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TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 15 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
Salkantay Express is an adventure designed to experience the best of Salkantay and Machu Picchu in just 4 days.
This itinerary offers the perfect balance of breathtaking natural attractions. Day 01 beginning with the stunning Humantay Lake. You’ll then spend a magical night at our strategically located campsite, nestled between the majestic Salkantay Mountain and the Humantay Glacier.
What's included
Sleeping bag
Salkantay trail and Humantay lake Entrance tickets
Return on the Vistadome or 360° panoramic train
Transportation during the tour
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
The day before the tour we have a safety briefing
Day 4 Aguas Calientes → > Machu Picchu Bus
4 days with a professional mountain guide
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Last day lunch
What to expect
Day 1: Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Laguna Humantay – Comfortable Andean Cabins
2h · Admission ticket included
Your adventure starts first thing in the morning. We will collect you from your hotel at 4:10 a.m. to begin the journey in our comfortable private group transport, allowing you a little more sleep on the way. After a 2-hour drive, we’ll have a rest in Mollepata, the last town before Salkantay. (Here, you’ll have the opportunity to pick up basics like snacks, mosquito repellent, rain ponchos and coca leaves to ease altitude discomfort.) You will also enjoy a tasty local breakfast, included in your package.
From Mollepata, we’ll head on to Challacancha, the launching point of our hike. There, you’ll encounter our team of cooks and horsemen, who will be instrumental in ensuring that this trek is unforgettable. We’ll also do a final check of our gear before we leave on our adventure.
2h · Admission ticket included
The hike starts with a 3-hour moderate hike to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft) This 7 km (4.35 miles) stretch is mostly level with a gradual uphill through a beautiful glacier valley. On the way, you’ll spot the remnants of an ancient Inca water channel that has been restored and is still used by local farmers today.
Once we reach Soraypampa we will get rest in our Exclusive Andean Cabins – specially designed for your comfort in the heart of nature. After a well-deserved break, you will have a delicious lunch prepared by our chef to refuel for the next part of the adventure.
Humantay Lake
3h · Admission ticket included
In the afternoon, we’ll start hiking to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). This 3 km (1.86 miles) round-trip hike can be completed in 3 hours. While to our lowland legs the distance is small, the elevation gain calls for a slower tempo. When you get there, you’ll be entranced by alpine turquoise water framed by the jagged Humantay Glacier — it looks like something out of fairy tale.
Back at the camp, tea time will unfold: a time to share hot beverages, snacks and that favorite popcorn to relive memories of your first day. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a gourmet Andean buffet dinner, paired with a stunning sunset over the mountains.
The tour begins with a strenuous 7 km (4.35 mi) hike approximately 3 hours, to the highest point of the trek: the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) The climb is arduous, especially along the curve-clad stretch of the “Pathway of Seven Snakes.”
Once at the top, you’ll be clicking away at views of the surrounding valleys and the majestic Salkantay Mountain (6,271 m / 20,574 ft), Peru’s second-highest peak in the Cusco region. It is known as an Apu (Inca god) which represents protection and strength. Upon reaching the summit, your guide will honor the Apus and Pachamama (Mother Earth) with a sacred ceremony, gratitude rituals and a request for blessings on your next journey. After admiring the breathtaking scenery and enjoying an ample rest, you will descend 7 km down to Huayracmachay (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), where a delicious and energizing lunch will await. This section of the trek is steep and rocky, but the dramatic views of the surrounding valleys make every step worth it.
2h
You will hike all day and arrive to Collpapampa and cozy Andean Cabins. Enjoy a filling, comforting dinner to finish the day, enjoying the serenity and beauty of the surroundings. As you nestle in for the night, jungle sounds will soothe you to sleep, and make you ready for the adventures of the next day.
Day 3: Collpapampa – La Playa – Lucmabamba – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes Town.
Santa Teresa
2h
We’ll wake you up at 6:00 AM for a quick and energizing breakfast before embarking on today’s adventure. Our journey takes us through the stunning Santa Teresa Valley, where a 5-hour trek will immerse you in the lush tropical landscape. As we hike, you’ll encounter flowing rivers, vibrant wild orchids, and an array of plantations, including coffee, bananas, and avocados. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to taste fresh granadilla and passion fruit, straight from the source.
Continuing our hike, we’ll descend to the valley floor and cross to the other side of the mountains, entering a verdant tropical paradise. Here, we’ll be surrounded by cascading waterfalls, exotic birds, and abundant fruit trees, as well as a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Aguas Calientes
3h
Upon reaching La Playa, we’ll enjoy our final lunch prepared by our talented chefs while relaxing and enjoying a special coffee demonstration. Afterward, we’ll board transportation to Hidroeléctrica train station. From there, we continue hiking alongside the railway tracks, surrounded by dense vegetation and following the path of the Urubamba River. If you’re feeling tired, you have the option to take the train to Aguas Calientes for an additional $37.00.
As we pass through this tropical paradise, you’ll spot more plantations and exotic plants, along with a diverse array of bird species, including Peru’s national bird, the vibrant cock of the rock (El Gallito de las Rocas).
After approximately three hours of hiking, we will arrive in Aguas Calientes, where you’ll be taken to your hotel to relax and unwind. Your comfortable room features a private bathroom, hot shower, WiFi, and breakfast in the morning, along with luggage storage.
Day 4: Explore the Wonders of Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
Machupicchu
3h · Admission ticket included
The moment you have all been waiting for! Today you’ll enter the breathtaking realm of Machu Picchu, the mythical city of the Inca Empire that was mysteriously abandoned in the 16th century and rediscovered centuries later. Its ancient citadel on top of a mountain pinnacle that seems impossible to reach is the crowning moment of your journey and will leave you speechless.
You wake up before dawn, full of excitement for the day ahead, have a great breakfast at your hotel, then get on the earliest bus to see the magnificent sunrise over Machu Picchu. It is something that you will keep in your heart for as long as you have it when you watch the sun light up this architectural masterpiece.
Led by your expert guide, embark on an in-depth exploration of the citadel, unearthing the mysteries of its sacred temples, encompassing palaces, and open plazas. Walk through the heart of the Incas’ most iconic creation and learn about their ingenious engineering, spiritual beliefs and daily life.
Meeting and pickup
Pickup details
Our guide communicates with all travelers prior to pick up, it is very easy to recognize them since they will be with the company logo.
Additional information
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
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
