The classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

The journey begins with a beautiful and scenic drive across the plateau of Anta, considered the breadbasket of Cusco. From Limatambo Pass we will catch our first views of the towering visage that is the trail’s namesake, the majestic Mt. Salkantay, as well as its neighboring behemoth Mt. Humantay to the left in the distance. Continuing on, we’ll make our first stop at the ruins of Tarawasi, famous for its 100-meter long asymmetric temple wall of perfectly carved octagonal shaped stones and mortar less joints. We’ll then follow the zigzagging road to the tiny mountain town of Mollepata (2900 m / 9454 ft) and onward to Soraypampa (3900 m / 12,815 ft) where our trek officially begins. Through small settlements of cattle herders, we’ll hike up the pampa to our campsite at Salkantaypampa (4154 m / 13,599 ft), finally resting our heads in the shadows of Mt. Salkantay. If time and weather permits, we’ll take an alternative route to our campsite from Soraypampa via the cerulean-colored Lake Humantay (4219 m / 13,845 ft), a stunningly picturesque lake fed by the glacial runoff of Mt. Humantay.
(L / D)

Driving distance: 153 km (95 mi) – Time: 4 hours
Trekking distance: 3.3 km (2 mi) – Time: 2 hours

Saying goodbye to our campsite for what will be a full day of trekking, we continue towards the terminal moraine. From here the trail begins to climb past boulders until we reach a scree slope, we must traverse to reach the Salkantay Pass (4636 m / 15,210 ft), the highest point of our trek. Here you can spot the other pass at Incachiriaska and a small lake below Mt. Salkantay’s ice flute. Take in the vastness of this large moraine as we continue to follow the trail, winding our way downhill through the rugged landscape towards a large pampa called Wayracmachay (3919 m / 12,858 ft). Here, we begin our descent of ever-changing vistas through cloud forest and river valley all the way to our campsite at Collpapampa (2950 m / 9678 ft).
(B / L / D)

Trekking distance: 17.5 km (10.9 mi) – Time: 8 hours

A lighter day of trekking ahead of us, we set off from our campsite for Lucmabamba through the beautiful and lush Santa Teresa river valley. With every step, the surroundings grow evermore green as we head into the very heart of the cloud forest along the left side of the valley. Eventually, we arrive at Playa Sahuayaco for a brief rest. From there, we continue our trek to Lucmabamba and our campsite (2048 m / 6719 ft).
(B / L / D)

Trekking distance: 17.3 km (10.8 mi) – Time: 6-7 hours

The day begins with an uphill climb to Q’elloqasa Pass (2875 m / 9430 ft). To the sounds of the chattering birds flitting around in the dense cloud forest that surrounds, we pass by Llactapata and get a first glimpse of the southern face of Machu Picchu. Continuing our descent to the junction of the Aobamba and Urubamba valleys, we arrive at the hydroelectric station where we board a train for a short ride to Machu Picchu Village where we will spend the night. Hotel and dinner are on your own.
(B / L)

Trekking distance: 10.5 km (6.5 mi) – Time: 6 hours
Train ride: 11.3 km (7 mi) – Time: 30 minutes

A short half-hour bus ride brings you to the gates of Machu Picchu for your guided 3-hour tour. Your guide will take you through the different sectors of this iconic hill-top citadel, where you’ll find astonishing views at every turn and learn about some of the traditional aspects of Andean life, making you feel as though you’ve taken a step back to Inca times. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the village where you’ll return by train to Ollantaytambo or Cusco. Hotel and dinner are on your own.
(B / L)

Trekking distance: visit Machu Picchu – Time: 3 hours
Bus ride to Machu Picchu (RT): 12.4 km (7.7 mi) – Time: 1 hour
Train ride: 43 km (27 mi) – Time: 1:45 hours
Driving distance Ollantaytambo to Cusco: 79 km (49 mi) – Time: 2 hours

End of services
B- Breakfast / BL- Box Lunch / L- Lunch / D- Dinner