DAY 1 CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA – HUMANTAY LAKE

Humantay Lake - The guide will collect the group from their hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am. Together, they will travel to Mollepata for breakfast. Afterward, they will drive for another hour to Challacancha (3,380 meters/11,090 feet), the starting point of the hike, passing the Hornada Pata viewpoint where the valley divides. The trail begins through picturesque valleys. After a three-hour hike, the group will reach the Soraypampa campsite (3,900 meters/12,800 feet) around 1:30 pm. There will be time to relax and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the cook. Later, the group will visit the renowned Humantay Lagoon! After a 1.5-hour hike, they will arrive at the lagoon (4,220 meters/13,850 feet) with its stunning blue-green waters and the snowy Humantay Mountain peak in the background, making it one of the most remarkable spots in the Andes Mountains. Time will be taken to admire the breathtaking views before descending back to the Soraypampa campsite.

DAY 2 SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – COLLPAPAMPA

Salkantay Trail - At 5:00 am, a hearty breakfast will be served to energize everyone for the day’s hike. The trek begins from Soraypampa, ascending for 3 hours to the highest point at Abra Salkantay, where breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andes Mountains of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo (4,650 meters/15,250 feet) can be enjoyed. Passing through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, a beautiful small lake will be discovered before descending towards Huarachmachhay for 3 hours (3,800 meters/12,470 feet). Lunch will be served there, followed by a 3-hour descent to the Colpapampa campsite (2,900 meters/9,500 feet). Tea and a delicious dinner prepared by the cook will be enjoyed. The night will be spent in Andean huts at the campsite.

DAY 3 COLLPAPAMPA – LUCMABAMBA

Cocalmayo Hot Springs of Santa Teresa - After a refreshing night’s sleep, day 3 of the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu begins with a delicious breakfast. A 5 ½-hour hike through the Peruvian jungle follows, with many ascents and descents. This part of the trek marks the cloud forest, where several coffee plantations, orchids, and many natural medicinal plants will be discovered. The group will arrive at the lunch point Playa Sahuayaca for a rest. There is an option to visit the thermal baths located in Cocalmayo, Santa Teresa (not included). The group will return to the campsite at 6:00 pm for tea and a freshly prepared dinner.

DAY 4 LUCMABAMBA - LLACTAPATA – HIDROELÉCTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

Aguas Calientes - The sunrise will be enjoyed in a lush landscape of rivers, waterfalls, orchids, and many plantations, including banana, avocado, and coffee. A nutritious breakfast will be served before embarking on the next part of the trekking adventure: hiking along a section of the original Inca Trail! The group will ascend the Inca Trail, enjoying the beautiful views of the Santa Teresa Valley. After a 2.5-hour ascent, they will arrive at the Inca archaeological site of Llactapata. The local guide will share knowledge about the history of this place. Additionally, there will be a chance to catch the first glimpse of Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu Mountain. The group will descend for lunch and then continue the hike to Hidroeléctrica. There is an option to walk to Aguas Calientes for around 3 hours or take a train for an additional $32.00. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a delicious dinner will be enjoyed at a local restaurant in the village at the base of the magnificent Wonder of the World.

DAY 5 AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Aguas Calientes - An early start is planned for the visit to the famous Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. This complex is considered a jewel of Inca architecture, featuring various quarters, squares, alleys, buildings, astronomical observatories, and terraces. A guided tour will provide insights into the Machu Picchu site, a Wonder of the World. After the tour, there will be free time to take photos and explore this magical place independently. Those who have pre-selected to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain will do so at their designated time (1st group: 6 am to 8 am, 2nd group:). In the afternoon, the group will return to Aguas Calientes. There will be time for lunch (not included), offering a perfect opportunity to explore local restaurants. The train to Ollantaytambo departs at 2:55 pm, providing a chance to enjoy the incredible landscape of the Sacred Valley on the return journey.

• Dinner
• 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes Town
• Cook, assistant cook, and muleteer
• Entrances to Salkantay and Machupicchu
• Camping equipment, inflatable mats, dining tent, cooking tent
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• 3 nights Andean huts campsite
• Bilingual tour guide
• Train tickets to return to Cusco
• Tourist transport

• 1st breakfast and the last lunch after the tour of Machu Picchu
• Tickets bus roundtrip in Machu Picchu
• sleeping bag, walking stick
• tips

The Salkantay Trek is recognized as one of the top 25 treks globally by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. Renowned as one of the most popular treks in Cusco, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu offers an exceptional alternative to the traditional Inca Trails. This journey guides adventurers through a variety of landscapes, providing a unique chance to witness the classic Andean scenery, snowy peaks, tropical forests, and ultimately, the lush Inca jungle. For those considering a trekking adventure to Machu Picchu, seeking paths less traveled, and wishing to connect with Andean communities while enjoying Peru’s stunning and varied nature, the Salkantay Trek comes highly recommended.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.