Early Morning Pickup in Cusco (4:30–5:00 a.m.)
We begin the adventure with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a scenic bus journey to Mollepata. Along the way, we stop in the charming village of Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast and have time to purchase any last-minute supplies.

After breakfast, we continue by bus to Soraypampa (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the starting point of our hike to the stunning Humantay Lake.

Hike to Humantay Lake

The hike starts at an altitude of 3,900 meters and ascends to 4,200 meters (13,780 ft), where the breathtaking turquoise waters of Humantay Lake await.

The first section of the trail features a gentle uphill walk for about one hour, followed by a steeper ascent during the final stretch. The total hiking time is approximately 2 hours, with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and Andean landscapes along the way.

Visit to Humantay Lake

At Humantay Lake, you’ll have free time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the guide’s explanation about the area, local culture, and surrounding peaks. Time at the lake typically lasts 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on weather conditions.

Descent and Lunch at Camp

After exploring the lake, we begin the descent back to camp, which takes about 1 hour and offers more incredible views of the Salkantay mountain range.

We usually arrive at camp around 2:00 p.m., where a freshly prepared lunch awaits you, cooked by our professional trekking team. After lunch, the guide will escort you to your accommodation so you can rest and recharge.

The afternoon is free of scheduled hiking, allowing you to enjoy short walks, relax, and take in the impressive Salkantay landscapes.

Dinner & Trek Briefing

At around 5:30 p.m., a hot dinner is served. Afterward, you’ll receive important information and a detailed briefing about Day 2 of the trek

Physical Level

2, Moderate

After an early breakfast, the day begins with the ascent to the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), the highest point of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Weather conditions at this altitude can be cold and windy, so proper mountain clothing is essential.

The first part of the hike is challenging, but the spectacular views of the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay Mountains make every step worthwhile, creating one of the most rewarding days of the trek.

🏔️ Salkantay Pass (4,650 m)

Upon reaching the Salkantay Pass, you will have time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the panoramic views of the Salkantay trekking route. This is the highest point of the trek and a major highlight of the journey.

⛰️ Descent to Chaullay (2,900 m)

After a well-deserved break, the descent toward Chaullay begins. The landscape gradually changes from high-Andean terrain to warmer, more lush and semi-tropical scenery, making this section more relaxed and enjoyable.

The total hiking time for the day is approximately 9 hours.

🍽️ Lunch on the Trail

Around 1:00 p.m., you will enjoy a picnic-style lunch along the route, providing time to rest and recharge before continuing the hike.

🏕️ Arrival in Chaullay

In the afternoon, you will arrive at the Chaullay campsite, where you can relax and appreciate the natural surroundings.

🍲 Dinner and Overnight

At approximately 6:00 p.m., a hot dinner will be served. After dinner, the guide will provide important information about the following day’s trek before you settle in for a well-earned rest.

📊 Day Summary

• Maximum altitude: 4,650 m (Salkantay Pass)

• Minimum altitude: 2,900 m (Chaullay)

• Total hiking time: 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 cloud forests and highland landscapes, passing through the village of Collpapampa. The trail follows the Santa Teresa River, offering beautiful scenery throughout the day.

Lunch is served at a scenic spot overlooking the river. In the afternoon, you continue to La Playa campsite, where you can relax and optionally enjoy the nearby hot springs.

Difficulty: Moderate
Highlight: Cloud forest & hot springs

Physical Level

2, Moderate

After breakfast, you begin the hike toward the Llactapata Pass, where you are rewarded with panoramic views of Machu Picchu from a unique and less-visited viewpoint. The trail passes through lush coffee plantations and fruit orchards, blending natural beauty with the agricultural richness of the region.

Upon arrival at the Llactapata campsite, the afternoon is free to explore the Inca ruins of Llactapata and enjoy spectacular views of Machu Picchu from a different perspective, making this one of the most memorable days of the trek.

Difficulty: Moderate
Highlight: Llactapata ruins & Machu Picchu views

Physical Level

2, Moderate

04:00 am – Wake-up time
04:30 am – Early breakfast in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)
05:00 am – Start of the hike to the main entrance of Machu Picchu
(Optional: bus ride, approx. 30 minutes)
06:00 am – Entrance to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu

🏛️ Guided Tour of Machu Picchu (Approx. 2 Hours)

Enjoy a guided visit through the most important archaeological sites, including:

• Temple of the Sun

• Intihuatana Stone

• Temple of the Three Windows

• Sacred Plaza

• Main viewpoints

After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace and take photos.

⛰️ Optional Mountain Hike

If you have an additional ticket, you may hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain after the guided tour (subject to availability).

🚆 Return to Cusco

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

Salkantay Trek 5 Days…

Physical Level

2, Moderate