Salkantay: 4-Day Trekking Tour to Machu Picchu

Meet your guide for an in-depth briefing to ask questions before leaving Cusco.

Day 1: Cusco, Mollepata, Challacancha, Soraypampa

After driving to Mollepata take a short stop to use the restrooms and drive to the trailhead to start the Salkantay trek. Hike around 9 kilometers to Soraypampa for lunch. Have time after lunch to rest before your hike to Humantay Lake. It’s a tough hike with an altitude of around 4200 meters, but the view of this glacier-fed lake is worth the effort!
Tonight will be the coldest night along the trail, so you may want to wear a few layers to keep warm!

Day 2: Soraypampa, Salkantay Pass, Chaullay

Wake early for the hardest day of your Salkantay trek! After breakfast, hike up to the Salkantay Pass at 4650 meters in about 3 hours. Arrive at Huayracmachay for lunch and rest shortly. Hike another 3 hours through warmer climates to Chaullay, about 2900 meters in altitude, where your campsite will be set.

Day 3: Chaullay, La Playa, Aguas Calientes

Start your hike from Chaullay to La Playa around 6:00 AM. Hike through warmer climates for about 6 hours, enjoying the green vegetation. Stop at La Playa for lunch and a rest before taking the local transportation to Hidroelectrica. Walk along the tracks for about 3 hours before you arrive in Aguas Calientes. Reenergize in a hotel before your trip to Machu Picchu the following day!

Day 4: Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Cusco

Hike up to Machu Picchu or choose to take a bus. Take a 2-hour guided tour, then have time to explore on your own until it’s time to go back to Aguas Calientes to catch your train. From Aguas Calientes, take the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.