Trek to Machu Picchu: Salkantay Trek

• After breakfast, you will be met at your hotel in Cusco and taken on the scenic drive into the beautiful Andean mountains. The drive will last approximately 4 hours and you will pass through Mollepata and to Soraypampa, where you will be able to have lunch and prepare for the trek. You will meet your trek team and load the horses with your equipment before setting off on your first hiking day.
• A three-hour hike will take you through Salkantaypampa from where you will catch your first glimpses of the magnificent Salkantay Mountain. The highest and most impressive peak of the Cordillera Vilcambamba, Salkantay truly lives up to its name, which comes from the Quechua word sallqa, meaning savage or invincible.
• You will continue on a steep hike up to 13,710 feet (4,180 m) until you reach Soyroqocha, where you will find your campsite for the night. Enjoy a tasty and filling dinner prepared by the trek chef and take in the beauty of your surroundings as you prepare to spend your first night in the Vilcabamba.

Distance: 4.5 mi (7 km)
Minimum Altitude: 13,780 ft (4,200 m)
Maximum Altitude: 14,700 ft (4,480 m)
Approximate Time: 4-5 hrs
Gradient: Moderate

• Today you will be able to sleep in to avoid the piercing cold of the mountains’ early mornings. Enjoy the warmth inside your tent and a generous breakfast before starting the second and most demanding day of your trek.
• You will start your hike climbing up to the Salkantay Pass, located at a dizzying height of 14,989 feet (4,570 m). Once you reach the summit, you will have some time to rest and should you wish, build an apacheta, a small stone tower, an Incan sign of respect to the sacred Apu.
• Once you have had your fill of the striking view, you will continue on your hike and start descending toward the picturesque Huamantay Valley. You will enjoy lunch and time to rest in Huayracpampa, before continuing approximately 4-hours downhill until you reach Collpapampa, where you will camp for the night.
• Here you will enjoy a well-earned dinner and rest after this challenging day.

Distance: 10 mi (16 km)
Minimum Altitude: 9,680 ft (2,950 m)
Maximum Altitude: 15,000 ft (4,600 m)
Approximate Time: 7-9 hrs
Gradient: Challenging

• The third day of the Salkantay trek is slightly easier than the others, but just as full of stunning views and opportunities to admire the interesting wildlife populating the region. After breakfast, you will start your hike alongside the pleasant banks of the Santa Teresa River, which winds through forests of native trees, waterfalls, and coffee and fruit plantations. As you progress down the trail, you’ll notice the vegetation becoming more green and lush. Eat lunch along the way.
• After a 5 to 6-hour hike, you will reach the Lucmabamba campsite. Enjoy dinner and a quiet evening.

Distance: 9 mi (15 km)
Minimum Altitude: 6,070 ft (1,850 m)
Maximum Altitude: 9,680 ft (2,950 m)
Approximate Time: 5-6 hours
Gradient: Moderate

• Today you will leave the valley and start climbing the trail up through gorgeous forestland until you reach the beautiful Llactapata archeological site, which was recently uncovered. From there, you will enjoy stunning views of both Machu Picchu and the grandiose Salkantay Mountain.
• You will then continue on your hike descending toward the Aobamba River until you reach the hydroelectric plant, where you will catch the train to Aguas Calientes, the town nearest to Machu Picchu.
• You will be taken to your confirmed hotel in Aguas Calientes, and have the remainder of the day to enjoy at your leisure resting at your hotel or exploring the lovely town.

Distance: 7.5 mi (12 km)
Minimum Altitude: 6,070 ft (1,850 m)
Maximum Altitude: 8,200 feet (2,500 m)
Approximate Time: 5-6 hours
Gradient: Moderate to Challenging

• Rise early and head to the bus station for the drive up to the citadel itself, which is hidden on a mountain top amid cloud forests. With your guide, you will enjoy a 2-hour tour during which you’ll explore the most important parts of the Inca citadel, including the urban, agricultural and adjacent zones. The Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the Principal Bath are only a few of the impressive sights that you will see.
• After your tour, you have the option to explore more of the site and capture some final photos. If your trek gets you yearning for more, you can climb up the lush peak of Huayna Picchu. The extra trek is not for the faint of heart and must be done with extreme caution. But the opportunity to see Machu Picchu from another angle often beckons the more adventurous visitor. Tickets for Huayna Picchu, limited to 400 visitors per day, must be purchased in advance.
• In the afternoon, you will take a comfortable train back to Cusco. You also have the option to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes.

For more information about what to see and do in Aguas Calientes, read our Machu Picchu Guide.