Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Huayracmachay

This epic tour to the Salkantay Mountain starts by departing on a private bus from Cusco (3,400 m / 11,154 ft), up to the mountain village Mollepata (2,900 m / 9,514 ft) above the Apurimac canyon. Then you’ll continue to the trailhead in Soraypampa (3,800 m / 12,467 ft) where you’ll stop to have breakfast and also meet the trek support team and horsemen.

The trek begins here and climbs up towards Salkantaypampa (4,000 m / 13,123 ft) and from there you’ll have imposing views of the Salkantay Mountain. The trek to Salkantaypampa takes about two hours and once you reach there, you’ll most likely have your snacks.

The trek continues on to Soyrococha our lunch spot, and it starts to become steeper from this point on and it becomes even more difficult after about an hour of trekking. The trail in addition to being steeper, begins to zig zag, which continues for a while before getting steeper again. From the top of the switchbacks you’ll begin to notice that the temperature starts to cool and it is here onwards, you’ll start getting more spectacular views of Salkantay range.

From Soyrococha (4,500 m / 14,763) it takes about an hour to reach Salkantay Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), and once you reach the top of the pass, you’ll be mesmerized totally at the breathtaking vistas surrounding this place. The air is thin and the weather unpredictable. You may have the chance to witness small avalanches in the surrounding mountains, and you’ll be able to capture some great photos before beginning the descent.

During your descent, you’ll continue down hills through a stony trail and marshes to the small community of Huayracmachay (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), this is where you’ll stop for camp.

• Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Maximum altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft
• Minimum altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
• Campsite altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
• Distance hiked: 12.00 km / 7.45 ml
• Approximate walking time: 7 – 8 hours

DAY 2: Huayracmachay – Colpapampa – Wiñaypoco – La Playa

Waking up early at the foot of Salkantay and Humantay mountains is breathtaking. A hot breakfast awaits, which you’ll enjoy while the horses are being loaded up with our camping gear. The trek starts early and goes down toward the communities of Challway and Colpapampa, through a green and warm valley.

On the way down you’ll take breaks, when needed, to take pictures since the landscape is different. The views are dramatic, and it’s a great feeling and a privilege to be so close to such beauty. You’ll notice a significant change in the surroundings, from high mountain tops to lush green tropical forests. Colpapampa (2,920 m / 9,580 ft) is where you’ll stop to have lunch.

After a delicious lunch, you’ll head on your way, hiking along the Salkantay river to La Playa. The downhill is long and steady, and the views are just as stunning. It’s a beautiful hike through this valley and the variety of vegetation, birds, and views makes it one of the best in the world.

The hike is between four and five hours and dinner is waiting for you at the end. Machu Picchu gets closer and closer. You’ll camp for the night at La Playa (2,040 m / 6,692 ft) before continuing on the following day.

• Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Maximum altitude: 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
• Minimum altitude: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft
• Campsite altitude: 2,040 m / 6,692 ft
• Distance hiked: 23.00 km / 14.29 ml
• Approximate walking time: 9 – 10 hours

Day 3: La Playa – Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes

Start your day with a fresh cup of coffee and enjoy a breakfast sourced from local foods in the area, such as plantains, yuca or avocados (depending on the season). Today, you hike towards Machu Picchu via a section of the ancient Inca trail.

The trail leads you first to Lucmabamba and then up and over the Aobamba Pass (2,800 m / 9,186 ft) from where you’ll have spectacular views of the ruins and the peaks of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu. The ruins of Llactapata (2,720 m / 8,923 ft) are less visited and you’ll see few people here while you gaze at Machu Picchu from a distance. Enjoy the solitude, as the next day there may be around 2000 people with you in Machu Picchu.

After the ruins, hike twenty minutes to a small lodge where you’ll have a freshly cooked lunch. After a great meal, descend towards the river and arrive to Hidroelectrica (1,780 m / 5,389 ft) on time for the train to Aguas Calientes. Time to sit back and enjoy the view.

Once in Aguas Calientes (2,000 m / 6,561 ft), you’ll walk from the train station to your hotel. In the night, you’ll have a celebratory dinner in one of the local restaurants in Aguas Calientes. Be sure to go to bed early, so you can get an early start the next day.

• Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Maximum altitude: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft
• Minimum altitude: 1,780 m / 5,389 ft
• Aguas Calientes altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
• Distance hiked: 13.00 km / 8.07 ml
• Approximate walking time: 6 – 7 hours

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco 

After an early breakfast at the hotel, you’ll start the bus ride to your final destination, Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft). The bus ride takes 30 minutes. On a two-hour tour, your guide will offer insight into structures like the Guard House and the Temple of the Sun, as well as the terraces hillsides and royal residences. Some edifices are more mysterious, and point to the Inca’s profound astronomical insight.

If you’re ready for more hiking, consider an additional side trip to the top of Huayna Picchu (2,720 m / 8,923 ft), the mountain next to Machu Picchu that offers an incredible view of the site, many people come here just for the photographs looking for a different perspective of this world wonder.

Once you’ve toured Machu Picchu, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. After lunch, you’ll hop on the train to begin your return to Cusco. A private bus will be waiting for you at the train station to bring you back to your Cusco hotel.

Note: Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets are subject to availability

• Meals included: breakfast at the hotel.
• Minimun altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
• Machu Picchu altitude: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft
• Huayna Picchu altitude: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft
• Cusco altitude: 3,400 m / 11,154 ft

Transportation and tickets

• Transfer in from the airport to your hotel in Cusco
• Hotel pick up in Cusco
• Private transport to the trailhead in Rio Blanco Valley
• Entrance fee ticket to the Salkantay trail
• Train ticket from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
• Entrance fee ticket to Machu Picchu
• Round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
• Hotel drop off in Cusco
• Transfer out from your hotel to the airport 

Camping equipment

• Comfortable 4-season sleeping tent
• Two nights camping
• One night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes 3***
• Foam mattress
• Outdoor dining and cooking tents
• Food and drink utensils
• Portable chemical toilet tent
• Emergency medical first aid kit
• Emergency oxigen bottle
• Duffle bag for your personal items up to 8 Kg / 17 Lb
• Biodegradable soap and hand towels
• Portable transmitter-receiver radio
• Satellite telephone

Team

• Pre-departure Salkantay Trek briefing
• Professional trekking Tour Guide
• Personalized service
• Small tour group max 8 people
• Private walking tour in Machu Picchu
• Professional and well trained Trek Chef
• Horsemen and mules to carry provided equipment and food
• Extra horse for emergencies only
• Guaranteed departure

Food

• High quality meals while on the trek 4B, 3L, 3D & snacks
• Drinking water to refill bottles from first day lunch onwards
• Classic afternoon tea before dinner
• This tour offers vegetarian and vegan food options on request simply let us know the food option that you prefer

• Huayna Picchu mountain entrance fee ticket
• Machu Picchu mountain entrance fee ticket
• Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Meals after arrival to Machu Picchu
• Personal sleeping tent (available for rent)
• Sleeping bag (available for rent)
• Sleeping bag polar liner
• Insulated air sleeping pad (available for rent)
• Hiking poles (available for rent)
• Rain poncho
• Extra expenses
• Thermal baths in Aguas Calientes
• Gratuities
• Travel insurance
• International or local airfare
• Hotel in Cusco or Aguas Calientes

What to bring to the tour

• 21 liter backpack.
• Trekking boots must be water resistant (recommended).
• Warm clothes at night.
• Rain clothes.
• Cap or Hat.
• Long pants, we do not recommend wearing jeans.
• Small towel.
• Hot spring bathing suit in Aguas Calientes (not included in the price)
• Toilet paper, tissues.
• Hand sanitizers.
• Sunscreen.
• Repellent for insects.
• Plastic poncho for rain.
• Medicine and / or articles for personal use (liquid for contact lenses).
• Snacks: cookies, energy bars, chocolate, fruits, muesli, water, etc.
• Bottle of water, you must drink a lot of water on the walk.
• Purifying tablets.
• Original passport (for the entrance control to Machu Picchu).
• Student card (ISIC -% Discount) if applicable.
• Have on hand checks and coins in small denominations dollars, euros or soles.
• Walking poles.
• Photographic camera or video camera.