Salkantay Trek 5 Days / 4 Night

Day 1

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am. We will drive with the group to Mollepata (approx. 3 hours), where we will have a nutritious breakfast. We will then move one more hour to Challacancha (3380 meters/ 11,090 feet), the starting point of our hike to Sorpaypampa. The beginning of the trail will take us through some beautiful valleys. After a three-hour walk, we arrive at our campsite in Soraypampa (3,900 meters/12,800 feet) at approximately 13:30. We will have time to relax and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our cook.

Later, we will finally visit the famous Humantay Lagoon! After 1.5 hours of hiking, we will arrive at the lagoon (4,220 meters/ 13,850 feet), where we will take some time to admire the breathtaking views and later descend to our campsite in Soraypampa, where we will spend the night.

Hiking Distance: 12 km/7.4 miles

Day 2

At 5:00 am, we will enjoy breakfast and start our trek from Soraypampa; we will make an ascent for 4 hours to the highest point of Abra Salkantay, where we will enjoy the snowcapped high Andes Mountains (4,650 meters / 15,250 feet). Passing through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, we will discover a beautiful small lake and then begin our descent towards Huayracmachay for 3 hours (3,800 meters / 12,470 feet). There, we will have lunch and continue our decline for 3 more hours until we reach our campsite in Colpapampa (2,900 meters / 9,500 feet). We will have tea and a delicious dinner prepared by our cook. Tonight we will sleep in our comfortable domes at the campsite.

Hiking Distance: 22 km/13.47 miles

Day 3

We start day 3 of the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu with a delicious breakfast. We begin our 5 ½ hours hike through the Peruvian jungle, passing over many ascents and descents. This part of the trek marks the cloud forest, where we will discover several coffee plantations, orchids, and many natural plants used for medicines. We will arrive at our lunch point Playa Sahuayaco to rest a little. Here you can visit the thermal baths in Cocalmayo, Santa Teresa (not included). We will return to our campsite at 6.00 pm for tea and a freshly prepared dinner.

Hiking Distance: 14 km/8.7 miles

Day 4

Today, we will enjoy the sunrise, have a nutritious breakfast, and prepare for the next part of our trekking adventure. It is time to walk up along the Inca Trail, enjoying the beautiful views of the Santa Teresa Valley. After a 2.5 ascent, we will arrive at the Inca archaeological site of Llactapata. Our local guide will share his knowledge about the history of this place. Besides, we will get the chance to get our first glimpse of Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu Mountain. After this incredible experience, we will go downhill for lunch and then continue our hike to Hidroeléctrica. You can choose to walk to Aguas Calientes for around 3 hours or opt to board a train for $32.00 extra. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Tonight, we will sleep in a hostel.

Hiking Distance: 18 km/13.7 miles

Day 5

The day you have been waiting for! We will wake up early this morning for our visit to the famous Machu Picchu, where the guide will explain the history of Machu Picchu. After the guided tour, you will have free time to take photos and discover this magical place on your own.

We will return to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon and take the train to Ollantaytambo. On the way back, we can enjoy the incredible landscape of the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at the train station, we will take our last return bus back to Cusco.

Hiking Distance: 12 km/7.4 miles