Salkantay Trekking

The journey begins with a pickup from your hotel or a central meeting point around 6:00 a.m. We then head toward the village of Mollepata, where our trek starts through a winding valley, following a gentle stream until we reach Soraypampa. After meeting our dedicated muleteers and horses—who carry all the heavy camping gear—and taking a brief rest, we begin the hike toward the famous Humantay Lake.

In the afternoon, we return to Soraypampa for a hot, nutritious lunch. Afterward, we continue toward the Salkantaypampa camp. Here, our team will set up the tents while you enjoy dinner and spend your first night taking in the direct views of the Salkantay glacial massif.

The first thing you will see at dawn is the imposing view of the Salkantay glacial peak. Around 6:00 a.m., we begin the trek toward the highest point of the journey: the Salkantay Pass at 4,650 masl (15,256 ft). This is a steady 7 km (4.3 miles) ascent that takes approximately 3 hours. From these heights, we will have a full view of the valley and the Andean giants: Salkantay, Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo.

After reaching the pass, we descend to "Wayrac Machaq" for a well-deserved hot lunch prepared by our mountain chefs. The trail becomes rugged, but with the support of our guides, we will reach the "cloud forest" in the high jungle of Cusco. Here, the dry mountain air shifts to a warm and humid tropical climate.

Finally, we follow a 3-hour trail until reaching the Chaullay camp at 2,900 masl (9,514 ft), where our team will have the camp ready for dinner and our second night.

In the morning, following a nutritious breakfast, we begin a 3-hour trek through the cloud forest, crossing a vibrant landscape filled with rivers and cascading water. Around noon, after enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, we will continue our journey for approximately 3 more hours until reaching the Lucmabamba camp.

Once at the camp, you will have the chance to experience the zipline (optional) before returning to participate in activities within the local coffee plantations. This is a unique opportunity to see the dedication of the families who cultivate these high-altitude tropical beans.

Note: If you wish to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs (located 30 minutes from our camp), please coordinate with your guide to organize the logistics.

Following a nutritious breakfast, we will enjoy a scenic trek with views of the surrounding mountains and high-altitude forests until reaching Hidroeléctrica, where our team will provide a hot lunch.

In the afternoon, we continue with a 3-hour walk through the lush landscapes of the valley floor until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes. This Salkantay expedition is designed to let you spend your final night resting at the base of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, ensuring you are refreshed for the final visit.

Around 6:00 a.m., we board the shuttle toward the Machu Picchu archaeological complex. Here, we will engage in a 2-hour guided circuit to understand the historical depth of this world-class destination alongside our experienced local guides. For those who have pre-booked permits for the additional peaks (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain), you will be able to access those trails immediately following the main guided session.

The 5-day Salkantay Trek concludes with our return journey via train and private transport, arriving in Cusco around 7:00 p.m.