Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5d/4n

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – CHALLACANCHA – HUMANTAY LAKE – SORAYPAMPA

Pick-up & Departure
We will pick up all passengers from their respective accommodations in Cusco (3399 m) between 04:15 and 04:30 AM. We will depart at 04:45 AM by private transport to Mollepata.

Trip to Mollepata (2h 15 min)
We will arrive at the town of Mollepata (2850 m), where we will make a mandatory stop at the municipal control point to register our entry, pay PEN 20 (entrance to Laguna Humantay + Salkantay trail permit), and enjoy a buffet breakfast (not included in the service. You can request a takeaway breakfast from your hotel).

Transfer to the trailhead (55 min)
From Mollepata we will continue to Challacancha (3800 m), the starting point of today’s hike.

Hike to Soraypampa (3 h 15 min)
We will hike progressively to the village of Soraypampa (3900 m), where our camp is located. We will have lunch before climbing to the lagoon. The terrain is mostly gentle and flat, ideal for acclimatizing.

Ascent to Laguna Humantay (2 h 15 min)
We will leave our backpacks at the camp and begin the steep climb to Laguna Humantay (4200 m). The effort is worth it: its turquoise waters and the imposing Humantay snowcapped mountain in the background create one of Peru’s most beautiful postcards.

At the lagoon
Plenty of time to contemplate, explore, take photos, and listen to our guide explain the sacred meaning of this lagoon for the Andean communities.

Descent (1 h 30 min)
We will walk back down to the camp in Soraypampa after enjoying the lagoon.

Free afternoon at Mountain Sky Huts
You can explore the surroundings or rest in our exclusive huts with panoramic windows facing directly toward the Salkantay snowcapped mountain. Equipped with beds, blankets, and pillows, they are the perfect place to recover your energy.

Starry night
When night falls, you will have the best opportunity to observe the starry sky from the warmth of your bed. Includes afternoon tea time and dinner.

 

📝 Note on distance: The complete route from Challacancha to Laguna Humantay and back to camp totals 12 km / 7.5 mi. If you prefer to save energy for the ascent to the lagoon, we can arrange direct transport to Soraypampa (reducing the distance to 8.5 km / 5.28 mi). Ask about this option when booking.

FIRST-DAY HIKING ALTITUDES

• City of Cusco (3,399 m / 11,151.57 ft)
• Mollepata town (2,850 m / 9,350.39 ft)
• Challacancha (3,800 m / 12,467.19 ft)
• Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795.28 ft)
• Humantay lake (4,200 m / 13,779.53)

OPTIONAL SERVICES FOR DAY 1

• Horse rental for the ascent to Laguna Humantay
• Trekking poles – Rental: ask for availability and price
• Extra backpack (to carry personal gear) – Rental: ask for availability and price

IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS

• Acclimatization: Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before.
• Hydration: According to your necessities (water is not included on the service).
• Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses (radiation is intense at 4000 m).
• Useful extras: Trekking poles, coca leaves, headlamp.
• Optional: If any client does not feel able to hike up to the lagoon, they can wait at the camp or hire a mule (pay directly to the mule driver on site).

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DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – CHAWLLAY

Wake-up and Coca Tea
Our cooks will wake you up around 04:30 AM with a cup of hot coca tea to help counteract the effects of altitude sickness while you take your time to repack and prepare for the day.

Breakfast (05:00 AM)
A nutritious breakfast will be served to fuel up before the most demanding section of the entire trek.

Ascent to Salkantay Pass (3 to 4 hours)
We will begin the uphill hike toward the highest point of the entire route. The trail is rocky, steep in certain sections, and flat in others. This section will require physical endurance and good acclimatization. We recommend maintaining a slow and steady pace.

At Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft)
Once at the highest point, you will have time to:

• Appreciate the incredible views of the Salkantay snowcapped mountain
• Take photographs
• Listen to our guide explain the importance of venerating Salkantay mountain, considered one of the most sacred telluric divinities of the Andes
• Participate in a small traditional Andean ritual for the Apu Salkantay

Descent to Chawllay (5 hours total)
After enjoying the pass, we will begin the descent. We will hike for 2 hours before stopping for lunch. Then we will continue with 3 additional hours of downhill hiking to our second camp.

Arrival at Chawllay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft)
Chawllay marks the beginning of the cloud forest of the Peruvian Amazon. The climate becomes warmer and more humid. At the camp, we will provide:

• Rainforest Huts for accommodation
• Tea Time (afternoon)
• Dinner

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE SECOND DAY OF HIKING

📝 Important note: This is the most challenging day of the trek. Good acclimatization is required (minimum 2 days in Cusco beforehand). We recommend starting early, hydrating constantly, and maintaining a slow but steady pace.

