Salkantay Trek Lodge 5 Day Last Minute Booking

Day 1: CUSCO | SORAYPAMPA | HUMANTAY LAKE

1. Cusco
   1m
   Our journey starts early between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., when your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. Together, we’ll board a private tourist van and drive for about two hours along a winding mountain road. Along the way, you’ll see snow-covered peaks and beautiful valleys until we reach the town of Mollepata,
2. Mollepata
   Pass by
   We’ll make a short stop in the charming village of Mollepata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) for about 10 minutes to complete the check-in process and fill out the required form. During this break, you’ll also have the chance to use the restroom. Just a short walk away, the town’s main square invites you to explore local restaurants where you can enjoy an optional buffet breakfast or pick up any last-minute essentials before the real adventure begins.
3. 30m · Admission ticket included
   After a short break in the charming village of Mollepata, we continue along a rustic mountain road, a 45-minute scenic drive through winding Andean landscapes, until we reach Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft) — the true gateway to adventure. Just steps away from the bus drop-off lies our cozy mountain lodge, your warm retreat in the heart of the Andes.
   
   Here, we’ll check in early so you can settle comfortably before lacing up your boots for the first hike of the journey: a breathtaking trek to the turquoise Humantay Lake. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and crisp alpine air, this experience sets the perfect tone for the unforgettable days ahead on the Salkantay Trail.
4. Humantay Lake
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Our task is to get the dazzling Turquoise Lake, a hidden gem at 4,200m (13,780 ft). From our cozy mountain lodge, we’ll hike 2.5 km (about 1.5–2 hours) along a scenic narrow trail framed by rugged Andean landscapes, sparse high-altitude vegetation, and towering snow-capped peaks. Reaching the turquoise waters feels like stepping into another world—serene, majestic, and unforgettable. Here, you’ll savor a fresh, healthy box lunch while your expert local guide shares the legends and history of this sacred place. Take your time to capture stunning photos before retracing your steps back to the lodge (1–1.5 hours). As evening falls, enjoy a warm, homemade dinner lovingly prepared by a local family at 6:30 pm, followed by a restful night in a comfortable bed.

Day 2: SORAYPAMPA | SALKANTAY PASS | CHAULLAY | LUCMABAMBA

1. Salkantay Trail
   20m · Admission ticket included
   After a hearty breakfast, you’ll set out on the most challenging yet unforgettable day of the trek—an epic 20 km journey across dramatic Andean landscapes. From Soraypampa Lodge, the trail winds through the stunning Salkantay Valley toward Salkantay Pampa (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), where glacier views will leave you breathless. The real adventure begins with a steep ascent to Abra Salkantay (4,632 m / 15,196 ft)—the trek’s highest point and its crown jewel. Here, adrenaline and wonder collide as you stand face to face with the towering Salkantay Mountain (6,270 m / 20,570 ft), surrounded by snowcapped giants that seem to pierce the sky. This is the defining moment every adventurer craves: triumph, awe, and a deep spiritual connection with the Andes. Take time to celebrate, capture iconic photos, and soak in the sacred energy before descending toward Machu Picchu
2. 45m · Admission ticket included
   After conquering the high mountain pass, we begin our descent along a dramatic zigzagging trail—rugged, rocky, and demanding full attention for the next two hours. Each step brings a mix of adrenaline and awe as the towering peaks slowly fade into gentler valleys. Our reward awaits in the welcoming community of Wayraqmachay (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where a local family greets us with a well-earned, freshly prepared lunch. More than just a meal, it’s a taste of Andean hospitality and tradition, fueling both body and spirit for the adventure ahead.
3. Pass by
   After a well-earned gourmet lunch, your journey continues with a breathtaking three-hour descent into the lush cloud forest, where towering bamboo, vibrant orchids, and fluttering butterflies replace the rugged high-Andean landscapes. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Chaullay (2,900m / 9,514ft) before a short scenic transfer to Lucmabamba (2,000m / 6,560ft). Nestled in the heart of a coffee plantation in the high jungle, our cozy mountain lodge offers the perfect reward: private cabins with hot showers, reliable WiFi, and a hearty farm-to-table dinner. Surrounded by the aroma of freshly roasted coffee and the sounds of the forest, you’ll experience the magic of the Andes in comfort—an unforgettable blend of raw adventure and authentic local charm

Day 3: LUCMABAMBA | LLACTAPATA | AGUAS CALIENTES

1. Mirador de Llactapata
   30m · Admission ticket included
   We begin with a hearty breakfast at the lodge beside the Inca Trail, then start a 2.5-hour climb through coffee plantations to the trek’s highest point (2,818 m / 9,245 ft). After enjoying the views, we descend to Llactapata (2,750 m / 9,022 ft) for our first distant glimpse of Machu Picchu, framed by the peaks of Huayna Picchu, Veronica, and Salkantay.
   After an unforgettable journey through dramatic mountain scenery, we begin a 90-minute descent into the lush Aobamba Valley, where the sound of rushing water and birdsong surrounds us. Crossing a hanging suspension bridge over the Aobamba River feels like stepping into another world, a mix of thrill and serenity that only the Andes can deliver. From here, the trail leads us along a rustic, dusty road toward the Hidroelectrica station (1,780 m / 5,839 ft)
2. Aguas Calientes
   Pass by
   After a well-deserved lunch at Hidroelectrica, the adventure continues along the Urubamba River and the historic train tracks (10 km / 6.2 mi) toward Aguas Calientes (2,010 m / 6,692 ft). For those who prefer a quicker option, a 35-minute scenic train ride is available (ticket not included). The trail immerses you in a lush cloud forest alive with orchids, bromeliads, waterfalls, and the vibrant Andean cock-of-the-rock. By late afternoon, we arrive at Aguas Calientes, where you’ll check into a cozy hostel and savor a delicious local dinner.

Day 4: Resting & Relaxing

1. Machu Picchu HotSprings
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   After the excitement of the trail, today is all about relaxation and recovery. Today we purchase your entry ticket, we may need to rise early, as sales begin at 6:00 a.m. Once that’s taken care of, the rest of the day is yours to unwind at your own pace.
   For those who want to keep exploring, the town offers plenty of options: stroll to the refreshing waterfalls, soak in the natural hot springs, or discover the butterfly sanctuary and the Machu Picchu Museum. These activities are optional and come at an additional cost, but they add a special touch to your adventure.
   Whether you choose to rest quietly or explore a little more, this day is the perfect balance before continuing your unforgettable journey.

Day 5: MACHU PICCHU

1. Machu Picchu
   2h
   Your guide will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast at your hostel. Together, you’ll take a 30-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu. Once inside, you’ll enjoy a guided tour, exploring the most important sites according to the circuit indicated on your entrance ticket. After the tour, you’ll return to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you can board your train at the scheduled time back to Ollantaytambo, and from there continue by bus to Cusco.

• 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