Pickup in Cusco (4:30–5:00 a.m.) We’ll pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco and begin the bus journey to Mollepata. We’ll stop in the picturesque town of Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast and have the opportunity to buy last-minute supplies. Afterward, we’ll continue by bus to Soraypampa (3,900 m), the starting point of our trek.

The trek from Soraypampa to Humantay Lagoon begins at an altitude of 3,900 meters and ascends to 4,200 meters, where the stunning lagoon is located.

The first part of the trail features a gentle ascent for about an hour, followed by a steeper climb in the final stretch. The entire hike to the lagoon takes approximately 2 hours, offering breathtaking views along the way.

At Humantay Lagoon, you’ll have free time to take in the breathtaking views, snap photos, and listen to the guide’s insightful explanations. The stay at the lagoon typically lasts between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on weather conditions.

After visiting the lagoon, the descent to the campsite begins. This part of the trek involves a roughly 1-hour descent, allowing you to enjoy the landscape as you make your way to the next destination.

Usually, we arrive at the campsite around 2:00 PM, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the cooking team. After lunch, the guide will show you to your respective quarters to rest and recharge. The afternoon, post-lunch, will be free of scheduled hikes, allowing you to take short walks and explore, while enjoying the stunning views of Salkantay.

Around 5:30 PM, a hot dinner will be served. After dinner, you’ll receive important information about Day 02 of the trek.

Physical Level

2, Moderate

After an early breakfast, the day will begin with an ascent towards Salkantay Pass (4,650 m), the highest point of the trek. The weather can be cold and windy, so make sure to be well prepared. The first part of the hike is challenging, but the spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Humantay make it all worthwhile.

Salkantay Pass (4,650 m)
Upon reaching Salkantay Pass, you’ll have time to rest, take photos, and admire the panoramic views of the Salkantay circuit. This is the highest point of the trek and a major achievement for the day.

Descent towards Chaullay
After a well-deserved rest, you’ll begin the descent towards Chaullay (2,900 m). This section is much more relaxing, with a gradual downhill walk through warmer and more jungle-like landscapes. The hike takes approximately 6 hours.

Lunch on the way (around 01:00 PM)
Along the way to Chaullay, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch with the group and guide, giving you a chance to rest and recharge.

Arrival at Chaullay
Finally, you’ll reach the campground in Chaullay, where you can rest and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you.

Dinner and Rest (06:00 PM)
Around 6:00 PM, a hot dinner will be served. After dinner, you’ll receive important information about the next day’s trek, and you’ll have time to rest before the following day’s hike.

Maximum Altitude: 4,650 m (Salkantay Pass)
Minimum Altitude: 2,900 m (Chaullay)
Total Trek Duration: Approximately 9 hours
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging (due to the ascent to Salkantay Pass)

Physical Level

2, Moderate

Today’s hike takes you through a variety of landscapes, from cloud forests to highland meadows. You’ll pass through the town of Collpapampa and stop for lunch at a scenic spot overlooking the Rio Santa Teresa. In the afternoon, you’ll continue on to the campsite at La Playa, where you can relax and take a dip in the nearby hot springs.

Physical Level

2, Moderate

After breakfast, you’ll begin your hike towards the Llactapata Pass, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Machu Picchu in the distance. As you make your way, you’ll pass through lush coffee plantations and fruit orchards, adding a unique touch to the landscape by blending natural beauty with the region’s agricultural richness. Upon reaching the Llactapata campsite, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the Incan ruins at the site and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of Machu Picchu from this privileged vantage point, offering a different perspective of the famous citadel.

Physical Level

2, Moderate

Visit to Machu Picchu

• 4:00 am: Wake-up time.

• 4:30 am: Early breakfast in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).

• 5:00 am: Start of the hike to the main entrance of Machu Picchu.
  (Optional: take the bus up, approx. 30 minutes).

• 6:00 am: Entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Guided tour (approx. 2 hours) through the most important archaeological sites:

• Temple of the Sun

• Intihuatana

• Temple of the Three Windows

• Sacred Plaza

• Main viewpoints

After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore and enjoy Machu Picchu on your own.

Optional: Mountain Hike

If you have an additional ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you can do the hike after the guided tour.

Return to Cusco (choose one of the two options):

Option 1: Return by Train

• 11:00 am – 2:00 pm: Free time for lunch in Aguas Calientes.

• 2:30 – 4:00 pm: Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

• 4:30 – 6:30 pm: Bus transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

• Around 7:00 pm: Arrival in Cusco.

Option 2: Return by Car via Hidroelectrica

• 10:30 am: Hike from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica (approx. 3 hours).

• 1:30 – 2:00 pm: Lunch in Hidroelectrica.

• 2:30 pm: Minivan departure to Cusco (route: Santa Teresa – Santa María – Quillabamba).

• Between 9:00 – 10:00 pm: Arrival in Cusco.

Physical Level

2, Moderate