SECOND-DAY HIKING ALTITUDES

OPTIONAL SERVICES IN CHAWLLAY

 

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DAY 3: CHAWLLAY – GRANADILLA – LUCMABAMBA – COFFEE TOUR – COCALMAYO HOT SPRINGS

Wake-up
Our cooks will wake you up around 06:00 AM while they prepare a delicious breakfast. (Coca tea is only served at high-altitude camps, where it is necessary to counteract altitude sickness)

Breakfast (06:30 AM)
A nutritious breakfast will be served before beginning the hike through the cloud forest.

Hike through the cloud forest (3 hours 30 min)
Around 07:00 AM, we will begin our 3-hour and 30-minute hike through the cloud forest toward the farmstead called Granadilla, where we will take transport to the town of Lucmabamba to enjoy a Coffee Tour.

Along the way, we will enjoy the lush landscape:

• Rivers and waterfalls
• Wild orchids
• Coffee, banana, and avocado plantations
• Coca leaves and passionfruit

Coffee Tour in Lucmabamba
Once we arrive in Lucmabamba, we will participate in a Coffee Tour to learn about the coffee process, from plant to cup.

Lunch at Jungle Domes
We will then head to our Jungle Domes camp in Lucmabamba to enjoy a delicious lunch.

Zipline in Lucmabamba (optional)
After lunch, you will have the option to go ziplining in Lucmabamba (optional activity with additional cost).

Transfer to Cocalmayo Hot Springs
After zipline (or after lunch if you do not do zipline), we will transfer to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs. Cocalmayo is about a 55-minute drive from camp.

Cocalmayo Hot Springs (optional)
We will spend a couple of hours relaxing in the clean, natural hot spring water. We will enjoy the local nightlife.

Return to camp
Upon returning to camp, we will enjoy:

• Tea Time (afternoon)
• Hot dinner

Night at Jungle Domes
Accommodation in our exclusive Jungle Domes (private camp).

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE THIRD DAY OF HIKING

📝 Important note: Transportation to Cocalmayo Hot Springs and the entrance fee have an additional cost (see optional services). Optional activities (zipline, hot springs) are paid directly on site. Coca tea is not served at this camp because it is only needed at altitudes above 3,000 m.

THIRD-DAY HIKING ALTITUDES

• Hot water shower – 10 PEN
• Internet service – 10 PEN
• Zipline
• Cocalmayo Hot Springs – transportation: 40 PEN / entrance fee: 10 PEN

IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DAY 3

• Light clothing: The climate is warm and humid (cloud forest). Wear breathable, quick-drying clothing.
• Sun protection: Even though it is warmer, solar radiation is still intense. Use sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Hydration: According to your necessities (water is not included in the service).
• Insect repellent: Especially in the cloud forest area.
• Swimsuit and towel: If you wish to enjoy the Cocalmayo Hot Springs.
• Footwear: Comfortable, lightweight shoes for walking on varied terrain.

 

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DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA – LLACTAPATA – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES

Wake-up
Our cooks will wake you up around 05:00 AM while they prepare breakfast. (Coca tea is not served because we are no longer at high altitude)

Breakfast (05:30 AM)
A nutritious and early breakfast will be served before beginning the longest day in distance, but moderate in difficulty.

Start of the Inca Trail to Llactapata (3 hours, uphill)
After breakfast, we will begin the uphill hike along the original Inca Trail until we reach the Inca archaeological site of Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,858 ft). The trail is steep in certain sections, but the effort is worth it.

At Llactapata
Once at the Inca archaeological site, you will have plenty of time to:

• Enjoy the views of Machu Picchu and of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains from a unique angle
• If the weather is good, you will see the Salkantay mountain once again
• Explore the ruins and learn about their significance with our guide

Descent to Hydroelectric (2 hours, downhill)
Then, we will hike downhill for 2 hours to the Hydroelectric train station (1,800 m / 5,906 ft).

Lunch at Hydroelectric
We will enjoy a nutritious lunch and a well-deserved rest.

Train track walk to Aguas Calientes (3 hours, flat terrain)
The final part of the hike is a 3-hour walk along the train tracks to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft). The terrain is mostly flat, following the course of the Urubamba River.

Arrival in Aguas Calientes
Once you arrive in the small town, we will take you to your hotel where you can shower and rest before dinner.

Final dinner (7:00 PM)
We will enjoy a final dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate the completion of the trek.

Night in Aguas Calientes
After dinner, we will head to bed, eager for our final day and the ultimate reward: the guided visit to Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft).

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE FOURTH DAY OF HIKING

TOTAL HIKING DISTANCE

25 km / 15.53 mi

DIFFICULTY

Moderate (steep uphill to Llactapata, then downhill and flat)

MEALS INCLUDED

01 Breakfast / 01 Lunch / 01 Dinner

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel in Aguas Calientes

NIGHT TEMPERATURE

Mild – approximately 12°C to 18°C / 54°F to 64°F

📝 Important note: This is the longest day in distance (25 km), but the difficulty is moderate because the terrain is varied: steep uphill to Llactapata, then downhill, and finally flat terrain along the train tracks. The view of Machu Picchu and of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains from Llactapata is one of the most special moments of the trek. Bring enough water and sun protection.

