5-Day Trek to Machu Picchu

Embark on an exciting trekking journey along the Salkantay trail, which serves as an alternative route to reach Machu Picchu. Over the course of five days, immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of the Cusco region!

5-Day Trek to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Mollepata - Soraypampa - Humantay Lagoon

Your adventure begins with a pickup at 5 am from your accommodation. We will drive for around four hours, traveling through Anta and Mollepata, with a breakfast stop along the way. As we journey, take in the stunning views of the snow-covered summits of Salkantay and Huamantay, both revered in Inca mythology.

Continuing from Mollepata, we will head to Challacancha, where the first portion of our 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) trek will commence. Our ascent will bring us to an altitude of 3850 meters (12,630 feet), arriving at Soraypampa while traversing the impressive Andean valleys. Here, we will enjoy lunch and take some time to relax before proceeding to the stunning Humantay Lagoon, a glacial lake offering magnificent vistas. As sunset descends, we will be captivated by the sight, and as night falls, the clear Andean sky will reveal constellations and possibly shooting stars.

Day 2: Salkantay - Huayracmachay - Chaullay

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before we set off from Humantay towards the summit of Salkantay, known to be the second-highest peak in the Cusco region. We will ascend to 4650 meters (15,255 feet) where the expansive views of the imposing Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo await.

Next, we will navigate a winding gravel path down to our lunch stop at Huayracmachay camp. Post-lunch, we will venture into the cloud forests and lush green hills of the Andes. Our day will conclude in the village of Chaullay, nestled within the Amazon jungle, where we will set up camp for the evening.

Day 3: La Playa - Colpapampa - Lucmabamba

On the third day, our journey will lead us to La Playa, traversing the Santa Teresa valley over six hours of hiking rich in natural beauty featuring waterfalls, wildflowers, and coffee, banana, and avocado plantations. If luck is on our side, we might spot unique wildlife like the cock-of-the-rock bird.

Following lunch in La Playa, we will proceed to Lucmabamba, where the afternoon offers opportunities to discover its vibrant tropical forest and visit a local farm dedicated to growing organic coffee, oranges, and avocados. Our evening will be spent camping at Lucmabamba.

Day 4: Llactapata Inca - Hydroelectric Station - Intiwatana - Aguas Calientes

Awakening to the delightful scent of coca tea prepared by our camp chef, we will gain energy for the two-hour hike to Llactapata Inca, an archaeological site connected to the Lost City of the Incas, conveniently located opposite Machu Picchu.

From there, we will proceed to the Hydroelectric Station, where lunch awaits, and we can explore the facility that provides power for the entire Cusco region. Our next destination will be Intiwatana, an ancient Inca sundial site. Afterward, we will follow a path beside the train tracks leading us to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu

For our final day, we will rise early, departing Aguas Calientes to make our way to the iconic Machu Picchu, among the world's most renowned historical sites. There, we will partake in a two-hour guided tour to delve into the history of the Inca citadel's temples, palaces, and enclosures.

In the afternoon, you will be responsible for your return journey to Aguas Calientes, where the train to Ollantaytambo will be waiting. From Ollantaytambo, we will provide bus transportation to your hotel in Urubamba or, if preferred, a trip to Cusco, with arrival expected around 10 pm.

Accommodation

Throughout the tour, accommodations include three nights in mountain camps at Humantay, Chaullay, and Lucmabamba, together with one night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes.

Bus to Machu Picchu

If you wish to arrange bus transportation between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu without the hassle of long lines, you can do so at this link.