Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days / 3 Nights

🚐 Trek departure from Cusco

The adventure begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we travel by private transport to the small town of Mollepata, where travelers usually stop for breakfast (not included).

We then continue the journey by vehicle to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek. Here you will meet our local team, including the muleteer and horses that will carry the equipment during the first part of the route.

🥾 Trek to Soraypampa

The hike begins along open trails surrounded by impressive mountains and beautiful Andean landscapes. The route progresses gradually, allowing travelers to slowly adapt to the altitude.

By the afternoon, we arrive in Soraypampa, where our Lodge del Cielo is located. Here we enjoy lunch and a well-deserved rest before continuing the adventure.

💧 Visit to Humantay Lake

In the afternoon, we hike up to the impressive Humantay Lake, one of the most anticipated highlights of the day. Along the way, the landscape becomes more open and the views of the surrounding mountains are constant.

After visiting the lake, we descend back to Soraypampa. At the end of the day, we enjoy dinner and spend the night under a beautiful starry sky at our Sky Lodge, surrounded by nature and tranquility.

ℹ️ Day 1 Information – Salkantay Trek

• ⛺ Campsite altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
• 🏔️ Maximum altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft.
• 📍 Route: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa – Humantay Lake
• 🥾 Hiking distance: 12 km
• ⏱️ Approximate duration: 8 hours
• 🍽️ Meals: Lunch and dinner
• 🏨 Accommodation: Lodge del Cielo
• 📈 Difficulty: Moderate

🏔️ Ascent to the highest point of the Salkantay Trek

After breakfast, we begin the most challenging day of the route. The hike starts through the area known as Pampa Salkantay, an open valley surrounded by impressive mountains and high-Andean landscapes.

We then continue hiking along the left side of the Salkantay glacier. Gradually, the trail climbs higher until reaching the highest point of the trek at 4,630 m (15,190 ft), where the landscape becomes dramatic and peaceful.

📸 Andean views and rest at Wayraqmachay

Upon reaching the Salkantay Pass, we enjoy breathtaking views of surrounding mountains, glaciers, and valleys. After some time for photos and a short rest, we begin the gradual descent.

Later, we arrive at Wayraqmachay, where we enjoy lunch and take a well-deserved rest before continuing the hike.

🌿 Descent to Challway

In the afternoon, we continue descending as the landscape gradually changes. The route enters the transition zone toward the cloud forest, with greener scenery and a warmer climate.

By the end of the day, we arrive in Challway, where our second campsite is located. After dinner, we rest and relax to recover our energy for the following day.

ℹ️ Day 2 Information – Salkantay Trek

• ⛺ Campsite altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft.
• 🏔️ Maximum altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
• 📍 Route: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Wayraqmachay – Challway
• 🥾 Hiking distance: 24 km
• ⏱️ Approximate duration: 9 to 10 hours
• 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
• 🏨 Accommodation: Double cabins
• 📈 Difficulty: Challenging

🌿 Trek through the Andean cloud forest

After breakfast, we begin hiking along ancient Andean trails that cross the cloud forest region. From the very first section, the environment begins to change, becoming warmer and more humid than in the previous days.

Along the route, we observe a great variety of flora and fauna. We also pass through local farming areas where coffee, tea, and passion fruit plantations are part of everyday life in the region.

🌸 Lush nature on the way to La Playa

Along the trail, the microclimate allows colorful orchids of different shapes and varieties to grow. Gradually, we continue along vegetation-covered paths until reaching La Playa after an approximate five-hour hike.

Here we take local transport that brings us to the Hydroelectric station area, where we enjoy lunch and take a short rest.

🚶 Hike to Aguas Calientes

In the afternoon, we continue the route walking alongside the railway. This section is calm and scenic, allowing us to enjoy the landscape as we approach the final destination of the day.

By the evening, we arrive in Aguas Calientes. At the end of the day, we enjoy dinner and rest at the hotel, preparing for the visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

ℹ️ Day 3 Information – Salkantay Trek

• ⛺ Campsite altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
• 🏔️ Maximum altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
• 📍 Route: Challway – La Playa – Hydroelectric Station – Aguas Calientes
• 🥾 Hiking distance: 22 km
• ⏱️ Approximate duration: 6 to 7 hours
• 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
• 🏨 Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes town
• 📈 Difficulty: Challenging

🏛️ Guided tour of Machu Picchu

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we take the bus that ascends to the Machu Picchu citadel. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and brings us to the main entrance and control point.

We then begin the guided tour with our professional guide. The visit lasts approximately two hours and follows Circuit 2A or 2B, depending on availability. Both routes allow visitors to explore around 80% of the Machu Picchu archaeological site.

📸 Cultural exploration and free time

During the visit, we explore the most important sectors of Machu Picchu, learning about its history, architecture, and cultural significance. There is also time to take photographs and enjoy the impressive natural surroundings of the citadel.

After the guided tour, we descend back to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch (not included).

🚆 Return to Cusco

Later, we board the return train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, depending on availability. Upon arrival, our transport will be waiting to take us back to the city of Cusco, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure.

ℹ️ Day 4 Information – Machu Picchu

• 🏔️ Maximum altitude: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft (access and visiting area)
• 🥾 Hiking distance: 6 km
• ⏱️ Approximate duration: 5 hours
• 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
• 📈 Difficulty: Easy

🧭 Standard Service

The Standard Service includes everything necessary to enjoy the Salkantay Trek in a safe and well-organized way. It is an ideal option for travelers who prioritize the trekking experience and the connection with nature.

• 🏨 Accommodation: Tourist-class hotel in Machu Picchu
• 🚆 Tren: Tren Expeditions (one way)
• 🍽️ Meals: Meals included during the trek (vegetarian option available)
• 🎟️ Tickets: Machu Picchu entrance ticket and Consettur bus (round trip)
• 🚐 Transfers: All transfers according to the itinerary
• 🧭 Guide: Professional guide throughout the entire journey

✨ Comfort Service

The Comfort Service is designed for travelers who prefer greater comfort at the end of the trek, without losing the essence of the adventure. It includes upgraded services in Machu Picchu and a more comfortable train journey.

• 🏨 Accommodation: 3★ hotel in Machu Picchu
• 🚆 Train: Vistadome panoramic train (one way)
• 🍽️ Meals: Meals included during the trek (vegetarian option available)
• 🎟️ Tickets: Machu Picchu entrance ticket and Consettur bus (round trip)
• 🚐 Transfers: All transfers according to the itinerary
• ✨ Experience: Greater comfort and a more relaxing travel experience

⚖️ Which option should you choose?

The Standard Service covers all the essential services of the Salkantay Trek. Meanwhile, the Comfort Service adds a 3-star hotel and a panoramic train, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a more comfortable and relaxing end to the journey.