Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 Days

Pick up from the hotel is scheduled for around 4:00 a.m. Afterwards, we will embark on a journey of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes in our private vehicle to Mollepata. After enjoying a light breakfast, we will continue by car to Challacancha, where we will meet our muleteer and horses. Then, we will start the trek to our Lodge del Cielo in Soraypampa.

In the afternoon, after lunch, we will ascend to visit the beautiful Humantay Lake. After the visit, we will descend again to Soraypampa, where we will spend the first night under a starry sky in our Lodge del Cielo.

As for our base in Soraypampa, the camp is a 10-minute walk from the village of Soraypampa, which gives us a unique advantage by offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Humantay Lagoon. It is also a perfect place, away from the crowds, where we can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Andean valley and share the company of our lovely alpacas.

It is important to note that the afternoon before this day, a briefing will be held with your guide in Cusco. The following day, after an early breakfast, pick-up will begin at 6:00 a.m. from your location in Cusco.

Meals: lunch and dinner.
Walking distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles.
Difficulty: moderate to Defiant.
Overnight: Lodge Del Cielo in Soraypampa.
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same gender).
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours approx.
Starting elevation: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft.
Maximum elevation: 4,200 m /13,780 ft.
Altitude of our campsite: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft.
Climate: It can be quite cold and wintry or rainy at Abra Salkantay

After the first lunch of the day, we will embark on the most challenging phase of our trek, exploring the region known as Pampa Salkantay and advancing along the left flank of the Salkantay Glacier. Around noon, we will reach the summit of the imposing Salkantay snow-capped peak, located at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) above sea level. From this high point, we will enjoy a panoramic view that will reveal the grandeur of the surroundings, highlighting the mountain range, glaciers and ravines. We will experience the mystique of the Andes before resuming our journey by descending calmly to Wayracmachay, where lunch and a well-deserved rest period awaits us.

We will continue our descent, entering the jungle, where we will be offered impressive views of the surroundings. Afterwards, we will head to our second lodge in Collpapampa, the Lodge del Cielo. Upon arrival, we will enjoy dinner and spend the second night in this picturesque place.

Route and Terrain

Mainly through steep trails and some exposed slopes.

About our Lodge del Cielo in Collpapampa

Our campsite is a short 10-minute hike from the town of Chaullay. Although Chaullay is a busy camping area, our camp site at Collpapampa provides us with a remarkable advantage by offering a full 360 degree panoramic view of the Salkantay Valley. It is also an ideal location, away from the crowds, where we can experience a more authentic encounter with the local communities.

Meals: lunch and dinner.
Difficulty: Defiant .
Overnight: Lodge Del Cielo in Colpapampa.
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same gender).
Walking distance: 22 km / 13.67 miles.
Walking Time: 9-10 hours approx.
Starting elevation: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft.
Maximum elevation: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft.
Altitude of our campsite: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft.
Climate: It can be quite cold and wintry or rainy at Abra Salkantay.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will begin our hike at 06:00 a.m. along the Inca Trail Network. This will be a memorable day, continuing through the jungle, where we will be able to admire the diverse flora and fauna characteristic of the area, including coffee, tea and passion fruit plantations. The region has a temperate and humid climate, conducive to the formation of a microclimate that favors the production of orchids, cataloged by experts as the most beautiful in the world due to its variety of colors.

On the way, we will tackle the challenge of the tracks at the crossing of granadillas, in addition to contemplating a walk of approximately 5 hours to reach Sahuayaco beach. We will then continue to the hydroelectric station, where we will enjoy lunch and continue to Sahuayaco beach after a short rest. From this point, we will take a vehicle from Sahuayaco to Aguas Calientes,completing the day with a walk along the railway until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes. Finally, dinner and overnight at the hotel awaits us.

As for our night in Machu Picchu town, the hotel in Aguas Calientes will adapt to your specific preferences and requirements.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Difficulty: Defiant.
Overnight: Hosting.
Accommodation: Double (2 people of the same gender).
Starting elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft.
Maximum elevation: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft.
Lodging Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft.
Walking distance: 27 km / 16.78 miles.
Walking Time: 7 to 8 hours.
Climate: Can be hot or rainy in the jungle.

Early in the morning, after enjoying breakfast at the lodge, we will travel by bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu, ascending for about half an hour to reach the access point and entrance control, where we will take a guided tour of the urban and agricultural area. You will explore the towers, ceremonial plazas, sacred fountain, the Intihuatana (sundial) and terraces that offer panoramic views of the Inca's domain. After approximately two hours of guiding, we will have free time to take pictures and, in coordination with the guide, we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes.

The guided visit to Machu Picchu will take place between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. After presenting our entrance ticket, we ascend to the best vantage point to capture a photograph of "The Guardian's House". After 30 minutes of free time, the guide will provide detailed information about the city of the Incas for approximately one hour.

Crucial point 1

According to Machu Picchu regulations, when entering the Sacred City it is not allowed to go back along the same paths. "There are numerous indications on the route to follow, we can only make stops in some places or return along the previous route", therefore, we recommend that you make the most of every moment you can spend at each Inca site.

Crucial point 2

According to Machu Picchu regulations, tickets are only valid for a single use. This means that once you leave the Inca city, you will not be able to return unless you purchase a new ticket.

We will board the train back to Ollantaytambo where the transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco, finally we will drop you off at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy.
Starting elevation: 2000 m / 6562 ft.
Maximum elevation: 2400 m / 7872 ft.
Elevation At Machu Picchu: 2720m / 8924 ft.
Elevation At Machu Picchu Mountain: 3000 m / 9843 ft.
Walking Time: 2 hours exploring Machu Picchu
Climate: It can be hot and rainy.