Cusco – Mollepata – Challacancha – Humantay Pampa.

Salkantay Trail - We will begin this incredible journey by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 AM. We will then travel for 2 hours in our private vehicle to the town of Mollepata, where we will have breakfast.

After breakfast, we will continue for about 15 minutes by car to Challakancha. Here, the mules and muleteers will be waiting to carry our camping equipment during the trek. This is also where we will start our gentle 2.5-hour hike to the Humantay Pampa community.
Humantay Pampa is where we will have lunch and dinner, and it is also where we will spend our first night camping.
After lunch, we will take a short walk to the Humantay Lagoon, where we will enjoy a spectacular view of Humantay Peak and the lagoon. You can also take a quick dip in the water before we head back down to the camp.

• Challakancha (Mollepata): 3880 masl / 12726 feet
• Humantay Pampa: 3912 masl / 12,832 feet
• Walking time: between 6 – 7 hours
• Length: 10-11 km (approximately 6 miles)

Humantay Pampa – Salkantay Trek Pass – Chaullay.

Salkantay Trail - We will wake up at 6 AM and have breakfast. Then, we will start our uphill hike to reach the highest point of our expedition, the Salkantay Trek Pass. From here, we will have a breathtaking view of the snow-covered Salkantay Mountain, the second highest mountain in the Cusco region after Ausangate. This mountain was worshipped by ancient cultures and considered a god.

From the pass, we will begin our descent towards Wayracpunku, where we will stop for a delicious lunch. We will then continue our journey into the Amazon high forest, where we will observe the typical flora and fauna of the tropical forest. Finally, we will arrive at our next camp, Collpapampa.

• Salkantay Pass: 4630 masl / 15,186 feet
• Collpapampa: 2860 masl / 9380 feet
• Walking time: 7-8 hours
• Length: 22 km / 13.6 miles

Chaullay – Playa Sahuayaco – Llactapata.

Salkantay Trail - After breakfast at 7 AM, we will start our descent following the Salkantay River through a sub-tropical valley. We will hike for about 5 hours towards Playa Sahuayaco. The temperature in this area is warmer, and it is rich in flora and wildlife. If we are lucky, we might see the famous bird called the cock of the rocks.

After lunch at 1:20 PM, we will have a 2.5-hour hike along the original Inca Trail, which is the most spectacular stretch of the entire Salkantay Trek. On this route, we will pass through Lucmabamba and see coffee plantations. Finally, we will arrive at Llactapata, our camp for the night, located in front of the Inca city of Machu Picchu. This is also a strategic point to observe the sunset and sunrise.

• Playa Sahuayaco: 2060 masl / 6757 feet
• Llactapata: 2780 masl / 9119 feet
• Walking time: 8 hours
• Length: 16 km / 13.6 miles

Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).

Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu - This morning will be amazing as we will have magical views with the first rays of the sun illuminating the top of Huayna Picchu and the Inca city of Machu Picchu.

After an energetic breakfast, we will begin our descent along the original Inca Trail, passing through the archaeological site of Llactapata. Here, we will have free time to explore and take photographs. This small Inca town is still 80% covered with vegetation, and in its surroundings, we can see diverse flora and fauna. If we are lucky, we might spot the spectacled bear or Andean bear.

Afterward, we will descend along a zigzagging path to the hydroelectric plant, where we will have a delicious lunch and say goodbye to our cook and muleteers.

From the hydroelectric plant, we have two options to get to Machu Picchu Pueblo: take the train (departure times at 2:17 or 2:50 PM) for 48 minutes, or walk along the railway for 3 hours. We do not recommend walking because there are many small stones on the route.

Once we arrive at Machu Picchu Pueblo, we will check into our hotel and have dinner at 6:30 PM.

• Llactapata: 2780 masl / 9119 feet
• Walking time: 5-6 hours
• Length: 9 km / 5.6 miles
• Machu Picchu Pueblo: 2050 masl / 6720 feet
• Weather: Hot and humid

Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

Salkantay Trail - Today is the most anticipated and final day of our trek as we will visit Machu Picchu, the best tourist attraction chosen by World Travel Awards and one of the 7 wonders of the world.

Early in the morning, we will have a buffet breakfast at the hotel. Then, we will go to the bus station (optional). We will travel for about 25 minutes or start hiking for 1.5 hours to the main entrance of the Inca city of Machu Picchu. After passing the checkpoint, we will begin a 2-hour tour of the most important points of this great Inca city. Afterward, we will have free time to continue exploring or to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Later, at the agreed time, we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes for lunch (optional). Then, we will go to the train station for our return trip to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo station, our private vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Cusco.

• Machu Picchu Altitude: 2450 masl / 8036 feet
• Walking time: 1.5 hours
• Length: 1.7 km / 1 mile

• Professional guide
• First aid kit and an oxygen balloon
• 1 night in Aguas Calientes hotel
• Tent for 2 people plus mats
• Comprehensive meal package: 4 lunches, 4 dinners, 4 breakfasts (vegetarian option available)
• Entrance to Machu Picchu
• Cook and assistant to prepare meals
• Transportation included: Bus from Cusco to Mollepata, Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, and Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Briefing one day before the trek

• Bus from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
• Sleeping bags (Can be hired from us)
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains
• Travel Insurance
• Personal stuff
• Additional horse
• Breakfast on the first day, lunch, dinner on the last day
• Tips for the guide and the horsemen (optional)
• Walking sticks

Embark on one of the world’s premier hikes, the Salkantay Trek, a top alternative for those wishing to traverse a portion of the renowned Inca Trail. This 5-day trek has been recognized by Lonely Planet and National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine for its exceptional natural landscapes and archeological splendor.
With the 5-day Salkantay trek, you will travel across the Andean mountain range via the original Inca Trail, culminating in the Inca city of Machu Picchu. The path through Llactapata is an untarnished Inca route provided exclusively by us. Ensuring our hike will be distinctly different from others as we will be the sole group passing through the Llactapata route.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.