From Cusco: Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu - 5 Days, 4 Nights

Distance: 21 km | Duration: 7 hours |Maximum Elevation: 4500 m | Difficulty: Medium

The first day of your adventure begins with an early pick-up from your hotel between 4:00 - 4:30 am. We will then travel to Mollepata, a charming town where we’ll stop briefly for a delicious breakfast (optional depending on your tour package). From there, we continue to Soraypampa (3850 meters above sea level), the starting point of the hike, where you will meet your team of muleteers and horses who will carry the camping gear.

Our first stop is the stunning Humantay Lake (4200 m), where you’ll be mesmerized by the turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. After exploring this natural wonder, we will return to Soraypampa and begin our ascent to Salkantaypampa (4500 m), our base camp for the night. At this camp, enjoy a delicious hot meal prepared by our chefs, and take in the breathtaking views of the Salkantay Glacier.

• Transfer to Mollepata: 3 hours by transport from Cusco approximately. 
• Walking distance: 9 kilometers 6.1 millas.
• Walking distance: 3 hours from Mollepata to Soraypampa. 
• Climate: cold. 
• Maximum altitude: 4.500 meters. 
• Minimum altitude: 2.900 meters.

Distance: 22 km | Duration: 9 hours | Maximum Elevation: 4630 m | Difficulty: High

Day 2 starts with an early 5:00 am breakfast before we embark on the ascent to the Salkantay Pass at 4600 meters, the highest point of the entire trek. This is a challenging day, but the stunning views of the Salkantay and surrounding mountain range make every step worth it. After crossing the pass, we descend to Wayrac Machaq for lunch.

As we continue our descent through the cloud forest, you’ll witness a remarkable change in the landscape, with large trees draped in bromeliads and orchids, and sparkling streams flowing through lush greenery. We will then continue towards Chaullay, where we will set up camp for the night and enjoy a hearty dinner in the midst of nature.

• Walking distance: 18 kilometers 12.3 millas.
• Climate: cold. 
• Walking time: approximately 8 hours. 
• Activities: trekking, sightseeing. 
• Maximum altitude: 3.900 meters. 
• Minimum altitude: 2.900 meters.

Distance: 16 km | Duration: 6 hours | Maximum Elevation: 2900 m | Difficulty: Medium

On Day 3, we will begin our hike through the cloud forest, a lush environment filled with rivers, waterfalls, and vibrant flora. After a 3-hour hike, we will arrive at Lucmabamba, a lovely camp where you will have the chance to experience activities such as zip-lining and a visit to the local coffee plantations. Here, you’ll learn about the coffee production process, from cultivation to brewing.

For those who wish, you can take a trip to the Cocalmayo hot springs, located 30 minutes from our camp (optional, not included). Please let us know in advance if you'd like to add this to your itinerary.

• Walking distance: 117 kilometers 72.7 millas.
• Climate: Hot in the day and warm at night. 
• Optional excursion: in Hot springs in Santa Teresa, US $10 
• Walking time: approx. 6 hours. 
• Maximum altitude: 2.900 meters. 
• Minimum altitude: 1.550 meters.

Distance: 14 km | Duration: 6 hours | Maximum Elevation: 2400 m | Difficulty: Medium

The penultimate day of the trek begins with a breakfast between 5:00 and 6:00 am. From there, we’ll begin the hike towards the Llactapata archaeological site, where you’ll have an incredible view of Machu Picchu in the distance. After exploring the site, we’ll descend to Hidroelectrica for lunch before walking another 3 hours to Aguas Calientes.

Those who choose the premium option will travel by train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes instead of walking. Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check into your hotel for the night, ready to visit Machu Picchu the next day.

• Walking distance: 18 km/12.3 miles 
• Climate: Hot in the day and warm at night. 
• Optional excursion: in Zipline in Lumabamba, US $30 
• walking time: approx. 6 hours. 
• Maximum altitude: 2050 meters. 
• Minimum altitude: 1430 meters.

Walking Distance: 6 km | Maximum Elevation: 2400 m | Difficulty: Medium

On the final day of the trek, we will begin very early, around 4:00 am, to take the bus or hike up to Machu Picchu. After a quick breakfast, we will head to the Machu Picchu site, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the citadel, exploring its temples, plazas, and terraces while learning about its history and cultural significance.

After the guided tour, you’ll have some free time to enjoy the stunning views of the sacred city before descending by bus (depending on the option chosen) back to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Cusco.

• Distance traveled: Approximately 9 km/6.1 miles 
• Transfer to Machu Picchu: 25 minutes from Machu picchu Town. 
• Transfer to Cusco: 4 hours by train and bus from Machu picchu Town.
• Guided Visit to Machu Picchu: 2.5 hours 
• Climate: Hot Tropical. 
• Maximum altitude: 2450 meters. 
• Minimum altitude: 2050 meters.