From Cusco: Salkantay Trekking to Machu Picchu - 4 Days, 3 Nights

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

We will pick you up from your hotel between 4:30 and 4:45 a.m. for a 3-hour drive to Mollepata, where you can enjoy breakfast (optional with an extra cost). Then, we will continue by transport to Soraypampa, the starting point of our trek. From there, we’ll hike for about 1 hour to reach the stunning Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,779 ft).

Along the way, you’ll appreciate the local flora and fauna, including the Andean goose, deer, and viscachas, small animals similar to rabbits. After taking in the views, we’ll descend back to Soraypampa for a delicious lunch prepared by our chef. We will then continue hiking uphill for another 2 hours to reach our campsite at Salkantaypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). Here, we will set up our tents, enjoy afternoon tea, and savor a hearty dinner before stargazing and resting for the night.

Day details:

• Hiking distance: 16 km / 10 miles
• Duration: 7 to 8 hours
• Campsite elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
• Maximum elevation: 4,500 m / 13,779 ft
• Meals included: snacks, lunch, tea, and dinner
• Accommodation: Campsite
• Difficulty: Moderate

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

We’ll wake you up early with a hot cup of coca tea or coffee. As you step out of your tent, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking landscapes of vast plains and snow-capped peaks. After breakfast, we’ll begin our ascent to the highest point of the trek, the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft). At the summit, we’ll take time to explore and enjoy the incredible views, including a picturesque lagoon at the base of Salkantay Mountain.

From the summit, we’ll hike downhill for 3 hours to Wayracmachay (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) for lunch. Afterward, we’ll continue descending into the cloud forest, experiencing a dramatic change in climate and temperature. Along the way, you’ll see diverse flora, orchids, and hummingbirds until we reach Collpapampa (2,770 m / 9,087 ft), where we’ll camp near a small village.

Day details:

• Hiking distance: 22 km / 11.2 miles
• Duration: 9 hours
• Campsite elevation: 2,770 m / 9,087 ft
• Maximum elevation: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
• Meals included: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea, and dinner
• Accommodation: Campsite
• Difficulty: Moderate

Distance:16 km | Duration: 8 hours | Maximum Elevation:2800 m | Difficulty: Medium

The third day of the Salkantay trek is considered the most scenic and captivating. We’ll start the day with a hearty breakfast before hiking for approximately 3 hours to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,600 ft). Depending on your package choice, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a unique culinary experience. For Premium option guests, you’ll enjoy a cooking demonstration, learning how to prepare the traditional Andean dish, Pachamanca, cooked underground with heated stones. You’ll actively participate in the process and then savor this delicious meal. Meanwhile, guests on the standard or budget option will enjoy a tasty lunch prepared by the chef.

After lunch, we’ll visit an organic coffee farm, where you’ll learn about the harvesting and roasting process and even brew your own espresso from freshly roasted beans.

Later, we’ll take a transport for about an hour to Hidroeléctrica, where we’ll begin a 3-hour hike to Aguas Calientes (2,000 m / 6,561 ft). Following the train tracks, you’ll enjoy lush vegetation and the serene river along the way. We’ll arrive at Aguas Calientes around 5:00 p.m., enjoy dinner at a quality restaurant, and rest in a comfortable local hotel.

Note: The Premium option includes a train ticket from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, so no walking is required.

Day details:

• Hiking distance: 14-16 km / 8.6-10 miles
• Duration: 6 to 8 hours (depending on transport)
• Aguas Calientes elevation: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
• Difficulty: Moderate

The final day of the tour is dedicated to exploring the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, the highlight of your journey. We’ll wake up very early to head to the archaeological site.

For those on the Premium option, you’ll take the first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu at 5:30 a.m., a 25-minute ride. If you choose the standard or budget option, you’ll have the option to hike up (1 hour and 30 minutes). In either case, you’ll arrive at the gates of Machu Picchu in time to enjoy an unforgettable sunrise if weather permits.

Once inside, your expert guide will lead a complete 2- to 3-hour tour of the citadel. You’ll learn about the fascinating history, architecture, and mysteries of the site. For those who reserved in advance, additional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are available (optional, limited tickets).

After exploring, you’ll take the bus (Premium option) or walk back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Finally, you’ll board the train and a private transport back to Cusco, where our Haku Travel team will meet you and take you to your hotel.

Day details:

• Tour duration at Machu Picchu: 2 to 3 hours
• Machu Picchu elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
• Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel
• Difficulty: Easy