4D/3N
SALKANTAY TREK

Between snow-capped peaks, turquoise lagoons and the mysterious Machu Picchu.

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The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is not merely a hike, but a true journey through different worlds.

From the snow-covered summits dominated by the imposing Salkantay to the lush valleys where the jungle gradually takes over, each stage reveals a radically different setting.

As the days go by, the air grows warmer, the landscapes transform, and the adventure takes on an almost initiatory dimension, until the final arrival, like a reward, facing the mythical citadel of Machu Picchu.

Note: This trek is also available in a 5-day / 4-night version, including the Cocalmayo hot springs near Santa Teresa.

Trip information

Tour title

Salkantay Trek

Duration

4D/3N

Difficulty

Challenging

Country visited

Peru

Region crossed

Cusco

Highlights

Apu Salkantay, Inca paths, grandiose landscapes and crossings through ever-changing natural environments.

Best time to come

From May to October

Accomodation

1 night in accomodation at your own expense.
3 nights in camp site

Meals included

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Altitude max

4544 m a.s.l. / 14908 ft a.s.l.

Distance covered

194.6 km / 120.9 mi (* as the crow flies)

Recommended age

+12

Itinerary

1: Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa
2: Soraypampa - Abra Salkantay - Collpapampa
3: Collpapampa - Huiñaypoco - Llactapata - Hidroeléctrica Machupicchu - Mandor Pampa - Machupicchu Pueblo
4: Machupicchu Pueblo - Machupicchu - Machupicchu Pueblo - Chachabamba Km104 - Piscacucho Km82 - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Program details

Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa

First day of trekking with a private English-speaking service

We will leave Cusco at 5:00 in the morning to reach Challacancha, passing through the village of Mollepata. In Challacancha, we will meet the muleteers and the rest of the team, before beginning our trek.

We will start walking through a beautiful valley, surrounded by some of the most impressive snow-capped peaks in the region, including Humantay and Salkantay.

Our camp will be set up in Soraypampa. In the afternoon, it will be possible to visit Humantay Lake on an additional hike.

Optional visit to Humantay Lake

After lunch in Soraypampa, we highly recommend an excursion to Humantay Lake, which offers spectacular views of its turquoise waters overlooked by the glacier of Mount Humantay.

Meals included : Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation :

Camp site

Altitudes

Altitude min : 2836 m a.s.l. / 9304 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3921 m a.s.l. / 12864 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Cusco - Mollepata : 59.4 km /36.9 mi (road)
Mollepata - Challacancha : 9 km /5.6 mi (road)
Challacancha - Soraypampa : 5.4 km /3.4 mi (walk)

Total distance : 73.8 km / 45.9 mi

Soraypampa - Abra Salkantay - Collpapampa

Second day of trekking with a private English-speaking service

After breakfast, we will set off towards the Salkantay Pass, which offers exceptional panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Salkantay massif.

From the pass, we will begin our descent, taking time to observe the gradual changes in vegetation and ecosystems. Our camp will be set up in Collpapampa, in the heart of the tropical forest, in a warm and humid environment where mosquitoes may be present.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation :

Camp site

Altitudes

Altitude min : 2803 m a.s.l. / 9196 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 4544 m a.s.l. / 14908 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Soraypampa - Abra Salkantay : 4.3 km /2.7 mi (walk)
Abra Salkantay - Collpapampa : 12.5 km /7.8 mi (walk)

Total distance : 16.8 km / 10.4 mi

Collpapampa - Huiñaypoco - Llactapata - Hidroeléctrica Machupicchu - Mandor Pampa - Machupicchu Pueblo

Third day of trekking with a private English-speaking service – Night in Machu Picchu Pueblo

After an early breakfast, we will begin our descent through a dense and humid forest, where the vegetation grows in spectacular abundance. We will walk through a remarkable natural environment, home to a wide variety of orchids, bromeliads, bomareas and other tropical species.

We will also meet families from the communities of Wiñaypoco and Granadilla, before joining our vehicle towards the hydroelectric station, where lunch will be served.

From there, we will continue by train to Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a guesthouse.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation :

Camp site

Altitudes

Altitude min : 1778 m a.s.l. / 5833 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 2803 m a.s.l. / 9196 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Collpapampa - Huiñaypoco : 3.2 km /2 mi (walk)
Huiñaypoco - Llactapata : 14.2 km /8.8 mi (walk)
Llactapata - Hidroeléctrica Machupicchu : 3 km /1.9 mi (walk)
Hidroeléctrica Machupicchu - Mandor Pampa : 3.5 km /2.2 mi (walk)
Mandor Pampa - Machupicchu Pueblo : 1.8 km /1.1 mi (walk)

Total distance : 25.7 km / 16 mi

Machupicchu Pueblo - Machupicchu - Machupicchu Pueblo - Chachabamba Km104 - Piscacucho Km82 - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Last day of trekking

The big day has finally arrived. After all the effort made during the trek, we will be rewarded with the visit of the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic sites in the world.

Very early in the morning, it will be time to leave the hotel and take the 5:30 bus towards our morning destination: Machu Picchu. Once on site, our guide will share his knowledge of the Inca way of life while introducing us to the main sectors of the site, such as the temples, altars, dwellings and working areas of the Incas. This guided visit will allow us to better understand the culture, organisation and daily life of this fascinating civilisation.

After the visit, we will return by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will have free time for lunch and to say goodbye to this unique place, which will remain etched in our memories for a long time.

Optional visit

It will be possible to relax in the hot springs of Machu Picchu Pueblo. Do not forget to bring your swimsuit.

Finally, in the afternoon, we will take the train back to Cusco, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure.

Meals included : Breakfast

Accommodation :

Accomodation at your own expense.

Altitudes

Altitude min : 2081 m a.s.l. / 6827 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3400 m a.s.l. / 11155 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Machupicchu Pueblo - Machupicchu : 2.3 km /1.4 mi (road)
Machupicchu - Machupicchu Pueblo : 2.3 km /1.4 mi (road)
Machupicchu Pueblo - Chachabamba Km104 : 4 km /2.5 mi (train)
Chachabamba Km104 - Piscacucho Km82 : 13.9 km /8.6 mi (train)
Piscacucho Km82 - Ollantaytambo : 13.9 km /8.6 mi (train)
Ollantaytambo - Cusco : 42.2 km /26.2 mi (road)

Total distance : 78.4 km / 48.7 mi

Included

All transport and transfers related to the trek, as well as the trains mentioned.
Nights in camp and one night in a 3-star hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo. The hotel mentioned in the programme is given for reference only and is subject to availability. In case of unavailability, an equivalent establishment may be proposed.
All entrance fees to the sites indicated in the programme.
English-speaking guide service for the duration of the trek and the visit to Machu Picchu.
Trekking equipment, kitchen equipment and tents.
Meals mentioned as included.