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Cusco

Cusco Region

Peru

A new and exciting alternative to trekking, perfect for those who want to experience the adventure before visiting Machu Picchu. This alternative takes us to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, passing through landscapes between lakes, mountains, and the skies of the Humantay and Salkantay. Along the way, we'll cross mighty rivers, visit natural hot springs, and enter the region of the eyebrow of forest, where we'll appreciate flowers of different colors, birds like the Colibri and parrots of the humid forests. On the last day of trekking, we'll visit the Lost City of Incas – Machu Picchu, and return to Cusco in the evening.

Day 1

Start hiking at Challa Cancha following a wide path, we will gently make our way up the side of the valley covering a distance of about 16 km / 9.9 miles.The landscapes throughout the day is amazing, along the walk you get to see a wide variety of native plants, birds and towards the end of the day, we will see the snow-capped peaks of Humantay and Salkantay (The Savage) looming high above us. The base campsite for tonight is at Soraypampa (4000 m / 12750 ft.), the night can get pretty chilly, it's the coldest night

Salkantay Trek

Day 2

The longest, highest and hardest day of the trek. Therefore, the most beautiful day, the sceneries throughout the day goes from one extreme to another; starting from the high Puna covered in Andean grass, then we hike up and over Salkantay pass, where everything is rocky, after descending the far side to the warm and lush cloud forest below, along the walk you see a variety of wildlife.Campsite for tonight is at Collpapampa (2900 m / 9514 ft), it is recommended you to put on mosquitos repellent from this point on as the insects in the area have a nasty bite

Day 3

After breakfast, you will have the shortest day of the hike to the village La Playa 12 km down the valley from Collpapampa campsite. The trail takes you along the Lluskamayo River through an area that is teeming with green life and has various coffee plants and native fruit plantations.The campsite of tonight will be at the village of La Playa (2400m / 7874 ft.) that is populated, in this village you can try some of the locally grown coffee. If you are interested, you have the chance to go the hot springs that is close by, let your guide know in advance so that can organise this for you or you just stay at the village of La Playa for free afternoon.

Day 4

Early wake up for breakfast, today is the final stretch of the hike before we reach Aguas Calientes town which is at the base of Machu Picchu Citadel. The main goal of today is a visit to the Inca site of Llactapata. Following an original Inca Trail to Llactapata by early to mid morning and can enjoy the fantastic views of Machu Picchu that we enjoy from here.After the tour of Llactapata, we will head back down the mountainside to the Hydroelectric Station, where we'll have the last lunch and where you say thanks your team showing your gratitude. Then we'll continue hiking to Machu Picchu Pueblo or (Optional to catch the train to the town), where we spend the night in a Hotel.

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

Day 5

After breakfast in the Hostel and then catch the first bus back up to Machu Picchu citadel to visit the site, in order to explore the amazing city as the sun rises. We'll have a 2 hours guided tour of the site, where you'll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you'll have free time to explore the site by yourself. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 Days)

Overview

About

What you'll do

Meeting and pickup

What is included?

What is not included?

Meet your host

Itinerary

Cusco Hiking & Trekking Itinerary (2026 Guide) – What You'll See & Do

Here is the starting point

Salkantay Trek