Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 6 Days

4:30 AM: Pick up from the hotel in our tourist bus. We will travel through the Andes until we reach the town of Mollepata.

In Mollepata, you will be able to prepare with last minute supplies or anything you may have forgotten in town, such as water, rain poncho or insect repellent. Once the riders have taken the large packs and all the necessary supplies have been acquired, we will begin the trek.

The first day will be spent hiking near the road that leads up to Soraypampa. The views are breathtaking, and although the trail occasionally takes steep shortcuts through grasslands, the scent of eucalyptus envelops you as you leave Mollepata and enter the open valleys that dominate this section of the Andes. It is incredible to breathe in the fresh mountain air as we slowly enter the tranquility of the landscape.

On this route, just over 4 or 5 local families rent campsites to hikers. Soraypampa is a completely surreal place, situated at the base of towering Andean peaks, such as Salkantay Mountain, which rises to 6,264 meters (20,551.18 feet). In Soraypampa, our protector is the Apu Salkantay. The barren, icy and lovely wind makes most tour agencies cover the campsites to protect the campers. After a long day of hiking, the sound of the nearby river will help you fall into a deep and restful sleep.

The second day is undoubtedly the most challenging of the trek. It is a long and cold day, in which you must cross the Salkantay Pass, at 4,650 meters (15,256 feet) above sea level. However, waking up at dawn in the vast meadows of Soraypampa, with the sun illuminating the 6,264-meter (20,551.18-foot) high Andean peaks, provides an energizing and fascinating start to the day.

The ascent to the pass takes between 3 and 4 hours, and consists of a fairly steep climb with narrow zigzags and steady inclines, until finally the rock formations of the pass come into view. Unless you hike in June or July, the trail is likely to be free of snow and ice, although hail, sleet, ice, and rain are possible at any time of year.

Although the air is thin and the trail is steep, anyone in good physical condition and acclimated to the altitude can make it over the pass. We have had, and probably will have, people over 60 in our group who made it across the pass. Our team carries extra oxygen, and if you are not strong enough, you can also ride a horse to cross the pass.

Once across the pass, a long descent begins, descending over 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) to our camp at Challway. On the way to Challway, there are several tent camps and small villages scattered among the plains. It is amazing to think that some people live permanently so far removed from modern society and in such harsh natural conditions. Interestingly, almost all of these small villages have a population of 4 or 5 people, and at least 1 or 2 are very small. The trail winds its way along the flank of the mountain, parallel to the Salkantay River, which grows exponentially as you advance through the valley, until you finally reach the village of Challway, in about an hour. The camp here will be ready to receive us.

Challway to La Playa Hike: From Snowy Mountains to Jungle

The hike from Challway to La Playa marks a remarkable change in scenery, moving from snow-capped mountains to lush jungle. As you proceed, the streams between the subalpine plains transform into cascading waterfalls and raging streams. You will cross several rivers via simple bridges made of logs and branches, in an environment that evokes the thrill of an encounter with wildlife, although pythons do not exist here and pumas are extremely rare. During the 4-hour hike to lunch, the view of the river valley and occasional stream crossings will keep you fascinated.

Lunch at La Playa: An Oasis in the Jungle

La Playa, our lunch spot, is where the mosquitoes start to appear in greater numbers, so insect repellent becomes an essential item. Here you can enjoy a well-deserved rest and recharge your batteries before continuing with the hike.

From La Playa to Santa Teresa: Nature and Hot Springs

After lunch, we will take a local bus for a one-hour ride to the town of Santa Teresa, the first important town on our route. Santa Teresa is famous for the Cocalmayo hot springs, located just outside the town.

Option: Relaxation at Santa Teresa Hot Springs

After a well-deserved rest at the camp, you will have the option to visit the hot springs of Santa Teresa. Enjoy a relaxing soak in these hot springs, a perfect reward after a day of intense hiking.

Breakfast Hike to Aguas Calientes: Nature and Adventure on the Inca Trail

After breakfast, you will begin a four-hour hike to reach the Urubamba River and have lunch at the hydroelectric station. The hydroelectric station is a considerable distance from the town of Machu Picchu, and the train that connects both points is mainly used by locals.

