Embark on a breathtaking 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, exploring exclusive views, rich culture, and serene nature. Discover adventure today.
Embark on a breathtaking 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, exploring exclusive views, rich culture, and serene nature. Discover adventure today.
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Humantay Lake - The adventure kicks off early with a picturesque journey from Cusco to the delightful village of Mollepata. After a brief pause, the journey continues to Soraypampa (3900 m / 12,795 ft), the starting point of the hike. Surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks, this…
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake – Soraypampa
Humantay Lake - The adventure kicks off early with a picturesque journey from Cusco to the delightful village of Mollepata. After a brief pause, the journey continues to Soraypampa (3900 m / 12,795 ft), the starting point of the hike. Surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks, this breathtaking landscape sets the stage for the adventure ahead.
From Soraypampa, the group will gradually ascend for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours until reaching the stunning Humantay Lake (4200 m), a turquoise jewel nestled at the base of the magnificent Humantay Mountain. Here, there will be time to explore, take photos, and soak in the tranquil energy of this sacred Andean lagoon.
Afterward, the descent back to Soraypampa begins, where the camp awaits, offering spectacular views of the Humantay and Salkantay mountains. In the evening, under a starry sky, a delicious dinner prepared by the team will be enjoyed before resting for the next day’s adventure.
Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay – Chaullay
Salkantay Trail - The day starts early with a hot coca tea and an energizing breakfast to prepare for the most challenging yet rewarding day of the hike. From Soraypampa, the group will gradually ascend through stunning valleys and Andean landscapes until reaching the Salkantay Pass (4650 m), the highest point on the entire route.
At the summit, participants will be surrounded by breathtaking views of the majestic Salkantay mountain (6271 m), revered by the Incas. Time will be taken to celebrate the achievement, take photos, and connect with the incredible natural beauty.
Afterward, the descent begins, with the landscape transitioning from snowy peaks to lush green valleys. A stop at Huayracmachay for lunch will be made before continuing the descent to Chaullay (2900 m), where the highlands meet the edge of the cloud forest.
Dinner and an overnight stay at the camp, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Collpapampa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata
Banos Termales de Cocalmayo - Enjoy a break in the village of Chaullay while admiring the mountain views. After a delightful breakfast, prepare for the most beautiful day of this experience. Today, the journey will follow narrow paths along the river, crossing wooden bridges, small waterfalls, and banana plantations, coffee, cocoa, and granadilla until reaching the village of Playa (2000 m / 6561 ft).
Lunch will be at the same location where the night will be spent. After lunch, the group will continue to an organic farm, where the best coffee in the area can be tasted. This region is known for organic coffee cultivation, and participants can engage in the coffee-making process, from the plants to roasting beans and enjoying the exquisite drink.
After this wonderful experience, there will be time to relax by visiting the Cocalmayo hot springs, which are optional and not included in the package but can be arranged with the guide.
La Playa – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
Hidroeléctrica - This day will be quite demanding, with a 24 km walk from the beach to Aguas Calientes. The first 3 hours will involve a steep ascent, offering magnificent views and the opportunity to witness the sunrise, until reaching Llactapata, where Machu Picchu can be seen. This unique view brings participants closer to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu after a challenging hike.
Inca buildings can also be found in this area. The three-hour trail is considered part of the original Inca trail from Machu Picchu to the Amazon. The guide will provide more information about the area. After the visit, the descent to the Aho Bamba Valley begins, where lunch will be enjoyed at a local family’s home, providing financial support to the local community. After lunch, the walk continues to the hydroelectric power plant. The route from this point to Aguas Calientes runs alongside the train track and borders all of Machu Picchu.
Day 5: Exploring Machu Picchu – Cusco
Aguas Calientes - On this day, participants will visit one of the seven wonders of the world, a city abandoned for unknown reasons during the 16th century by the great Inca Empire. The day starts early with breakfast at the hotel, followed by taking the first buses to reach Machu Picchu at dawn. Once there, an expert guide will lead the group to the most important sites of the citadel: temples, palaces, squares, and enclosures, while unveiling the mysteries hidden in this spectacular Inca city, perched atop a mountain. The guided tour lasts approximately 3 hours. If tickets are available, participants can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain.
After exploring the citadel, the bus will take the group back to Aguas Calientes for lunch, collecting belongings from the hotel, and taking the expedition train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, the Guiding Cusco team will transport everyone back to Cusco in private transportation, arriving at the hotel around 7:30 p.m.

- Bilingual Professional Guide
- Private transportation
- Meals
- Accommodation (3 Nights in Camps and 1 night in Hotel in Aguas Calientes)
- Entrance fees
- First Aid Kit
- Travel Bag (5 kilos, For your belongings to Route)
- Arriero (For the transfer of your belongings on the route)
- Bilingual Professional Guide
- Private transportation
- Meals
- Accommodation (3 Nights in Camps and 1 night in Hotel in Aguas Calientes)
- Entrance fees
- First Aid Kit
- Travel Bag (5 kilos, For your belongings to Route)
- Arriero (For the transfer of your belongings on the route)
- Gratuities
- Sleeping bag
- Gratuities
- Sleeping bag
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu stands out as one of the most remarkable trekking paths in the Cusco region, perfect for travelers desiring a genuine, less crowded journey amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Throughout this multi-day expedition, participants will traverse towering mountains, enjoy views of the snow-capped Salkantay, explore turquoise…
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu stands out as one of the most remarkable trekking paths in the Cusco region, perfect for travelers desiring a genuine, less crowded journey amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Throughout this multi-day expedition, participants will traverse towering mountains, enjoy views of the snow-capped Salkantay, explore turquoise lagoons like Humantay, and wander through lush cloud forests in the jungle eyebrow of the Urubamba Valley.
This trek seamlessly blends nature, culture, and adventure into one trip, offering comfortable camping, personalized attention, and experienced local guides who will accompany travelers every step of the way until reaching the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.
- Panoramic views of the snowy Salkantay and Humantay Lagoon
- An alternative route that is less crowded than the Inca Trail
- Genuine cultural experiences with local communities
- Trek through diverse ecosystems (mountain and jungle)
- Comfortable and well-equipped camps
- Memorable arrival at Machu Picchu.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.