Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days

Your adventure begins before sunrise. Around 4:00 a.m., we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. Relax in our comfortable transport as we drive toward the trailhead. After a short stop along the way, we continue to Challacancha, where your trekking experience officially begins.

Here, you’ll meet our cooks and muleteers, organize your duffel bag, and prepare for the journey ahead.

The first hike is a moderate walk through a scenic valley surrounded by glaciers. You’ll follow sections of an original Inca irrigation canal still used today. After approximately three hours, you’ll arrive at Soraypampa, where our exclusive Sky Camp awaits.

After lunch and a short rest, we hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, a turquoise glacial lagoon sitting beneath towering snow-capped peaks. Take your time here — breathe, explore, and enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Andes.

Back at camp, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and an unforgettable sunset. Tonight, you’ll sleep inside our glass-roof Sky Camp domes, where you can admire the Andean stars and wake up facing the majestic Salkantay Mountain.

Wake up with hot coca tea and the first rays of sunlight illuminating Apu Salkantay.

Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. We hike steadily toward Salkantay Pass, the highest point of the route. The climb is demanding but incredibly scenic. From the top, you’ll witness dramatic views of glaciers, valleys, and towering Andean peaks.

After celebrating this achievement, we descend toward Huayracmachay for lunch.

In the afternoon, the landscape begins to change dramatically. You’ll enter the cloud forest, where the dry mountain air transforms into a warmer, greener environment filled with exotic plants and birdlife.

By late afternoon, we reach Collpapampa, where you’ll relax in our comfortable Mountain Sky View Campsite, complete with proper facilities and a warm meal waiting for you.

Today’s hike is more relaxed and scenic as we follow the Santa Teresa Valley. The trail passes rivers, waterfalls, and lush vegetation.

You’ll walk through small villages and plantations of coffee, bananas, and avocados. The air becomes warmer and tropical as we descend further.

In the afternoon, we visit a local organic coffee farm, where you’ll learn about the traditional coffee-making process — from bean to cup.

Tonight, you’ll stay in our Jungle Domes, surrounded by nature. Fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest and enjoy another delicious dinner prepared by our trekking chef.

After breakfast, we hike along part of the original Inca Trail toward the archaeological site of Llactapata.

From here, you’ll enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu in the distance — an unforgettable moment and perfect photo opportunity.

After exploring Llactapata with your guide, we descend through the valley toward Hidroelectrica. From here, you can either take an optional train or enjoy a scenic walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes.

In the evening, you’ll check into a comfortable hotel, enjoy dinner in town, and rest before the big day.

We rise early to catch the bus up to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Your guide will lead you on a comprehensive tour through the most important sectors of the citadel, explaining the history, architecture, and fascinating engineering of the Inca civilization.

After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore, take photos, or hike one of the optional mountains if pre-booked.

Later, we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transportation takes you back to your hotel in Cusco.

You’ll return with tired legs, incredible photos, and memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.