Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: Five Days

Discover the stunning Andean terrain, characterized by towering snow-capped peaks and breathtaking vistas. Engage in the exhilarating hike along the Salkantay trails, a favored choice among trekkers seeking an alternative route to Machu Picchu. Are you ready for this unforgettable experience?

Machu Picchu Multi-Day Hiking Tour

Day 1: Cusco - Soraypampa

Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We will embark on a scenic two-hour drive to reach the quaint village of Mollepata, where you can grab breakfast to fuel your day.

Following this leisurely stop, we will continue our journey for another hour until we arrive at the beautiful Soraypampa. Here, muleteers and horses will help with our belongings for the hike. We will start our trek with a two-hour ascent to the enchanting Humantay Lagoon. You’ll have around two hours to take in the incredible scenery and capture stunning photographs.

Once we conclude our exploration, we will return to the Soraypampa area for our overnight camping. A delicious lunch, featuring a traditional Peruvian dish, will be served, after which you can enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. We suggest visiting the Salkantay viewpoint for one of the best panoramic views in the area.

As the evening approaches, we’ll gather for dinner and prepare for a restful night.

Day 2: Soraypampa - Chaullay

After a hearty breakfast, we will wrap up our time at Soraypampa and commence our hike. Our ascent will take us to an altitude of 4650 meters (15,255 feet) at the Salkantay pass. From this impressive vantage point, we can admire stunning views, including the majestic snowy peaks of Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo.

After two hours of descent, we’ll stop for a brief lunch to recharge. Our day culminates in Chaullay, our campsite at the entryway to the Peruvian Amazon.

We will conclude the day with a hearty dinner at the camp, looking forward to the next day’s explorations!

Day 3: Chaullay - Santa Teresa

On Day 3, we will start with breakfast at our camp before heading to Sahuayaco Beach. Throughout this approximately five-hour hike, expect to uncover beautiful waterfalls, vibrant wild orchids, and lush plantations of coffee, bananas, and avocados.

Upon reaching our destination, we’ll utilize local public transport to reach our third camp in the Santa Teresa district. After lunch, enjoy some free time in the tropical valley, and don’t miss a dip in the rejuvenating Cocalmayo Hot Springs of Santa Teresa.

As the day winds down, we will reconvene for dinner and rest at the camp.

Day 4: Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes

Following breakfast at our campsite, we will set off on a three-hour hike through the Santa Teresa Valley towards the Llactapata ruins, located directly opposite Machu Picchu. We will delve into the rich history of this Inca archaeological site.

Our route will further descend for another two hours to the Hidroeléctrica train station, where lunch will be waiting. We will then continue along the train tracks until we reach our accommodation for the night in Aguas Calientes.

In the evening, dinner will be enjoyed at a local restaurant, followed by a return to the hotel to rest for the next day.

Day 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

On the final day, start with a packed breakfast as we prepare for the hike to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Once we arrive, a 2.5-hour guided tour will reveal the remarkable history of this ancient Inca citadel, now celebrated as one of Peru’s greatest treasures.

After the tour, you will make your way back to your hotel in Cusco, with an anticipated arrival around 10 pm.

Accommodation

This experience includes three nights of lodging with breakfast provided in mountain camps, alongside one night of breakfast at a 2-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Important

If the activity is canceled due to strikes or adverse weather conditions, an alternative date will be offered for your tour. If rescheduling is not feasible, a full refund will be issued, excluding the non-refundable Inca Trail entrance fees (approximately 200 PEN).