Salkantay Trek
From snowy peaks to the magic of Machu Picchu
⏱ 5 days / 4 nights📍 Cusco · Machu Picchu👥 Shared service
Cusco → Mollepata → Humantay → Salkantay Pass → Chaullay → Lucmabamba → Llactapata → Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu
Day 1Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lagoon – Soraypampa
- Departure from Cusco to Mollepata and Soraypampa.
- Acclimatization hike to the impressive turquoise Humantay Lagoon (3,920 m).
- Panoramic views of the imposing glacier. Lunch, dinner and overnight in a camp/domes in Soraypampa under the stars.
Day 2Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayra Punku – Chaullay
- The most challenging day: ascent to the highest point, the majestic Salkantay Pass (4,630 m).
- Celebration of the achievement and impressive views of the guardian snow-capped peak.
- A rewarding descent through Wayra Punku to Chaullay (2,750 m).
- Climate transition from the Andean cold to the cloud forest. Dinner and camp in Chaullay.
Day 3Chaullay – La Playa – Cloud Forest – Lucmabamba
- Easy walk through valleys full of lush flora and wild orchids.
- Passing natural waterfalls, coffee and fruit plantations and villages such as La Playa.
- Arrival in Lucmabamba for dinner and a restful night before the final stretch.
Day 4Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
- Ascent to the Llactapata archaeological site with a privileged panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
- Descent to the Hydroelectric Power Plant and a scenic walk along the train tracks.
- Arrival in the town of Aguas Calientes (2,000 m), hotel check-in and option to visit the hot springs.
- Dinner and preparation for the big day.
Day 5Machu Picchu (Masterpiece) – Return to Cusco
- Early ascent to see and explore the wonderful Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
- Official guided visit to the most emblematic sectors of the World Wonder.
- Descent to Aguas Calientes, return train and tourist bus to Cusco.
- End of our expedition services.
- Tourist transport Cusco – Soraypampa
- Return train ticket to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
- Official entrance to the Machu Picchu citadel
- Official bilingual tour guide
- Cook and full meals on the trekking route
- Camping equipment and pack mules for luggage
- 1 hotel night in Aguas Calientes
- Commercial flights
- Sleeping bag
- Bus up/down Machu Picchu
- First breakfast and last lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Trekking poles
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Original passport at hand
- Technical layered clothing (extreme cold at Salkantay and heat/humidity in the jungle)
- Used trekking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Rain poncho