Duration

5 days

Altitude

4600 m

Physical level

hard

Overview

The 5-day Salkantay Trek offers an exceptional blend of awe-inspiring natural scenery, ancient Incan archaeological sites, and challenging mountain trails, culminating in three nights of camping under the starry sky. This experience is highly sought after by hikers from around the world for its unique and adventurous approach, providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in nature and genuine exploration, away from the typical tourist routes.

Embark on a journey to behold the magnificent Salkantay mountain, standing at an impressive, 6278 meters above sea level, with its name “Salkantay” meaning “Indomitable.” This trek leads to the revered city of Machu Picchu, traversing picturesque routes that transition from the highlands to the Amazon jungle. Along the way, you will trek in close proximity to imposing mountains and alongside the steep, snow-capped Salkantay peak, which reaches a height of 4600 meters. The journey also includes a descent into the cloud forest, offering a captivating display of unique landscapes characterized by snow-capped peaks and traversed by powerful rivers.

For centuries, the Andean people have held the mountains in high esteem, considering them as sacred deities known as Apus. Mount Salkantay, one of the highest peaks in Peru and the second highest in the Cusco region, has been revered by locals since ancient times. As such, the mountains have played a central role in the astrology and spirituality of past and present Andean cultures, providing a fascinating and enriching experience during the 5-day Salkantay Trek. Our carefully designed trek ensures that every moment is maximized, promising a deeply satisfying adventure.

Itinerary

DAY 1: CUSCO - TARAWASI - HUMANTAY LAKE - SOYROQOCHA

We will kick off your adventure by picking you up from your hotel bright and early in the morning. Our destination is Mollepata, the main town before the start of the trek, and along the way, we will make a stop at Tarahuasi, an Inca archaeological site. This historical site boasts stunning walls, high trapezoidal niches, and a rectangular platform where the Incas conducted their primary religious ceremonies.

Upon reaching Mollepata, we'll pause for a delightful 30-minute breakfast at one of the local restaurants. Once we've satisfied our hunger, we'll embark on a 1-hour drive to Soraypampa (3,880 meters), the starting point of our trek. From Soraypampa, we'll begin our 2-hour trek to the breathtaking Humantay Lake, nestled at an altitude of 4,500 meters at the base of the snow-capped Tukarway mountain.

After soaking in the awe-inspiring views at the lake, we'll retrace our steps back to Soraypampa, where we'll enjoy our first wholesome lunch. Following this, we'll trek to our first camp, ascending through a high valley for approximately 3 hours to reach the Soyruqocha camp, situated at an elevation of 4,450 meters. This camp is located in close proximity to the majestic Salkantay mountain, and reaching it will be a moment of triumph. Later, we'll indulge in a delightful tea time, featuring cookies, popcorn, hot chocolate, milk, coffee, and a selection of teas, before savoring our dinner. After dinner, we'll have an informative meeting to prepare for the next day's adventure, and then retire to our tents for a well-deserved rest. All meals are included, except for breakfast.

Accommodation: Outdoor Tents (spacious 4-season tents for 2 people)
Trekking Time: Approximately 6 hours
Trekking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Altitude Increase: 650 m
Lowest Elevation: 3,800 m
Highest Elevation: 4,450 m

Highlights: Inca ruins of Tarawasi, Lake Humantay, afternoon hike to the first camp, and camping right next to the Salkantay mountain.

 

Note: Please bring enough water until the first stop.

humantay-4

DAY 2: SOYROQOCHA - COLLPAPAMPA

The second day will commence with a comforting cup of hot coca tea, providing a perfect start to the day as we take in the awe-inspiring sunrise over the Salkantay mountain. Following this, we'll savor a delightful breakfast while reveling in the breathtaking vistas that envelop us. Once we've fueled up, we'll begin our ascent, trekking uphill for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the pinnacle of our hike, the Salkantay Pass, standing tall at 4,632 meters. Upon reaching this vantage point, we'll be treated to an up-close view of the magnificent Salkantay mountain and take a moment for meditation and spiritual reflection.

