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Cusco

Cusco Region

Peru

For an alternative to the crowded Inca Trail, take the 4-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you'll experience Peru's diverse climates, from snow-capped mountains to tropical jungles. With your knowledgeable guide, you'll discover the local culture and native animals as you hike and camp at altitudes of up to 3,800 meters.

Day 1

At 4:30am you will be picked up from your hotel and drive for about 2 hours by bus to Mollepata (2,800 meters).This is a beautiful scenic drive through the valley of Limatambo. Upon reaching the town of Mollepata you will have breakfast and then continue to Marcocasa village where you will meet with the muleteers and mules to begin the Salkantay trek towards Soraypampa (3,825 meters or 12,371 feet). After 4 hours of hiking, enjoy lunch in Soraypampa, and then continue walking for other 4 hours to Humantay lake and snow mountain, then return to Soraypampa, have dinner and spend the night.

Salkantay Trail

Day 2

Early in the morning you will wake up 5am and have breakfast. Then you will begin the hike to the high pass Salkantay (4,650 meter or 15,091 feet) for approximately 2 hours. Once here you will see the majestic Salkantay snowcapped mountain (6,271 meters or 20,574 feet), the magnificent view of avalanches and other snow capped mountains like Humantay and Tucarhuay. Then you will start to walk downhill passing for spectacular places of the Andes, and continue descending to the high jungle where the vegetation and wildlife will be more abundant. Finish this second day in Colpapampa campsite have dinner and rest. 

Day 3

After breakfast, you will begin the walk at 6am, through the high Inca jungle and then you will cross Lluskamayo River, plus a small variety of streams. You will pass by valleys and will have wonderful experiences next to the exotic flora and fauna of the region, plus the amazing view of cataracts. You will stop in Playa - Sahuayaco (2,250 meters or 7,381 feet) for lunch; later, you will take a van that will transport you to Santa Teresa.

Day 4

After breakfast you will begin the trek from Santa Teresa valley with direction to Hidroeléctrica, where you will have lunch. Later you will continue walking with a majestic view of Machu Picchu and the principal sacred mountain of the Incas: Huayna Picchu and Putucusi. After 3 hours of walk, you will arrive to Aguas Calientes town

Day 5

You will wake up at 4:30am and start to walk up to Machu Picchu citadel. You will then start the guiding tour for about 2 hours. After that, you will have free time for climb Huayna Picchu (previous payment) and visit the different places recommended by your guide before heading back to Cusco.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: 5-Day Tour

Overview

About

What you'll do

Meeting and pickup

What is included?

What is not included?

Meet your host

Itinerary

Cusco Half-day Tours Itinerary (2026 Guide) – What You'll See & Do

Here is the starting point

Salkantay Trail