Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N

Our adventure begins with an early hotel pickup in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., followed by a scenic 2-hour drive to Mollepata. Here, we enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast to energize for the day ahead. Afterward, we continue by vehicle to Challacancha (3,800 m), the starting point of our trek, where we meet our trekking team and prepare our equipment.

We’ll begin our hike with a gentle 3-hour walk through Andean valleys, crossing small streams and open landscapes until reaching Soraypampa (3,900 m). Upon arrival, we settle into camp and enjoy a nutritious lunch surrounded by impressive mountain scenery dominated by Salkantay Mountain.

In the afternoon, we’ll hike approximately 1.5 hours uphill to Humantay Lake (4,220 m), known for its turquoise waters and glacier views. We take time to explore, capture photos, and learn about the area from our guide before returning to camp.

Back at Soraypampa, we are welcomed with hot coca tea followed by a freshly prepared dinner. We spend the night in comfortable domes under the clear Andean sky.

Day 1 Statistics:

• Distance: 10 km
• Top Elevation: 4,220 m (Humantay Lake)
• Minimum Elevation: 2,976 m (Mollepata)
• Route: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
• Difficulty: Moderate

We’ll start the day early at 5:00 a.m. with a hearty breakfast to prepare for the most demanding section of the trek. From Soraypampa, we begin a steady 3-hour ascent toward the highest point of the route.

We’ll reach the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), where we take time to rest and admire the breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, including Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. This is one of the most rewarding moments of the journey.

After crossing the pass, we descend for about 3 hours to Huayracmachay (3,800 m), where we enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we continue descending for another 3 hours as the landscape gradually transforms into greener terrain.

We’ll arrive at Collpapampa in the late afternoon, where we relax with tea and enjoy a warm dinner before spending the night in our comfortable domes.

Day 2 Statistics:

• Distance: 22 km
• Top Elevation: 4,650 m (Salkantay Pass)
• Minimum Elevation: 2,900 m (Collpapampa)
• Route: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Collpapampa
• Difficulty: Challenging

After breakfast, we will continue the trek through the lush cloud forest over approximately 5.5 hours. The trail will pass through rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and dense vegetation, showing a clear transition from high Andes to a warmer, tropical environment.

Along the route, we will walk past local plantations where coffee, fruits, and medicinal plants are grown. Our guide will explain traditional farming practices and the importance of these crops for nearby communities.

We will arrive at Lucmabamba around midday, where lunch will be served and there will be time to rest. In the afternoon, we will take part in a coffee experience to learn more about cultivation and production.

In the evening, we will settle into our jungle domes. There will also be an optional visit to the Cocalmayo hot springs (not included). Dinner will be prepared at camp before resting for the night.

Day 3 Statistics:

• Distance: 14 km
• Top Elevation: 3,000 m
• Minimum Elevation: 2,000 m
• Route: Collpapampa – Cloud Forest – Lucmabamba
• Difficulty: Moderate

We will start early with breakfast before beginning one of the most scenic sections of the trek. A 3-hour uphill hike will lead us to Llactapata (2,700 m), where we will enjoy our first distant view of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

After exploring the site and learning about its history, we will descend for approximately 1.5 hours to our lunch point. The trail will continue through lush vegetation as we head toward Hidroelectrica (1,800 m).

From here, we will have the option to walk for about 3 hours along the train tracks or take an optional train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and have dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4 Statistics:

• Distance: 18 km
• Top Elevation: 2,700 m (Llactapata)
• Minimum Elevation: 1,800 m (Hidroelectrica)
• Route: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
• Difficulty: Moderate