Trek to Salkantay 5D / 4N

Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Soraypampa

On the first day of the Salkantay Trail toward Machu Picchu, we will pick you up from your hotel between 5:00 and 5:15 a.m. We’ll travel for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, enjoying scenic landscapes of the Andes, highland farming communities, and expansive potato and corn fields. Our first stop is the town of Mollepata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where you’ll have time for breakfast if needed and purchase last-minute items such as ponchos, sunscreen, or batteries.

We continue by car for one more hour to Challacancha (3,675 m), passing impressive viewpoints overlooking the Mollepata Valley. In Challacancha, you’ll meet our trekking team—cook, muleteers, and horses—who will warmly welcome you and prepare the equipment for the adventure ahead. After a brief orientation, our staff will load the duffel bags on the horses while we begin the hike.

The first stretch is a gentle 3-hour walk along a beautiful plain, ideal for acclimatization. We then arrive at our first campsite in Soraypampa (3,850 m), located at the foot of the majestic Salkantay Mountain. A delicious Andean lunch will be waiting. After a short rest, we begin a 1.5-hour hike up to the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake. You’ll have time to enjoy the landscape and take photos. We return to camp for tea time, dinner, and rest.

Day 2: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay

We begin the day at 5:00 a.m. with a nutritious breakfast to prepare for the most challenging but rewarding day of the trek. After organizing our belongings, we hike for about one hour to Salkantaypampa (4,100 m), where we take a break before continuing uphill for another hour to Soyrococha (4,400 m). This is the perfect spot to rest and enjoy a snack.

We then ascend for another hour until reaching the highest point of the trek: the Salkantay Pass (4,632 m). Here you’ll admire breathtaking glacier views and the towering peaks of Humantay (5,917 m) and Salkantay (6,271 m), known in Quechua as “The Wild Mountain.” You will also spot remaining sections of an original Inca Trail.

We descend for 2 hours to Wayracpampa, where lunch will be served. Afterwards, we continue down into the cloud forest, noting the gradual change in climate and vegetation. We finish the day in Chaullay, where we enjoy tea time, dinner, and a well-earned rest.

Day 3: Chaullay – La Playa Sahuayaco (2,200 m)

We wake up at 6:00 a.m. for breakfast before starting our hike. This day is unforgettable, surrounded by lush cloud forest filled with orchids, waterfalls, tropical fruits, birds, and abundant vegetation. The trail is relatively gentle, with short uphill stretches and long descents.

After 40 minutes, we reach the village of Collpapampa (2,850 m / 9,350 ft), where we enjoy panoramic views of the Santa Teresa Valley. Continuing through the Totora Valley, we’ll see waterfalls, natural hot springs, and more sections of cloud forest.

In Wiñaypoco, locals harvest granadilla, a tropical fruit you can taste. We then continue descending to La Playa (2,200 m), where we have lunch. Afterwards, we take transportation to Santa Teresa, our third campsite, where you can relax in the beautiful Cocalmayo Hot Springs.

Day 4: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, we walk for 2 hours along the Urubamba River until reaching the Hydroelectric train station. After a short break, we follow the railway for 3 more hours until arriving in Aguas Calientes. Once in town, you’ll check into your hostel. In the evening, we enjoy dinner and review the final details for your Machu Picchu visit.

NOTE: If you prefer not to walk from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes, you may purchase a train ticket at the station (USD 28). The ride lasts 30 minutes.

Day 5: Machu Picchu Tour and Return to Cusco

This day is dedicated entirely to exploring the wonder of Machu Picchu (2,490 m). Enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2 hours, followed by free time to explore on your own or visit the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). You may also climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you reserved in advance.

Afterward, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), then board the train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our transportation will take you back to Cusco (1 hour and 30 minutes).