Embark on the Salkantay Sacred Trek to Machu Picchu and immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Peruvian highlands. Experience breathtaking views, connect with the Andean energy, and discover the mysteries of the Inca culture.
Cusco – Mollepata – Humantay Lake – Salkantay Pampa
Humantay Lake - Very early in the morning you will be picked up at the hotel in Cusco and drive towards Lake Humantay, which is known for its clear water and imposing views of the snowy mountains.You will drive to Soraypampa, located at 3,800m above sea level. After approximately 2 hours, the ride will stop in Mollepata (290m) for breakfast (not included) and you have the chance to make your last purchases needed for your hike. You will follow the route for another hour until you reach Challacancha (3,675m) where our team is ready to welcome you and give you detailed instructions about your trek. You then reach the camp at Soraypampa and will have a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you will ascend to Lake Humantay and be able to witness the clear water of the lake, its vibrant energy and impressive views of the mountain on top. It is perfect for meditating and practicing yoga! There will be time to enjoy the wonderful views, soak the energy of the mountains, and breathe the purest air of all.
Chaullay – Colpapampa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata
Salkantay Trail - Early in the morning, you will enjoy breakfast and do a yoga session to start your day with a lot of energy. Later, the true challenge of the journey begins, going uphill until you reach the 4,650m at the Salkantay pass. From Salkantay Pass you will hike up Huayra Machay where you will enjoy lunch and go on until you reach the exotic rainforest. As you travel, the vegetation changes from the sparse grasses and high mountains to lush cloud forest, being home to butterflies, hummingbirds, and a wide variety of flora. This part of the trail is less demanding with generally warm weather, you will enjoy the exuberant landscape with its small rivers, wonderful views of waterfalls, native plants, wild orchids, colorful birds and tropical fruits. After lunch, you head down to the river before climbing the ridge on the other side. It will take around 5 hours to reach the camp.
Chaullay – Colpapampa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata
Mirador de Llactapata - Today you will wake up early, starting your day with meditation, energetic yoga and breathing techniques. After a large breakfast you will take a transport to Lucmabamba. On the campsite of Lucmabamba you will start your hike to Llactapata. Llactapata is a well preserved Inca road which once ran all the way up to Quito, Ecuador. You will be able to appreciate a great variety of crops such as coffee, banana, avocado, pineapple and even coca leaves, considered the sacred leaf of the Incas. You will ascend to the archaeological site of Llactapata, where you will be able to see part of famous Machu Picchu and the entire valley that surrounds it. You will explore the archeological site, still covered in vines and jungle vegetation. After your box lunch you will hike back to the campsite. Upon arrival you will have a yoga session and then rest before dinner.
Lucmabamba – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Hot Springs (Aguas Calientes) - On this day, you will enjoy an energetic breakfast and start your day with another yoga session. You will continue your spiritual hiking experience from Lucmabamba to Hidroelectrica. After having a delicious box lunch, you will resume your walking for 2-3 more hours until you arrive at Aguas Calientes, also called Machupicchu Pueblo, the town on the bottom of the magnificent Wonder of the World. The rest of the day you have time to relax in your hotel after your long journey or explore the village of Aguas Calientes by yourself.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Machu Picchu - Early in the morning, you will leave your hotel to take the bus up to Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas“. This complex is considered a jewel of the Inca architecture. It is a complete town with different quarters, squares, alleys, buildings, astronomical observatories and terraces. The city was rediscovered on July 24, 1911 by the US researcher Hiram Bingham. After a guided tour, you can explore this magical place a bit more on your own. There is also the option to take a short hike to the Inca Bridge or to the “Intipunku”, the sun gate. In the afternoon, you will return to Aguas Calientes by bus and take the train to Poroy/Ollantaytambo. On the way back, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at the train station, you will be taken to your hotel in Cusco.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- English-speaking guide, cooking chef, transportation
- Breakfast
- Overnight in tents, last night in 3* hotel, Machu Picchu ticket
- Sleeping bag (available for rent).
- Additional snacks
- Hot springs entrance in Aguas Calientes. (optional activity)
The vitality of the Andes mountains is formidable. The Apu (Andean deity) Salkantay, translating to “wild” in Quechua language, offers a truly magnificent hiking experience with awe-inspiring views of Cusco’s second tallest peak. Our itinerary includes camping at the foot of Salkantay, absorbing the aura of the revered guardian, relishing the presence of hummingbirds and butterflies, and navigating through the remote highlands of the jungle. This is an intense journey that aligns you with the natural splendor of the Peruvian mountain range, unveils the enigmas of Inca civilization, and culminates at the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
