Salkantay Trek for 5 Days and 4 Nights

We will start our adventure very early in the morning, when our private transportation will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco. We will travel for approximately 2 hours to Mollepata, where we will enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast at a local restaurant (not included).

After breakfast, we will continue on our transport to Challacancha (40 minutes), the starting point of our first trek. Here, we will prepare for a trek of approximately 3 hours, crossing impressive landscapes until we reach Soraypampa (3,800 meters above sea level), our first campsite.

Upon arrival, we will be welcomed with a nutritious lunch, enjoying panoramic views of the majestic Humantay (4,120 m. a.s.l.) and Salkantay (6,271 m. a.s.l.). Soraypampa is the highest and coldest camp of the trek, offering us a unique contact with nature in its purest state.

In the afternoon, for those who want an extra adventure, we will take an optional hike to the Humantay Lagoon, located at 4,200 meters above sea level, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Soraypampa. This natural spectacle, with its unmistakable turquoise color surrounded by snow-capped peaks, is one of the most impressive postcards of the Peruvian Andes.

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

We will start the day very early, enjoying an energetic breakfast at 5:30 a.m. to prepare for the most challenging part of our trek: the ascent to Abra Salkantay (4,650 m. a.s.l. / 15,200 ft.), the highest point of our adventure.

As we climb, we will be surrounded by the imposing Salkantay (6,271 m a.s.l.) and Tucarhuay snow-capped peaks, a breathtaking landscape where we might even find snow on the trail. From the summit, we will witness a breathtaking panoramic view of the Andes Mountains, a perfect moment to rest, take pictures and connect with the immensity of nature.

After a well-deserved rest, we will begin our descent through the cloud forest, a radical change in the landscape where the vegetation becomes denser and the air more humid. We will arrive at Huayraqpunku, where a revitalizing lunch awaits us.

In the afternoon, we will continue our trek in the direction of the high jungle, enjoying a warmer and more exuberant climate, until we reach our campsite at Chaullay (3,000 m. a.s.l.) or Colpapampa, where we will spend the night surrounded by the serenity of the Andean forest.

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

We will wake up to the sound of nature and enjoy a nutritious breakfast at 6:30 a.m., preparing for a day full of exuberant landscapes and cultural experiences.

We will begin our trek through the high jungle, walking for approximately 4 hours while crossing the Lluskamayo River and various streams. Along the way, we will enjoy breathtaking views of waterfalls, tropical fruit plantations and abundant Andean flora, reminding us of the transition between the Andes and the Amazon.

Upon arrival at La Playa, we will settle into our Geodesic Domes, located inside an authentic coffee plantation. Here, we will participate in a unique coffee experience, where we will learn about the coffee process from harvesting to roasting and grinding, enjoying the aroma and taste of authentic organic coffee.

For those looking for a little extra relaxation, there is the option of taking a local bus (1 hour, not included) to Santa Teresa, where you can enjoy the natural hot springs of Cocalmayo (entrance fee not included). Soaking in these crystal clear waters surrounded by mountains is the perfect way to recover energy after a day of hiking.

We have the option to go to the hot springs of santa teresa,2 hours by van round trip (50 soles extra)

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: Mountain capsules.
Adventure: Absolutely!

The day begins with an early breakfast at 6:30 a.m., as an exciting day awaits us with spectacular views and a first approach to the mystical citadel of Machu Picchu.

Our hike begins by ascending a stretch of the ancient Inca Trail, an authentic experience in which we will also have the opportunity to interact with the local people and learn about their lifestyle in the Andean zone. Along the way, we will be able to harvest tropical fruits and marvel at the panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley. From Llaqtapata, a rarely visited archaeological site, we will enjoy one of the first views of Machu Picchu, with the imposing Nevado Salkantay in the background.

We will then descend to Hidroeléctrica, where we will enjoy a comforting lunch before continuing our final trek. We will walk for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes along the train track, surrounded by lush vegetation and coca, banana and coffee crops, until we reach Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival, we will settle into our hostel, where we can rest or, if we wish, visit the famous hot springs of Aguas Calientes (entrance fee: 10 soles, not included), the perfect complement to relax the muscles after four days of adventure.

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 hotel 20 usd extra.
Adventure: Moderate-High! How could it not be an adventure traveling back in time to visit with the Inca people?!

Today is the most anticipated day of our adventure: the visit to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu!

We will wake up early, around 4:00 a.m., to have breakfast and prepare for our ascent to Machu Picchu. We can opt for a hike of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the entrance of the citadel or, if we prefer to conserve energy, we can take the first bus (5:30 a.m.), which will take us in 25 minutes to the entrance of the archaeological site.

Upon arrival, we will immerse ourselves in the mystical energy of Machu Picchu, enjoying the breathtaking scenery as the sun illuminates the ancient Inca city. Our guide will give us a full 2-hour tour, where we will learn about the history, architecture and mysteries of this World Heritage Site.

Afterwards, we will have free time to explore at our own pace or, for the more adventurous, there is the option to climb Huayna Picchu (2,720 meters above sea level), a demanding 1 hour and 45 minute hike with breathtaking panoramic views (optional and subject to availability).

After our visit, we will descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and board the train back to Cusco. Depending on availability, we will take the train at 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. or 6:20 p.m. to Ollantaytambo (2 hours trip), where a private transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco, arriving approximately between 6:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

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