Altitude: 1,950 – 4,600 meters
Season: May – October
Duration: 05 Days / 04 Nights
The Salkantay Trek is a perfect blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, offering a sacred journey beneath the majestic Mount Salkantay (6,264 m), revered by Andean people as the mountain deity. Along the route, you’ll witness the grandeur of the Andes, cross cloud forests, explore Inca ruins like Llactapata, and ultimately reach the wonder of Machu Picchu. This trek is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking challenge, beauty, and cultural depth.
Itinerary Overview
| 1 | Day | Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soyroccocha | Trek | L, D |
| 2 | Day | Soyroccocha – Apacheta Pass – Salkantay Lake – Colpapampa | Trek | B, L, D |
| 3 | Day | Colpapampa – Lucmabamba – Coffe Experience – Cocalmayo Hot Springs | Trek | B, L, D |
| 4 | Day | Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes | Ag. Calientes | B, L, D |
| 5 | Day | Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco | B, |
Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soyroccocha
We depart Cusco early, passing scenic Andean towns like Iscuchaca and Limatambo. Upon arrival at Soraypampa (3,900 m), enjoy breakfast with views of the Humantay Glacier. We hike to the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m), then continue to Soyroccocha for our first campsite beneath the towering Salkantay. Afternoon snacks and dinner included.
Day 2: Soyroccocha – Apacheta Pass – Salkantay Lake – Colpapampa
After breakfast, we ascend to Apacheta Pass (4,650 m), the trek’s highest point, offering views of Salkantay, Humantay, and Huayanay peaks. A side hike leads us to the magical Salkantay Lake. We then descend into the cloud forest, passing waterfalls and orchids, until we reach Colpapampa (2,900 m) for the night.
Day 3: Colpapampa – Lucmabamba – Coffee Experience – Cocalmayo Hot Springs
The trail leads us into the high jungle with tropical flora and fauna. In Lucmabamba, we enjoy lunch and a hands-on organic coffee experience, roasting and tasting fresh beans. In the afternoon, we visit the Cocalmayo Hot Springs for a rejuvenating soak. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Day 4: Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
We hike along a lesser-known section of the Inca Trail to Llactapata ruins, with an incredible side view of Machu Picchu. After visiting the site, we descend to Hidroelectrica for lunch and then walk 3 hours along the railway to Aguas Calientes. Dinner and hotel accommodation included.
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
We take an early bus to Machu Picchu for sunrise, followed by a guided 2-hour tour of the citadel. After free time and lunch in Aguas Calientes, we board the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
End of Our Services
The Program Includes
- Briefing before the trek
- Private transport from Cusco to Mollepata (Challacancha)
- Transport from Lucmabamba to Hidroelectrica (equipment & luggage only)
- Train: Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo + bus to Cusco
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes (private room & breakfast)
- Entrance to Salkantay Park & Machu Picchu
- Bilingual professional guide (Spanish/English)
- Camping equipment (dining tent, tables, chairs)
- Meals: breakfasts, lunches, dinners (high-energy, fresh ingredients)
- Vegetarian food on request
- Daily snack bags
- Boiled water daily
- Oxygen and first aid kit
- Horseman and mules (up to 6 kg personal gear per client)
- 01 emergency horse
The Program Does Not Include
- Services not mentioned in the program
- Domestic or international flights
- Unspecified meals
- Tips for guides, drivers, porters, etc.
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, calls, etc.)
- Excess baggage fees
- Extra nights due to flight cancellations
- Alcoholic beverages, snacks, bottled water
- Travel insurance and personal incidentals
