Salkantay Trekking 5 Days

We will begin our adventure early, departing from Cusco at 5:00 a.m. in our private vehicle from Lorenzo Expeditions heading to Mollepata (3,850 m a.s.l.). There, we will enjoy a nutritious breakfast and meet our expedition team, including the cook and muleteer who will accompany us throughout the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

After breakfast, we will continue by vehicle to Soraypampa, the starting point of our first hike. We’ll begin by ascending to the impressive Humantay Lake, a natural gem of turquoise waters surrounded by towering mountains. Here, we’ll take a break to relax, take photos, and enjoy a well-deserved lunch with privileged views.

After the break, we’ll resume the hike with a gradual ascent of about three hours to our first campsite at Suyrococha (4,300 m a.s.l.). Upon arrival, you’ll settle in and regain energy before our traditional “Happy Hour”, where we’ll enjoy the famous coca tea, perfect for acclimatizing and combating altitude sickness. During this time, our guide will share information about the area and its unique landscapes.

At nightfall, we’ll enjoy a hot dinner while gazing at the majestic starry sky of the Andes and the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Humantay — an unforgettable experience only this camp can offer. Before resting, our guide will provide details about the itinerary for the second day of the expedition.

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll do some stretching exercises to prepare our bodies for the most challenging day of the expedition. This journey will take us to the highest point of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, where we’ll experience a stunning transformation of landscapes and ecosystems.

From our campsite at Suyrococha (4,300 m a.s.l.), we’ll begin an ascent of about an hour and a half to reach the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m a.s.l.), the highest point of our trek. Here, we’ll pause to take in the panoramic views and listen to our guide’s explanation about the importance of this Inca Trail and the sacred role these mountains played for the ancient Incas.

After the break, we’ll start descending toward Huayraq, a small village where we’ll rest and recharge with a delicious lunch. From this point on, the landscape will change dramatically: we’ll leave behind the high mountains and enter a cloud forest zone. As we continue, we’ll encounter lush vegetation filled with orchids, medicinal plants, and bamboo plantations, allowing us to appreciate the remarkable biodiversity of the Peruvian Andes.

We’ll continue descending until we reach our second campsite in the village of Collpapampa, where we’ll relax and enjoy a well-deserved dinner before resting for the next stage of our expedition.

This will be an unforgettable day, where the biodiversity and changing landscapes will make the hike a unique experience. From Collpapampa, we will enter the lush cloud forest, a region characterized by its warm and humid climate, in contrast to the cold temperatures of previous days.

Along the way, we’ll pass through local farmers’ agricultural fields, giving us the opportunity to closely observe the area’s flora and fauna. During the hike, we’ll enjoy crystal-clear rivers fed by nearby glaciers and impressive waterfalls that enhance the landscape. Today’s route features more accessible terrain with gentle ascents and descents, making the walk easier compared to previous days.

At midday, we’ll arrive at our lunch spot, where we’ll share the last meal with our support team. After saying goodbye to our cook and muleteer, we’ll continue hiking to our third campsite.

The final part of the day will be a special experience, as we walk along an original Inca Trail, an ancient route that connected Machu Picchu with Vilcabamba, the last refuge of the incas. Before reaching our camp, we’ll visit the archaeological site of Llactapata, strategically located in front of Machu Picchu. From this privileged viewpoint, we’ll admire the majestic Inca citadel in the distance for the first time.

Our campsite will be just 10 minutes from Llactapata, allowing us to enjoy spectacular views of Machu Picchu before resting and preparing for the final day of our expedition.

After a nutritious breakfast, we’ll resume the hike along an ancient Inca trail that not only connected Machu Picchu with the Amazon rainforest, but also served as an escape route for the city’s inhabitants during the conquest. This path will allow us to delve deeper into Inca history and culture as we approach our final destination.

Our first stop will be at Hidroeléctrica, a key point where the entrance checkpoint to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is located. Here, we’ll take a break to rest and enjoy a delicious lunch before starting the final leg of our hike.

The next three hours of walking will follow the Vilcanota River, a section surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning views of the mountains that hide the Inca wonder. We will finally arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes, where we’ll check into a comfortable hotel to recharge before our long-awaited encounter with Machu Picchu.

In the evening, we’ll gather with the group to enjoy a special dinner and go over the final details with our guide. Tomorrow will be the most important day of our expedition: the visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu!

The last day of our expedition will take us to discover the wonder of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. To reach the citadel, each traveler can choose between two options:

• By bus: A 30-minute ride with an additional cost of $12 USD per person.
• By foot: A hike of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, with 80% of the ascent on stone stairways.

Both options arrive at the same point, where our guide will be waiting at the coordinated time. The decision to take the bus or hike will be made the night before during dinner.

Upon entering Machu Picchu, we will go through mandatory checkpoints, where you must present your original passport. If you booked the Huayna Picchu mountain entrance (additional $65 USD, reservation required up to 6 months in advance), access will also be verified here.

The visiting time and circuit will depend on availability at the time of booking, so it is recommended to confirm in advance to secure better times.

With our guide, we’ll take a 2-hour tour exploring the temples, plazas, and buildings that continue to amaze experts and travelers from around the world due to their complex architecture and strategic location. After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to take photos or simply admire the beauty of Machu Picchu.

At the end, we will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll board the train back to Cusco, concluding our unforgettable adventure on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

Important Information:

• Itineraries are flexible and may change depending on weather conditions and the physical condition of the participants.
• During the rainy season (December to April), some campsites and routes may be closed.