After this serene interlude, we'll embark on a five-hour downhill trek, culminating in our arrival at our second camp. Along the way, we'll pause for a nourishing lunch around midday at Wayraqmachay. Following lunch, we'll continue our trek, traversing the lush high jungle, transitioning into a different ecological niche. As we journey along the trail, we'll have the opportunity to admire various types of orchids, native flowers, and the diverse avian species that call this region home. Our day will conclude as we reach the second camp, Collpapampa, nestled at an altitude of 2,750 meters, where we'll partake in a soothing tea, relish a nourishing dinner, and retire for a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation: Outdoor Tents (spacious 4-season tents for 2 people)
Trekking Time: Approximately 8 - 9 hours
Trekking Distance: 18 km / 11.18 miles
Altitude Increase: 180 m
Altitude Loss: 1,980 m
Lowest Elevation: 2,750 m
Highest Elevation: 4,632 m

Highlights: Witness the incredible morning view of Salkantay Mountain, conquer the highest point, immerse in the snowy mountain scenery, and trek through the cloud forest.

salkantay-trekking-3

DAY 3: COLLPAPAMPA - LUCMABAMBA

We will commence the day with a serene morning tea, followed by a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day's trek. Our route will take us along the riverbank and through the lush jungle, offering a relatively flat trail compared to previous days. This leisurely trek will provide an opportunity to savor the flavors of the region, including the exotic passion fruit, a member of the passion fruit family. After approximately six hours of trekking through the high jungle, we will reach our lunch and camping site, Lucmabamba, nestled at an elevation of 2,050 meters. In the afternoon, we will embark on a captivating exploration of the neighbouring coffee and fruit plantations, immersing ourselves in the art of organic coffee production and learning about the diverse coffee varieties cultivated in the area. You will have the unique opportunity to hand-pick coffee beans and participate in the process of peeling and roasting them. Later in the afternoon, you will have the chance to roast, grind, and savor your freshly prepared coffee. After this engaging and enriching experience, we will gather for a delightful dinner before retiring for the night. All meals are included.

Outdoor Accommodation: Tents (spacious 4-season tents for 2 people)
Trekking Time: Approximately 5 - 6 hours
Trekking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Altitude Loss: 700 m
Lowest Elevation: 2,050 m
Highest Elevation: 2,750 m

Highlights: Traverse the cloud forest, engage in coffee cultivation, visit local fruit orchards, and gain insight into the world's tallest coffee from the hands of a local farmer.

salkantay-trek-1

DAY 4: LUCMABAMBA - LLACTAPATA INCA RUINS - VILLAGE OF MACHU PICCHU

We will start the day with a refreshing cup of tea in the morning, followed by a hearty breakfast to prepare us for our trek. We will embark on a three-hour uphill trek, following a small section of the Inca Trail, an ancient trade route between the jungle and the highlands of the Inca Empire.

At the end of our trek, we will reach the small Inca site “Llaqtapata,” a rewarding stop where we will be treated to our first view of Machu Picchu, approximately 5 km away. After relishing the stunning landscapes, we will descend for three hours until we reach the hydroelectric plant, where our chef will prepare our final lunch.

Following this, we will board the train to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes), which will take approximately 1 hour. Upon arrival, we will proceed to our hotel for check-in. In the evening, around 7:00 pm, we will enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants (this dinner is not included). After dinner, you will receive a detailed briefing and recommendations for the next day, and then we will return to our hotel to rest.

Accommodation: Hotel (see offer)

Trekking time: 6-7 hours approx…

Trekking distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles

Altitude increase: 800 m

Altitude loss: 1,045 m

 

Our Tip: Visit the hot springs. You deserve it after the hike!

Lowest elevation: 1,850 m

Maximum elevation: 2,850

Highlights:

Short trek along the Inca Trail,

Inca ruins of Llactapata,

First views of Machu Picchu from the Inca ruins of Llactapata,

Trip to the city of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) on a panoramic train

machu-picchu-4

DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

Today marks the beginning of an extraordinary day as we rise early to indulge in a nourishing breakfast at the hotel. Our personal belongings will be securely stored in the hotel's storage area, ensuring they are readily available upon our return from Machu Picchu. Following breakfast, we will proceed to the bus station, where we will embark on a 25-minute journey to the majestic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. As we step foot in this ancient citadel, we will have triumphantly conquered the lost city of the Incas, culminating this achievement with a memorable photo against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Machu Picchu.

The commencement of our guided tour will immerse us in three hours of captivating history, archaeology, and ancient architecture, led by our knowledgeable guide. As we absorb the rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels of Machu Picchu, our guide will illuminate the significance of this revered site, providing a deeper understanding of its historical and cultural importance.

Upon the conclusion of the guided tour, you will have ample free time to explore the sacred city at your own pace. For those who have arranged to ascend Huayna Picchu mountain, you will have the option to undertake this exhilarating climb before or after the guided tour, subject to availability on your chosen date.

In the afternoon, we will embark on a scenic bus journey from the Inca city of Machu Picchu back to the town of Aguas Calientes. From there, we will board the train for a picturesque ride to the Ollantaytambo train station, where our transport will be awaiting our return to transport us back to our hotel in Cusco.

 

Our Tip: Book a ticket in advance and visit Huayna Picchu.

machu-picchu-tour

What to bring

FAQ - Freaquent asked questions

Skip to content