breakfast.
2. 2h
   We begin the hike towards the most demanding challenge of the Salkantay Trek: the Abra Salkantay. This ascent takes approximately 3 hours, including the challenging 7 Serpents Trail.
   
   Upon reaching the summit, you will enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of the trip, surrounded by snow-capped mountains (Apus) such as Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo, as well as extensive Andean valleys.
3. Colcapampa
   4h
   After a short rest, we begin the descent to Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), where you will enjoy lunch surrounded by the last views of the glaciers.
   We continue towards the cloud forest, a stretch full of endemic flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled: you may spot the Cock of the Rock, Peru's national bird. This part of the trek takes about 3.5 hours, until we reach Collpapampa (2,950 m / 9,678 ft), where our exclusive Mountain Sky View Lodge is located
4. 10h · Admission ticket included
   Here you will enjoy dinner and rest comfortably.

Day 3: Collpapampa - La Playa - Lucmabamba - Super Jungle Domes

1. 1h · Admission ticket included
   We start the day with a hearty breakfast and the sounds of nature.
2. Santa Teresa
   2h
   Then we begin our hike through the Santa Teresa Valley, a stretch full of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, fruit trees, and extensive banana, coffee, and avocado plantations. This route offers tropical landscapes that are ideal for enjoying and taking photographs.
3. 2h · Admission ticket included
   We arrive at Zona Propiedad to board our private vehicle to La Playa, where we will visit a coffee farm to learn about the local coffee production process and observe avocado and orange plantations.
   After this enriching activity, we will continue our journey to Lucmabamba (2,000 m/6,562 ft).
   After a short break, we will enjoy a delicious lunch and settle into our exclusive Super Jungle Domes. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the surroundings.
4. 10h · Admission ticket included
   Finally, we will return to Lucmabamba (2,000 m/6,562 ft), where you will enjoy dinner and rest in your jungle accommodation, allowing you to relax and connect with nature.

Day 4: Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Hydroelectric Plant - Aguas Calientes

1. Mirador de Llactapata
   2h · Admission ticket included
   We start the day with an energy-packed breakfast to begin the 2-hour climb to Llactapata (2,700 m/ 8,858 ft), an archaeological site that offers unique views of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. After the guide's explanation, you will have free time to rest and take pictures.
2. 3h
   Then we descend for 1 hour and 30 minutes to Aobamba, where we enjoy lunch. We continue for another 30 minutes to Hidroeléctrica (1,800 m/ 5,905 ft), where you can see a 250-meter artificial waterfall that generates electricity.
3. 3h
   From Hidroeléctrica, we will continue walking for 3 hours along a trail surrounded by vegetation, following the train tracks and passing by the Intihuatana, an ancient Inca sundial.
4. Aguas Calientes
   10h
   Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, dinner at an exclusive restaurant and a night in a comfortable hotel await you.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes - KM 104 - Inti Punku - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes

1. 30m · Admission ticket included
   After a hearty breakfast, we head to Km 104, the starting point of the short Inca Trail.
2. 2h · Admission ticket included
   We begin the hike surrounded by lush Andean vegetation until we reach Chachabamba, the first archaeological site, where the guide will provide a detailed explanation.
3. Winay Wayna
   3h · Admission ticket included
   We continue for 3 hours to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m), “Forever Young,” famous for its ritual fountain, temples dedicated to the forces of nature, and beautiful agricultural terraces. After exploring the complex, you will enjoy a short break to connect with the surroundings. Further on, we will pass by the camps of the Classic Inca Trail and have our box lunch.
4. 1h · Admission ticket included
   We resume the hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), from where you will have your first spectacular views of Machu Picchu. This will be an ideal time for photographs and to feel the energy of the place.
5. Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Finally, we descend to the upper terraces of Machu Picchu to take the classic postcard photo before boarding the bus to Aguas Calientes.
6. Aguas Calientes
   10h
   In the evening, you will dine at a renowned restaurant and rest in a comfortable hotel.

Day 6: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

1. Aguas Calientes
   1h
   We wake up early to enjoy a light breakfast at the hotel before boarding the bus that will take us to the entrance of Machu Picchu in a 25-minute ride.
2. Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Upon entering, you will take a 2-hour guided tour of the lower part of the citadel, visiting temples, terraces, and key points of Inca architecture. Then you will have free time to take photos and explore on your own.
   If you have an additional ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, the guide will accompany you to the checkpoint and begin the corresponding explanation to continue the hike.
3. Ollantaytambo
   2h
   Afterwards, we will return to the entrance to take the bus to Aguas Calientes. There you will have time to have lunch at the restaurant of your choice before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo.
4. Cusco
   Pass by
   Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, where your experience will end at your respective hotel.

Pickup details

We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco.
We pick up all travelers from their hotels between 04:30 and 05:00 am.

• Service animals allowed
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
• It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
• Spots at Machu Picchu sell out quickly. Book this trip at least three months in advance to secure spaces.
• Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
• Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
• Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
• Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
• Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required