DISCOVER SALKANTAY: EPIC 5-DAY TREK

5D/4N

Discover the magic in 5 unforgettable days.

Embark on the most impressive adventure with the Salkantay tour, where unique experiences await, such as the stunning Humantay Lake, the challenging Salkantay Pass, and the charming village of Lucmabamba with its rich coffee culture. Enjoy panoramic views of Machu Picchu from Llactapata, and culminate your journey by exploring the architectural marvels of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Each day offers spectacular landscapes and unforgettable cultural encounters that will make this trip a truly memorable experience!

This awaits you on your next trip

ITINERARIO

DAY 1: CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA

We’ll pick you up from your Cusco hotel between 4:45 am and 5:30 am for a bus journey to Mollepata, where our adventure begins with a scenic drive across the Anta plains, showcasing the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and the Apurimac River Valley. After a two-hour drive, we’ll stop in Mollepata for breakfast (not included) and last-minute supplies before continuing to Cahllacancha to meet our support team. Setting off around 9:30 am, we’ll trek towards Soraypampa at 3,900 meters above sea level, a four-hour journey to our first campsite featuring panoramic views from crystal domes and huts. After lunch, we’ll hike three hours round-trip to Humantay Lake at 4,200 meters, known for its glacier and stunning scenery, followed by a hearty dinner back at camp in the evening.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Cristal domes and huts.
Maximum Altitude: 3850 masl
Minimum Altitude: 2850 masl
Distance Travelled: 14km approx

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PASS – HUAYRAMACHAY – CHAULLAY

In the early morning, we’ll awaken you with coca tea, followed by a nutritious breakfast at around 5:00 am. By 6:00 am, we embark on the most challenging day of the Salkantay trek, ascending 6 kilometers through breathtaking rocky mountain scenery to reach the highest point of the trek. From there, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay mountain, standing at 6,264 meters above sea level, the second highest peak in the Cusco region. After a rewarding two-hour descent, we’ll enjoy a delicious Peruvian lunch at Huayracmachay around 1:00 pm. Continuing for approximately three hours downhill, we’ll reach our camp in Chaullay at 2,900 meters above sea level, where we’ll sleep in impressive traditional huts. Dinner will be served around 6:00 pm to replenish energy after the day’s trek.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Indian Huts.

Maximum Altitude: 4650 masl

Minimum Altitude: 2920 masl

Distance Travelled: 20km to Chaullay

DAY 3: CHAULLAY - COLLPAPAMPA – LA PLAYA – LUCMABAMBA

At 6:00 AM, our journey begins as we trek towards the quaint town of La Playa, passing through the picturesque Santa Teresa valley. Today’s 6-hour hike immerses you in a lush new landscape, where you’ll encounter rivers, waterfalls, wild orchids, and plantations of coffee, banana, and avocado. Along the way, savor the flavors of the renowned passion fruit and granadilla fruits. Our route takes us through Colpapampa, known as the «brow of the cloud forest,» where we may spot waterfalls, birds, and if fortunate, the vibrant «Cock of the Rocks,» Peru’s national bird. After a hearty lunch in La Playa, a short 20-minute hike brings us to our base camp at Lucmabamba, where we’ll camp in tents at 2,400 meters above sea level. Take some time to explore the tropical forest and visit an organic coffee farm; coffee enthusiasts can indulge in freshly prepared coffee while others enjoy the rich aroma of locally roasted and ground beans. Coffee is a vital industry for the local community here, with vast plantations exporting to the USA, Asia, and Europe, introduced to the region during the Spanish invasion of Cusco. Optionally, you can unwind at the Santa Teresa hot springs, a 2-hour round trip by van

Walking Distance: 18km / 11.2 miles
Starting Elevation: 2750 meters ASL / 9022 feet ASL
Campsite Elevation: 2400 meters ASL / 7874 feet ASL
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Plus snacks and afternoon tea time)
Accommodation: Tents.
Adventure: Absolutely!

DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA - LLACTAPATA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

On this exciting day of the Salkantay trek, we’ll start early with a nutritious breakfast before embarking on a hike to the Inca site of Llactapata. From there, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and Machu Picchu Mountain. After exploring Llactapata, we’ll descend for two hours to Hidroelectrica train station for lunch. Next, we’ll visit Intiwatana, an ancient Inca site used as a sundial, before deciding whether to take the train or continue hiking along the scenic path from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes, retracing the steps of Hiram Bingham through the cloud forest paradise.

Note: During the rainy season, the hike up the Llactapata Trail is not 100% guaranteed due to safety concerns. When heavy rains are frequent, this trail becomes very dangerous.

Walking Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
Starting Elevation: 2450 meters ASL / 8038 feet ASL
Campsite Elevation: 2000 meters ASL / 6561 feet ASL (Aguas Calientes hostel)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Plus snacks and afternoon tea time)
Accommodation: Hostel,you can also upgrade your accommodation in aguas calientes 3 starts

DAY 5: THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY – MACHU PICCHU!

Today is the culmination of our trek as we reach Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We start early from our hostel to beat the crowds, either hiking or taking an optional bus ride to the entrance. Our guided tour explores the ancient city for two hours, showcasing temples, terraces, and the ingenious Inca engineering. Afterward, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (extra cost), each offering spectacular views and a chance to delve deeper into this historic site. Enjoy three hours to explore Machu Picchu before returning to Aguas Calientes for your train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a minivan ride to Cusco. This day promises unforgettable memories and a deep connection with one of the world’s most iconic archaeological wonders.

Activity Overview: Touring Machu Picchu with optional hike
Activity Level: Touring: easy, hike: strenuous
Activity Length: 2-3 hour strenuous hike; Machu Picchu is at 7,972’ elevation

PRICE AND INCLUSIONS

Each trip is tailored to your specific needs and desires, so our prices vary depending on the number of people traveling, the desired level of accommodation, and the activities included, among other factors.

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NOT INCLUDED

ACCOMMODATIONS

We offer you an exclusive selection of our accommodations in Cusco, ensuring that you enjoy the utmost comfort and an unparalleled experience during your stay.