Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Briefing in Cusco

The day before your Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu begins, you'll meet with your guide and fellow adventurers to get ready for the tour. During this meeting, you'll receive all the important details and have the chance to ask any questions, ensuring you’re fully prepared to make the most of your experience. You’ll also receive the bag in which you’ll store the luggage that the porters will carry each day.

And now, let the adventure begin!

Pick up in Cuzco

Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation in Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 AM. Once the whole group is gathered, you’ll embark on a scenic minibus ride, taking in the stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Humantay.

Mollepata

The first stop will be in Mollepata for a well-deserved breakfast. Afterward, you’ll continue the journey to Challacancha, where the trek officially begins.

Challacancha → Soraypampa

Around 9:30 AM, you’ll begin the trek from Challacancha to Soraypampa base camp. This first leg will take you through deep valleys, and after 14 km, you'll reach the lunch spot and Soraypampa camp, where you’ll stay for the night. Take this opportunity to leave your luggage and relax.

Humantay Lagoon

After resting, you’ll start the ascent to the stunning Humantay Lagoon. In about an hour and a half, you’ll reach an altitude of 13,845 feet (4,220 meters), the highest point of day one and one of the most awe-inspiring moments of the trek. After soaking in the views, you’ll begin your descent back to camp, which will take less than an hour.

Soraypampa Camp

Around 6:00 PM, you’ll return to camp where you can relax and enjoy a cup of tea with the group. Then, at 7:30 PM, the cook will serve dinner, and you can head to your cabin for a well-deserved rest.

💬 Howlanders Tip: Remember to pack your personal hygiene items in your backpack, as Soraypampa camp does not have showers. Wet wipes are super useful on this trek – you’ll be glad you have them at the end of the day! 😊

Salkantay Pass

On the second day of the trek, you’ll wake up at 5:00 AM, have tea, and begin a 3-hour hike. Today, you’ll reach the highest point of the trek: Abra Salkantay, at 15,190 ft (4,630 m) above sea level. From there, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the valleys and the towering, snow-capped peaks of Humantay, Tucarhuay, and Pumasillo mountains. The scenery will leave you speechless, and you’ll have a hard time knowing where to look!

Huayracmachay → Colpapampa

Upon reaching this point, you will leave the high mountain landscapes behind and begin transitioning to different ecosystems. For 3 hours, you will descend to Huayracmachay, where you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Afterward, you’ll continue walking for another 3 hours until you reach Colpapampa, the camp for the second night. Here, you’ll have dinner and rest for the night.

💬 Howlanders Tip: In Colpapampa, you’ll have the chance to take a hot shower at a local's house for just 10 soles.

Lucmabamba

You will wake up early, and after breakfast, begin a 5-hour hike through the Peruvian jungle. You will be fully immersed in nature, crossing rivers, seeing waterfalls, wild orchids, and coffee and banana plantations. You’ll be in the high jungle now, with a warmer, more humid climate, and the scenery will be a refreshing change from the previous days!

Hydroelectric → Aguas Calientes

After lunch, we’ll take transportation to Hidroeléctrica, where we’ll continue on foot for about 3 hours, following the path alongside the train tracks. We’ll finally arrive in Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time to relax and explore the town before dinner.

Please note that during this part of the journey, you’ll need to carry all your luggage as horses cannot travel this section.

Once we arrive, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in the charming town.

Aguas Calientes

It's the last day of your adventure! Before heading out, we'll enjoy a hearty breakfast with juice, fruit, and a snack to fuel up for the day. At the time indicated by your guide (based on your assigned entrance time to Machu Picchu), we will head toward the citadel. You can choose whether to hike up the almost 2-hour uphill route or take the bus directly to the entrance.

For those choosing to hike, you'll start between 6:00 and 7:00 in the morning, according to your assigned schedule.

Please note that the bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is not included, but tickets can be purchased on-site.

Machu Picchu

Once at Machu Picchu, you will immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Lost City of the Incas. This incredible site is a masterpiece of Inca architecture, featuring neighborhoods, plazas, alleys, buildings, astronomical observatories, and terraces. After your guide shares insights into the history of the site, you'll have plenty of time to take photos and explore this magical place at your own pace.

Return to Cusco

After your time at Machu Picchu, you will walk back to Aguas Calientes. This is a great opportunity to take a leisurely stroll around the town and enjoy lunch at one of its local restaurants (lunch not included).

In the afternoon, you will board the touristic train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, a scenic 1.5-hour journey along the Vilcanota River. This route is renowned as one of the most beautiful train rides you can experience.

Once you arrive in Ollantaytambo, a shuttle will be waiting to take you back to the center of Cusco.

We hope you’ve loved exploring the stunning beauty of Peru!