Salkantay Trek + Llactapata + Machu Picchu – 5 Days / 4 Nights

Day 1 – Cusco → Mollepata → Challacancha → Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft)

We pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco (approx. 4:30 AM) and drive for 3 hours through stunning Andean scenery to Challacancha (3,600 m), where the trek begins.

From here, a gradual uphill path follows an ancient Inca water canal with impressive mountain views. After a 3-hour hike, we arrive at Soraypampa Camp, set in a wide glacial valley beneath the majestic Mount Salkantay.

In the afternoon, you can take an optional hike to the Humantay Lake (4,200 m) — a brilliant turquoise lagoon at the foot of the Humantay glacier.
After returning, enjoy dinner and a spectacular night sky over the Andes.

Overnight: Soraypampa Camp (3,900 m)
Hike: 5–6 hours | +300 m ascent

Day 2 – Soraypampa → Salkantay Pass (4,630 m) → Huayracmachay → Chaullay (2,900 m)

After an early breakfast, we start the most demanding but rewarding day of the trek. The trail climbs steadily for about 3–4 hours toward the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m), the highest point of the journey.

From the pass, the view is breathtaking — snow-covered Salkantay rises dramatically to 6,271 m, surrounded by Andean glaciers.

We then descend through high mountain meadows and later into warmer cloud-forest vegetation. Lunch is served at Huayracmachay, followed by a 3-hour hike down to Chaullay, our camp surrounded by lush greenery.

Overnight: Chaullay Camp (2,900 m)
Hike: 8–9 hours | +700 m / –1,700 m

Day 3 – Chaullay → Collpapampa → Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,561 ft)

Today we enter the upper Amazon cloud forest, following the Salkantay River downstream. The trail winds through waterfalls, tropical fruit trees, and wild orchids.

We pass the villages of Collpapampa and La Playa, stopping for lunch along the way, before continuing to Lucmabamba, a small farming community known for its coffee and avocado plantations.

In the afternoon, visit a local coffee farm to learn about traditional cultivation and roasting methods — and enjoy a fresh cup of organic Andean coffee.

Overnight: Lucmabamba Camp / Eco-lodge
Hike: 5–6 hours | –900 m descent

Day 4 – Lucmabamba → Llactapata (2,700 m) → Hidroeléctrica → Aguas Calientes (2,040 m)

After breakfast, we ascend along a preserved Inca Trail section that climbs gradually for about 2–3 hours through lush bamboo and ferns to the Llactapata Inca ruins (2,700 m).

From this site, you’ll enjoy your first spectacular view of Machu Picchu across the valley — a moment of pure magic. After exploring Llactapata, we descend to Hidroelectrica (1,800 m) for lunch.

From there, continue on foot (3 hours) along the railway line through the tropical forest to Aguas Calientes, or optionally take a short train ride. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Hike: 6–7 hours | +700 m ascent / –1,200 m descent

Day 5 – Machu Picchu Guided Visit → Return to Cusco

Early breakfast, then take the bus (25 min) to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary (2,430 m) for your guided tour. Explore the most important archaeological complex in South America — the temples, terraces, and sacred plazas of the Inca Empire.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to wander or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional, advance permit required).

In the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transfer back to Cusco, arriving around 8:00 PM.
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