Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: 4 Day Guided Adventure Tour

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake⌄

   Your adventure begins with an early pickup between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco. After a 2 hour scenic drive, we’ll stop in Mollepata for a freshly prepared breakfast before continuing to Challacancha (3,800 m), the official starting point of the Salkantay Trek.

   We begin a 3 hour hike to the Soraypampa base camp (3,900 m), where a nutritious lunch awaits. In the afternoon, we hike for about 1.5 hours to the stunning Humantay Lake, one of the most iconic highlights of the Andes. Along the trail, enjoy breathtaking views of the Humantay and Salkantay Mountains, vibrant landscapes, and seasonal colors.

   Your expert local trekking guide will share stories, history, and cultural insights. You will also have free time to explore and capture photos of this turquoise glacial lake. We return to Soraypampa to enjoy a warm cup of coca tea followed by a delicious dinner prepared by our trekking chef.

2. 2Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Collpapampa⌄

   We start early with a hearty breakfast at 5:00 a.m. before beginning the ascent toward the famous Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek. The 3 hour climb leads us to Abra Salkantay at 4,650 m, offering unforgettable views of snow-capped Andean peaks such as Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo. Descending through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha, we come across a small glacial lagoon before continuing to Wacramachay for lunch. The trail then takes us on a 3-hour downhill hike into greener scenery as we approach the high jungle.

   We end the day at our campsite in Collpapampa, where tea and a freshly prepared dinner await. Tonight, you’ll sleep comfortably in our premium domes.

3. 3Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Hydroelectric Station – Aguas Calientes⌄

   After a restful night, we start Day 3 with breakfast and enter the lush cloud forest region of the trail. Over 5.5 hours of hiking, we’ll pass through plantations of coffee, bananas, avocados, and encounter orchids and medicinal plants native to the Peruvian jungle.

   We reach our lunch stop and then continue by vehicle to Hidroeléctrica, where we begin a peaceful 3 hour walk along the railway line toward Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant before spending the night in a comfortable hotel.

4. 4Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco⌄

   Today we explore the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After an early breakfast, we board the bus to the archaeological site, where your certified guide will lead a detailed tour through its terraces, temples, plazas, and ceremonial areas. You’ll then enjoy free time to explore on your own or hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (if pre booked).

   In the afternoon, we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) before boarding the 2:55 p.m. train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our transportation will take you back to San Francisco Square in Cusco.