Altitude: 1,950 – 4,600 meters
Season: May – October
Duration: 04 Days / 03 Nights
The Salkantay Trek is a breathtaking alternative route to Machu Picchu, offering an unforgettable combination of high-Andean landscapes, turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and lush cloud forest. Over four days, you’ll journey from the base of the majestic Salkantay Mountain through diverse ecosystems, visiting Humantay Lake, crossing the Salkantay Pass, and ending with the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. This trek is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking both challenge and beauty.
Itinerary Overview
| Day | Service | City | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa | Trek | L, D |
| 2 | Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayramachay – Collpampa | Trek | B, L, D |
| 3 | Collpampa – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes | Ag. Calientes | B, L, D |
| 4 | Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco | — | B |
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
We depart Cusco early and travel through beautiful Andean landscapes, passing villages like Iscuchaca and Limatambo. In Soraypampa (3,900 m), we enjoy breakfast with views of Salkantay and Humantay Glacier. Our trek begins with a hike to the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake (4,200 m), returning for lunch at Salkantay Pampa. We then ascend to our campsite at Soyroccocha (4,400 m) near Mount Salkantay. Evening tea and dinner under the stars complete the day.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayramachay – Collpampa
After coca tea and breakfast, we ascend to Apacheta Pass (4,650 m), the highest point of the trek, offering panoramic views of the Andes. We detour briefly to visit Salkantay Lake before descending into cloud forest. After lunch at Rayanniyoc, we continue to Collpapampa (2,900 m), our warm jungle campsite for the night.
Day 3: Collpampa – Lucmabamba – Aguas Calientes
Today we explore the high jungle’s rich biodiversity: waterfalls, fruit plantations, and native birds. After lunch in Lucmabamba, we enjoy a coffee farm experience—harvesting, roasting, and tasting fresh Peruvian coffee. In the afternoon, we visit Cocalmayo Hot Springs (optional), then continue to Hidroeléctrica and hike to Aguas Calientes. Dinner and hotel overnight in town.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco
After early breakfast, we take the first bus to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise. A guided 2-hour tour explores its agricultural terraces, temples, and spiritual significance. You’ll then have free time to wander on your own before returning to Aguas Calientes for lunch and an afternoon train to Ollantaytambo, followed by transfer to Cusco.
End of Our Services
The Program Includes
- Briefing before the trek
- Private transport from Cusco to Mollepata (Challacancha)
- Transport from Granadilla to Hidroeléctrica
- Bus: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Train: Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo + transfer to Cusco
- Entrance fees: Salkantay Park & Machu Picchu Sanctuary
- Accommodation: domes (first and second nights), hotel in Aguas Calientes (third night)
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner (vegetarian option available)
- Daily snack bags
- Boiled water daily
- Oxygen and first aid kit
- Horseman and mules (up to 6 kg of personal gear)
- 01 emergency horse
- Free storage for luggage in Cusco
- Professional English/Spanish-speaking guide
- Camping equipment: tents and mattresses
The Program Does Not Include
- Services not mentioned in the program
- Domestic or international flights
- Unlisted meals
- Tips for staff
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, calls, etc.)
- Excess baggage fees
- Extra nights due to delays or cancellations
- Snacks, bottled water, alcoholic drinks
- Travel insurance
