Embark on a scenic 5-day adventure through ecological wonderlands on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Explore diverse landscapes, mighty rivers, and abundant tropical vegetation.
Cusco - Challa Cancha – Soraypampa
Salkantay Trek - Begin your hike at Challa Cancha, following a broad path as we gradually ascend the valley, covering approximately 16 km (9.9 miles). The scenery throughout the day is breathtaking, with a variety of native plants and birds to see. By the end of the day, you’ll witness the majestic snow-capped peaks of Humantay and Salkantay (The Savage) towering above. Tonight’s base campsite is at Soraypampa (4000 m / 12750 ft.), where the night can be quite cold, marking the chilliest night of the trek.
Soraypampa - Huayracmachay - Collpapampa
Salkantay Trek - This is the longest, highest, and most challenging day of the trek, but also the most stunning. The landscapes shift dramatically, starting from the high Puna covered in Andean grass, ascending over the rocky Salkantay pass, and then descending into the warm, lush cloud forest below. Along the way, you’ll encounter diverse wildlife. Tonight’s campsite is at Collpapampa (2900 m / 9514 ft). It’s advisable to use mosquito repellent from this point onward due to the biting insects in the area.
Collpapampa - La Playa (Sahuayaco)
Salkantay Trek - After breakfast, enjoy the shortest day of the hike, traveling 12 km down the valley to the village of La Playa from the Collpapampa campsite. The trail follows the Lluskamayo River through a vibrant area filled with coffee plants and native fruit plantations. Tonight’s campsite is in the village of La Playa (2400m / 7874 ft.), where you can sample locally grown coffee. If interested, you can visit nearby hot springs; inform your guide in advance to arrange this, or you can spend a free afternoon in the village.
La Playa - Hidroeléctrica - Machu Picchu Pueblo
Machu Picchu - Start the day early with breakfast, embarking on the final stretch of the hike to Aguas Calientes town at the base of Machu Picchu Citadel. Today’s main highlight is visiting the Inca site of Llactapata. Following an original Inca Trail, you’ll reach Llactapata by early to mid-morning and enjoy stunning views of Machu Picchu. After touring Llactapata, descend to the Hydroelectric Station for the last lunch and to thank your team. Continue hiking to Machu Picchu Pueblo (or optionally take the train to the town), where you’ll spend the night in a hotel.
Machu Picchu - Cusco
Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu - After breakfast at the hostel, catch the first bus back up to Machu Picchu citadel to explore the site as the sun rises. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour, learning about the Incas and visiting the most significant areas of the citadel. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own. In the afternoon, take the train back to Ollantaytambo, then continue by bus to Cusco.
- Breakfast included
- Lunch provided
- Dinner meals
- Entrance fee to Waynapicchu
- Sleeping Bags, infaltable mattress & poles
A fresh and exciting substitute to the regular trek, aimed at both pre-adventure enthusiasts and those who couldn’t secure a spot on the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This detour guides us to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, with a backdrop of scenic lakes, mountains such as Humantay and Salkantay, tracing the path of our forefathers. We’ll get to admire diverse ecosystems, cross potent rivers, and during our mountain journey, visit Thermus-Natural Waters. We’ll step into the abundant tropical vegetation of the forest fringe region, appreciating multi-coloured flowers, and catch sight of hummingbirds and parrot species within the damp forests. On the final trek day, we’ll pay a dawn visit to the Lost City of the Incas - Machu Picchu, with a late return to Cusco planned for the same day.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