ALTITUDES OF THE FOURTH DAY

• Enjoy the views of Machu Picchu and of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains from a unique angle
• If the weather is good, you will see the Salkantay mountain once again
• Explore the ruins and learn about their significance with our guide

IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DAY 4

• Comfortable clothing: This is the longest day. Wear breathable clothing and comfortable footwear.
• Sun protection: During the train track walk, there is little shade. Use sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Hydration: According to your needs (water is not included in the service).
• Small backpack: For the hike on this day you will need a small backpack with essentials (water, sunscreen, camera, light jacket). The rest of your luggage can go in the duffle bags.

OPTIONAL SERVICES FOR DUFFLE BAGS

• Vehicle transport from Lucmabamba to Hydroelectric – 10 PEN
• Train transport from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes – 10 PEN

These services are ideal if you prefer to walk light and not carry all your luggage during the longest day of the trek.

 

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DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Wake-up
You will wake up around 04:00 AM to prepare for the hike to the main entrance of Machu Picchu, after a restorative night of sleep at the hotel.

Breakfast (04:15 AM)
A nutritious breakfast will be served at the hotel or you will receive a packed breakfast to take away, according to your preference.

Hike to Puente Ruinas (20 minutes)
We will begin the 20-minute hike to the control point at Puente Ruinas, where you must show your passport and your Machu Picchu entrance ticket.

Ascent to the main gate of Machu Picchu (1 hour 20 minutes)
After passing the first control point, we will climb stairs for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach the main gate of Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972.44 ft) at 06:00 AM.

Entry and guided tour (2.5 hours)
Once everyone is at the gate, we will enter Machu Picchu and begin our 2.5-hour guided tour of the famous Inca site, where you will learn all about The Lost City of the Incas.

Return to Aguas Calientes
After the guided tour, the return to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,692.91 ft) depends on your choice:

• By bus
• Walking

The time you spend at Machu Picchu will depend on the option chosen to return to Aguas Calientes and whether you wish to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain (entrance tickets must be booked in advance).

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE FIFTH DAY

TOTAL HIKING DISTANCE
From Aguas Calientes town to Machu Picchu Citadel

• Walking: 3.5 km / 2.17 mi – 1 hour 30 minutes
• By bus: 9 km / 5.59 mi – 30 minutes

DIFFICULTY

Moderate (stairs and slopes on the ascent)

MEALS INCLUDED

01 Breakfast (at the hotel or to take away)

ACCOMMODATION

Not applicable (return to Cusco)

APPROXIMATE TEMPERATURE

Mild to warm – approximately 12°C to 20°C / 54°F to 68°F (depending on the season)

OPTIONAL SERVICES

• Bus up/down: 12 USD per section (up or down)

ALTITUDES OF THE FIFTH DAY

• Aguas Calientes town: 2,040 m / 6,692.91 ft
• Machu Picchu Citadel: 2,430 m / 7,972.44 ft

IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DAY 5

• Passport: You must bring it to enter Machu Picchu.
• Entrance ticket: Make sure you have your ticket printed or on your phone.
• Comfortable clothing: Wear light clothing and comfortable footwear for walking on stairs and steep terrain.
• Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses (radiation is intense).
• Hydration: According to your needs (bring water, not included).
• Small backpack: To carry essentials (water, camera, sunscreen, passport).

📝 Very important note about Machu Picchu entrance tickets:
Travelers who do not have their Machu Picchu entrance ticket must purchase it in Aguas Calientes, in person, according to the provisions of the Ministry of Culture of the Peruvian government.

In the town of Aguas Calientes, 1,000 daily tickets are sold by disposition of the Ministry of Culture. The purchase is assisted and guided by the tour guide.

The tour price is based on and includes return by bus.

It is important to emphasize that the main circuit is number 2, which allows entry to the Machu Picchu Citadel plus the terrace from where the panoramic postcard photo is taken. The availability of circuit number 2 tickets is subject to availability at the time of purchase and demand.

If the client finds circuit number 2 tickets for the afternoon, they must consider that the return to Cusco must be done by train, which is not included in the tour.

