Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days from Cusco

We pick you up from your Cusco hotel at approximately 5:00 a.m. and drive for about two hours to Mollepata, where we stop for breakfast. Another hour by road takes us to Challacancha, the starting point of the trek.

The walk begins with a short uphill section of around 30 minutes, followed by approximately three hours on a mostly level trail toward Soraypampa. At around 3,850 m / 12,631 ft, our first campsite sits beneath the surrounding Andean mountains. After lunch, you can rest at camp or discuss an optional afternoon hike to Humantay Lake with your guide. This additional walk depends on your energy, available time, and conditions.

• Walking time: Approximately 3.5 hours, excluding the optional Humantay Lake hike.
• Accommodation: Camping at Soraypampa.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner.

After breakfast, we begin the climb toward Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the trek at approximately 4,650 m / 15,256 ft. Allow around three hours for the ascent. The combination of altitude and uphill walking makes this the most demanding mountain stage, so we follow a steady pace with breaks along the way.

At the pass, we pause to take in the surrounding peaks before beginning the descent. We walk for approximately 1.5 hours to our lunch stop, then continue downhill for around four hours toward Collpapampa. Along the way, the exposed mountain terrain gradually gives way to greener slopes and cloud forest.

• Walking time: Approximately 8–9 hours.
• Accommodation: Camping at Collpapampa.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner.

Today’s walk follows the valley through warmer cloud forest toward La Playa. We leave the high mountain setting behind and continue along trails surrounded by denser vegetation. The walking takes approximately five hours, with stops along the route.

After arriving at La Playa, we have lunch and settle into camp. The afternoon gives you time to rest before the next day’s climb. If you are interested in visiting Cocalmayo hot springs, discuss this optional outing with the team; transport, admission, and timing need to be arranged separately.

• Walking time: Approximately 5 hours.
• Accommodation: Camping at La Playa.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner.

We start early and climb toward Llactapata, allowing approximately four hours for the uphill walk. At the archaeological site, your guide introduces the Inca remains and their setting above the valley. When visibility allows, you can see Machu Picchu across the surrounding slopes.

We then descend for approximately two hours to Hidroelectrica, where we stop for lunch. From here, the itinerary continues by train to Aguas Calientes with your guide. Tonight, you stay in a hotel and prepare for the following day’s visit to Machu Picchu.

• Walking time: Approximately 6 hours, followed by the train journey.
• Accommodation: Three-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner.

After breakfast, we take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, a journey of approximately 30 minutes. Departure is coordinated with the entrance time on your ticket. Your guide leads the archaeological visit along the reserved circuit, explaining the Inca architecture and the areas accessible on that route.

After the visit, we return to Aguas Calientes before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. The published itinerary plans the train for around 2:30 p.m., subject to availability. Our representative meets you at the station for the road transfer to Cusco, with arrival expected around 7:00 p.m., depending on the confirmed train and traffic.

Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hikes require an appropriate additional ticket and a schedule compatible with the return journey. Request either option before booking.

• Main activity: Guided Machu Picchu visit, approximately 2 hours depending on the reserved circuit.
• Accommodation: None included after the return to Cusco.
• Meals: Breakfast. Lunch and dinner are not included.