Salkantay Trail Program

Salkantay Trail Program

Why Choose the Salkantay Trail?

• Sleep 2 nights in unique domes under the stars (Day 1 & 2)
• Camp under the open sky, fully immersed in nature
• Optional hike to Humantay Lake (Day 1)
• Visit coffee plantations and meet local people, learning how coffee is made (Day 3)
• Relax in the thermal baths of Santa Teresa (Day 3)

Day 1 – Stunning Views of Humantay and Salkantay

You’ll depart early at 5:00 AM from Cusco, heading toward Challacancha (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) via the charming mountain village of Mollepata (3,000 m / 9,840 ft). In Challacancha, the last supplies are loaded onto the mules, and your trekking adventure officially begins.

You’ll walk through an impressive valley, surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks such as Humantay (5,217 m / 17,126 ft) and the mighty Salkantay (6,264 m / 20,545 ft). The scenery is breathtaking and constantly changing.

Your first campsite is at Soraypampa (3,700 m / 12,140 ft). For extra adventure, you can hike to the stunning Humantay Lake in the afternoon — an optional but unforgettable excursion. At the end of the day, you’ll spend the night in a beautiful dome under the stars.

Climate: Cold
Transport to trailhead: 4 hours
Hiking time: 2–3 hours
Optional hike to Humantay Lake: 3 hours

Day 2 – On the Way to the Salkantay Glacier

After an early breakfast, Day 2 begins. Today you’ll climb to the Salkantay Pass (4,600 m / 15,091 ft) — the highest point of the Trail. To reach this pass, you’ll traverse the Puna region, characterized by dry, rocky, high-altitude landscapes with minimal vegetation, typical of the Andean grasslands.

Take a moment to admire the Salkantay Glacier and the surrounding glaciers, with their glacial meltwater rivers flowing below. After this highlight, you’ll descend to Huayracmachay for lunch and to observe local life, watching hardworking farmers with their alpacas and llamas.

In the afternoon, the Trail continues downward toward Collpapampa. As you descend, the vegetation transforms from the dry, rocky Puna to the humid, lush jungle-like environment, home to exotic orchids, begonias, and butterflies. You’ll spend the night at Collpapampa (3,000 m / 9,840 ft) amidst this spectacular nature.

Hiking time: 9–10 hours

Day 3 – From Jungle to Plantations

The day begins with a descent to the riverbank, giving you plenty of time to admire the breathtaking Andean scenery. Along the way, you’ll encounter orchids, bromeliads, and begonias, as well as hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and colorful butterflies. Compared to Day 1, the environment today is much wetter and more lush, immersing you fully in the jungle. Bring your swimsuit, as the natural rivers and streams are perfect for a refreshing dip.

Today you’ll also visit local plantations, where farmers grow coffee, coca leaves, avocados, bananas, potatoes, corn, and passion fruit. The Trail alternates rapidly between different landscapes! The locals will explain how coffee is produced, from bean to cup.

After a lunch along the Trail, you continue trekking toward Lucmabamba, passing through the villages of Wiñaypoco (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), Granadilla (2,100 m / 6,890 ft), and Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,560 ft). Your campsite is located in Lucmabamba.

You also have the opportunity to relax in the natural hot springs of Santa Teresa — don’t forget your swimsuit!

Climate: Warm and humid
Hiking time: 7 hours

Day 4 – The Llactapata Ruins

After breakfast, you hike along the Inca Trail to the archaeological site of Llactapata (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), a beautiful location to explore Andean flora and traces of the Inca culture. From here, enjoy stunning views of Machu Picchu and the Vilcanota Gorge.

With the major climbs of the Salkantay Trail now behind you, the trek descends toward the hydroelectric station (1,950 m / 6,398 ft), where you can rest before continuing to Aguas Calientes (2,050 m / 6,726 ft). Here, there’s free time to explore the town, visit a local restaurant, or relax in the thermal baths. Overnight is in a hotel in preparation for your visit to Machu Picchu the next morning.

Climate: Warm
Hiking time: 8–9 hours

Day 5 – Visit Machu Picchu

Early in the morning, you’ll take the bus to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, your guide will lead a 2-hour tour, explaining the history, architecture, and cultural significance of this mysterious Inca city. After the guided tour, you’ll have some free time to explore the designated circuit on your own.

Important note: Since 2024, Peruvian authorities introduced regulations to manage visitor flow in Machu Picchu. There are now 3 circuits, with Circuit 2 and Circuit 3 being the most extensive. This Trail package always includes a 2-hour tour via Circuit 3. If you want to upgrade to Circuit 2, an additional ticket is available for $45 per person.

Climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

An exciting option is to climb Huayna Picchu, which means “Young Mountain.” This iconic green peak overlooks Machu Picchu, offering amazing views of the city and surrounding mountains and valleys. The climb takes about 45 minutes and is not included in the standard tour.

Machu Picchu Mountain, located directly opposite Huayna Picchu, is slightly steeper and taller, making it a great challenge for adventurous hikers.

If you wish to add the climb of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, please contact us for more information and booking. In the afternoon, you’ll descend by bus (optional) or on foot, say farewell to your guide, and take the train back to Cusco.