The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a 4-day adventure through diverse landscapes. Starting from Cusco, the journey includes the stunning Humantay Lagoon, the challenging Salkantay Pass at 4,700 meters, and the lush Santa Teresa Valley. The trek culminates with a visit to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. This route offers breathtaking views and a mix of high-altitude mountains and tropical forests.
We begin with pick-up at 4:30 a.m. from your hotel, departing from Cusco and heading towards the town of Mollepata, located approximately 2.30 hours from Cusco. We will make a brief stop for breakfast. Then, we will continue for another hour to the area known as Challacancha, the starting point of the hike. We will hike for 3 hours before reaching Soraypampa (3,900 m), where we will stop and enjoy lunch at the campsite. After lunch, we will hike up to the beautiful Humantay Lake to admire this impressive location (4,200 m) and the snow-capped Humantay Mountain (5,900 m). Later, we will return to the campsite for dinner and spend the night in the camping tents.
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The day starts early at 5:00 a.m. After a hearty breakfast, we will prepare ourselves for the most challenging hike of the trek. We will organize our gear and begin our hike for 1 hour and 30 minutes to the site called Salkantaypampa (4,100 m), where we will take a short break. We will then continue ascending for 1 hour until we reach Soyrococha (4,400 m), a perfect spot to rest, rehydrate, and enjoy a snack. The trail continues for another hour to the highest point of the hike, the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), located between the impressive snow-capped mountains of Humantay (5,917 m) and Salkantay (6,271 m) – “The Savage Mountain”. Here, we will admire the Salkantay snow-capped peaks, the magnificent view of the mountain range, and an original Inca trail that has withstood the test of time. Afterward, we will descend to Wayracpampa (2 hours), where our team will be waiting for us with lunch. We will then continue our descent through the cloud forest, experiencing a change in climate and vegetation, until we reach Chaullay, where we will set up our camp. The day will involve approximately 8 hours of hiking. Distance: 21 km from Soraypampa to Chaullay. Maximum altitude: 4,650 m (Salkantay Pass).
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We will have breakfast at the campsite before embarking on a approximately 5-hour hike through the high jungle until we reach Sahuayaco-Playa (2,000 m), where we will stop for lunch. Be prepared for a hot and humid hike, characteristic of the high jungle. However, it will be beautiful with views of coffee plantations and a variety of tropical plants. After lunch, we will continue the journey in a local transportation to Hidroeléctrica. From there, we will resume our hike to Aguas Calientes (2,100 m), where we will have dinner and spend the night in accommodation.
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Start early at 5:00 am this morning and take a bus up to Machu Picchu at 5:45 am to arrive at 6:15 am and explore the Inca city in the morning light. After exploring this cultural and archaeological wonder, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, we will return to Cusco by bus and train. The thrilling adventure through the Andes will conclude with the return to the city of Cusco.
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Price Includes
Briefing one night before departure at the offices (18:00 pm).
Briefing one night before departure at the offices (18:00 pm).
Briefing one night before departure at the offices (18:00 pm).
Briefing one night before departure at the offices (18:00 pm).
Briefing one night before departure at the offices (18:00 pm).
Price Excludes
Entrance fees to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($25 USD each).
Breakfast on Day 1, lunch on Day 4, and dinner on Day 4.
Sleeping bag ($15 USD each).
Bus tickets for the ascent and descent of Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu ($12 USD one way).
Walking sticks ($10 USD each).
Hidroeléctricas to Aguas Calientes train ticket ($31 USD).
What you need to take
Original Passport
ISIC card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
Walking boots
Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
Warm jacket
Hat and gloves
T-shirts
Comfortable Trousers
Sun hat
Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
Insect repellant
Toiletries and hand sanitiser
Personal medication
Camera and film
Torch with spare batteries
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, tips
