Recognized by UNESCO as one of the best treks in South America, the Salkantay Trail offers a deep connection with nature from the very first step. Along the way, you will discover an astonishing geographic diversity, crossing from the imposing snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the lush high jungle of Peru.
In this 5-day trip you will experience unique contrasts: from the cold and pure air of the high mountain passes, exceeding 4,630 meters above sea level, to the humid heat of the tropical zones at about 1,500 meters above sea level. Each stretch will surprise you with breathtaking landscapes and a special energy that only the Andes can offer.
This is a classic adventure tour, ideal for trekking, nature and culture lovers. If you are ready to live this unique experience, discover below what awaits you on each day of this fascinating journey to the Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Cusco – Mollepata – Soraypampa
Early departure from Cusco to Mollepata. We start the hike in Marqoq’asa, enjoying views of Andean valleys. Lunch in Soraypampa and visit to the impressive Humantay Lagoon (4,220 m.a.s.l.).
Day 2: Suyroccocha Camp – Challway
Ascent to the highest point of the trek: the Salkantay Pass (4,630 m.a.s.l.), with spectacular views. Descent to the high jungle, where the landscape changes completely. Camp surrounded by tropical vegetation.
Day 3: Challway – La Playa camp
A 5-hour hike through natural trails along the Salkantay River. During the walk, we observe orchids, birds, tropical fruits and coffee plantations. Overnight at La Playa settlement.
Day 4: Llactapata Pass – to Aguas Calientes town
Ascent to the archaeological site of Llactapata, with the first view of Machu Picchu from the opposite mountain. Descent to the Aobamba valley and final hike along the train track to Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Guided visit to Machu Picchu, exploring its temples, squares and most important structures. Return by train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco, where this unforgettable adventure concludes.
We start the adventure with the pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 a.m., and then travel by tourist transport to the village of Mollepata, where we will make a stop to enjoy breakfast and meet the team that will accompany us throughout the trek.
After breakfast, we will continue by vehicle to Marqoq’asa, the starting point of our trek. From here, we will ascend to a natural viewpoint with spectacular views of the valleys of Mollepata and Marqoq’asa, a perfect prelude to the majesty of the Andes.
The hike continues to Soraypampa, where a well-deserved lunch awaits us. Then, we will prepare for a hike of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes until we reach the impressive Humantay Lagoon (4,220 m.a.s.l.), a magical body of turquoise water nestled between mountains.
After enjoying this unique place, we will return downhill to Soraypampa, where we will spend the night.
The second day is one of the most challenging but also one of the most impressive of the trek. We will start very early with a cup of hot coca tea, served in our tents, to alleviate the morning cold and prepare for the journey.
After packing our equipment, we will begin the trek to the Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,630 meters above sea level. The ascent demands effort, but the panoramic views from the summit – surrounded by imposing mountains and the majestic snow-capped Salkantay – make every step worthwhile.
After enjoying this impressive Andean landscape, we will begin our descent along a rocky path that will take us into a completely different environment: the lush high jungle, where the climate becomes warmer and more humid. This transition of ecosystems is one of the most fascinating experiences of the day.
At the end of the trek, we will rest at our campsite, surrounded by subtropical vegetation and sounds of nature.
Today we have a more relaxed but no less beautiful day ahead of us. We will start the day walking through a mountainous and wooded environment, following a nature trail that will take us through a green and lively landscape towards the settlement of La Playa.
Along the way, we will be accompanied by the sound of the Salkantay River, a tributary of the mighty Urubamba River, the main artery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the way, if it is in season, we can find wild strawberries growing freely along the trail.
Nature will give us a colorful spectacle: wild flowers, orchids, local birds, and a great variety of crops such as avocados, pineapples, bananas, passion fruit and coffee plantations. This section of the trek takes approximately 5 hours, and ends at La Playa camp, where we will spend the night surrounded by the abundant tropical vegetation of the high jungle.
We start the day very early to avoid the intense heat of the jungle. From La Playa, we begin a hike along the ancient Inca trail of Lucmabamba, ascending towards the last pass of the trek: the Llactapata Pass. Along the trail we cross the Santa Teresa valley, surrounded by lush vegetation, coffee plantations and a natural environment of great beauty.
Arriving at the archaeological site of Llactapata, we will have an unforgettable experience: our first panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the opposite side of the mountain, accompanied by a majestic landscape with the Andean mountains in the background. We will explore this little-visited Inca site before beginning our descent.
We descend through the Aobamba valley, crossing lush bamboo forests and coffee plantations, until we reach the area of Hidroeléctrica after a somewhat demanding descent of approximately 2 hours.
From there, we will continue with a more gentle hike of about 2.5 hours following the train track until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a comfortable lodge, resting before our big day in Machu Picchu.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will take a tourist bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu, a journey of approximately 30 minutes. During the ascent, we will enjoy impressive views of the valley and the transition to the Amazon jungle, reminding us of the incredible natural diversity that Peru offers.
Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, we will take a guided tour of its main sectors: the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Royal Quarter, the Temple of the Three Windows and the funerary areas, among other historical points of great value.
After the visit, we will descend again to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, we will take private transportation to the city of Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be met at the train station and transferred to your accommodation, concluding this unforgettable adventure in the Peruvian Andes.
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