Salkantay Trek

Join us for an unforgettable 5-day adventure on the Salkantay Trek, a journey that takes you through the stunning turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, past the towering snow-capped peaks of Salkantay, and deep into lush jungle trails leading to the iconic wonder of Machu Picchu. Experience why this is one of the world’s most sought-after hiking routes!

DAY 01 - Cusco - Soraypampa (Humantay Lake)

The tour kicks off around 6 a.m. with pickup from your hotel or a central meeting point, heading toward the village of Mollepata — the gateway to our trek. From there, we’ll hike through a scenic valley, following a winding stream until we reach Soraypampa. Here, we’ll meet our muleteers and horses, who carry all the camping gear. After a short break, we’ll begin the hike up to the stunning Humantay Lake.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to Soraypampa for lunch, then continue on foot to our campsite at Salkantaypampa. There, we’ll settle in, enjoy dinner, and spend our first night surrounded by breathtaking views of the snow-covered Salkantay Mountain.

Meals: Lunch, dinner (snacks and hot drinks)
Accommodation: Campsite Walking distance: 16 kilometers
Walking time: 7 hours
Minimum altitude: 2,850 meters (9,350 feet)
Maximum altitude: 3,850 meters (12,630 feet)

DAY 02 - Salkantaypampa - Chaullay

The first thing you’ll see at dawn is the breathtaking view of the majestic Salkantay snow-capped peak. Around 6 a.m., we’ll begin our hike to the highest point of the trek: the Salkantay Pass (4,650 meters / 15,255 feet). It’s a 7-kilometer ascent that takes almost 3 hours. From these heights, we’ll have panoramic views of the valley and the snow-covered peaks of Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo.

Next, we’ll descend to «Wayrac Machaq» for lunch. The path is somewhat rugged, but with a bit of effort, we’ll reach the «cloud forest» in the high jungle of Cusco, where the temperature is warm and humid at the same time.

Finally, we’ll follow a 3-hour trail to reach the Chaullay campsite (2,900 meters / 9,514 feet), where we’ll camp, enjoy dinner, and spend our second night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner (snacks and hot drinks)
Accommodation: Campsite
Walking distance: 18 kilometers
Walking time: 8 hours
Minimum altitude: 2,900 meters (9,514 feet)
Maximum altitude: 4,650 meters (15,255 feet)

Day 03 - Chaullay - Lucmabamba

In the morning, after breakfast, we’ll begin a 3-hour hike through the cloud forest, crossing a beautiful and colorful landscape with rivers and waterfalls. Around midday, after lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll continue our walk for another 3 hours or so, reaching the Lucmabamba campsite. From there, you can enjoy a thrilling zipline experience before returning to camp, where you’ll have the chance to participate in activities at the coffee plantations.

Note: If you’d like to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs (30 minutes from our campsite), please let the guide know to arrange it.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner (hot drinks)
Accommodation: Campsite
Walking distance: 15 kilometers
Walking time: 6 hours
Minimum altitude: 1,600 meters (5,249 feet)
Maximum altitude: 2,900 meters (9,514 feet)

DAY 04 - Lucmabamba - Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes

After a delicious breakfast, we’ll embark on a picturesque hike with stunning views of forests and mountains, making our way to Hidroelectrica for lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll walk for about 3 hours through beautiful landscapes until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes. The Salkantay Trek also gives you the chance to spend the last night at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner (hot drinks)
Accommodation: Hotel
Walking distance: 14 kilometers
Walking time: 6 hours
Minimum altitude: 1,600 meters (5,249 feet)
Maximum altitude: 2,050 meters (6,726 feet)

DAY 05 - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Around 6 a.m., we’ll take the bus toward the Machu Picchu archaeological site, where we’ll have a guided tour for about 2 hours to explore this famous tourist attraction with our experienced guide. Those who have booked one of the additional mountain hikes (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) will be able to access them immediately after the guided tour.

The 5-day Salkantay Trekking tour concludes with a return by train/bus, arriving in Cusco around 7 p.m.

Meals: Breakfast
Walking time: 2 to 5 hours

Inclusions

Optional

What to Bring

Tips

Inclusions

Optional

What to Bring

Tips

David Silva

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