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Cusco

Cusco Region

Peru

The Salkantay trek is a 74km/46-mile hike at high altitude in the Cusco region of Peru. The route begins in Mollepata, a small town 100km from Cusco. The trek includes a visit to the Inca site of Machu Picchu, making it a unique experience for both history and nature lovers.

Day 1

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. for the drive to the trailhead, passing through the villages of Izcuchaca and Limatambo before arriving at Mollepata, where we will eat breakfast. We will then continue in our vehicle to Challacancha, where we will begin our hike as far as the campsite at Soraypampa (3900 meters above sea level). When we stop for lunch, you will be given a briefing before starting the walk to Lake Humantay, where we will also do some exercises to help with acclimation. The hike will take around six hours in total, with the highest point of our route today being Lake Humantay, at 4220 meters above sea level, where there are spectacular views.

Humantay Lake

Day 2

At around 6:00 a.m. we will eat a delicious breakfast before beginning our walk up to the highest point of the entire trek, at Salkantay Pass (4650 meters), passing through beautiful scenery on our way to Huayracmachay, where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we will descend along a valley, entering an area of high forest. During this section of the route, it is possible to see many varieties of orchids, as well as a large waterfall, in a landscape dominated by Mount Salkantay. We will make our second camp at Chaullay, where you will be served a delicious dinner following your seven-hour hike.

Salkantay Trail

Day 3

Today will be a much easier day, as we begin to descend through high forest and enter lower altitudes than those experienced on the first and second day. We will walk for around six hours. Along the way. We will pass through plantations of avocado, as well as the coca leaves that were sacred to the Incas. Insect repellent is recommended for this section of the route. We will stop for a nutritious lunch and a rest before continuing our journey by boarding local transport to Santa Teresa, where we will spend the night. Upon arrival in this small town, you can leave your gear at the campsite and take local transport to the medicinal thermal baths. We will return to the camp for our evening meal.

Banos Termales de Cocalmayo

Day 4

Today you will have three options: the first is to walk from Santa Teresa to the hydroelectric station; the second option is to take local transport to the hydroelectric station, the costs of which must be covered individually; the third option is to take a zip-line excursion. This excellent third option means you will be able to enjoy a final adventure before visiting Machu Picchu. Different cables are available, ranging from 300 to 500 meters. At the end of this excursion, we will provide transport to the hydroelectric station, where we will have lunch before beginning the walk to the small town of Aguas Calientes. Along the way, it is possible to see several varieties of orchids. Upon arrival, our guide will give you a briefing in a room at the hotel, providing information on the visit to Machu Picchu.

Aguas Calientes

Day 5

In the early morning, at around 4:30 a.m., we will begin the walk to the majestic Inca city of Machu Picchu, where we will meet with the guide and the rest of the group. Please note: There are two options for the ascent to Machu Picchu; on foot to see the sunrise, very early; or taking the bus. At the ruins, we will receive a guided tour of the site lasting approximately two hours, after which you will have free time to visit the rest of the citadel, including for example the Inca Bridge and the Sun Gate. After leaving the citadel at the time agreed with the guide, we will descend on foot or by bus to the small town of Aguas Calientes, where we will board the return train to the village of Ollantaytambo, where a bus will take us back to the City of Cusco

5 Day - Salkantay Trek

Overview

About

What you'll do

Meeting and pickup

What is included?

What is not included?

Meet your host

Itinerary

Cusco Mountain Bike Tours Itinerary (2026 Guide) – What You'll See & Do

Here is the starting point

Humantay Lake