Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

Drive from Cusco and hike to Soraypampa

Pickup is scheduled at approximately 5:00 a.m. The drive to Challacancha takes about four hours and passes through Anta and Mollepata. A short stop in Mollepata allows time for restrooms and an optional light breakfast at your own expense.

At Challacancha, the support team organizes the equipment and pack mules. The hike then covers 7 km in approximately three hours to Soraypampa, located at about 3,850 meters. Lunch is served at the first campsite.

Humantay Lake and first campsite

After lunch and a short rest, the group hikes to Humantay Lake at approximately 4,200 meters. The final timing depends on the group pace and trail conditions. You then return to Soraypampa for dinner and the first night. Temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.

Ascent to Salkantay Pass

The day begins at approximately 5:30 a.m., after breakfast. The first section climbs about 7 km over approximately four hours to Salkantay Pass, located at around 4,650 meters. This is the highest point on the route and the most demanding ascent, so it is important to maintain a steady pace.

After crossing the pass, you descend approximately 5 km to Huayracmachay, where the group stops for lunch.

Descent into the cloud forest

In the afternoon, you continue for around 10 km over approximately three hours, as the high mountain landscape gives way to cloud forest. The day ends at Chaullay, approximately 2,900 meters above sea level. With about 22 km of hiking in total, this day requires good physical preparation.

Santa Teresa Valley and La Playa

The hike begins at approximately 6:00 a.m. and continues through the Santa Teresa Valley. Along the way, you pass Collpapampa and see the cloud forest gradually give way to a warmer landscape with avocado, banana, coffee, cacao, pineapple, and mandarin trees, along with birdlife native to the region.

After lunch in La Playa, you continue hiking for approximately one hour to Lucmabamba, at around 2,100 meters above sea level, where you spend the third night.

Campsite and coffee experience

The third campsite is set up in Lucmabamba. During the afternoon, you may have the opportunity to learn about local coffee production, including harvesting, roasting, grinding, and tasting. This activity is subject to availability and the conditions of your booked service.

Hike to Llactapata

After breakfast, you begin an ascent of approximately two hours along a section of the Qhapaq Ñan, the ancient Inca road network. The trail reaches the Llactapata archaeological site, overlooking the landscape around Machu Picchu. After the visit, you descend for approximately two hours toward the Hydroelectric station, where lunch is served.

Along the route toward Hydroelectric, you may also visit the Intiwatana area, associated with the region's Inca heritage, if trail conditions allow.

Walk or optional train to Aguas Calientes

From Hydroelectric, you can continue on foot for approximately three hours along the route beside the railway to Aguas Calientes. If you prefer to skip this final walk, you can take the train at an additional cost, subject to availability and operating schedules. Once in Aguas Calientes, you check in at your included accommodation and rest.

Guided visit to Machu Picchu

This is one of the most anticipated days of the trek, as you will visit Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The day starts early with the ascent from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of the Inca city. You can hike this section or take the tourist bus at an additional cost.

Once inside Machu Picchu, you will enjoy an approximately two-hour guided tour along your assigned circuit. Depending on your ticket, you will see different areas of the site, including agricultural terraces, stone buildings, and ceremonial spaces. Your guide will explain its history, Inca construction techniques, and the importance of the site during the Inca Empire.

If you would like to add a hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you must book a separate entrance ticket in advance. These activities are subject to ticket availability and authorized entry times. The length of your visit to Machu Picchu depends on your assigned circuit and entrance time.

Return to Cusco

After your visit, you return to Aguas Calientes, where you may have time for lunch at your own expense, depending on your train schedule. You then board the train to Ollantaytambo and continue by road to Cusco, bringing your five-day Salkantay adventure to an end.