 

INCLUSIONS

• Informative briefing at 19:00 PM a day before the departure
• A duffle bag to pack 7 kilos of your belongings that will be carried by horses during the trek
• English/Spanish-speaking professional tour guide
• Professional chef and cooking equipment
• Horses for carrying up to 7 Kilos of personal luggage and other required equipment
• Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
• Private transportation to the beginning of the Salkantay trail
• 4 breakfasts
• 4 lunches
• 4 dinners
• 3 nights of camping
• 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Mountain Sky Huts with thick mattresses, panoramic glass doors, and night lighting for the first day
• Humantay lake excursion
• Personal pad (double foam – 2.5 inches thick)
• Pillows at the first and second camp
• Transportation from La Playa to Santa Teresa
• Transportation from Santa Teresa to Lucmabamba to do the Llactapata trek
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
• Guided visit to Machu Picchu
• Return journey from Aguas Calientes to Cusco BY TRAIN or BY CAR depending on your choice
• Vegetarian/Vegan options available on request with no additional charges
• First-Aid equipment and oxygen bottle for emergencies

EXCLUSIONS

• First breakfast (local people provide this service for about 15 PEN)
• Entrance fee to the Salkantay Trekking route  (20 PEN) charged by the local government of Mollepata
• Sleeping bag
• Walking sticks
• The transportation (round trip – 40 PEN) and the entrance fee (10 PEN) to the hot springs of Santa Teresa
• Up and down bus tickets from Aguas Calientes town to the Citadel of Machu Picchu
• Travel Insurance
• Extra expenses
• Tips

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

WHAT TO BRING FOR VISITING MACHU PICCHU

• Bring a valid original passport.
• Bring a light backpack no larger than 40x35x20 cm (16x14x8 inches) to carry water or your drinks in a sports bottle, snacks, personal items, medications if needed, etc.
• Bring trekking shoes.
• Bring sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat for sunny days.
• Bring waterproof clothing for the rainy season (between November to March).
• Bring a waterproof poncho (between November to March).
• Bring insect repellent (optional).

DOCUMENTS TO BE PRESENTED DURING THE EXCURSION TO THE CITADEL OF MACHU PICCHU

AT THE TRAIN STATION’S FRONT/EXIT DOOR IN THE TOWN OF OLLANTAYTAMBO

• Original passport.
• Physical or digital outbound and inbound train boarding passes.

IN THE CITADEL OF MACHU PICCHU

• Original passport.
• Physical or digital entry ticket.

FORBIDDINGS IN THE CITADEL OF MACHU PICCHU

During your visit to the citadel of Machu Picchu, the following is prohibited:

• The visitor must respect the established circuits and routes.
• It’s not allowed to carry backpacks or bags larger than 40x35x20 cm (16x14x8 inches).
• It’s not allowed to enter with food and utensils.
• It’s not allowed to enter with any illegal substance or under its influence.
• It’s not allowed to enter with any kind of alcoholic beverage.
• It’s not allowed to carry canes, umbrellas, portable seats, tripods, supports or extensions for cameras, cell phones, or any other stabilization or extension element for filming and/or photography.
• It’s not allowed to enter with animals, with the exception of guide dogs.
• It’s not allowed to feed domestic and wild animals.
• It’s not allowed to enter with any kind of spray paint.
• It’s not allowed to make any kind of graffiti.
• It’s not allowed to enter with any kind of musical instrument, megaphone, or portable speaker.
• It’s not allowed to make loud or annoying noises such as clapping, shouting, whistling, or singing, among others.
• It’s not allowed to use virtual applications on cell phones or mobile devices in narrow arteries.
• It’s not allowed to enter with heels or hard-soled shoes.
• It’s not allowed access with baby carriages.
• It’s not allowed to enter with sharp objects and/or weapons of any kind.
• It’s not allowed to enter with banners, posters, clothing for advertising purposes, and costumes, among other objects of this kind.
• It’s not allowed to take filming or photography for advertising purposes.
• It’s not allowed to cause a riot, jump, lie down, run, undress, or create disorder.
• It’s not allowed to climb or lean on walls and/or structures, touch, move, or extract lithic elements.
• It’s not allowed to disturb, collect or extract the flora or fauna.
• It’s not allowed to carry out activities that distort the sacred character of the citadel of Machu Picchu such as fashion shows, dances, social commitments, obscene acts contrary to morals and good customs, or any kind of activity that implies the impairment or deterioration of the monument, its natural environment and/or facilities.
• It’s not allowed to smoke, vaping, or make any kind of fire.
• It’s not allowed to throw waste of any kind.
• It’s not allowed to perform overflights with paragliders, drones, or any kind of smaller craft.

Performing acts or entering with prohibited objects on this list will generate the immediate expulsion of the visitor without the right to reimbursement and the initiation of the corresponding legal actions. The park rangers of the Ministry of Culture and the agents of the National Police are the authority inside the monument.

 

PAYMENT CONDITIONS

• Initial deposit: 250 USD
• The remaining payment must be made in cash on the day of the briefing at the client’s accommodation or at the office.
• The itinerary is subject to change according to the availability of spaces for the service required by the railway company and the time of entry to Machu Picchu.