Scenic Route Along the Train Tracks

The journey to Aguas Calientes is along the train tracks, covering 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). Walking along the train line is much more pleasant than expected, as the trail is wide and meanders alongside the tracks. Almost the entire route is shaded by jungle foliage, with trees and flowers providing a picturesque setting and a very gradual incline. This weather is perfect after 4 days of trekking.

Approaching Aguas Calientes

As you approach Aguas Calientes, you will notice more and more “fresh” tourists in clean, smart clothes - they are the hikers who have arrived by train! We are just a few steps away from a hot shower, the first in 4 days, which adds excitement to our progress.

Arrival in Aguas Calientes

The joy of seeing the town of Aguas Calientes is indescribable. Tired legs quickly forget the effort as we are close to our hotel. Not only will we be able to enjoy a hot shower, but also sleep in a real bed.... Hooray!

Dinner and Planning

We will all meet for dinner at a local restaurant and plan our activities for the next day, making sure to make the most of our stay in this enchanting city before visiting the majestic Machu Picchu.

Aguas Calientes to Chachabamba Trek: Exploring the Ancient Inca Trail

We will begin our approximately 3-hour hike from Aguas Calientes to Chachabamba, departing at 5:00 a.m. and arriving around 8:00 a.m. Upon arrival, we will cross a bridge to the checkpoint to present our passports and verify our information.

Exploration of Chachabamba and the Inca Trail

We will begin an easy hike on the other side of the Vilcanota River, where the trail turns off to the ruins of Chachabamba, located on the ancient Inca Trail that followed the south bank of the Urubamba River. After exploring the ruins, we will continue south and begin to climb the mountain, entering the cloud forest. Then, the trail leaves the forest and heads west, climbing through open meadows.

Descent and Rest at the Waterfall

After walking in the sun for approximately 3 hours, the trail descends into a shady forest, where we will enjoy a refreshing waterfall. After a well-deserved rest, we will continue to the impressive ruins of Wiñaywayna. It is recommended to carry at least 2 liters of water for this part of the hike.

Lunch at Wiñaywayna and Cloud Forest Hike

After lunch in Wiñaywayna, we will continue through a beautiful cloud forest full of colorful bromeliads, orchids and ferns. The last part of the trail includes splendid stone steps and tambos (resting places).

Arrival at Inti Punku (Sun Gate)

We will climb 60 steps before arriving at the famous Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From this point, you will have a breathtaking view of the extraordinary lost city of Machu Picchu. Feel the energy and magic of this surreal sanctuary while taking unforgettable pictures.

Return to Aguas Calientes

We will then take a 25-minute bus ride back to Aguas Calientes for the night. You will enjoy a comfortable bed at the hotel, where you can rest and reminisce about our exciting trek.

Preparation for Machu Picchu

After a good night's rest, you'll be ready to visit Machu Picchu the next day - dream of the wonder that awaits you!

Finally, we will arrive at Pacaymayo camp, where we will rest and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Explore Machu Picchu at Sunrise: An Unforgettable Journey

Very early in the morning, after breakfast, we will take the first bus at 6:15 a.m., arriving at Machu Picchu around 7:00 a.m. to witness the beautiful sunrise over the mountains. Here, we will relive the history and mysterious world of the Incas. This is an ideal time, as there are few people and we can enjoy the tranquility of this sacred site.

Guided Exploration and Free Time in Machu Picchu

We will explore this enigmatic city for approximately 2 hours, listening to our guide recount the mysteries and archaeological history of this sanctuary. Afterwards, you will have 4 hours of free time to climb Huayna Picchu or continue exploring this fascinating place. Check with your guide about your return time to Cusco to make sure you have enough time for lunch or to enjoy the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.

Optional: If you wish to spend an extra day in Machu Picchu, let us know so we can change the date of your train ticket back to Cusco. Inka Trail Expeditions Peru can provide you with a guide and a hotel for the extra day at an extra cost. Please note that you will have to pay a second day entrance fee to the Inca City of Machu Picchu.