Salkantay Trek 5-Day Hike to Machu Picchu

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas and hike along the same paths they used to trek through the mountains centuries ago. Get back to nature and experience amazing views of the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Andes.

Day 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Challacancha - Soraypampa - Humantay Lake (L, D)
Depart Cusco and journey to Challacancha for the start of your trek to Soraypampa, 3,850 meters above sea level. Stop for lunch at the base camp and then go on a round-trip hike to Humantay Lake.

Day 2: Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Wayracpunku - Chaullay (B, L, D)
Hike to the highest point of the trail at Salkantay Pass and get spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains before a 2-hour downhill hike to the camp for lunch. Then, enter the upper part of the Amazon jungle on a hike through the “cloud forest.” Look for native wildlife on the way to the village of Chaullay, where you will spend the night.

Day 3: Chaullay - Collpapampa - La Playa - Santa Teresa (B, L, D)
Take an easy hike to La Playa through the Santa Teresa valley and marvel at the waterfalls and wild orchids. Encounter coffee, banana and avocado plantations, and visit the village of Collpapampa, where attractions include hot thermal springs and abundant birdlife. Hike to the base camp at Lucmabamba after lunch, and get the chance to sample the local coffee at an organic coffee farm. Explore an orange and avocado plantation.

Day 4: Santa Teresa - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes (B, L, D)
Hike for 3 hours to Hidroelectrica for lunch. After lunch, hike for another 3 hours to Aguas Calientes along a flat trail. Once in Aguas Calientes, go to your hotel to shower and relax before dinner. After dinner, get some rest before the early morning climb up to Machu Picchu the following morning. 

Day 5: Machu Picchu (B)
Explore Machu Picchu in the early morning before the crowds arrive. Avail of the option to hike to the ruins of take the bus for an extra $12.00 one way. Benefit from a 2-hour guided tour on arrival, and learn more about the temples, palaces, priest houses and more. Get some free time to explore at leisure, and use it to climb to Huaynapicchu or the Machu Picchu mountain, if booked in advance. Alternatively, trek to the Sun Gate at the main entrance of the Inka Trail.

Take the train to Ollantaytambo at approximately 6:30 PM and then catch the bus back to Cusco for drop off at your hotel or hostel on arrival.